My Genealogy Hound

J. GRANT SCHWARZ, a leading business man and popular Democrat of Camp Hill, Cumberland county, comes of good German ancestry. His grandfather, Dr. Schwarz, came from his German home to America and located in New York City, where he was one of the first, if not the first, of that city’s homeopathic physicians. After remaining there for a few years he located in Philadelphia. He married Catherine Bair, of Philadelphia, and their children were: Gustavus; Theodore, of Chicago; Amelia, who married James B. Grant, and lives in St. Louis; George W., who died in Philadelphia; and Henry, who resides in Camden, N. J., but is engaged in business in Philadelphia.

Gustavus Schwarz was born in New York City, and was but a lad when his father removed to Philadelphia. His education was received in the exceptionally good schools of the city of Brotherly Love, and after leaving school he was employed for some years as a bookkeeper. He then entered the wholesale grocery business, in which he continued for the rest of his active life. He married Josephine Grant, daughter of Joseph P. Grant, of Baltimore, and she passed away in 1881. He died in 1884. Both were much esteemed by a wide circle of friends. Their children were as follows; J. Grant; Edward A., who died in the South at the age of twenty-eight years; and Catherine C. and Josephine Grant, both living in New York City.

J. Grant Schwarz was born in Philadelphia in 1860, and in the graded schools of that city acquired his literary training. For some time he worked for his father, and then went to Harrisburg, where he entered the wholesale grocery business on Walnut street. The firm is known as the Witman Schwarz Co., and does a thriving business. In time they established branches in Carlisle and Lewistown. Mr. Schwarz is a man of much executive ability and good business judgment, and his fine management of his business has redounded to his great financial success.

In 1885 Mr. Schwarz, was married to Miss Helen S. Dunglison, of Philadelphia, and five children came to bless their home; John Robley, J. Grant, Jr., Helen, Belle and Josephine G. Mrs. Schwarz died in 1901. In 1903 Mr. Schwarz married, for his second wife, Mary A. Hemler, of Harrisburg, daughter of the president of the Merchants’ National Bank of that city.

In politics Mr. Schwarz is an influential member of the Democratic party, but has no ambition to assume the responsibility of public office. He gives his attention strictly to his business affairs. Pleasant and courteous to all, he has many friends, who esteem him for his high principles and fair mindedness.