History of York County, Pennsylvania : from the earliest period to the present time, divided into general, special, township and borough histories, with a biographical department appended, Part 157

Author: Gibson, John, Editor
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: F.A. Battey Publishing Co., Chicago
Number of Pages: 1104

USA > Pennsylvania > York County > History of York County, Pennsylvania : from the earliest period to the present time, divided into general, special, township and borough histories, with a biographical department appended > Part 157

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

of indefatigable energy in whatever he undertook. DR. J. B. KAIN, a son of John and Susan (May) Kain, was born in April, 1850. He attended the com- mon schools, and assisted his father on the farm until the age of seventeen, when he taught school three winters and attended the normal school and York Academy in the summers. He then began the pre- paratory study of the medical profession under the instruction of Dr. C. M. Nes, of York, with whom he remained three years, then attended lectures at the Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, from which institution he graduated March 13, 1871. He returned to York and began practice in partnership with Dr. A. R. Prowel, of Manchester Borough, which partnership continued about two years, when it was severed by the death of Dr. Prowel. Dr. Kain continued to practice in Manchester until March, 1884; he then came to York, where he is now practicing. In April, 1869, he married Mary L., daughter of Daniel and Mary (Upp) Kauffman, of York. Their union was blessed with five children named as follows: Carrie V., C. Harry, Mamie M. (deceased), Sallie A. and John R. Dr. Kain is a member of the Lutheran Church, and a brother of Prof. W. H. Kain (deceased), who was county super- intendent of the schools of York County.

EMANUEL KAUFFMAN, third of eleven chil- dren of Joseph and Susan (Sprenkle) Kauffman, was born October 26, 1831, in Spring Garden Town- ship, and was reared on his father's farm. May 15, 1860, he married Mary M. Diehl, daughter of Daniel and Louisa (Loucks) Diehl, of Spring Garden Township. Their children are William H., Emma J., Martha A. and Daniel W. Mr. Kauffman is ex- tensively engaged in the manufacture of brooms. His factory is at 536 West Philadelphia Street. He started in this business in 1880, and it has steadily in- creased. He sells to the trade in York and Lancas- ter Counties, and has the reputation of manufactur- ing the best brooms in the market.

JAMES W. KERR, M. D., is a native of Lan- caster County, Penn., born September 19, 1813, the second of seven children to Rev. William and Mary (Wilson) Kerr, and is of Scotch-Irish extrac- tion. The father of Dr. Kerr was also born in Lancaster County in 1776, and his mother was a native of Dauphin County, born in 1789. The pa- ternal grandfather of Dr. Kerr was also a native of Lancaster County. The father of subject was a min- ister of the Presbyterian Church ; for nearly a quar- ter of a century he was the pastor of a congregation at Donegal Church, in Lancaster County. His death occurred September 22, 1821. The mother of Dr. Kerr died February 22, 1850. The subject here mentioned was reared on the farm. He attended the common schools and subsequently spent some time at West Nottingham Academy in Maryland, and then entered Jefferson College, in Washington County, Penn., from which he graduated in 1834. After his graduation he went to Harrisburg and took up the study of medicine under Dr. Roberts, and then attended medical lectures at the Univer- sity of Pennsylvania, from which he graduated in 1840, and the same year came to York and began the practice of his profession, which he has with- out intermission, since continued. He is the oldest practitioner of medicine now in York. The mar- riage of Dr. Kerr occurred in 1844 to Miss Jane Mellvain, a native of York. Of three children born, only one survives the mother, viz .: Martha, now Mrs. Dr. Bacon. Mrs. Kerr died March, 1881. Dr. Kerr is a Republican and a member of the Presbyterian Church, having united with that de- nomination at seventeen years of age. In 1840 he was elected Sahbatlı-school superintendent of the Presbyterian Sabbath-school, and has since held that office. For almost half a century he has taken great interest in Sabbath-school work. He is an

old and prominent physician and an earnest Chris- tian gentleman. He is a member of York County Medical Association, the State and national Asso- ciations.

