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 82
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The subject of this sketch was educated in the
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public schools of Manheim. After leaving school, he embarked in the mercantile business, and some years later formed a partnership with II. N. Kline, under the firm name of Kline, Danner & Co. Some time afterward the name was changed to Kline & Danner, later to G. II. Danner, and is now known as G. H. Danner & Co. They carry a stock of gen- eral merchandise, consisting of dry goods, groceries, queensware, boots and shoes, etc. The stock is worth about $30,000. In connection with other interests, Mr. Danner is connected with the water works of Manheim, of which he is Treasurer. Ile is also a Director in the Fairview Cemetery As- sociation.
George II. Danner and Miss Serena G. Weidler, a native of West End Township, were married in 1867. She is a daughter of Jacob Weidler, a prominent agriculturist of that township, and a well known citizen of this connty. Our subject is a stanch Republican in politics, and always votes for the candidates of that party. Being a man of good business ability and a public-spirited citizen, Mr. Danner is widely known and highly respected throughout the county.
P ROF. JOIN B. KEVINSKI enjoys the dis- tinction of being the oldest teacher of instrumental music in Lancaster, and is a performer on the violin, on which instrument he also gives instruction. In the science of miner- alogy he is deeply interested and well informed. and is very fond of exploring places rarely visited by man. Ile is President of the Tuequan Fishing Club, and while out fishing explored a tributary of the Susquehanna River, which is named in his honor.
The Professor inherits his musical ability from his father, Vincent Kevinski, who was skilled in that art. He was born in Warsaw, Poland, and in youth was a soldier in the Russian army. In 1833 he embarked on a vessel bound for the United States, and on his arrival in this country
settled in York, York County, Pa. In 1837 he came to Lancaster, and here established the brass band, which soon gained a wide reputation for fine music. About 1842 he removed to Womels- dorf, Berks County, but in 1853 again came to Lancaster. Ile departed this life in March, 1879, at the advanced age of ninety-three years. As a talented musician he was widely and favorably known throughout Pennsylvania, and organized many bands of music, of which he was director.
The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Ann Maria Coleman, and was a native of Germany. She died in Lancaster in 1874, when in her seventy-ninth year. The only member of the family who attained mature years was John B., who was born in York, Pa., September 9, 1835. From boyhood he received instruction in music from his father. Ilaving inherited his love of the art, his progress was very rapid, and when only fifteen years of age he began giving lessons on the violin, and has been teaching in Lancaster since 1853. Since 1879 he has had charge of the vocal music in the public schools, and the fact that he has held that position for a period of fif- teen years proves better than mere words could do, his accomplishments as a musician and effi- ciency as an instructor.
Socially Professor Kevinski is a Mason of high standing, and is Past Master of Lamberton Lodge No. 476. A Lutheran in religious belief, his mem- bership is in the Trinity Church. He has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Children's Home of Lancaster since 1874, and in many other ways has been of great benefit to the community. As before stated, he is offiiating as President of the Tuequan Fishing Club, which is the oldest or- ganization of the kind here. Ile is also a member of the Philadelphia Botanical Club and the Linnæan Society. In his home he has a cabinet containing many fine specimens of mineralogy and geology, and having given much time and attention to these studies, he takes great pleasure in adding rare specimens to his collection, which is one of the best in the locality.
Dr. Porter, of La Fayette College, in Easton, is an intimate friend of Professor Kevinski, and like him is an active member of the Philadelphia Bo-
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tanieal Society. In polities the Professor is a strong Republican, and is greatly interested in the success of his party. In 1874 he was elected to represent the First Ward in the City Council, and for one year held the position of President of that body.
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D AVID M. EYER. The gentleman whose name introduces this sketch is intelli- gent and enterprising, and from boyhood has been interested in agricultural pursuits. He has spent many years of his life tilling and culti- vating the soil, and is now in comfortable circum- stances, living retired near Rowenna. lle was born on a farm in Lebanon County. near Ann- ville, September 7, 1830. ITis parents were John and Leah (Moyer) Eyer, who were also natives of Pennsylvania, the father having been born in Franklin County. He was a farmec and miller by oeeupation, and a Republican in politics. Ile died in Lancaster County, June 28, 1886.
