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 87
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Mr. Crist is a stockholder in many of the im- portant enterprises in Columbia. is a member of different societies and organizations, and is con- ducting his business on a paying basis. Politically he is, and always has been, a stanch Republican, but has never sought nor accepted political office, preferring to be free from any entrammeling in- fluences. In 1881 he married Ida C., only daugh- ter of Samuel and Nannie Smith, residents of Greencastle, Pa. Three children have been born to them, Elva B., Edward Nevin and Nannie C.
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M ILTON S. HERSHEY, President of the Lancaster Caramel Company, was born in Derry Church and reared in Lancaster County, where he obtained his education in the public schools. Ile is the son of Henry H. Hershey, a native of the same county. The grandfather, Jacob IFershey, was a farmer of the old style type. Three brothers came from Switzerland to America and located in Lancaster County, our subject's fa- ther being one of the three brothers. Our sub-
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ject's mother's maiden name was Fanny Snovely, born near New Danville, the daughter of Abraham Snovely, a native of Lancaster County, and who was a miller by trade.
In 1876 our subject went to Philadelphia, where he engaged in the manufacture of confectionery, and there continued six years, after which he traveled in different states in the Union, and fiu- ally engaged in business in New York as a caramel manufacturer. Hle deemed it wise to remove his plant to Lancaster, where he has increased his busi- ness and employs a large number of men. In 1891 William L. Blair became his partner. the firm being styled Hershey & Blair, and in February, 1894, the concern was incorporated as the Laneaster Car- amel Company with M. S. Hershey President and William 1. Blair Secretary. The incorporators of this company are M. S. Hershey, William L. Blair, E. M. Robinson (General Superintendent), C. II. Kleinbach, of Chicago, and Frank D. Snovely, of Chicago. This plant is located on Church and Duke Streets, where they have a four story build- ing 104x207 feet in size. The factory is run by steam power, employing a thirty horse-power en- gine. To give the reader some conception of the magnitude of this concern, it only needs to be said that eight hundred hands are employed. Car- amels and chocolates are their specialty; they also operate a factory at Mt. Joy, where they employ about one hundred hands, and a factory at No. 119 West Harrison Street, Chicago, employing four hundred hands in a seven story building; they also have another factory at Geneva, Ill., employing one hundred hands. The original busi- ness was started in the city of Lancaster and has grown to reach wonderful proportions. The ma- chinery employed is of their own invention and is all covered by patents. Their trade mark is "Crystal A." These goods are shipped to all parts of the world, including Japan, China, Australia and Europe. The capital stoek of this concern is $600,000, all paid up, and they do over a $1,000,000 worth of business per annum.
In conclusion it only needs to be said that Mil- ton S. Hershey has made a complete success of life thus far, and is the President of the largest concern of this kind in the world. Politically,
Mr. Hershey is a firm supporter of the Republican party, and no man stands higher in business and social circles in the city of Lancaster than this man, who has been erowned with success.
H ENRY STAUFFER MUSSER, one of the leading business men of Marietta, was born near this city, July 16, 1820, being a son of Jacob and Martha (Stanffer) Musser. His ancestors, both paternal and maternal, were of German origin, but both families have been repre- sented in America for several generations. Grand- father Henry Musser, who for a number of years resided in Lancaster County, engaged in agricnl- tural pursuits until his death, and being a man of great energy and perseverance, he gained a com- mendable degree of success. In religions faith he was what is termed a River Brethren. He died and his remains were interred in a cemetery near Rowenna.
Jacob Musser, father of our subject, was born near Rowenna. His life occupation was that of ag- rieulture, and he was numbered among the pro- gressive farmers and loyal citizens of his commu- ity. In politics he affiliated with the Whigs, and was well informed concerning topics of current interest. His death occurred at the early age of thirty-two years. llis family numbered six chil- dren, named: Henry S., Anna, Lizzie, Martha, Jacob and Abram. Of these the first named, our subject, was reared to manhood upon the home farm, re- ceiving a practical education in the district schools.
In 1842 Mr. Musser embarked in the lumber business, which he has made his life occupation, meeting with snecess in the management of Ins business affairs. He still conducts a large and prof- itable trade in this line, and is thoroughly in- formed regarding every detail of the work. Ile owns some valuable real estate in Marietta, and in addition is a Director in the First National Bank of this place and in the Turnpike Company.