ALEXANDER KIDD, president and director of the York County Alms-house, and manufacturer of cedar ware, was born in Baltimore County, Md., September 11, 1833; is the son of John B. and Leah (Whitmire) Kidd ; is their only child, and is of English-German descent. In childhood our subject came with his mother from Baltimore, County, Md., to York. At fifteen years of age he began serving an apprenticeship at the cedar cooper's trade at which he continued work until 1864, when he en- listed in Company H, Two-hundredth Pennsylvania Volunteers, served one year and was honorably discharged in 1865. In 1866 Mr. Kidd resumed his trade in the city of Baltimore, where he remained until 1875, when he returned to York and here has since resided. He was married in 1858 to Miss Caroline Shillinburg, a native of Baltimore, Md. The marriage has resulted in the birth of two children : Mary J. and John W. In politics Mr. Kidd is a Democrat. During the years 1881 and 1882 he represented the Seventh Ward in the York Council. In 1882 he was elected resident director of the York County Alms-house. During his ad- ministration some very important improvements have been made ; the most notable perhaps is the introduction of the steam-heating process into the alms-house. He is a member of the order of Red Men. Mrs. Kidd is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

ELI KINDIG, farmer and dealer in horses and mules. was born in Windsor Township, January 11, 1823, son of Joseph and Salomi (Landis) Kindig, and is of Swiss-German origin. His father was born in Hellam Township, in 1787. He was one of the prominent early settlers of York County. His death took place in Windsor Township in 1857. The mother of our subject was born in Windsor Township in 1800, and died in 1883. Subject's grandfather came to York County from Lancaster County in early life. His death occurred in 1824. Subject's great-grandfather was a native of Switzer- land, and immigrated to America some time in the seventeenth century. At twenty years of age Mr. Kindig began life for himself. For a number of years he carried on farming and subsequently en- gaged in his present vocation. He is one of the most extensive dealers in horses and mules, and for many years has been one of the most extensive farmers in York County. He was married in 1846 to Miss Lydia Flinchbaugh, daughter of Frederick and Mary Flinchbaugh. They have eight children : Benjamin, Ellen, Eli, Henry, Harrison, Joseph, Milton and Frederick. Mrs. Kindig died in 1877, and two years later our subject was married to Miss Elenora Stump, a native of York Township. Mr. Kindig now owns the old Kindig homestead. He has 400 acres of well-improved land. He is a thorough Republican in politics.

DANIEL R. KING, baker and surveyor, is & native of Manchester Township, York County, was born November 6, 1833, and is a son of Daniel and Anna (Coleman) King. His father was born in this county in 1806, and his mother in 1807. Here his grandfather King was born in 1772. His great- grandfather, Philip King, and his great_great-grand- father was Nicholas King. Our subject is one of six living children, is of German extraction, and was reared on the farm. At nineteen years of age he entered York County Academy, where he remained. some time, and then began teaching school, which he continued for thirteen years. In 1867 he removed to York, and clerked in a store for several years. In 1871 he began the baking business. He is also engaged in the cracker business in Columbia, Penn.

YORK BOROUGH.

His marriage occurred in 1856, to Miss Sarah J. Fisher, daughter of George and Catherine Fisher. Mrs. King was born in York in 1837. To this union have been born William A., Charles E. and Sadie C. Mr. King is a Democrat, and he and wife are members of the United Brethren Church.

