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 54
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Martin is a very practical man and a genius in more ways than one. He is also the inventor of the rack and pellet system of drying brick.
A native of England, our subject was born in Derbyshire, in 1832, and was reared and educated in Staffordshire. He is the son of George Martin, born in Derbyshire, and a mechanic. The mother of our subject died when he was an infant, and from the age of thirteen years he has made his own way in the world. Ile had eight brothers and sis- ters, four of whom are living at the present time. Ilenry learned the trade of millwright and carpen- ter under his father, after which he went to work in the largest brickyard in England, remaining thus employed until he was seventeen years old. Ilere it was that he gained his first knowledge of brickmaking, briek yard supplies, clay grinding, tempering machines, etc., and how well be turned his knowledge to account will be learned later on.
When a lad of seventeen years, our subject en- tered a builders' establishment in Birmingham, England, remaining there three years, during which time he mastered the carpenter's trade. Going to Liverpool at the end of that time he he- gan working in a more extensive establishment, and there laid the foundation for his success in life. Instead of idling away his evenings he took a course of instruction from teachers employed by the Young Men's Christian Association, among his studies being drawing and mathematics, in which he was deeply interested and made marvel- ous progress, becoming in a short time an expert at architectural and mechanical drawing.
In 1858, in company with friends, young Martin left home and crossed the Atlantic for the New World. For a time he worked at his trade of car- penter in Boston, Mass., after which he went to Hartford, Conn., and was there married. On the outbreak of the Civil War lus wife, Annie Wood, died, leaving a son, George II., who is now a member of the Henry Martin Company. Ile too is a practical machinist. On the death of his wife our subject entered the Springfield Armory, re- maining until the close of the war, and while there made the models for his first good brickmak- ing machine. Leaving Springfield, he went to New York and associated himself with others in
the manufacture of the machines. Those inter- ested with him were engaged in the commission and lumber business, and lost all their possessions in the panic of 1873, owing our subject 823,000. Ile was thus left with but 810 in the world, but possessing pluck and courage, and through the aid of friends, he was enabled to continue in business.
About this time Mr. Martin came to Lancaster and again engaged in the manufacturing business with only partial success. Ile was married in this city, and leaving his family here, traveled about introducing his machines throughout the country. lle continued thus occupied until 1876, when the orders began to pour in and at last be made money. Mr. Martin then purchased property and opened up a briekyard, in the meantime his business in- creasing rapidly. He continued to invest in real es- tate, until to-day he is the largest tax payer in Lan- caster. The management of his business being too large for him to take care of, our subject organized the Henry Martin Brick Machine Company, with a capital stock of $150,000. The members of the firm are Mr. Martin and his sons; they are stirring busi- ness men and have grown up in the atmosphere of brickmaking machinery. William R. Martin is the capable business manager, and is thoroughly posted in all matters directly or indirectly con- nected with this industry. The brickmaking ma- chine is operated by steam power and has improve- ments that our subject has been adding for many years as experience has tested them. The firm al- so design and locate entire plants for the manu- facture of brick, test the clay and fit up the yards to manufacture any and all kinds of clay that can be worked successfully.
Ilenry Martin was married a second time, the lady on this occasion being Miss Alice, daughter of James Prangley, a brickmaker of this city. She departed this life in 1892, leaving the following named children: William R., Herbert P., Alice H. and James P.
Our subject has built seven large tobacco ware- houses, owns the warehouse on the corner of North Duke and West Chestnut Streets, and Mar- tin's Hall, and has erected a large plant 212x50 feet in size on Charlotte Street, which they will soon ocenpy, it being one of the largest and most com-
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plete plants in the state, besides thirty-two resi- 1 in 1891, aged sixty-eight years, was Louisa, daugh- dences. His own beautiful dwelling is located on West Chestnut Street. Mr. Martin is interested in the Ridley Park Brick Company, of which he is President, and owns a large farm in Wabaunsee County, Kan. In 1883 he returned on a visit to his native land, and while there came to the con- clusion that the United States was good enough for him to live in. Socially he is a prominent Mason, belonging to the Council and Lodge of Perfection. In polities he is a true blue Republi- can, and is greatly interested in the success of his party.
