BIO: Theodore M. Moltz, Cumberland County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judy Bookwalter

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http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/cumberland/
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History of Cumberland and Adams Counties, Pennsylvania.
Containing History of the Counties, Their Townships, Towns, Villages, 
Schools, Churches, Industries, Etc.; Portraits of Early Settlers and 
Prominent Men; Biographies; History of Pennsylvania; Statistical and 
Miscellaneous Matter, Etc., Etc.  Illustrated.  Chicago: Warner, Beers 
& Co., 1886.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/cumberland/beers/beers.htm
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                                PART II.

             HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA.

                              CHAPTER XLV.

        EAST PENNSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH OF CAMP HILL.

  THEODORE M. MOLTZ, merchant, West Fairview, is a native of Cumberland 
County, as was his father, who was a son of Jacob Moltz, who was born 
in Manor Township, Lancaster County, March 4, 1784, and died of 
paralysis in West Fairview, this county, in 1838.  Jacob Moltz was a 
son of George Moltz, who emigrated from near Wurtemberg, Germany, and 
settled in Lancaster County, Penn.  Jacob Moltz removed to East 
Pennsborough Township, this county, where he married Catharine Olewine.  
George, their son, was born here in 1809, and in 1831 was married to 
Catharine Gehr, of Lisburn, Penn., born April 30, 1811.  For some years 
after marriage George Moltz lived at various places, and in 1836 moved 
to what is known as the Haldeman farm.  While on the old homestead two 
children were born:  Theodore M., born August 19, 1832, and Cyrus, born 
February 2, 1834, died, in 1865, from disease contracted while in the 
army.  On the Haldeman farm three more children were born:  Ann Eliza, 
born January 1, 1837, died young; Margaret Jane, born July 16, 1840, 
died in infancy, and George, born October 8, 1842, now auditor of the 
United Pipe Line Company, at Oil City, Penn.  July 23, 1855, George 
Moltz, the father, was accidentally drowned in the Conestoga Canal, in 
Lancaster County, Penn.  His wife died August 17, 1850.  Theodore M. 
lived with his grandfather until the latter's death, when he returned 
to his father's farm until 1844, when his parents removed to West 
Fairview, this county.  The following summer he went to work in the 
nail factory, going to school three winters.  At the age of sixteen he 
became a feeder and nailer, which occupation he followed for twenty-
five years.  March 6, 1862, he married Florinda Susan, daughter of 
Thomas McClune.  They have two sons:  George Thomas, born December 8, 
1862, and Gouverneur Warren, born February 6, 1864.  George Thomas, 
after getting a common school education, went in 1878 to Millersville 
State Normal School for two and a half years, and then for eighteen 
months to the Central State Normal School, at Lock Haven, where he 
graduated in July, 1883.  On his return he was made teacher in one of 
the six schools in West Fairview, and January 1, 1885, was appointed to 
the responsible position of principal over all.  For so young a man 
this is a high testimonial to his worth and ability, and shows the 
estimation in which he is held by those who have known him from 
childhood.  In addition, he gives lessons to pupils on the piano and 
organ, in which he acquired proficiency while in the normal schools.  
Gouverneur Warren attended common school until he was eighteen, when he 
went for a year to Seiler's Academy, at Harrisburg, after which he 
undertook the practice of photography, under the teaching of Hon. D. C. 
Burnite, of Harrisburg, where he is now living with his parents.  In 
January, 1869, Mr. Moltz established his grocery and notion store on 
Main Street.  In May, 1869, he was made postmaster under Grant's 
administration, holding the position until December, 1885.  In addition 
to the performance of these varied duties, he studied the art of 
photography, which he still carries on.  It was here his son, G. 
Warren, got his 

472  BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

first lessons in the art.  Mr. Moltz has also for twenty years been 
extensively engaged in bee culture, and in all his undertakings has won 
that success which is assured by industry and intelligent application.  
He is a member of Eureka Lodge, No. 302, F. & A. M., of Mechanicsburg.  
He is a member of the Lutheran Church, in which he has been chorister 
for nearly twenty years.  His wife and younger son are also members, 
the son being one of the deacons.  A strictly trustworthy Christian, he 
will leave to his family the priceless heritage of a good name.