USA > Pennsylvania > Lancaster County > Portrait and biographical record of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 30
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Jacob Rieker was given good school advantages and learned the butcher's trade in his youth, serv- ing at the same for about three years, and subse-
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quently worked as a journeyman until 1857, when he left his native land to seek mis fortunes in America. With his newly wedded wife he came to this city on a visit to his sister, and at the end of two months started in business, opening a market at the corner of Vine and South Queen Streets, where he remained for a year. In 1858 he re- moved to his present location and before long had succeeded in the acquisition of a very substantial trade, which has constantly increased from year to year until he has one of the best and most remu- nerative markets of Lancaster, and for most of this time he has personally supervised the butchering of stock for his patrons, thus being able to secure for them the very best to be had.
April 16, 1857. Mr. Rieker married Barbara Krasle. She has been a faithful helpmate and companion to her husband. assisting him by her wise counsel and aid along the journey of life. To them were born seven children: Adam F., who married Ada Sieger; Jacob; Fred; Carolina, who married John Antz; Mary, Louisa and Minnie. In politics our subject uses his right of franchise in favor of the Democratic party. Socially he belongs to the Society of the Seven Wise Men, and with his family attends the Lutheran Church,
ILLIAM W. BONES is engaged in cul- tivating his farm, which is situated in Conestoga Township, Lancaster Coun- ty. For several years he has been one of the lead- ing citizens of this community, and was honored with the position of Prison Inspector of the eoun- ty in 1883, in which capacity he served for one year. In educational measures his influence has always been felt on the side of progress, and he has served as a School Director for four terms in this township. For a period of three years he was a member of the Jury Commission, and in these several positions has made the welfare of the gen- eral publie his great end and aim at all times.
his day was a leading farmer of his neighborhood. He followed farming as his chief occupation. and always kept large numbers of fine stock on hand. A great lover of horses, he was considered one of the best authorities on the subject in the counties of Chester and Laneaster. In his political belief he was a supporter of the Democracy. By his marriage with Mary A. Wright were born six chil- dren, as follows: Susan E., who married a Mr. Weeks; William W., Benjamin F. (deceased), Re- becea, John W., and Jane, now the wife of Dr. Shank.
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William W. Bones was born in Chester County, Pa., November 21. 1838, and his education was ob- tained in the district schools of Manor Township, this county. where he pursued his studies for about ten years. Afterward he took a course of four terms at the Millersville Normal School, but since his twenty-second year has been principally oc- cupied as an agriculturist. After attaining his majority he was employed as a farmer for two years, and then for a like period of time was en- gaged in merchandising. This business he aban- doned at the expiration of a couple of years, find- ing that his qualifications and tastes were more in the direction of farm life, and from that time un- til the present he has given every energy to the development and management of his farm, which comprises one hundred acres. It is well improved and is one of the most valuable pieces of property in the township, having good buildings, fences, etc., upon the place.
For many years Mr. Bones has been identified with the Methodist Episcopal denomination, and for years has been a Trustee of the congregation where he holds his membership. For about two years he was Sunday-school Superintendent, and has been much concerned in every department of church work. In his fraternal relations he is a Mason, belonging to Charles M. Howell Lodge No. 496, of Safe Harbor, and is connected with Lodge No. 222, Knights of the Golden Eagle, of the same place.
In the year 1864 was celebrated the marriage of William W. Bones and Miss Mary A. Davis. Three children have graced their union, namely: David
James Bones, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Chester County, Pa., and in , D., James and Lizzie. Mrs. Bones is a daughter
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of David Davis, a well-to-do mechanic of Cones- toga Township. She was born in 1842, and re- eeived the advantages of a good education in the schools adjacent to her home. She has proved a faithful companion and helpmate to her husband on life's journey, and has cheered and aided him with her counsel and helpful ways. Mr. Bones bears a high reputation as a man in whom every confidence may be safely placed, and his word may be considered as good as his bond.
H UGHI S. GARA is a highly respected old settler and leading citizen of Lancaster, who in former years was a merchant and for a long period has been Notary Public. He was President and helped to organize the Union Build- ing and Loan Association and continued as an official until the first issue was paid out. He is very much interested in eivic societies, being Sec- retary of Lodge No. 13, F. & A. M., and Seeretary of Chapter No. 43, R. A. M. In Goodwin Coun- cil No. 19, R. & S., he is the present Recorder, and holds a similar post in Laneaster Commandery No. 13, K. T.
goods and general merchandise trade at No. 128 East King Street until 1863, when he sold out.