P ROF. CARL MATZ, Principal of the Mul- berry School, and Professor of vocal music in the public schools of Lancaster, is also Professor of German in the Girls' High School. Being very musically inclined and a fine performer, he is much in demand as a teacher, and is leader of the Maennerchor and is organist and director of the choir in the Trinity Lutheran Church. He is recognized as the leading German scholar of Lan- caster and is a composer in a musical way of no small note. A number of times he has given ben- efit concerts, and in three which were given for St. Joseph's Hospital $1,700 was cleared. Since 1872 he has been conductor of the well known organiza- tion, the Maennerchor, of which he was previously for many years a member, and under his instruc- tion they have given the oratorio "St. Paul," "The Belle," the Eighty-fourth Psalm, and others of in- terest.
Professor Matz was born in Brussow, Branden- burg, Germany, November 20, 1846, his father be- ing Carl Matz, a native of Grynhoff Pomeria. The paternal grandfather, Otto, was born in the same locality and was a master glass blower. Carl Matz, Sr., who followed the merchant tailoring business, is now residing in Dartmouth, Westphalia, with a daughter. Ile is eighty-two years okl and is still active in the Lutheran Church. His wife, who died
ter of Heinrich Porath, a butcher and hotel keeper in Brussow. The Professor is one in a family of fourteen children, only three of whom grew to maturity. Ile received a superior education, and in 1863 entered Real Seminary at Koepnie, to pur- sue a musical course of study, and was graduated therefrom in 1866 as an organist and conductor. He received a diploma as a teacher and obtained the highest honors of his class. He was especially gifted as an organist, playing the grand pipe or- gan with ease and ability. Later he took another course of instruction and obtained degrees at the Royal Music School of Berlin, where he passed severe examinations. For about two years he played the fine organ in Melzo, Brandenburg.
In 1868 Professor Matz had intended to go to Valparaiso, South America, there to take a position in a school of music, and he also had another po- sition opened as a teacher of the German embassa- dor's children in Constantinople, but refused these, coming instead to the United States. He left Bre- men in the steamship "Herman" and arrived in New York City after a ten days' voyage. For four weeks he remained in the metropolis and re- ceived a number of good offers, but came to Lan- caster, where he accepted a position as Principal of Zion's Lutheran Parochial School, and was or- ganist in the church until 1873, when he resigned. Next the Professor was given the position of Principal of German in the public schools of this city. For some time he was organist in St. John's Lutheran Church, then occupied a like position in St. James' Episcopal Church, and since 1890 has been leader and organist of the choir in Trinity Church. From 1873 to 1887, he was Principal of German in the public schools when the system was changed. being divided into grades.
Our subject has continued for years Principal of the Mulberry School, which is a twelve-room building with six hundred and forty pupils and thirteen teachers, and he teaches German in the grammar and secondary departments. Since 1887 he has been Professor of vocal music in his own and the high schools, and also gives instruction to private pupils.
In 1868 Professor Matz was married in Germany
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to Miss Maria Fielin. a native of the Fatherland, and they have had two. children, Adelle and Ella. both graduates of the high school. The former studied for two years at the Royal Academy of Music at Berlin, from which she was graduated with honor. and is an artist of great ability.
In social circles Professor Matz is gladly wel- eomed and contributes greatly to the entertainment of his friends. lle is an Odd Fellow and a mem- ber of the Artisans' Lodge. Ile has composed sev- eral popular pieces of music, and has arranged and written musie for Professor MeCaskey in his series of nine books of song published by the Franklin Square Library. In polities he uses his influence and ballot in favor of the Democracy.
€ FREDERICK B. DAGEN, a resident of Pequea Township, has made a success of his agricultural pursuits, and has also made a success of running a steam thresher, hav- ing each fall all the work in this line he can at- tend to. Enterprising and progressive in his ideas, he is not confined to the old-fashioned methods. but is in touch with new discoveries and well accredited modern plans of work.