David M. Ever was reared on his father's farm, assisting in the various duties of farm life, and attending the public schools of Laneaster, where he received a common-school education. Later he entered the Marietta Academy, and under the in- struetion of Prof. J. P. Wiekersham finished his education and began the actual duties of life. Ile chose the occupation of a farmer, and has made it a life-long study. Naturally intelligent and ener- getic, he has been successful where others might have failed, and while in his prime, and only a little past the middle age of life, can enjoy the fruits of his labor and take the rest he so well deserves.
At present Mr. Eyer is a Director and stoek- holder in the First National Bank of Marietta, and a stockholder in the Rowenna Shoe Manufac- turing Company, the Columbia Roller Mills, the Maytown and Marietta Turnpike Company, the Cemetery Association and Creamery. IIe has also served as School Director for a number of years, and filled various other local offices in his town-
ship, attending faithfully to every duty, thereby gaining the respeet of the entire community and a host of warm and true friends.
Mr. Eyer has been twice married, the first time choosing for his bride Miss Mary, a daughter of Ilenry Musser, and to them were born eight chil- dreu, three of whom are living: John, Henry, and Alice, who is the wife of Amos Shank, of Conoy Township. Mrs. Mary Eyer departed this life June 4, 1876, aged forty-one years, leaving a large circle of friends to mourn her loss. May 30, 1878, our subject was again married, this time Miss Catherine Lenhart becoming his wife.
Politically our subject is a stanch Prohibition- ist, and an ardent worker in the interests of that party. The temperance eause will always find in him a warm and true friend, ever ready to lend a helping hand to a fallen brother and assist in the warfare against saloons, and fight for God, home, and native land. Ile and his excellent wife are members of the River Brethren Church, and as such oceupy a high social position, and are closely identified with all matters pertaining to the up- ward growth and advancement of their home lo- cality and the village, which numbers them among its enterprising and prosperous citizens.
J OHN WESTERMAN. The active business interests of Columbia are well represented in this gentleman, who is the proprietor of a fine meat market at Nos. 418 and 420 Cherry Street. Ile is a native of this county and was born October 26, 1854, in Fruitville, to Leopold and Anna (Wagner) Westerman. Ilis grandfather, Mathias Westerman, was born in Germany, and all his life followed farm pursuits. He was a member of the Lutheran Church, and reared a family of nine children. of whom two eame to America. The journey hither was made about 1850, at which time they located in Laneaster County.
Leopold Westerman received a good education in the model schools of his native land, after which he learned the trade of a carpenter, which he fol-
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lowed for a number of years after coming to America. Later he began contracting and build- ing and met with good success in this branch of business. Ile made his home for a short time in Lancaster, after which we find him living in Lis- bon, Linn County, Iowa, where he died seven years later. He was a Democrat in politics and a de- voted member of the Lutheran Church. While in his native land he served for a number of years in the German Army, which is required of all youths.
The parental family of our subject included four children, of whom he was the eldest. His brother next younger was named Henry, and is residing in Laneaster engaged as a butcher; Christopher is a lumber dealer in Shrewsbury, York County, and Mary, the only daughter, is the wife of John II. Ostertag, a furniture dealer of this city. The hus- band and father departed this life April 7. 1863. when only thirty-seven years of age.
John Westerman attended school both in this state and while living in lowa. When a lad of fourteen he entered the butcher shop of Milton Wike, of Columbia, with whom he learned the busi- ness and remained for a period of six years. The year before attaining his majority young Wester- man began in business for himself, establishing a meat market which he conducted at first on a small scale, remaining in one place for five and one-half years. He then moved to his present location and occupies a plant 60x200 feet in dimensions. In connection with his market he has a slaughter house. manufacturing room, smoke-house, numer- ous eattle pens, etc., and is carrying on a large and paying business.
Mr. Westerman is interested in many of the lead- ing enterprises in operation in the city, among them being the Wilson Laundry and Maelunery Company, of which he is one of the Directors, and the Columbia National Bank, in which he is one of the largest stockholders. Ile is also Director of St. Joseph's Building Association, and in other re- spects is honorably discharging his obligations as a citizen. Hle alliliates with the Democratie party, and was elected on that ticket for two terms of A native of Lancaster County, Henry C. Boyd was born in Mt. Hope, July 16, 1838. his par- ents being John and Catherine (Likens) Boyd. three years each on the City Council, of which he was President for twelve months. He has repre- sented this eity in political conventions for the past | On the paternal side he is of Scotch-Irish descent.
fifteen years and was a delegate at the convention which nominated Governor Pattison. He belongs to the Masonic order, and is Past Master of Col- umbia Lodge No. 286, Past High Priest of Chapter No. 224. and Past Eminent Commander of Cyrene Commandery No. 34. In religion he is a Lutheran.