The next enterprise to which our subject gave his attention was to fire and life insurance, and he was thus engaged for nearly twenty years, sell- ing out in April, 1892, to Christopher Ilager. Ile represented the North American, Pennsylvania and Franklin Insurance Companies of Philadel- phia, the Liverpool, London, Globe, Queen, Hano- ver and other soeicties. Since January, 1874, he has been Notary Publie for Lancaster County Na- tional and for the first National Banks. For a period of nine years he was one of the inspectors of the county prison, and a portion of this time officiated as Treasurer of the same. For three years he was a School Director and has always been much interested in educational affairs.
The home of Mr. Gara, which is located at No. 206 East King Street, was ereeted by him and has always been the abode of hospitality. Mr. Gara was married in Lancaster in 1844, to a native of the city, Miss Sarah J. Buck, who was called from this life March 13, 1890, leaving one child, Eliza- beth B. For over thirty years Mr. Gara has been a member of the Presbyterian Church, and for two decades has been President of the Board of Trus- tees. For a long time he was Superintendent of the Sunday-school and to general church work has given a great deal of his time. Besides the frater- nity to which we have referred, Mr. Gara is a mem- ber of Lancaster Lodge No. 67, I. O. O. F.
Born in East Lampeter Township March 28, 1819, Ilugh S. is the eldest of the living children. The family originally comprised three sons and two daughters, but four of the number are de- ceased. Isaac B., a brother, was Deputy Secretary of the staff of Governor Geary and was Postmas- ILARRY WIDMYER has one of the oldest locations in the furniture business in the city of Lancaster, as his father started in the manufacture of this line of articles in the early part of this century on this identical site, at the corner of Duke and East King Streets. ter at Erie. Formerly a journalist, he is now re- tired from business. The youth of Ilugh S. Gara was passed at his birthplace, and when fifteen years of age he commenced clerking at Strasburg. where he remained three years. In 1839 coming to Lancaster, he obtained a position in a store and The birth of our subject occurred May 29, 1847, where the court house is now situated. Ilis fa- ther, Christian Widmyer, was born in Wurtem- later embarked in trade for himself with David Cockley as a partner. Later buying out that gen- tleman's interest, Mr. Gara continued his dry- | berg, Germany, and learned the cabinet-maker's
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trade. Coming to this country a single man. he married Harriet M. Brown, who was born in Lan- caster and was the daughter of John Brown, an old settler of this place. Christian Widmyer es- tablished himself in business, and at that time all furniture was made by hand. He built up a good trade, and erected the first four-story building put up in the city. this being the place where his son is now engaged in trade. Until 1871 he continued in the business, then being bought out by .l. II. Widmyer and .I. F. Ricksecker, after which he lived a retired life and died November 22, 1892, at the age of eighty-five years. He was an active Demo- erat, and religiously was a Lutheran. Ilis wife, who died in 1886, was then seventy-eight years of age. They were the parents of two sons and four daughters, and all of the family with the excep- tion of one daughter are yet living.
The early education of .I. Il. Widmyer was ob- tained in the public and high schools of this city. and for a time he was a student in a private insti- tution. At the age of seventeen he began learning the cabinet-maker's trade, and at the end of four years was a practical workman. In his father's factory he was Assistant Superintendent until Sep- tember. 1871. when, as previously stated, in com- pany with his partner he bought out his father. Since 1886, at which time he purchased his part- ner's interest, he has continued the business alone. At times he has employed twenty-five men, and sold his wares in all parts of the county. In 1891 he remodeled hi- building, making the front of the ground floor entirely of plate glass, and thus these show windows are the finest in the city. This is the largest furniture establishment in the city, and a full line of choice and less costly goods is kept in stock. The building has a frontage of thirty-six and a-half feet and is one hundred and twenty -- ix and a-half feet in depth. with a wing 34x12 feet. In addition to his furniture trade, the proprietor has a large undertaking establish- ment, and in this department his son. David B., is associated with him.
