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 39
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Thomas Pendergast was married in 1879, in Elgin, to Miss Mary, sister of Judge Eugene Clifford. of Chicago. She became the mother of three children, Eugene, Madge and Fred. She de- parted this life in 1882. The second union of our subjeet occurred in 1888, at which time Miss Flora Mingle became his wife. She was born in Huntingdon County, this state, and has borne her husband a son, David Harold. Socially onr sub-
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jeet is a Knight of Pythias, belonging to the lodge in Elgin. In religious affairs he belongs to the First Presbyterian Church, and in politics votes the straight Republican ticket.
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AMUEL GONTNER, whose Postotliee ad- dress is Safe Harbor, is one of the most highly respected citizens of Conestoga Township, Lancaster County. His father, who bore the Christian name of Daniel, was born in Lebanon County, Pa., and in his early business career was a currier and tanner. Subsequently he abandoned that trade and became a contractor. From there he went to York County, Pa., where under his supervision the York Furnace was constructed. During the War of 1812, he was a member of the Light Horse Cavalry and at all times, whether in peace or war, was patriotic and ready to surrender Ins personal interests for the benefit of the general pubhe. In his political belief he was a Republican, and religiously was identified with the Lutheran denomination. During lus last years he was en- gaged in farming in Conestoga Township and then lived retired from active cares until his death, which occurred in 1873. His first wife was a Miss Albright and bore him two sons, George and Will- iam. His second wife bore the maiden name of Caroline Garett, and her children are named, Sam- uel and John.
Samuel Gontner was born in Shaeferstown, Lebanon County, Pa., November 10, 1821, and there passed his early years. Hle received a good common school education in Conestoga Township and also in the schools of Lower Chanford Town- ship, York County, in which districts his father the other members of the family happened to be living. On leaving school at the age of nineteen years he devoted his energies to the millwright's trade and after learning the business made it his principal occupation in life. By means of his inher- ited qualities of industry, perseverance and thrift
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he has made a good living for himself and family and is surrounded with the necessities and comforts of life. For the past fifty years he has made his home in this township and bears an excellent reputation for his worthy qualities among his neighbors, who have known him for years and have thus had ample opportunities for becoming familiar with his abilities and traits.
November 9, 1842, Mr. Gontner was married to Miss Mary A. Hess, who was born in the year 1826 in Manor Township. Mrs. Gontner is a lady of amiable disposition and has been a true wife and loving mother. Eight children have blessed their home, five of the number being sons, and only one of the family circle has been gathered to the bet- ter land by the angel of death. In the order of their birth they are as follows: Sarah A., Mrs. Hart- man: Catherine, deceased; Abram, John, Aaron, Lizzie, Charlie and Daniel. In his political views Mr. Gontner is, like his father formerly was, a stanch Republican.
HARLES F. NEWELL will form the sub- ject of this notice. Ile is now engaged as a paper hanger and artistic decorator at Lancaster. He was born August 18, 1856, at West Philadelphia. His father, Samuel Newell, was born in the same place, as well as his grandfather, who was a butcher by trade. Our subject's father was an auger manufacturer, and was a foreman of a large shop for fifteen years prior to his death. which occurred in 1860. He was sixty years of age at the time of his death. Politically, he was a Whig originally, but later joined the Republican party. In religious matters he was a member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church.
Our subject's mother, Mary (Jenkins) Newell, was a native of Philadelphia and of Scotch-Irish descent. She still resides in Philadelphia. Of her six children, four are now living, our subject being the youngest. llis brother James was in a Penn-
sylvania regiment during the Civil War. He was a politician and died while a member of the Legis- lature, in 1878, aged forty-four years. He had been a member of that body for ten years consec- utively.
The subject of this sketch was reared in West Philadelphia, receiving a good common-school edu- cation. When seventeen years of age he was ap- prenticed to learn the paperhanging and decorat- ing trade. He served four years and eight months, after which he traveled from place, working at his trade, visiting various parts of Pennsylvania and Ohio. In 1883 he came to Lancaster, and worked at his trade for J. D. Morton & Co., and four years later started in business for himself. lle then became a partner of Francis Brinkman, under the firm name of Brinkman & Newell. The former died in 1889, when his son William became a part- ner in the concern at No. 29 East Orange Street, but in April, 1890, the business was located at Nos. 13 and 15 East Orange Street, where a large and lucrative business is conducted. The com- pany employs fifteen workmen, and they do all of the railroad work between Philadelphia and Har- risburg for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. Our subject is superintendent of the entire business.
