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 43
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which he made for a Harrisburg firm, and in time this branch of the industry became so extensive that thousands were shipped to every part of the United States, and orders from single houses were often for seven thousand at one time. On this ae- count the firm abandoned making edged tools and turned their attention to the manufacture of heavy goods. Henry A. being taken into partnership the firm became William Brady & Son, and in 1875 their business in this city was started in the old Rifle Works. The present plan wasstarted in 1887, and the location is now at Nos, 309 and 311 North Cherry Street, a two-story brick shop. 15x60 feet in dimensions. A special grade of iron is neces- sary in their trade, and besides the feed cutter mentioned, knives from six to twenty-six inches in length, sheares, corn shellers, ete., for which they have large sales, are made here. The engine is of fifteen horse-power with large boilers. Two steam hammers are used and two large grindstones 6x10 feet in dimensions, with other modern machinery, are to be found in the plant. In former years all the piek-axes in use in this part of the country, and also axes and hatchets, were manufactured by this firm, and in these lines they still maintain a large trade.
Our subject's father departed this life March 4, 1890, being nearly seventy-two years of age. In polities he was a stanch Republican, and religious- ly was a devoted member of the Union Bethel Church of God. His wife, Ann (Johnston ) Brady, was born in Virginia, where her father was a con- tractor and builder. Mrs. Brady's death occurred in 1886, and of her large family of twelve children, only two sons and two daughters survive to mourn her loss.
Henry A. Brady of this sketch is the ellest of his father's family, his birth having occurred in Mt. Joy, June 1, 1841, and in that village he passed his boyhood in attending the common schools, and afterward learned his father's business. In May. 1861, he volunteered as one of the first in the United States Marine Corps for a term of four years. He was at once sent to the St. Lawrence and thence to the Admiral's headquarters at Key West, Fla., being stationed in that vicinity for two years and three months, during which time he had
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an attack of the yellow fever. In March, 1862, he was at Hampton Roads witnessing the battle be- tween the "Monitor" and "Merrimac," and in June of that year became connected with the Eastern Gulf Squadron. Later being sent north to the Portsmouth Navy Yards, he was there stationed until his discharge May 13, 1865, being mustered out in Monise Navy Yards af Portsmouth, N. II., as Corporal. Returning home he entered his fa- ther's employ in 1868, being taken into partner- ship.
In 1866 Mr. Brady was married at Mt. Joy, to Miss Susan M. Shearer, a native of this county, and they have three children, Charles B., a prae- tical workman in his father's business; Edith, wife of E. D. Sprecher, of this place, and Lyman II., who is engaged in merchandising in Philadelphia.
Many varieties of goods manufactured by the firm of William Brady & Sons have found sale in foreign countries, particularly in Brazil and other South American states, which import cutlery, sheares and spears to a large extent. A brother of our subject, W. Scott Brady, is now a partner in the firm, with which he has been so connected since 1887. Hle is a fine mechanic and a thorough work- man, having learned his trade in his father's shop. He was born in Mt. Joy in 1860, and is numbered among the enterprising young business men of the city. Our subject is a Republican in polities and fraternally belongs to Admiral Reynolds Post No. 405, G. A. R., and is also connected with the Union Veterans' Legion No. 14, of which he is a charter member.
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R OBERT C. SELDOMRIDGE, who is named among the most enterprising merchants of the city of Lancaster, will form the sub- ject of this notice. He was born in Monterey, this county, December 31, 1862, and is a son of B. T. Seldomridge, a native of Lancaster County, born near New Ilolland. Our subject's grandfather, Isaac Seldomridge, was also a native of the same
county ; he was a farmer by occupation, in religious matters was a Lutheran, and died at the age of eighty years. Our subject's father learned the sad- dler's business, and established himself in the same at Monterey in 1860, and is still thus engaged. Ile has always been an active man, has been School Director for eighteen years, and is a member of the German Reformed Church, with which he has been identified for many years.