BENJAMIN J. KING was born in Spring Gar- den Township, September 25, 1839, a son of Henry and Leah (Johnston) King, natives of York County, Penn. He was brought up in York, and educated at the York County Academy, and Bland's school on the Plank Road. When fifteen years old he be- gan clerking in a drug store, which he continued two years, then clerked in a dry goods store two years, and afterward followed the trade of house painting until the breaking ont of the war. April 19, 1861, lie enlisted at York, Penn., in Company A, Sixteenth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served three months. He re-enlisted on August 24, 1861, for three years, in Company E, Eighty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was honor- ably discharged on account of disability, April 10, 1863. He entered the service as sergeant and came out with that rank. When he returned from the war he engaged in draying freight until April, 1883, and was transfer agent of the Peach Bottom, Penn- sylvania & Northern Central Railroad for eleven years, when he sold his business to the Northern Central Railroad Transfer Company, when he be- gan the bottling business, which he followed one year. He then sold out and purchased the Violet Hill Hotel, one-half mile south of York, and moved there July 1, 1884, and kept hotel until April 1, 1885, when on account of sickness of his wife he moved to York, Penn. Mr. King has leased his Violet Hill Hotel to Frank M. Egee for one year, with the privilege of five years. Mr. King has moved to York, and leased his bottling works to Henry Weigee for one year, with the privilege of five, and is not engaged in any business at the present time. Mr. King was married in York, Penn., April 23, 1861, to Margaret J. Ilgenfritz, danghter of Thomas Ilgenfritz. They have three children living: Harry J., Lillie and Samuel J. T. Mr. King is a member of the I. O. O. F. and En- campment. He was one of the organizers of the city market, and is a stockholder in the York Opera House.

H. B. KING. M. D., is a son of E. A. and Ara- bella F. (Nes) King, who were both natives of York County; his grandfather, Dr. Henry Nes, was an old and skillful practitioner of the county, and a resident until his death. He represented his county in congress several terms, and was highly honored and esteemed. The father of our subject was a prominent business man in his day Engaged in the marble business, in which he was a skillful workman and sculptor. He was also engaged in the phosphate trade and general farming and milling. A valuable farm and mill property, together with valuable real estate, located in York, descended to our subject. The father died in 1877, the mother in 1883. H. B. King. our subject, was born in York in 1860, was educated in the schools and academy at York, and early began the study of medicine under the tutelage of Dr. B. F. Spangler. He subsequently entered the Jefferson Medical College of Phila- ·delphia, and graduated in 1883. after a three years' course, subsequently taking a post graduate course at the same institution. He is now engaged in practice in York, and is a member of the York County Medical Society.

CASPER H. KLEFFMAN! is a brother of Frederick and Gottlieb Kleffman, of Spring Garden Township, whose sketches appear elsewhere. At the breaking ont of the late war, our subject en- 'listed in Company E, Eighty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and took part in all the marches

and engagements of his regiment until taken prisoner at Carter's Woods, near Winchester, Va., June 10, 1863, after which he was confined in Libby Prison and the prison on Belle Isle until July 7, when he was paroled; he rejoined his regiment October 13, same year, was wounded at the battle of Locust Grove November 27, and was honorably discharged October 13, 1864. In June, 1878, he married Elizabeth Rabe, who has borne him one daughter, Wilhelmina C. Mr. Kleffman is now a merchant at the corner of Queen and Sonth Streets, and is doing a prosperous trade. In religion he is a Lutheran, and is a consistent member of St. John's Church.

ELIAS KOHLER, proprietor of the Central Hotel, was born in York Township April 15, 1845, and is a son of Jacob and Anna (Sechrist) Kohler. Mr. Kohler is the eighth in a family of nine children and is of German descent. Mr. Kohler worked for his father on the farm until twenty-one years of age, when he began for himself. He went to Dal- lastown and engaged in the butchering business, remained there two years, then came to York and continued the same business for three years and then engaged in the livery business, which he con- tinued three years; he then became proprietor of the Central Hotel. In 1881 Mr. Kohler invented what is known as the Kohler Improved Cattle Car, one of the best improvements of the kind ever in- vented. Our subject was married in 1868, to Miss Harriet Peeling, daughter of John Peeling. They have four children: Minnie A., Chauncy C., Gert- rude and Erle C. Mr. Kohler is a Democrat and a member of the I. O. O. F. He has been a member of the town council and is a popular man.

