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 85
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factory. It is built of brick, is 10x80 feet in dimen- sions, three stories in height and is fitted with all the improved appliances for carrying on his busi- ness in the most profitable and speedy manner. Mr. Mentzer gives employment to one hundred men in his factory and is at the head of the larg- est establishment of the kind in this section. One acre was devoted to an extensive coal yard and resi- (lence, the former being operated by the son of our subject. Milton. The remainder of the six acres was laid out in town lots and disposed of, and is all built up with residences and occupies three squares. He possesses much valuable property in the city and is regarded by its inhabitants as one of its most progressive and successful business men. Mr. Mentzer owns a farm of ninety-five aeres in Mid- dle Creek. this township, besides having a one- third interest in a tract of sixty acres adjoining the borough of Ephrata, fifteen of which have been laid out in city lots and sold. He is also interested in the Ephrata Flour Mills and in various ways has aided very materially in upbuilding the place and contributes liberally of his means to the sup- port of every worthy enterprise.
In political relations our subject is a stanch Re- publican and on that ticket was elected a member of the Town Council. In religious affairs he is a devoted member of the German Baptist Church, with which he has been connected for many years. Mr. Mentzer was married November 5, 1857, to Miss Fianna Gibbel, and to them have been granted the following named children: Sallie A., John F .. Hiram G., Milton G., Ida G, and Isaac G.
For thirty-eight years Mr. Mentzer has been in the mercantile business, sixteen of which have been passed in this city. He first commenced business here in 1878 in the building formerly owned and operated by John Gross and purchased the same together with the six acres of land in 1882, and erected the mammoth store building on the corner of Main and State Streets, now occupied by A. W. Mentzer & Sons in 1888. They carry a large and extensive stock of general merchandise, the first and second floors being occupied by the stock, while the third floor is used as a public hall. The store building is of the latest design, is heated throughont with steam and has all the modern
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improvements, and is one of the most extensive stores in the county. The firm operating this en- terprise is composed of A. W. Mentzer, Dr. John F. and Iliram G., under the style of A. W. Ment- zer & Sons.
F FREDERICK K. HEISE. In noting the ea- reers of the men to whom the county is indebted for its progress and its high standing among the galaxy of counties of the Keystone State, mention properly belongs to the gentleman above-named, who is a successful and energetic business man of Mountville. Ilis entire life has been passed within Pennsylvania, and he was born in Clearfield County on the 23d of April, 1838, being a member of the family of George W. and Mary (Jury ) Ileise.
The father of our subject was born in Union County, Pa., in 1810, and in youth received excel- lent educational advantages considering the times. Ile availed himself of every opportunity for gain- ing information and was well posted upon every topic of current interest. For a time he elerked in a store, but his principal occupation throughout life was that of an agriculturist. Ile was thus oc- cupied in West Hempfield Township, Lancaster County, whence he removed to Macon County. Ill., and there his death occurred in May, 1882. aged seventy-two years. Ile was a man whose up- right character and genial disposition won for him the friendship and respect of his associates, and was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he affiliated with the Repub- lican party, and socially belonged to the Masonic fraternity.
Twice married, George W. Heise had two chil- dren, Henry C. and Patience, by his first union. After the death of his first wife he was united with Miss Mary Jury, and they became the parents of the following named children: Elizabeth, Fred- erick K., Josephine B., Mary Jane, Amelia B., Es- ther, Anna, Mary, Samuel B. and George, the latter a resident of Nebraska. Samuel B. died at an early
age. The subject of this article spent the first fourteen years of his life in Clearfield County, whenee he removed with his father to West Ilemp- field Township, Lancaster County. He remained with his father until thirty-five years of age, when he embarked in the meat business and has since been thus engaged in Mountville, this county.
Taking an active interest in public affairs. Mr. Ileise deposits his ballot in support of the princi- ples and candidates of the Republican party. So- cially he is identified with the Masonic fraternity and the Order of Red Men. Ilis marriage, Decem- ber 3, 1865. united him with Miss Elizabeth B., daughter of Rudolph Herr. Four children have been born to bless their union, named as follows: Anna Mary, wife of John C. Amway, who resides in Mountville; Grant R., whose home is in Topeka, Kan .; Ella B., who is with her parents; and Amy, deceased. The family is held in high esteem by the citizens of Mountville, and are welcomed guests in the best society of the place.