Our subject's mother's maiden name was Sarah Bursk, and she was born in Upper Leacock Town- ship, the daughter of Robert Bursk; the father was a native of Bucks County. The Bursk fam- ily trace their ancestry back to the time when three brothers were captured by the Indians, and one of the number lived to escape. He settled in Bucks County and had three sons; one of these was the great-grandfather of Robert Bursk. He was a blacksmith by trade and followed that. to- gether with farming, in the Upper Leacock coun- try. He died aged seventy-three; he was a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Our subject was the eldest of a family of five children, and he had the advantages of the com- mon school system of that day. In 1879 he began clerking in Lancaster, under D. S. Bursk, with whom he remained twelve years, the last three years of which he was the manager of a branch store in the West End. In 1891 he opened his present store in a new building, the same being 30x90 feet in size, with basement. Ile uses the third floor of his building for storage purposes. Ihs stock is a complete assortment of staple and fancy 'groceries. He is an importer of French peas, mushrooms, olives and olive oil from France, and all of his canned goods bear his own label. Our subject also does quite a wholesale business, and runs two delivery wagons regularly, employing from eight to eleven hands. His whole attention is paid to the grocery business, of which he has made a complete success. The location of his spa- cious store is at Nos. 18 and 20 North Queen Street.
Mr. Seldomridge was united in marriage June 16, 1886, at Intercourse, to Miss Hariel E. Sample, the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. S. R. Sample. Iler father is an old practitioner at the town of Inter- course. Three children bless the home of our sub-
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ject and his wife, Edna R., Florence A. and Robert B. Mr. Seldomridge is a member of the Odd Fel- lows' order, including Ridgley Encampment No. 217, and Lancaster Canton No. 25. He is also an honored member of the Masonic fraternity, being a member of Lodge No. 476, and Perfection Lodge, as well as being identified with Inland City Lodge No. 88. K. of P. In matters of religion, our subjeet is a consistent. active member of the Lutheran Church, and in polities votes the Republican ticket.
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H ENRY F. MYERS. M. D., is one of the promising young physicians and surgeons of Lancaster, and those who are best ac- quainted with his ability and the work he has ac- complished, confidently prediet for him a most sue- cessful career, and judging by the start he has made this seems bound to be fulfilled. He is a young man of more than ordinary intellect and informa- tion, and is prominently identified with several medical associations, literary and political societies. Dr. Myers was born in this city June 10, 1870, and comes of sturdy German ancestors, to whose ef- forts the development of this region is almost en- tirely due. Ilis father, Paul Myers, was born in Ger- many, and when only two years old was brought by his parents to America, and reared on a farm in Hempfield Township, Lancaster County. During the War of the Rebellion he was a member of Com- pany I, in a Pennsylvania regiment, and after the war engaged in the grocery business on North Queen Street for several years. He is now engaged in op- erating his sinall farm at Witmer's Bridge, near the city, and is toll keeper and Superintendent for two and a-half miles of the Lancaster and Williamston Turnpike Company, this road being the original Philadelphia Pike. Mr. Myers belongs to Admiral Reynolds Post No. 405, G. A. R., and is a leader in his neighborhood in the ranks of the Democracy. lle and his family are members of St. Anthony's Catholic Church. His wife, who was born in Rohrers-
town, is Mary P., daughter of Stephen Kern. The latter is a native of Germany, and a farmer of this county. To Paul Myers and his wife were born six children, five of whom are living. and of these Henry is the eldest. Charles S. is a graduate of the Dentistry Department of the University of Penn- sylvania, and the younger members of the family are Mary A., Albert and Clara L.
Dr. Myers graduated from the Lancaster High School in 1889, and is still a member of the Alumni Association of that institution. Soon after gradu- ating he took up the study of medicine under Drs. S. T. & M. L. Davis, and in September, 1890, entered the University of Pennsylvania, being enrolled in the Medical Department, from which he graduated June 16, 1893, with the degree of Doctor of Medi- cine. For about two months after leaving school lie was substitute for Dr. S. W. Miller in Lancaster County Hospital. The pleasant and central office of Dr. Myers is now located at No. 48 North Prince Street, and he is rapidly acquiring a fine reputation as a general practitioner. He is a member of the Lan- caster City and County Medieal Societies, and he still devotes much time to his further improvement, both in theory and practice. Like his parents and other members of the family, he is a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church, and is a member of St. Michael's Beneficial Society. Since attaining his majority he has been an active and zealous Demo- crat, belonging to the Young Men's Democratic As- sociation, and is a member of the County Commit- lee from the Fortieth Distriet.
