My Genealogy Hound

GEORGE W. PIFER, grocer, at the corner of Airy and Norris streets, Norristown, Pennsylvania, is prominent in matters connected with borough legislation. He was born in Norristown, November 3, 1857. He is the son of John and Mary (Cressman) Pifer, both natives of Pennsylvania, she of Montgomery county, and he of Catawissa. The couple had nine children, six sons and three daughters, of whom four are living, as follows: Ettie, wife of Dr. William Sweet, of Philadelphia; William H., George W. and Franklin E., all of Norristown.

John Pifer (father) was employed at various occupations when a young man, coming to Norristown about the year 1854, and having lived there ever since. He is now in his eighty-second year. His wife died January 1, 1902, aged seventy-six years. She was originally a Lutheran, but at her death was a Presbyterian, her religious faith being that also of her husband. He was a soldier in the war for the Union, serving in the army four years as a private. He was a member of the famous Sixth Army Corps, and participated in all its battles.

Samuel Cressman (maternal grandfather) was a native of Pennsylvania. His wife was Mary Heritage. They had three sons and two daughters.

George W. Pifer was reared in Norristown and attended the public schools. He is a molder by trade and followed that occupation for many years, until 1888, when he engaged in the grocery business at his present location, where he has continued ever since.

On September 6, 1881, he married Elvira L. Richard, daughter of Jacob H. and Mary A. (Jones) Richard. Mr. Pifer is a member of Charity Lodge, No. 190, Free and Accepted Masons, Norristown Chapter, No. 190, Royal Arch Masons; Hutchinson Commandery, No. 32, Knights Templar; LuLu Temple, of Philadelphia; and of the Montgomery Lodge of Odd Fellows. He is also exalted ruler in the Elks fraternity. He is a member of Beaver Tribe No. 62. Improved Order of Red Men, and of Hancock Castle, Knights of the Golden Eagle.

Politically Mr. Pifer is a Republican. He represents the second ward in the borough council of Norristown and is serving his third term, having been its president for a time. He is also connected with other Norristown enterprises and organizations. He is president of the People’s Building and Loan Association, and of the Retail Grocers’ Association of Norristown and Bridgeport. He is also musical director of the Germania Band of Norristown.

Mrs. Pifer’s parents were natives of Pennsylvania. They had seven children, four sons and three daughters, the other children being as follows: Sarah Lizzie, wife of Philip K. Kreibel of Norristown; Edward G.; Caroline C., wife of William E. Earl; Harry J., Diana R., and William J. Richard.

Jacob H. Richard, father of Mrs. Pifer, resides in Norristown, where he has lived for forty-eight years. His wife died in 1897, aged sixty-one years. Both are members of the Reformed church, but were originally Lutherans. He was a soldier in the war for the Union. He enlisted at first in the three months’ service and then re-enlisted, serving altogether about a year. His father was James Richard, also native of Pennsylvania, born near Reading. The family are of Welsh descent. His wife was Elizabeth Hartline. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Pifer was Isaac Jones, also a native of Pennsylvania and of Welsh descent. His wife was Catharine Reese.

George W. Pifer stands high in the community. He is pre-eminently a self-made man, having attained his present position in council and elsewhere entirely through his own exertions.