H S. SHIRK is well known in Lancaster as a member of the firm of II. S. Shirk & Son, proprietors of a cotton mill on Pine Street, which affords employment to about one hundred hands, and is one of the thriving idus- tries of this place. Mr. Shirk is also engaged in a wholesale and retail trade in cigars, and has money invested in various concerns.
The Shirk family originated in Germany, and our subject's grandfather was a farmer near Church- town, Lancaster County. He served for one term as County Commissioner and was a Federalist. He died in 1844, aged eighty years. Ilis family com- prised rive sons and two daughters, namely: Ame- ha. Maggie, Ilenry, William, David, Mathias and Jacob. The latter, the father of H. S. Shirk, was born in Churchtown, and learned the tanner's trade. For a number of years he operated a tan- nery at Hahnstown, in this county, and later re- moved to Earl Township. Going back to Church- town, he lived retired from business for a number
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of years, afterwards engaged in farming near Beartown. Ile was for a time a resident of Mt. Joy. and passed his last years in this city, dying at the home of his son. He was a Whig and Republican, and religiously was, like his father, a member of the Reformed Church. For his wife he chose Miss llannah Waddell, and they had eight children. The father died when in his eighty-fifth year, but his wife's death occurred many years ago, when she was sixty-five years of age. Their chil- dren were as follows: H. S .: Sarah, wife of Isaac Shirk. of this city; Martha E. (Mrs. Stirk), who lives in Iowa; Penina A. (Mrs. Robinson): Mary, wife of Abram Culp, of Mt. Joy; George W., who died in childhood; another also deceased, and William A., of Princeton, Stark County, Iowa.
The birth of our subject occurred on the 20th of February, 1826, in New Holland, this county. He received a district school education and attended those of Churchtown until fifteen years of age. The next two years he clerked for merchants in various places, and then went into business with a Mr. Masterson at Mt. Joy. He continued there for eight years and then went to Millersville, where for a number of years he carried on the cigar business.
Mr. Shirk came to Lancaster, and in company with his brother-in-law. J. G. Peters, bought the Conestoga cotton mill No. 4, which they operated for a year. They then erected what is now known as Stevens' Cotton Mill. m the year 1879, and continued to run the same for the next five years. Mr. Shirk then bought out his partner's interest and took into the firm his two sons, Jacob and Abram. The mill has a capacity of thirty-five hundred pounds of goods per day; eight thousand spindles are kept running, and about one hundred persons are employed. The factory has a frontage of two hundred and fifty feet on Pine Street and extends back fifty feet in depth. The building is a substantial one of brick, and has an annex, stables and warehouse. On first coming to Lancaster, Mr. Shink engaged in manufacturing and selling carpets on West King and Water Streets, and wassucceeded in that business by the well known merchant. J. B. Martin.
The wife of Mr. Shirk was, before her marriage,
Miss Mary A., daughter of Abram Peters. They have had two sons and three daughters, as follows: Laura, Mrs. John Martin: Alice, wife of Samuel Bausman; Anna, who died when young, and Abram and Jacob, twins, who are partners with their father.
Religiously Mr. Shirk holds membership with the First Reformed Church of Lancaster, in which he has served as Elder for twelve years. lle is a Republican and a member of the Masonic frater- nity, being identified with Laneaster Lodge. No. 43, F. & A. M.
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EROY K. LESLIE, M. D. The subject of the following sketch is one of the leading physicians and surgeons of Bareville. He was born in Muddy Creek, Lancaster County, July 2, 1861. to John and Susan ( Kilhan ) Leslie. The Leslies are of German origin, the great-great- grandfather of our subject having emigrated from that country to America many years ago and made location in this eounty.
Samuel Leslie, the grandfather of Leroy K., was also a native of Muddy Creek, where he was a blacksmith. He was a member of the Evangelical Church and voted the Democratie ticket. By his marriage he became the father of five children: John, Solomon, Rebecca, Elizabeth and Lydia. The father of these children lived to be eighty-two years of age and died Christmas Day, 1889.
