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 32
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The maiden name of our subject's mother was Amanda C. King. She likewise was born in this city and was the daughter of John King, a boot and shoe maker. Mrs. Pontz is now deceased, pass- ing away April 14, 1893, and leaving three sons, of whom our subject is the eldest. Ile was educa-
ted in the public schools, and in 1877, when the time came for him to choose a calling in life, he be- gan learning the trade of a painter and has reached the top round of the ladder in this branch of work. In 1890 he became the proprietor of the White Horse Hotel, which he operated for only a few months, and on the death of his father he sold out and took charge of the paint shops. Since that time he has completed the painting and decorating on the new court house, Lutheran Church, City Hall, besides numerous other public buildings.
In 1892 Mr. Pontz was appointed by the City Council as Superintendent of the water works, and while holding that position put in new pumps and made other necessary improvements. The lady whom he married December 25, 1881, was Miss Clara J. Shaw, a native of Montgomery Coun- ty, this state. By her union with our subject there have been born two daughters, Elizabeth and Cleo.
Socially Mr. Pontz is a Knight of Pythias, be- longing to Lodge No. 88, and also is connected with the Slatemaster Painters' Association. Like his father before him, he belongs to the Lutheran and Germania societies. In politics he is a believer in Democratic principles and has represented his party on various occasions to county and state conventions. For a number of years he was a member of the volunteer fire company and during that time was delegate to the firemen's convention. lle is very prominent in local affairs and was the first President of the local Painters' Association in Lancaster.
EORGE II. DARMSTAETTER, who has with efficient ability occupied various offi- cial positions of trust in his present local- ity. is well known and highly respected through- out the community. He is of German birth, having been born in Hesse-Darmstadt, October 4, 1827, and is a son of George and Mary E. ( Locfler) Darmataetter. The parents of our subject were married in Germany. To them were born seven
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children, as follows: Anna Mary; Mary C., who mar- ried and came to this country and died in Illinois; Eva Mary, who was killed on a canal boat near Buffalo, N. Y .; George Il., our subject; Magdaline, who also passed away in Illinois; Rev. J. Adam, a minister of the Lutheran Church at Columbia, Pa .; and Elizabeth, wife of John B. Diger (deceased), a resident of Harrisburg, Pa.
The father of our subject was a hotel keeper in Germany, and was also a butcher by trade. He served as a soldier in Napoleon's War for two years, taking part in several hard fought battles. He was born January 24, 1791, and departed this life January 20, 1810, at the age of forty-nine years. The mother was born February 20, 1799, and passed away March 13. 1863, at the age of sixty-four, in Lancaster.
Our subject emigrated to this country in 1848, accompanied by his mother, and landed in New York City September 14 of the same year. He came direet to Lancaster, arriving in this city on his birthday, and for forty-six years he has made his home here. Mr. Darmstaetter was united in marriage March 21, 1850, with Miss Juha Drepperd, and to them were born three children, namely: George II. (deceased); Mary Elizabeth and Anna C. Mrs. Darmstaetter was called away to her final rest April 19, 1856, at the age of thirty-four years. Our subject was married the second time February 1, 1864, to Miss Barbara C. Beek, and the result of this union was ten children, Magdalene, John Adam, Katie, Louie, Emma, Dorothy, Marie, John George, Anna Mary, and Martin Luther. John Adam, Dorothy, Marie and John George died when young.
Politieally Mr. Darmstaetter is a stanch Demo- erat, taking an active part in polities. He is a men- ber of the German Lutheran Church and has served as a Vestryman for over thirty years. For six years he served as Common Councilman, and as Select Councilman for one term, refusing re-elec- tion. lle always took an active part in all ques- tions coming before the couneil and is well posted in the issues of the day. He represented the Southeast Ward when there were but four wards in the town, and afterward the Seventh Ward. In 1882 he was elected a member of the School Board,
and is now serving his fifth term satisfactorily to all. Ile is a candidate at the present time for Jury Commissioner of Lancaster. He is a progres- sive and publie-spirited citizen, ever ready to do his full share in matters of public welfare, and is numbered among the leading men of Lancaster County.
