Biographies from Historical and Biographical Annals by Morton Montgomery

GRIESHABER, WILLIAM

p.
1170
Surname: GRIESHABER

William Grieshaber, dealer in woolen and cotton rags, metals, gum
shoes and scrap rubber, old iron, shirt clips, tailor and shoe
clips, doing business at No. 832 Franklin street, Reading, Pa., was
born Oct. 31, 1874, at Philadelphia, Pa., son of Christopher and
Caroline Grieshaber.

Mr. Grieshaber was educated in the public
schools of Reading and after completing his schooling, went to work
and soon established himself in his present line of business, in
which he has been very successful. He thoroughly understands his
business in all its details and has the confidence of the public. A
number of the largest paper manufacturers in this country obtain
their stock from him and he ships to Massachusetts and other
Eastern States. He employs from three to six men who are busy all
the time, and occupies convenient quarters. His warehouse is 20X80
ft. in dimensions, three stories, with basement, and he expects to
obtain larger quarters shortly.

Mr. Grieshaber is a very active worker in St.
Stephen’s Reformed Church, and is a member of the Christian
Endeavor Society. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Malta,
the P. O. S. of A., and to the Grand Fraternity.

GRIESS, JAMES H. S.

p.
1117

Surnames: GRIESS, RAUCH, FRY, GANGLER, KEHS, YEAKEL, MOYER,
FENSTERMACHER, GEHRIS, SELL, ROTHENBERGER, WENDLING, EVANS, SCHOCH,
KEHS, HERING, HEIL, GERY, COVELY

James H. S. Griess, of Pottstown, Pa., is a native of District
township, Berks county, born March 28, 1860. He belongs to a family
which has long been identified with Hereford township, where his
great-grandfather Jacob Griess, lived.

Jacob Greiss was a charcoal burner and laborer
in Hereford township, living between Perryville (now Harlem) and
the Devil’s Hole. In his later years he moved to District township,
where he died during the fifties. He and his wife are buried in
unmarked graves at Huff’s Church. Her maiden name was Rauch, and
they were the parents of ten children, namely: Peter lived in
Hereford; his wife was a Fry, and they had children-David, Henry,
Adam, Elizabeth (m. John Gangler) and Lucinda (m. Samuel Kehs).
George, grandfather of James H. S. Griess, is mentioned later.
Philip, m. to a Yeakel, was a laborer in Upper Milford township,
Lehigh Co., Pa. David lived in the Blue Mountains, where he was
engaged as a charcoal burner. John (1817-1902) lived in District
township, where he had his own home and worked as a laborer; he m.
Sallie Moyer (1820-1905) and they are buried at Huff’s Church.
Polly m. a Mr. Fenstermacher, and lived in Longswamp township,
where he kept a hotel known as “Ginders Hotel,” near Topton. Peggy
never married. Catharine m. Abraham Gehris, and they lived in
Hereford, where he was a laborer; they are buried at Huff’s Church.
Barbara (Bevvy) m. Benjamin Sell, and lived in Longswamp township.
Elizabeth (Betzy) completed the family.

George Greiss, son of Jacob, was a weaver and
wove all kinds of linens. He owned his own home and eight acres of
land, on which property his shop was located. He married Sarah
Gehris, and they lived in Longswamp township, but they are buried
at Huff’s Church, in Hereford township. They were the parents of
children, as follows: Jacob, who married Mary Rothenberger; Philip,
who was a tailor at Womelsdorf, Berks county; George, who lied at
Alburtis, Pa.; Peter, a blacksmith in Hereford, who is mentioned
below; David, who settled out West and died there; Daniel was a
cobbler and died unmarried at Albertis; Sarah, m. to Henry Wendling
and John, who lived in the State of Delaware and who m. Mary Jane,
daughter of Capt. J. and Sarah Evans (she is buried at Huff’s
Church).

Peter Griess, father of James H. S. Griess, was
born in 1835 in Hereford township, and died Nov. 18, 1891, aged
fifty-six. He is buried at Bally Catholic Church. Mr. Griess was a
blacksmith, and followed his trade in Salisbury township, Lehigh
county, until 1874, when he took up farming in the same township,
continuing there for three years more. In 1877 he moved to
Maxatawny and burned lime for one year. In 1878 he moved to
Hereford township, Berks county, where he engaged in farming until
his death. He married Mary Schoch, daughter of Jacob and Susanna
(Kehs) Schoch, born Jan. 25, 1938, and as she was a member of the
Catholic Church he too adopted that faith. Mrs. Griess now makes
her home with her son Jermanus, near Clayton, in Hereford township.
She was the mother of nine children, viz.: Amelia (m. Henry
Hering), James H. S., Jermanus (unmarried), Jane (m. Henry Kehs, of
Pottstown), Maggie (died aged seven years), and four who died in
infancy.