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Ile is also interested in the water company. Po- litically he supports the principles of the Republi- can party, and has taken an active part in public affairs, displaying a commendable interest in the welfare of the county and of his fellow-citizens. For six years he was a member of the Prison Board of Lancaster County, and he has also served as School Director. .
The marriage of Mr. Musser, which occurred in the year 1847, united him with Miss Anna M. Criseinger, of this county. Five children born of their union are now living, and four are de- ceased. Stephen, the eldest, is engaged as clerk for A. N. Casul & Son; Elizabeth is the wife of Charles Joliston, of Philadelphia; E. Stanton is employed in the Pennsylvania depot at Columbia; Lincoln assists his father in the lumber business; Anna and Frank are deceased; Ada is Mrs. J. G. Steiner, of Jefferson County, Pa. The family is held in the highest esteem socially, and its mem- bers are recognized as among the worthiest citizens of Marietta.
ARPENTER WEIDLER, M. D., a prom- inent physician and surgeon, is located for practice in Mechanicsburg. Ile is the son of Dr. Isaac and Catherine (Gealhaugh) Weidler, and was born May 31, 1829. The father was also a physician of considerable note, being a graduate from the Jefferson Medical College. He first lo- cated for practice at Bareville, but shortly after came to Mechanicsburg, where he built up a Inera- tive trade and resided until his decease in 1885, in the eighity-first year of his age. He stood high in the profession and was a member in good stand- ing of the Lancaster County Medical Society. In polities he was a supporter of Democratic princi- ples, believing that party to be in the right, and in religious affairs he was connected by member- ship with the Reformed Church.
The mother of our subjeet by her union with Dr. Isaac Weidler became the mother of four sons and two daughters, of whom our subject was the eldest:
Benjamin F., deceased; Annie; George W .; Milton, I and Mary. Benjamin was a resident of Portland, Oregon, where he was employed on board the vessel "George M. Wright" as purser. The boat plied between Portland and Alaska, and on the third trip was lost with all on board. Benjamin was a member of an artillery company in the Southern Confederacy during the late war. George W. Weidler is engaged as a lumber merchant in Port- land, Oregon, where he also owns a sawmill, and is well-to-do; Milton is Collector of Internal Reve- nues, and also makes his home in Portland, and Mary is the wife of George Ilullinger, of Kansas City, Mo. The mother of this family died when forty-one years of age. She was a devoted mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church and active in all good works in her neighborhood.
The original of this sketch supplemented the knowledge gained in the common schools by a course at Franklin and Marshall College of Lan- caster. Deciding to follow a professional life, he read medieine in the office of his honored father, after which he entered the Pennsylvania Medical College of Philadelphia, from which he was grad- uated with the Class of '50. He immediately es- tablislied in this eity for practice and now com- mands an extensive patronage, and has accumulated a handsome property. Ile is one of the oldest practitioners in the place and as suchi his advice is often sought and followed.
In 1864 Dr. Weidler and Miss Eliza, daughter of David Good, were united in marriage. To them have been born two children, Ida M. and Ella, at home with their parents. In polities the Doctor is a Democrat and is universally esteemed.
A BRAHAM ROHRER. A compendium of biographical sketches of Lancaster County would be incomplete without an outline of the life of the above gentleman, who is one of the oldest residents within its bounds. He is now in the eighty-second year of his age and is living retired from active work, in the possession of a
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competence which was gained by toiling early and late in developing his tract of land.
Our subject is the son of Jacob and Anna ( Hart- man) Rohrer, and was born in East Lampeter Township, this county, August 4, 1813. The fam- ily is of Swiss origin, the first representative set- tling in America many generations ago. Grand- father Isaac Rohrer was a farmer in the above township and married Miss Elizabeth Groff, by whom he became the father of the following chil- dren: Jacob, John, Martin, Isaac, Henry, Abraham and Mary. Christian Ilartman, the maternal grand- father of our subject, lived to be eighty-seven years of age, dying in 1829.
Jacob Rohrer was also born in this township, in the year 1780, and spent his entire life here, pass- ing away in the year 1866. Ile was a farmer and owned a traet of two hundred acres, which he in- dustriously cultivated, making it one of the best in the locality. In politics he was a stanch Re- publican and took an active part in public affairs, serving for many years as Trustee of the School Board. Like his ancestors, he belonged to the Old Mennonite Church and wielded a decided influ- ence throughout his community and even beyond the vicinity of his home.
