THE LAUFFER HISTORY

1906 Publication

 

THE HENRY LAUFFER BRANCH.

 

The family of Henry Lauffer, Sr., son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer.

 

Henry Lauffer, Sr., was a farmer and lived all his life on the old Lauffer place, near Pleasant Unity, the farm on which Simon Trice now lives. Henry Lauffer, Sr., was laid to rest in the Old Bash Cemetery in February, 1821, aged 67 years, 5 months and 19 days. By his side rests Barbara, his wife, whose maiden name was Alliman. She died May 14, 1846, aged 75 years and 26 days. This old cemetery is on the Somer's farm of the present day, near the Thomas school house, in Unity township, Westmoreland county. It is a two acre lot, willed in perpetuity for cemetery purposes. This is the same cemetery in which his father Christian Lauffer, our common ancestor, lies buried. 

 

In Pennsylvania Archives, Volume 23, Page 226, Third Series, we find that Henry Lauffer is enrolled among "Rangers of the Frontiers 1778 to 1783" for Westmoreland county. 

 

Until the death of Henry, Sr., his son Henry lived with him on the old homestead. He kept a wayside tavern for some twenty years before his death in 1821. He was a farmer but the  stage coaches passed his house, and the passengers wanted "pieces" and meals, and there were many weary travelers to be kept over night. All the grocery stores sold whiskey in those days, it  was as necessary as molasses and coffee in that age, and of course, it could be found at that hospitable farmhouse. 

 

Henry, Sr., died prematurely from an injury to his foot that became infected. He was still a young man at 67. Barbara, his wife, lived 25 years after his death, which years she spent in the home of Henry Jr., and later with her daughter Polly, the wife of Jacob Gress, Sr., who lived along Pine Run, near North Washington, Westmoreland County. Jacob Gress, Sr., purchased a farm just south of Pleasant Unity and removed there in 1837,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

from which place Barbara was laid to rest by the side of her husband, as before stated.

 

It was very amusing to the writer, listening to Jacob Gress and Henry Gress, of Pleasant Unity, as they related reminiscences of their grandmother.

 

"Grandmother was real strict. She often whipped us. When mother wished us to do anything, we were in no hurry, but when grandmother asked us, we obeyed promptly. When she said anything, she meant it." 

 

The family of Henry Lauffer, Sr., consisted of:

 

1.           Henry Jr.

2.           John

3.           Susanna

4.           Mary (Polly)

5.           Elizabeth

 

1.           Henry Jr., son of Henry Sr., son of Christian, the Pioneer, was born December 27th, 1793, and his wife Anna Marie Gress was born September 3rd, 1795. They were married in September, 1814. His wife died April 24, 1870, aged 75 years, 2 months, 21 days. He died April 18, 1873, aged 79 years, 3 months, 22 days. His family bible is in the hands of his son, Isaac Lauffer, of Greensburg, and the records are in perfect form. 

 

He resided with his father, Henry Sr, on the old homestead until the death of the latter in 1821, after which he lived on a farm just west of Greensburg. He later moved into the Manor Valley. He conducted a large business and acquired considerable property. For many years he operated a Fulling Mill in the Manor Valley, on the present James McKeever farm in Penn township. Home-made cloth, flannels and blankets were brought for many miles to his mill to be fulled. Fulling shrunk the cloth and made it thicker, closer and softer. He built the first brick house in the Manor Valley. 

 

He began wagoning, driving a big conestoga wagon, with four or six horses, between Pittsburg and Baltimore, when only sixteen years old. 

 

His family consisted of twelve :

 

I.            Hannah Lauffer, daughter of Henry Jr., son of Henry Sr.,

 

 

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son of Christian, the Pioneer, was born January 12, 1815, was married February 5th, 1845. Died November 5th, 1904. Interred in St. Clair Cemetery, Greensburg, Pa. 

 

To them were born seven children: (I) Elizabeth Baer, born Dec. 9, 1838, married August 20, 1857, to Jacob Welty by Rev. W. H. Locke. To them were born eight children.  (a)  Emma Welty, born Aug. 3, 1858, died Sept. 3, 1904. Interred at Irwin, Pa.  (b)  Isaac Baer Welty, born Feb. 2, 1860, married June 28, 1893, to Olive McFarland. Resides in Irwin.  (c)  Franklin Lewis Welty, born July 3, 1862, died May 1, 1890. (d) Lizzie Welty, born May 3, 1864, married May I5, 1889, to James C. Overholt, of Beaver, Pa. (e) Noble Miller Welty, born Sept. 10, 1867, married June 26, 1895, to Henrietta Hoelzel. Died Feb. 6, 1900. (f) Harry Thomas Welty, born Aug. 13, 1870, married June 16, 1898, to Jean Kendig. Resides at Wilmerding, Pa. (g) Ella Edna Weltv, born Oct. 20, 1873, married Apr. 24, 1900, to J. H. McKean, of Wilmerding, Pa. (h) Curtis Blaine Welty, of Irwin, Pa., born April 22, 1882.

 

(2)          Mary Baer, married to Joseph Smith, June 12, 1853. Both are dead. No data received.

 

(3)          Susanna Baer, died in childhood.

 

(4)          Lucy Baer, born Sept. 11th , 1846, married October 23, 1854, to Amos Loughner, of Manor, by Rev. John H. Wagner.  To them were born five children: (a) Logan Mayberry Loughner, of Braddock, Pa., born Nov. 9, 1865, married Sept. 8, 1887. to Katherine Mary Byers, to whom were born two children.  (b) Lulu Bella Loughner ,born Oct. 8, 1867, married Nov. 27, 1884, to W. J. Beamer, of Manor, Pa., of the John Lauffer branch, to who were born two children, Lucy Margaret Beamer and Paul Beamer. (c) Frank Wilmer Loughner, born Apr. 18, 1870, died Aug. 11, 1871. (d) Charles Howard Loughner, born October 10, 1873, died Sept. 21, 1879. Both are interred in the St. Clair Cemetery, Greensburg, Pa. (e) Anna Kate Loughner, born Dec. 13, 1878, married Sept. 25, 1901, to Lawrence P. Rankin, of Braddock, Pa.

 

(5)          William Jacob Baer, born January 7th, 1845, died in 1875.

 

 

(6)          Ella B. Baer, born Oct. 22, 1852, married Nov. 7, 1872, to Nelson M. Baker, of Greensburg, Pa. One child, Laura Isodore Baker, born February 18, 1873, married March 27, 1897, to Edward Mechling, of Greensburg, Pa., to whom were born Edna Isadore Mechling and Jean Mathella Mechling.

 

(7)          Anna M. Baer, born November 14, 1854, married May 13, 1875, to James L. McWilliams, of Greensburg, Pa. To them were born three daughters: (a) Edith B. McWilliams. (b) Jean L. McWilliams, married Aug. 28th, 1901, to Earl D. Fisher. (c) Efflo Proctor McWilliams. 

 

II.           Infant daughter, lived two days, born in 1817.

 

III.         Sosanna Lauffer, born Mar. 30, 1818, died Jan. 5, 1837.

 

IV.         Maria Anna Lauffer, daughter of Henry Jr., son of Henry, Sr., son of Christian, the Pioneer, wos (sic) born Mar. 11, 1820.  Married Mar. 23, 1837, to Peter Waugaman (born 1812, died 1886). She resided with her daughter at 324 South Negley ave., Pittsburg, Pa. Died Sept. 30, 1905. Eleven children. (I) Asa Waugaman, born 1840, died 1880. Married to Susanna Glunt and again to Mary Underwood. Left three children. (a) Anna Waugarnan, who married Jacob B. Petkin, and died in 1899. (b)  Leonard Waugaman and (c) Marie Waugaman, both of East Liberty. Pa.

 

(2)          Henry John Waugaman, the second in the family of Mary Ann Lauffer, died aged four years.

 

(3)          Lucy Ann Waugaman, born Sept. 17, 1843, married in 1860, to P. R. Brinker, of Manor, Pa., by Rev. N. P. Hacke.  P. R. Brinker was born Feb. 18, 1841. Five children. (a) Anna Mary Brinker, born July 16, 1862. Married Feb. 18, 1885 to R. W. Evans, of Greensburg, Pa. Two children, Paul and Ruth. (b)  William F. Brinker, born Mar. 16, 1865. Married Mar. 24, 1888 to Clara Pumilla Beamer. For children see Elizabeth section of John Lauffer, Sr., division. (c) Araminta D. Brinker, born Dec. 27, 1866. Married in March 1887 to W. C. Rankin, of Johnstown, Pa. Three children. Irene Rankin, born 1887, Julian Rankin, born 1889, Marguerite Rankin, born 1891. (d) Charles H. Brinker, of Manor, Pa., born July 27, 1869. Married in March; 1890, to Annie Cope. Three children. Fred.

Brinker,

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born Aug. 20, 1890.  LeRoy Brinker died Apr. 3, 1893, aged two years, four months. Dorotha Brinker, born Sept. 14, 1898. (e) Roberta F.  Brinker, born July 26, 1876, married Aug. 1895 to Harry O. Steiner. Two sons. Madaline Steiner, born Sept. 13, 1896, died May 16, 1902.

 

(4)          Hannah Mary Waugarnan, born 1845, died 1876, wife of Alph Brinker, Pittsburg, Pa.

(5)          Zachariah Waugaman, born 1847. Dentist. Greensburg, Pa.

(6)          Isaac Waugaman, born May 1849. Died Sept. 1893.  Married to Agnes McClaren. Two children. Edward Waugaman, Dentist, and Maud Waugaman, both of Pittsburg, Pa.

(7)          Sarah Elizabeth Waugaman, born 1851, married Dec. 1880, to Landon Warren. Died in May 1900.

(8)          Mariah Rachel Waugaman, born 1853. Married to Reuben Brinker, who died in 1875. Married again about 1879 to Frank Fisher, of East End, Pittsburg, Pa. One son Joseph Fisher, born in 1885.

(9)          Simon Peter Waugaman, born 1855, died July 1900.  Married to Anna Walthour. Three children. Mabel Waugarnan, married to Charles Myers, Clarence Waugaman, also of McKeesport, Pa., and Abagail Waugaman, deceased.

(10)        Emma Waugaman, born Mar., 1860, married to Harry Ludwick. Two children. Hazel Ludwick and Lillian Ludwick, Pittsburg, Pa.

(11)        Georgia Waugaman, born in 1864, married to Frank Rust, East Pittsburg, Pa.

 

V.          Jacob F. Lauffer, son of Henry Jr., son of Henry Sr., son of Christian, the Pioneer, was born Mar. 24, 1822. Married in spring of 1845 to Susannah Cribbs (born Apr. 23, 1829, died Oct. 22, 1891, interred at Denmark Manor). Address Smithton, Pa.  Ten children. (I) Priscilla Lauffer, born Feb. 24, 1846. Died October 28, 1904. Married  in 1861 to Jacob H. Fry, P. O. Scottdale, Pa. To them were born eleven children. (a) Ida L. Fry, born Oct. 7, 1862, died July 6, 1870. (b) Susannah B. Fry, born Mar. 16, 1864, married Aug. 20, 1885, to Charles P. Neubert. Jeannette, Pa. Five children. Walter Henry Neubert, born

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 5, 1887. William Charles Neubert, born Dec. 17, 1888.  Oscar Theodore Neubert, born Feb. 5, 1890. Alice Adalie Neubert, born Dec. 7, 1892. Jacob Sylvester Neubert, born May 11, 1894, died July 20, 1894. (c) Mary Ellen Fry, born Apr. 17, 1868, married Jan. 16, 1890, to James E. Painter, by Rev. A. E. Truxal. Seven children. Bertha Bell Painter, born Sept. 13, 1890. Eva May Painter, born Sept. 21, 1891. Myrna Edith Painter, born July 11, 1893. Della Viola Painter, born Aug. 25, 1894, died Nov. 12, 1894. Interred at Denmark Manor. Frank Earl Painter, born July 19, 1896. Blanche Orpha Painter, born Mar. 17, 1898.  Ada Alletha Painter, born July 18, 1902. (d) Arabella C. Fry, born Dec. 14, 1869, married Aug. 11, 1881, to James Johnston, P. 0. Humphreys, Pa. Seven children. Jennie Alverda Johnston, born Apr. 18, 1888. J. Wallace Johnston, born November 24, 1889. Maud May Johnston born June 12, 1891.  Paul Clifford Johnston, born Sept. 25, 1892. Mabel Fry Johnston, born Nov. 4, 1894. Ned Ephriam Johnston, born Oct. 6, 1897. Laura Belle Johnston, born Aug. 27, 1900. (e) Simon P. Fry, born 1872, died Feb. 5, 1873. (f) Sadie Mintie Fry, born Apr. 20, 1874, married June 27, 1896, to William Reagan, P. 0. Ruffsdale, Pa. Three children. Maude G. Reagan, born Oct. 22, 1896. May D. Reagan, born July I, 1898. Harrison E. Reagan, born Nov. 6, 1900.  (g) Jacob H. Fry, born Aug. 27, 1876, died Nov. 24, 1876.  (h) Infant Daughter, born Sept. .3, 1878, died Sept. 7, 1878. (i) Oscar S. Fry, born Sept. 26, 1879. (j) Clifford A. Fry, born Sept. 6, 1881, died Sept. 3, 1882. (k) Eva D. Fry, born Sept. 29, 1883, died Nov. 18, 1888. 

 

(2)          Mary Elizabeth Lauffer, born Mar. 2, 1848, married Oct: 10, 1867, to Zeph Brinker, of Scottdale, Pa. Five children. (a) Logan Elvie Brinker, born Aug. 25, 1868, died Oct. 7, 1880.  (b) Wilson Melvill Brinker, born Feb. 26, 1873, married Dec. 20, 1899, to Mary Ellen Smith. Johnstown, Pa. Two children.  Maybelle Fern Brinker, born Oct. 22, 1890. Jackson Brinker, born July 15, 1903. He was Bugler in Co. K, 10th Pa. Vol., and saw service in P. I. (c) Carlton Sherwood Brinker, born Aug. 13, 1878, died Oct. 12, 1880. (d) Myrna Mae Brinker, born Apr. 8, 1883. ( e ) Susa Fern Brinker, born July 12, 1887, died Apr. 21, 1892.

 

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(3) Henry A.  Lauffer, the Manor merchant, was born Mar. 10. 1850: married June 27, 1872, to Josephine L. Beamer (born June 2, 1855) by Rev. N. P. Hacke. H. A. Lauffer is president of the Manor National Bank, and has been a director in the Irwin National Bank ever since its organization. He is a member of councils. Four children. (a) Infant Son died Sept. 4, 1873.  Interred at Denmark Manor. (b) Charles Alpheus Lauffer, born July 27, 1875. As secretary of the publication committee, he has compiled for the printers most of the data presented in this book.  He received his A.B. degree from Franklin and Marshall College in 1900 and his M.D. degree from the University of Pennsylvania, in 1905. He is now resident physician at the Chester Hospital, Chester, Pa., (c) Maude J. S. Lauffer, born Dec. I. 1880, a graduate of Woman's College, Frederick, Md., and teacher in the Third Ward schools, in Allegheny, Pa. (d) Raymond Abner Lauffer, born Dec. 11, 1883. He graduated from the Academic department of the Greensburg Seminary in June, 1899. For two years attended the Western University of Pennsylvania, where he took first prize in mechanical drawing. Employed by the Westinghouse Electrical Co., at draughting. Died Nov. 5, 1902, in his Junior Year, while a student at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, Mass. Interred at Brush Creek Cemetery. 

 

(4) Hannah C. Lauffer, fourth in the family of Jacob F., was married in the spring of 1873 to James Steel, of near Hannastown, Pa. She had one son, Elmer Steel, married. Three children. No response.

 

(5) Edward C. Lauffer, born Oct. 10, 1854. Married June 24, 1880 to Salome Waugaman. Irwin Pa., R. F. D. Ten children.  Harry Lauffer, born Dec. 2, 1881, died Aug. 23, 1901.  Hiram Josiah Lauffer, born June 27, 1883. Lloyd Jacob Lauffer, born June 13, 1885. Joseph Iddings Lauffer, born Apr. 2, 1887.  Clarence George Lauffer, born Apr. 29, 1889. Mase Coyl Lauffer, born Jan. 15, 1891. Paul Price Lauffer, born Aug. 19, 1892, died Sept. 4, 1894. Loula Frances Lauffer, born Nov. I, 1894. Edith Irene Lauffer, born Sept. 2, 1896, died Dec. 23, 1896. Adella Elizabeth Lauffer, born Mar. 27, 1901.

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                      THE LAUFFER HISTORY.                                79

 

 

(6) Maranetta Arabel Lauffer, born Oct. 6, 1856. Married Nov. 11. 1875, to Aaron Bushyager. Harrison City, Pa. Five children. (a) Gertrude Evelin Bushyager, born Sept. 28, 1876, married Nov. 23, 1898, to William Howard Newcomer. One daughter. (b) Charles Edward Bushyager, of Youngwood, Pa., born July 15, 1878. Married. (c) Howard Osmond Bushyager, born Jan. 23, 1880. (d) Milton Clifford Bushyager, born July 8, 1881. (e) Homer Jacob Bushyager, born May 2, 1883, died Aug. 9, 1883. 

 

(7) Gilbert William Lauffer, born Mar. 22, 1859. 

 

(8) Sarah Ellen Lauffer, married to Jas. A. Beamer. Two daughters, Blanche and Margaret.

 

(9)  Oliver A. Lauffer, born Sept. 17, 1863. Accidentally shot while rabbit hunting, Dec. 23, 1878. 

 

(10)  Annetta R. Lauffer, born Mar. 10, 1866, married Dec. 17, 1885, to Elijah Bushyager. Harrison City, Pa. Eight children.  John Wallace Bushyager, born Oct. I, 1886, died Dec. 18, 1837. Curtis Elton Rushyager, born Dec. 9, 1887. Roy Orton Bushyager, born Apr. 15, 1890. Lee Ross Bushyager, born Jan. 20, 1894. Merle Jay Bushyager, born Feb. 5, 1895. Hazel Fern Bushyager, born Mar. 5, 1896. Glen Ray Bushyager, born Nov. 19, I897. Annetta Margaret Bushyager, born May 12, 1901.