The Dagen family was founded in this country in 1816 by the grandfather of our subject, who bore the Christian name of Casper. Tle was a na- tive of Germany, and participated in some of the wars of the Fatherland. Ile learned the shoema- ker's trade, which he followed to some extent dur- ing a large share of his life. In religion he adhered to the German Reformed faith, and en- deavored to put in practice in his daily life the teachings of that denomination. His wife bore the maiden name of Maria Shively, and four children comprised their family, Jacob, Maria, Lizzie and Frederick.
The younger son of Casper Dagen was Freder-
iek, who became the father of our subject. Ile was born in German Switzerland, October 26, 1812, and was only four years of age when brought by his parents to America. lle was reared to man- hood in Pennsylvania, and learned the trade of a stone mason, which he followed for many years. Afterward he turned his attention to farming, and made a success of this vocation, which he followed up to the time of his death, April 26, 1891. In boyhood he united with the German Reformed Church, with which he was identified during his entire life. Ilis right of franchise he used in favor of the Republican party, and in everything per- taining to the public welfare was a patriotic and a good citizen. lle and his wife, whose maiden name was Anna Otto, had nine children, namely: Anna M .; Barbara, who became the wife of Ben- jamin Radcliff; Frederick B., Elizabeth, Jacob (de- ceased ), Benjamin. Edward (deceased), Abram and .Jacob (second).
A native of West Willow Township, Frederick B., of this sketch, was born on his father's farm, November 22, 1851. Ilis early education was ob- tained in the common schools of the township, but he has never ceased being a student, and has kept abreast of the times by means of private study and general reading. When sixteen years of age he left his school books to learn the spinning trade, which he followed for five years. As that branch of business was not congenial to him, he relinquished the trade, and from that time for- ward has devoted his energies to farming. In this vocation he has met with distinct success and has become well-to-do. Becoming the owner of a steam threshing machine, he has made a goodly sum in its operation, and carries this on in connec- tion with his regular farm duties. Politically, like his father, he is a Republican. At two differ- ent times he has been elected by Ins friends and neighbors to serve as Township Supervisor, and discharged the duties of the position in an able and capable manner.
October 4, 1877, occurred the marriage of Mr. Dagen and Miss Elvina S. Friek, who was born and reared in West Lampeter Township. This marriage has been blessed by the birth of three daughters and one son, namely: Emma, Charles,
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Annie and Amanda. The parents are regular at- tendants and members of the German Reformed Church. In religious and benevolent enterprises they are always interested, doing what they can to relieve the needy and worthy poor, and thus ex- emplify the precepts of Christianity.
T RUMAN D. SHERTZER, who is an exten- sive dealer in leaf tobacco and is engaged in the manufacture of eigars. is a member of the firm of Shertzer & Co., who conduet their trade at No. 210 North Duke Street, Lancaster. Mr. Shertzer is one of the enterprising and prac- tical young business men of this eity, possessed of good executive ability, and is making a success of his enterprises,
October 31, 1858, at Washington. Laneaster County, occurred the birth of Truman Shertzer, who is a son of Cyrus and Ellen (Douglas) Shert- zer. The family is a pioneer one in these parts and for several generations they have been farmers in Manor Township. There David Shertzer, the grandfather, was born, and during his lifetime pur- sued agriculture and also carried on a distillery in Washington. where he owned a good farm. lle was a member of the Church of God, in the faith of which he died in 1871, when be had attained the age of eighty-two years. A good citizen, he was active in the support of the Democracy. By his marriage with Mary Dunkle he had sixteen children, the two eldest dying in infaney, and the others in order of birth are as follows: Jacob, Fan- nie, Samuel, John, Mary, Ann, David, Susan. Eliza- beth, Cyrus, Catherine. Eli, Benjamin and Milton. Catherine was the twin sister of our subjeet's fa- ther, Cyrus. Mrs. Mary Shertzer ched in 1873, at the age of seventy-nine years.
Cyrus Shertzer attended the schools of Wash- ington until about eighteen years old, giving mueh of his time to his father in the management of the farm, and he continued to reside under the
parental roof until his marriage. For about thirty years he was a pilot and engaged in rafting on the Susquehanna River. Later in life he engaged in farming in Conoy Township, of this county, where he became the owner of Haldeman Island, and for eleven years he was engaged in agricultural pur- suts, at the end of which time he disposed of his farm and came to Laneaster, where he has been as- sisting his son in business. For six years he was a School Director of Washington and is a Repub- liean. Both he and his wife are members of the Church of God. Their marriage was celebrated January 15, 1858. and they have had two children, Truman D., and Cora H., wife of William J. Sny- der, of Lancaster. Mrs. Shertzer is a daughter of James Douglas, formerly of Washington.