September 19, 1873, John Westerman and Miss Mary C. Metzgar were united in marriage, and the children who have come to bless their union are named respectively: Anna Mary, Cecelia Bird, Milton Wyke and John. After a hotly contested fight our subject was appointed Postmaster of Columbia over F. P. D. Miller, one of the leading groeers of the city.
ENRY C. BOYD is one of the enterpris- ing merchants of Manheim, and one of her most liberal and enterprising citizens. His influence has been used in securing new indus- tries for the borough, and much of his time and means have been freely tendered to this end. Sinee 1861 he has been prominent in the mercantile trade of the place, and since 1875 has been en- gaged in business alone. The well known store of Mr. Boyd is a general emporium for all kinds of dry goods, notions, boots, shoes, carpets, gro- ceries, etc. A large line of goods from which his customers may make their selections is constantly carried in stock. Year by year his trade has steadily increased, and not only the people of Manheim, but those living within a radius of a dozen miles are numbered among his steady eus- tomers. In the management of his business Mr. Boyd has displayed unusual ability and genius. and his success is due to his knowledge of the wants of his enstomers and wise control of his af- fairs.
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Ihis father, who was born in Scotland, came to this country during the first quarter of the present century and located in Baltimore. He was first employed in a rolling mill, and subsequently be- came clerk and manager of a store near Reading, Pa. Still later he clerked in Brook's store at Birdsboro. For twelve years he was employed in Mt. Hope Furnace and became quite well-to-do in a financial sense. He was popular and highly respected by those who had business or other deal- ings with him, and bore an enviable reputation for veracity and honor. He was an old line whig, and in religion a Presbyterian, and was greatly interested in educational affairs. Of his ten chil- dren, all but one are living.
Henry C. Boyd passed his early years on a farm. where he remained until about seventeen years of age. His education was such as was afforded by the public schools, and on completing his studies he commenced his business life as a clerk for Arndt & Worley, merchants of Manheim, with whom he remained for three years. At the end of this time he became a member of the firm, un- der the title of Worley, Bombirger & Boyd. which was succeeded by that of Arndt & Boyd. They prosperously carried on business for thirteen years together, or from 1861 to 1875. In the latter year Mr. Boyd embarked in trade for himself, and has ever since met with good success in his under- takings. In that year he constructed the large block building in which his present extensive store is located, and to-day his trade ranks in amount and importance with the leading retail merchants of this county. In various ventures he has invested money from time to time. He owns a farm of sixty-five acres and is a Director in the Manheim National Bank. Among the many new industries which he has supported is the Enterprise Hosiery Mill, of which he is now a Trustce. A Republican in politics. he has been a member of the City Council, held the office of Notary Public, and has been a School Director. For many years Mr. Boyd has been an Etder in the Reformed Church, with which he holds membership, and has been Superintendent of the Sunday-school. Fraternally he is an Odd Fellow, belonging to Selah Lodge No. 657, of Manheim. While he was a member of
the School Board the fine new building was com- pleted, and many improvements made in the system.
September 4, 1861, Mr. Boyd married Catherine, daughter of Mrs. Elizabeth Eisenberger, of Man- heim. To Mr. and Mrs. Boyd were born six chil- dren, four of whom are living, namely: Henry O., who married Ella Keener and is engaged in business with his father; Allen James, who married Eliza- beth Pfoutz, of Lititz, and clerks in the senior Mr. Boyd's store; George Rufus, a clerk in the Man- heim Bank, and John William, now attending Franklin and Marshall College, of Lancaster. The children who have passed away were named Frank- lin Il. and Mina.
