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 86
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John A. Coyle and Miss Ida F., daughter of Col. F. B. Speapman, of Coatesville, were united in
marriage in 1883. The two children born of their union are: John A., who died in infancy, and Janet S. The maternal grandfather of our subject, Adam Rockafield, was a farmer by occupation, in which industry he was very successful. Ile lived to be eighty-three years of age. and his good wife, who still survives him, is in her eighty-sixth year. The seven children resulting from his marriage with Miss Catherine Shenk were Catherine, Martha, Rachel, llettie, Emma, Abram and Dr. Adam, a prominent physician residing in Logansport, Ind.
John A. Coyle is the present Democratic nom- inee for Congress, and being a very popular and influential man, it is almost safe to say that he will be elected.
FRANK BUCH is editor of the Lititz Rec- ord, a paper which he started in the fall of 1877, and which bears a wide reputation as a journal of merit and reliability. It started its existence as a six column folio and twice since it has been found necessary to enlarge it. It now appears as an eight column paper, and in workman- ship and general style it compares favorably with any local paper in the state. In politics it is in- dependent, aims to give a brief and exact resume of the news, and pays particular attention to local affairs of interest. The circulation of the Record has constantly increased from the first and it now has a weekly subscription list of fifteen hundred and over.
J. Frank Buch is the son of Isaac and Elizabeth ( Mengle) Buch, and his birth occurred in Warwick, a village near Lititz, February 16, 1852. ITis father was born in Warwick Township in 1827, and has followed the calling of a merchant tailor in this village for many years. In pohtics he votes with the Democratic party, and his personal worth and ability are highly thought of by his many friends. In 1849 he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of John Mengle, a shoemaker of Manheim, and of
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their marriage two sons and one daughter were born. Amanda is the wife of A. K. Ilornberger, of West Earl, Pa., and Walter is a clothier in this place. The mother of our subject is a member of the Moravian Church. The paternal grandfather of our subject was born in Warwick Township, of this county, and is a descendant of German an- cestors.
The early education of J. Frank Bueh was ob- tained in the public schools in the neighborhood of his father's home, and in the Lititz Academy. After completing his course of study in the latter · institution he commenced learning the printer's trade in the office of the Lancaster Intelligencer, where he remained for three and a-half years, be- coming familiar with the various departments of the business. Subsequently going to Philadelphia, he obtained employment in a printing office of that city, and for four and a-half successive years devoted himself to the acquisition of further knowledge of his chosen trade. Then returning to Lititz in 1876, he started a job printing office and succeeded so well in his undertaking that in the fall of the following year he determined to branch out more extensively, and being ambitious of publishing a newspaper. he started the Lititz Record, as formerly stated, and has met, with a gratifying success in this direction.
The marriage of Mr. Buch was celebrated March 10, 1881. with Miss Mary E., daughter of Valentine Brobst, of Rehrersburg, Berks County, this state, who has been a justice of the peace for a quarter of a century. To our subject and his worthy wife have been born four children: Edith May, Ralph, Theodore and Mary Esther.
Fraternally Mr. Buch is a member of the Lititz Lodge No. 253, K. of P., and in his political rela- tions he is a Democrat. Having been much in- terested in the cause of education, he has served as a member of the School Board, and still occupies that position and is also a member of the Lititz Spring Committee, of which he has been Treasurer for a period of ten years. In religious faith he follows the teachings of his mother and is identi- lied with the Moravian denomination. In his personal character he has always manifested a high
sense of honor and integrity, which qualities have won for him the respect and confidence of his fel- low-citizens.
S AMUEL W. MILLER, M. D., is a promising young physician, and now ocenpies the im- portant post of Medical Superintendent of the Lancaster County Hospital and Asylum. He was appointed to serve in that capacity on the Ist of January, 1893, and though he is a very young man to occupy a place requiring such good judgment and unusual ability, he is thoroughly competent, and his record as a medical man has entitled him to this honor and trust.