The mother of onr subject was the daughter of Christian Hartman, and by her union with Jacob Rohrer there were born three daughters and two sons. Maria is the widow of the late Christian Johns; Elizabeth was the next in order of birth; Abraham is the subject of this sketch; Anna is the widow of Peter Johns, of this township, and Jacob is the fifth. The mother lived to be eighty-one years of age, and died in 1869.
The original of this sketch secured a good edn- cation, and until his retirement in 1874. followed agricultural pursuits all his life. As before stated, he is one of the oldest residents in the county and commenced life for himself upon an unimproved tract of land. Of his success he may truly be proud, for it is evidence of an industrious and en- terprising life, characterized by perseverance and good management.
In 1836 Abraham Rohrer was married to Miss Susan, daughter of Abraham Denlinger, and to them has been born a family of five children:
Abram, Jr., John, Henry. Benjamin, and Anna, who is the wife of Jacob Landis. Our subject is a member in good standing of the Old Mennonite Church, and in polities has voted with the Repub- lican party since its organization.
SRAEL G. ERB, of Lititz, is a representative of a very old family in the Keystone State, his paternal great-great-grandfather having been one of three brothers who came from Switzerland prior to the War of the Revolution, locating on land in this county. From that day his descen- dants have been engaged in agricultural pursuits down to the present time, and have been noted for their industrious, upright and energetic lives. The subject of this biography has taken a leading part in many of the enterprises and industries of the community in which he makes his home. The old homestead, which has been handed down for sev- eral generations, is owned and conducted by him. It is situated in Penn Township and is a valuable place, having been brought under fine cultivation, and has substantial improvements upon it. Among the many companies in which Mr. Erb has invested are the Lititz National Bank, of which he is Vice- President, and which was incorporated in 1880 with a capital stock of $105,000; the Agricultural Mut- ual Fire Insurance Company, of which he is now Treasurer and was formerly President; the Lan- caster and Lititz Turnpike Company and the Penn Township Insurance Company, which was organ- ized in 1860, and in which he has served for twen- ty-one years as Secretary.
The birth of Israel G. Erb occurred September 12, 1843, his parents being David W. and Cather- ine (Groff) Erb. Both father and son were born on the old homestead in Penn Township, of this county, the former March 4, 1819. Ile was a farmer during his entire active life in Penn Town- ship and there his death occurred in July, 1885. In religion he was an adherent of the Mennonite Church, and politically was a Whig until the organ- ization of the Republican party, when he joined its
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ranks. About 1840 he married Miss Catherine, daughter of John Groff, of the Hunts Groff family, of Groffdate, of this county, who were also of the Mennonite faith. In the family of David W. were two daughters and one son. Maria became the wife of Christian Kreiter. now of Lincoln, Lancaster County. Adaline is the wife of John Brubaker, who lives near the same place. The mother of these children is still living and active in the work of the Mennonite Church, though about seventy-three years of age. Daniel, the paternal grandfather of our subject. was a native of what is now Penn Town- ship, was one of the pillars and leading men of the Mennonite denomination, and was a successful and extensive agriculturist. His wife. Mary Witwer. was a cousin of General Witwer, of wide and hon- orable fame. Daniel Erb had four sons and fonr daughters, of whom David was the eldest. Ilis death occurred in 1886. at the age of over eighty years.
Israel G. Erb, of this sketch. received a good com- mon school education and was brought up to a practical and intimate knowledge of farm labor. In order to acquire a higher education he entered Lititz Academy in 1861. being under the instruc- tion of Prof. John Beck, with whom he pursued a course of higher mathematics and civil engineer- ing. After leaving school he taught for a few years, and in 1866 returned to his studies for a short time in the academy. Since that time he has been en- gaged in surveying and also has given much labor and care to the proper management of his fine farm and other business investments. For eight years he has been a School Director and in educational meas- ures and ideas. perhaps more than in any other di- rection, he has always been interested. using his in- fluence in the promotion of higher systems of in- struction and better teachers. In his political faith he is a stanch Republican, and in 1882 was elected jury commissioner of Lancaster County.