M RS. MARY E. WILSON, M. D., daughter of Philip Miller and Jane Morton, was born in New Providence, Lancaster County Pa., August 30, 1839. She graduated from the Girls' High School of Lancaster in 1856, afterwards taking a two years' course of study in the Washington Institute, of Columbia, Pa. Later she taught the Girls' High School, of Columbia, and was one of the first women who tanght in the public schools of Lancaster County. In 1864 she .began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. John K. Raub, of New Providence. In 1865 she entered the Woman's Medical College of Pennsyl- vania, in 1866 attended hospital clinics in New York City, and in 1868 received the degree of Doctor of Medicine from the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania. She then began the practice of medicine in Lancaster, and until his death, was the assistant of Dr. John L. Atlee in his capital operations. Except one, who practiced a few years, Mrs. Wilson is the first woman to prac- tice medicine in Lancaster County, and her success has attracted a number of young women who have prepared themselves under her instruction for the
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successful practice of their profession in different parts of the United States.
Mrs. Wilson has been twice married. She has two children, a son. Redmond Conyngham, Esq., who is a member of the Lancaster Bar, and a daugh- ter, the only child of the late Wiliam A. Wilson, Esq., who is now the wife of William II. Hager.
B ENJAMIN M. BARR. a prosperous farmer residing in East Hempfield Township, is the son of Benjamin and Barbara ( Miller) Barr, and was born in Conestoga Township, July 14, 1828. The patronymic was originally spelled Bear, and is of German origin.
John Barr, grandfather of our subject, was a na- tive of the above township, where he owned about four hundred acres of land, and was regarded as one of the large landowners and successful farmers of the county. He was a member of the Mennon- ite Church and a true Christian gentleman. Ile was an anti-Mason, and in politics was a Whig. Ile married a Miss Bachman, by whom he had ten children: John, Jacob, Christian, Benjamin. Emanuel, Henry, Maria, Elizabeth, Kate and Lydia.
The father of our subject. Benjamin Barr, was likewise born in Conestoga Township, and by at- tendance at the district school acquired a fund of useful knowledge. Ile was a tanner by trade, to which he added the occupation of a farmer, own- ing a large amount of land, and at his death was found to be worth 865.000. This fortune was ac- cumulated entirely through his own efforts and the assistance given him by his good wife, who was a most worthy lady. Benjamin Barr was a member of the Mennonite Church, and in politics voted the Whig ticket. He was very popular in his com- munity, and commanded the respect of all who knew him. By his union with Miss Barbara Mil- ler there were born three sons and two daughters, of whom our subject was the youngest. The other members of the family were Abraham, John, Fan-
nie, deceased; and Eliza, the wife of Benjamin Snavely, of Lancaster.
The original of this sketch was thoroughly trained to farm pursuits by his honored father, and when old enough took charge of the home farm. In 1872, however, he moved to Millersville Township and there purchased a tract of one hun- dred and thirty-six acres, which he still owns. He made that place his home for about ten years, when we find him located on his present estate, containing one hundred and fifty-four acres of valuable farming land. Mr. Barr also has in his possession one hundred and twenty-four acres, from the rental of which he derives a good income. He has been prosperous in all his undertakings, and as a farmer he is considered a man of enterprise and ability. and has acquired a handsome compe- tence through years of industry and labor. In polities he is a true blue Republican, and is greatly interested in the success of his party. He has been School Director for fifteen years, during which time he rendered valuable service on the Board.
December 7, 1857. Benjamin M. Barr and Miss Barbara, daughter of John Buck walter, were united in marriage, and the result of their union has been three children, of whom the eldest, Elaine, is de- ceased. Aldus is engaged in farm pursuits in Millersville Township, and Benjamin, Jr., is at home.
I SLATER GEIST, editor and proprietor of the Marietta Times, 'was born March 5, 1832, in Manheim Township, Lancaster County, Pa., a member of a family that has been long estab- lished in Pennsylvania. The first representative in this country was George Geist, Sr., who was born in the western part of Wurtemberg, Germany, and many years after his marriage started for America, accompanied by his wife and five chil- dren. Simon, Leonard, George, Mary and Rosina. The last named died while crossing the ocean.
Landing in Philadelphia in the year 1750, the sons Simon and Leonard soon afterward appren-
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ticed themselves to a man by the name of Stay- maker, in Strasburg, in order to pay they ex- pense of the voyage and relieve their parents of that burden. After a brief sojourn in Morris County, N. J., the family removed to Virginia, where the father engaged in farming. Later, how- ever, he returned to Morris County, where his death occurred. One of his brothers, Philip, came to this country from Germany in 1753, and settled at Strasburg, Lancaster County; his son, Philip, Jr., became one of the most prominent Whig poli- ticians of the county, serving as Commissioner and in other local offices.