The subject of this sketeh was born in this city April 2, 1871. He is a son of David Miller, a well known business man of this city, who is also of Lancaster County birth. The paternal grand- father, Samuel Miller, formerly carried on a farm in Lancaster Township, adjoining the city. David Miller was a painter by trade, later became a con- traet painter, and is now one of the foremen in a cotton mill here. During the Civil conflict he served for a short time, but his family and business cares prevented any further absence. He was mar- ried to Catherine Kautz, a native of this county, whose death occurred in 1891. Of their ten chil- dren who grew to manhood and womanhood, Dr. S. W. is the seventh in order of birth.
The early life of our subject passed without in- cident worthy of particular mention, and his edu- cation was obtained in the excellent grammar and high schools of this city. In 1888 he graduated from the high school and soon afterwards entered for a special course of one year in the Franklin and Marshall College. On taking up the pursuit of medicine he commeneed his studies with Dr. M. L. Ilerr, and in 1889 entered the University of Penn- sylvania, from which three years later he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He practiced for a short time as a general physician in Lancas- ter, being then appointed, in January, 1893, to the position of Medical Director of the Alms House
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and Insane Asylum of the county by the Board of Poor Directors. He has under his charge about one hundred patients in the Insane Asylum and nearly that number in the Hospital.
Dr. Miller is a hard and earnest student, and is making a specialty of nervous diseases. Hle be- longs to the City Pathologieal Society, and the County Medical Association, being Treasurer of the former. Likewise he is a member of one of the surgical societies of Philadelphia, and of the Alumni of his Alma Mater. The capacity of the Hospital and Asylum is often taxed to the utmost, and since he has been Medical Superintendent there have been as high as three hundred and twenty patients in the two buildings, and though the Doctor has as assistants and consulting physicians several leading doetors of the place, be personally super- vises all departments of his work. In politics he uses the right of franchise in favor of the plat- form of the Republican party and its nominees.
D C. DENNEY occupies the responsible po- sition of Superintendent of the Columbia Rolling Mills, with whose interests he is thoroughly identified. Ile is the son of John Q. and Rachel Denney, and was born September 25, 1857, in this city. Samuel Denney, the grand- father of our subject, was a resident during the earlier years of his life in the southern portion of Chester County, this state. He was a millwright by trade and a man possessed of much natural ability in that line of work. He was very success- ful in all his undertakings and was enabled to spend his declining years free from work of any kind in a comfortable home. In politics he was a Republican after the formation of the party, and in religious matters was connected with the Society of Friends. Ile married Miss Edith Dubree, of Freneli origin, and to them was born a family of seven children.
Jolin Q. Denney, father of our subject, was a na- tive of Salisbury Township, Lancaster County, and
after acquiring a fair education in the public schools of his native place he entered his father's shops, remaining with him until he attained his majority, when we find him located in Columbia. His first employment here was with John Bough- man, a machinist, conducting a general repairing business. Young Denney was soon given charge of the establishment and managed affairs in a most satisfactory manner until leaving Mr. Boughman in order to enter the employ of the Chestnut Hill Iron Ore Company of this city, of which he was made the Superintendent. He remained with this concern for some time and then became connected with the Shaull Mill as Superintendent. Later he interested himself with the Henry Clay Furnace Company of Columbia, in which he held stock and with which he was associated until 1872.
That year, disposing of his interest in the fur- naces, Mr. Denney went to Harrisburg, where he built the Paxton Rolling Mills for the MeCormick Company, of which he was made Superintendent, and has remained with the concern ever since. It is one of the largest rolling mills in the state and does an immense business throughout the country. John Q. Denney is one of the prominent and wealthy residents of this part of Pennsylvania and besides the above business is President of the Co- lumbia Rolling Mills, occupies the same position in the rolling mill of Steacy & Denney at York, this state. and is also President of the Street Railway Company at Harrisburg. He is a practical iron man and is regarded as one of the most prosperous manufacturers of all kinds of iron work in Penn- sylvania.
In bis politieal relations the father of our suh- jeet is a stanch Republican, but aside from casting his vote for its candidates does not take any pub- lic part in politics. Ile is the father of six chil- dren, of whom our subject is the eldest. The others bear the respective names of Edith, the wife of J. C. Whittaker; Franklin and Cora, deceased; James M .. chief engineer of the Harrisburg Street Railway shops, and Thomas II., who is clerk in the Paxton Rolling Mills in York.