Mr. Newell was united in marriage, at Phila- delphia, in 1880, to Miss Mary Jackson, a native of New York City, and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mathew Jackson. Politically our subject affiliates with the Republican party. Ile is a mem- ber of the Odd Fellows' and Eiks' lodges, and also belongs to the Knights of the Golden Eagle in Philadelphia.
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ILLIAM O. MARSHALL, of the city of Lancaster, and the gentleman who has for the last fifteen years been Treas- urer of the School Board, and who is now actively engaged as a boot and shoe merchant, comes from an honored old family. Ile was born in Phila- delphia, October 12, 1840, and was the son of Mr. and Mrs. James Marshall. Our subject's Grand-
HENRY HARTLEY.
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father Marshall, with two of his brothers, came to Laneaster at an early day. Our subject's fa- ther was a shoemaker; he married and located in Philadelphia, in which city he worked at his trade until 1844, when he returned to Lancaster and became a manufacturer and retailer. In 1865 our subject became a partner of his father, the firm name being J. Marshall & Son. He is the eldest in his father's family. The father, who is seventy- eight years of age, has been an active member for many years of St. John's Free Episcopal Church.
Our subject's mother's maiden name was Maria Okeson, a native of Laneaster, and the daughter of John Okeson, who came from England. The mother died at the age of seventy years, leaving a family of six children, four of whom are living: William O., Mary A., George A. and Lizzie C. Our subject was the eldest in the family, and ob- tained a good common-school education. At the age of thirteen he was apprenticed to learn the printer's trade. He served five years and then became foreman of the composing room of the Evening Express, which position he held for two years, at the end of which time he entered Frank- Jin and Marshall College. He remained in college three years, until the close of the sophomore year. It will be remembered that that was during the Civil War period, and he enlisted in the Union army, and after the war took up his trade on the Express and other journals. HIis present boot and shoe business is located at No. 12 Center Square.
In 1868 Miss Mary Richards, the daughter of Luther Richards, of Lancaster, became his wife. Mr. Richards was one of the founders of the Ec- aminer and Herald. By the above marriage two children were born: Lillie R., a graduate of the high school, who married John S. Thackeray, of Philadelphia, and Charles L., also a graduate of the high school, and now a bookkeeper.
Our subject is a Republican in politics, and has served two years on the Common Council from the Third Ward. In 1877 he was elected a mem- ber of the School Board, and two years later he moved into the Fifth Ward and was re-elected. In 1879 he was made Treasurer of the School Board, and has held that position ever since. He is also
the Receiver of the school tax. lle is an honored member of the Masonie fraternity, belonging to the blue lodge, chapter, council and commandery, and has held nearly all of the chairs, and was at one time Deputy Distriet Grand High Priest. Ile is a member of St. John's Free Episcopal Church, and has been one of the Vestrymen for thirty-five years.
·H ENRY HARTLEY. This popular resi- dent of Lancaster occupies the responsible position of Chief of Police, and shows a splendid record in his official capacity. A jovial, pleasant gentleman, whom it is a pleasure to know, he has many warm, personal friends, not only in the city, but throughout the entire county. Hle is greatly interested in the welfare of the commu- nity, and by energy, tact and good judgment has greatly promoted the material welfare of the place. He deserves prominent mention for the valiant service rendered his country during the late war. While fighting gallantly for the Union he was wounded in the right arm, which he is still unable to use.
Our subject was born in Lancaster, July 24, 1840, and is the son of Gilbert R. Hartley, a na- tive of this county, who in turn was the son of Nicholas Hartley, a farmer in this county, and a soldier in the War of 1812. The latter was a member of the Reformed Church. and of English descent. Gilbert Hartley was also in early life a tiller of the soil, but in 1841 located in this city, where he engaged in the grocery business on West King Street. He was the proprietor of a good es- tablishment until 1852, when he sold out and be- gan the manufacture of brick at Harrisburg Pike. A man of progressive ideas, he was the first in this section to burn brick with coal, thus reducing the time of burning from five to two days. He died in January, 1863, when sixty years of age. He served acceptably one term as Alderman, and was always reliable in citizenship, kindly and consid-
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erate in neighborly associations, and honorable in his dealings. In religious belief he was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.
