BIO: George W. Ilgenfritz, York County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Abby Bowman

Copyright 2004.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/york/
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History of York County, Pennsylvania.  John Gibson, historical editor.
Chicago: F. A. Battey Publishing Co., 1886.
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Part II, Biographical Sketches, York Borough, Pg 26

GEORGE W. ILGENFRITZ, for many years a prominent manufacturer and business man 
of this section of Pennsylvania, was born in York, in 1821, to Daniel and 
Elizabeth (Deitch) Ilgenfritz, and is one of eight children.  The great-
grandfather of our subject was a native of Germany, who came to America in 1741, 
and settled in Conewago Township, York Co., Penn.  Subject's father was born in 
this county in 1790 and died in 1833.  His mother was born in the same county in 
1791, died in 1884.  At twelve years of age our subject was thrown solely upon 
his own resources, and from that time he was forced to make his own way in life.  
First he learned the blacksmith's trade, then coach-making under Joseph Small, 
at which he continued to work for several years.  In 1845 he began the 
manufacture of agricultural implements, which he continued some time, and then 
began the construction of railway cars and this line of manufacture he was 
extensively engaged.  In 1864 he sold his establishment, but in 1866 he again 
engaged in business and continued some years.  Mr. Ilgenfritz was married, in 
1844, to Miss Isabella Emmett, a native of York County.  Of eight children born 
three yet survive:  Anna, David E. and Della.  Mr. Ilgenfritz is a Mason and a 
member of the Lutheran Church, of which his wife is also a member.