The original of this sketch received a good ed- ucation in the private schools of his native city and when eighteen years of age became connected
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with the Paxton Rolling Mills as timekeeper. He was afterward promoted to the position of man- ager of the same plant, and when returning to Co- lumbia was made Superintendent of the Columbia Rolling Mills, which position he has held for the past eight years. They employ three hundred men in the mill and handle fifteen thousand tons of iron every year.
Following in the footsteps of his honored father, our subject votes the Republican ticket. He is connected by membership with the Methodist Epis- copal Church, which he is serving at the present time as Steward. His marriage was celebrated with Miss Clara Patton, June 7, 1878. The lady is the daughter of Gen. William Patton, of this city, and one of its most distinguished residents. To our subject and his estimable wife has been born a son, John D.
Į OSEPH S. HARNISII is one of the progress- ive agriculturists of Conestoga Township, and in this community has passed his entire life. For some years in his early manhood he was in business with his father as a lumber dealer, but his principal calling has been that of farming, and in this he has been blessed with sue- cess.
The paternal grandfather of Joseph Harnish bore the same Christian name, and he too followed the life of a farmer. In polities he was a Whig and in his religious faith was identified with the old Mennonite Church. Upon arriving at man's estate he married Prudence Good, and to them were born four children that attained mature years. One of the number, Samuel, was born November 12, 1816, in Martie Township, and in early life was engaged in the hotel business. Later, relin- quishing that occupation, he embarked in the lum- ber trade and followed that business until he re-
tired from active cares. Ile was a very prominent man in financial, political and religious circles and when he was called from this life, March 5, 1894, it was felt to be a public loss. He was one of the charter members of the Odd Fellows' Lodge known as Kosciusko. Though he was for years an active Republican he was always a strong temper- ance man, and during his last years affiliated with the Prohibition party. Several times his name came before the convention for the office of Di- rector for the County Poor, but it was never his desire to serve in a public capacity. In the Meth- odist Episcopal Church he was a Trustee and was also associated with the camp-meeting organiza- tion. He married Delilah Shank, and to them were born seven children: Mary; Prudence, dc- ceased; Ilenry, who has also passed from this life; Joseph S .; Milton, Jonas and Delilah, deceased.
The birth of Joseph S. Harnish occurred in this township October 22, 1849, and his education was derived from the schools of River Hill, which he attended until reaching his sixteenth year. Sub- sequently he took a course of six months at the Millersville Normal, and with that exception he has since acquired his wide knowledge of men and affairs through his own private study. When only seventeen years old he embarked in the lumber business with his father and continued in that line of trade for the nine succeeding years. During this time he managed to lay by a goodly sum which he invested in property, and in the years that followed he devoted his whole time and en- ergies to the cultivation of his farm, which he brought into fine order and made many improve- ments upon the place.
December 23, 1875, Mr. Harnish married Miss Mary E. Bostick and they had eleven children, of whom the following survive: Nora W., Samuel S., Ida P., Olive M., Susan L., Joseph C., Jesse C., Mary V. and Marion L. The next to the eldest and the next to the youngest died unnamed in infancy.
On the question of politics Mr. Harnish inclines to the belief of his father and deposits his ballot . for Prohibition nominees. He holds membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church and is serv- ing in the offices of Trustee and Steward, He also
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succeeded his father as a member of the Camp Meeting Association of this denomination and takes great interest in every department of church work. In personal character his life is marked with integrity and honor and his business deal- ings have always been thoroughly reliable.
H ON. GEORGE FORREST, at present rep- resenting his district in the State Legisla- ture, was elected to that honorable posi- tion on the Democratic ticket in 1892. Prior to this he was tobaeco inspector for F. C. Linde, Hamilton & Co., of New York City. Mr. Forrest was born in Lancaster January 2, 1832, and is the son of Casper Forrest, a native of this connty and in turn the son of Joseph Forrest, who was born across the water in England. The latter on emi- grating to America located in Lancaster, where he passed the remainder of his life.