HENRY KRABER, a representative of one of the old families of York County, was born in York in 1822, and is a son of John and Catherine (Gray- bill) Kraber, whose ancestors came to America from Germany in 1670. Their descendants have since been prominently identified with the history of York County. His grandfather, Adam Kreber (so spelled), resided in York all his life; he was a black- smith and wagon-maker, and manufactured running gear of cannons for the Revolutionary war. He had one son and three daughters. John Kraber followed smithing and subsequently farming near Dillsburg. He died in 1859 ; his wife died in 1853. They were the parents of eight children : Henry, Daniel, John, Adam, Michael, William, Henry and Sarah Ann ; four are now living. Our subject, Henry Kraber, was engaged in the mercantile busi- ness twenty-seven years in York. He was promi- nently identified with the Farmer's Mutual Insur- ance Company, of which he was president twenty years ; also engaged in mining ore in York and Cumberland Counties, and is at present inter- ested in mining coal in Alabama ; he is also inter- ested in the Alleghany Extract Company, and is general agent for the State for the Watertown In- surance Company; with his sons, he is engaged in dealing at wholesale in cigars and tobacco. He was married in 1847, to Miss Catherine E. Reichen- baugh, of Lancaster. They have two children liv- ing-George B. and Henry R., both in business with their father ; and two deceased, George and Catherine. Mr. Kraber has been connected with the Presbyterian Church all his life.

JACOB L. KUEHN, superintendent of the York Gas Company, was born in York March 28, 1836, to John L. and Catherine (Laumaster) Kuehn. The parents of our subject were born in Germany, the birth of his father occurring in 1801 and that of his mother in 1808. In 1816 the Kuehn family came to America and settled in York County, Penn. His maternal grandfather, however, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Both families are old settlers of York County. Mr. Kuehn was educated at the

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

public schools of York. At fifteen years of age he began carpentering and continued that for some years. In 1856 he was appointed superintendent of the Gas Company, and this position he has since held. In 1882 he was appointed superintendent of the York Water Company. Almost all his life Mr. Kuehn has been connected with public works. He was married in 1857 to Miss Anna C. Vogel, daughter of Francis S. Vogel. They have two children: A. Lizzie and Hattie A. Mr. Kuehn is an earnest sup- porter of Republicanism. Mr. and Mrs. Kuehn are members of the Presbyterian Church.

THE KURTZ FAMILY. The origin of this family in America is authoritatively traced back to Rev. Nicholas Kurtz, who immigrated to America some time in the seventeenth century, and settled in Pennsylvania. George Peter Kurtz was one of a family of twelve children born to Nicholas and Helena (Albright) Kurtz. He was born in Berks County, October 4, 1749. He was one of the early men who came to York County and one of York's pioneer merchants, and an active, enterprising and respected citizen. Here he resided until his death. His son, George Peter Kurtz, was born in York, October 17, 1799. This representative of the Kurtz family was educated for the ministry, but subsequently he learned the carpenter's trade, and chose what seemed to him a more humble sphere in life. He was married, in 1825, to Miss Eliza E. Fisher, also a native of York County, and a daughter of Dr. John and Eliza E. Fisher. The result of this union was two children. viz. : Catherine and Amelia. Mr. Kurtz died in 1836; his widow died in 1882. Another important personage of the family was Charles Kurtz, born August 30, 1791. He was mar- ried to Julia Ann Eichelberger, a native of this county. Two children were born to them: William H. and Catherine, now residing in Minneapolis, Minn. The former was born in York, in 1823, and here he has since resided. His early education was acquired at York County Academy, but his exten- sive knowledge of business has been acquired through his own efforts and in actual practical life. At fourteen years of age he was thrown upon his own resources, and for seven years he was employed as a clerk in a store. In 1848 he engaged in the malting business, and continued until 1872, when he became a member of the firm known as Baugher, Kurtz & Stewart, iron and brass founders, machin- ists, and manufacturers of turbine water-wheels. There is in connection with this establishment the Codorus Tannery, which is one of the most extensive institutions of its kind in Pennsylvania. A com- plete sketch of these enterprises may be found in another portion of this work. The marriage of Mr. Kurtz with Miss Mary Baugher was solemnized August 17, 1856. To this union have been horn two children: Charles and Julia. Mrs. Kurtz died in 1861, and, five years later, Mr. Kurtz was married to Miss Julia A. Baugher, a sister of his former wife, and daughter of Frederick Baugher, who was one of the leading citizens of York. Mr. Kurtz is enterprising in business, liberal in all affairs of true worth and merit, and ranks as one of York County's most valued citizens. Mr. Kurtz and wife are mem- bers of the Lutheran Church.