OSEPH B. MeCASKEY., D. D. S .. is one of the oldest dentists engaged in practice in Lancaster, having learned his profession in this city, and having had his present office since 1864. He is skilled and has the reputation of being one of the finest dentists in the state. making a specialty of crown and bridge work, in which he is particularly advanced. His eldest son, Harry, and his son Joseph B., Jr., are, like their father, men of experience, and are now in business with him.
Dr. MeCaskey was born in Leacock Township, Lancaster County, in 1839, being the second son of William MeCaskey, who owned and operated a farm in that township. Our subject's brother, Prof. J. P., is represented elsewhere in this volume and isalso a man of wide reading and a noted citi- zen of this county. The boyhood of our subject was passed on his father's farm, and in 1843 he came to this city, where he secured a good educa- tion in the common and high schools. About 1854 he first turned his attention to dentistry, studying with Dr. Whiteside, one of the pioneer dentists of this city. About 1861 our subject be- gan practicing for himself in Hanover, York Coun- ty, and three years later permanently located in tins city, opening his office at No. 11 East King Street, which has since been his headquarters. His whole time has been devoted to practice and he has neglected no study or effort that would place him in the front rank of his profession. He is Pastmaster of Dental Surgery and erown and bridge work, in which great advancement has been made of late years. The former method of extracting a
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number of sound teeth and resorting to the old fashioned plate is now largely abandoned, as the plates were so unsatisfactory and so evidently false. Providing two or three good sound roots are left in the jaw of the patient, modern dentistry has proved that they can be so utilized as to form a secure foundation for teeth set upon a bridge. and in one method or another, according to cir- cumstances, attached to the aforesaid roots. There are many methods in use among dentists, and some- times it is found that one and sometimes another process is best suited for a given case, and in this, good judgment, skill and experience on the part of the dentist are absolutely necessary in order to secure the best results.
In 1857 Dr. MeCaskey married Miss Fannie Connell, who was born in Lancaster, and they have three children: Harry, Joseph B., Jr., and Clothilda. The home of the family is pleasantly situated at No. 320 North Duke Street. The young men have received the best of practical training from their boyhood in the office of their father and are perfectly competent in their profession. Joseph graduated in the Class of '90, from the Philadel- phia Dental College. In politics the Doctor and his sons use their votes and influence in the sup- port of the Republican party.
GILLIAM A. HALBACHI has one of the best equipped general job print- ing offices in Lancaster, and numbers among his patrons the leading business men, and also does the city printing. He has been blessed with prosperity of late years in his business vent- ures and employs good workmen, who are thor- oughly familiar with the finest class of trade print- ing.
Our subject is a son of Henry G. and Sarah (Weidle) Halbach, and was born March 9, 1862, in Lancaster. The father, also a native of this place, learned the shoemaker's trade, which he followed
exclusively during his active carcer. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias and was an Odd Fellow. Politically he voted with the Democracy, and in his religious faith held membership with the Trinity Lutheran Church, taking quite an active part in the various lines of its work. In his family were three children, William A. being the eldest. Mary A. is the wife of Milton Weidle, a Teller in the First National Bank of this city. Grace is the wife of Grant Mentzer, who is in charge of the dry-goods department of the firm of Williamson & Foster, of Lancaster. The father departed this life in 1872, aged thirty-four years, but his wife is still living.
The educational privileges of our subject were those afforded by the grammar and high schools of Lancaster. Ile had almost finished his high school course when his father's death occurred, and as he was the only son he was obliged to seek employment in order to assist in the support of the family. To that end he began an apprentice- ship as a printer with the New Era, remaining there for four years, and then serving as a journeyman for another year.
Completely mastering the details of the trade, and being very industrions and economical, young llalbach saved enough money to start in business on his own account in a very modest way. There- fore, in 1882 we find him embarking on his busi- ness career at No. 5 North Duke Street, where he engaged in job printing work, published the Week- ly Ledyer, Market Directory and other similar sheets. On his removal to No. 41 East King Street his business continually increased until, in order to meet the demand, he was obliged to se- cure larger quarters on Grant Street. For two year's he was a member of the firm of Halbach & Lefever, but bought out his partner and continued the business alone on Grant Street until 1887, at which time he rented the Lancaster Skating Rink, which he operated and fitted up for a variety show. At the end of a year and a-half, this prov- ing a complete failure and his losses having amounted to $6,000, he returned to his former oc- cupation, and in 1889 came to where he is now situated, at No. 14 East King Street. Ilere may be found improved presses, many varieties of type
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and everything necessary in conducting a first- class job printing business, and employment is given to nine compositors.