 

V. Henry Lauffer, born Mar. 25, 1824, died Nov. 15, 1833. 

 

VII. Samuel Lauffer, son of Henry Jr., son of Henry Sr., son of Christian, the Pioneer, was born Sept. 28, 1826, died in 1890. "At Cumberland, Md., in her early home, among her dearest friends, Mrs. Eliza Ellen, wife of Samuel B. Lauffer, of Pittsburg, Pa., and eldest daughter of Hon.  L. N. Buchanan, of Allegheny Co., Md., aged twenty-seven years, eight months. twenty-two days." He was for many years postmaster at Greensburg, Pa. He later conducted a book store on Wood street, Pittsburg, and at the beginning of the Civil war, entered the service. He was in the Federal service the rest of his life.  He left one son, John Lauffer, of Washington, D. C., lately deceased. 

 

VIII. William Paul Lauffer, born Apr. 22, 1828, died Sept. 13, 1839.

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IX.  Isaac Lauffer, son of Henry Jr., son of Henry Sr., son of Christian, the Pioneer, of Greensburg, Pa., born May 12, 1830, married Mar. 10. 1853, to Lydia Fox.  Eight children. 

 

(I)  Cyrus Markle Lauffer, born Jan. 25, 1854, died Apr: 10, 1855.

 

(2) Anna Mary Ellen Lauffer, born July 12, 1855. Married to James S. McKeever, June 1, 1876, by Rev. N. P. Hacke. Harrison City, Pa. Ten children. (a) Harry C. McKeever, born May 14, 1877, married June 25, 1902, to Jean Elizabeth Wilson. To them was born Helen Wilson McKeever July 8, 1903. Died Sept. 8, 1905. (b) Frank E. McKeever, born May 14, 1877. (c) Twins Mattie E. and Lydia F. McKeever, born Jan. 14, 1881 ; died Aug. 2, 1834 and Feb. I7, 1886. (d) I. Ross McKeever, born Sept. 18, 1882, married in May, 1905, to Jessie GREENAWALT,  Wilkinsburg, Pa. (e) John Paul McKeever, born Sept. 21, 1885. (f) Alice May McKeever, born Aug. 31, 1887, died Aug. 30, 1893. (4) Edith Grace  McKeever, born Oct. 13, 1889, died Sept. 4, 1893. (h) Agnes L. McKeever, born June 27: 1892, died Sept. 14, 1893. (i) Infant born Oct. 25, 1898, died same day. Interred at Union Cemetery, Irwin, Pa.

 

(3)          William D. Lauffer, of Penn Twp., Westmoreland Co., Pa., born Aug. 30, 1856, married,  Feb. 2, 1882, to Annie E. Klingensmith, by Rev. J. F. Snyder. Six children. Pearl Lydia Lauffer born Dec. 31, 1882. Frank Foil Lauffer, born Aug. 25, 1884. Mazie Elizabeth Lauffer, born June, 8, 1886.  Elsie Florence Lauffer, born Nov. 21, 1887. Coyt Brooks Lauffer, born Aug. 22, 1889, died .July 16, 1894. Rosco Love Lauffer, born Oct. 7, 1891.

 

(4)          Alice Rebecca Lauffer, born Jan. I5, 1858, married Jan. 13, 1881, to Mose McIlvain, of Boquet, Pa. Six children. O. Taylor McIlvain, born Feb. 4, 1882. Nina F. McIlvain, born Apr. 1, 1883. L. Mabel Mcllvain, born Sept. 23,1886. Edna F. McIlvain, born Mar. 8, 1889. Mary E. McIlvain, born Oct. 29, 1892. A. Ellen McIlvain, born July 19, 1898.

 

(5)          Franklin Edward Lauffer, born Aug. 7, 1859. Married Sept. 15, 1896 in a crowded church of which he was pastor at Austinsville, Ohio, to Emma E. Klingensmith. Pastor of the

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reformed church at Aaronsburg, Centre Co., Pa. Two children.  Ruth Edna Lauffer, born Dec. 22, 1897. Paul Gideon Lauffer, born Oct. 9, 1900.

 

(6)          Henry John Lauffer, born Dec. 31, 1860, married Feb. 22, 1882, to Nannie J. Russell. Irwin, Pa. Six children. Perry I. Lauffer, born Apr. 7, 1883. Mattie L. Lauffer, born Sept. 20, 1885. Frank H. Lauffer, born Jan. 11, 1888, died Oct. 3, 1898.  Bertha C. Lauffer. born Apr. 30, 1890. John F. Lauffer, born Aug. 20, 1893. Margaret G. Lauffer, born Feb. I, 1898.

 

(7)          Infant child born Sept. 16, 1862, died Nov. 12, 1862.

 

(8)          Elmer E. Lauffer, born Nov. 10, 1863, married May 29, 1890, to Anna Elizabeth Fink. P. O. Trauger, Pa. Seven children.

 

Olive D. Lauffer, born Mar. 29, 1890. Fink E. Lauffer, born Nov. 14, 1891. Lydia E. Lauffer, born Oct. 16, 1893. Edgar I. Lauffer, born Sept. 9, 1895. Clarence J. Lauffer, born Mar. 17, 1898. Elton H. Lauffer, born July 20. 1900. Mabel I. Lauffer, born Feb. 13, 1902.

 

(9)          Elizabeth Florence Lauffer, born Feb. 26, 1867. Died Apr. 7, 1877.

 

X. Paul Lauffer, born Oct. 23, 1832, died Sept. 21, 1840.

 

XI. Simon Peter Lauffer, son of Henry Jr., son of Henry, Sr., son of Christian, the Pioneer, was born Aug. 4, 1837, died 1902. He spent his last years in the Soldiers' Home at Washington, D. C. From his being so long in the military service in Utah, he was familiarly known as "Utah Simon."

 

XII. John Lauffer, youngest in the family of Henry Jr., son of Henry Sr., son of Christian, the Pioneer, was born in 1839, died of a fever in 1857. Interred at Denmark Manor.

 

Elizabeth Lauffer, daughter of Henry Sr., the son of Christian, tile Pioneer, was born in 1795 and died in 1869. She was married in 1814 to Adam Rumbaugh. Her grandson says: "My mother died in 1869 and my father died in 1870, six months after mother's death. They are interred in the Cemetery on the Rumbaugh farm." When they moved to Ohio, in March, 1817, to their farm, in Wayne Co., ten miles north-west of Wooster, the county seat, they took with them one son, Issac Rumbaugh.

 

 

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We consider the letter of Jacob Rumbaugh of sufficient interest to reproduce it. 

14 Cottage St., Ashland, O.

September 21st, 1903. 

To my Lauffer friends :

 

In 1816 my grandfather Lauffer entered five quarter sections of land in Wayne Co., O. One section for each of his children, two boys, Henry and John Lauffer, three girls, Mrs. Susan Hartzell, Mrs. Polly Gress and my mother, Elizabeth.  My parents the following March, 1817, moved from Westmoreland Co., Pa., to Ohio, then called the Far West, to the quarter section of land my mother received of my grand father, Henry Lauffer.

 

I have three deeds to this quarter section of land. The first is printed on buck skin, conveying the land from Jas. Madison, President of the United States, to Henry Lauffer, of Westmoreland Co., the twentieth day of December 1816. The second deed was written on buck skin by John Wells, Notary Public, of Greensburg, Pa., in 1817, conveying the quarter section of land from my grandfather Henry Lauffer, to my father Adam Rumbaugh. The third and last deed conveyed the land in 1864 from my parents to myself. 

 

I was born and raised on the farm, lived forty-two years on the farm. When my parents settled on this farm, Wayne county was  perfect wilderness. I many times heard my mother relate that they cut part of the way from Wooster to ten miles northwest of Wooster to the farm. In the ten miles there were but two families living on the road between them and Wooster.  They did not know of any white settlers to the north-west of them. 

 

This is a beautiful farm of 172 acres. We will keep it in our family as long as it is in our power to do so.

 Respectfully,

Jacob Rumbaugh.

 

Elizabeth Lauffer had eleven children.

 

( I ) Isaac Rumbaugh, son of Elizabeth Lauffer, daughter of Henry Sr., son of Christian, the Pioneer, was born in 1815 at Pleasant Unity, Westmoreland Co.,

 

 

                                          THE LAUFFER HISTORY                           83

 

 

Pa., married in 1836 to Mary Rumbaugh. Married again in 1855 to Catharine Piffer. Died in 1888, interred in the cemetery in the corner of the Rumbaugh farm.

 

We have no data of descendants further than that Dr. Rumbaugh, Chicago Junction, Huron Co., Ohio, is a descendant. There were eight children.

 

(2) and (3) Infants.

 

(4) Henry Rumbaugh, born 1821, married 1843, to Mary Rice. He was a soldier and died in Camp Chase, Columbus, O., 1865. He and his wife are interred at Bucyrus, 0. He had four children.

 

(5) David Rumbaugh, born 1823.  Married in 1844, to Susannah Ickes. Died 1894. Interred in Medina Co., O. Seven children.

 

(6) Solomon Rumbaugh, born 1826. Married 1854, to Mary Miller . Died 1893, interred in Wayne Co., Ohio. Five children.

 

(7) William Rumbaugh born in 1828. Married in 1553 to Elizabeth Stratton. Died in 1895, interred in Albany, Oregon. Five children.

 

( 8 ) Sarah Rumbaugh, born in 1830. Married in 1854 to John Feters. Died in 1898, interred in Wayne Co., Ohio. Five children. 

 

(9) Hannah Rumbaugh, born in 1333. Married in 1853 to Isaac Ickes. Died in 1896, interred at Ft. Recovery, O.

 

(10) Jacob Rumbaugh, the only one  now living in the family of Eliz. Lauffer, daughter of Henry, Sr., son of Christian, the Pioneer, was born in 1835. Married in 1859 to Mary Mowrey by J. J. Excell. She died in 1875 and is interred in Wayne Co., Ohio. Married again in 1878 to Agusta Latta. She died in 1900. interred at Ashland, O. Married a third time to Mary Weimer, in 1903.

 

It is by courtesy of Jacob Rumbaugh , that we have the data presented in this section; not having heard from his brothers and sisters, or their descendants, directly, the data for them is necessarily incomplete.

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Jacob Rumbaugh has three children. (a) Sarah A. Rumbaugh, born 1856. Married in 1877 to Dr. L. B. Ash, of Ashland, Ohio, One son, Dr. R. C. Ash, born May 10, 1880. Graduate of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the University of Chicago. Address Ashland, O. (b) Ella Rumbaugh, born in 1864, married in 1889 to G. W. Schmidt, of Mansfield, O. One daughter, Olga Orrelia Schmidt, born Feb. 29, 1892. (c) Ira G. Rumbaugh, born in 1871, married in 1892 to Cora Reed, Greenwich, Ohio.

 

(11) Elizabeth Rumbaugh, born in 1838. Married in 1858 to David Mowrey, of Wooster, Ohio. She died in 1896, and was interred in Wooster, O.

 

Mary Lauffer, daughter of Henry Sr., the son of Christian, the Pioneer, was born July 16, 1799. She was married Mar. 12, 1818, to Jacob Gress by Rev. Henry Hobblestone. She died Sept. 2, 1880, aged 81 years, I month, 16 days.  Jacob Gress was born Mar. 11, 1793, died Feb. 13, 1883, aged 89 years, 11 months, two days. We copied the family record from the old Family Bible, now in the hands of her son, Jacob Gress, of Pleasant Unity, Pa. Eight children.

 

(I) Henry Gress, son of Mary Lauffer, daughter of Henry Sr., the son of Christian, the Pioneer, was born Nov. 14, 1818.  Married Mar. 16, 1841 to Susanna Seanor, (who died Mar. 25, 1843) by the Rev. N. P. Hacke. Again married Sept. 2, 1845 to Catherine Fisher, (who died Dec. 2. 1862) by the Rev.  H. E. F. Voiglit. Married a third time to Elizabeth Moyer, Mar. 4, 1869, by Rev. G. W. Bushy. One child by the first marriage, ten by the second, three by the third. (a) Florinda S. Gress, born Dec. 21, 1841, married to Martin Bash. No response. (b) Infant, 1846. (c) Infant, 1850. (d) Mary A. Gress, born July 7, 1847. Died May 22, 1862. (e) Margaret E. Gress, born Dec. 21, 1848. Died June 3, 1862. (f) John Gress, born Dec. 7, 1851, died May 10, 1862. (g) Lucinda Gress, born Oct. 10, 1854, died May 27, 1862. (h) Jacob H. Gress, born Dec. 17, 1856. Address Pleasant Unity, Pa. (i) Cyrus Gress born Aug. 21, 1558, died Sept. 10, 1858. (j) Infant, 1860. (k) Infant, 1862. (l) William Gress born Nov. 30, 1869. Married Dec. 24, 1890, to Lottie

                                    THE LAUFFER HISTORY.                                 85

 

 

Cease, by Rev. Cummings. Four children. Address 2620 Carey Alley, S. S., Pittsburg, Pa. Carrie Alverda Gress born Aug. 2, 1892. William Edward Harvey Gress, born Nov. 9, 1894. Nellie Elizabeth Gress, born Jan. 6, 1897. Daniel Nevin Gress, born Aug. 24, 1901. (m) Rev. Daniel Gress, born Aug. 25, 1872, Pastor of the Reformed church at Centre Hall, Centre Co., Pa.  Married Sept. 2, 1903 to Emma J. Black. One daughter. (n) Sarah J. Gress, of Pleasant Unity, Pa., born June 2, 1875. 

 

(2) Isaac Gress, son of Mary Lauffer, daughter of Henry Sr., son of Christian, the Pioneer, was born Sept. 14, 1820. Died Jan. 2, 1873. Married Apt. 22, 1858, to Lucinda Trauger, who was born Sept. 16, 1834, died May 4, 1878. Four children. (a) Anna M. Gress, horn May 16, 1859, married Aug. 28, 1877, to Edgar G. Walter, of Pleasant Unity, Pa., by Rev. W. L. McGrew. Five children. Infant daughter born April 28, 1878, died April 28, 1878. Second twin died May 9, 1873. Both interred at Pleasant Unity, Pa. Homer Trauger Walter, born Nov. 23, 1879, married Oct. 10, 1901 to Emma G. Ulam. Latrobe, Pa.  Clara Walter, born Jan. 15, 1883. Frank Wakefield Walter, born Mar. 27, 1887. (b) Infant daughter born Feb. 27, 1863, died Feb. 27, 1863. Interred at Ridge church. (c) Sarah  Melinda Gress, the other twin, born Feb. 27, 1863. Married Oct. 13, 1880, to Frank D. Trauger by Rev. B. B. Ferer. Frank D. Trauger was born Nov. 2, 1856, died Feb. 11, 1888. Interred at Ridge church. One child. Lucinda Elizabeth Trauger, born April 11, 1885. Sarah M. Gress married again Dec. 22, 1892 to George B. Immel, of Lycippus, Pa., by Rev. C. R. Diffenbacher. He was born May 9, 1864. (D) Ira Harvey Gress, born Mar. 6, 1871, married Sept. 26, 1895 to Ina M. Brinker (born Dec. 31, 1873), by Rev. C. R. Diffenbacher. Four children.  P. 0. Pleasant Unity, Pa. Mary Cari Gress, born June 30, 1896. Sarah Melinda Gress, born Dec. 25 1897. William Brinker Gress, born Dec. 5, 1899, died Dec. 3, 1900, interred at Union Cemetery, Greensburg, Pa. Harry Trauger Gress, born Aug. 2, 1904.

 

(3) Sarah Gress, daughter of Mary Lauffer, daughter of Henry Sr., son of Christian, the Pioneer, was 'born April 18, 1823. Married Jan. 12, 1843, to John  G. Fisher by Rev. N. P

86                                    THE LAUFFER HISTORY.

 

Hacke. He was born April 3, 1819, died May 29, 1897. Sarah Gress died Jan. 9, 1900. They and seven of their children are interred in Fisher’s Graveyard at the old homestead. Nine children. (a) Jacob Gress Fisher, born Oct. 14, 1843, died Sept. 30, 1861.   (b) Malinda Fisher, born Dec. 14, 1844. died Dec. 25, 1854. (c) Franklin Fisher, Homestead, Pa., born Oct. 20, 1847. (d) David Fisher, born July 21. 1949, married Oct. 19, 1869, to Mary C. Byers (born June 14, 1849, by Rev. Henry Cooper, 521 Ammon st., Homestead, Pa. Four children. John Franklin Fisher, born, July 23, 1870, married June 22, 1898, to Clara Paden, by Rev. J. M. Carter; to them was born Marian Leanoir Fisher, Nov. 28, 1899. 525 Ammon St., Homestead, Pa. Sarah Gress Fisher, born Oct. 28, 1872. Homer Byers Fisher, born Dec. 11, 1877, died May 25, 1881. Howard Albanus Fisher, born Mar. 1, 1883, died July 13, 1883. Both are interred in the Homestead Cemetery.

 

(4) Jacob Gress, son of Mary Lauffer, daughter of Henry Sr., son of Christian, the Pioneer, was born Sept. 27, 1825. He was married Mar. 20, 1856, to Mary C. Rumbaugh, (born June 1, 1836, died April 6, 1853) by Rev. Nicholas P. Hacke. Married again June 9, 1870 to Maria Zimmerman (born Dec. 8, 1835, died May 8, 1879) by Rev. A. J. Heller. Married the third time Mar. 15, 1881 to Julia Ann Hess (born July 18, 1840) by Rev. B. B. Forer(sic). P.O. Pleasant Unity, Pa. Six children. (a) Mary Calvena Gress, born Jan. 6, 1857. Married Nov. 4, 1875 to Jesse K. Poorman, by Rev. David B. Lady. Seven children. Clark L. Poorman, of Trauger, Pa., born Jan. 18, 1876. Della A. Poorman, born Sept. 27, 1877, married Mar. 17, 1894, to Charles Myers, of Greensburg, Pa. Laura F. Poorman, born Nov. 13, 1880, married June 25, 1896, to Robert Currie, of Moundsville, W. Va.; died Nov. 7, 1886, interred at St. Paul Cemetery. Franklin L.