1 OSEPII LONG, of Lancaster, makes a specialty of tin roofing, eave troughs and similar work in this line, having a good business and giving employment to upwards of a dozen hands. Ile was born in this city May 24, 1857, and is a son of Fred G. and Mary (Gegg) Long. The former came from Wurtemberg, Ger- many, in 1848, when in his twenty-ninth year,
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and worked as a journeyman in the Lancaster shops. His trade was that of a molder and core- maker and he followed this calling at different places in the Altoona ear shops among others, and finally, after his marriage, settled in Lancaster. Later he was engaged in conducting a notion store, but prior to his death was for some time engaged in the insurance business with the Prudential Life Insurance Company. He was a Democrat, and in religion was a Catholic, belonging to St. Anthony's Congregation. By his marriage he had thirteen children: Lewis; Joseph; Katie, who died when young; Mary. Frank A .. Amelia. Katie, the second of the name, who is also deceased; Katie; Edie, Harry, Albert and Rosa, and one died in infancy. The father of this family departed this life May 27, 1894, aged seventy-four years.
Joseph Long, of this sketch, learned the tin- smith's trade with Mr. Wallers, of Lancaster, serv- ing an apprenticeship of three years. Succeeding this he worked as a journeyman for a period of twelve years, and finally. in 1888, embarked in business for himself. As there are few engaged in this branch of work in the city he has received a large patronage and is making a success of his undertaking. Politically he is a Democrat, but has never been prevailed upon to serve in an offi- cial capacity. He is interested in the Union Build- ing & Loan Association; the Pennsylvania Mutual Life and the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Com- panies, and is also interested in fire insurance companies.
November 25, 1878, Mr. Long married Carohne Lunike and they have had eight children: Edward, deceased; Lillie, Charles, Mamie, Johnny. Alvicius, Fred and Joseph. They are members of St. An- thony's Cathohe Church, and Mr. Long is a mem- ber of St. Michael's and Leo Catholic Societies.
On the maternal side, Joseph Long is a descend- ant of Andrew Gegg, a native of Baden, Germany, who followed agriculture and served in the Ger- man army in the Napoleonic Wars. His daughter, the mother of our subject, came alone in 1854 from Baden, Germany, locating in Lancaster, and was married October 8, 1854. Joseph Long, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was a black- smith, and lived in Wurtemberg, Germany, where
he died when a young man. He was also in the German army and participated in the Battle of Waterloo.
D FRANK BUCHMILLER. This enterpris- ing young business man of Lancaster is engaged in the manufacture of bronze, steel and iron padlocks. He was born in this city August 8, 1860. and is the son of Robert Buch- miller. a native of Prussia. where he was engaged as an edged tool maker. On coming to America when a young man he immediately located in Lan- caster, where he established a gun and cutlery house, to which he later added that of ritles. Ile bore the distinction of being the first ritle manu- facturer in this section, and carried on a profitable business until his decease, July 8. 1×73, when forty-nine years of age. He was a Democrat in politics and a devoted member of Trinity Lutheran Church.
Mrs. Mary A. (Scheerer) Buchmiller, the mother of our subject, was born and reared in Philadel- phia and is still living, making her home with D. Frank. She became the mother of six children, of whom the following three are living: Emma, the wife of John T. Todd, living in Chester Coun- ty, this state; W. C., agent for the Adams Express Company in this city, and our subjeet, who was the youngest member of the family.
The original of this sketch received a good edu- cation, attending first the common and then the high school of his native city. He later took a course in the commercial college, and when com- pleting his business education, entered his father's shops and after mastering the business took charge of affairs. Mr. Buchmiller is a practical workman, and manufactures all kinds of padlocks, many of which he has patented himself. His place of busi- ness is located on Market and Queen Streets, where he has two shops, one 130x18 feet in dimensions and the other 70x22 feet, and both are three stories in height. They contain engines run during the
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winter months, but in the summer season the ma- chinery is operated with electric motors. Our subject gives employment to forty-five men, and has a capacity for turning out two hundred dozen locks per day.
In social affairs Mr. Buchmiller is a prominent Odd Fellow, belonging to Lodge No. 67, and Wash- ington Encampment. He is a consistent member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He is a stanch Demo- crat in politics, and by his straightforward and upright dealings has won the universal confidence of the people in his community, and it is therefore with pleasure that we present this brief sketch of his life to our readers.