James H. S. Griess received his education in the
schools of Salisbury township, Lehigh county, and in the city of
Allentown. He was reared upon the farm, but when quite young began
working in the ore mines around Siesholtzville, doing such work for
four years. In 1882 he settled in Pottstown, where he learned the
milling business from Bertolet & Miller, in 1885 succeeding Mr.
Bertolet in the firm, which has since been Miller & Griess.
They have the most extensive business in their line in the upper
part of Montgomery county, manufacturing from seventy-five to one
hundred barrels of four daily, and their leading brand is the
“Favorite,” which finds a ready market all over the eastern part of
the United States. This firm also buys and sells feed, doing a
general business in that line, and enjoys in a large measure the
good-will and confidence of the people of the town and surrounding
district. They do besides a large coal and wood business, having
gained considerable patronage in that line. Six men are employed
regularly, and the firm has prospered throughout its existence.

In addition to his business, Mr. Griess owns a
valuable form of 103 acres in Hereford township, near Clayton,
which he rents; this was formerly the Samuel D. Heil property.

On April 26, 1885, Mr. Griess married Matilda G.
Covely, daughter of David and Mary (Gery) Covely, of Hereford
township, and they have had three children: J. Allen (Deceased),
Norman R. and Raymond P. This family are members of St. Aloysius
Catholic Church of Pottstown. Mr. Griess holds membership in the
St. Joseph Society at Bally, and the St. Aloysius Society and
Knights of Columbus at Pottstown. He is a Charter member of Father
Bally Council, K. of C., of Pottstown, and also a fourth degree
member.

GRIFFITH
FAMILY

p. 1185

Surnames: GRIFFITH, WEISS, HUMMEL, BRENDEL, TROSTLE, STEFFY, LEWIS,
HEDDENS, RATHMAN, KACHEL, ESHELMAN, ZIMMERMAN, FRITZ, PATTISON,
MARKS, HORNBERGER, BIXLER, GEBHART, KRICK, STRUNK, STONER, HIGH,
BOONE, YELK, STEFFEY, GEPHARD, WHITNER, MOSSER, GRILL, PRUTZMAN,
HENDEL

The Griffiths are an early Welsh family of Pennsylvania. In 1686
and 1698 many Welsh families arrived and settled in the districts
of Caernarvon, Brecknock, Robeson and Cumru, in what is now Berks
county. Among these was one Hugh Griffith. He had a brother, Ellis
Griffith, who was one of the very earliest settlers of what is now
Amity township, being one of the signers of the petition for the
organization of the township in 1744. In his will, which was
probated in 1759, the year of his death, is the following
provision: “I bequeath to Cousin Evan Griffith all my land. If,
however, he cannot be found, my land shall become the property of
brother Hugh Griffith of Robeson township.” In 1759 a John Griffith
lived in Robeson township, where he was a large tax-payer. By some
members of the family it is believed that John was the father of
Evan. Michael Griffith, a half-brother of Evan, lived in Chester
county; he was a cripple, but was very strong.

Evan Griffith was a well known man in Brecknock
township in its early years, coming from Chester county. By
occupation he was a pump maker. He sleeps in the cemetery at
Allegheny Church, in an unmarked grave. He married Catharine Weiss,
and their children were: Samuel, of Robeson township; Mrs. Philip
Hummel, of Brecknock; Ann, who married Daniel Brendel; Betzy, who
married Henry Trostle; Bevvy, who marred Peter Steffy; Sophia, who
married Isaac Lewis; John; Cassie, who married John Heddens;
William, who died young; Isaac; and Benjamin, who died when he was
about thirty years of age, leaving one son and one daughter.

John Griffith, son of Evan, was born Jan. 25,
1792, and died March 13, 1881, in his ninetieth year. He was a
farmer in Brecknock township, near Furlows Hotel. In addition to
his farming he followed the trade of cooper. For about six years of
his life he lived in Mifflin county. His wife was Maria (better
known as Polly) Brendel. She was born Feb. 1, 1799, daughter of
Abraham Brendel, and she died March 14, 1887, in the eighty-ninth
year of her age. To John and Maria Griffith were born children as
follows: Cyrus, mentioned below; Catharine, who married Samuel
Rathman, a farmer in Brecknock township, and had one son and two
daughters; and William, mentioned below.

Isaac Griffith, son of Evan, was born Feb. 5,
1799, and became a prominent man in Brecknock township, where he
owned a farm of some sixty acres, now the property of Albert
Kachel. For many years he served as supervisor. He died Oct. 11,
1882, in his eighty-fourth year, and was buried at Allegheny
Church. He married Catharine Trostle, daughter of Henry Trostle,
and became the father of thirteen children, namely: Catharine,
Elizabeth, John, Sarah, Cassie, Louisa, Isaac, William, Samuel,
Benjamin, Caroline, _____, and one that died in infancy.

Samuel Griffith, son of Isaac and grandson of
Evan, was born Nov. 5, 1834, in Brecknock township. He owns an
eighty-four acre farm, but is now living retired. He has served his
township as school director and assistant assessor. He is a member
of the Allegheny Church, where many of the Griffiths lie buried.
Mr. Samuel Griffith has been twice married. His first wife was
Lydia Eshelman (1839-1870), and his second Elizabeth Zimmerman. His
children, all born to the first wife, were: Jeremiah; Sarah A.;
Aaron; Jacob E., a teacher and justice of the peace in Brecknock
township; and Solomon, who died in 1882, aged twelve years.