Poorman, born June 8, 1884. Nellie C. Poorman, born Nov. 16, 1886, married Dec. 19, 1902, to Charles Bliss, of Greensburg, Pa. Jennie C. Poorrnan, born Sept. 14, 1888, Greensburg, Pa. William N. Poorman, born Sept. 9, 1890.

 

(b) Franklin Levan Gress, born Feb. 16, 1359. Married Feb. 23, 1893, to Anna E. Brown, by Rev. A. D. Potts, Greensburg, Pa. ( c ) Infant son, Sept. 23, 1871. (d) Infant daughter died

 

 

April 30, 1873. Aged two days. (e) John R. E. Gress, of Pleasant Unity, Pa., born Oct. I, 1875. Married to Estella Snednan. (f) Infant son died May 2, 1879.

 

( 5 ) Simon Gress, son of Mary Lauffer, daughter of Henry Sr., son of Christian, the Pioneer, was born Mar. 1, 1828. Married to Lavina Blithe. He died in Mar. 1900. Four children are interred at Ridge Cemetery. Ida Amelia Gress, died Feb. 22, 1862, aged 4 years, l0 months. Samuel A. Gress, died Jan. 19, 1863, aged 3 years, 6 months, 23 days. Also an infant son and infant daughter. Other children are: Clark, Carry, John, Rosy, and Olive Gress. No report.

(6) Mary Ann Gress, born Sept. 25, 1832. Died May 23, 1836. Interred in North Washington Township, Westmoreland Co., Pa.

(7) Elizabeth Gress, born Aug. 22, 1835, died May 2, 1843.  Interred in Unity Tp., Westmoreland Co., Pa.

(8) Lucinda Sophia Gress, of Greensburg, Pa., born July 9, 1838. Married to Isaac Smail, One daughter, married to Charles Brown, of Greensburg, Pa.

Susanna Lauffer, daughter of Henry Lauffer, Sr., son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, was married to George Hartzell. Their family consisted of four boys and six girls.

 

Their old Family Bible is still in existence, but the records have not been sent to us. We are indebted to Rev. C. M. Hartzell for a list of names, and to John F. Harshey for records of the Leah Hartzell branch.

 

The children were Maria, Elizabeth, Hannah, Jacob, John, Sarah, George, Susanna, Henry and Leah.

 

( 1 ) Maria Hartzell and John Chambers: six children. Latta, Matilda, Preston, Cyrus, Daniel and Porter.

(2) Elizabeth Hartzell and Henry Cease; Three children: Martin George and Henry.

(3) Hannah Hartzell and John Rumbaugh : Seven children.  George, Susannah. Mary, William, John Isaac and Daniel.

(4) John Hartzell and Anna Maria Errett: Seven children.

 

 

 

                                                                         

88.                               THE LAUFFER HISTORY.

 

 

William H., George W., John M., Cyrus M., Samuel, Frank A. and Lizzie.

 

( 5 ) Sarah Hartzell and Jacob Hairr: Two children. Mary and Susannah.

 

(6) George Hartzell and Hannah Barnhart: Nine children.  Mary, Abraham, Hannah, George, Amanda, Emma, Cyrus. Lewis and Lydia.

 

(7) Susannah Hartzell and James Rumbaugh: Seven children.  Mary, Sarah, Emma, Marian, George, Harry and Cora.

 

(8) Leah Hartzell and Henry Hershey: Four children. Sarah, Amanda, John and George.

 

Under Section 4, we can add: Cyrus Markle Hartzell, born July 7, 1856, son of John Hartzell, the son of Susanna Lauffer, daughter of Henry Sr., son of Christian the Pioneer. He was married Oct. 30, 1879, to Elizabeth Mitchell, by Rev. C. R. Dieffenbacher and Rev. Stevenson. Four children. Grace Emma Hartzell, born Dec. 19, 1180. Greensburg, Pa. Mary Jane Hartzell, born March 1, 1882, died Jan. 23, 1892, interred at Seanors.  Anna Elizabeth Hartzell, born Sept. 22, 1887. Ruth Hartzell, born Nov. 29, 1892. He was again married to Alice Carey Brindle by Rev. C. R. Dieffenbacher Sept. 15, 1896. Two children. Lewis Howard Hartzell, born April 13, 1899. Helen Hartzell, born May 21, 1905.  Under Section (I) we can add: Daniel Chambers, of Pleasant Unity, Pa., son of John Chambers and Mariah Hartzell, daughter of Susanna Lauffer, daughter of Henry Sr., son of Christian, the Pioneer. Daniel Chambers was born Aug. 13, 1844.   Married Apr. 17, 1877, to Matilda J. Steele by Rev. A. Fulton Boyd. Six children. James Steele Chambers, born Apr. 7, 1877.  Married June 10, 1902, to Jessie Truxal by Rev. Stanley Krebs.  John Porter Chambers, born Aug. 4, 1881. Mary Eva Chambers, born Apr. 5, 1882. Elmer Hull Chambers, born Oct. 11 1883. William Homer Chambers, born Jan. 7, 1887. Lucinda Margaret Chambers, born June 30, 1890.

 

(8) Leah Hartzell, daughter of Susanna Lauffer, the daughter of Henry Sr., the son of Christian, the Pioneer. Married to Henry Harshey. Four children.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(A) Sarah Ann Harshey was born Oct. 24, 1851, married Nov. 18, 1869, to John N. Altman, of Harrison 'City, Pa., by Rev. N. P. Hacke. Five children. (a) Ida Sybilla Altman, born Nov. 22, 1870, married Oct. 25, 1892, to Simon Kifer (born July 8, 1869) by Rev. A. E. Truxal, P. 0. Adamsburg, Pa. Five children. George H. Lifer, born July 4, 1893. Mary M. Kifer, born July 14, 1895. Laura N. Kifer, born Oct. 25, 1897. Charles S. Kifer. born Dec. 15, 1900. John J. Kifer, born Oct. 18, 1902.  (b) Emma Minerva Altman, born Aug. 21, 1872, married Aug. 25, 1892, to John M. Linhart, by Rev. R. M. Zimmerman. Five children. P. 0. New Alexandria, Pa. John W. Linhart, born June 9, 1893. Edgar L. Linhart, born May 9, 1896. Alice M. Linhart, born May 3, 1898. Clara L. Linhart, born May 28, 1900. Blanche E. Linhart, born Mar. 12, 1902. (c) Laura Bell Altman, born Mar. 4, 1877. Married on May 9, 1899, to Francis E. Faith, by Rev. G. J. Diener. Two children. Gertrude M. Faith, born Sept. 21, 1900 and John Franklin Faith, born July 13, 1902, died Jan. 29, 1903. P. O. North Braddock, Pa. (d) Homer Walthour Altman,

born Mar. 6, 1882, Harrison City, Pa. (e) Clara L. Altman, born Apr. 29, 1887, Harrison City, Pa.

 

(B) Amanda J. Harshey, daughter of Leah, daughter of Susannah Lauffer, daughter of Henry Sr., son of Christian, the Pioneer, was born Oct. 19, 1853. Married May 20, 1879, to Michael P. Baughman, of Adamsburg, Pa., by Rev. M. F. Lauffer.  One child. Eva C. Baughman, born Aug. 13, 1888.

 

(C) John F. Harshey, son of Leah, daughter of Susannah Lauffer, daughter of Henry Sr., son of Christian, the Pioneer, was born Dec. 6, 1854, married Dec. 26, 1876, to Lucinda Altman, (born Sept. 14, 1854), by Rev. Enoch Smith.. Eight children.  (a) Jacob F. Harshey, born Sept. 29, 1877, married Oct. 25, 1899, to Laura M. Long, by Rev. Prugh. Hunker, Pa. R. F. D. No. 3.  One child. Olive M. Harshey, born July 15, 1902. (b) Mary L. Harshey, born Mar. 17, 1879, married June 25, 1903, to James C. Fritchman, of East McKeesport, Pa. One son. (c) Oscar C. Harshey, born Apr. 27, 1882, died March 16, 1883. (d) Logan W. Harshey, born Feb. 21, 1884, died Feb. 25, 1885. Both are interred at Brush Creek. (e) Elsie E. Harshey, born July 19, 1886.   ( f ) Edna L. Harshey, born Oct. 8, 1889. ( g ) Hazel

 

 

 

 

 

                                      THE LAUFFER HISTORY                                90

 

N. Harshey, born June 28, 1893. (h) Lloyd C. Harshey, born March 19, 1898. John F. Harshey is Post Master at Penn Station, Pa.

 

(D) George H. Harshey, son of Leah, daughter of Susannah Lauffer, the daughter of Henry Lauffer, Sr., the son of Christian, the Pioneer, was born Sept 21, 1856, married May 29, 1902, to Henrietta Ferree, by Rev. H. C. Calhoun, Turtle Creek, Pa.

 

Family of John Lauffer, son of Henry Lauffer, Sr., the son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born July I, 1789, died Feb. 4. 1873, aged 83 years, 7 months and 4 days. Nee Elizabeth Andrews, his wife, was born December 31, 1795, died October 31, 1877, aged 82 years and 10 months. They are buried side by side in Hill's Cemetery, Manordale, Pa. They lived on a farm in Franklin Township, Westmoreland County. To them were born the following children :

 

George Lauffer, born Mar. 31, 1812 ; married to Catherine Hill; died July 19, 1860;

 

Hannah Lauffer, born 1814; married to Daniel Geiger, died 1885 ;

Mary Lauffer, born January 8, 1815; married July 10, 1837, to Andrew Cline;

Elizabeth Lauffer, born March 20, 1818, married September 1834, to Joseph Hill; residence, Ridgeview, West Virginia; died Mar. 1905;

Henry Lauffer, born April 28, 1820; married to Susannah Cline; died December 4, 1891; buried in Ridge Church Cemetery;

Jacob Lauffer, born July 15, 1822; married June 25, 1844, to M. M. M. Rosenberger ; died May 6, 1896; interred at Apollo;

William Lauffer, born November 6, 1824; married June 20, 1861, to Elizabeth Spence, residence Greensburg, Pa. ; died----

Peter Lauffer, born January 16, 1827; married October 9, 1851, to Anna M. Stockum ; died August 4, 1886; buried in Hill's Cemetery;

Sarah Lauffer, born January 29, 1829; married December 19, 1850, to Josiah Kemerer; interred in Hill's Cemetery;

Lydia Lauffer, born July 27, 1831 ; married August

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1861, to Jacob W. Kemerer; died December 24, 1893; interred in Hill's Cemetery.

 

Joseph Lauffer, born Dec. 21, 1833, married Februrary (sic) 24, 1859, to Ester Berlin ; died April 21, 1894;

Anna Lauffer, born April 2, 1838; married April 20, 1858, to H. Rumbaugh; also second husband, Chas. Meyers ;

Family of George Lauffer, son of John Lauffer, who was the son of Henry Lauffer, Sr., the son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, was born Mar. 31, 1812, died July 19, 1860, aged 48 years, 4 months and 19 days. Catherine (Hill) Lauffer, his wife, died August 28, 1898, aged 74 years. To them were born the following children:

 

Loammi Lauffer, born August 3, 1839; address, Irwin, Neb; served three years in Civil War; was there at final wind up; heard last angry gun fired on April 9, 1865.

 

Elizabeth Lauffer, born October 31, 1841 ; date of death unknown; died in infancy in Pennsylvania;

Mary E. Lauffer, born December 18, 1842, married to Lehbeus Geiger (date not known) ; address, Nind, Mo.;

Peter Lauffer, born May 18, 1845; address Sturgis, South Dakota;

Anna S. Lauffer, born February 24, 1848; married to P. J. Downing; address, Bear Grove, Iowa;

Sarah C. Lauffer, born February I, 1850; married to S. C. Easterly; address, Carrol, Iowa;

Rebecca M. Lauffer, born January 6, 1852, married to J. Downing : address, Jefferson, Iowa ;

Margaret A. Lauffer, born December 12, 1855 ; married to J. M. Downing; address, Marble, Colorado;

Ludid J. Lauffer, born November 14, 1858; died October 3, 1861 ; interred in Union Church Cemetery, near old home.

 

Family of Mary E. Lauffer, daughter of George, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian, the Pioneer, was on Dec. 18, 1842; married December 20, 1859, to Lebbeus Geiger, by Mr. Williams of Missouri. To them were born the following children:

 

Peter Geiger, born March 8, 1861; died October 7, 1863; buried in Clear Creek Cemetery;

 

92                                THE LAUFFER HISTORY.

 

George Geiger, born November 16,1865; died September 30, 1867; buried in Millersburg, Cedar County, Iowa;

 

Minnie Mandrilla Geiger, born March 5, 1871 ; married June 5, 1901, to William Edminston; address, Nind, Mo;

Loamia Geiger, born April I, 1874; died March 7, 1877; buried at Millersburg;

Annie Myrtle Geiger, born April 2, 1877 ; died May 22, 1879;

Perry William Geiger, born May 12, 1879; married June 10, 1899, to L. Belle Gerrard; residence, Nind, Mo.;

Family of Minnie Mandrilla Geiger, daughter of Mary E. Lauffer, daughter of George, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, born May 5, 1871; married, June 5, 1901, to Williams Edminston. To them were born the following children:

 

Henry Lebbeus Edminston, born October 13, 1902 ; died December 13, 1902 ;

Perry Ross Edminston, born October 29, 1903 ; died November 9, 1903.

 

Family of Perry William Geiger, son of Mary E. Lauffer, daughter of George, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, born May 12, 1879; married to L. Belle Gerrard, June 10, 1899. To them were born the following children:

 

Lebbeus Orville Geiger, born August 19, 1899; residence Nind, Mo.; died September 25, 1899 ;

John Delmer Geiger, born May 16, 1901 ; residence, Nind, Mo.:

Zena Ellen Geiger, born June 29, 1903 ; residence, Nind, Mo.

 

Family of Anna S. Lauffer, daughter of George Lauffer, son of John Lauffer, son of Henry Lauffer, son of Christian Lauffer, born February 24, 1848; married December 20, 1866, to Preston J. Downing, by Rev. W. N. Brown. To them were born the following children :

 

Addie I. Downing, born December 5, 1867; married October 6, 1855, to B. F. Reed; residence, Bear Grove, Iowa;

Lester M. Downing, born April 2, 1869; married July 22, 1897, to Nell Reed residence, Palisades, Colorado;

 

                                   THE LAUFFER HISTORY.                                  93

 

Nora E. Downing, born January 27, 1871 ; married May 5, 1888, to Frank McCluen; residence, Guthrie Centre, Iowa; died Oct. 4, 1891, interred at Bear, Iowa;

 

Edith K. Downing, born Feb. 2, 1873, married Oct. 12, 1895, to Ellis Milhollin, Bear Grove, Iowa;

 

George O. Downing, born Oct. 4, 1875. Residence Bear Grove, Iowa.

Fred. F. Downing, born February 11, 1877; residence, Bear Grove, Iowa ;

 

Mary V. Downing, born July 14, 1879; died September 22, 1895 : interred at Bear Grove, Iowa;

 

Carrie E. Downing, born March 15, 1881; residence, Bear Grove, Iowa;

Flora F. Downing, born September 15, 1883; married July 24, 1902, to Isaac Guy; residence, Lind, Washington;

Leta K. Downing, born March 30, 1891 ; residence (Bear Grove, Iowa,

 

Family of Addie I. Downing, daughter of Anna S. Lauffer, daughter of George Lauffer, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, born December 5, 1867; married October 6, 1889, to B. F. Reed, by Rev. W. Milhollin. To them was born one child, Neva D. Reed, April 6, 1891 ; residence Bear Grove, Iowa.

 

Family of Lester M. Downing, son of Anna S. (Lauffer) Downing, daughter of George Lauffer, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, born April 2, 1869; married July 22, 1897, to Nell Reed, by Rev. R. F. Crab. To them were

born the following children :

 

Don C. Downing, born March 31, 1898; residence, Palisades, Colorado.

 

George W. Downing, born September 12, 1901 ; residence, Palisades, Colorado.

 

Family of Nora E. Downing, daughter of Anna S. (Lauffer) Downing, daughter of Geo. Lauffer, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, born January 27, 1871; married May 5, 1888, to Frank McCluen, by Rev. W. Millhollin. To them was born one child, Carl O. McCluen, March 29, 1890; residence, Guthrie Centre, Iowa ;

 

94                                    THE LAUFFER HISTORY.

 

Family of Edith K. Downing, daughter of Anna S. (Lauffer) Downing, daughter of George Lauffer, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, born February 2, 1873; married October 12, 1895, to Ellis Millhollin, by Rev. W. Millhollin.

To them were born the following children:

 

Helen I. Millhollin, born July 8, 1899 ; residence, Bear Grove, IO.;

Maynard E. Millhollin, born April 26, 1902; residence, Bear Grove, Iowa.

 

Family of Flora F. Downing, daughter of Anna S. (Lauffer) Downing, daughter of George Lauffer, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, born September 15, 1883; married July 23, 1902, to Isaac Guy, by Rev. Ramsey.

 

Family of Sarah C. Lauffer, daughter of George, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, born February 1,  1850; married April 14, 1867, to Samuel A. Easterly, by Rev. John Curts. To them were born the following  children :

 

David L. Easterly, born May 13, 1868; married May 13, 1901, to Mary E. McNealy ; residence, Sedalia, Mo. ;

Charles A. Easterly, born May 10, 1573; married January 24, 1904, to Elsa Studeman; residence, Manning, Iowa.

 

Family of Charles A. Easterly, son of Sarah C. Lauffer, daughter of George, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, born May 10, 1873; married January 24, 1904, to Miss Elsie Studeman, by Alex. G. Bennett; residence, Manning, Iowa.

                                                       Wedding Bells.

Dr. C. . Easterly and Miss Elsa Studeman were united in marriage last Sunday morning at 10 o'clock at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. O. B. Walters, Mrs. Walters being the bride's sister. Rev. Alexander Bennett, of the M. E.  church, spoke the words which united this young couple for life. The wedding

was a quiet one, only a few relatives and near friends were present at the ceremony.

 

Doctor Easterly came here from Carroll about two years ago and bought the dental business of Dr. C.. M. Boos and through his courteous treatment and fair dealing he has built up a very good business. He is a young man of good moral character and a hustler.