The marriage of Mr. Erb was celebrated October 29, 1867, with Sarah Reist, by whom he has had five daughters. Emma is the wife of Martin G. Hless, Cashier of the Keystone National Bank of Man- heim. Mary R., Katie (deceased), Minnie and Annie Laurie are the other members of the family. The father of Mrs. Erb, John Reist, was a prosperous farmer who owned a tract of land in Penn Town-
ship. Mr. Erb is a member of the Mennonite Church and is greatly interested in the affairs of his de- nomination, in every way endeavoring to promote its good.
A MOS BOWMAN, President of the Marietta Hollow Ware and Enameling Company, and Vice-President of the First National Bank of Marietta, is one of the leading business men of the place. IIe was born in Columbia, Lan- caster County. August 10, 1837, and is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Parker) Bowman. The Bowman family have resided in this county for three generations, their ancestors having emigrated hither in an early day and settled in the vieinity of Lampeter, where Grandfather Bowman spent his entire life. Ile was a farmer by occupation, was highly respected and regarded as one of the best informed men of his day.
Joseph Bowman, father of our subject, was born April 11, 1810, and was reared on the old farm near Lampeter, receiving a common school educa- tion and assisting his father in tilling the soil. Becoming dissatisfied with farm life, he decided to try his fortunes elsewhere. Ile first found em- ployment on the Pennsylvania Railroad as con- duetor on a freight train, but this ocenpation be- ing uncongenial, he soon abandoned it and went to Millersville, where he embarked in the mercantile business. After some time spent there he removed to Petersburg and engaged in the hotel business, where he remained for several years. Being of a genial disposition, and having a kind word and pleasant smile for every one, he made many warm friends who never forgot "mine host" or the pleas- ant hours and good dinners they enjoyed at his hotel.
We next find Joseph Bowman clerking for J. II. Kurtz, of Laneaster, with whom he remamed until he was elected Prothonotary. For three years he faithfully served in this capacity, giving satisfaction to all, and became widely known and respected throughout the county. Six children were born to his marriage, five of whom are still
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1
living, namely: Amanda, Amos, Samuel, Joseph and Adaline, the latter being the wife of L. D. Graves, a merchant of Columbus, Ohio. In 1860, Mr. Bowman removed with his family to Ohio, where he again followed farming, but is now liv- ing retired in Forest, a beautiful town in that state, enjoying the rest he so well deserves. lle has al- ways taken an active part in politics, and a deep interest in the Republican party, of which he is a stanch supporter. The Methodist Episcopal Church finds in him a consistent member and faithful of- ficer.
Amos Bowman, the subject of this sketch, spent his boyhood days in Columbia, Lancaster and Petersburg, attending the public schools of those places, and later entering the high school of Lan- caster, where he finished his education. Soon after leaving school he entered the Farmers' Bank of Lancaster, remaining there nine years. In 1863 he came to Marietta and accepted the position of Cashier of the First National Bank of this place, it being the first bank of that order in the United States. For twenty-five years he honorably filled this position, possessing the esteem of his fellow- officers in the bank, and the respect of the entire community.
In 1888 Mr. Bowman resigned his position as Cashier and took charge of the estate of James Duffy, also becoming manager of the Marietta Hollow Ware Company. Ile was soon after elected President of the company and still holds that po- sition. He is a Director in the water company, the building and loan association, and is Vice- President of the First National Bank. In connec- tion with other interests he was one of the leading agitators of the electric road from Marietta to Lancaster, and from Marietta to Maytown, but the franchise was secured by another company, so that enterprise was abandoned. lle is also interested in the Marietta and Mt. Joy, Marietta and May- town, and Maytown and Elizabethtown Turnpike Companies, being a Director in each.
Mr. Bowman married Miss Rachel, daughter of John Davis, of Wilmington, Del. Five chil- dren blessed this union, but only two survive, namely: Mary, the wife of James B. Hanna, of Columbus, Ohio; and Joseph, who is employed in
his father's office. Henry Davis died in May, 1889, and the other two children died in infancy. In political matters our subject has always taken an active part, and the Republican party has always found in him a friend and stanch supporter. In every enterprise pertaining to the welfare of his home locality he is always first to take an active part,and by his energy, push and public spirit has done much to make the town of Marietta what it now is. Socially he is identified with the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias.