The mother of our subject, Mrs. Margaret (Zem- mer) Hartley, was born in this county, and was of German descent. She died April 27, 1893, when in her eightieth year. Five children of the pa- rental family lived to mature years, of whom three are now living. Henry, of this sketch, was reared in his native city, and received a good education in the common and high schools. After complet- ing his studies he learned the brickmaker's trade from his father, at which he worked from 1854 to 1859, and then apprenticed himself to a Mr. Born- ing to learn the trade of a carpenter. He was with him on the outbreak of the Civil War, and in 1861 enlisted, but was unable to join his com- pany for thirteen weeks on account of sickness. Later he joined Company K, One Hundred and Twenty-second Pennsylvania Infantry, and was mustered in as Corporal.
With his regiment, Mr. Hartley was sent to join the Army of the Potomac, and participated in the second battle of Bull Run, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. Having enlisted in the nine months' service, his term expired about that time and he returned home, and although importuned by his friends to remain there, he in 1863 joined Company K, Forty-ninth Pennsylvania Infantry, for three months. In the fall of that year he again tendered his services to the Union army for three years, and was mustered into Company I, Ninety-third Pennsylvania Infantry. He was soon promoted to be Sergeant, and remained with his regiment until discharged at the close of the war. Ile participated in the battles of Brandy Station and the Wilderness under General Grant, and when transferred to Sherman's command, was wounded in the hand at the battle of Fisher's Hill. In Deeem- ber, 1864, he, as a member of the Sixth Army Corps, occupied the front rank at Petersburg, and March 25 at that place he was wounded in the right forearm. Although seriously injured, he walked three miles with his knapsack to the field hospital. April 22 he was given a furlough, and returning home, was on the sick list for one year. He was honorably discharged at the close of the
war, in May, 1865, and when fully regaining his health, went to work for his father-in-law, Josiah Davish, making threshing machines.
In 1878 Mr. Hartley was elected Assessor of the Fifth Ward on the Republican ticket, and has been re-elected to the same position every succeeding year since. In 1888, under Mayor Edgly, he was appointed Sergeant of Police for a term of two years, and in 1894, under Mayor E. S. Smeltz, re- ceived his present appointment of Chief of the Police Department.
llenry Hartley was united in marriage October 18, 1868, in this city, with Miss Annie, daughter of the late Joshua Davish. To them were born two children, of whom the elder, Gilbert Henry, a high school graduate, is a practical printer, and engaged in the office of the Examiner; Blanche re- sides at home. Socially, our subject is a Knight of Pythias, and belongs to the George II. Thomas Post No. 81, G. A. R. In religious affairs he is a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church. Ile is very prominent in political life, and takes an ac- tive part in the Republican County Committee and the Citizens' Republican Club, of which he is a charter member.
OHN KENDIG, SR., one of the progressive agriculturists of West Lampeter Township, Laneaster County, whose postoffice is East Willow Street, now owns and operates the farm which was formerly the property of his father. Since his boyhood he has devoted his time and attention to the management of this place, and keeps abreast of the times in everything re- lating to agriculture. In all his dealings with his friends and neighbors his career has been marked with uprightness and justice, which have won for him their high esteem and respect. He is the grandson of George Kendig, who in the early part of this century was engaged in farming and mill- ing in West Lampeter Township. His farm com-
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prised about fifty aeres, and from that property and his mill he made a comfortable living for himself and family and became quite well-to-do. The mills which he operated were known as the Pew Mills, and farmers from all parts of the coun- ty and vicinity brought their grains there to be ground.
The father of our subject, whose Christian name was also John, was the son of Mr. and Mrs. George Kendig, being the second of the following children, George, Jolın, Abram, Martin, Benjamin, Daniel, Polly and Betsey. The two last named are now deceased. The grandmother's maiden name was Eshleman. On arriving at his maturity our sub- ject's father married Fannie, daughter of Abram Herr, a wealthy citizen of Lancaster County. To them were born four sons and three daughters, in order of birth as follows: John, the subject of this sketch; Abram, whose death occurred when he was three years of age; George; Abram, the second of the name; Elizabeth, Mrs. Herr; Fannie; and Barbara, who became the wife of Martin Mylin.