 

                                     THE LAUFFER HISTORY                                  95

Miss Studeman is a refined young lady, well educated and has been one of our most popular teachers in Manning and vicinity for a number of years and is now completing a term of school at the Center school just east of town. They have taken up housekeeping at the fine new cottage of E. Hathaway up near

the school house. The Monitor joins their many friends in extending congratulations.

 

Family of Rebecca M. Lauffer, daughter of George, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, born January 6, 1852; married December 23, 1879, to J. P. Downing, by J. B. Gray. To them were born the following children:

 

Marion Lettie, born October 29, 1881;

Velma, born November 16, 1883;

Mabel, born July 19, 1889.

 

Family of Margaret A. Lauffer, daughter of George, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, born December 12, 1855 ; married September 20, 1872, to J. M. Downing, by J. M. Gray. To them were born the following children:

 

Eva Downing, born June 25, 1873; married September 20, 1882, to O. N. Millhollin; residence, Guthrie Center, Iowa;

James Madison Downing, born December 2, 1877; married 1901, to Maggie Bush ; residence, Carbondale, Colo.;

Blanche Downing, born July 23, 1880; married October 25, 1896, to O. F. Tracy; residence Coal basin, Colorado;

Jennie Downing, born February 18, 1883; married December 15, 1899, to S. C. Hodgson; residence, Redstone, Colorado;

 

Millie Downing, born January 17, 1886; residence, Marble, Colorado;

Elsie Downing, born November 15, 1%; residence, Marble, Colorado;

Clarence Downing, born August 15, 1899; residence, Marble, Colorado.

 

Family of Eva Downing, daughter of Margaret A, (Lauffer) Downing, daughter of George Lauffer, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, born June 25, 1873; married

96                                 THE LAUFFER HISTORY.

 

 

September 20, 1892, to O. N. Millhollin, by Rev. W. N. Millhollin.  To them were born one child, Lorren E. Millhollin, September 27, 1894. Residence, Guthrie Center, Iowa.

 

Family of James Madison Downing, son of Margaret A. (Lauffer) Downing, daughter of George Lauffer, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, born Dec. 2, 1877 ; married Nov.__, 1901, to Maggie Bush, by Rev. Ellis. To them was born one child, Harry Downing, April 11, 1903 ; residence, Carbondale,

Colorado.

 

Family of Blanche Downing, daughter of Margaret A. (Lauffer) Downing, daughter of George Lauffer, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, born July 23, 1880; married October 25, 1896, to O. F. Tracy, by Robert Crabb, J. P. To them were born the following children :-Address Coal Basin, Colorado.;

 

Leah Viola Tracy, born January 25, 1898 ;

Clarine Margaret Tracy, born February 12, 1900;

Lola Irene Tracy, born October 31, 1901;

Frances Louise Tracy, born September 18, 1903.

 

Family of Jennie Downing, daughter of Margaret A. (Lauffer) Downing, daughter of George Lauffer, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born February 18,1883 ; married December 15,1899, to S. C. Hodgson, by E. W. Fuller, J. P. To them were born the following children :

 

William James Hodgson, born November 7, 1901;

 

Frank Hodgson, born December 21, 193; Residence, Redstone, Cal.

 

Family of Hannah Lauffer, daughter of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born 1814 (?) ; married to Daniel Geiger ; died about 1885 ( ?) . To them were born the following children :

 

Joseph Geiger, born - , 1833; married to Mary Shanklin; residence, Millersburg, Iowa ;

 

Lebbeus Geiger, born ________1833 ; married to Miss _________

Lauffer, daughter of George Lauffer; residence, Millersburg, Iowa ;

 

 

 

Daniel Geiger, born 1836 ; married to Mary Kuhns ;  residence not known ;

 

Elizabeth Geiger, born September 19, 1839 ; married to Simon Fisher ; residence, United, Pa. ;

Sarah Geiger, born _____ 1841 ; married to Uriah Stull; died ___ 1899 ; interred at Apollo, Pa. ;

Ellen Geiger, born _____ 1852 (?) ; married to William        Wilmot, residence, Apollo, Pa. ;

Anna Geiger, born 1847 (?) ; married to William Bair; died _________; interred at Apollo, Pa.

 

Family of Elizabeth Geiger, daughter of Hannah (Lauffer) Geiger, daughter of George Lauffer, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born September 19, 1839; married - 1862, to Simon Fisher by Rev. N. P. Hacke. To them were born the following children:

 

Anna M. Fisher, born March g, 1863; residence, United, Pa;

Harry F. Fisher, born August 20,, 1865 ; residence, United, Pa. ;

Clark W. Fisher, born June 11I, 1868 ; married - 1897,     to Jane Crock ; residence, Greensburg, Pa. ;

Andrew H. Fisher, born January 14, 1870; married - 1893, to Myrtle J. Kline; residence, United, Pa.;

Mattie B. Fisher, born February 21, 1872; died March 24, 1873 ; interred at United, Pa. ;

Logan B. Fisher, born January 3, 1874; residence, United, Pa. ;

Charles R. Fisher, born May 24, 1878. Residence, Greensburg, Pa.

Nellie C. Fisher, born April 21, 1881 ; residence, United, Pa.

 

Family of Mary Lauffer, daughter of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born January 18, 1815; married July 10, 1837, to Andrew Cline, by Squire Laurimer. To them were born the following children:

Two infants (not named) died ; interred in old Hill Church yard ;

98                                    THE LAUFFER HISTORY.

 

    Delila Cline, born ; married to Joseph Rosenberger; residence, Greensburg, Pa. ; a widow ;

    Sarah Cline, born -; married to Jacob Painter; died --1870; interred at Apollo, Pa. ;

    Susan Cline, born ; married to William Bellows; residence, Holton, Pa.; a widow ;

    Elizabeth Cline, born ; married to William Henninger; residence, Zaleski, Ohio ;

    George Cline, born about December 14. 1846; died -; interred Rutnam Chapel, Ohio;

    Matilda Cline, born November 15, 1854; married May 17, 1892, to John Ward ; address, Allensville, Ohio ;

    Andrew Cline, born May 6, 1856; single; address, Allensville, Ohio;

    William Cline, born ; died aged about nine eyars (sic).

 

    Family of George Cline, son of Mary (Lauffer) Cline, daughter of John Lauffer, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born December 14, 1846; married - 1874 ; to Louisa M. Thorn, by Rev. Simmons. To them were born the following children :

 

William L. Kline, born April 2, 1875 ; died December 25, 187- ;

Pearl J. Kline, born June I, 1880; died ____,

Emmie Cline, born June I, 1880; (twins) died -; Interred  at Putman Methodist church; funeral conducted by Rev. Simmons. Address, R. F. D. No. 2, Carpenter, Ohio.

 

Family bf Elizabeth Cline, daughter of Mary (Lauffer) Cline, daughter of John Lauffer, son of Henry Lauffer, son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born July 29, 1847; married June 13, 1876, to William Henninger, by Richard Doughty. To them was born one child, Mary M. Henninger, June 30, 1877; married November 18, 1902, to John Andrews; residence, Zaleski, Ohio. To John Andrews and wife was born one child, Elizabeth Andrews, April 27, 1903. Address, Zaleski, Ohio.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Family of Matilda Cline, daughter of Mary (Lauffer) Cline, daughter of John Lauffer, son of Henry Lauffer, son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born November 15, 1854; married September 16, 1894, to John Ward, by Squire Robt. S. Barnhill. To them was born one child, Anna L. Cline, May 8, 1875; married Sept. 7, 1894, to Milton Ankrom. Address, Royal, Ohio.

 

Family of Elizabeth Lauffer, daughter of John Lauffer, son of Henry Lauffer, son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born March 20, 1818: died Mar. 13, 1905 ; interred in Ridgeway, W. Va.; married September - , 1834, to Joseph Hill, by Rev. Weigle. To them were born the following children :

Jeremiah Hill, born February 11, 1836 ; address, Holton, Jackson County, Kansas.

Joseph Hill, born  December 21, 1838; married September 5, 1861, to Elizabeth Baum; residence, Ridgeway West Virginia.

James Hill, born October g, 1841 ; married- to Katie Cline, residence, Manordale, Pa. ;

Mary A. Hill, born July 16, 1863 ; married March 16, 1890, to Charley Walters; residence, Los Angeles, Cal.

 

Family of Joseph Hill, son of Elizabeth (Lauffer) Hill, daughter of John Lauffer, son of Henry Lauffer, son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born December 21, 1838; married September 5, 1861, to Elizabeth Baum, by Rev. Frederick Neis. To them were born the following children :

 

Lucinda A. Hill, born October 6, 1862; died August 30, 1863 ; interred at Salem church, Armstrong County, Pa. ;

 

Janie H. Hill, born January 11, 1864; married April 2, 1899, to Perry Pultz: residence, Ridgeway, West Virginia;

 

Sadie C. Hill, born August 27, 1866; married June 7, 1893, to George Schlack ; residence, Ridgeway, West Virginia ;

 

Eliza E. Hill, born November g, 1868; married December 31, 1888, to S. Richart; residence, Philadelphia, Pa.;

 

Della A. Hill, born April 25, 1872; residence, Ridgway, West Virginia;

Ida M. Hill. horn October 9. 1874: married September 30, 1896, to Harry Stewart; residence, West Virginia.

 

100                                   THE LAUFFER HISTORY.

 

 

Family of James Hill, son of Elizabeth (Lauffer) Hill, daughter of John Lauffer, son of Henry Lauffer, Sr., son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born October 9, 1841 ; married December 1, 1864, to Catharine Ann Cline, by Rev. N. P. Hacke.  To them were born the following children:

 

Sarah Elizabeth Hill, born July 22, 1865 ; married March 6, 1884, to M. L. Remaley ; residence, Sardis, Westmoreland Co., Pa. ;

Mary Ellen Hill, born March 14, 1868; married April 23, 1891, to H. Z. Lauffer; residence, Jeannette, Westmoreland Co., Pa. ;

Annie Catharine Hill, born January 12, 1870; married June 8, 1893, to M. S. Hoy; residence, Youngwood, Westmoreland County, Pa. ;

Jacob Pierce Hill, born December 20, 1871 ; married November 4, 1897, to Annie Cline ; residence, Greensburg, Pa., R. F. D., No. 3 ;

Rilla Jane Brinker Hill, born April 28, 1884; residence, Manordale, Westmoreland County, Pa.

 

Family of Sarah Elizabeth Hill, daughter of James Hill, son of Elizabeth (Lauffer) Hill, daughter of John Lauffer, son of Henry Lauffer, son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born July 22, 1865 ; married March 6, 1884, to M. L. Remaley, by Rev. J. F. Snyder. To them were born the following children :-Address Sardis, Pa. ;

 

Eva G. Remaley, born October 18, 1884; died November 10, 1902 ;

interred in Olive Cemetery ;

 

Clarence A. Remaley, born March 23, 1886; residence, Sardis, Pa.

 

James Pierce Remaley, born February 23, 1888; residence, Sardis,, Pa.;

Rilla J. H. Remaley, Born February 11, 11890; residence, Sardis, Pa, ;

Sadie L. Remaley, born February 24, 1893; residence, Sardis, Pa ;

Infant child, born October 30, 1894; died February 14, 1895; interred. in Olive Cemetery;

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anna Mary Remaley, born March 11, 1896; residence, Sardis, Pa. :

 

Oliver Wendell Remaley, born April 5, 1899 ; residence, Sardis, Pa. ;

 

Violet Verneta Remaley, horn June 25, 1903; residence, Sardis, Pa.

 

Family of Henry Lauffer, son of John Lauffer, son of Henry, son of  Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born April 28, 1820; married - to Susanna Cline; died December 4, 1891, aged 71 years, 7 months and 6 days. Henry Lauffer was reared on the home farm in Franklin Township. He received a good education

in the common schools and engaged in farming, which he pursued until his death Dec. 4, 1891. Early in life he removed to Mt. Pleasant township, where he purchased a farm containing one hundred seventy-five acres of land, which was  well adapted to farming and grazing purposes. During his life there he erected

a large brick dwelling house, built a good barn and made many other valuable improvements on his farm. In politics he was a Republican and a member of the Reformed church, in which he held the office of elder and deacon. Susanna, his  wife, died July 3, 1895. To them were born the following children:

 

Caroline Lauffer, born February 8, 1841 ;

 

Israel Lauffer, born November 8, 1843 ; killed April 2, 1865; buried among the unknown on the battle field of Petersburg (Civil War);          When killed he was 21 years of age   Following is a letter written home by him a short time before he  was killed:

                                         Camp of the 211th Reg't, P.V.,

                                                           Near Hancock Station, Va.

                                                                March the 26th, A.D. 1865

Dear Parents :

    Brothers and sisters, I this Sabbath morning once more take the pleasure of writing you a few lines to inform you that I am still spared and have good health. I will now inform you of a  battle which was fought yesterday, from half past eight o'clock until half past ten o'clock, in the forenoon. The rebels came on

102                               THE LAUFFER HISTORY.

 

 

our pickets early in the morning and told them that they were coming into our lines. They soon had the pickets taken without firing a shot. They then rushed on two of our forts and took them and some prisoners. We left our camp at daylight and had about five miles to march. We run about one-half of the way, as the rebels were fast making their way for the railroad. Our regiment was drawn in line and the 205th on our left and the 207th on our right. This made our brigade. When we were ordered on we went shut half way to the forts which had been taken and then fixed our bayonets, and all gave a yell, and the "Jonnies" broke from the forts like sheep, and the stars and stripes were once more placed on the fort. The name of this fort is Fort Steadman. This is the fort that our regiment  took.. The name of the other I don't know. These forts and the rebel fort are only about 200 yards apart. Our batteries poured the grape into the forts while the rebels were in them, which soon made them scatter. The shells were flying fast and the minnie balls whizzed past our heads, but the loss in our regiment was  very small. I got through without a scratch, and Andrew Wineman and Josiah Maxwell the same. The rebel loss in killed, wounded and prisoners is about 3,000-most prisoners. As soon as we got to the fort about 1,000 prisoners came in with their flag. They told us to go on that we were all right. They said they had been marched about 12 miles the night before. I got a piece of their corn bread. It is corn meal mixed with water and only dried. It was a hard sight to see when we got in the fort. Some had their legs torn off by shells, some shot in the breast, others through the head and almost every place a person can think of. I only saw 5 or 6 of our men inside the fort that were killed. They didn't get any of our guns. We stayed in the fort until about half past four o'clock, when we went back to camp. This morning I feel all right except my legs are a little tired. I will close, hoping to hear from you soon. I will put a button in this letter, which I got off a dead rebel at the fort.                                                                ISRAEL LAUFFER

 

     Sarah Lauffer, born June 5, 1846;

 

     Susan Ellen Lauffer, born September 16, 1850; married December 18, 1879, to A. J. Schaff; also-. married, August 14,

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1890, to George S. Trice, by William F. Olaham; residence,

Greensburg, Pa.

 

Lydia Lauffer, born July 3, 1852 ;

Henry Lauffer, born August 20, 1855 ;

William Lauffer, born July 30, 1856;

Mary Elizabeth Lauffer, born July 9. 1860; died January 15, 1863 ;

Malinda Lauffer, born January 4, 1863.

 

     Family of Sarah Lauffer, daughter of Henry, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born June 5, 1846; married December 24, 1868, by Rev. N. P. Hacke, to Simon Frank Truxal. Born Mar. 31, 1842. To them were born the following children:-Address, Greensburg, Pa., R. F. D. 7;

 

     Susanna Rebecca Truxal, born December I5, 1869; married March 22, 1896, to John Sutton, to whom were born two children, Rebecca, born 11 Apr., 1896, and Riley Franklin Sutton, born 28 Oct., 1900, and William McClain, 13 May, 1904; residence, Pleasant Unity, Pa. :         

 

     Henry Luamma Truxal, born August 23, 1872 ; died December 24, 1872;

     Mary Etta Truxal, born April 10, 1874; married April 10, 1899, to Newton Weaver, to whom was born, on June 12, 1903, one child, John Franklin Weaver; residence, Mutual, Pa. ;

 

William Lauffer Truxal, born August 24, 1876;

Arminda Codilla Truxal, born May 5, 1880 ;

Lydia Malinda Truxal, born February 26, 1887.

 

     Family of Susan E. Lauffer, daughter of Henry, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born September 16, 1850; married December 18, 1879, to A. J. Schaff, by Rev. B. B. Ferree. Her husband, A. J.  Schaff, was killed June 14, 1884, at the age of 30 years and 29 days. He was interred in old German cemetery and later on removed to Hillview Cemetery.

                                                      INSTANTLY KILLED.

 

A. J., Shaft is Struck by the Binders of a Railroad Bridge and

Killed - The Funeral.

A very sad accident happened to a resident of this place on

 

 

 

104.                                  The LAUFFER HISTORY

 

 

Saturday, in which A. J. Shaft, a brakeman on the local freight of which Theo. Butterfield, of this place, is connected, is the victim. Mr. Shaft was standing on one of the cars with his face turned toward the rear of the cars and had evidently forgotten of the near approach to his death trap, the Paintersville bridge. He was struck on the back of the head by one of the binders of the bridge and knocked forward on his face on top of the car. He survived for a few minutes, but died  before reaching the next station. His head was cut very little, but his neck was broken.  His remains were brought to his home in Rohrertown on Saturday afternoon and interred in the German cemetery on Sunday at 3 p.m. He was a member of the St. Clair Lodge, No. 53, A. O. ,U. W., and of the Knights of  Pythias.- Greensburg Press, June 16, 1884.

 

To Susan E. Schaff and husband were born the following children :

 

Malinda E. Schaff, born August 4, 1881 ; residence, Greensburg, Pa. ;

 

Henry H. Schaff, born October 15, 1883, residence, Greensburg, Pa. ;

 

Susan E. Shaff, widow of A. J. Shaff, was married on Aug. 14, 1890, to George S. Trice, by Rev. W. F. Olaham. To them was born one child, William P. D. Trice, born March 8, 1891 ; residence, Greensburg,  Pa.

 

Family of Lydia Lauffer, daughter of Henry, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born July 3, 1852; married October 3, 1878, to Simon Trice, born Dec 3, 1856, by Rev. Enoch Smith, Lutheran Minister of Greensburg, Pa. To them were born the following-children:

 

Harry S. B. Trice, born April m, 1879; address, United, Pa. ;

 

Adam Y. Trice, born August 28, 1881; married; address, United, Pa. ;

 

Susanna E. G. Trice, born November 5, 1884; died September 26, 1886;

 

 

 

 

john S. Trice, born June 10, 1888, United, Pa.