Mr. Halbach is a Democrat and is identified with the Young Men's Democratic Society. Socially. he belongs to Lodge No. 68, K. of P .. Monterey Lodge No. 242, I. O. O. F., Can-as-sa-te-go Tribe, No. 203, Order of Redmen; the German Turnvere- in Social Club; the Germania Singing Society and the Schuitzen Verein. He was one of the pro- moters of the Young Men's Democratie Society Band.
May 11, 1888, Mr. Halbach was united in mar- riage with Miss Emeline T. McCulley and they have had two sons, Allen Il., who died at the age of eight months, and Robert C. Mrs. Ilalbach is the youngest daughter of Robert C. MeCulley, a prominent citizen, who is engaged in the foundry business.
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YRUS W. STRICKLER for the past four years has been engaged in carrying on his valuable farm near the village of Creswell. He is a practical and thorough agriculturist, who in his farm work has met with a fair degree of suc- cess. and of late he has turned his attention to selling leaf tobacco and doing a general manu- facturing business in this line. Since his boyhood Mr. Striekter has been well known in these parts, and the high esteem in which he is held by those who have known him a lifetime is the only com- mendation he needs to a stranger.
The birth of C. W. Strickler occurred June 21, 1855, on his father's old homestead at Wisler's Run. Ilis parents were Obed and Magdalena ( Wisler) Strickler. The latter name is of German origin, the paternal great-grandfather of our sub- jeet, who bore the Christian name of Joseph, hav- ing been a native of the Fatherland, and in an
early day came to the United States. Ilis son, .Joseph, was born in York County, Pa., where he was reared and passed the most of his life. Near York Village he built a gristmill, which he oper- ated for a number of years, and afterward farmed near Goldsboro, there owning a place of one hun- dred acres. lle was a Democrat and was a minis- ter of the Dunkard Church. By his marriage with a Miss Leib he had five sous and two daughters, namely: Rebecca, Obed, Eli, Elizabeth, Henry, Jo- seph and Reuben. On the 31st of July, 1828, oc- curred the birth of the son Obed, the father of Cyrus W. He was reared in York County to agri- cultural pursuits, winch he followed extensively. After his marriage he removed to this county and became the owner of a farm comprising one hun- dred and forty-five acres in Manor Township, on which he raised tobacco to a large extent. Like his father before him he was a Dunkard, and polit- ieally a Democrat. By his first wife, a Miss Mil- ler, he had two sons, John and David, and after her death he married Miss Wisler, whose father, Jacob Wisler, was a well-to-do farmer, owning the place which has now come into possession of our subject. By this union were born four sons and three daughters, C. W., Mary K., Martin, Agnes, Elizabeth, Jacob and Enos W. Jacob died at the age of eight years, and the daughters became the wives of respected citizens of this community. The father departed this life July 15, 1888, when nearly sixty-six years of age, and his wife's death occurred September 17, 1890.
Cyrus W., who is the eldest child in his father's family, attended the district schools of Manor Township. and until nineteen years of age gave his dutiful assistance to his father in carrying on the farm. After his marriage he assumed charge of the Wisler farm, which belonged to his father. This valuable and improved place consists of one hun- dred and fifty-two acres, and for a period extend- ing over sixteen years Mr. Strickler assiduously devoted himself to its proper management. In 1890 he removed to an adjoining farm, having sold the old home, and is still living on this place. lle helped to elect Cleveland and is a stanch sup- porter of the Democratic party. Socially he is a member of the Artisans' Society of Columbia, and
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in everything pertaining to the general good en- deavors to do his share.
On the 13th of November, 1872, Mr. Strickler married Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob B. Frey, a well-to-do farmer of Manor Township, who owns property near the village of Creswell. To our subject and his estimable wife were born five sons, namely, Ira F., Aros F., Willis F., Simon F. and Jacob F.