John Kendig received a good common school education in the district schools of Conestoga Township, which he attended quite regularly un- til arriving at his eighteenth year. Ile was born in 1815 on his father's farm in West Lampeter Township. After completing his primary educa- tion he attended the academy at Lititz, this eoun- ty, for about eight months. From his boyhood he had given much of his time to assisting his father in the care of his farm, and thus was early inured to the duties and work pertaining thereto. When he left school he engaged in farming with his brother-in-law in West Lampeter Township, where he remained for a year. For the two years follow- ing he assisted his mother in the care of the home- stead, and after it was appraised took entire charge of the place. Since that time he has given his best energies to the development and cultivation of the farm, and has succeeded in making it one of the best in the community. Everything about the place shows the careful attention bestowed up- on it by the proprietor, for he spares neither labor nor time in keeping things in first-class order. For a period of sixty years Mr. Kendig has dwelt in this neighborhood and has won a high reputation both
for his financial ability and for the manner in which he discharges his duties to the public at large. Ile has many sincere friends among his neighbors, who esteem him highly for his worthy qualities.
March 15. 1842, John Kendig was united in wedlock with Miss Maria Herr, and to them have been born eight children, four sons and four daughters: Francis K .; Ada, who became the wife of Franklin Barr; Mary, Mrs. Herr, Lizzie, Alice, Martin, John, Jr., and one who died in infancy.
In his political affiliations Mr. Kendig has long supported the nominces and principles set forth by the Republican party and takes great interest in its snecess.
A BRAIIAM SCHEETZ is senior member of the firm of Scheetz & Co., makers of fine custom shirts, underwear, collars and cuffs. Hle is a practical and experienced shirt-maker, and is very successful in this business, having a line trade in the city of Lancaster. He also deserved prominent mention as one of the boys in blue dur- ing the late war.
Our subject was born in Laneaster County, near Pennville, November 27, 1838, which was also the birthplace of his father. Christian, and his paternal grandfather. The latter was a well-to-do farmer in that locality, and of German descent. Ile was a prominent member of the German Baptist Church, and active in all good works in this community. The father of our subject followed the trade of a cooper, operating shops in Millersville, where he has a successful business career. Ile died in 1868, firm in the faith of the Lutheran Church.
Mrs. Catherine (Graybill) Scheetz, the mother of our subjeet, was born near Pennville, this coun- ty, of German descent. She is still living at the age of seventy-four years, residing at the old home. She reared a family of five children, of whom Abraham was the eldest. lle received a common-
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school education in Millersville, and when only thirteen years of age began to earn his own money by clerking in the grocery store of J. Buehler, in Lancaster. He remained with that gentleman for some time, and then filled the same position for other merchants until going to Elizabethtown, this county, where he obtained a situation in a general store. After a stay of two years in that place, he returned to this city. where he clerked until 1861, when, in the fall of that year, he en- listed in Company D. One Hundred and Twenty- second Pennsylvania Infantry. He first saw the sinoke of battle at Bull Run, which was followed by the battle of Chancellorsville. Young Scheetz very soon thereafter was taken sick with typhoid fever and confined in the hospital for three months. When fully recovered from this disease. he was afflicted with rheumatism, and being unable to re- port for duty, received his honorable discharge. and was mustered out of service in 1862.
When able to take up his former business, our subject went to Philadelphia and engaged to clerk in a dry-goods establishment, where he was em- ployed for several years, after which he started a small store on his own account, located on Race Street. Mr. Scheetz returned to Laneaster in 1864, where he opened up a retail dry-goods establish- ment, which he operated with fair success for tive or six years. He then sold out and again engaged as clerk until 1885. when he began the manufacture of shirts, buying out the stock of II. B. Shenk & Co. His place of business is located at No. 6 West King Street, and he gives employment to twelve men and women. He makes a specialty of the "Paragon " and " Perfection" shirts, and also makes all kinds of fine underwear. Hle disposes of his goods throughout the state and often goes upon the road himself to take orders.
Abraham Scheetz was married in this city in the fall of 1860, to Miss Louisa, daughter of Junius P. Marshall, a farmer of Chester County, this state. Their union has resulted in the birth of two chil- dren: Henry, one of the owners of the Royal Laun- dry Company in Allegheny, this state; and Mary A., who is now deceased.
Socially, our subject is a member of Admiral Reynolds' Post No. 405, G. A. R., and in politics
he is a true blue Republican, casting his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. He is a devoted member of St. John's Lutheran Church, and is active in all good works in his community. Mr. Scheetz oeeupies with his family a comfortable residence at No. 220 West Orange Street.
J OIIN S. GRAHAM is a member of the Com- mon Council from the Ninth Ward in Lan- caster and for many years has been prominent in progressive movements and the upbuild- ing of the city and county. He is numbered among the successful business men of the city, where he is engaged in the manufacture of horn combs, buttons and ornaments, being the only one in this enterprising branch of trade in the city and one of the most extensive manufacturers in the state. In his boyhood he was initiated into the business and is a practical workman in its various details. The firm with which he is connected is known as Dana Graham & Sons, and their goods are sold in all parts of the country.
