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 31
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Returning to his interrupted medical studies. the Doctor took a course of lectures at Jefferson Medi- cal College and at Long Island Medical College, from which he graduated in 1865. Going to Mill- ersville, he was for a year in partnership with Dr. S. B. Ilartman. For the succeeding nine years lie was in practice alone, and in 1874 removed to Laneaster, his office at the present time being located at No. 132 North Prince Street.
Dr. Davis was married in Millersville, October 2. 1866, to Miss Elizabeth Fenstermacher, who was born in that place, being a daughter of Christian Fenstermacher, an old settler of that locality. The Doctor and his wife have no chil- dren of their own, but have an adopted daughter. Martha II.
In July, 1889, our subject was appointed Presi- dent of the State Board of Health, and was re- elected in July, 1893. In addition. he is a member and Vice-President of the City Pathological Asso- ciation and has been President of the County So- ciety. He was one of the original members of the American Surgical Association and is a member of the American Medical Association. At the conven- tions of the various medical societies he has deliver- ed many addresses, and while in the Legislature was very active in matters pertaining to hygiene and sanitary affairs. He was a member of the Pan- American Medical Congress which convened at Chi-
cago in 1893, and in short, has always been promi- nent in everything pertaining to his profession.
In local politics the Doctor has taken consider- able interest and served in the City Council for five years, having been at one time President of the same. In the fall of 1885 he was elected to two years later was re-elected by the largest Re- publican majority ever polled in Lancaster. Fra- ternally he is a member of George II. Thomas Post No. 81. G. A. R., of the Union Veteran Legion and of the Loyal Legion. Ile is a thirty-second degree Mason and has served as Master in Perfection Lodge No. 66. of this city.
taught school for a time, when. the war breaking out. . the State Legislature on the Republican ticket, and
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P EARSON E. GRUGER, a well known and public spirited citizen of Lancaster, has been engaged in business in this city for exactly thirty years. during which time he has made many sincere friends in the various walks of life. For nearly that length of time he has eon- dueted a marble and granite trade at No. 25 South Queen Street, his business having steadily increased year by year, until he has had to employ a large number of men in the work. Mr. Gruger is a son of Adam P. and Hannah C. (Sallada) Gruger, his birth having occurred October 1, 1834, in Stouehs- burg, Berks County, Pa. The name is very well known in this state, as members of the family are very numerous in certain counties. The original founders of the family in America were of lugue- not descent and settled mainly in the southern states. Peter, the paternal grandfather of our subject, died when his son Adam was only ten years of age. The latter was born in Lehigh County, this state, in June, 1808, and learned the saddler's trade, which business he followed for a number of years. Ile also was engaged at evach trimming,
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and at one time was Postmaster of Womelsdorf, Berks County. In politics he was in his early life a Democrat, but later espoused the principles of the Republican party. He was a member of the Reformed Church and fraternally was a Mason, belonging to old Mt. Lebanon Lodge, which has since disbanded. His death occurred in February, 1891, when he had attained the ripe old age of eighty-two years, but his wife is still living, her home being in Columbia. They were the parents of the following children: P. E., Francis; Louisa. now a resident of Columbia; Jolin, who is engaged in the marble business in Philadelphia; Martha, deceased; Mary, who resides with her mother in Columbia; Charles, a traveling salesman. whose death occurred in Philadelphia, at the age of thirty- three years; William and Emily, deceased; Clara. and one who died in infancy.
Mr. Gruger, whose name heads this article, re- ceived his early education in the public schools of Lancaster; afterward it was his privilege to attend the old Franklin College, when it was located on Lime Street. When seventeen years of age, he left his studies in order to learn a trade, and was employed with C. M. Howell, of this city, for five years. For the succeeding six years he worked in Philadelphia, after which he returned to locate permanently in this place. In 1866 he opened a marble and granite establishment on South Queen Street, where he has ever since been engaged in this business. On an average some eight men are employed. and as many as seventeen workmen have been at times required morder to meet large con- traets. Mr. Gruger is a good business man, and has, by attending strictly to his own affairs and by the exercise of industry and correct principles of trade, acquired a comfortable fortune.