J OHIN S. STAHR, Ph. D., D. D., President of Franklin and Marshall College, is a gentle- man widely known for his scholarly attain- ments, and the institution with which he is connected is singularly fortunate in having so able a man at its head. Since he accepted his present responsible position he has carried into effect many of his practical and progressive ideas, and under his wise management the college is he- coming even more widely known and highly es- teemed than formerly.
Dr. Stahr was born in Haycock Township, Bucks County, near Quakertown, December 2, 1841. His father and paternal grandfather, whose Christian names were also John, were born in Milford, Bucks County, while his great-grandfather, a native of Germany, settled near Germantown, Pa. For sev- eral generations the family have been honest and industrious tillers of the soil, and have sought to live in harmony with God and their fellow-men. The Doctor's father, John Stahr. in addition to operating his farm, was also a teacher. He died on the old homestead at Applebachsville when about sixty-eight years of age. He was a very in- fluential man in his community, in politics a Dem- ocrat, and in religion an active member and Elder of the Reformed Church. His wife, Sarah (Sum- mers) Stahr, was born in Finicum, Bucks County, and was a daughter of Lewis Summers, a farmer of Tinieum Township, who when quite young, in Hilltown Township, entered the Colonial army
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during the Revolutionary War and served under Washington. The family name was originally spelled Sommers.
Our subject's parents had five sons and one daughter, but only two of the number are now living, namely: Rev. I. S. Stahr, of Friedensburg. Berks County, and Dr. Stahr, our subject. The latter resided upon the home farm until he was about fifteen years of age, and pursued his studies in the public schools of his native district. When nearly sixteen he commeneed to teach, and by hard work at home and in the Bucks County Nor- mal and Classical School he made his way, until he took high rank in his profession. In Septem- ber, 1865. he entered the junior class of Franklin and Marshall College, and two years later was graduated therefrom with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Three years afterward the degree of Master of Arts was conferred upon him by his Alma Mater. It was his intention after graduation to enter the Theological seminary, but as a vaeaney occurred in the faculty of the college at that time, he accepted the position which was offered him, and was Assistant Professor from 1867 to 1871. Ile took up theology under the late Dr. J. William- son Nevin, and was ordained to the ministry at Reading in 1872. For about a year he was Assis- tant to Dr. Bausman, of that place, in the First Re- formed Church, and was subsequently invited to accept the pastorate. but declined the offer.
In 1871 Dr. Stahr beeame Professor of Sciences in Franklin and Marshall College, and acceptably filled that place for the ensuing eighteen years. On the expiration of this time he was for a year Act- ing President, and finally, in 1890, was elected President. While holding the chair of Natural Science, he was Treasurer of the faculty from 1874, and he still serves in that capacity. He has shown himself to be an able financier, and has been in- strumental in raising funds both for general en- dowment and for improvements in the way of new buildings and better equipments.
In 1872 Professor Stahr was married in this city to Miss Francina E. Andrews, who was born in Colerain, this county, and is a daughter of Hon. Hugh and Francina ( Wilson) Andrews. Her fa- ther was formerly a representative of this district
in the State Legislature. The Andrews family is of Scotch-Irish descent. To Dr. and Mrs. Stahr were born flve children, namely: Helen R., who is a member of the Class of '91 in Wellesley Col- lege; John M., deceased: Charles P., of the Frank- lin and Marshall Class of '97; Mary Belle and llugh A.
In addition to his responsible duties as Presi- dent and Treasurer, Dr. Stahr is Professor of men- tal and moral science, psychology and ethics. Is influence has been felt in a most marked way for good during the many years he has been iden- tified with the college, and with pupils and citi- zens alike he is very popular and much beloved.
Franklin and Marshall College is such an old and influential institution, that it needs no par- ticular mention to the residents and adjoining states, for its reputation has always been so high in the educational field that there must be few in- deed who have not heard its praises sung. Frank- lin College was established in Lancaster in 1787, and named after Dr. Benjamin Franklin, who contributed hberally to its endowment. Marshall College was established by the Reformed Church at Mercersburg in 1836. The two institutions were consolidated by an act of the State Legisla- ture. the union taking effect in 1853. The college buildings are beautifully located on an eminence within the city limits. in the midst of twenty-two acres of finely shaded grounds. The main building contains class rooms, chapel, library and reading rooms, and grouped around it are the various useful and architecturally fine buildings, which are used for the different departments of college work. A special feature of the work is the training of students in the true spirit of the Christian re- ligion, though no sectarian restraints are imposed upon them.
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