Cyrus Griffith, mentioned above as son of John
and grandson of Evan, was a cooper by trade, and followed that
occupation in Brecknock township many years, being one of the last
to work at that trade in his community. He owned a farm of about
100 acres near Knauers, which he rented, and in earlier years this
was conducted by his sons. He was born Sept. 21, 1817, in
Brecknock, and died Nov. 24, 1903, aged eighty-six years. He was a
Reformed member of the Allegheny Church, and was a thoroughly
honorable and upright man. While he never rode on a steam car in
his life, he traveled as far as the western part of the State, and
worked for a time at his trade in the Kishacoquilla Valley, in
Mifflin county. He married Catharine Fritz, who was born Jan. 19,
1821, daughter of John Fritz, and died Dec. 6, 1891, in her
seventy-first year. Their four children were: Frank, of Mohnton;
John, deceased; Sarah, who died in childhood; and Wayne F.

Wayne F. Griffith, son of Cyrus, and a foremost
citizen and well known justice of the peace of Brecknock township,
now engaged in dealing in farm implements and fertilizers at
Knauers, was born Dec. 8, 1867. His boyhood was passed upon his
father’s farm, and his early education was obtained in the township
schools and in a private school in charge of Henry T. Kachel. He
first became engaged in the farm implement business in 1885, when
but eighteen years of age, and since then has carried on the
business successfully at Knauers. He has patrons within a radius of
twelve miles, and he sells from eighty to one hundred tons of
fertilizer every year. His honest, open dealings and genial
obliging manners have won him a growing list of patrons. He deals
in all kinds of farm implements, and has the largest line of farm
equipment in the county, also doing a large amount of repair work.

In politics Mr. Griffith is quite influential as
a Democrat, and he has been active in party work, his influence
always being sought by those anxious for party preferment. When but
twenty-two years of age he was elected township clerk, and he was
appointed by Governor Robert E. Pattison justice of the peace, and
since then has been re-elected three times. At his first election
he had every vote that was polled by both parties, something that
had never happened before and never has since to any candidate. He
is also the committeeman of his party, representing the township on
the county committee. In the organization of the new Mohnton
National Bank, Mr. Griffith was unanimously elected cashier, a
position he still holds. This bank is in successful operation, and
the first year made a net profit to the stockholders of fourteen
per cent. Mr. Griffith resides in a modern residence at Knauers,
which he erected in 1896. It is surrounded by a well-kept terraced
lawn, in which may be found many South Carolina poplar trees, and
much beautiful shrubbery.

On Nov. 30, 1895, Mr. Griffith was married to
Jennie Kachel, daughter of Samuel and Caroline (Griffith) Kachel,
farming people of Brecknock. They attend the Allegheny Union
Church, in which Mr. Griffith is a member of the Sunday-school and
was a teacher for several years.

William Griffith, son of John and brother of
Cyrus, was born in Mifflin county March 5, 1831. From his youth up
he engaged in farming and after 1860 made his home in Brecknock
township, where he owned 105 acres of land. This he cultivated
until 1897. Since the spring of 1907 he has lived in Mohnton with
his son Hiram. He sold his farm in 1903. Considering his advanced
years he is well preserved, and in spite of his long years of
activity is still able to take a keen interest in things around
him. He married Catharine Marks, born 1836, died 1881, daughter of
Joseph and Elizabeth Marks. They were the parents of eleven
children, as follows: Elijah, deceased, who married Joanna
Hornberger, and had children, Charles, Cora and Maggie; Amanda, who
married Nelson Bixler; Maggie, who married Albert Kachel; Augustus
M.; Martin, deceased, who married Sallie Gebhart; Hiram M. and
Biram, twins; William, who married Emma Krick, and lives at
Gouglersville, Pa.; Joseph, who died in infancy; and Dora and
Alice, who both died young.

Augustus M. Griffith, son of William and
Catharine, was born in Brecknock township March 16, 1863. He
obtained a limited education in the common schools which he left at
an early age to work upon the home farm. He remained with his
father until he attained his majority, and then for one year drove
a team. In 1885 he moved to his father’s farm, which he conducted
for two years. In 1887 he purchased a sixty-acre farm in Brecknock
township, where he farmed for sixteen years. In 1904 he purchased
hi brother Hiram’s bakery at Mohnton, and this he has since
successfully conducted. He bakes an excellent quality of bread and
pastry, and twenty-five different kinds of cake, for all of which
he has a ready market in Mohnton and surrounding districts. In the
Reading markets he has stands: No. 196 at Fourth and Penn streets;
at Ninth and Buttonwood streets; No. 172, Sixth and Bingaman
streets; and No. 60, Tenth and Chestnut streets. He keeps two
double teams to supply Mohnton and vicinity. His weekly consumption
of flour is estimated at thirty barrels. He has all the latest and
best improved machinery. On the evening of May 26, 1905, a fire
broke out in a neighboring property, which was communicated by the
wind to Mr. Griffith’s, and his bakery and dwelling were consumed,
entailing a loss of five thousand dollars, only partially insured.
He at once rebuilt, and now has a fine home and bakery on Wood
street, Mohnton. In politics, like his brothers, he is a Democrat.
He and his family attend Allegheny Church, of which they are
Lutheran members.