John Leslie, the father of our subject, was a na- tive of the same place as was Leroy K., and, like his father before him, followed the trade of a black- smith, doing an extensive business in his native place. In 1859 he was married to Miss Susan, daughter of Rudolph Killian, a resident of Terry Hill. Their union resulted in the birth of two sons, our subject and Henry, the latter of whom is a hardware clerk in Goodville. The husband and father departed this life in 1865, and ten years thereafter his widow married John Remminger, a manufacturer of cigars, residing at Terry Hill.
Leroy K. Leslie, of this sketch, received his pri- mary education in the common schools, after which
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he attended the Millersville State Normal. Desir- ous of becoming a physician. he began reading medicine with Dr. Richard Sweitzer, of Adams- town, and the following year entered the Jeffer- son Medical College of Philadelphia, from which he was graduated two years later. In June, 1889, he came to Bareville, where he has a very large number of enthusiastic admirers, who not only de- - pend upon his skill as a physician, but also cherish him as a close and dear friend.
Dr. Leslie is a member of the Laneaster County Medical Society, and also is connected with the State Medieal Society. He is an Odd Fellow of high standing, holding membership with Terry Ilill Lodge No. 254, and Washington Encampment No. 274, at the same place. He belongs to the Pa- triotie Order Sons of America, of which order he is President. In politics the Doctor is an ardent admirer of Republican principles and seeks to sup- port the candidates of that party at every election.
Dr. L. K. Leslie and Miss Ida, daughter of Ben- jamin Landis, were united in marriage November 13, 1890. Mrs. Leslie eomes of an old and promi- nent family in the county, and her father is now conducting a farm near Bareville. Both the Doc- tor and his wife are well known people of this community, where they have many friends. The former is esteemed highly for his sterling worth, and among his professional brethren ranks high.
H ON. ROBERT CLARK, formerly Mayor of Lancaster, and at present filling the re- sponsible position of Assistant Coiner of the United States Mint at Philadelphia, is a truly self-made man, for he has worked his way upward to influence and wealth by his own unassisted and industrious efforts. The birth of Robert Clark oc- eurred in Drumore Township, this county, Decem- ber 15, 1852, his father being Edward Clark, a na- tive of County Donegal, Ireland. The latter emigrated to this country when a young man, and during his entire active career was engaged in
farming in Drumore Township, but is now living retired. Ilis wife, now deceased, was in maiden- hood Anna Stewart, and was born in the same county in Ireland as her husband, coming from an old Scotch family. The parents were members of the Seotell Presbyterian Church.
In the parental family of five children, our sub- jeet is the eldest, and until about fifteen years of age his time was passed on his father's farm, his education being obtained in the district schools and the local academy. In 1867 he came to this city. serving an apprenticeship as a printer in the Intelligencer office, where he continued for four years. Thereafter for a time he engaged in elerk- ing, and when he was elected Mayor Mr. Clark be- came business manager of the coneern, serving as such for two years.
When W. N. Henchel retired from the firm, Mr. Clark became a partner under the name of Ryley & Clark. Later the firm was known as Sherman, Foley & Clark, and they continued successfully until our subjeet was elected Mayor, when he sold out his interest in the paper. In the spring of 1890 he was nominated as Mayor on the Demo- cratie ticket, and was elected over Captain Denues, the Republican nominee, by a majority of two hundred and thirty votes. In April of that year he took his post, and two years later was renom- inated, being elected by a majority of sixteen hun- dred and fifty-four votes over the Republican leader, Henry Carpenter. Ilis election was unan- imous every time, and during his term many im- provements were effected, among others the Elec- trie Street Railway system and the Police Patrol, something unusual for a place of this size. The new water works were completed, with a capacity of fifteen million gallons, and fine machinery and pumps added. The fire department was improved and increased, and the condition of streets and al- leys materially benefited. Mr. Clark was ex-officio Chairman of the Water Committee, and Chairman of the Buchanan, MeElvoy, Reynold Relief Com- pany, for the distribution of coal to the needy, over six hundred families having been supplied.
In Laneaster Mr. Clark married Miss Sallie Fitz- patrick, a native of this city, who died, leaving one ehild, Philip Edwards. She was a member of
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St. Mary's Catholic Church, and daughter of the late Philip Fitzpatrick, an early settler and hotel man of this place.
