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 165

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 165

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Jacob, second son of Samuel Weiser, Sr., went into the dry goods business in 1818 with his brother Charles, which he continued until 1836, when he engaged in the lumber trade with his brother, Dan- iel P. Weiser. He was director in the York County Bank, York Water Company, and York & Sus- quehanna Turnpike Company, each for many years. He died in 1874 at the advanced age of about eighty-three years. He left two children: Franklin S., who succeeded him in the lumber business, and Jane, married first to Jacob Smyser (deceased), and now to Nathaniel Weigle.

Daniel, fourth son of Samuel Weiser, Sr., was a tanner and currier for many years, and afterward formed a partnership with his brother Jacob in the lumber business. He died about 1855, leaving three sons: Gates J. Weiser (lately deceased), David Weiser and Oliver P. Weiser. Charles Weiser, father of John A. and Charles S. Weiser, who are prominently identified with the business interests of

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

York, was born in 1796, and was the junior member of the dry goods firm of J. & C. Weiser, commenc- ing business in 1818 and continuing until 1846. In 1856 he founded the banking-house in his own name. In January, 1860, his son, Charles S. Weiser, became a member of the firm. In January, 1867, the present firm, Weiser, Son & Carl, was formed. For a number of years he was a director in the York Bank, and president of the York & Gettys- burg and York & Susquehanna Turnpike Compa- nies. He was a member of Christ's Lutheran Church under Dr. Schmucker, and one of the founders of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. He died in 1867, aged seventy-one years. He lived for twenty-five years on the property now owned by Jere Carl, Esq. He was married to Anna A., daughter of Gen. Jacob Spangler, and left nine children: John A .. Erastus H., Horace. Charles S., George (who died in infancy), Josephine (married to Dr. Pentz), Theodosia E. (unmarried), Arahella (now deceased), Amelia (married to M. S. Green), Adaline (married to Jere Carl). John A. Weiser, eldest son of Charles Weiser, was born July 31, 1824. He received his education in York County Academy. He began his mercantile career in 1838 as a clerk in his father's store, and remained in the same position until 1846, when he succeeded his father in the business. This he continued until 1883, when his two eldest sons succeeded him. The present firm name is H. P. Weiser & Bro. The same store, in the same location, has been continued in the Weiser name since its organization in 1808. Mr. Weiser has been exceptionally prosperous as a merchant, and his name is very familiarly known in York County. Possessing rare business qualifica- tions, he has been prominently connected with other interests in the town and county. He was one of the founders of, and is still one of the directors of, the Farmers' National Bank, and was for many years a director of the York County Bank. He has been president of the York & Gettysburg Turnpike Company since 1881; treasurer of the York Gas Company since 1850; manager and treasurer of the York & Susquehanna Turnpike Company since 1867. He was married first to Miss Georgiana Eichelberger (now deceased) in 1851. Of this mar- riage there was one son-Harry-born in 1852, now senior member of the mercantile firm of H. P. Weiser & Bro. In 1859 he was married to Miss Mary Jane Upp. The children by this marriage are Bertha, born in 1860; George U., in 1861: P. Ster- rett, in 1864; Louisa, in 1865, and Annie S., in 1867. He resides in his delightfully situated home at 210 East Market Street, surrounded by all the comforts and conveniences of life.

Erastus H. Weiser, second son of Charles Weiser, was born in 1826. He received his preparatory edu- cation at York County Academy and Pennsylvania College at Gettysburg. He afterward entered Yale College, and graduated in the class of 1849; read law with John G. Campbell, Esq., and had a lucra- tive practice in this profession before the York Court until the time of his death in 1871. He was married, in 1852, to Miss Annie Franklin, daughter of Walter Franklin, Esq., of York, who is now also dead. They had two sons: William F. Weiser, in the banking firm of Weiser, Son & Carl, and Charles, a student in Collegiate Institute. He was an earnest and devoted worker, and an elder in the Presbyterian Church at York, and a teacher in the Sunday-school.

Horace S. was educated at Yale, and read law with Judge Fisher. He practiced at the York bar for a few years, then removed to Decorah. Iowa, and founded the Winneshiek County Bank in 1854, and conducted the same successfully until the time of his death in 1875.

