BIO: J. H. REIFSNYDER, Centre County, Pennsylvania Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judy Banja Copyright 2005. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/centre/ _______________________________________________ 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. _______________________________________________ COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, pages 118-120 J. H. REIFSNYDER, county surveyor of Centre county, with residence at Millheim, is one of the leading business men of Penn's Valley, being connected with some of the most important enterprises in that section. Mr. Reifsnyder was born near Annville, Lebanon Co., Penn., July 18, 1837, and his family, which is of German origin, has been repre- COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 119 sented in this State for several centuries. His father, the late William Reifsnyder, a native of Berks county, Penn., born in 1805, came to Centre county in 1841, locating first at Aaronsburg. He started in life a poor boy, and for a time followed the weaver's trade; but after his removal to Aaronsburg he engaged in butchering, selling the meat about the vicinity, while in the fall of the year he would go into the country and assist the farmers in butchering. In 1848 he moved into Penn township, Centre county, a short distance to the northwest of Millheim, and in 1850 he removed to another part of the township, which is now a part of the village site. He worked by the day at whatever employment presented itself. In 1857 he resumed the business of butchering, with our subject as an assistant, and in the winter season did some huckstering also. He was an industrious man, and as a citizen was highly esteemed by all who knew him. He was a Democrat, but though a regular voter he was not a politician. From an early age he was an active member of the Reformed Church, and an earnest advocate of the Temperance cause. William Reifsnyder was married in 1830, in Lebanon county, to Miss Rachel Gass, a native of Lancaster county, born July 27, 1808. She was a daughter of John Gass, and one of a numerous family of children. William Reifsnyder died at Millheim, May 7, 1883, but our subject's mother is still living now, in her ninetieth year, and makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Armbruster. The children of this estimable couple were: Uriah, a carpenter of Millheim, who died in the fall of 1895; Mina, the wife of Davis Evans, of Potters Mills, Penn.; Malinda B., now Mrs. George Armbruster, of Farmers Mills; Leah A., who resides at Millheim; William H., a resident of Millheim; and J. H., whose name opens this sketch. As our subject came to Centre county in childhood, his elementary education was chiefly acquired in the schools of Aaronsburg and vicinity, his first teacher being James Aikens. The methods and apparatus of the schools of that day were not of the best, and Mr. Reifsnyder views the improvements in the present system with entire approbation. Owing to the poverty of his parents, he went to work at the age of ten years at such employment among the farmers as his strength would permit, and until the age of twenty his time was spent in different places and at various kinds of labor. From 1857 until 1867 he was associated with his father in the butcher business, and for two years afterward he traveled through southeastern Pennsylvania selling patent rights. He had fitted himself for teaching through home study, and at different times taught in Haines and Penn townships, Centre county - five terms in all, and having acquired also a knowledge of surveying he in 1868 purchased the instruments belonging to Jacob Bollinger, former surveyor, and began his successful career as a worker in that line. Other business enterprises in which he has engaged are the purchasing of the Duncan farm, south of Millheim, part of which was laid out in building lots, and forms part of the town, and is also known as the "Southern Addition." He was also an applicant to a charter for the Millheim Building & Loan Association and held the position as treasurer and solicitor for a number of years. He was also one of the incorporators of the Millheim Turnpike road, extending from said place to Coburn, and as contractor constructed part of the road; he was the first secretary and treasurer of that company; and at one time was a stockholder in the Millheim Banking Company. He is the owner and operator of the Keystone Cement and Lime quarries, which were opened in 1872. He has been dealing extensively in improved and timber lands. In January, 1861, Mr. Reifsnyder was married to Miss Mary L. Kreamer, who was born in Miles township, Centre county, August 16, 1837, the daughter of Joseph and Rebecca (Reitzell) Kreamer. They established their residence at Millheim, and their home has been brightened by seven children, of whom one son and one daughter are the only survivors - Jennie K. and Joseph W., both students at Bucknell University, Lewisburg, Penn. Mrs. Reifsnyder died July 23, 1892, leaving a large circle of friends to grieve with the stricken family. She was a devout Christian and a member of the Lutheran Church. In his political affiliations, Mr. Reifsnyder is a Democrat, and he is regarded as a leader in his locality. From 1862 to 1866 he served as constable of Penn township, and during that time he was also tax collector. In the fall of 1869 he was elected justice of the peace, and served continuously until May, 1896, giving entire satisfaction to the public. He is now serving his seventh year as county surveyor. Since 1889 his activities in all lines have been somewhat curtailed on account of an attack of "La Grippe," which left him less robust than before. His real-estate buildings are valuable. His comfortable home in Millheim was remodeled in 1876, and he owns a number of other residences there, and twenty-two acres of improved land within the corporation limits; also several large farms west of Millheim. He has always been 120 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ready to encourage any local improvement. Self-made in the fullest sense, his intellect and his attainments are remarkable, and his sound, clear judgment of men and affairs make his opinions valued, and his advice eagerly sought.