The father of our subject was in early life a manufacturer of powder horns, and on abandoning this occupation established himself in the flour and feed business on the corner of West King and Manor Streets. Ile was very successful in this enterprise and is now living retired in Lancaster, having passed his seventy-fourth year. In politics he is a stanch Democrat, and in religious matters belongs to St. John's Lutheran Church. ITis wife prior to her marriage was Ann Milleysock, a native of Maryland and the daughter of George Milleysock, also born in that state and of German descent. Mrs. Forrest departed this life in 1888.
The parental family included eight children, four of whom are living. Harry served as a sol- dier in Company K, One Hundred and Twenty- second Pennsylvania Infantry. during the late war, and on returning home engaged in the to- bacco business with our subject until his decease. George, of this sketch, attended first the common and afterward the high schools of his native city, and after completing the course served an appren-
ticeship of eighteen months at the printer's trade, working in the office of the Inquirer. In 1874 he began working at the tobacco business, but after a twelvemonth thus employed returned to the print- ing office. Later he went to New Haven, Conn., where he was employed as a clerk in the office of the Superintendent of the New Haven & Hartford Railroad. Thence he removed to Philadelphia, again working at the art preservative until his re- turn to this city in 1877. That year, in company with his brother, he established himself in the to- baeco business and was appointed inspector for F. C. Linde, Hamilton & Co., with whom he re- mained until assuming the duties of his ottice in the Legislature.
Hon. Mr. Forrest was married November 10, 1881, to Miss Clemmie, daughter of Samuel J. Pool, Superintendent of the Lancaster Cemetery. Their union has resulted in the birth of two children, G. Edward and Harry M. Mr. Forrest has served as a member of the School Board since 1891 and has rendered valuable aid to that body. In 1892 he was nominated, and later elected, to the State Leg- islature on the Democratie tieket for a term of three years. ITis long experience as a business man and politician has been of value to him in his leg- islative career, and his course as a statesman has justified his selection by his constituents.
Socially Mr. Forrest is an Odd Fellow, belong- ing to Herschel Lodge and Ridgeway Eneamp- ment. He also belongs to the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. He is very active in the political life of the community and is a mem- ber of the Democratic County Committee and the Young Men's Democratic Association.
I EORGE BROWN. Whatever the natural resources of a country, or its business fa- cilities, still the history must depend chiefly upon the men who have resided there, and who by their energy and ability have added to the natural attractions and wealth. The subject of
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this biography figures prominently among such men. Ile is a resident of Mt. Joy, where for many years he has been the owner and successful pro- prietor of a cotton and woolen mill. As a busi- ness man he has been very successful, as he pos- sesses that integrity of character and keenness of judgment which have enabled him to attain pros- perity.
The son of Benjamin and Hannah ( Rollinson) Brown. our subject was born October 31, 1831, in Holmfirth, Yorkshire. England. Ilis father was one of eight children, namely: George, William, Elizabeth, Mary. Mercy, Sarah, Eliza and Benja- min. The latter was the recipient of common school advantages and in early manhood learned the trade of a woolen carder, which he followed at llolmfirth. In religious belief he was a member of the Episcopal Church, and socially was identi- fied with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He died at the age of fifty-seven, and his wife passed away at sixty-five. They were the parents of seven children, namely: George, the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Amanda Battyee; William, de- ceased; Mrs. Emma Booth: Benjamin, Walker and Wilson, deceased.
In the public schools of Yorkshire onr subject was a student for some years. Afterward he en- tered the woolen mills and learned the trade of a carder, which he followed in his native land until his emigration, February 12, 1855, to America. Ile crossed the ocean, a stranger to all on board ship, and landing in the United States, settled in Trenton, N. J .. where he was for two years em- ployed at his trade. Afterward he was similarly engaged in Philadelphia. In 1883 he came to Mt. Joy and embarked in business on his own account, his cotton and woolen factory being located on the site of the present caramel works. There he con- tin ued business until 1890. when he bought the large mill at one time owned by the Reaper & Agricultural Implement Company. This he fitted up with the latest improved machinery for the manufacture of cotton and woolen goods, and af- ter running it one year, retired and was suc- ceeded by his sons.
