BIO: Jonathan O. DEININGER, Centre County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by JO Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/centre/ http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/centre/1picts/commbios/comm-bios.htm _____________________________________________________________________ Commemorative Biographical Record of Central Pennsylvania: Including the Counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion: Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Etc. Chicago: J. H. Beers, 1898. _____________________________________________________________________ JONATHAN O. DEININGER. It is given to but few to attain eminence in political life, but the strength of the nation lies not in its political leaders but in the citizens who in the business walks of life faithfully discharge the duties that devolve upon them. The proud title of a self-made man is within the reach of each individual who has the will to dare and to do, who will bravely face all obstacles and conquer them by determined purpose and honorable effort. Such a man is he whose name introduces this review, and his life is in many respects well worthy of emulation. Mr. Deininger was born in Womelsdorf, Berks Co., Penn., April 17, 1830, a son of August E. and Johanna (Obenland) Deininger, natives of Germany. His grandfather, Christian Deininger, was a man of education, and, as was customary in the Lutheran Church in those days, served as a school teacher, and as that was a salaried position he earned his living in that way. August E. Deininger was born in 1797, and in 1818 came to America to try his fortune. He was married in Pennsylvania, and for a time supported his family at the weaver's trade, but subsequently followed stone cutting and the marble business. In the winter of 1843 he started with his wife and children for Millheim, and between Youngmanstown (now Mifflinburg) and New Berlin the sled in which they journeyed stuck in the snow, and they were thereby delayed for a day. The father purchased property in Millheim, where he followed the business of marble cutting during his active life. He died at the age of seventy-seven, and his wife passed away in 1861, both being interred in Millheim cemetery. He was a stanch Democrat in politics, but never sought office. He held membership in the Evangelical Church, and was a member of its board of trustees. Five of his children died in infancy, and those who reached mature years were: Anna Maria, widow of Jacob Keen, of Millheim; C. F., a minister of the Evangelical Church, who died in York, Penn.; Jonathan O.; B. O., a printer and marble dealer, who died in Millheim; and August O., of Hughesville, Pennsylvania. Jonathan O. Deininger acquired his education in the school near his home, but illness prevented his continuous attendance. At the age of seventeen he began the trade of cabinet making in Millheim, and served a two-years' apprenticeship under John Poorman. He worked from daylight until dark, and often in the winter months continued his labors by the light of a candle. In compensation for his services he received $15 per year, and was allowed two weeks time during the harvest season that he might earn extra money COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 346 on the farms. After his apprenticeship he worked for three years as a journeyman, mostly in Bellefonte, and then began business on his own account at that place. Later he carried on a shop of his own in Millheim, and in April, 1855, removed to Centre Hall, locating on the present site of Kreamer's store, where he purchased a small shop and the same building maintained his residence and carried on business until 1857. He then erected a home on the site of the post office. He carried on cabinet making until 1873, when he sold out and established the first hardware business in the town. He has since continued in that line, but is now living in semi-retirement, enjoying the fruits of his former labors. Mr. Deininger was married October 14, 1852, in Bellefonte, to Miss Anna M. Neiman, who was born in Berks county, Penn., September 2, 1831. Her parents, William and Barbara (Kinsell) Neiman, came to Centre county when she was six years of age, journeying in a large coal wagon. They made their home near the Valentine Works, and her father engaged in hauling coal from Snow Shoe to that well-known furnace. Two years after their arrival he was killed by a coal wagon, and from that time until her marriage Mrs. Deininger lived among strangers, the first home that she could really call her own being the little one in Millheim, to which she went as a bride. Mr. Deininger at that time had only $20 in money. About a year previous his shop in Bellefonte was destroyed by fire, which left him in very limited circumstances; but his diligence has enabled him to surmount all difficulties, and he has steadily worked his way upward to prosperity. He erected the store room in which Kreamer & Son are now doing business, and has probably put up more buildings than any other man in Centre Hall. He now owns a business block and his own home, and is also interested in the hardware store. His political support was given to Democratic party, which he ever supports by his ballot, although he never seeks office for himself. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Deininger were as follows: Lucy, wife of J. W. Haney, of Centre Hall, by whom she has one son - Wilbur; Mary, wife of Samuel Shoop, of Centre Hall, by whom she has two children - Anna and William; Clara and Emanuel, who died in childhood; Sarah, at home; Clement F., teller in the bank at Centre Hall, and one of the prominent and popular young men of that place; and Allen, who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Deininger hold membership in the United Evangelical Church, and the family is one of prominence in the community. Mr. Deininger commands the highest respect of all. He has a genial nature, is a whole-souled man and delights in a good joke. His extensive reading has made him well-informed, and no man has more friends in the community.