In his youth our subject attended the schools of his native town and later went to Millersville Normal School. In order to further equip him- self for business hfe he entered Eastman's Com- mereial College, being graduated therefrom in the Class of '84. For several years thereafter he as- sisted his father in running his farm, but in 1891 embarked in the tobacco business at No. 34 East Chestnut Street. In April, 1894, he removed to his present location and has built up a large trade in tobacco and cigars.
One of the workers in the ranks of the Repub- liean party, Mr. Shertzer is a member of the Young Men's Club of this city and belongs to Orion Lodge. 1. O. O. F., at Columbia. In religious faith he has adopted that of his father, being a member of the Church of God.
F LIAS B. ESBENSHADE is engaged in gen- eral farming and stock-raising on his de- sirable farm, which is situated in Stras- burg Township. The family have been residents of this eounty for several generations, and have been noted for their sterling qualities and high principles. The paternal grandfather of our sub- | ject, Dane L. Esbenshade, whose birth occurred in
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Germany, emigrated to the United States, set- tling in this county in 1736. He was a tanner by occupation, following that trade for some sixty years, after which he retired to pass in quiet his declining years. Religiously, he was a member of the Old Mennonite Church, and came with a colony of that denomination to found homes in the new land of liberty. He married Elizabeth Lefever, and to them were born fourteen children.
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The father of our subject, who bore the Christian name of Samuel, was born in Leacock Township, of this county, August 15, 1806, and after ar- riving at maturity, engaged in farming in Paradise Township, where the remainder of his life was passed. The farm which he operated was in his possession and managed by him for a period ex- tending over sixty-two years. He was a very suc- cessful agriculturist, always kept good stock, and became well-to-do. He retired from his arduons cares in 1873, and his death ocenrred 1894. Ile was a Republican after the formation of that party, prior to which he was a Whig. He never held any oflice, however, finding his time fully occupied in caring for his farm and in providing for the wants of his large family. A man of integrity and justice, he adhered closely to his religious convie- tions as a member of the Old Mennonite Church, and his character and dealings with his fellows were above reproach. He married Elizabeth How- ery, and seven sons and three daughters were born to them, their names being as follows: JJohn H., Annie, Amos; Elizabeth, who became the wife of David Ronk; Sophia; Daniel, deceased; Samuel F., deceased; Elias, Abram H., and Isaac, who has passed from this life.
Elias B. Esbenshade was born in Paradise Town- ship, on his father's old homestead, October 8, 1846. Ile attended the schools of the township, during the winter terms until seventeen years of age, and during the summers gave his service to. his father m the care of his property. After leav- ing school, he continued to be employed on the home farm until he was twenty-six years old. He had been reared to practice the qualities of thrift and industry, and, having regularly laid aside a large share of his earnings, he now found himself able to become a land-holder on his own account,
and purchased the farm which has since been his property, and on which he is still living. This is well located in Strasburg Township, and under his toil and attention has been made a model place in every respect. The owner has taken great pride in keeping a high grade of stock and in making improvements on his farm.
October 30, 1872, Mr. Esbenshade married Fran- ees Iloover, who was born and reared in this county. Nine children have come to bless their union, their names being as follows: Willis C., Enos A., Lizzie V., Milton II., Anna F., Alice E., Laura C., John M. and Ada K .: Laura C. has been summoned by the death angel, but the other mem- bers of the family circle are still under the parental roof.
In his political belief, Mr. Esbenshade is an ar- dent Republican and is very patriotic, holding his own interests secondary to that of his country. For two terms he served as Auditor of his town- ship, meeting the requirements of the position in a very creditable manner. Like his forefathers, he is an adherent of the Old Mennonite Church
OSEPH HOSTETTER comes from a line of sturdy and industrious farmers who have witnessed the upbuilding and development of Strasburg Township, and has not been in- active in the accomplishment of this result. The farm which is now owned by our subject has been handed down from father to son for several gen- erations and his birth occurred on the old home- stead which has since been the scene of his life's labors.