I EUBEN K. SCINAADER, for a period ex- tending over twenty years, has been a dealer in tobacco, and has operated a far- tory on Grant Street, Lancaster. He is a worthy representative of an honored pioneer family of this county, to which his great-great-grandfather came in the early part of the eighteenth century from Germany, loeating in East Earl Township, on a farm that is still in the possession of his descend- ants. His son Jacob, the great-grandfather of our subject, was sent by his father to New York City to purchase a girl by meeting her expenses on the voyage, a common thing in those days, and in time the young man married her, very much to his fam- ily's disgust, and therefore he was compelled to leave home. He was one of the organizers of the Center Lutheran Reformed Church. During one bleak winter one of his children died and he buried it in the then rocky spot which became the site of the church and burial ground, and was then in the wilderness. He located four miles back from the Conestoga River in a dense forest, and proceeded to clear a farm with an ax and to make a little home for his family. There he remained until his death, when he was possessed of a thousand acres of land. At the age of seventy-five years he was again
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married, being dressed in a fine fashion for those days, in velvet coat, leather brooches and with sil- ver buckles on his shoes. He was born in 1735, and died in 1829, in his ninety-fifth year. His son Baltzer, the next in line of descent, was born in 1765, at the old homestead in Breakneck Township, and lived at the old homestead until his marriage with Barbara Kitzmiller, when he removed to Franklin County, and there learned to speak the English language. He engaged in agricultural pursuits there for several years, and then returned to become the owner of a farm of two hundred and seventy acres in the township where he was born, his residence being in a stone house, the first of the kind built in that portion of the county. This building is standing yet, and is in a perfect state of preservation.
The parents of our subject were Jacob and Lydia ((lime) Schnader. The former was born on Christ- mas Day, 1800, being the ninth in a family of four- teen children. To hunself and wife were born seven children, namely: Sophia, who died in in- fancy; Davis, Doris, Reuben K., William, Levi and Lydia. The father's death occurred November 13, 1861, while his wife, who died January 11, 1878, was nearly seventy-two years of age.
The subject of this sketch was born August 16, 1832, near what is now Fairville, East Earl Town- ship, of this county, and attended the subscription school of the district until fourteen years old. For five years thereafter he made Ins home on the old farm, and then went to Clearfield County to prospect for lime. Returning, he passed two years in his native township, and in company with his father conducted a dry-goods and gram busi- ness at Fairville. Afterwards he returned to Break- neck Township, where for eight years he devoted himself to farming. About 1869 he became a res- ident of Haneaster, and identified himself with the tobacco business, with which in one connection or another he has since been known. In this trade he employs thirty men, and has built up a large business in cigars and leaf tobacco. His methods are trustworthy and reliable, and his customers know that he is to be depended upon to keep the letter of his contracts.
In 1855 Mr. Schinader married Elizabeth Killian,
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and two children have been born of their union, Walter R. and Albert P. The elder son was born September 3. 1858; he received a good education both in the district schools and in those of this city. For several years he has assisted his father in his business, and is a young man of good ability. June 21. 1882, he married Clara. daughter of Philip Schum, of this city. The younger son of our sub- ject, Albert P., was born October 10, 1861, and is also in business with his father. and is enterprising and industrious.
Socially Mr. Sehnader is an Odd Fellow and a Knight of Pythias. Politically he is a Prolubi- tionist, and for six years served as a school Direc- tor in this place. For two decades he has been Sunday-school Superintendent of the Evangelical Church, and has also acted as one of its Trustees. He is a man who is well liked and has the sincere respect of all who have come in contact with him.
HRISTIAN GUNZENHAUSER. A com- pendium of the biographical sketches of the citizens of Lanea-ter County would be in- complete without an outline of the above gentle- man, who has gained an excellent and extended reputation as a baker and is one of the leading bu-i- ness men of Lancaster. He has done much toward enhancing the prosperity of his community in em- barking in this enterprise, and by his unceasing ap- plication to business has secured a competency.