Simon F. Trice, born October 27, 1890, United, Pa.;

Charles W. Trice, born August 4, 1893, United, Pa. ;

Edna Malinda Trice, born October 30, 1895.

 

Family of Henry Lauffer, son of Henry, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born July 8, 1854; married October 15, 1882, to Marry Ella Kemp, by Rev. B. B. Ferree, of Pleasant Unity, Pa. To them were born the following children :

 

John M. Lauffer, born October 14, 1883; died August 19, 1884; interred in Old German Cemetery; United, Pa.;

 Anna May Lauffer, born February 6, 1889 ; United, Pa. ;

Harvey Franklin Lauffer, born Nov. 28, 1891 ; United, Pa.;

Alice Bethelda Lauffer, born August I, 1897 ; United, Pa. ;

William Fisher Lauffer, born Feb. 21, 1902; United, Pa, ;

 

Family of William Lauffer, son of Henry, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born July 30, 1856; married January 9, 1878, to Mary M. Roadman, by Rev. H. S. Harkey. To them were born the following children:

Cora Amanda Lauffer, born August 18, 1882; married September I5, 1903, to H. H. McDowell; (born Mar. 13, 1874) ; residence, Masontown, ; Pa.; by Rev. Stanley L. Krebs, to whom a daughter was born, Eva May, June 14, 1905. Died July 31, 1905 ; interred in Hillview cemetery:

 

John Henry Lauffer, born April 14, 1888; died August 21, 1888: interred in Hillview Cemetery;

Sarah Susan Lauffer, born April 14, 1888; Died an infant.

Cloy Alpheus, born April 4, 1894;

Carl Adam Lauffer, born March 26, 1903; died March 27, 1903 : interred in Hillview Cemetery.

Family of Cora A. Lauffer, daughter of William Lauffer, son of Henry, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born August 18, 1882; married September I5, 1903, to H. H. McDowell, by Rev. Stanley L. Krebs.

 

Family of Malinda Lauffer, daughter of Henry Lauffer, son of John Lauffer, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born January I5, 1863; married November I, 1883, to

 

 

106                                     THE LAUFFER HISTORY.

 

 

John L. Stauffer, by Rev. B. E. Ferree. To them were born the following children:

 

Alice I. Stouffer, born October 8, 1884; address, Southwest, Pa. ;

Henry L. Stouffer, born December 7, 1887; died May 10, 1888;  interred in St. John's Cemetery, near Mt. Pleasant, Pa.;

Martha S. Stouffer, born June 5, 1891; residence, Southwest;

Miriam G. Stouffer, born July 13, 1898; died February 1898; interred by the side of Henry L., in St. John's Cemetery, near MI. Pleasant, Pa.;

Family of Jacob Lauffer, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born July 15, 1821 ; married June 25, 1844, to Mary Martha  Magdaline Rosenberger; died May 6, 1896, aged 75 years. To them were born the following children:

 

Elizabeth Lauffer, born May 22, 1845 ; married to John Ashbaugh ; also married a second time to Daniel Spencer ; residence, Ford City, Armstrong County, Pa. ;

John Lauffer, born May 22, 1845 ; date of death unknown ;

Jesia Lauffer, born January 4, 1849; married November 25, 1900, to Mary Ford ; residence, Apollo, Pa. ;

Susan Lauffer, born March 28, 1851 ; married to Rudolph Shumberger ; also to John Lenning, and a third time to Christ Smeltzer, residence, Vandergrift, Pa. ;

 

Jacob Lauffer, born May 5, 1854; residence, Apollo, Pa. ;

James Lauffer, born May 5, 1854; date of death unknown;

Henry Lauffer, born September 3, 1859; married June 28, 1901, to Jennie Coup, residence, Vandergrift, Pa. ;

Nancy Jane Lauffer, born April 4, 1861 ; residence, Vandergrift, Pa. :

Annie Mary Lauffer, born December 1, 1863 ; married October 20, 1888, to Harve Cunningham; residence, Apollo, Pa.

 

Family of Elizabeth Lauffer, daughter of Jacob Lauffer, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer,

 

 

 

born May 22, 1545; married to Daniel Spencer; residence, Ford City, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. Two children were born to them, both of whom are dead.

 

Family of Jesia Lauffer, son of Jacob Lauffer, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born January 4, 1849; married November 25, 1900, to Mary Ford; Address: Apollo, Pa.

 

Family of Susan Lauffer, daughter of Jacob Lauffer, son of John, son of Henry, son of 'Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born March 28 1851. Susan Lauffer was married three times, to wit: to Rudolf Slumberger, John Lenning, and Christ Smeltzer.  To her first husband, Rudolf Slumberger, one child was born:

 

Lillie M. Slumberger, born October 19, 1875; died October 16, 1883.

 

To her second husband, John Lenning, were born the following children :

 

Elsie Jenetta Lenning, born August 12, 1877; married to Stewart Lelles; address, Box 16, Vandergrift Heights, Pa.;

Edward Lenning, born September 21, 1879;

Albert Sampson Henry Lenning, born October 17, 1882;

Uzzie May Lenning, born June 5, 1885 ;

 

Family of Henry Lauffer, son of Jacob Lauffer, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born September 3. 1859; married June 28, 1901, to Jennie Coup. To them was born one child, Roy Coup Lauffer, born April 1, 1903.

 

Elizabeth Lauffer, nee Spence, of Greensburg, Pa., was born Dec. 15th, 1839, in Indiana, Pa.; was married to William Lauffer, June 20th, 1861 ; and died Sept. 8th 1905. Aged 64 years, 8 mo., 23 days.

 

Lived opposite Apollo until 1889 when she and her husband moved to near Harrison City, Pa., and after her husbands death moved to Greensburg, Pa., where she spent the last years of her life.

 

She was a consistent member of the Denmark-Manor Reformed Church and a loving mother.

108                                      THE LAUFFER HISTORY

 

              In Loving Remembrance

We miss thee from thy place,

 

                                     BRIEF SKETCH OF WILLIAM LAUFFER.

 

     William Lauffer was born in Mount Pleasant Township, Westmoreland County, Pa., Nov. 6th, 1824. A few years later his father and mother moved to Manordale, Franklin Township, Westmoreland County, Pa., where he spent the early years of his life in the persuit (sic)  of farming and working on a saw-mill.

 

     Early in life he was baptized by Dr. N. P. Hacke, and when he had arrived at the age of thirteen years, he became a full Communicant member of Emanuel German Reformed Church.

 

     In the Spring of 1852 he purchased a farm of George McCreary, opposite the town of Warren, now Apollo, in Allegheny Township, Westmoreland County, Pa., and moved to it in the Spring of 1853, where he continued the persuit(sic) of farming, and in the Spring of 1889 he moved to the David Yount farm near the scene of his early boyhood days in Penn Township, near Harrison City, Pa., where he passed the remainder of his days.

 

     He was married to Elizabeth Spence, of Apollo, Pa., June 20th, 1861, by Rev. Robert McMillan.

 

     He was an industrious, prosperous, honest, upright, Christian father, a good citizen and a consistent member of the German Reformed Church and in his declining years attended the Denmark Manor Reformed Church, where he lies buried alongside the church in Woodlawn Cemetery.

 

     In Politics he was a stalwart Republican; but in local elections the best man always received his vote.

 

     He was modest in his manner, temperate in his habits, and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                       THE LAUFFER HISTORY                            109

 

 

had a host of friends. He had established an undying reputation for honesty and was held out as a worthy example.

 

     His neighbors, who knew him best, were accustomed to say to each other, "You should be as honest as Billy Lauffer," as he was familiarly called.

 

     In loving remembrance of William Lauffer, who died Dec. 29th , 1898, aged 74 years, 1 month and 23 days.

 

"One less at home-the charmed circle broken;

A dear face missed day by day from its usual place.

But cleansed, saved, perfected by grace.

One more in Heaven ; one less on earth:

Its pain, its sorrow, and its toil to share.

One less the pilgrim's daily cross to bear;

One more the Crown of the blessed to wear,

At home in Heaven."

 

     Family of Annie Mary Lauffer, daughter of Jacob Lauffer, son of John Jr., son of Henry Sr., son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born December 1, 1863; married October 20, 1888, to Harve Cunningham. To them were born the following children :

 

     Bertha Bell Cunningham, born July I, 1889; address, Apollo, Pa. ;

Mabel Irene Cunningham, born May 23, i8g1; address, Apollo, Pa. ;

Adda Virginia Cunningham, born January 7, 1894; died August 11, 1894;

     Beatrice Navad Cunningham, born April 25, 1896; address, Apollo, Pa.;

     Owel McBryer Cunningham, born January 11I, 1899; address, Apollo, Pa.;

     William Harvey Cunningham, born January 27, 1903; address, Apollo. Pa.

 

     Family of Elsie Jeannette Lauffer, daughter of Jacob Lauffer, son of John, Jr., son of Henry, Sr., son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born August 12, 1877; married to Stewart Lelles ; residence, Vandergrift Heights, Pa. (Box 16). To them were born the following children:

 

110                                  THE LAUFFER HISTORY.

 

 

Lillie Annetta Lelles, born August 13, 1893; died Nov. 10, 1903.

Bessie Viola Lelles, born December 3, 1900;

Gertrude Lucella Lelles, born July I5, 1903.

 

Family of William Lauffer, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born November 6, 1824; married June 20, 1861, by Rev. Robert McNellon, to Elizabeth Spence, who was born December I;, 1839; residence, Greensburg, Pa.

To them were born the following children:

 

Anna Mary Lauffer, born February 21, 1863; died October 5, 1865; interred at Denmark Manor ;

Ella Zilla Lauffer, born December 24, 1864 ; married Nov. 10, 1887, to Edward Spencer; died July 2, 1897; interred at Denmark Manor ; residence, Export, Pa. ;

Infant son, born October 3, 1866; died February 19, 1867; interred at Denmark Manor;

William Grant Lauffer, born Dec. 29, 1867; died Nov. 3, 1870 ;

Ida Jane Lauffer, born September 19, 1870; married to J. Merch Kistler, residence, Harrison City, Pa.;

James C. Lauffer, Attorney at Law, of Greensburg, Pa., was born Nov.  10th, 1873, in a log house in Allegheny Township, Westmoreland County, Pa., opposite Apollo, where the town of Vandergrift Heights now stands.

                                                                

It was here that he spent the early years of his life helping his father on the farm and attending Evan's school in the winter, until in the Spring of 1889 he moved to Penn township, near Harrison City, Pa.. where he continued helping his father on the farm in the summer and attending Holtzers school in the winter.  In January 1891 he entered the preparatory department of the Greensburg Seminary. Entered Heidelberg Uuniversity (sic) at Tiflin, Ohio, in the Fall of 1892; graduated from the Ohio Normal University in the Summer of 1897.

 

Began the study of law in the fall of 1897 under the firm of Spiegel & McGeary, of Greensburg, Pa. ; was admitted to the Westmoreland County Bar on the third day of November 1900, and took up the practice of law in the McCauslin Building, West

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Otterman street, Greensburg, Pa., with Charles K. McCreary. He was married to Amanda Carpenter Sherrick, of Mount Pleasant, Pa., July 27th, 194, and this union was blessed by one son, James Sherrick Lauffer.  He was instrumental in organizing the Merchants Trust Company, of Greensburg, with a capital of  $200,000.00; of which he is a director, and is Secretary of the Greensburg Realty Co.

 

Lilly Spence Lauffer, born March 18, 1877; married December 24, 1902, to Dr. Frank L. Swallow, by Rev. Evans ; residence, Greensburg, Pa.

 

Family of Ida J. Lauffer, daughter of William Lauffer, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born September 19, 1870; married March 21, 1894, to J. M. Kistler, who was born May 25, 1866;residence Harrison City, Pa., by Rev. J. M. Evans. To them were born the following children:

 

Infant twin sons, born December 20, 1895 ; died on December 20, 1895; the other December 21, 1895 ;

 

Infant daughter, born September 11, 1898; died September 11, 1898; all interred at Denmark Manor, Wood Lawn Cemetery.

 

Family of Lilly S. Lauffer, daughter of William Lauffer, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born March I5, 1877 ; married December 24, 1902, to Dr. Frank L. Swallow, by Rev. J. M. Evans. Dr. Swallow, who was born on June 30, 1876, died November 17, 1903. To them was born

one child, Frank Lauffer Swallow, September 27, 1903.

 

                                                  DR. SWALLOW'S DEATH.

 

The death of Dr. Frank Lewis Swallow has cast a gloom over Manor, as it takes away a kind father, a faithful and devoted husband and a most generous and affable citizen. Let those who knew him best testify to his. sterling worth and his memory will be kept green for many years.

 

Dr. Swallow was born in Lambertville, N. J., on the 30th day of June, 1876. His father, Anderson Swallow, is a prominent architect and builder of that place. His mother died ten years

112                                     THE LAUFFER HISTORY.

 

 

ago. His brothers, Harry, of Lambertville, and Charles, of Trenton, are prominent citizens. The deceased was the youngest of the family.

 

The deceased entered the public schools of his native town and made the remarkable record of graduating from the High School at the age of 13 years. It is said of him that he was the only pupil that ever graduated there in knee pants. He entered the University of Pennsylvania and graduated from that celebrated intstitution (sic) in 1900, at the remarkable age of 24 years. He was appointed by the P. R. R. for the Pitcairn division, as examining surgeon and held this position at the time of his death.

 

He was a skilled musician. He played in Sousa's band, belonged to some of Philadelphia's finest orchestras and won distinction in this line. He was married to Miss Lillie Spencer Lauffer, of Greensburg, Pa., in 1902, and this marriage was blessed by the birth of a bright ,boy baby, now only seven weeks old. To his wife and baby boy he was most devotedly attached.  The death chamber is a singularly sad, one and when the writer, bn old acquaintance of the family, visited it this morning, he found the bride of a year ago prostrate in grief and the gray haired grandmother (sic) fondling her little grandson, whose young and gifted father was coffined for the tomb.

 

The cause of death was evidently overstudy. A worshipper at the shrine, he gave his Deity too much devotion and his death was due to physical collapse. His death is another instance, where genius and energy are wedded in the body and mind of a single individual. He was a most genial and companionable man, a devoted husband and father, and the sympathy of all goes out unstintingly to the bereaved in this hour of dire affliction.- Greensburg Tribune.

 

Family of Peter Lauffer, son of John, son of Henry, Sr., son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born January 16, 1827; married October 9, 1851, to Anna M. Stockum, by Rev. William Winel. His wife, Anna Margaret, was born March 8, 1832, in Reinhorn, State of Hesse Daemstadt, Germany, and died May I6, 1874, interred in Denmark Manor,, later removed to Hill's Cemetery. Peter Lauffer, great grandson of Christian, the

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pioneer, was a successful farmer, a prominent member of the Reformed church in which he held the offices of elder and deacon for many years. He was a man of commendable characteristics, being known among his neighbors as Honest Peter.. In politics he was a staunch Republican, but never aspired to public office.

 

Early in life he purchased a farm in Penn township, Westmoreland County, Pa. The farm contained about 138 acres, and was in rather poor state of cultivation. He was frequently told by his neighbors and friends, that he could not make a living on such poor land. Peter, however, had the courage and went to work with a will and soon brought into evidence his ability as a business man and a farmer .

 

In the year 1873 he erected a large brick house on the farm and surrounded it with an evergreen fence, which, together with many other improvements, is still standing as a witness to his untiring efforts, though now being owned by Wm. Wagner.

 

For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord ; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord; whether we live or die therefore we are the Lords. For to this end Christ both died and rose and revived-lived again-that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. Romans 14 :7, 8, 9.

 

                                 CHRISTIANS THE LORD'S POSSESSION.

 

Extracts from a sermon preached at the funeral of Peter Lauffer, who died August 4, 1886, interment in Emanuel Cemetery, August 6, 1886.

 

The tenderest and warmest recollection of our lives cluster around our childhood's home. We may have gone out from it, but we never, never can forget the old home, where we spent our childhood days. So the spirit too has a childhood's home, where it was born unto God, became God's property, and reared on the breast of its spiritual mother-the church. A power undefinable that binds the faithful Christian-bound our departed brother to the place, where he became God's property, and here he learned 

114                                    THE LAUFFER HISTORY.

 

 

to know and love Christ. For some years .he transferred his church membership to a neighboring congregation, but to this Zion of God-this childhood home of his soul and spirit, around which memories clustered, which will live forever, his eyes and his heart ever turned. The poet expresses the sentiments and feelings of our beloved brother for this house of God and all its surroundings in that beautiful hymn.

 

                                               I love thy kingdom Lord,

                                                   The house of thine abode.

                                               The church our blest Redeemer saved

                                                   With his own precious blood.

 

                                                If e'er my heart forget,

                                                   Her welfare or her woe,

                                               Let every joy this heart forsake

                                                   And every grief o'erflow.

 

                                               For her my tears shall fall,

                                                  For her my prayers ascend,

                                              To her my cares and toils be given,

                                                  Till toils and cares shall end.

 

With these sentiments animating and ruling his heart, he labored early and late, nobly and heroically to make this spiritual home, this church-God's acre, where peacefully his remains will sleep until the resurrection, now beautiful and lovely. The beauty, attractiveness and loveliness of this sacred spot is due to oar departed brother, and others, who like him, labored, toiled, prayed, and gave largely of their means, time and substance, to adore and beautify this hill of God, and make this temple- the place where God's name is recorded and where his honor dwelleth glorious. No one gave more towards the rebuilding of this temple. No one gave more willingly or cheerfully. And none were more faithful in their attendance on the regular preaching of the word, the ordinances of the church, and the congregational meetings, having for their object the advancement of God's Kingdom in our midst.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our departed brother began life with scarcely a dollar. Industrious, full of zeal and energy, God blessed and prospered him.  He accumulated a comfortable home and a goodly inheritance of honest toil, hard labor, and the sweat of his brow. Whilst he was diligent in business he was at the same time fervent in spirit serving the Lord. He always gave liberally and cheerfully unto the Benevolent objects of the church. God loves the cheerful giver. In this regard, as well as a faithful member and deacon of this congregation, we will all miss him. As a good man and neighbor the community will miss him, but above all as a tender husband and a kind and loving father will be missed by the bereaved household and family. Better, however, ten thousand times better that we are missed, even sadly missed in the church, congregation community and family circle than otherwise. In this there is the evidence and the proof that we are filling, in some measure at least the sphere and place into which God put us. Speaking to me some time ago of the disease which was terminating his earthly life, he remarked that he was dying differently from what he thought he would. He said, be expected to die suddenly. His departure was in accordandce (sic) with the teaching and truth of the text. We die according to the way, manner and circumstances, as God directs and wills. "We die unto the Lord."