Abram Hostetter, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was born in Manor Township, of this county, and during his entire life was a tiller of the soil. He was long numbered among the well- to-do farmers of Strasburg Township and was a member of the Old Mennonite Church. By his
H. M. ENGLE.
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union with Elizabeth Buckwalter five children were born: Barbara, who became the wife of Abram Herr; David; Elizabeth, Mrs. Iloover; Su- san, who is deceased; and Martha.
The birth of David Hostetter, our subjeet's fa- ther, occurred in this township April 12. 1808. Ilis early years were passed on his father's old farm, which was subsequently deeded to him as the only son. Ile made a success of carrying on his farm and to his original property, comprising one hundred and eighty-five acres, he afterwards added another farm of forty-two acres. Ile was politically a Whig but never held office, finding his time fully occupied in the management of his private enterprises and the eare of his large family. Ile was twice married, his first wife being Esther Bossler, who became the mother of one child, a daughter, Ilettie, Mrs. Sensenich. The second wife of Mr. Hostetter was formerly Cathar- ine Miller, and ten children graced their union: Abram, Jacob, David M., two who died in infaney, Joseph, Elizabeth (Mrs. Shaub), Catherine, John (deceased), and Amos. The father, who was a member of the Okl Mennonite Church, died in 1872, aged sixty-four years.
The birth of Joseph Hostetter, our subjeet, oecur- red in Strasburg Township, on the 20th of March, 1839. From his early years industry and thrift were among his marked characteristics and his worthy father gave him the benefit of good training in all practical methods pertaining to farm work. For nearly fourteen years during the school terms. he was a student in the township and has always been a great reader, thus becoming well informed on general affairs and current events. At the age of twenty years he became actively engaged in ag- rieultural pursuits on the old homestead which has been his home up to the present day. This farm is well improved and under a good state of cultiva- tion. Abundant harvests are annually gathered and bring in to the fortunate owner a good and steady ineome. Mr. Ilostetter has always taken great pride in keeping his farm in a thrifty and neat condition and on his place there may at all times be found a fine grade of stock. Preferring the independence of a single man he has never married. In politics he espouses the platform of the Republican party and
helps by his ballot in the election of its nominees. For three terms he served etliciently as Assistant Assessor of Strasburg Township and for three terms has acted in the capacity of School Director.
H ENRY M. ENGLE is a man who stands high in agricultural circles and holds ad- vanced ideas on progressive and experi- mental farming. In many respects he is a model agrieulturist. He believes in intensive rather than extensive farming, and his experiments in fruit growing and gardening have been remarkably suc- cessful. An influential citizen of Marietta, he is well known throughout this county, where he has made his life long home, and is also prominent in agricultural and horticultural eireles throughout the state.
Born in Conoy Township, this county, April 11, 1819, our subjeet is the son of Henry and Hannah (Myers) Engle. Ile is of Swiss deseent, his paternal great-grandfather, Ulrich Engle. having emigrated from Switzerland to the United States. Jacob, grandfather of our subject, of the River Brethren Church, of which he remained a member until death, was one of the founders and the first minis- ter of that body. Henry Engle, Sr., was a fuller in the woolen mills of Bainbridge, and also followed farm pursuits, residing on Conoy Creek one mile from Bainbridge. Ilis family consisted of twelve children, as follows: Jacob, who died young; Henry M., Mary, John, Jaeoh, Martha, Daniel, Michael, twins who died unnamed, Annie and Jesse. The father died at the age of sixty-seven, and the mo- ther when thirty-eight.
After completing the studies of the district schools, our subject began farm work. remaining with his father until his marriage. Ile then pur- chased one hundred and twenty acres, his present property, where he engaged in general farming, market gardening, fruit raising and the nursery business. Finally he sold a portion of the place,
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and about 1864 commenced the improvement of his present property. He then sold his live stock and farming implements, and now devotes his es- pecial attention to the nursery business, fruit rais- ing and floriculture. The land is in the highest state of cultivation and every acre is made to pro- duce the best possible results.
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