Our subjeet was born in Wurtemberg. Germany. July 23, 1857, and is the son of Leonard Gunzen- hauser, also a native of the Fatherland, where he followed the miller's trade until his decease in early life. His wife prior to her marriage was Annie Kaufman. She was born in Wurtemberg. where she spent her entire life, dying firm in the faith of the Lutheran Church.
Of the parental family six lived to mature years, of whom our subject was the youngest born. He spent the first fourteen years of his life in his
native land. in the meantime attesiling the model schools of that country. In 1872 he embarked on a vessel which landed him in New York. whence he came to Lancaster and immediately apprenticed himself to Lawrence Goos to learn the baker's trade. He remained with him a twelvemonth, when he did journey work on his own account in Phila- delphia and New Jersey for ten years. He then established a business of his own and for two years carried it on in Lock Haven. Clinton County. At the expiration of that time he came to this city. and in 1883 bought the business of George Goe- bel, which he has operated ever since. It is lo- cated at No. 231 West King Street, and contains all the improvement- and conveniences found in a first-class establishment. Mr. Gunzenhauser gives employment to ten men and runs three wagons. Ile is the sole manufacturer of the genuine Vienna bread in the city. and does a large and constantly increasing business.
The original of this sketch was married in 1881 to Mis- Katie Schaefer. a native of this city, and to them have been granted three children: Mar- gery. Frank and Charles, In social affairs our subject is a Knight of Pythia, and is a member of the Maennerchor. He belong- to Zion's Lutheran Church. He is strictly honorable in all his deal- ing- and is therefore kindly regarded by all with whom he has to do. In politie- be votes inde- pendently. but i- a believer in America and Amer- icans, and advocates their attendance at the polls.
ETER N. WOHLSEN is clased among the intelligent. keen and thoroughly wide- awake business men of Lancaster. who are contributing very materially to its prosperity. Our subject, one of the leading contractors and builders of the city. is an efficient member of the School Board, representing the Seventh Ward, He
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was born in Hanover, Germany, August 24, 1858, and crossed the Atlantic when a lad of fifteen years.
The father of our subject, Peter N. Wohlsen, Sr., was also a native of the Fatherland, of whom further mention will be made in the sketch of William Wohlsen, a brother of our subject. Peter N., of this notice, was the fourth in order of birth of the parental family of seven children, and was reared to farm pursuits in his native land. Hle attended the common schools until deciding to emigrate to America, leaving home in the fall of 1873 on the steamer "Rhine," which made the trip across the Atlantic in twelve days.
Young Wohlsen came directly to Lancaster and for the first winter attended night school in order to become acquainted with the English tongue. Wishing to learn the carpenter's trade, he appren- ticed himself to his brother William, who was al- ready established in business in this city, and con- tinued to work for bim for four and one-half years. In 1877, however, he went west to Sterling, Rice County, Kan., where he remained engaged at his trade for nearly two years, and then returned to this city and again entered the employ of his brother.
In 1880 Peter N. Wohlsen was married to Miss Annie S., daughter of Charles Schwebel, a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, and a tailor by trade. After coming to America, however, he be- gan doing contract work in sewers and for three years was Street Commissioner. For fifteen years Mr. Schwebel served as Director on the School Board, and departed this life m June, 1890. His wife, Mrs. Maria (Schlosser) Schwebel, was also a native of Germany, but was reared to womanhood in this city.
In 1883 our subject began contracting and building, which he has followed with more than usual success ever since. Ilis first partner was his brother-in-law, Henry Elsen, with whom he carried on business for five years, but since that tune has operated alone. lle has a thorough knowledge of materials and modes of usage best adapted to va- rious kinds of buildings. He has erected several rows of houses in the city, and every piece of workmanship which he undertakes to perform gives entire satisfaction. At the present time he
is in Yonkers, N. Y., engaged in finishing the resi- denee of E. K. Martin of that place.
To Mr. and Mrs. Wohlsen there has been grant- ed a family of five children: Elizabeth C., Charles A., Peter N., Jr., Edna M., (deceased) and Lu- ther W. Our subjeet has always been interested in school affairs, and in the spring of 1893 was elected as Director from his district for a term of three years. In polities he is an ardent admirer ot Re- publican principles and belongs to the Republican Club in Lancaster. He is a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, to the support of which he is a liberal contributor. Ile is now erecting ten build- ings for himself and eight for Mr. Mettfett.
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