In 1869 Mr. Widmyer was married in Lancaster, to Dora S .. daughter of David Binkley, who was a miller by trade. Mrs. Widmyer was born in Lan- caster County, and by her marriage has become the
mother of a son. David B. He graduated from the high school and afterward attended the Mill- ersville Normal, and is a graduate of an embalm- ing school in Harrisburg. The parents are mem- bers of St. John's Lutheran Church, of which our subject has been one of the Deacons. and Librarian of the Sunday-school for years. Fraternally he is a charter member of the Royal Arcanum of this place, in which he has passed all the chairs, and also belongs to the Loyal Legion. Politically he deposits Ins ballot for Democratie nominees.
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F WESLEY PYNE, a skilled musician making his home in Lancaster. is the author of many brilliant instrumental compositions and organist of St. James' Episcopal Church. Ile was born in Somersetshire, England, in 1863, and came from a very musical family, the gift having seemingly been transmitted from one generation to another. His ancestors originally settled in Devon, but later removed to Kent. Thomas Pyne, the great-great-great-grandfather of our subject, was a fellow of St. Mary's College, and one of his descendants was a Justice on the Queen's Bench. There are still in existence at Grayford some an- cient buildings which are still known as "Pyne's Row."
The grandfather of our subject, J. Kendrick Pyne. was a celebrated tenor singer, living between the years 1785 and 1857. Ilis son, dlames Kendrick Pyne, father of our subject, was born in 1810 and was a pupil in music of S. Wesley and Johann Sebastian Bach. Ilis compositions are well known, among them being live prize glees and an anthem, for which he received the Lord Gresham prize medal.
Louisa Pyne, a niece of our subject's father, was the daughter of George Pyne, an eminent tenor singer. She was a prima donna in English opera and a noted oratorio singer. Her sister, Susan Pyne, was also a well known contralto. Our subject's father was a fellow of the Royal Academy of Music in
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London and departed this life in 1893, at the ad- vanced age of ninety-two years. Ile held the position of organist in the cathedral at Bath, Eng- land, for a period of fifty-two years.
The family of James K. Pyne included five chil- dren. Lonisa, a brilliant musician, is now the wife of George Tetley, and resides in Leeds, England; James Kendrick is organist of the Manchester Cathedral; Minton is organist for St. Mark's Epis- copal Church in Philadelphia; our subject was the next in order of birth. Zoe is a graduate of the Conservatory of Music in London, where she makes her home.
E. Wesley was reared to man's estate in Bath, England, and was educated at Magdalen College, Oxford, England. He was the solo boy of the col- lege choir, which was considered a great honor. He also studied music under Sir Walter Parratt, who is now organist to Her Majesty the Queen. Our subject was graduated from Oxford in 1884 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and coming abont that time to America, spent one year in Wisconsin. Returning at the expiration of that time to his native land, he came three months later to this country, and loeating in this state was of- fered the position of organist of St. Luke's Epis- copal Church at Altoona. His next position was with Mt. Calvary's Episcopal Church in Baltimore, where he remained for six years. during that time training four different choirs. Ile then became organist for St. Paul's Cathedral in Buffalo, N. Y., and one year later, in June, 1893, came to Lancaster, where he accepted the position of organist of St. James' Episcopal Church. He is also training the choir of the Episcopal Church in Harrisburg and has charge of the choir of the Presbyterian Church in Columbia, in both of which cities he teaches musie.
Professor Pyne, together with Rev. P. J. Robot- tom and Rev. Charles L. Fry, were the prime movers in organizing the Oratorio Society in this city. which was successful from the start. Professor Pyne was chosen leader of the society and their rendition of the "Iloly City" in 1894 was magnif- icent and greatly appreciated by the music-loving people of Lancaster.
Professor Pyne was married in Philadelphia, in February, 1885, to Miss Margaret, daughter of
George E. Arnold, who was President of the clear- ing house of that city for over a quarter of a cen- tury. To them have been granted three children, Ernest Sebastian Wesley, Margaret Cecelia and Emily Kendrick. In politics he is a Republican, and while living in his native England was a Conservative.
S AMUEL J. POOL, who is Superintendent of the Lancaster Cemetery, was born in the city of Lancaster, November 6, 1834, the son of Edward Pool. also a native of the same place. Ilis mother was Mary Hatz, a native of Lancaster, where her parents were also born, though the llatz family was of German origin. Our sub- ject's Grandfather Pool came from the North of Ireland and settled in Little Britain, Laneaster County, on a farm. Our subject's mother died at the age of sixty-eight years, being a devoted mem- ber of the Lutheran Church. Samuel J. is one of a family of four children, two sons and two daugh- ters. The sons, who are still surviving, are Will- iam and Samuel, our subject. William was a sol- dier in the late war, a member of Company K. Seventy-ninth Pennsylvania Regiment, and held the rank of Lieutenant.