May 20, 1858, Mr. Gruger married Rebecca, daughter of Philip Metzger, and of their union eight children have been born, as follows: Charles; Florence, who died in infancy; Margaret, William, Frank, Walter, Catherine and Ilarry. The mother of these children was called from this life January 9, 1875, at the age of thirty-eight years. On Christmas Day 1883, our subject married Salome, daughter of David Nauman. Mr. and Mrs. Gruger are members of the Reformed Church, and for
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many years the former was an Elder in the con- gregation at Columbia. In his political affiliations he is a stanch Republican and has been active in educational matters.
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A MOS S. KREIDER was born and has passed his entire hfe in Pequea Township, and has long been numbered among the pro- gressive farmers of Lancaster County. For several generations the Kreider family have been engaged in following agricultural pursuits in this immediate neighborhood and have been noted for their indus- trious and useful qualities. Michael Kreider, the grandfather of our subject. married a Miss Harnish, and to them nine children were born, namely: Lizzie ( Mrs. Herr), Maria, Andrew, Jacob, Susan (Mrs. Miller), Martin, Barbara, Jonas and Sarah. The parents were members of the Old Mennonite Church and were very active in denominational work. Indeed. for years Michael Kreider was a minister in the church and rose to the rank of Bishop.
Michael Kreider. the father of our subject, was born in Pequea Township May 1. 1812, and from his boyhood followed the occupation of farmer. On arriving at mature years he chose for his life's companion Miss Maria Shank, and four children came to bless their home, Barbara, who became the wife of Hiram Woffel; Lizzie, deceased; Amos S., our subject. and Ephraim, deceased. The father was one of the leading members of the Old Mennonite Church and by all who knew him was highly re- garded.
The birth of Amos S. Kreider occurred on the 6th of May, 1845, in Pequea Township, within whose boundaries almost all of his life has been spent. Ile remained under the parental roof until about twenty years of age, assisting in the work of the farm, and during the winter seasons he attended the common schools of the locality. When he was married, about 1865, he took charge
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of the home farm for himself and has since that time been industriously engaged in its cultivation and improvement. The farm, which is one of the best in this region, is very fertile and everything about the place is kept up in good shape, bespeak- ing the care and labor of the thrifty owner. In the homestead there are about eighty acres, which are well adapted for purposes of general farming and stock-raising.
Mr. Kreider has one child, a daughter, Annie W. In his political belief Mr. Kreider is a Republican and in all public affairs is found on the side of ad- vancement and progress. By means of extensive reading he has become well posted on current af- fairs and matters of interest and is an entertaining conversationalist. His business methods are strictly honorable and upright in every particular, and for that reason, and because of his uniform courtesy and friendliness, his neighbors are always his well- wishers.
J OHIN M. KEIPER is one of the most liberal supporters of new enterprises in Lancaster, and is a member of the firm of .J. M. Keiper & Hertzler. who conduct a large and lucrative business, being dealers in furniture and upholstery. A native of Dauphin County, he was born in Derry Township, October 14. 1831, his parents being Samuel and Anna ( Moore) Keiper. Ilis paternal grandfather, whose Christian name was Jacob, lived in the early part of his life in Reamstown, Lancaster County, that place being his home dur- ing his entire life. lle was a cooper by trade and became quite well-to-do. lle was a patriot of the War of 1812, and in religion held to the faith of the Reformed Church. He married a Miss Meyers, whose family were among the pioneers of this county, but later emigrated to the west. This worthy couple became the parents of six children: Samuel, John, Joseph, Benjamin, Sallie A. and Pollie.
The eldest member of the family, Samuel, was born near Reamstown, Lancaster County, and was
a man of ordinary education. On arriving at mature years he engaged in blacksmith work and afterward became a drover, at which time his home was in Dauphin County, where most of his chil- dren were born. He was married in Berry Town- ship when about twenty-one years of age, and had six children by that union, namely: John, Susan; Lizzie, Fannie and Jacob, who died in childhood; and Samuel, a resident of Allentown, Pa. The latter is a manufacturer of powder and dynamite, having a large and paying trade in those products. Susan became the wife of Benjamin Booser and lived for many years on the old homestead, in Dauphin County. The father of these children for a number of years was engaged in taking cattle from western points to the Philadelphia market, and his eldest son, our subject, on several occasions walked with him from Ohio to the Quaker City. In polities the senior Mr. Keiper was a Republican, and before the organization of that party was an old line Whig, having taken a very interested part in elections and having held a number of township offices. For a long time he was a Deacon in the Reformed Church and bore a reputation for honor and integrity. Ilis death occurred in October, 1883, at the age of seventy-five years, while his wife, who survived him until March 1, 1888, was in her eighty-fourth year at the time of her de- mise.