Fraternally our subject is a member of Lodge No. 43, F. & A. M., of Chapter No. 43, R. A. M., the Council of Lancaster and the Commandery No. 13, K. T. He belongs to Lodge of Perfection Fourteeth Degree Scottish Rite, and is a Mystic Shriner, belonging to Lee Lee Temple. Ile is also connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, and is atliliated with Can-as-sa-te-go Tribe of Red Men. For three terms he officiated as Notary Public, and has been in many ways, both public and private other than those mentioned, connected with the active progress of this city.
I USTAVUS GROEZINGER has been long accounted one of the successful and ag- gressive business men of Lancaster. He is Director in the Citizens' Electric Light, Heat & Power Company, in the Lancaster Chemical Com- pany and holds stock in several of the leading banks and large financial concerns of the city and coun- ty. In a great many ways he has shown his sub- stantial interest in the welfare and development of this region, having forwarded many enterprises both by his means and influence. Having acquired sufficient means to enable him and his family to pass life pleasantly and happily, surrounded with com- forts and many luxuries, he has now retired from business cares, though still looking after his vari- ous investments.
Our subject, as might be surmised from his name, is of German descent, and a seion of one of those families who settled in this portion of Pennsylva- nia in its early history and contributed so largely to its present prosperity. John Groezinger, the father of Gustavus, was born in Wurtemberg, Ger- many, and was a tanner by trade. Ilis death oc- eurred in 1841, and his wife, who was formerly Barbara Vogelweyd, also of Germany, died in
18.11. They were members of the Lutheran de- nomination, and reared their nine children to be good and useful men and women. Gustavus Groez- inger was born in Wurtemberg, May 29, 1835, be- ing the youngest of the family, only six of whom are now living. Our subject was early deprived of his parents' care, as death claimed them, but he managed to secure a good common school educa- tion, and when fourteen years old was apprenticed as a wool weaver.
A brother of our subjeet, Fred, was the first of the family who came to America; was a carpet weaver and located in Philadelphia. Next came Robert, who was for four years in the regular army, and was a surveyor. llis death occurred at Col- umbia in 1867. Our subject, in company with his brother Adolphus, who is now retired from busi- ness and a resident of Lancaster, left Antwerp March 3, 1854, on the sailing-vessel "Helicon," and at the end of fifty-three days' voyage, landed in New York City. Another brother, Charles, who came across the Atlantic still later, is now in San Francisco, one of her influential citizens and Vice- President of a gold mine.
Soon after his arrival in the United States Mr. Groezinger, of this sketch, came to Lancaster, where for six weeks he worked in the cotton mills. He then undertook to learn the saddler's trade with Mr. Metzger, and afterward worked at the tanner's trade in Baltimore for two years; subse- quently he worked in Adams and York Counties, then returning to Lancaster, and here accepted the position as foreman in the tannery owned by Mrs. Telly. Later he bought a one-half interest in this concern, and in 1869 became the owner of the old tannery site then in the possession of Reuben Dadler, and continued the business, which had been started in 1850 by James Hollinger. This place our subject remodeled, but in 1835 the building was burned, and the proprietor rebuilt it as it now stands, some 130x134 feet in dimensions. Steam power was used and three hundred hides could be tanned each week. The leather products were shipped to New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore. and the business constantly grew in proportion, twenty-five men being often employed. In 1891 our subject retired from the business, selling out
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to his three sons, John, Carl and Robert, who are now carrying on the trade.
The Lancaster Electric Light, Ileat & Power Company. of which our subject is a Director, and of which he was one of the founders, is one of the finest systems in the United States, and he lent his assistance in the supervision of the erection of the same. lle is also one of the organizers and stock- holders in the Lancaster Chemical Company, and in the Mt. Lewis Mining and Miling Company, the headquarters of which are in this city, while the mines are in LaPlatte County, Colo. This gentle- man is a stockholder in the People's Bank and in the People's Trust, Savings & Deposit Company, and in various other enterprises. Socially he is a Mason, being one of the Trustees and members of Lodge No. 43, F. & A. M .; of Chapter No. 43, R. A. M .; Council No. 19, Commandery No. 13, K. T .; Lodge of Perfection and is a Knight of Pythias. In politics he votes with the Democratic party.