On Jan. 27, 1882, Mr. Griffith married Mary Ann
Strunk, daughter of Martin and Kate (Stoner) Strunk, and their
children are: Walter, unmarried; Goldie, married to Charles B.
High, a school teacher of Shillington by whom she has a son, Jean;
Miss Nora, at home; Stella, married to Harvey Boone, and Tamie, at
home.

Biram Griffith, proprietor of the “Hotel
Griffith,” located on the site of the former Mohn’s Store
postoffice, at Mohnton, Pa., was born in Brecknock township, Berks
county, Aug. 5, 1866, son of William and Catharine (Marks)
Griffith.

He spent his school days in Brecknock township
and worked with his father until eighteen years of age. On Jan. 17,
1887, he came to Mohnton and learned the hatter’s trade, which he
followed for eleven years, also engaging successful in horse
trading and the livery business, the latter of which he sold in
1904 to his brother Hiram. For a period of three years Mr. Griffith
drove the mail between Mohnton and Adamstown, and before the advent
of the trolley cars carried passengers. In his youth he had also
learned the milling business with Daniel Yelk, with whom he
remained one year, although he never engaged in this business on
his own account. He built his present hotel in 1904 and received
his license in 1905, since which time he has done a large business.
His hotel, a three-story structure with twenty-nine rooms, one of
the best in Berks county, is well liked by the traveling public,
and Mr. Griffith makes a cordial, affable host, being very popular
in his community. In his political belief he is a Democrat, and he
has served a number of times as delegate to county conventions. He
is a member of the Reformed Church of Allegheny, and a liberal
contributor toward its support.

Mr. Griffith married Catherine Steffey, daughter
of Ephraim and Elizabeth (Gephard) Steffey, of Brecknock township,
Berks county, and to this union were born four children: Katie, who
married Harry Whitner, of Mohnton, and has two children; Edith M.,
who died in infancy; and Edna and Edgar B., attending school.

Hiram M. Griffith, a substantial business man of
Berks county, who is carrying on a flourishing livery business at
Mohnton, Cumru township, was born Aug. 5, 1866, in Brecknock
township, Berks county.

He attended the schools of his native township,
and when a young man learned cigar-making with James and Samuel
Prutzman, of Adamstown, Pa., following this occupation for four
years. He then learned the hatter’s trade with George Hendel, and
followed same for four years, after which he engaged in the baking
business at which he was employed from 1893 until 1904, when he
sold out to his brother Augustus. He then engaged in the livery
business, having brought out his brother, Biram. The stable is
located at Wood and Wyomissing avenues, and he has from fifteen to
twenty horses, enjoying a large and profitable business. He is a
Democrat in politics, and is connected fraternally with the P. O.
S. of A., Camp No. 211. His religious connection is with the Salem
Evangelical Association of Mohnton.

Mr. Griffith was united in marriage to Mary
Mosser, the estimable daughter of Nicholas and Sallie (Grill)
Mosser, and to this union were born two children, both daughters,
Gertrude (who died in infancy) and Marjorie E. Mr. and Mrs.
Griffith are well known in Mohnton, and enjoys the friendship and
esteem of a large acquaintanceship.

GRILL,
ADAM F. E.

p. 465

Surnames: GRILL, DIVES, ESHELMAN, LESHER, KAPPES, BROSSMAN, HATT,
MOHN, KRESS, VON NEIDA, HORNBERGER, MOSSER, LEININGER, HEBERLING,
HUYETT, GAUL, HARTMAN, BRUNNER

Adam F. E. Grill, one of the foremost citizens of Cumru township,
Berks county, resides in the borough of Shillington, Pa., in a fine
residence at the northwest corner of Lancaster and Wyomissing
avenues. He was born on his father’s farm, now the property of
Joshua Dives, Jan. 28, 1857, son of Levi and Mary (Eshelman) Grill.

Philip Grill, great-grandfather of Adam F. E.,
was an extensive land owner in Spring township, having fully 255
acres. He died on the farm on which he had resided all of his life,
and his remains were interred at Sinking Spring burying-ground, as
were those of his wife, whose maiden name was Lesher. They had
these children: Christina married Philip Kappes; Samuel obtained
the original homestead, erected the present buildings upon it, and
then removed to Ohio; John was given another of the old homesteads,
later removed to Centre county, Pa., and then followed Samuel to
Ohio; Katie m. Jacob Hatt; Eliza m. Jacob Brossman, and removed to
Naperville, Ill.; Adam; Philip m. Sarah Mohn, sister of Catherine
Mohn; and Joseph.

Adam Grill grandfather of Adam F. E., was born
in Spring township, and was a lifelong farmer, owning the farm now
in the possession of our subject, where he lived the major portion
of his life. He married Catherine Mohn, who bore him the following
ten children: Samuel settled at Bowmansville, Lancaster county;
Catherine m. Christian Kress; Elizabeth m. Henry Von Neida; Mary m.
Richard Hornberger; Levi; Sallie m. Nicholas Mosser; Adam lived on
the old homestead; Lydia m. James Leininger; Daniel was a tax
collector of Reading, Pa.; and Henry resided at Oakbrook, Cumru
township.