Charles S. Weiser was born in 1838, and educated

in the schools of York and in York County Academy. He began the banking business as a partner with his father in 1860, and is now the senior member of the firm of Weiser, Son & Carl, which bank is described elsewhere in this book. For several years he was a member of the firm of Weiser & Bender, engaged in the lumber business in Center County, Penn. The following list of positions of trust and honor held hy him gives conclusive evi- dence of his business capacity and integrity: treas- urer of the York Water Company, of the York County Academy, of the York Hospital and Dis- pensary, of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, of the York County Mutual Fire Insurance Company, of the Board of Home Missions of the General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the United States, of the Theo- logical Seminary at Gettysburg, of the Charles A. Morris fund of $7,000 for St. Paul's Lutheran Church, and vice-president of the Orphan's Home and director in the York & Susquehanna Turnpike Company. Mr. Weiser was married, in 1866. 10 Miss Isadora Brown, daughter of the late William Brown. Esq., of York. They had one child- Charles, who died in infancy. He and his wife are members of the St. Paul's Lutheran Church, and also teaches in the Sunday-school. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and resides in a comfort- able and convenient home at 225 East Market Street.

FRANKLIN S. WEISER, a prominent manu- facturer of York, was born in the county Septem- ber 25, 1825, and a son of Jacob and Sarah Weiser. His father being engaged in the mercantile busi- ness, our subject was early instilled with business ideas, being an assistant of his father. He received a good education, having the supplementary ad- vantage of the York County Academy. At the age of eighteen he began an apprenticeship to learn the carpenter's trade, and subsequently followed that trade for five years in Baltimore, Md. Returning to York he formed an association with Jacob Wei- ser in the coal and lumber business, which contin- ued until 1860, when he became the sole owner. He has since continued in this business, and has also become a manufacturer of cigar and paper boxes. Mr. Weiser is a progressive business man; has been a director of the York County Bank and of the York & Chanceford Turnpike Company, and also prominent in the Lutheran Church. Mr. Weiser was married, March 25, 1852, to Barbara S., daugh- ter of Jacob Stahle, of Manchester Township. They have had born to them six children: Robert S., deceased; Sarah K., deceased; Jacob S., de- ceased; Harvy K., William H. and Eugene F.

GATES B. WEISER was born in York in 1852, and is a son of Gates J. and Elmira (Brown) Weiser, the former of whom was born in 1824, and died in 1883. Gates J. was educated at the York County Academy. When a young man he engaged in the lumber business with his father, Daniel Weiser, and after the death of the latter formed a partnership with John M. Brown. Retiring from business for a few years, he again engaged in the lumber busi- ness with Small, Bender & Co., as one of the firm. This firm was afterward changed to Bender & Wei- ser. Subsequently they established a business in Center County, Penn., the firm being known as Weiser & Bender. In 1875 he returned from Center County to York, Penn., and retired from business, selling his interest in the firm of Bender & Weiser to his two sons, James M. and Gates B., and known as Weiser Bros. After the death of James M. in 1876, G. B. bought his interest, and continued under the same firm name until 1883. G. B. Weiser was married, in 1884, to Miss Minnie M. Blummer, a na- tive of Philadelphia. They have one child-Isadore E. He now resides in a beautiful residence at Pros- pect Hill. In politics Mr. Weiser is an Independent.

YORK BOROUGH.

JOHN H. WELLENSIEK, whip manufacturer of York, was born February 10, 1825, and is the son of Herman and Catherine Wellensiek, natives of Germany. The subject of this sketch was born in Germany. He remained at home and assisted his father on the farm until he was sixteen years of age. He received the advantages of a common school education, and immigrated to this country in the year 1845, locating at York, and engaged as an appren- tice to learn the whip manufacturing business. He spent three and one-half years learning that trade. He then learned the carpenter trade under the in- struction of Lewis Kuehn, of York, and after fin- ishing his trade he went to Philadelphia and en- gaged as carpenter and builder. In a very short time he acquired a reputation that placed him among the leading huilders of the city. He remained in Philadelphia until 1875. when he then returned to York and engaged in the whip manufacturing business. He leased a piece of ground for a term of years, and built a large brick building, put in the necessary machinery. and in a short time es- tablished quite an extensive business. having at the present several hands employed. Mr. Wellensiek was married, November 25, 1860, to Miss Mary, daughter of Gottleib and Barbara Brietling, natives of Germany. To this union were born six children: Katie, Albert, Anna. John, Mamie and Harry. Mr. Wellensiek is a member of the Lutheran Church, also a member of Walker Lodge No. 306, I. O. O. F., of Germantown, Philadelphia, Penn.