The paternal grandfather of our subject was a farmer in Massachusetts, and there his son, Dana, was reared, his birth having occurred in Townsend Center, of that state. After serving an appren- ticeship in a comb manufactory, the latter started in business in Leomister, Mass., with Charles Joslin, with whom he continued for three years. In 1850 he became associated with John Shaffner and at the end of a year started a shop in this city. Peter Voris had owned a similar establishment in Lan- caster since 1835, being a pioneer in the business in Pennsylvania. The machinery of the new plant was brought from the east and the works were run by steam power. A good building in time was put up, some 31x50 feet in dimen- sions, adjoining the old factory of 40x63 feet. For several terms the senior Mr. Graham served as a member of the City Council from the Ninth Ward, and was the first Alderman elected from
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that locality, serving for five years. At one time he was in the State Militia during the war, lo. eated at Pt. Deposit. It was his privilege to travel considerably in different parts of the United States, and he was very active in civic societies, being a Knight Templar Mason. Past Officer and member of the Encampment of Odd Fellows, and having served in an official capacity with the Senior Or- dler of United American Mechanies. After a very useful and busy life he was called to his final rest. April 14. 1888.
The mother of JJohn S. Graham was born in Ver- mont and was in her girlhood Lucy M., daughter of Isaiah Grant. She is still living at the old home and is yet active in the work of St. John's Episco- pal Church, to which she belongs. She became the mother of five sons and five daughters, of whom six grew to manhood and womanhood and five are still living: Linnie, Mrs. Hersog, of Lancaster; Emma. a professional nurse and graduate of Block- ley Alms House, of Philadelphia; John S .. of this sketch; Dana II., Jr .. and G. Atlee.
was re-elected to that position. During this time he served on the Fire and Parks Committees, and took an active part in local legislation. As Foreman of the Grand Jury and a member of the Petit Jur- ies, his services have several times been in demand and he is well known as a true and tried Repub- lican. A member of Lodge No. 43, F. & A. M., of Chapter No. 43, R. A. M., he is also affiliated with Goodwin Couneil No. 19, and Lancaster Com- mandery No. 13, K. T. As an Odd Fellow he is connected with Lancaster Lodge No. 67. having served in these various orders in a number of official positions. Ile is Past Chancellor of the Knight of Pythias Lodge, having been Representative to the Grand Lodge.
The birth of our subjeet took place May 12, 1857, T HIOMAS MEYRICK is Chief Engineer for the Penn Iron Company, of Lancaster, and from his boyhood manifested marked ability and genius in this line of work. He was born in Dan- ville, Monteur County, Pa., May 26. 1850. Ilis grandfather, who bore the same Christian name, was born in Wales, and by trade was a boiler- maker. Ile emigrated to America, where he re- mained for two years, being employed in Colum- bia. Lancaster County. but finally returned to his native land, where his death occurred. in Lancaster, where his boyhood was passed, his time being largely spent in the public schools. Ile learned the business which he now follows in his father's shops, working successively in every de- partment and becoming familiar with every braneh. In 1881 he became a partner in the business since known as Dana Graham & Sons, the firm having remained the same since the death of the father. The factory is supplied with a forty horse-power boiler and a twenty horse-power engine, which were made in Massachusetts and shipped to this point. Our subject's father. Thomas Meyrick, was also born in Wales and followed his father's trade. On coming to America he settled in Minersville, and afterward was Chief Engineer in Danville. In the fall of 1862 he went to Columbia, on account of losing his right foot after an accident when in charge of a locomotive going on an excursion trip. In Kingston he had charge of engines and boilers in the Edwards Coal Mines and acted as an in- speetor. He is a thorough and practical mechanic in all lines, and is still active though now in his seventy-fourth year. His wife, who was in her maiden days Martha Southway, was born in Mon- When in full running order the works employ some sixty-five hands, who are mainly skilled workmen and who turn out every article imaginable made of horn and in demand in the trade. The location of the place is at No. 29 West James Street, where it was located in 1851. John S. Graham was married in 1878 in Lancaster to Miss Bertha Snyder, also a native of this city, and their home is pleas- antly located at No. 330 West James Street. Four children grace their union, their names in order of birth being: James, Ella, Joseph and Katie. It was in 1893 that our subjeet was elected to the Council for the first time and the following year | mouthshire, England, and died in Kingston, Pa.,
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