Levi Grill, father of Adam F. E., was born in
Cumru township, Nov. 5, 1830, and his entire life was spent in
agricultural pursuits. For many years he lived on the Lancaster
Pike, midway between the Five Mile House and Gouglersville, his
fine farm consisting of 100 acres. He built the present home upon
it in 1874, the barn being built by his father, Adam Grill, in
1838. This property has a good meadow of twelve acres, eight acres
of woodland, and an excellent spring of clear water. In 1853 Mr.
Grill was married to Mary Eshelman, daughter of Daniel and Lydia
(Heberling) Eshelman, and to this union there were born two sons:
John E., a well known merchant of Reading; and Adam F. E.

Adam F. E. Grill received his education in the
public schools of his native township, and at the Keystone State
Normal school, Kutztown, Pa. At the early age of fifteen years he
began teaching school in the village of Mohnsville, when there was
but one school at that place. He finished one term there, after
which he taught in different other schools in Cumru and Spring
townships and then went back to Mohnsville and took charge of the
grammar school there to teach his twenty-third and last term, when
the hamlet had grown to be a large town. His long career as an
educator was begun in 1872, when D. B. Brunner was county
superintendent, and he became well and favorably known as a
pedagogue. During the summer months Mr. Grill worked upon his
father’s farm, where he had spent his boyhood days. In politics Mr.
Grill is a Democrat, and in 1892-3 he was elected township
committeeman, and in the latter years was elected county chairman
of the Democratic party, a position he filled with efficiency for a
full term. He was the last judge of election of Cumru township when
it had over 800 voters, it being then divided into five voting
precincts.

On Feb 18, 1895, Assistant U. S. Treasurer W. B.
Bigler of Philadelphia appointed Mr. Grill to a responsible
clerkship in the Philadelphia U. S. Sub-Treasury, and in this
position he has served most acceptably ever since. His work
consists of counting and assorting money, and in the last fourteen
years he has handled hundreds of millions of dollars. He has charge
of the Assorting Teller’s desk. For the past ten years he has made
daily trips from his home in Shillington to Philadelphia. In 1899
Mr. Grill built his fine residence at Shillington, it being one of
the most beautiful and substantial brick residences of the place,
and in 1903 he erected two fine brick residences on Lancaster
avenue on a side lot of his residence property. He has two other
good houses on Lancaster avenue, one of brick and the other frame,
and he has also obtained the old Grill homestead, which belonged to
his grandfather and father, in which the latter was born.

On Jan. 27, 1877, Mr. Grill was married to Mary
Huyett, daughter of Garson and Eva (Gaul) Huyett, and granddaughter
of John and Elizabeth (Hartman) Huyett, an old and honored family
of Berks county. No children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Grill.
Mr. Grill stands high in the esteem of his fellow-citizens, and is
one of the most substantial men of his locality and an influential
molder of public opinion in his township.

GRILL,
DANIEL M.

p. 743

Surnames: GRILL, LESHER, HART, BROSSMAN, CUBBISON, MATZ, VENIDA,
CRESS, HORNBERGER, ESHELMAN, MOSER, DEWEES, LEININGER, HEISTER,
STRAUB, LEWIS, SHONOUR, HOLDRY, GLASSER

Daniel M. Grill, a citizen of Reading, Pa., who is retired, resides
in his home at No. 112 South Third street in this city. Mr. Grill
was born in Cumru township, Berks county, Pa., July 14, 1842, a son
of Adam and Catherine M. Grill.

Of the Grill family, at least three generations
having been born in Berks county. Philip Grill, grandfather of
Daniel, married a Miss Lesher, and they were early settlers in
Cumru township, where he became possessed of an excellent farm.
Their children were: John, deceased, formerly an extensive farmer
in Ohio; Samuel, deceased, also owned farming land in Ohio; Adam,
father of Daniel Grill; Joseph, who died aged eighty-two years at
Sinking Spring; Philip, deceased, of Cumru township; Catherine, who
m. Jacob Hart, and had children, Samuel, John, Jacob, Levi, Louisa,
Catherine, Kate, Polly, Sally and Bessie; Leah, who m. Jacob
Brossman; Mrs. Cubbison; and Bessie, who m. George Matz. In
religious belief the family were members of the Reformed Church.
Politically Mr. Grill was a Democrat.

Adam Grill, father of Daniel, followed
agricultural pursuits all of his life, dying in 1857, aged
sixty-four years, while his widow survived him until March 31,
1888, being eighty-eight years old at the time of her death. They
were the parents of these children: Bennewell died young, as did
also David; Samuel, deceased, m. Betsy Venida; Betsy m. Henry
Venida; Catherine m. Christian Cress; Polly m. Richard Hornberger;
Levi, who lives on the old homestead, m. Mary Eshelman; Sarah m.
Nicholas Moser; Adam m. Sarah Dewees; Lydia m. James Leininger;
Daniel; and Henry, of Oakbrook, m. Mary Heister. Mr. and Mrs. Grill
and their family were also members of the Reformed Church. Mr.
Grill was a Democrat in politics, and served faithfully for a
number of years as supervisor of his township.