PETER WELLER, marble dealer, was born in Germany in November, 1824. His father, Jacob, came to this country while Peter was quite young, and located in Spring Garden Township, where he took up a tract of land. Peter assisted his father on the farm. and in the meantime attended the common school. He remained on the farm with his father till he was twenty years of age, when he learned theshoe-making trade, and followed it about three years. About the year 1878 he formed a co- partnership with Edward Evans, and engaged in the marble business at York. The firm of Weller & Evans subsequently hy mutual consent dissolved partnership, and Mr. Weller has continued the busi- ness in his own name. Mr. Weller married, in April. 1850. Miss Matilda, daughter of George Loucks, of York. Mr. Weller is a member of the Penn Mutual Relief Association, and has for sev- eral years been a member of the Lutheran Church.

ALBERT A. WELSH was born in York No- vember 13, 1838, and is a son of George and Sarah (Wilt) Welsh, natives of the same borough. He re- ceived a common school and academical education, and then engaged at butchering with his father. which business he has followed ever since, being now one of the oldest butchers in York, and at the present time his place of business is No. 131} East Philadelphia Street, York, Penn. Jannary 29, 1860, he married Miss Catherine, daughter of John and Magdalena Lutman, of York, and to this union have been born twelve children. But of twelve, only seven children. Thomas Ivin. George Lincoln, John Lutman, Mary Magdalena, Charles Augustus, Carrie Verginnia and Albert, are living at the pres- ent time. Mr. Welsh is a member of the Con- ewago Tribe, No. 37, I. O. R. M., and has served as deacon of the Reformed Church, as well as assistant superintendent and superintendent of the Heidelburg Sabbath-school, of York.

DAVID H. WELSH is the son of Charles and Eliza Welsh, natives of York County, and was born in York Borough August 13, 1845. He was edu- cated at the common schools, and afterward learned coachsmithing, which trade he followed for about five years after finishing his apprenticeship. He then engaged in the ready-made clothing, gents' furnishing and merchant tailoring business, in

which he has achieved an enviable reputation, doing first-class work and carrying a line of ready- made and piece goods. September 17, 1878. he married Miss Frances K., danghter of Col. J. A. Stahle, of York. To this union five children have been born, viz .: Edward S. (deceased), James A., Fannie M., David H. (deceased) and Nellie V. Mr. Welsh is a member of Mt. Zion Lodge, I. O. O. F .. and also of the Reformed Church.

T. KIRK WHITE, special agent and adjuster for the Phoenix Assurance Company, of London, was born in Cecil County, Md .. September 18, 1826, son of Abner and Esther (Kirk) White, and of fourteen children (eleven living) he is the ninth. His father was born in England, and came to America at about twenty years of age, and settled in Chester County, Penn. Here the mother of our subject was born February 4, 1792, and died in Morgan County, Ohio, at the advanced age of eighty-four years. His father died in Lancaster County in 1847. At twelve years of age subject began life for himself. For some time he worked on the farm, and then learned the machinist's trade, and while thus employed he sustained physical in- juries from which he has never recovered. In 1845 he entered Strasburg Academy, at Lancaster, Penn .. where. he remained two years, and then for a num- ber of years taught school, and was one of the leaders in establishing the first district institute in Lancaster County, Penn., in 1851. In 1855 Mr. White came to York, and established what was known as the Pennsylvania Commercial College, which he conducted until the beginning of the late war. In 1861 he was elected justice of the peace and held the office until 1865, when he began the insurance business. In 1872 he was made special agent of the Home, of New York, and with that company remained until 1882, when he was given his present position. His marriage was solemnized April 17, 1849, to Miss Susan J. Smith, daughter of William and Nancy Smith, of Lancaster County. They have had seven children, five living, as fol- lows: Anna M .. Walter B., George C., Charles S. and Harry C. Mr. White is a Democrat, and a member of the I. O. O. F.

PETER WIEST, dealer in dry goods and no- tions, is a native of Jackson Township, York Co., Penn .. born in 1818, son of John and Elizabeth (Eyster) Wiest, being the fourth of eight children. His father was born in what was then Paradise Township in 1787, and died in 1837. His mother was born in 1790, and died in 1833. The great- grandfather of our subject was a native of Germany, and immigrated to America about 1730. The Wiest family has been identified with the interests of York County for more than 100 years. At eighteen years of age Mr. W. came to York, and for some years attended the York County Academy. In 1840 he began the general merchandising at Dover, Penn .. where he continued for more than a year, and then in the spring of 1843 returned to York, and has since been continually engaged in the mercantile. life. For almost half a century he has been one of the successful and reliable business men of York. Mr. Wiest was married, in 1844, to Miss Catherine Lenhart, a native of Dover Township. They have children as follows: Edward F., Emma E., George L. and Harry S. The sons are now engaged in the dry goods business with their father. Formerly Mr. W. was a Whig, but of late years he has been inde- pendent in politics. Mr. and Mrs. Wiest are mem- bers of the Reformed Church, having joined as early as 1836.