The eldest son of George Geist, Sr., Simon, was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Bachman, whose father, Felix Bachman, was a large land owner in the southeastern part of Lancaster Coun- ty. Their children were, Margaret; Mrs. Elizabeth llood, who died in Ohio; Mrs. Mary Miller, of Dayton, Ohio; Jacob, a resident of the Buckeye State; George; Henry; Mrs. Barbara Fogel; Mrs. Susan McCord, of Colerain Township; Sarah, who died unmarried, and Mrs. Rachel Pickle. Leonard, the second son of George Geist, Sr., married a Miss Pickle and made his home near Pittsburg. George, Jr., was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, April 18, 1739, and after coming to this country was appren- tieed to a farmer, Daniel Royer, residing in Man- heim Township, Lancaster County, Pa., five miles north of Lancaster City, until twenty-one years old. Afterward purchasing land, he became the owner of one hundred and twenty aeres near Neffsville, where he remained until his death, October 21, 1821, aged eighty-two years, five months and twenty- four days.
Twice married, the first wife of George Geist, Jr., was Barbara Wolfe, and after her death he was united with her sister, Susan. Their children were seven in number. The eldest, Jacob, married and made his home near Lancaster, Ohio; Elizabeth, wife of George Kraft, died in Manheim Township; George, Jr., married Mary Burkenhouse, and for his second wife chose Miss Mary Johnson; An- drew married Anna Baker, and resided in Erie, Pa., until his death, at ninety-five years; Susan be- came the wife of Rev. Michael Witman, of Man- heim borough; Daniel married Elizabeth Tuft,
and lived in Pennsylvania; John married Mary Slater, whose father, Capt. John Slater, was the first merchant of Neffsville, and was also a soldier in the Revolutionary War, enlisting in 1778 in Colonel llollenbach's regiment, and serving as Captain of his company until he was mustered out August 26, 1780. Captain Slater had a liberal education and for some years taught school. He opened the first dry goods store in Fidler's Green (now Neffs- ville), and also served as Postmaster of the place.
The father of our subject, John Geist, was born in Manheim Township, Lancaster County, Jan- uary 25, 1787, and received meagre educational advantages. Ilis life work was that of a farmer, his home being near Neffsville. Politically lie was a Whig in early life, and later a strong advocate of Republican principles. In religious belief he was a Lutheran, in which faith he died October 18, 1863, aged seventy-six years, eight months and twenty-three days. Ilis wife, Mary, who was born September 28, 1791, in East Lampeter Township, Lancaster County, passed from earth May 22, 1863, aged seventy-one years, seven months and twenty- four days. She was a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church.
In the family of John and Mary Geist were the following named children: Daniel S. and John S. (twins), born June 27, 1813, the latter dying De- cember 4, 1888; Jacob, born December 26, 1815, now a resident of New Holland; George, born February 26, 1818, whose home is in Dayton, Ohio; Samuel S., who was born June 24, 1820, and lives in Manheim Township; Henry and Mary (twins), born February 26, 1823, the latter, Mrs. Augustus Lightner, now living on the old homestead in Manheim Township; Barbara, who was born Jan- nary 30, 1826, and is the wife of William Fritz, a carpenter of Leacock Township; Abram, born May 12, 1829, a resident of Manheim Township, where he isengaged in the meat business; Isaac S. and Rebecca (twins), born March 5, 1832, the for- mer our subject, the latter unmarried and living in Lancaster; and Susan the youngest, who was born March 2, 1836, and is the wife of John Long, of Womelsdorf, Berks County, Pa.
The subject of this sketeh was educated in the schools of Manheim Township, Whitehall Academy
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at Harrisburg, and the Millersville State Normal, graduating from the scientific department of the latter institutici in 1861. Prior to this he taught a number of terms of school, being thus engaged in Illinois a short time. On his return east he took his scientific course and then taught one year, after which he was for four years professor of nat- nral sciences at Millersville State Normal School. On returning to Marietta, he became Principal of the high school, which position he held until 1888. Altogether, he was employed for thirty-six years as Principal of schools. In 1886 he purchased the Marietta Times, which he has since edited and pub- lished.
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