CAPT. WILLIAM H. LANIUS, one of the lead- ing representative business men of York County, is a descendant of Christian and Anna (Updegraff) Lanius (grandparents). The former was born at Kreutz Creek, York County, September 16, 1773; died in York, February 16, 1847. The latter was born in York, March 16, 1774, died at the same place October 9, 1830. The parents of our subject were Henry and Angeline (Miller) Lanius. The for- mer born September 20, 1809, died June 26, 1879. The mother was born March 28, 1822, and is still living in York. Henry Lanius was a prominent

business man of York and highly esteemed. He was extensively engaged in the lumber trade, and con- tinued an active business man up to his death. In 1860 and 1861 he served as chief burgess of the- borough, and was for several years a director on the school board. He was a prominent member of the Moravian Church, and at the time of his death. president of the church council. Eight children are descendants, viz .: Marcus C., Annie L., Will- iam H., Ellen A., Charles C., Sarah F., Paul and. Susan H. Capt. Lanius was born at Flushing; Long Island, N. Y., November 26, 1843, and when a youth, came with his parents to York, where he- received a liberal education, attending the public- schools and the York County Academy. In August. 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company A. Eighty-seventh Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, but was soon after transferred to Com- pany I, as first sergeant, remaining until the close. of their service. He was commissioned second lieu- tenant, March 1, 1863; first lieutenant, November 18,- 1863, and as captain, June 25, 1864. Capt. Lanius- was with his regiment in all its engagements and. battles, among which may be named Winchester. Mine Run, Locust Grove, Wilderness, Spottsyl- vania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Monocacy, Ope- quan and Fisher's Hill. He was wounded at the. battle of Monocacy, July 9, and honorably dis- charged October 13, 1864, after over three years" faithful and active service. Capt. Lanius embarked' in business in York in 1867, engaging in the lumber- trade, which he has continued up to the present time. In 1871 he formed a business association with his brother, Marcus C., conducting a branch- at Wrightsville until 1878, and at the present time. has extensive lumber interests at Williamsport. Capt. Lanius has also been identified with various- other enterprises, and ranks as one of the leaders in all measures of progress. He published in 1884 a superior map of the borough of York, and has laid: out a valuable addition to the same in the Fifteenth Ward. He is the originator and president of the- West End Improvement Company, described in another portion of this book. He organized the- first Post of the G. A. R. in York County; is a. member of York Lodge No. 266, A. F. & A. M., and: a representative in the common council. Capt. Lanius has always taken an active interest in polit- ical affairs, and early in life organizing the Boys in Blue in the campaign of 1866 at the age of twenty- two years, and was made president of the organiza- tion, and remaining in that position in 1868 and 1869. In 1884 he was a delegate to the Republican National Convention at Chicago. In 1867 he was united in marriage with Miss Lucy Smyser, daugh- ter of Michael Smyser, of York. They have three children: Mary S., Grace A. and Perry L.