Daniel Grill, although receiving a good German
education, was but poorly versed in English. He remained at home
until twenty-two years of age, when he purchased a farm in Cumru
township, and this he operated for thirty-two years, operating a
diary in conjunction therewith. Mr. Grill sold his interests in
1897 and retired to Mohnsville, but in 1903 located in Reading,
where he has since resided, his home being located at No. 112 South
Third street.

In 1864, Mr. Grill married Mary Matz, daughter
of William and Sarah (Straub) Matz, natives of Berks county, and to
this union were born four children: Charles W., m. to Kate Lewis;
Frank H., m. to Elizabeth Shonour, and they had two children, Helen
(deceased) and Marie; G. Harvey, m. to Alice Holdry and they have
two children, Daniel and Mabel; Clara, m. to Edgar Glasser.

Both Mr. Grill and his wife are members of the
Reformed Church, to which he has always given a very liberal
support. Politically he has been a life-long Democrat, and since
coming to Reading has served in the office of tax collector, while
during his residence in Cumru township he was treasurer of that
township for a number of years. He is a man who is justly held in
high esteem by his fellow citizens.

GRILL, F. PIERCE D.

p.
1051

Surnames: GRILL, DEWEES, MOHN, ALBRIGHT, VONNEIDA, KRESS,
HORNBERGER, ESHELMAN, MOSSER, LEININGER, MATZ, HEISTER, MILLER,
WEIDNER, FISHER, HOYER

F. Pierce D. Grill, a farmer and dairyman of Berks county, whose
fine property of fifty-five acres is situated in Cumru township,
was born Feb. 28, 1865, on the farm on which he now resides, son of
Adam M. and Sarah (Dewees) Grill.

Adam Grill, grandfather of F. Pierce D., was
born Aug. 22, 1798, in what is now Spring township, and died May
21, 1858. He was a farmer of Cumru township, where he owned a farm
of 155 acres, on which he built a barn in 1832. He married
Catherine Mohn, born Jan. 11, 1800, who died March 31, 1888,
daughter of Daniel and Barbara (Albright) Mohn. Ten children were
born to this union: Samuel (m. Betsy VonNeida); Elizabeth (m. Henry
VonNeida); Catherine (m. Christil Kress); Polly (m. Richard
Hornberger); Levi (m. Polly Eshelman); Sally (m. Nicholas Mosser);
Adam M. (m. Sarah Dewees); Lydia (m. James Leininger); Daniel (m.
Mary Matz); and Henry (m. Mary Hiester).

Adam M. Grill was born Oct. 17, 1835, and was
reared on the original homestead, where he lived until 1904, then
retiring and removing to Church street, Mohnton. Since 1897 he has
conducted a milk route into Mohnsville, owning a twenty-six acre
farm about two miles northwest of that village. In politics he is a
Republican. He and his family attend Zion’s Evangelical Church ; he
was class-leader, treasurer and trustee of the church of that
denomination at Mohn’s Hill.

Mr. Grill married Nov. 6, 1860, Sarah Dewees,
born Jan. 4, 1841, daughter of John M. and Leah G. (Matz) Dewees,
and five children were born to this union: William D. m. Ida
Miller, and had three children–Jennie (died when three years old),
Leo and Harry; Alice R. died unmarried at the age of twenty-eight
years; F. Pierce D.; Martin D. m. Hannah Weidner, and has three
children–John, Stanley, and Forest; and Quinton D. is unmarried.

F. Pierce D. Grill has spent his entire life on
the property on which he now lives, and which he obtained from his
father. This property, which consists of fifty-five acres, is a
part of the old homestead owned by his grandfather, and which has
been in the family possession for upward of 100 years. The original
barn, built in 1832 by Adam Grill, still stands, as does the home,
built by his son, Adam M., in 1868. Mr. Grill is also engaged in
operating a milk route, running a team daily, except Sunday, to
Mohnton. In politics he is a Republican. He and his family are
connected with Mohn’s Hill Memorial United Evangelical Church.

On Aug. 11, 1889, Mr. Grill married Annie H.
Fisher, born July 31, 1866, daughter of Richard and Annie (Hoyer)
Fisher, and three children have been born to this union: Stephen
F., born June 10, 1890; Leroy F., Jan. 21, 1893; and Lillie F., May
24, 1898.

GRILL, FRANK
M.

p. 1550

Surnames: GRILL, MATZ, LESHER, KAPPES, HATT, BROSSMAN, MOHN,
ALBRIGHT, KRESS, VON NEIDA, HORNBERGER, ESHELMAN, MOSSIER, DEWEES,
LEININGER, STRAUB, LEWIS, HOETRY, GEISWEIT, SCHONNONT

Frank M. Grill, one of the well-known young men of Cumru township,
who holds a responsible position at the Berks county almshouse, was
born July 14, 1873, in Cumru township, near the “Five-Mile House,”
son of Daniel M. and Mary (Matz) Grill.