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H ENRY E. MUTILENBERG, M. D., has for over twenty years been engaged in the practice of his profession. He comes of an old and prominent family in this state and the name is inseparable from the history of this and adjoining counties. Jhs great-grandfather, Rev. Henry E., was born in Trappe, Montgomery Coun- ty. in 1755, being a son of Rev. Henry Melchoir Muhlenberg, a native of Germany, who received a fine education and became a minister in the Luth- eran denomination. Ile was born September 2, 1711, sailed for America in 1743, and came to Phil- adelphia re-organizing the seattered Lutherans in congregations. lle preached in Pennsylvania and New York. Ile was the head of the church for a number of years, being a pioneer, and in his honor Muhlenberg College at Allentown was founded. His death occurred in 1787, and only three years later his son, Rev. Ilenry, before referred to, beenme a resident of Lancaster, and here his death oceur- red in 1815. Ile was a great botanist and was known as the Linnæus of America. Ilis son, Dr. Frederick A., the next in line of descent, was born in this city about 1794 and was graduated from the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania as Doctor of Medicine, practicing in Lancaster until shortly before his death in 1867.
Our subject's father, whose Christian name was Henry E., was born in 1816 and was the eldest son in his father's family. Like him, he also was grad- uated from the Medical Department of the I'ni- versity of Pennsylvania and made Lancaster his
field of practice during his active career. For two terms under Grant's administration he was Col- lector of Internal Revenue, but before the second term was completed he was summoned from this life, in July, 1877. Hle was a leading member of the fraternity in these parts, was active in local enterprises, being a member of the Council and School Board, and was also one of the founders of the Lancaster Medical Society. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Catherine Cameron, was born in this city, being a daughter of John Cameron, a native of Lancaster County, and a brother of Simon Cameron.
The Cameron family is of Scotch descent, and they have long been numbered among the best citizens of this state. Mrs. Muhlenberg departed this life in 1860. She had a family of seven chil- dren. One of these, John C., is a Paymaster in the United States army. William was a Lieutenant in the Second Pennsylvania Infantry and died in the service, and Charles E., the youngest living, resides in Kansas.
Dr. Muhlenberg, of this article, was born and reared in Lancaster, his primary education being obtained in the common schools. Later it was his privilege to supplement his studies by a course at Yates Institute, after which he began studying medicine with his father. With this good begin- ning as a foundation he entered the Medical De- partment of the University of Pennsylvania in 1869, and two years later, on his graduation, re- ceived the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Return- ing to his native city he has been engaged in prac- tice ever since with the exception of three years, from 1874 to 1877, which time he passed in Boston, New York and Philadelphia in the United States Marine Hospital service. In 1871 he was for a time with the preliminary survey of the Texas Pacific Railroad. His life has been very active, and it is worthy of mention that three of his family in succession have been engaged in medical prac- tice in this city during the most of this century.
In Wilkes Barre, Pa., in 1879, Dr. Muhlenberg married Miss Emma J., daughter of John P. Fell, a leading business man of that city. The Doctor is a Repubhean, having been connected with that party since its organization. Fraternally he is
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connected with the Masonic order, and has served on the Examining Board of Pensions for six years, comprising the term of Arthur's administration and a part of President Cleveland's first term. He stands at the head of his profession in this eity. numbering many of the best and oldest families as his regular elients. The Doctor is a man who is thoroughly abreast with the times, taking the best periodicals in the medical world and keeping up his studies regularly, thus in addition to his many years' practice keeping in touch with the leading thought of the times.
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F LI K. MYLIN is one of the old settlers and prosperous farmers of Pequea Township, Lancaster County, having his postoffice at Herrville. For over half a century his home has been on the farm where he still resides and of which he is now the owner. Ilis ancestors located at a very early day in this region, coming here with a colony of Mennonites, who have been very instrumental in the development and upbuilding of Laneaster County.
Jaeoh Mylin, the paternal grandfather of our subjeet, who followed agricultural pursuits, owned and carried on the identical farm which is now in the possession of his grandson, Eli K. He was a Whig prior to the formation of the Republican party, after which he became identified with the latter. Ile married Elizabeth Miller and their three children were John, Jacob and Eliza, who died in early childhood.
The father of our subject, John Mylin, was born December 25, 1806, in West Lampeter Township, receiving his education in the primitive schools of the day. From his youth he was strongly inclined toward agricultural pursuits, and in turn oper- ated the farm which now belongs to his son. He married Ehzabeth Kendig, and of their union eight children were born, only two of whom survive. Their names in the order of their birth
are as follows: Amos, Isaac. Eli K., Aaron, Mar- tin, Eliza, John and Jacob. The father of these children supported the Whig party by his ballot, and in later years was a Republican. Like his fa- ther he was a member of the old Mennonite Church, and had the respect and love of his friends and neighbors for his upright and honorable life.