WILLIAM T. WILLIAMS was born in York Connty .July 31, 1815, and is a son of Ezekiel and Elizabeth Williams, both of whom were natives of Berks County, Penn. He was educated at the com- mon schools, and assisted upon his father's farm un-

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

til he was twenty-four years of age. He then learned the weaver's trade, at which he was engaged for five years. He subsequently engaged in school- teaching, which he continued for nine years, learn- ing (in the meantime) surveying. He was elected justice of the peace in 1858, in Washington Town- ship, and served two years. In 1870 he removed to York, where he has since resided. In 1875 he was elected justice of the peace for the Fifth Ward, and is still administering the duties of a magistrate. Mr. Williams was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Gross, daughter of Peter and Catherine Gross, both natives of York County. They have six children: David G., Levi G., William F., Peter G., Henry L. and Mandilla. The family are mem- bers of the Lutheran Church, of which Mr. Will- iams has been an elder, and for many years promi- nent in the Sabbath-school.

PROF. D. G. WILLIAMS, super- intendent of schools for York Coun- ty, is a native of Dover Township, where he was born in 1840. He is of Welsh and German descent, and son of William T. and Catherine (Gross) Williams, both natives of York County, and parents of six children, our subject being the eldest: Levi, Mandilla, Franklin W. (a resident of Iowa), Peter and Lewis (both of whom are living in Ohio). Prof. Williams received meager educa- tional advantages in his youth, hav- ing access only to the common schools, and eleven weeks in a coun- ty normal. The education which he has since obtained has been acquired by liberal reading and con- stant studions application. He has been a teacher nearly all of his life; the few years which he devoted to business convinced him that his duty in life was in the field of edu- cation, and as an educator he has been signally successful. He com- menced teaching early in life, and was thus engaged for thirteen con- secutive terms in York County. He then went to Indiana, where he taught one term, and then engaged in the mercantile business. In 1867 he returned to York, and for about five years was engaged in business. He then resumed teaching, and con- tinued until he was elected to the office which he now holds. Prior to his election he was for four years connected with the public schools of York Borough during which period he was a member of a prominent literary association. He assumed the duties of his office in 1878, succeeding W. H. Kain, and in the administration of the arduous and re- sponsible lahors of this position, he has developed executive attributes of superior order. Prof. Will- iams is an earnest and indefatigable worker, and under his supervision the schools of the county have maintained a high degree of excellence. In 1863 Prof. Williams was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Ellen Myers, of Dover Township. They have had seven children: William P., Ida M., Lillie D., Charlie M., Harry L., Elmer L. and Maud E. Prof. Williams and wife are members of the Lu- theran Church.

HON. DAVID F. WILLIAMS (deceased) was born in York, January 28, 1823; he was educated at York County Academy, and from 1844 to 1855 was in partnership with Oliver Stuck, as editor and proprietor of the York Democratic Press. During

the years 1848, 1849 and 1851, he represented York County in the State General Assembly. In 1858, he went to Pittsburgh and became a partner in the publication of the Pittsburgh Gazette, which he con- ducted two years, and then went to Philadelphia, and from 1860 until 1866 held a position in the cus- tom house. In 1869 he was appointed Assessor of Internal Revenue for what was then the Fifteenth District of Pennsylvania, and continued in the rev- enue service until 1876. He was married in 1853 to Miss Anna M. Smyser, a native of York, and to him were born four children. He died October 14, 1881. For many years he was president of the York County Bank.

JACOB A. WILT, jeweler, was born in York in 1843, and is the son of Peter E. and Eliza M. ( Wise- nall) Wilt. He is the youngest in a family of two.

DEwilliams.

children, and is of German descent ; was educated at the public schools of York and York Academy, and in 1860 began serving a four-years' apprenticeship- at the jewelers' trade, under the direction of C. A. Keyworth. En 1864 he went to Washington and re- mained some time, and then returned to York and continued his vocation, but subsequently formed a partnership in the jewelry business with his old employers. In 1881 Mr. Wilt began business for himself, and still continues in the jewelry business, and is one of the most successful jewelry merchants in York. Our subject's marriage was solemnized March 28, 1866, to Miss Kate-C. Hagger, a native of Baltimore, Md., and daughter of John W. and La- vinia Hagger. Mr. Wilt is a Democrat and cast his first presidential vote for Mcclellan. He is a mem- ber of the I. O. O. F., K. of P., and R. M.

