OBIT: Jacob Loucks, 1912, York, York County, PA

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Pioneer Papermaker Dead

Jacob Loucks, a pioneer papermaker and one of the founders of the York Manufacturing company, 
died suddenly from paralysis of the heart Saturday, Dec. 28, at the residence of his son, Bird 
H. Loucks, in York.  He was aged 84 years.

In the early days of papermaking in America, the business attracted Jacob Loucks, who was a 
descendant of one of the early families of York county settlers.  He had been born in 1828 on 
the Loucks farm, West Manchester township, just beyond the city limits, and leaving the farm he 
went to Hoffmansville, Md., to learn the papermaking trade.  It is of interest to note that 
while at Hoffmansville Mr. Loucks taught the business to the late P. H. Glatfelter, afterward, 
founder of Spring Grove and its paper industry.

From Hoffmansville, Mr. Loucks took up the manufacture of paper in the South.  For a short time 
he conducted a mill at Richmond, Va.  Later he returned to York and became connected with the 
King paper mill.

Abandoning the paper business, Mr. Loucks in 1874 participated in the organization of the York 
Manufacturing company.  The industry employed about 10 men and turned out water wheels, 
wringer, wash machines and mill machinery.  This was the humble beginning of the York 
Manufacturing company of today, one of the largest industrial establishments in Southern 
Pennsylvania.

Surviving are six children:  Ex-Mayor George W. B. Loucks, Mrs. Albert M. Ebert, Mrs. P. K. 
Devers, and Bird H. Loucks, secretary and treasurer of the York Manufacturing Co.; Mrs. W. B. 
Johnson, Vicksburg, Union county, and Wm. H. Loucks, Grand Island, Neb.; ten grandchildren, and 
three great-grandchildren also survive.

The Hanover Herald – Saturday, January 4, 1913