J. M. Keiper received a district school education in Dauphin County, where they had only a four months' term during the year, but he made the best of such opportunities as were within his reach, and when quite young secured a certificate, after which he taught for a period of four years. At this time he had only attained his majority and his next venture was to engage in the manufacture of hay rakes in Dauphin County. Later selling out his business he invested money in oil lands, during the great excitement over that product, and was interested in that line for about four years. Subsequently he returned to Dauphin County, again turning his attention to the making of hay rakes, and met with an unfortunate accident, being erippled by a severe eut in the leg while working at his trade. After that our subjeet be- came a salesman, selling farm implements, and for
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two years engaged in taking orders for sewing machines.
November 20, 1869, Mr. Keiper came to Lan- caster, continuing in the sewing machine business, and afterward launched into the furniture trade, in which he has been very successful. About 1890 he took into partnership his son-in-law, Mr. Hertz- ler, and their business has constantly increased up to the present time. Our subject is one of the stockholders in the Champion Forge and Blower Company at Lancaster. and has also interests in va- rious industries of this city and locality.
April 12, 1853, Mr. Keiper wedded Nancy, daughter of John Brinser, and four children graced this union, namely: Sarah Ann, wife of Harvey Hertzler, who is a partner with our subject; Lin- neus B., a traveling salesman for the Champion Forge and Blower Company; Albert, who died at the age of three months, and Henry B., President of the Champion Forge and Blower Company. The devoted wife and mother was called to her final rest September 2. 1890, being in her fifty-fifth year. The family number many sincere friends and acquaintances in the community where they make their home, and Mr. Keiper's influence is often solicited in the promotion of leading move- ments which have in view the upbuilding of the city.
A DAM PONTZ. Among the enterprising and successful business men of Lancaster is this gentleman, who is popular in all circles where he is known. He is one of the vete- rans of the late Civil conflict, having a war record of which he may well be proud, as he served faith- fully for four years and three months in the de- fense of the Stars and Stripes, and took part in many of the important battles of the war. He is a staneli Republican, having supported the party since arriving at his majority.
A native of Lancaster, the birth of our subject occurred July 6, 1840, his parents being George and Ehzabeth ( Muscatnus) Pontz, whose history
is given in that of his elder brother, Jacob, which may be found elsewhere in this volume. Adam Pontz was reared in this city, where he attended the common schools, but was only eleven years old when he began working in a brick yard. Later for a few years he was employed in a cotton mill. and then. the War of the Rebellion coming on. he enlisted in Company K, Seventy-seventh Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was mustered into service at Pittsburg. As one of the soldiers of the Army of the West he was in the battles of Shiloh, Stone River, Chickamauga. Chattanooga and others, after which he returned home on a thirty days' furlough, rejoining his regiment at Blue Springs, Tenn. From there until reaching Atlanta he was with his regiment in numerous engagements and encounters with the enemy, and then fell back to Nashville, from which city he was sent to Texas to be placed on guard duty. In December, 1865, he received an honorable discharge at Victory, Tex., and was mustered out at Philadelphia on the 16th of the following January. Ile had never been off duty up to the time he arrived in Texas, where he was for a few weeks in the hospital with a fever. Though he had many narrow escapes he was never captured nor wounded. Enlisting as a private, he was promoted to the rank of Corporal. then Ser- geant, and was mustered out as Orderly Sergeant.
Until the fall of 1867 Adam Pontz worked in the brick yard for Fred Coonley, and then in part- nership with George Singleton bought out his inter- est. A year later the latter's portion was bought by our subject's brother Jacob, and the firm became A. Pontz & Bro. They continned this connection until 1885. when they dissolved partnership, each taking the management of one of the brick yards, which they owned in common. There are nearly nine aeres in the one which our subject operates, and the three kilns have a capacity of about four million brick per annum, part of this being made by machinery and the rest are hand pressed. There are large sheds for storing and drying, and a thirty-five horse-power engine. The clay which is used is of a very superior quality, and during the busy season about forty hands are employed to carry on the work.