The subject of this article was born May 2, 1833, on the old homestead, and his life passed uneventfully during his youth. Ilis days were spent in work on the farm and in play and sport of the country, and until nineteen years of age he pursued his studies in the neighborhood schools. From that time onward he has given his energies exclusively to farming. The homestead is a place of about one hundred and ten acres, well equipped with good fenees, barns and necessary outbuild- ings. Mr. Mylin keeps on hand good grades of live stock more than sufficient for his own family use, and has been particularly successful in this branch of work.
March 20, 1861, was celebrated the marriage of Eli K. Mylin and Miss Martha Charles, who was born in Pequea Township and there grew to wo- manhood. Twelve children have been born to this couple, eight of the number being boys. In order of their birth they are as follows: Lizzie, John, Benjamin, Frances, Charlie, Jacob, Eli, Ber- tha, Walter, Celia. Henry and Christian. Lizzie, the eldest daughter, became the wife of Isaiah Stay- man, and is a resident of Mt. Joy Township. The eldest son married Mary Grafe, and Franees is mar- ried to Harry Keen.
D AVID H. SHENK, M. D., a prominent phy- sieian of Lancaster, is engaged in the prae- tice of his profession in partnership with Dr. M. L. Herr. Our subject is a native of this county and was born in East Hempfield, July 20, 1850. Ilis father, Henry Shenk, was born near New Danville, as was also the grandfather, Rev. Ilenry Shenk, who was a minister and bishop in the
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Mennonite Church. The Doctor's ancestors sev- eral generations back came from Switzerland and the family name was originally spelled Schenck.
Henry Shenk owned the land which is now the site of the zinc and lead mines. The lead and nickel ore on his estate having been discovered, he was offered $75,000 for his farm. but refused to accept the proposition, and organizing a stock company, opened a mine and operated it for some time. lle was very successful for a number of years but eventually lost all his property. He then removed to Lancaster, where he engaged in the liquor busi- ness, carrying on a good trade until his decease, in 1852. Ile was a Whig in politics and took an aet- tive part in public affairs.
The maiden name of our subject's mother was Annie Barr. She was born on Willow Street, five miles south of Lancaster, and was the daughter of Samuel Barr, a farmer by occupation and of Ger- man descent. The mother died in 1874 leaving seven sons, three of whom now survive. Our sub- jeet lived in his native place until a lad of fourteen years, then removed with the family to Millersville, and there completed his studies in the normal school.
Young Shenk had always desired to lead a pro- fessional life and for two years he read medicine with Dr. S. T. Davis; at the end of that time he entered the Bellevue Hospital in New York City and after a period of two terms in that institution became a student in Long Island Hospital College, from which he was graduated in 1874 with the de- gree of Doctor of Medicine. Hle at once located for practice in Rohrerstown, this county, where he remained until 1894. March 15 of that year he came to this city and formed a partnership with Dr. M. L. Herr and they have a fine office located at No. 226 North Duke Street. Ile makes a spee- ialty of diseases of the nose and throat, and has be- come prominent in professional circles and sue- eessful in his practice.
Dr. D. II. Shenk was married in Millersville September 9, 1874, to Miss Jennie Bones, a native of this county, and to them have been granted two children, Grace and Mabel, the latter of whom died after having passed her fifth birthday. The wife and mother departed this life October 21, 1893,
greatly mourned by a large eirele of relatives and friends. She was a most estimable Christian lady and a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
The Doctor is physician to Lancaster County Prison for 1894, to which responsible position he was elected by the Board of Inspectors. Socially lie is an Odd Fellow, belonging to Herschel Lodge and Washington Encampment. In religious affairs he is a consistent member of the Methodist Episco- pal Church, and contributes liberally of his means toward its support. Politieally, he believes in Republican principles and never fails to cast a vote in favor of candidates of that party. lle belongs to the Lancaster City and County Medical Socie- ty, of which he has been Vice-President. Ile is likewise connected with the State Medical Asso- eiation and the Laneaster Pathological Society.
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