GEORGE WASHINGTON WINEHOLD, dealer

YORK BOROUGH.

in fine groceries, canned fruits, etc., was born in York County in 1848, son of Joshua and Rufina (Ilges) Winehold. He is of German descent and a repre- sentative of one of the oldest families of York Coun- ty. His father was born in York Township in 1813, and his mother in the "lower end" in 1817. The paternal grandfather of our subject was George Winehold, also a native of York Township, born in 1786. The father of Mr Winehold died in 1863. When about five years old, Mr. Winehold removed with his parents to York, where he was educated at the public schools of York and York County Acad- emy. In 1866 he began business for himself. The systematic order in which everything in his store is arranged is unexcelled in York. For some years Mr. Winehold has taken much interest in the Laurel Fire Company, of which he was formerly secretary, and now for two years has held the office of vice- president. He is a Democrat and has represented the First and Sixth Wards in the borough council. The mother of Mr. Winehold now resides with him.

GEORGE WOGAN, deceased, was a native of Manchester Township, York Co .. Penn., was born April 14, 1800, and was a son of George and Re- becca (Lowe) Wogan. He is the youngest in a family of seven children, and of Scotch-Irish de- scent. He remained at home and worked on the farm for his father until 1825, when he began life for himself. At the death of his father, he inher- ited the old Wogan homestead in Manchester Town- ship, and continued farming until 1861, when he retired from active life, and removed to York. where he lived until his death, which occurred April 20, 1878. His marriage was solemnized De- cember 16, 1834, 10 Miss Margaret Hay, a native of York County, and a daughter of John Hay, the elder. Politically Mr. Wogan was a Republican. He was one of the leading and greatly respected citizens of York County. Mrs. Wogan is a repre- sentative of one of the old families of York County. Her father died in 1866, and her mother two years previous. To Mr. and Mrs. Wogan were born three children, viz .: Rebecca L. (deceased), John H. and Anna H.

EMANUEL YESSLER, a member of the firm of Menough & Yessler, contractors and builders, was born July 4, 1836, in Dover Township, York County, and is a son of Jacob and Susan (Harbaugh) Yess- ler, farmers of Dover Township. Emanuel was an assistant upon the farm, attending the common schools. until he became eighteen years of age. He then became an apprentice to Jacob Gotwald, learning, the carpenter trade. He remained with Mr. Gotwald for several years. In 1863 he went to Washington, D. C., and was in the employ of the government about three years, working at his trade. Returning to York he was, for fifteen years, in the employ of Mr. Weigle. subsequently becom- ing associated with James L. Menough, in the planing-mill and general contracting business. The business of Menough & Yessler has been prosperous and their trade extended. Mr. Yessler was married December 24, 1866, to Miss Mary, daughter of John and Mary Miller, natives of the county. Two chil- dren have been born to them: Harry E. and Jennie M. Mr. and Mrs. Yessler are members of the Lu- theran Church. of which he has been an active member for several years, serving as deacon, elder, and treasurer of the Sabbath-school.

PETER F. YOST, son of Abraham and Maria (Feiser) Yost, was born in York Township, January 29, 1829, on the farm now owned and occupied by Frank Deitz. His father removed to Dover Town- ship, when our subject was four years old. Subject was reared a farmer. February 20, 1851, he mar- ried Sarah Bott, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Smyser) Bott, of West Manchester Township. One child has blessed this union-Louisa Jane, deceased

wife of Alexander Smyser; one child, Clayton A. Smyser, was born to them. Mr. Yost, for a short time was in the firm of Menough & Yost, builders and carpenters. The handsome residence he now occupies he built in 1880, and also the adjoining residence for his sisters in 1878. Our subject's father was born May 5, 1792, and died August 31. 1855, aged sixty-three years. three months and twenty-six days. His mother died September 23, 1859, aged sixty-eight years, five months and eight- een days. Subject's sister, Rachel Yost, died June 11, 1854, aged thirty-eight years, seven months and fifteen days. Mr. Yost moved to York from Dover Township in 1876. The Yost family was among the earliest settlers of York Township.

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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 165

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