BIO: Christian H. Titzel, Cumberland County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judy Bookwalter

Copyright 2009.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/cumberland/
______________________________________________________________________ 

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
______________________________________________________________________ 

                                PART II.

             HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA.

                             CHAPTER XXXIX. 

                        BOROUGH OF MECHANICSBURG.

437  BOROUGH OF MECHANICSBURG.

  CHRISTIAN H. TITZEL, furniture dealer and undertaker, Mechanicsburg, 
Prominent among the leading business men of Cumberland County is the 
esteemed citizen, Christian H. Titzel, who was born on the old family 
farm in Upper Allen Township, one mile east of Mechanicsburg, July 7, 
1845, a descendant of two of the oldest families of Pennsylvania.  The 
name is of German origin and his ancestors were among the first to 
immigrate to Pennsylvania.  Christian H. is a son of Christian and 
Polly (Rupp) Titzel, the latter of whom subsequently married John 
Wonderlich and had eleven children.  Christian Titzel, father of our 
subject, was born in Tyrone Township, now in Perry County, Penn., July 
28, 1800, the only child born to John and Mary Magdalene (Heckendorn) 
Titzel.  He was a skillful mechanic, and for many years pursued his 
trade of house carpentering and bridge building; in 1827 he began 
merchandising, and in 1835 purchased a farm one mile east of 
Mechanicsburg; he served his fellow-citizens in various capacities, 
settling up estates, and acting as guardian for children; was county 
commissioner of Cumberland County from 1843 to 1846; he took a great 
interest in educational matters and in everything pertaining to his 
church (Reformed); he died on the old farm December 25, 1861; his widow 
died October 1, 1883, a member of the Reformed Church.  To this couple 
were born seven children - four sons and three daughters:  John Martin 
Titzel, D. D., born at Mechanicsburg, Penn., March 19, 1832, is pastor 
of the Reformed Church at Lancaster, Penn. (he is a graduate of 
Franklin College, Lancaster, Penn., and in 1857 received from the 
theological seminary at Mercer, Penn., the degree of A. M. from his 
alma mater); Benjamin, born October 13, 1833, is a farmer in Silver 
Spring Township, this county; Anna; Mary Elizabeth resides in 
Mechanicsburg; George W., born October 11, 1842, died August 1880; 
Christian Heckendorn and Salome Frances.  Christian H. Titzel's early 
life was spent on the farm with his father and in attending school 
winters until he was eighteen years old, when he served a two and a 
half years' apprenticeship with Samuel Werst.  He then purchased a shop 
in company with his brother and carried on business under the firm name 
of Titzel & Bro. For three years, when he bought his brother's (George 
H.'s) interest, and has since conducted the business alone.  Our 
subject commenced with small capital, but by hard work, close 
application and honest dealing has increased his business until he now 
has the largest and most complete stock of domestic and imported 
furniture, etc., in Mechanicsburg.  He also, in connection with the 
furniture business, established an undertaker's establishment, and 
stands at the head of his profession in this line.  Mr. 

438  BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

Titzel married, November 9, 1860, Miss Clarissa M. Comfort, a native of 
Adams County, Penn., daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Brugh) Comfort.  
Mr. Comfort was a dry goods merchant of Mechanicsburg for many years.  
Mr. and Mrs. Titzel have one son, Daniel Comfort, born August 29, 1867, 
now attending the high school in Mechanicsburg; he is possessed of a 
fine talent for music, which he cultivates; he assists his father in 
business.  Mr. C. H. Titzel is a grandson of Martin Rupp, born in 
Lancaster (now Lebanon) County, Penn., September 15, 1769, married in 
1797 to Anna Schnebele; he died July 18, 1843.  Mr. and Mrs. Titzel are 
members of the Reformed Church.