 

But how did our departed friend and brother die? As he lived. "Unto the Lord.'' In the providence of God. I was permitted to be at his side, commend his soul into the hands of our kind heavenly Father, and close his eyes in death. He as perfectly conscious to the last moment, and departed as calmly and peacefully, as the child falling asleep on its mothers bosom. So gently did he fall asleep in Jesus, that it could scarcely be seen just when the earthly life  terminated and the heavenly was ushered in.

 

                             "How blest the righteous when lie dies

                                  When sinks a weary soul to rest

                              How mildly beam the closing eyes,

                                  How gently heaves the expiring breast."

116                            THE LAUFFER HISTORY.

 

 

                               "Jesus can make a dying bed

                                    Feel soft as downy pillows are,

                               Whilst on his breast I lean my head

                                   And breathe my life out sweetly there."

 

How comforting also are the words of the text to the bereaved household, family, relatives and friends. You are God's property, God's possession. He has bought you each one with a price not with corruptible things, as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, as a lamb, without blemish and without spot. We belong unto him in soul and body, in life and death.

 

He is your shepherd. He will provide for and take care of you, and you shall not want. The same God and Father, that led, preserved ,defended and provided for his Israel of old will care for you. The same Savior that comforted a Mary and a Martha will comfort you. He says, "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid etc." "I will not leave you comfortless.'' Trust Christ. Bring your sorrows,, tears and broken hearts to him. "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest."

 

There are solemn lessons for us to be learned as a congregation and a community. Do we realize that we are Gods property, that he has bought us with the infinitely availing blood of his own dear son? In virtue of this precious purchase price we belong not unto the world nor the evil one, but unto Christ. If we realize that we are God's property we will have the mind and spirit of Him, who has fully satisfied for all our sins, and made us heirs of God and joint heirs with Himself. We will live unto God in a peculiar Christian sense. We will glorify  God with our bodies and spirits which ate his. If we are not Christ's, and not living unto the Lord, whose fault is it? Can we come before God now, and in the great last day and tell him that He never bought us? Is there a soul here to-day, who is making null and void this effecacious(sic) purchase by neglecting and refusing to  live unto him ?

 

  

 

 

 

 

                                      "Lord, it belongs not to my care

                                           Whether I die or live:

                                        To love and serve Thee is my share,

                                            And this Thy grace must give."

 

                                        "If life be long, I will be glad

                                             That I may long Obey,

                                          If short, yet why should I he sad

                                             To soar to endless day?”

 

To them were born the following children:

 

Israel B. Lauffer, born September 12, 1852; married April 10, 1879, to Rebecca C. Waugaman ;

Infant daughter died Jan. 16, 1854, interred at Denmark Manor ; later removed to Hill's Cemetery.

Jacob W, Lauffer, born December 29, 1855; married December 28, 1882, to Mary E. Smith;

Sarah E. Lauffer, born April 5, 1859 ; married June 27, 1878, to K. H. Kemerer, residence, South Greensburg, Pa. ;

Elizabeth J. Lauffer, born January 2, 1864; married Jan. 18, 1883, to Wm. H. Kemerer ;

John P. Lauffer, born April 18, 1868 ; married Jan. 28, 1892, to Annie C. Wolfe ;

Henry Z. Lauffer, born January I, 1868; married April 23, 1891 to Mary E. Hill, Jeannette, Pa., R. F. D. No. I ;

              Joseph A. Lauffer, born May 10, 1870; married January 1, 1904, to Miss E. C. Bridenthal: address, Greensburg, Pa., 70 West 2nd street ; One child, Grace Mildred, born Feb. 9, 1905.

 

The fifth son of the generous hearted Peter Lauffer was reared on the home farm near Harrison City, Pa. He received a good education, and at the age  of 21 he engaged in the grocery business in Greensburg, Pa., which he has pursued ever since.  He is a staunch Republican and a member of the First Reformed Church of Greensburg, Pa., taking an active part in Sunday school and general church work. Having served as treasurer of their C. E. Society and Sunday school for 13 years. For nearly 4 years he has not been absent from Sabbath school a single Sabbath.

118                                  THE LAUFFER HISTORY.

 

 

 

 He served a term in the N. G. P., 10th regiment, Co. I., of Greensburg, Pa.

 

Anna M. Lauffer, born September 25, 1871; married September 29, 1892, to Calvin P. Ashbaugh; address, Irwin, Pa., R. F. D. No. 2.

 

 Infant daughter died may 11, 1874 interred at Denmark Manor, later removed to Hills, cemetery.

 

 Family of Israel B. Lauffer, son of Peter Lauffer, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born September 12, 1852 ; married April 10, 1879, to Rebecca C. Waugaman, by Rev. William Selner. Rebecca C., his wife, was born October 22, 1859. To them were born the following children:

 

Anna S. Lauffer, born March 23, 1880; married Jan. 12, 195, to Lewis E.  Fry, by Rev. A. L. Yout, Greensburg, Pa., R. F. D. No. 4;

 

Edna F. Lauffer, born February 19, 1885 ; address, Greensburg, Pa. ;

 

Carl D. Lauffer, born April 19, 1895 ; address, Greensburg, Pa. ;

 

Family of Jacob W. Lauffer, son of Peter Lauffer, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born December 29, 1855; married December 28, 1882, to Mary E. Smith, by Rev. J. F. Snyder. To them were born the following children :

 

Myrle E. Lauffer, born November 16, 1883; residence, Nihil, Pa. :

Lottie I. Lauffer, born March 8, 1886; residence, Nihil, Pa. ;

Nina E. Lauffer, born August 31, 1888; residence, Nihil, Pa. ;

Frank R. Lauffer, born March g, 1891 ; residence, Nihil, Pa. ;

Charles M. Lauffer, born March 25, 1894; died April 6, 1902; interred in Hill’s Cemetery;

Doyl R. Lauffer, born March 9, 1897; residence, Nihil, Pa. :

Flora C. Lauffer, born November 21, 1899, residence, Nihil, Pa.;

 

 

 

    

  

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

   

 

 

 

                                       THE LAUFFER HISTORY.                              119

 

 

John M. Lauffer, born September 21, 1902; residence, Nihil, Pa. ;

 

Infant, born December 19, 1905 ; residence, Nihil, Pa.

 

Family of Sarah E. Lauffer, daughter of Peter Lauffer, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born April 5, 1859; married June 27, 1878, to Reuben H. Kemerer, by Rev. J. F. Snyder. To them were born the following children : - Residence, S. Greensburg, Pa.

 

William L. Kemerer, born October 6, 1878 ; married July 3, 1901, to Lizzie Steiner ; residence, Greensburg, Pa. ; to them was born one child, Olive Beatrice, June 19, 1902 ;

Henry Z. L. Kemerer, born May 8, 1880; died November 22, 1886; interred in Hill's Cemetery ;

Charles C. Kemerer, born October g, 1882; died October 28, 1891 ; interred in Hill's cemetery;

Minnie F. Kemerer, born December 27, 1884; died December 9, 1891 ; interred in Hill's cemetery;

Flora D. Kemerer, born December 27, 18237; married June 28, 1905, to James W. Keltz, South Greensburg, Pa. :

Family of Lizzie J. Lauffer, daughter of Peter, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born January 2, 1864; married January 18, 1883, to William H. Kemerer, by Rev. Jacob F. Snyder. William H. Kemerer was born March 2, 1853; residence, New Stanton, Pa.

 

Family of John P. Lauffer, son of Peter, son of John, son of Henry, son of  Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born April 16, 1866; married January 28, 1892, by Rev. J. F. Snyder, to Annie E. Wolf, who was born August 20, 1871. To them  were born the following children :

 

Charles Humes Lauffer, born August 7, 1892 ;

William Andrew Lauffer, born June 14, 1895;

Joseph Eugene Lauffer, born April 24, 1903.

 

Family of Henry Z. Lauffer, son of Peter, son of John, son of Henry, Sr., son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, was born in Penn Township, Westmoreland County, Pa., January I, 1868; married April 23, 1891, by Rev. James S. Freeman, to Mary E. Hill, who was born March 14, 1868. Like boys raised on the

120                                    THE LAUFFER HISTORY.

 

farm he grew to manhood without being exposed to the vices that belong to idleness. He helped his father in the summer and attended the district school in the winter.

He never knew the value of a mother's love, his mother dying when he was but six years old. His father died when he was eighteen, leaving Henry to shift for himself. He proved himself equal to the emergency and for two years worked for his brother, receiving $10.00 per month in the summer and his board in the winter.

The third summer he secured work with a cousin, Simon Trice, and at the expiration of his time attended the Greensburg Seminary. He entered Duff's Commercial College, where, in order to pay his way he worked in an office for $5.00 a week. He diligently pursued his studies in the evenings, graduating with honor.

After completing his course he accompanied one of his teachers, Prof. Thompson, whose health had failed, to Wilmerding, and clerked in his grocery.

 He remained with Mr. Thompson until the latter disposed of his business when he worked for Snyder Bros. during the illness of a clerk. Having nothing in view he accepted an offer to carry papers for William Adams, a news dealer, receiving very meager pay.

 

But soon John R. Montgomery, a Turtle Creek merchant, found a place for Mr. Lauffer in his office and store, where he remained sometime.

 

On April 23, 1891, Mr. Lauffer was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Hill, a dress maker of Wilkinsburg. Having been working on very small salaries since leaving college, he conceived the idea of becoming a dress maker. With him to  think, was to do, and soon he became quite proficient in the art.

 

Later he secured a position with Johnston Bros., at Wilkinsburg, remaining two years. He also spent two years as head book-keeper for a wholesale  confectionery company, of Pittsburg.

 

Returning to his native township in August, 1895, he accepted a position as book-keeper at the Union Planing Mill Co., of Jeannette, where he remained for more than five years, resigning

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                    THE LAUFFER HISTORY.                                121

 

 

 

July 31, 1901, to accept a position as chief clerk to the Hon. John H. Brown, who was appointed Controller of Westmoreland County, by the Governor. This  position he held for a term of three years, filling it very acceptably.

 

Soon after leaving the County Controllers Office, he was elected assistant Cashier of the Jeannette National Bank, which position he now holds.

 

Mr. Lauffer is an expert accountant, a careful business man and has hosts of friends. He resides with his wife and children in a pleasant country home, near Jeannette.

 

The Lauffer Reunion was held at the home of H.Z. Lauffer, July 4, 1903. We reproduce the following clipping from the Greensburg Press, in reference to same:

                          REUNION SUCCESSFUL DESPITE HEAVY RAIN.

 

Although the ugly weather of Saturday kept many from attending the Lauffer reuion(sic)  at the home of Deputy Controller, H. Z. Lauffer, Penn township, 275 people were present and a very enjoyable time was had.

 

Owing to the absence of Rev. Frank E. Lauffer, of Aaronsburg, the program could not Be carried out as published. Short addresses were delivered by Rev. J. M. Evans, of Harrison City, Rev. C. E. Wagner, of Delmont, Rev. J. N. Bauman;, of Jeannette, and Rev. J. F. Snyder, of Salina. Good music was rendered by the Knobloch orchestra, Greensburg. At noon an elegant dinner was served on tables in the barn.

 

 General regret was expressed that the venerable John Lauffer, of Harrison  City, was unable to be present as the guest of honor. It will be recalled that on  January 26, Mr. Lauffer celebrated his one-hundreth birthday anniversary.

 

To them were born the following children:

 

Sadie Catharine Hawe Lauffer, born February 20, 1892:

James Freeman Lauffer, born November 10, 1895;

Alta Mary Lauffer, born December 28, 1897;

Ruth Hill Lauffer, born June 5, 1900;

Ethel Margaret Lauffer, born March 26, 1903.

122                              THE LAUFFER HISTORY.

 

 

 

Family of Joseph A. Lauffer, son of Peter, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian, the Pioneer, was born May 10. 1870; married January I, 1904, by Rev. C. R. Dieffenbacher, to Elizabeth C. Bridenthal, who was born October 24, 1880 ; residence, 70 West Second street, Greensburg, Pa. To whom was born one child, Grace Mildred, February g, 1905, address Greensburg, Pa.

 

Family of Anna M. Lauffer, daughter of Peter Lauffer, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born on September 25, 1871; married September 29, 1892, by Rev. James S. Freeman, to Calvin P. Ashbaugh, who was born March IS, 1868. To them were born the following children :

 

Mary E. Ashbaugh, born August 5, 1893; residence Irwin, Pa., R. F. D., 2;

 

Elmer G. Ashbaugh, born January I, 1897; residence Irwin, Pa., R. F. D. 2;

 

The Lauffer Reunion of 1905 was held at the home of C. P. Ashbaugh. We attach clipping from Greensburg Press, regarding same:

 

                                       HELD ANNUAL REUNION.

 

                  Lauffer Family Spend Delightful Day Near Harrison City.

 

The annual Lauffer reunion was held at the home of C. P. Ashbaugh, two miles northwest of Harrison City, and was one of the most successful yet held, nearly 200 people being present. All brought well filled baskets, the contents of which were spread on eight tables, arranged in the large barn floor. After the blessing was offered by the Rev. Frank Lauffer, of Aaronsburg, full justice was done to the feast.

 

After dinner Rev. Frank E. Lauffer made an address in which he gave a very complete history of the Lauffer family and descendants. The history will soon be published in book form. During the past year death claimed a number of the Lauffer family and relatives. These were greatly missed at the reunion, as they always took an active part in the exercises. Yesterday a near relative in the person of Mrs. Henry Stokum, was laid to rest, and a few days before Mrs. Dudie Duff was buried. The

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                    THE LAUFFER HISTORY                                  123

 

 

latter a few days before she died expressed her desire to attend this reunion.  Another death was that of Mrs. Philip Lauffer, at whose hospitable home the first family reunion was planned and held 15 years ago. She might well be called the  mother of the Lauffer reunion.

 

These vacant places caused much gloom to pervade the assemblage. A vote of thanks was tendered Mr. and Mrs. Ashbaugh for their hospitality and courteous treatment of the relatives and friends.

 

Among the relatives present from Greensburg were: George Trice and family, James C. Lauffer and Joseph, Lauffer and family.

 

Family of Peter Lauffer, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born January 16, 1827; married  December 3, 1874, by Rev. J. F. Snyder, to Sarah Stokum, who was born July 22, 1842, in Franklin Township,  Westmoreland County, Pa., to whom were born the following children:

 

Peter G. Lauffer, born April 1, 1876; married July 21, 1904 to Ella E. Harvison;

Alice L. Lauffer, born April 4, 1878;

Labana A. Lauffer, born September 30, 1880; died Dec. 18, 1832, interred in Hill's Cemetery ;

Minnie M. Lauffer, born April 15, 1883.

 

Family of Peter G. Lauffer, son of Peter, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born April 1, 1876; married July 21, 1904, by Rev. Charles Stimkard, to Eula E. Harvison, who was born August 15, 1886. Residence,

Harrison City, Pa.

 

Family of Alice L. Lauffer, daughter of Peter Lauffer, son of John. son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born April 4, 1878; married December 25, 1895, by Rev. J. M. Evans, to George B Lauffer, of Harrison City, Pa., who was born July 16, 1863. To them were born the following children:

 

Infant, born January 11, 1897; died January 13, 1897 ; interred at Denmark Manor Cemetery;

 

Peter G. Lauffer, born December 10, 1897; residence, Harrison City, Pa. ;

 

124                                   THE LAUFFER HISTORY

 

 

Phillip H. Lauffer, born November 27, 1899; residence, Harrison City, Pa;

Charles E. Lauffer, born October 14, 1901 ; residence, Harrison City, Pa. ;

John Howard Lauffer, born November 19, 1903 ; residence, Harrison City, Pa. ;

Roy Emerson, 'born January 3, 1906 ; residence, Harrison City, Pa.

 

Family of Minnie May Lauffer, daughter of Peter Lauffer, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born April 15, 1883; married April 30, 1902, to Andrew Baughman,  by Rev. George J. Diener.

 

Family of Sarah Lauffer, daughter of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born January 29, 1829 ; married December 19, 1850, to Josia  Kemerer, who was born September 10, 1823. To them were born the following children:

 

Israel G. Kemerer, born September 30, 1851 ; residence, Export, Pa. ;

 

David S. Kemerer, born November 10, 1854; married November 20, 1879, to Mary C. Stout; residence, Export, Pa.;

Caroline R. Kemerer, born February 28, 1858; married October 12, 1880 to Samuel Sadler ; residence, Export, Pa. ;

Angoline Kemerer, born February 28, 1858 ; married February 28, 1884, to William Hutton ;

Sarah E. Kemerer, born September 20, 1865 ; married Mar. 16, 1887, to Morrison J. Bush.

 

Family of Israel G. Kemerer, son of Sarah (Lauffer) Kemerer, daughter of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born' September 30, 1851; married December 21, 1882, to Hettie M. Carr, by Rev. J. F. Snyder; residence, Export, Pa. To them were born the following children:

 

Rosey Ethel May, born February 4, 1885 ; address, Pitcairn, Pa. ;

 

Josiah Charles Rowlan Kemerer, born December 21, 1887; address, Export, Pa. ;

Clyde Kemerer, born May g, 1893; residence, Export, Pa.;

Maggie Kemerer, born June 12, 1896 ; residence, Export, Pa.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                  THE LAUFFER HISTORY.                                  125

 

 

Family of David S. Kemerer, son of Sarah (Lauffer) Kemerer, daughter of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born Nov. 10, 1854;married Nov. 20, 1879, to Mary C. Stout, by Rev. J. F. Snyder, residence, Export, Pa. To them were born the following children:

 

Nevin B. Kemerer, born Mar. 6, 1881 ; married, April 29, 1903, to Mary Watson, residence, Export, Pa.