In 1868 Mr. Pontz wedded Susan Shay, who
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was born and reared in this city. She is the daughter of Michael Shay, who was formerly also engaged in the manufacture of brick. Mr. and Mrs. Pontz have become the parents of six chil- dren: William II., a brickmaker; Frederick, who is a carpenter; Walter. a painter by trade; Gertie; Bessie and Philip S. Mrs. Pontz is a member of the Church of God, and presides over her pleasant home with grace and hospitality.
For some years our subject has been investing quite extensively in real estate, and in company with his brother JJacob has built lifteen residences. Ile also owns his home at No. 768 East Chestnut Street, and four acres of land within the city limits. Ile is now erceting a substantial briek residence in the eastern part of the city, and is doing a good share of the improvement and upbuikling of Laneas- ter. Though not at present connected with the so- cieties, he was formerly an Odd Fellow and a Knight Templar, but still holds membership with Admiral Reynolds Post No. 405, G. A. R.
DWARD C. HALL is proprietor of the Delmonico Hotel, which is noted for hay- ing the finest bar room in the city, it hav- ing been equipped at a cost of over $6,000 and its location being very central, at No. 133 Penn Square. Mr. Hall also instructs select classes in daneing, being the only master of this science in Lancaster.
Born in Strasburg, Laneaster County, September 1, 1855, Mr. Hall is a son of A. Carpenter and Eliz- abeth (Train) Hall. both likewise natives of this county. The paternal grandfather, Isaac Hall, was born in Chester County, Pa .. and was a miller by trade, being for years proprietor of Mussleman's Mill. He was of English deseent and comes of an old Quaker family, his father having emigrated from England to become a pioneer of Chester Coun-
ty. Isaac Hall participated in the War of 1812, and led a life of industry and usefulness, his death oe- eurring in Strasburg at the age of seventy-one years. A. C. Hall followed the same calling as his father and carried on the old mill for a number of years. In August, 1861, he enlisted in the War of the Rebellion, being a member of Company K, Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania Infantry, and with them taking part in many battles, being a part of the Army of the Cumberland. He served faith- fully until January, 1865, when he returned home, but did not resume his milling on account of poor health. Locating in Lancaster, he made this eity his home until his death, in 1884, at the age of seventy-one years. He was a very patriotie man, and at the time of his enlistment was over the re- quired age, as his years entitled him to exemption from duty, and in polities he voted with the Dem- veratie party. His wife, who is of English descent, is still living in this city, and eight of their nine children yet survive, three being residents of Can- ton, Ohio, and the others living in this city.
Edward C. Hall passed his first few years in the city of his nativity, but since 1861 has been al- most continuously a resident of Lancaster. Ilis educational advantages were those of the public schools, and on becoming of suitable age he entered the employ of the Conestoga Cork Works on Lo- eust Street. On becoming proficient in the manu- facture of corks he was made foreman of the works of G. W. Dodge & Son, serving in that capacity for about eight years. In 1882 he formed a part- nership with W. J. and Gideon Arnold, and bought out the Cadwell Conestoga Cork Works, which were destroyed by fire. The firm removed then to Fulton and Lime Streets, where they built up the present Conestoga Cork Works, and about a year later Mr. Ilall sold out his interest, afterward re- turning to the Lancaster Cork Works as foreman until the concern failed. April 18, 1885.
Subsequently our subject became proprietor of the Schiller House on North Queen Street, and operated the same for three years, after which he purchased the Delmonico Hotel, and has since car- ried this on. It has been greatly remodeled and improved, being one of the best hotels in the city. In this building there is a good hall, which is very
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useful for danees, and in October, 1878, the Pro- fessor opened the first dancing school in the city, and has continued in this line more or less ever sinee.
The marriage of Mr. Hall and Miss Sarah M. Afflebael was celebrated in this eity August 4, 1875. The lady was born in Laneaster, and is the daughter of Daniel and Susan Afflebach, the former being a briek manufacturer by occupation. The four children of our subject and his wife are, Mabel, who is attending the high school, being a member of the Class of '95; Charles, Walter and Rach. The parents are members of the Grace Lutheran Church, and are active in social affairs. Mr. Hall belongs to the Junior Order of American Mechanics, to the Knights of Pythias, Artisans and Elks. Politieally he stands by the men and measures advocated by the Democratic party.