Ile of whom this memoir is written was reared in the city of Lancaster and at the age of fifteen learned the silver-plating business under Phillip Worner, after which he engaged in that business for himself on Prince Street, continuing for eigh- teen years, and doing a general silver-plating busi- ness in all of its branches. He employed from seven to nine hands in his works, and continued in that line until the electric plating process came into use. In 1883 he became Superintendent of the Lancas- ter Cemetery, and still holds that position. During the summer season the Trustees of the Cemetery Association employ from seven to nine men, who work under his supervision. Under our subject's management many valuable and attractive im-
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provements have been made about this beautiful cemetery, where rest the departed dead of Lan- caster. In 1891 a superintendent's house was erected. This cemetery consists of twenty-one acres, with an entrance on East Lemon Street.
Our subject was united in marriage at Lancaster in 1855, to Miss Mary C. Stounfeltz, a native of Lancaster. Three children bless this union, Mary E., Mrs. W. F. Wiley, of Lancaster; Edward, our subject's assistant; and Clementina, Mrs. George Forrest, of Lancaster.
Mr. Pool is active in public affairs, and is a member of the Common Council from the First Ward, having served two terms. Ile is an hon- ored member of Lodge No. 68, K. of P .. and is also a member of the Order of Red Men.
Politically Mr. Pool is identified with the Re- publican party. The family attend the Lutheran Church, of which his wife is a member. No better person could have been selected for the position he holds than Mr. Pool. lle is thorough and painstaking, as well as obliging to the public with whom he has come in contact. Every part of this beautiful cemetery gives evidence of his careful and economical management.
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I EORGE A. TRIPPLE, of Safe Harbor, is a member of the firm of Haskell, Tripple & C'o., also of the firm of George A. Tripple & Co. The first mentioned firm are engaged in the milling business in this place, and have two other mills at Rock Hill. For fifteen years prior and up to the war he was engaged in carrying on a general store in company with David Warfel, and since that time has been interested in the coal and lumber trade mainly, having been very successful in this line of business.
The Tripple family is of German origin, and Joseph, the father of our subject, was born in
Berks County, in the village of Kutztown, where his father located on his arrival from Germany. Joseph Tripple was a hatter by trade and carried on the business quite extensively in Lancaster, having one of the oldest stores in the place, which was his home during the most of his life. In la- ter years, he continued in his trade at Safe Ilar- bor, where his death occurred. He was a soldier of the War of 1812, and was present at the attack on Baltimore. A very earnest Democrat, he was active in the ranks of that party, and in religious faith was a Catholic. He married Miss Mary Smith, by whom he had ten children: Susan, who died in infancy; Mary, Catherine, John, Susannah, Jos- eph C., William S .. Mary A., George A. and Susan, the second. The father died at the age of seventy- one years, in 1853, and the mother in August, 1840, aged fifty-six years.
The subject of this sketch was born February 8, 1826, at Lancaster. and received his education in the schools of this place. When fifteen years of age, he learned the tailor's trade, in Bellefonte, Centre County, which he has more or less ever since followed. For a short time he was located in Caledonia, Elk County, Pa., was seven years in Bellefonte, and in 1848 came to Safe Harbor. Here he has followed his calling as a merchant tail- or ever since in connection with other enterprises. In 1857 he opened a general store, in which he did business for fifteen years. Afterwards, in company with his former partner, he started a coal and lum- ber yard, and operated a sawmill at Bainbridge. When that partnership was discontinued he re- tired from business for two years, and then once more embarked in general merchandise with Mrs. Amos Sourbeer, whose husband had formerly been in business with him, and they continued for five years together. Subsequently he was a member of the firm of Tripple & Rose, in Manor Township, for four years, and for a period of three years he was in business in Smithville, having charge of a country store. In 1889 Mr. Tripple opened a branch store in Steelton that was managed by his nephew, George T. Rose, for two years; he did a good business and then he sold ont. This is in brief a summary of only a few erterprises in which our subject has been successfully engaged, and now he
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is interested in the firm of George A. Tripple & Co., they carrying on mercantile business in the building formerly occupied by the Safe Harbor Iron Company, at Safe Harbor. In Conestoga Township, Mr. Tripple owns a good farm of eigh- ty-nine acres, one of the rich iron ore farms of the community.