In 1856 occurred the marriage of George Brown and Miss Esther, daughter of William Beardsell,
who lived at Lamb Bank, Yorkshire, England. Ten children were born of this union, namely: Thomas J., Arthur. Walter, Mrs. Sarah Batty, Benjamin; Emma, wife of John Zellers, Postmaster at Mt. Joy, George, Elmer, Mrs. Anna Shelly, and Lillie Amanda, who died in infancy. The family was bereaved by the death of the devoted wife and mother, who passed away September 12, 1873, at the age of forty years.
A liberal and pubhe spirited citizen, Mr. Brown is always ready to contribute of his time and means for the advancement of enterprises calculated to promote the general welfare. His success is the re- sult of his own unaided exertions, for upon com- ing to America he had neither friends nor capital. Ilowever, he was energetic. persevering and in- dustrious. and in due time was rewarded for his indomitable enterprise by the acquirement of a handsome competency. In religion he is an Epis- copalian, and having been reared in that faith, still advocates its doctrines.
WILLIAM EDWARD CRIST, editor and proprietor of the Columbia Daily News and the Weekly Courant, is an able newspaper man, and exerts a marked influence in the affairs of his community. He was born in De- catur, IH., December 1, 1860, the son of Samuel and Mary C. Crist. The family is of German de- scent, the first representative in America having come from the Fatherland in the cighteenth cen- tury, and made settlement in Elizabethtown, Lan- caster County.
> The paternal grandfather of our subject, George Il. Crist, was born in Chambersburg, Franklin County, Pa., about 1810. Ile was given a fair education for that early day, and when ready to establish in life on his own account, began farm- ing in his native county. Upon his estate of one hundred and ten acres be passed his remaining years, After the formation of the Republican
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party, he supported its principles as long as he lived. In religious belief he was a devoted mem- ber of the United Brethren Church. He married Miss Anna Gerhart, a native of Lancaster County.
George II. Crist lived but a few years after the birth of his son, and by the death of the wife and mother six years later, Samuel was left an orphan, { at the age of twelve years. He then made his home with an uncle, and was given a common- school education. When old enough he followed the blacksmith's trade, which he followed the greater part of his life. Shortly after mastering the occupation, he married Miss Mary Catherine Cleverstine, then removed to Illinois and made his home in Decatur for two years. On his return to Lancaster County he engaged in the business of carriage and coach making. His death occurred October 31, 1892, at the age of fifty-two years. He was a life-long and active member of the United Brethren Church, and was beloved by the people among whom he lived. His good wife preceded him to the better land a few months, having died November 19, 1891, at the age of forty-nine. She too was a consistent member of the United Bretli- ren Church, and was active in all good works in her neighborhood.
The subject of this sketch attended the public schools until a youth of seventeen years, when he turned his attention to the printer's trade, learn- ing the busmess in Greencastle and Philadelphia. For several years he worked at the case in the principal eastern cities, after which he returned to Greencastle, Pa., and engaged in the hat and gen- tlemen's furnishing goods business, which he con- ducted for five years, and then disposed of the stock. At that time the editor of the Valley Echo in Greencastle became incapacitated for active work, and Mr. Crist was engaged to conduct the business of the office where he had served his apprentice- ship. Ile continued in that capacity until 1889, when he removed to Columbia.
In December of the above year, Mr. Crist pur- chased a one-half interest in the Columbia Daily News and the Weekly Courant, and two years later bought out his partner, since which time he has been alone. The News is a sound family paper, containing articles on current topics and corres-
pondence from various localities in the county. The paper is now in the seventh year of its exist- , ence, and is the pioneer penny daily in this coun- ty. In politics it is independent, and its readers know that when Mr. Crist supports or disapproves any one, he is actuated solely by conscientious motives, and does so only alter careful considera- tion.
A well equipped job print ng department is op- erated in connection with the newspapers, and in 1891. finding his rapidly growing business out- stripping his facilities, Mr. Crist decided to build a permanent home for his publications, the out- come of which is the Daily News Printing House, a handsome three-story building of maroon colored brick, with brown stone trimmings. It is one hundred and thirty-five feet deep, and is especially adapted to the printing business. It is one of the finest and most attractive structures in Columbia.
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