J OHN OCHS, of Lancaster, is engaged in busi- ness at No. 366 South Queen Street, a hand- some building of brick, which was erected by him. This building is three stories in height, is 30x36 feet in dimensions, with an annex 16x34 feet and three stories in height. Here Mr. Ochs runs a grocery, flour and feed business, and has succeeded in building up a fine trade. In many of the local affairs of the eity he takes a prominent part, and is justly considered one of the leading business men within her borders.
Mr. Ochs was born September 19, 1832, at Wur- temberg, Germany, being a son of Martin and Lucia (Ilousman) Ochs. The former was a na- tive of the same locality, and learned the trade of making nails, which business he followed during most of his life. lle was a member of the Luth- eran Church, in the faith of which he died in 1846, aged fifty-nine years. His wife departed this life in 1850, being then in her sixty-first year, as her
birth occurred in 1790. By her marriage she be- eame the mother of seven children: Gottlieb, who died in Germany; Elias, who emigrated to this country and followed his trade in the iron works of this eity; Christian, whose death occurred in the Fatherland; Frederick, a tanner by trade, who passed his life in Wurtemberg; Joanna, John and Margaret.
In the excellent national schools of Germany, our subject was a student until about fourteen years of age, when he commenced serving an ap- prenticeship which covered three and a-half years. The calling which he then learned and followed was that of making combs. In 1854 he left his native land, and after his arrival in the United States, was for a short time a resident of Laneas- ter. Afterward he worked on farms in different places while he learned the English language, and in 1856 permanently settled in this eity. For some two years he worked in Graham's Comb Fac- tory, and then started in business for himself as a flour and feed dealer on South Queen Street, con- tinuing there until 1874, when he purchased the property where his plant is now situated. Hle em- ployes two men and runs a delivery wagon con- stantly in order to supply his customers.
For two terms Mr. Ochs served as a member of the City School Board, and has always been greatly interested in educational affairs. le is liberal on the question of politics, though he favors the De- mocracy, and was for one term a member of the Common Council. In the Citizens' Electric Light Company he holds considerable stock, and is like- wise interested in the Street Railway, and is one of the Directors of the Maennerchor Hall Associa- tion. Fraternally he is identified with Matamora Lodge No. 2, Order of Red Men, having passed through all the chairs; belongs to Monterey Lodge No. 242. I. O. O. F .; to Lamberton Lodge No. 476, F. & A. M., and to the Order of the Seven Wise Men.
For a period of ten years Mr. Ochs was Seere- tary of the St. Stephen's German Lutheran Church, and is President of the Vestrymen. May 11, 1856, was celebrated his marriage to Miss Christiana llitzler, and of their union were born the follow- ing children: Catherine, wife of Jacob F. Koutz;
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Charles E., a salesman in Pittsburg; Elizabeth, Mrs. Adam Kuhlman, the latter being a blacksmith re- siding at the home of our subject; John, deceased: Christian P., in the employ of the Adams Express Company of this city; John ; Emma, whose death occurred at the age of two years, and Anna 1. Mr. Ochs is a man of true worth, and is much re- spected by those who have the pleasure of his ac- quaintance. He has acquired his fortune and influence in the community by his native charac- teristies of industry and perseverance in whatever he undertakes.
1 OIIN F. PONTZ, formerly occupying the re- sponsible position of Superintendent of the Water Works in Lancaster, is carrying on a profitable business as a contractor, painter and decorator, having a well equipped establish- ment and commanding the larger portion of the trade in the city.
Our subject was born in this city February 4, 1862, and is the son of George Pontz, also a na- tive of Lancaster and in turn the son of JJacob Pontz. The father of our subject was a painter by occupation and during the late war. in 1864. enlisted as a member of Company K, Seventy- seventh Pennsylvania Infantry. lle served until the establishment of peace, after which he returned home and took up his trade, having his shops lo- cated on West King and Mulberry Streets. In 1879 he removed to the location now occupied by our subject, where he carried on business until his decease. October 28, 1890, at the age of fifty-five years. He was a thorough musician, and although making a specialty of campaign music, also sang in the Lutheran choir.
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