Philip Grill, great-grandfather of Frank M., was
the owner of a large farm in Spring township, where he died. He was
buried at Sinking Spring. To him and his wife, whose maiden name
was Lesher, were born children as follows: Christina, m. to Philip
Kappes; Samuel, who obtained the homestead, and later removed to
Ohio; John, who first went to Centre county, Pa., and later to
Ohio; Katie, m. Jacob Hatt; Eliza, m. to Jacob Brossman, and later
a resident of Naperville, Ill.; Adam; Philip, m. to Sarah Mohn; and
Joseph.

Adam Grill, son of Philip, was born in Spring
township Aug. 22, 1793, and died May 21, 1858. He was a lifelong
farmer. He married Catherine Mohn, born Jan. 11, 1800, died March
31, 1888, daughter of Daniel and Barbara (Albright) Mohn. They
became the parents of ten children, namely: Samuel, of
Bowmansville, Lancaster county; Catherine, m. to Christian Kress;
Elizabeth, m. to Henry Von Neida; Mary, m. to Richard Hornberger;
Levi, m. to Mary Eshelman; Sallie, m. to Nicholas Mossier; Adam, on
the old home farm, and m. to Sarah Dewees; Lydia, m. to James
Leininger; Daniel M.; and Henry, of Oakbrook, Cumru township.

Daniel M. Grill, son of Adam and father of Frank
M., was born in Cumru township in 1844, and for many years was a
prominent farmer in that township. He now lives at No. 212 South
Third street, Reading, in which city he was for a number of years
tax collector of the Seventh ward. He married Mary Matz, daughter
of William and Sallie (Straub) Matz, and to this union there were
born: Charles, a farmer, m. Katie Lewis; Howard, also a farmer, m.
Alice Hoetry; Frank M.; and Clara m. Edward Geisweit, of Reading.

Frank M. Grill received a fair education,
attending the schools of Cumru township until the age of eighteen
years, when he became engaged in agricultural pursuits with his
father. On April 1, 1894, he accepted his present position, in
which he has served faithfully to the present time, giving
universal satisfaction. He owns a fine residence in Shillington, on
Lancaster avenue, and he and his wife have a large social circle.
Mr. Grill was married to Lizzie Schonnont, daughter of Joseph
Schonnont, and to this union there has been born one daughter,
Maria. Mr. Grill is a Democrat in politics, but beyond the casting
of his vote takes but little interest in political matters. He and
Mrs. Grill are members of the Reformed Church, which they attend at
Gouglersville.

GRILL, JOHN
M.

p. 778

Surnames: GRILL, MATZ, SHOUP, GRING, HUYETT, FRITZ, RATHJE, KOHL,
LEINBACH, AHRENS

John M. Grill, for a number of years a well known agriculturist of
Cumru township, Berks county now living retired at Shillington,
Pa., was born Sept. 13, 1837, near Wernersville, Berks county, son
of Joseph and Hannah (Matz) Grill.

Joseph Grill was born Aug. 7, 1806, in Cumru,
now Spring township, and was a lifelong farmer. For seven years he
lived on a sixteen-acre tract in Lower Heidelberg township, and
later he removed to Spring township, where he owned a good farm on
which he died in July, 1891. He also owned the old Grill homestead
in Spring township, and was in comfortable circumstances. Mr. Grill
married Hannah Matz, daughter of John and Elisabeth (Shoup) Matz,
and to this union there were born children as follows: Joshua, m.
to Mary Gring; Mary, living at Sinking Spring; John M.; Joseph, who
died in childhood; Henry, m. to Sarah Huyett; Catherine, living in
Sinking Spring; and Samuel, who died in childhood.

John M. Grill attended the pay schools and later
the free schools of his day, and his entire life was spent in
farming. He remained on the farm until 1890, in which year he
removed to Shillington, and he has there resided retired to the
present time. In 1866, he commenced farming for himself near the
Green Tree in Cumru township, on his father-in-law’s farm, which he
acquired after the latter’s death July 22, 1891, at the age of
eighty-three years, eleven months, eleven days. In 1890 Mr. Grill
built a large, two-story brick residence at the corner of
Philadelphia and Lancaster avenues in Shillington, which the family
occupied since 1893. Mr. Grill and his brother Henry own the old
Grill homestead of 120 acres of land, which lies adjacent to the
old Wheat Field mines in Spring township, and here blue iron ore is
found in great quantity. At one time Mr. Grill was a prominent
figure in local politics, and for a time was a Democratic auditor
of Cumru township. He and his wife are members of Christ’s Union
Church, Cumru, of which he is a Reformed and she a Lutheran member.
He has been a deacon and elder of the church for many years. In
1893 Mr. and Mrs. Grill attended the World’s Fair at Chicago, and
in 1901 the Exposition at Buffalo, and they have also traveled
extensively in other parts of the country. They are well known in
their vicinity, and have a large social circle.

On Nov. 21, 1867, Mr. Grill married Sarah Fritz,
daughter of Martin and Margaretta (Gring) Fritz, and granddaughter
of Martin and Catherine (Rathje) Fritz. Mr. and Mrs. Grill’s
adopted daughter, whom they reared from her third year, Sallie A.
Kohl, married Washington Leinbach, son of James and Catharine
(Ahrens), Reading, and they have one son, Leroy K. Mr. and Mrs.
Leinbach reside with Mr. and Mrs. Grill.