 

Lilly Pearl Kemerer, born May 7, 1883 ; Married March 16, 1905 ; to Edward Lutz; residence, Stewart Station, Pa. ;

 

Essie S. A. Kemerer, April 2, 1885 ;

John M. Kemerer, February 3, 1887;

Cloy M. Kemerer, May 4, 1890 ;

Nellie S. Kemerer, Sept. 19, 1893;

Lloyd J. . Kemerer, February 6, 1896;

Duncan M. Kemerer, June 23, 1898;

Lourie L. Kemerer, Sept. 3, 1900;

Infant baby, no name, June 29, 1905.

 

Family of Caroline K. Kemerer, daughter of Sarah (Lauffer) Kemerer, daughter of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born February 28, 1858; married October 12, 1880, by Rev. J. F. Snyder, to Samuel J. Sadler, who was born July 20, 1856. To them were born the following children:

 

Eva Duella Sadler, born May 19, i882; died September 2, 1887 ;

Israel Emanuel Sadler, born April 23, 1886;

Harry Snyder Sadler, born August 31, 1893.

 

Family of Angeline Kemerer, daughter of Sarah (Lauffer) Kemerer, daughter of John Lauffer, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born February  28, 1858 ; married February 28, 1884, by Rev. J. F. Snyder, to William M. Hutton, to whom were born the following children:

 

Effie A. Hutton, born December 1, 1884; residence, Delmont, Pa. ;

Anna S. Hutton, born December 29, 1885; residence, Delmont, Pa. ;

Infant son, born January 4, 18&7 ; died. January 4, 1887 ;

Laura K. Hutton, born June 7, 1889.

 

126                                  THE LAUFFER HISTORY.

 

Florence E. Hutton, born September 21, 1891 ;

Mary C. Hutton, born November 4, 1893 ;

Bert E. Hutton, born July 20, 1897.

 

Family of Sarah Elizabeth Kemerer, daughter of Sarah (Lauffer) Kemerer, daughter of John Lauffer, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born September 20, 1865 ; married March 16, 1887, to Morrison J. Bush, by Rev. J. F. Snyder.  To them were born the following children:

 

Park Homer Bush, born August 28, 1888 ! address, Delmont, Pa. ;

 

Rush Boyd Bush, born January 22, 1892; address, Delmont, Pa. ;

 

Ella Hazel Bush, born November 4, 1893 ; address, Delmont, Pa. ;

 

Lloyd Irvin Bush, born June 8, 1901 ; address, Delmont, Pa.

 

Family of Lydia Lauffer, daughter of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the Pioneer, born July 27, 1831 ; married August, 1861, by Rev. N. P. Hacke, to Jacob W. Kemerer, who was born July 24, 1832.

 

                                                      DIED.

 

Near, Manor Dale, Pa., December 24, Mrs. Lydia Kemerer, aged 62 years, 4 months and 27 days. The deceased had been afflicted for a number of years with asthmatic and dropsical troubles. La Grippe set in and in one short week terminated her earthly life. In infancy she was baptized by Rev. Winch and confirmed by him in the sixteenth year of her age. She was a communicant member of the Emmanuel congregation for 45 years. Like her daughter, Mrs. Steele, who died a few years ago, she left a legacy, the interest of which is to be usd (sic) in keeping the God's acre in which her body reposes beautiful and in order. By that legacy, though dead, she yet speaketh. "Arise ye and depart, for this is not your rest."

 

To them were born the following children :

 

Sarah H. Berlin Kemerer, born October 16, 1858; married December 18, 1900, to Edward J. Klingensmith ; residence, Braddock, Pa., 513 Hawkins avenue;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                     THE LAUFFER HISTORY.                               127

 

Emma Jane Kemerer, born October 21, 1863 ; married February  1889, to Elmer Steel, residence Manordale, Pa. Emma Jane Kemerer Steel, died June 10, 1890; had one  infant child, born November 22, 1889, which died March 21,1890,  after which she died, June 10, 1890;

                                                            For the Reformed Church Record.

 

DIED.

 

Departed this life, June 10, 1890, Mrs. Emma J., wife of Elmer Steele, and daughter of Jacob W. and Lydia A. Kemerer, aged 26 years, 7 months and 9 days.

 

Sister Emma was a most faithful and devoted member of the Emanuel Reformed congregation, Manor Dale, Westmoreland Co., Pa. In infancy she was given to God in baptism, Dr. Hacke performing the sacred and solemn ordinance. In her fifteenth year, after a full and thorough course of catechetical instruction she, with seventeen other young persons, was admitted into full communion with the Christian Church by the solemn and impressive rite of confirmation, by her pastor, the Rev. J. F. Snyder. During all these years she was a faithful and devoted worshipper, never absent from the services of the sanctuary and the holy communion, except when providentially prevented.  She was one of God's meek, quiet, kind, gentle, unassuming, uncomplaining saints. Although physically delicate (she surpassed many a robust, healthy Christian in her faithful attendance upon the services of the sanctuary and the means of grace. She was the light and joy of the home in sickness as well as in health.  With a calm and cheerful countenance, as an angel of mercy, she would go from bed to bed and tenderly minister to suffering loved ones. When La Grippe prostrated the members of the family, and brought her mother to the point of death, for long weary days and nights, as an affectionate and devoted wife, a dutiful and loving daughter, a kind and gentle sister, she tenderly cared for them. When health again began to visit the family, in the providence of God she was called to walk through the deep waters of affliction. The dear babe that God had given her was after a few hours’ illness removed from earth. Her heart bled under

128                                THE LAUFFER HISTORY

 

 

this new and sore bereavement, but by the grace of God she gave it up without one murmuring word. Stricken down by fever, her illness was of short duration. The messenger came suddenly, but did not find her unprepared. Months before she  departed, while in her usual health, she had set apart a sum of money for keeping in repair the beautiful God's acre in which her body now  sleeps. By her earnest Christian life, her faithfulness and devotion, her legacy to the church, what a memorial she reared, more enduring than granite or marble!

 

                                       "Soldier of God, well done !

                                           Rest from thy loved employ;

                                        The battle fought, the victory won,

                                            Enter thy Master's joy."

 

Clara Idela Kemerer, born May 25, 1867; residence Wilkinsburg, Pa.

 

Hacke N. P. Kemerer, born April 21, 1869; residence, Turtle Creek, Pa.

 

Malinda Kemerer, born March g, 1872 ; residence, Wilkinsburg, Pa.

 

Anna M. Kemerer, born April 18, 1577 ; died Jan. 16, 1900 ; 

 

interred in Hill cemetery.

 

                                              SHE NOW SLEEPS.

 

The relatives and friends of the late Anna Mary Kemerer gathered on Thursday afternoon at the home of Jacob Kemerer, of Franklin township, to pay their last respects to his departed daughter, whose death was previously mentioned in these columns. After brief service at the house the mourners repaired to Hill's church. Notwithstanding the bad roads and inclement weather the cortege was nearly a mile long. 

 

Her former pastor, J. F. Snyder, of Hill's church, conducted the service. He took his text from Jer. 15th chapter and part of the 9th verse: "Her sun is gone down While it is yet day." He spoke in part as follows :

 

The death of a young person just blossoming into womanhood is compared in our text to a primitive sunset. We are not

 

                                    THE LAUFFER HISTORY.                                129

 

  

called upon to mourn the loss of an aged pilgrim, bowed down upon his staff, but that of a young lady who had just reached maturity. I refer you, my dear friends, to the Bible for comfort and consolation. We are not like the infidels or unbelievers without hope. If ye have faith in ,God, ye have nothing to fear.  The word of God takes every Christian by the hand, as it were, and bears them up on the pinion of faith to Heaven. Let US fix our minds and hearts upon the text. Figures and images made use of in the scriptures are employed to lift our minds heavenward. The Christian life is attractive, pleasant and comforting, like the sun. The death of a 'Christian or a child of God is beautiful, calm and peaceful like the setting of the mighty sun in the west. The sun sets to rise again, so it is with the body of the Christian. Jesus said, 'The dead will rise again! 'Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord.' Our sun may set at any time. Are we ready? Our departed sister was born April $8, 1877.  She was baptized December 22, 1877. She became a communicant member of the church on the 25th of March, 1894. While yet a child she regularly attended Sabbath school. She was an earnest, quiet, devoted and true Christian. She was a regular attendant upon her religious duties. Having baptized her, confirmed her, and having been closely associated, with her almost her entire life. She seemed almost as dear to me as one of my own family. Her life most attractive, 'beautiful and comforting like the sun in all his glory. She remained a member of my charge until April I, 1899, when she connected herself with the Reformed church of Latrobe. She remained faithful until the last. After an illness of five weeks she was called to her heavenly home.  She departed this life January 16, 1900. Her departure was SCD peaceful that her friends at her 'bedside scarcely knew when  she was departing this life and entering the life beyond. Just like the setting of the sun, so peaceful, we scarcely know when the day is ending and the night begins. We have reasons to believe that she had been expecting an early death and was prepared for it when it came. She left a legacy to the church. This is the third legacy that has been left by members of this family. The mother and sister, who preceded her left legacies.  Being dead, she yet speaks to us through her, works.”

 

130                            THE LAUFFER HISTORY.

 

After services the deceased was interred in Hill's cemetery,

 

                                             To the Sleeper.

 

                             "Oh, our darling, you have left us,

                                  You have left us, oh, so lone,

                              And the cold, dark waves of sorrow

                                  Have engulfed our happy home.

 

                              "Thou wast all that's grand and noble,

                                  Thou was ever good and true ;

                               All that makes thy sex endearing,

                                   Centered all dear love, in you.

 

                               "But amid the poignant anguish

                                   Of our hearts, all wrung with grief,

                                 Comes a whisper from the shadows-

                                    Comes with healing and relief.

 

                                "And its sweet and loving cadence,

                                     Freighted deep with holy love,

                                  Bears to us the sweet assurance,

                                     That for us you wait above."

 

Anna L. Kemerer, born April 18, 1877; residence, Wilkinsburg, Pa.

 

Family of Hacke N. P. Kemerer, son of Lydia (Lauffer) Kemerer, daughter of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the pioneer, born April 21, 1869 ; married March 6, 1901, by Rev. Jacob Snyder, to Gertie M. Watt, of Mamont ; residence, Turtle Creek, Pa. To them were born the following children:-

 

Ira Edward Kemerer, born October 17, 1902; residence, Turtle Creek, Pa.

Wilber Lawrence Kemerer, 'born March 20, 1904.

 

Family of Joseph Lauffer, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the pioneer, 'born December 21, 1833 ; married February 24, 1859, by Rev. Yetter, to Esther Berlin, who was born February 27, 1834, and who died January 20, 1895.  Joseph Lauffer died April 21, 1894. To Joseph Lauffer and wife were born the following children:-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                        THE LAUFFER HISTORY.                            131

 

 

     Israel E. Lauffer, born January 3, 1860; died December 24, 1890; interred at Export:

 

                                          THE DEAD LAWYER.

              Account of the death of Distric Attorney I.E. Lauffer, Which

                           Occurred Dec. 24, 1890, Together with

                                       Some Beautiful Tributes

 

      Another name is stricken from the list of attorneys, and a Bar popular for the brilliancy of its members, mourns the loss of a shining light. At two o'clock this morning, December 24, District Attorney I. E. Lauffer breathed his last. His death was not unexpected, as the disease was of such a character as to leave little, if any,  room for hope. We have said that he was dying, and our readers, no doubt, expected the end. It come and overshadowed, with a cloud of grief, the festivities of the usual Christmas joys.

 

I. E. Lauffer was born Jan. 3, 1860, near Murraysville, Westmoreland county, and was a son of Joseph and Esther (Berlin) Lauffer. His early life was spent on his  father's farm.  Entering the common schools he soon manifested a desire to learn, and not content with the advantages they afforded, he expressed a desire to attend higher institutions of learning. 

 

When Professor G. H. Hugus, our present superintendent, took charge of the Delmont academy, Mr. Lauffer, then a mere boy, walked from his father's home to Delmont, a distance of four miles, to attend school. He had the energy that wins.

 

He continued his studies and naturally drifted into teaching. He was a most successful teacher and soon made his mark in that calling; He was the principal of the Ludwick schools and a teacher in the seminary. Coming to choose a profession

he selected law and became a student in the office of Judge James A. Hunter. He was most fortunate in making this selection, and we feel that his distinguished preceptor felt honored in his pupil.  Permit us to say that Judge Hunter and his most excellent wife became attached to him and learned to love him as a son and none were more attentive to him on his dying bed. We can assure

 

132                           THE LAUFFER HISTORY.

 

 

them that their love was reciprocated, as the deceased often spoke to us of their kindness.

 

Five years ago, in 1885, he was admitted to the bar and clients seemed to be waiting for the event. He soon gained a large practice. He was a natural lawyer. Common sense is the most powerful element in his profession and he worshipped at its shrine. He was always equal to the occasion.

 

In 1889, he was the choice of his party for District Attorney and a colleague on the ticket with L. W. Doty, Esq., and Mr. Lucien Clawson. It is admitted that this  ticket was one of the strongest ever presented to the people of Westmoreland county, and it overwhelmingly triumphed at the polls. On the beginning of the present year, Mr. Lauffer was sworn into office and conducted the affairs of the Criminal Court in a manner highly satisfactory to the people. We feel that the public was conscious of his usefulness and it is needless for us to add any words of praise.

 

At the close of the November term of Criminal Court he took  ill, and his illness developed into typhoid pneumonia. Every thing possible was done for him. He had the most careful nursing, and seemed on a fair way to recovery. A relapse took place; and he rapidly sunk until death came to his relief at the time stated.

 

His funeral will take place on Friday from the residence of his father, in Franklin township. Services will be held tomorrow at 10 o'clock in Zion's Lutheran church, this place.

 

Every person who was accosted this morning spoke only in the kindest terms of the deceased. As already said, he was universally admired. Judge Doty was found in his study this morning by a Record man. He was greatly affected over the death of the District Attorney. Speaking of him, he said: I knew Lauffer very well and feel that his death is a public loss. I have been very intimately associated with him during the past year, and I never knew a man more faithful in the discharge of his full duty. He made personal sacrifices in order to save suitors, and the county unnecessary costs. His whole ambition seemed to be to discharge his full duty. He discouraged trifling litigation, and he did not multiply bills for the purpose of increasing

 

 

 

 

 

                                         THE LAUFFER HISTORY.                           133

 

 

fees. Others may be as great in the knowledge of the law, but it will be a long time before one is found who will be more faithful or more successful in the office left vacant by his death. In addition to. this he was eminently a social and kind-hearted man.  He was generous in his judgment of men in extending aid to those who were needy. His sterling qualities attracted to him a large following of devoted friends. In this respect he was exceptional, the most incongruous elements uniting in his support.

 

                                  EX-JUDGE HUNTER'S TRIBUTE.

 

Ex-Judge James A. Hunter, with whom Mr. Lauffer studied law, thus spoke in reference to the one whom he so much adored:

 

"District Attorney I. E. Lauffer read law with me. He was a very faithful and industrious student and seemed to drink in the law. Frequently T cautioned him not to overwork himself, but he became so wedded to his studies that a text book was never out of his hands while in the office, as well as, I have every reason to believe, in his private chamber. He was a young man of sterling integrity, as honest and as pure as the best piece of steel. There was no hypocrisy about him. He was what he was and that only.  At first there was a shade of doubt in my mind as to his final success at the bar owing to his modesty and, as I thought, retiring disposition, but before he closed his studies, this thought was dissipated, knowing that labor would bring its own reward and in addition thereto when he came to the bar I was confirmed in my belief that he would prove a success in his profession.

 

"Mr. Lauffer vas a man of the purest morals. I never knew him to say a word or do an act inconsistent with that of a Christian man. Both myself and family became warmly attached to Mr. Lauffer, whose death was most deeply deplored."

 

As we have met here this day to cypress our sorrow at the death of a young man in his best years, we feel like saying with one of our poets :

 

                         "Oh, what hadst thou to do with cruel death,

                             Who wast so full of life, or death with thee,

                          That thou shouldst die before thou hadst grown old?"

 

134                             THE LAUFFER HISTORY.

 

 

It is so natural to expect that they who are taken to their last resting place should first come nigh unto three score years and ten. Death seems to belong as little to youth as darkness to the earlier hours of day. In the forenoon of life we not only hope for the usual length of time ere the sun set, but also for the deeds and achievements to which this time gives opportunity. And our hearts are startled with sad surprise when this hope comes to an end with the announcement that "the young man is dead."

 

An illustration of this is now before us. Mr. I. E. Lauffer would only have been thirty-one years of age had he lived till the 3rd of next month. Only one score and ten years, instead of three score years and ten l Only three of the seven stages passed! The regret is universal that he should have died so young. Men everywhere give expression to this regret in tones that are vibrant with profound sympathy, and the saddest of it all comes out in so much stronger contrast as it looms up beside the pleasures which cluster about this season of the year. In a short time the remains of how departed friend will be on their way to the chill darkness of the grave, while the living are gathering to the glad festivities of Christmas.

 

In looking back over the life that is gone, we find much even in its one score years and ten, to admire and to hold in loving remembrance. A sturdy faithfulness to duty has always characterized the departed. They can bear testimony to this who have cared for him from his earliest days. And, even if we had not the testimony of his parents, we would be able to judge of this from his record in Greensburg. For it is not possible that such a manhood could spring from anything but a child-hood well trained, obedient and faithful. "Of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather grapes ;" and of an indifferent childhood they cannot gather a real, manly character. How can a stream rise. higher than its fountain? From what we know of Mr. Lauffer, we are sure that the fountain of his career was high up in the sphere of piety and prayer, and as near to a life in Christ as the hands of a Christian parental example and an early consecration to God could lift him.

