My Genealogy Hound

J. C. MENTZER, one of the extensive land owners of Frankford township, Cumberland county, and a man widely and favorably known, is a son of John J. Mentzer, and grandson of Henry Mentzer. The family is of German descent, but the exact line of its establishment upon American soil is not definitely known.

John J. Mentzer was born in Cumberland county, Feb. 21, 1830, and located in North Middleton township. He followed the blacksmith trade all his life. In 1852 he married Annie B. Beistline, daughter of Michael and Catharine (Zimmerman) Beistline, and in 1853 he removed to Frankford township, where he purchased a farm. He met his death by falling off a wagon, Jan. 21, 1885. His widow is living with her son, in Frankford township. Children as follows were born to Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Mentzer: J. C. is mentioned below; Anna C. died in Illinois; Laura J. married W. W. Thumma, and lives in Frankford township; Maggie M. married Charles Bowman and lives in North Middleton township; John H. died in Frankford township.

J. C. Mentzer was born in 1852, in North Middleton township, this county, and as he grew up attended the schools of Frankford township until he was nineteen years of age. Then he devoted himself to farming, and remained at home until he was twenty-two years old, when he went to Illinois. He remained there for two years, engaged in farming, and returning home at the expiration of that time worked for two years for his father. He then went to work for Jacob Kost, in his tannery, where he is still employed, being yard boss of the plant and engineer. Mr. Mentzer owns three fine farms in Frankford township, but does not farm them for himself, his time being entirely occupied by his duties at the tannery.

On Feb. 17, 1887, Mr. Mentzer married Annie S. Erford, daughter of J. J. Erford, an extended sketch of whom appears elsewhere, and one child, Olivia Blanch, was born to them Feb. 12, 1888.

In politics Mr. Mentzer is a Democrat, although he does not confine himself strictly to party lines, preferring to vote for the man he deems best suited to the position in question. He is a man of probity, uprightness and integrity, well qualified for his position of trust, and one capable of maintaining his own under any circumstances.