Politically our subject is a Republican, is now and has been for fourteen years past, Auditor of Conestoga Township, and was formerly Treasurer of the Safe Harbor Savings Bank. For two years Mr. Tripple owned a general notion and dry-goods store at Anderson, Ind., which was conducted by his daughter, the firm being M. G. Tripple & Co.
November 6, 1848, our subject married Har- riet, daughter of William Bowen. a hotel-keeper of this city. Ten children were born of this mar- riage, William and John J., who died in infancy; Mary E., wife H. K. Hershey, Alexander, Ind .; Ilattie, Mrs. Shelly; Curtis F .; Oscar and Susan, who died in childhood; Lottie and Georgiana, who are at home; and Minnie G., who manifested ex- cellent business qualities while running the store at Anderson, Ind., and is now stenographer for the firm of Slaymaker, Barry & Co., of Lancas- ter. William Bowen, the father of Mrs. Tripple, was of Welsh descent, and a resident formerly of Chester County, and in later years of Safe Harbor. One of his sons, Eh, who was locally styled the
Humboldt of America, was one of the greatest geol- ogists in the country, and published a work on the subject which has long been recognized as standard, the title of the same being "Physical His- tory of the Creation of the Earth and its Inhabi- tants." He is also author of a book of rules useful to those conducting postoffices, and he was for a short time in the general postoffice at Washing- ton, D. C.
Temperance in former years. Ile is a member of Washington Lodge No. 156, F. & A. M., at Dru- more Center, of this county, and has always been very prominent in local affairs.
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H ON. SAMUEL T. DAVIS, M. D., has had a long and distinguished career, being one of the leading citizens of Lancaster. Ile served his friends and neighbors as a Representa- tive in the State Legislature, and in the line of his profession has long been in the front ranks. IIe is especially skillful as a surgeon, though he has a large general practice, and is now President of the State Board of Health.
Our subject's paternal grandfather, Lewis Davis. was born in South Wales and eame to America, settling in Lancaster County at an early day. For some years he was engaged in the distillery busi- ness, and later in life he became a resident of Huntingdon County, where he departed this life. The father of the Doctor was Henry Davis, whose birth occurred in Rohrerstown, this county, where he was reared until fourteen years of age. He then removed with his parents to Huntingdon County, there learning the wagon-making and blacksmith's trade. Ile also was an agrieulturist, and during his later years turned his attention solely to farming. Though now eighty years of age, he is still active and well preserved. His wife, Catharine (Wallheater) Davis, was born in Penn- sylvania, and is of German descent. Her father, whose given name was Ilenry, removed to Hunt- ingdon County, where he engaged in farming un- til his death. Ilis wife has attained the age of seventy-seven years, and is a woman of more than ordinary ability and good qualities. Four of her sons were in the service during the late war in the defense of the Union.
George A. Tripple is a member of the Methodist Church, having been for forty-five years connected with the congregation at Safe Harbor, and for about a quarter of a century has been a local preacher. Socially he has passed through all the chairs of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to the lodge of this place, No. 334, and is a Knight Dr. Davis was born March 6, 1838, at Cottage, Huntingdon County, being one of six children, all Templar Mason. Ile is also identified with the Temple of Honor, and belonged to the Sons of , of whom are still living. In boyhood he learned
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his father's trade, but was ambitious to acquire an education, carly deciding to enter the medical profession. He pursued his studies in this direction by himself at first, reciting to Dr. H. Orlady, and later taking a course at Mooresville Academy, and at Millersville State Normal School. Afterward he he enlisted in Company H, Fifteenth Pennsylvania Infantry, being in the service three months. Re- enlisting in Company C. Seventy-seventh Regi- ment. as Second Lieutenent, he was successively promoted until he received the commission of Captam of Company G, which company he himself re-enlisted. While on the staff of Gen. William Grose, at the engagement at Resaca, he was severely wounded. and for five days lay on the field. After being at the hospital at Chattanooga for thee months he was honorably discharged in 1864.
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