GRILL,
MARTIN D.

p. 633

Surnames: GRILL, DEWEES, MOHN, ALBRIGHT, von NEIDA, KRESS
HORNBERGER, ESHELMAN, MOSSER, LEININGER, MATZ, HIESTER, MILLER,
FISHER, WEIDNER, MARTIN, COLDREN

Martin D. Grill, a well known young business man of Berks county,
Pa., who is engaged in the manufacture of hosiery at Mohnton, was
born Oct. 20, 1874, in Cumru township, son of Adam M. and Sarah
(Dewees) Grill.

Adam Grill, the grandfather of Martin D., was a
native of Spring township, Berks county, where he was born Aug. 22,
1793. He spent his life in agricultural pursuits in Cumru township,
where he owned a tract of 155 acres of land, and here he died May
21, 1858. He married Catharine Mohn, born Jan. 11, 1800, who died
March 31, 1888, daughter of Daniel and Barbara (Albright) Mohn, and
there were ten children born to this union: Samuel, m. to Betsy von
Neida; Elizabeth, m. to Henry von Neida; Catharine, m. to Chris.
Kress; Polly, m. to Richard Hornberger; Levi, m. to Polly Eshelman;
Sally, m. to Nicholas Mosser; Adam M.; Lydia, m. to James
Leininger; Daniel, m. to Mary Matz; and Henry, m. to Mary Hiester.

Adam M. Grill was born Oct. 17, 1835, and was
reared on the homestead, where he lived until 1904, when he retired
and removed to Church street, Mohnton. Since 1897 he has conducted
a milk route into Mohnsville. He owns a twenty-six acre farm about
two miles northwest of that village. In politics he is a
Republican. He and his family attend Zion’s Evangelical Church, of
which he was a class leader, treasurer and trustee at Mohn’s Hill.

Adam M. Grill was married Nov. 6, 1860, to Sarah
Dewees, born Jan. 4, 1841, daughter of John M. and Leah G. (Matz)
Dewees, and five children were born to this union: William D. m.
Ida Miller, and has two children, Leo and Harry; Alice R. died
unmarried at the age of twenty-eight years; F. Pierce D. m. Annie
H. Fisher, and has three children, Stephen F., Leroy F. and Lillie
F.; Martin D.; and Quinton D. is unmarried.

Martin D. Grill received his education in the
public schools of Cumru township, and the Keystone State Normal
School at Kutztown, Pa. During the spring terms of 1894, 1895 and
1896, Mr. Grill was engaged in school teaching in Spring township,
and from the latter year until 1907, followed that profession in
Cumru township. At this time he engaged in his present business,
the manufacture of men’s seamless half hose, under the firm name of
the Electrical Hosiery Company. Thirty hands are now employed at
his factory, and these high grade goods find a ready sale
throughout the State.

Mr. Grill was married to Hannah R. Weidner,
daughter of John Y. and Catharine (Hornberger) Weidner, and three
children were born to this union: John, Stanley and Forest. In
politics Mr. Grill is a Republican, while in religious belief he
and Mrs. Grill are connected with the United Evangelical Church.
Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias of
Mohnton, and the P. O. S. of A., No 211. Mr. and Mrs. Grill reside
in their own home in Mohnton, which Mr. Grill purchased in 1898.

John M. Dewees, grandfather of Martin D. Grill,
was a son of William and Elizabeth Martin Dewees, and was born Feb.
26, 1807. His only brother, George M., went to Stark county, Ohio.
John M. Dewees followed the same trade as his father, that of a
shop-carpenter, making all kinds of household furniture. He was
also an undertaker, making his own coffins. In 1835, he was
commissioned Captain of the 12th Company, 55th Regiment, of the
Militia of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in the 2nd Brigade, of
the 6th Division, composed of the counties of Dauphin, Lebanon,
Berks and Schuylkill, his commission bearing date Aug. 3, 1835, and
good until Aug. 3, 1842, given and signed by Gov. Joseph Ritner. He
was also a surveyor and he served as justice of the peace, his
first commission bearing date of 1840. He was a justice from the
aforesaid date until 1879, his last commission bearing date of
April 13, 1874, good until 1879, having held the office for nearly
forty years. Legal papers made and issued by him are noted for
their neatness, accuracy and excellent penmanship. Lawyers and
court officials often complimented him on his elegant penmanship
which he did mostly with the quill. In 1834 he married Leah G. Matz
(born Feb. 11, 1812) daughter of George Matz. They had three
daughters and two sons, the sons dying in infancy. Of the
daughters: Elizabeth M. m. Samuel P. Coldren; Sarah M. m. Adam M.
Grill; and Rachel M. m. Jere H. Miller. John M. Dewees was a man of
ordinary means, and proved himself to be of great usefulness in
this section between 1840 and 1875. He was intensely interested in
the educational system provided by the Act of 1834, and in 1835,
when an effort was made to repeal this act he labored hard to
interest the people and explain to them the importance of
educational advantages provided for by this act. He was a lover of
music, especially of the fiddle, zither and accordion. He was the
owner of a small tract of land in Spring township. He died Dec. 14,
1881, and is buried at Mohns Hill burying ground.