 

                                       THE LAUFFER HISTORY.                          135

 

 

He was faithful as a student in the academies at Delmont and Murraysville, where he received his preliminary training for the work of coming years. Of this we have evidence in his excellent mental training. His insight into the varied problems of his profession was clear; and this indicates the highest ability, if Carlyle's saying is correct, that "insight is power." A stranger could easily have misjudged him. His appearance was of extreme modesty, and, in disposition, he was rather retiring. But back of that quiet exterior, was a mind as strong as the unseen current that flashes its message from land to land. Back of it was an intelligence that lit up the subject before him as dearly as the sunbeam that drops in silence upon the earth.  Back of it was a judgment as true to the right as a magnetic needle to its pole.  But to this, aside from his natural gifts, he could not have attained had he been unfaithful or a sluggard, in his educational course. God had given him a good mind-excellent natural gifts, without which it would have been impossible to reach the position he held; and through these he might easily have been tempted to the indolence that has ruined so many. But indolence was foreign to his character at all times; for without steady industry , he could no more have gathered the fruits that clustered about him during these last few years, than one can reap a harvest from an unsown, though fertile field. His talents were in great part those which are developed by hard work.

 

He was faithful as an instructor. You remember the days when he was principal of the Ludwick schools, and as teacher at the Greensburg Seminary. During that time he gave evidence of the same sterling qualities that had characterized him as a student. We know that he was very fond of children, and that the children were very fond of him. This always speaks well for a man, for children, with their quick intuitions, will only take to those in whom there is good reason for love and respect. And as a teacher, he was both respected and loved. He was respected because he stood faithful to every duty as a teacher, considering that he was responsible for the daily improvement of those who were entrusted to his care. And he was loved because he dealt with his scholars in the spirit of affectionate interest. A man

136                                THE LAUFFER HISTORY.

 

 

gets more of life's truest blessings than that which he pays for; and what greater blessing is there than that of having the affection of those with whom one is laboring?  But to receive this, one must pay for it with affection in return, and, if we judge of Mr. Lauffer by this standard, his must have been a heart of more than ordinary love and kindness. Only in this spirit can a man i truly faithful, whether it be to himself or to others; for with it he has a power that fairly lifts and impels him to the doing of his duty.

 

The time came that he entered upon the study of law, his chosen profession. His friends had doubts at first as to his success in this line. The quiet modesty with which he made application to his future preceptor would, in these days of general self-sufficiency, make almost anyone hesitate as to the fitness of fie applicant. It is so unusual. We somehow expect everyone to sound his own praises, and to make as striking a first impression as possible. He came to his preceptor quietly; he did his work quietly: he succeeded quietly; and quietly, but with every promise of an enviable future, he took his place among a class of men of this town whom it is far from easy to compete with.  A young lawyer has far to travel before he can stand beside the best of his profession here. But Mr. Lauffer was fast striding toward the front. His colleagues have admitted this. And the force that sent him forward was generated in those quiet hours of Intense study under the supervision of his able preceptor.

              A Tribute to the Memory of I.E. Lauffer by Rev. A.D. Potts,

                                             His Former Pastor,

 Although the announcement of District Attorney Lauffer's  death was not an unexpected one, yet I must confess that it truly was a sad one.

 

From the frequent newspaper notices relative to his condition I gathered the information that his recovery was well-nigh impossible. But now to realize that one so young, so industrious and so truly destined, humanely speaking, to achieve greatness and helpfulness is laid low in .the embrace of death, is a faithful  reminder that before the onward sweep of the destroying angel all mortals must sooner or later fall.

 

                                        THE LAUFFER HISTORY.                           137

  

My acquaintanceship with Mr. Lauffer runs back in years of his boyhood days, and I can truthfully say that my most vivid recollections of him and his steady onward course convince me that, in honesty of purpose, integrity of character, and in nobility of soul, he was as true to all as the needle to the pole and "righteousness to the plummet." Of an unassuming disposition he nevertheless attracted the considerate attention of the many with whom he associated. There was something about him that drew one almost unconsciously near to him.

 

Considerateness was a chief characteristic in his general makeup. It was his principal aim to find the right path, and then to walk unswervingly along the same. He was not ashamed to seek counsel, and I remember distinctly when he came to me as his friend and former pastor, and sought what little advice I was  humbly able to furnish. When he believed that he was right, no alluring or time-serving compensation was great enough to draw him aside from the path of rectitude and duty. In disposition he was as affable and kind as the most tender-hearted woman. To injure, by thought, word or deed, the lowest of earth's multitude, was the act remotest of his being. Then he was a particularly humble man. A self-bolstered popularity and pretentious worth found no place in his manly deportment.

 

While he was in the beginning of his public career, he likewise, was at its end. His ambitions did not fly out of the windows of vaulting success, but it led him along the humble road to be and to do good. To keep others from getting into trouble was his pre-eminent desire. He wanted all-who sought his counsel to start right, in order that they might end right. Simplicity and generosity of heart made him what he was. While under my pastoral care, no one could have been more faithful, more devout, and more truth imbibing than he was. I knew him then to be noble and good. But after our separation I failed not to observe his actions and progress. I thought I saw in him an ideal young man. Had he lived, I firmly believe that he would have reached the very eminence in public life that I had sighted out for him in the coming time. An infinite wisdom, however, let fall over my prophetic dram a dispensation that is just and good. While

 

138                              THE LAUFFER HISTORY.

 

 

my heart feels sad that my young and prized friend has left us, still I bow in humble submission to Him who doeth all things well. And when the inscription in the granite block that may mark the resting place of his earthly remains, has been effaced by the corroding finger of time's elements, and even when the recording tablet itself has mouldered into dust, there will remain, in the hearts and memories of his friends, the imperishable epitaph, "I. E. Lauffer, the honorable, 'the useful, the upright, and the Christian young man." 

 

                            Touching Words by His Honor Judge Doty.

 

Upon the opening of the present term of court His Honor Judge Doty, before proceeding to the consideration of other matters, referred feelingly to the death of District Attorney Lauffer. Addressing himself to the grand jury he said :

 

"It is less than three months since our last charge to the grand jury, and in that brief time great and important events have occurred. The district attorney, chosen by the people of the county, was then in full life and apparent health. Now more than a month has already elapsed since he was consigned to his last resting place in the quiet churchyard in the beautiful valley he loved so well. We cannot allow this occasion to pass without adverting to the fact of his death, and without acknowledging in a public manner our appreciation of the value of his services while living. While he occupied this quas-judicial position we had every opportunity to observe 'his conduct, and while in some  respects he was an comprehensible and unique character, we believe we learned to know him well, and we are sure we appreciated his services. His mainspring of action was a desire to faithfully discharge the duties of his office. He was not mercenary, or he would have multiplied bills in order to increase the revenues of the office. He was faithful to the court and to his client, and withal recognized the character and dignity of the office he held and refused to press for a conviction, in his judgment, was not fully justified by the evidence. He manifested ability and exhibited extraordinary energy and patience in the performance of the trying duties of his office. If he showed any weakness at all,

 

                                      The Lauffer History.                                    139

 

it proceeded from a naturally amiable disposition and kindness of heart. He died young, but lived long enough to accomplish much good and to give promise of still greater usefulness in the future. The little world in which he lived paused a moment when Lauffer died, and unusual sympathy and regret were heard on every side.  But the times are too busy to long pause. Practical duties demand the attention of living men. No one is absolutely essential in any sphere of activity. We take our turn and play our part and move on to make room for others pressing after."

 

Gerusha J. Lauffer, born June 15, 1861 ; married November 24, 1887, to S. J. Duff; residence, Manordale, Pa. Died June 28, 1905.

Sarah L. Lauffer, born May 28, 1863 ; married February 22, 1900, to W. G. Kline; residence, Manordale, Pa.

Mehalah J. Lauffer, born April 27, 186j; married May 22, 1891, to George Geiger; died October 31, 1897; interred at Hill's cemetery.

Mary A. Lauffer, born June27, 1867; married October 20, 1892, to J. W. Soles; residence, Export, Pa.

Ida C. Lauffer, born January 20, 1870; married February 25, 1897, to W. J. McGrinn ; residence, Export, Pa.

J. Fink Lauffer, born February 15, 1872; married June 16, 1898, to Alice P. Jenkins ; residence, Export, Pa.

E. B. Lauffer, born April 5, 1874 ; residence, Export, Pa.

Bertha M. Lauffer, born March 22, 1876; married February 14, 1895, to Ira Alexander; residence, Export, Pa.

 

Family of Gerusha J. Lauffer, daughter of Joseph Lauffer, son of John, Jr., son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the pioneer, born June IS, 1861; married November 4, 1887, to S. J. Duff, by C. L. Halloway. Died June 28, 1905.

 

Family of Sarah Elizabeth Lauffer, daughter of Joseph Lauffer, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the pioneer, born May 28, 1863 ; married February 22, 1900, to William G. Kline, by Rev. R G. Rosenbaum. To them were born the following children –

 

  

 

140                              THE LAUFFER HISTORY.

 

 

Infant child (dead born) May 17, 1901 ; interred in White Valley cemetery.

 

Elias L. Kline, born December 15, 1903.

 

Family of Mahala L. Lauffer, daughter of Joseph Lauffer, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the pioneer, born April 27, 1865; married May 14, 1891, to George N. Geiger, by Rev. F. E. Lauffer. To them were born the following children:

 

Israel E. Geiger, born October 19, 1891.

William H. Geiger, born April -, 1893.

Joseph F. Geiger, born January 21, 1895.

 

     Family of Mary A. Lauffer, daughter of Joseph Lauffer, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the pioneer, born June 27, 1867; married October 20, 1892, to John W. Soles, by Rev. F. E. Lauffer, assisted by Rev. P. Doerr. To them were born the following children :-

 

     Harry W. Soles, born November 3, 1893; died August 4, 1894 ; interred at Export, Pa.

     Hazel J. Soles, born August IS, 1895.

    Olive M. Soles, born December 30, 1900; died April 14, 1901 ; interred at Export, Pa.

     Elery David Soles, born April 4, 1904.

     Emery Joseph Soles, born April 4, 1904.

     Family of Ida C. Lauffer, daughter of Joseph Lauffer, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the pioneer, born January 20, 1870; married February 25, 1897, by Rev. P. Doerr, to William A. McGinn. To them were born the following children :

 

     Josephine E. McGinn, born January 16, 1899; residence, Export, Pa.

     Eliza M. McGinn, born April 28, 1901 ; residence, Export, Pa.

     Infant daughter, born April 28, 1903 ; died April 29, 1903; interred in White Valley cemetery.

 

     Family of Bertha M. Lauffer, daughter of Joseph Lauffer, son of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the pioneer, born March 22, 1876; married February 14, 1895, by Rev. P.

                                     THE LAUFFER HISTORY.                               141

 

 

Doerr, to Ira M. Alexander, to whom were born the following children :-

 

William McC. Alexander, born November 23, 1896.

Sarah E. Alexander, born February 7, 1898.

Harry C. Alexander, born December 8, 1901.

 

          Family of Anna Lauffer, daughter of John, son of Henry, son of Christian Lauffer, the pioneer, born April 2, 1838; married April 20, 1858, by Rev. N. P. Hacke, to N. Rumbaugh. She was married a second time by Rev. Stitt, to Mr.\ Charles Myers, from Greensburg, Pa.; residence, Dunseith, Rolette County., North Dakota (Box 7).

 

                 ADDITIONAL BIOGRAPHY OF JOSEPH A. LAUFFER

                                       FROM ANOTHER SOURCE.

 

Joseph A. Lauffer, Chairman of the Lauffer History Publication Committee, is one of Greater Greensburg’s leading business men.  His store is located on West Second Street, near the corner of Mill Street.  This store is favorably situated in a residence portion of the city, and enjoys the patronage of a number of Greensburg citizens, who reside in that immediate locality, as well as the good will and trade of many in other parts of Greensburg, and from the country districts.

 

The stock of goods kept by Mr. Lauffer consists of what is usually term “general merchandise,” embracing groceries, dry goods, hardware and, in fact, about everything a household requires.  In the selection of his stock Mr. Lauffer is guided by the light of an ample experience, and he aims to keep what the people need, and to keep a first quality of goods, which he sells at a fair and equitable price.

 

In addition to these principles, he cherishes and is governed by the greater principles embodied in the Golden Rule, by which his patrons have learned that they can always rely upon honest and courteous treatment.

 

That the above is the true foundation of a successful business career, has been frequently demonstrated, and the success of Mr. Lauffer as a merchant is but another instance of the truth.

 

His first experience in merchandising was in South Greensburg, where he embarked upon the sea of enterprise in 1891.  After four years he came to Greensburg and leased the old Blythe stand, on Maple avenue.

 

When contemplating leasing this room Mr. Lauffer’s friends did what they could to discourage the venture, pointing out the fact that others had failed to succeed in that location.  Despite these well-meant efforts, however, he leased the room, which he successfully occupied for four years.  He then leased the store room in the Pollins building, corner of Mill and Second streets.

 

                                    THE LAUFFER HISTORY.                                143

 

 

This room had also been looked upon as an unfortunate point, but during the seven years it was occupied by Mr. Lauffer he enjoyed a large and lucrative patronage.

 

Having a justifiable ambition to own property, Mr. Lauffer purchased his present residence, and, after fitting up two rooms for store purposes, he removed thereto on April 1st of the present year.  The present arrangements are but temporary in character, as it is his purpose to materially improve his present facilities.

 

In addition to the business of merchant, Mr. Lauffer is engaged in the poultry business.  He is an ardent advocate of improved breeding, and he keeps only the best varieties of fowls, furnishing eggs for setting to many people in the country and elsewhere.

 

He also furnishes canary birds of the best quality, and has seven pairs of breeders of those known to fanciers as St. Andreasburg.  These birds are the best known, and those kept by Mr. Lauffer are the purest thoroughbreds, imported from Germany.  Prices on these birds can be had on application.

 

The sacred writer says: “A good name is better than precious ointment,” and many of our citizens have ample cause to entertain a justifiable pride in the name they have inherited from their ancestors. We recently saw a history of the Lauffer family, and from which we learned that it is loosely interwoven with the history of our country for a long period of time.  It is a name that seems to have always been synonymous with good citizenship, history and patriotism, and while this work of the Lauffer historian is of special interest to those who have descended from that branch, there is much therein that is of interest to all.

 

Joseph A. Lauffer, of whom we write, was born in Penn township, near Harrison City.  His only recollection of man’s greatest friend - his mother - is of sitting on her knee, before an old-fashioned wood fire.  She died when he was but four years of age.  His father married again, securing an estimable lady for his wife, who proved a model step-mother to his sister’s motherless child.  The love of this good woman was fully returned, and the bond of sympathy between the step-mother and orphan became as strong as links of steel, and as lasting as time.  Joseph

144                               THE LAUFFER HISTORY.

 

 

attended the country school, and assisted his father on the farm.  He afterwards graduated in a high school and was thus prepared to step out into the world, qualified for any ordinary business pursuit.

 

The excellent woman who supplied a mother’s place taught him to love the things that are good, and carefully guided his young feet along the paths of righteousness.  This training, together with the example of an upright father, instilled within him the virtues that have characterized his life, and have enabled him to win and retain many friends.

 

Mr. Lauffer is a staunch Republican in politics, and as active member of the First Reformed church of Greensburg.

 

When visiting in the vicinity of Latrobe he met Miss Elizabeth C. Bridenthal, daughter of Mr. Harry A. Bridenthal, the result of which meeting was a wedding, and it seems that Mr. Lauffer’s lucky star was in the ascendancy, as he secured a prize in the matrimonial lottery, and a wife who proved herself a loyal helpmate in every sense of the term.  They have one child, a bright little girl, Grace Mildred.

 

After their marriage permit us to say, Mrs. Lauffer took an extensive hand in helping to gather the Lauffer history as it now is; for two years they gave of their time and close attention to the work.

 

Mr. Lauffer is an active member in the church of which he is a member, and his creditably filled a number of offices therein.  He is also closely identified with the Sabbath school and is a regular attendant, seldom missing a day.  As a citizen and neighbor he is respected by all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance, and that his life and conduct fully come up to the high standard set by his ancestors is a fact beyond dispute.

 

It give us pleasure to be able to speak well of a gentleman who is perfectly worthy of the highest eulogy we might write.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      HOW WE LEARNED OF OUR WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA

                                              ANCESTORS.

 

 

While sitting at my desk at my place of business, W. R. Lawfer & Co., Allentown, Pa., July 5th, 1902, a friend of mine came to me and handed me the "North American" published at Philadelphia, July 5th, 1902, containing the picture of My Name Sake the "Centenarian John Lauffer," of Harrison City, Pennsylvania. I at once noticed the resemblance of this old gentleman to that of my Grand Father Jacob Lawfer. I took the paper, covered the names and showed it to my uncle Jacob A. Lawfer, and asked him, who it looked like. He at once said it look like his father, who was my Grand Father. Being desirous of knowing more of our western relatives of whom I had often heard my father W. R. Lawfer speak, I addressed a letter to Rev. Stanley Krebbs, of Greensburg, Pa., formerly of Allentown, Pa., who informed me that he had a number of "Lawfers" belonging to his Reformed congregation. I addressed a letter to Mr. Joseph A. Lauffer, Greensburg, Pa., who mailed me a history of the "Lauffers," which had been prepared for their gathering, which was held July 4th, 1903. I became very much interested which led to more correspondence and was followed by my visiting Greensburg, Pa., several months later, where we were furnishing a new theatre for Messrs. Good &: Son. I met he Centenarian John Lauffer at his home in Harrison City in company with Dr. Charles A. Lauffer, Joseph A. Lauffer and Lawyer Lauffer. I was very much pleased with the conversation I had with our old relative, and shall never forget; --when he was asked by his daughter, who he thought I w-as, he remarked, "Well it looks like a Lauffer and I suppose he is one of our Eastern relatives." After asking him what kind of people these Western Pennsylvania Lauffers were, he said, "well they have always been able to keep out of jail," which remark brought forth a hearty laugh from all of us. His story of his trip to Easton, where he drove cattle to Philadelphia, where he went

 

146                               THE LAUFFER HISTORY

 

 

to see the ships, and to visit the Old Homestead; near the Stone church where he went to see his Uncle Peter,- was very interesting and will never be forgotten by the writer, who was much entertained by his way of stating thing- they happened about eighty odd years before. Several weeks later the writer and his wife again visited this Renowned gentleman and were much pleased with his anecdotes and his remarkable memory.

 

His daughter, who kept house for him, certainly was a great comfort to her father.

                                                              John N. Lawfer, Allentown, Pa