ISRAEL LAUCKS, of the leading firm of Laucks & Son, dealers in dry goods and notions, was born in York County, in September, 1827, and is the son of George and Elizabeth (Smyser) Laucks_ He remained at home with his father on the farm until he was twenty years of age, in the meantime attended the common schools. At the age of twenty he came to York and entered the York High School. After finishing his studies he formed a co-partner- ship with S. K Myers, and engaged in the boot and shoe, dry goods and notion business at York. This- partnership was afterward dissolved by mutual consent, and Mr. Laucks formed a partnership with his son, George W. Laucks, December 31, 1883, under the firm style of Laucks & Son, dealers in dry goods and notions. They have a large stock and do a thriving business. Mr. Laucks was married May 4. 1854, to Imilda A., daughter of William A. and Lyda Wilt, of York. To this union were born six children, as follows: Irene E., George W., Amanda L., Grace V., Sadie M. and S. Farry. Mr. Laucks;

YORK BOROUGH.

has been director of the First National Bank of York; treasurer of the Farmers' Market Company, and is president of the York Coach Company, also president of the York Safe and Lock Company. He has been an active member of the Reformed Church for more than thirty-seven years, and was elected to the office of deacon, and subsequently elder in the church of his choice.

LEHMAYER & BROTHER, dealers in clothing, hats, gents' furnishing goods, and sole agents for the celebrated Pearl Shirt. Mr. N. Lehmayer is a native of Germany, and came to America in 1847. Among the business interests of York there is none that deserves more prominent mention than the firm here mentioned. This enterprise was estab- lished in 1847, beginning with limited means and a small stock, but energy and a determined will were not lacking. For many years this firm has main- tained a front rank in' the clothing trade of York County. Here is kept constantly on hand a most complete and varied assortment of all kinds of clothing and gents' furnishing goods. Special at- tention is given to the latest styles and changes. This firm buys directly from the manufacturers, for cash and in large quantities, and is ever prepared to extend to the trade the best possible bargains. There are no advantages to be gained by the people of York and York County by going to the large cities, when this firm offers the equal in every par- ticular. The building was enlarged in 1894, and now the principal sales department is 125x32 feet, and is steam-heated. Six assistants are employed in the establishment. Mr. Lehmayer is a striking example of the proverbial thrift of his race. Mr. Lehmayer, by his uniform courtesy, has won the respect of a large circle of friends. and is known as a most reputable man. His residence, on East Market Street, is one of the most elegant and extensive in York.

C. E. LEWIS is a descendant of Ellis Lewis, who, with John Rankin and James Bennett, re- moved from Chester County, about 1736, and set- tled in the region of York County, where afterward his son, Eli Lewis, laid out the town of Lewisberry. Dr. Webster Lewis was grandfather of C. E. Lewis. Ellis Lewis, chief justice of Pennsylvania, James Lewis, attorney at law at York, and Eli Lewis, president of the First National Bank of York, were sons of Eli. Dr. Robert Nebinger Lewis, who practiced medicine in Dover for many years, and Mary Moore, were subject's father and mother. C. E. Lewis was born in Dover, April 5, 1844. He attended the common schools until seventeen years of age, when he entered the York County Academy, then under Prof. G. W. Ruby, as principal, and D. M. Ettinger, the accomplished mathematician and surveyor, as reacher in arithmetic, algebra, geometry and other branches related thereto, and attended its sessions three years, and afterward for a short period was its assistant principal. With his brother, Rush Webster Lewis, C. E. Lewis started in York the manufacture of shoes by machinery, and this was the first business in which he was en- gaged. Previous to this, however, he had spent a year and a quarter in the city of Lynn, Mass., and Amesbury, Mass., where he was for some time en- gaged as foreman in the finishing room of the Salisbury and Amesbury mills. Subsequently he became book-keeper for James N. Buffum's lumber manufacturing establishment, at Lynn, Mass. He returned to York in June, 1866, and July following was elected a clerk in the First National Bank at York, and continued in the bank until January 1. 1871, having gained the position of teller in the meantime. It was at this time he left the bank to engage in the manufacture of shoes, in which busi- ness he was engaged eight years. In January, 1879, he was elected as cashier of the Western National

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History of York County, Pennsylvania : from the earliest period to the present time, divided into general, special, township and borough histories, with a biographical department appended, Part 157

Author: Gibson, John, Editor Publication date: 1886 Publisher: F.A. Battey Publishing Co., Chicago Number of Pages: 1104

Author: Gibson, John, Editor
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: F.A. Battey Publishing Co., Chicago
Number of Pages: 1104