In 1861 Mr. Groezinger married Miss Catherine Long, who was born in this city, and they have six children: John, Mary, Charles, Robert, Barbara and Theodore. The three eldest sons are engaged in the tannery business, as previously mentioned, and the youngest son is now attending Profes- sor Knipp's Institute in Baltimore. The family residence is a pleasant place on Marietta Avenue, and they are Lutherans in religious faith.
J OIN A. COYLE. This well known and prom- ment lawyer of Lancaster, besides carrying on a large general practice, is interested in real estate in the city. Ile is a member of the Real Estate and Improvement Company, which was organized in 1892, and which up to the pres- ent time has erected many residences in the city.
Our subject is the son of James and Anna (Rockafield) Coyle, and was born in the city of Lancaster on the 23d of April, 1854. James Coyle, his grandfather, came to this country from fre- land prior to the year 1800 and located in Lancas- ter, when a single man. There he engaged in the
hotel business and became very prominent. He was a Catholic in religion, and in polities a mem- ber of the Democratic party, The three children of whom he became the father were: Dennis; Mar- garet, who married a Mr. Fitzpatrick, a prominent railroad contractor of this city, and James.
James Coyle, father of our subject, being or- phaned by the death of his parents, when a lad was thrown upon his own resources and began learning the trade of a shoemaker, which business he fol- lowed during the greater part of his life. He was a very successful business man and owned a large shoe store in Lancaster, among whose merchants he was regarded as an upright and thoroughly honest man. Ile also dealt extensively in real estate and built many of the best business blocks in the city, among them being the Williams & Foster Building. He was connected by member- ship with St. Mary's Lutheran Church, and al- though a Democrat in politics, voted for Abraham Lincoln for President.
The father of our subject was three times mar- ried. By his first wife there were born two chil- dren, James and Anna, who are now deceased. His second union, which was with the mother of our subject, resulted in the birth of the following children: John A., Catherine M., Walter J., Ella and two who died in infancy. Mrs. Coyle died in September, 1866, while her husband survived un- til February 17, 1871, when he too passed away.
The subject of this sketch first attended the public and private schools of his native city, after which he entered Seton Hall College in New Jer- sey, from which he was graduated with the Class of '77. He then entered the office of William Aug Atlee, a prominent lawyer, under whose in- struction be carried on his law studies until ad- mitted to the Bar to practice June 30, 1880. Mr. Coyle remained with his instructor for the succeed- ing three years, when, in 1883, he opened an office in Lancaster, where he has been engaged in busi- ness ever since. Ile is looked upon as one of the most able lawyers in the state, and as a business man his superior is hard to find.
In 1892, in connection with Dr. L. M. Herr and John W. Hiemens, Mr. Coyle organized the Real Estate and Improvement Company and purchased
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the Kelly farm at a cost of 875,000, and divided it into city lots, the most of which they have im- proved. The Ihubley Manufacturing Company, which is one of the leading industries in the city, is located upon this addition to the city, as are also many other leading enterprises and numer- ous residences. Mr. Coyle is also President of the Street Railway of Laneaster. and during his in- cumbeney of the office electricity has taken the place of horse power. He was also instrumental in the establishment of the Columbia & Lancaster Railroad, of which he was President until his res- ignation. He is a Director of the Columbia & Donegal Street Railway and also of the Columbia & Ironville Railway. Mr. Coyle is a liberal con- tributor toward every worthy enterprise having for its object the improvement of the city, and many establishments in this section are indebted to him for encouragement and material aid. He was one of the organizers of the Conestoga Na- tional Bank, and it was through his influence that this institution was consolidated with the bank of Reed & Mettraim, thus making one of the strong- est hanks in the country. Our subject is Director of this bank and is also its solicitor. Ile was the chief promoter of the llome Building & Loan As- sociation and remains one of its Directors at the present time. It was mainly through his influence that the Eastern Market was established here, and he has been solicitor for this company and also the Southern Market for many years.
Mr. Coyle was counsel for defense in the cele- brated case of Jolin W. Rudy for the murder of his father in 1887, and secured a sentence of im- prisonment for life. Mr. Coyle has always taken an active part in politics and never fails to cast a vote for Democratic candidates. Ile is a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and belongs to the following societies of that body: St. Bernard, St. Michael, St. Peter, St. Anthony and Knights of St. John. He has been President of these various as- sociations and aided in the organization of many of them. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of St. Mary's Orphan Asylum and for a number of years was Secretary of the same.
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