My Genealogy Hound

HORACE F. REIFSNYDER, the well-known railroad agent, located at Norristown, is a native of Chester county, Pennsylvania, where he was born January 8, 1852. He is the son of Jonathan H. (deceased) and Mary K. Reifsnyder. He was reared and educated in that county, in the vicinity of Pottstown, in which locality the family had resided for several generations.

The Reifsnyders are of German descent, but have been domiciled in Pennsylvania for a century and a half. John Reifsnyder, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, conducted a general store very successfully in Chester county, and was widely known in that section of the state. He married Anna Harley. The couple had a family of four children, one of whom was Jonathan H. Reifsnyder.

Jonathan H. Reifsnyder (father) was born in 1819, in Chester county, and died there in 1893. After obtaining his education in the schools of the vicinity he engaged for a time in the occupation of teaching, and later turned his attention to mercantile pursuits, in which he was successfully engaged for a number of years. In politics he was a Republican, although he never sought or held office. In religious faith he was a member of the Lutheran church. He married, in 1848, Mary, daughter of Frederick Klink. Mr. and Mrs. Reifsnyder had five children, four of whom survive, as follows: Frank, Irwin, Horace F. and Charles.

Horace F. Reifsnyder, the subject of this sketch, after relinquishing school studies occupied various clerical positions for several years and then became a railroad agent. He finally located at Norristown in 1884, accepting the position which he has held ever since. Mr. Reifsnyder has made many friends by his courtesy, affability and strict attention to business. The interests of the traveling public receive at his hands that consideration to which they are entitled, and he possesses in a remarkable degree, the confidence and esteem of the community.

In politics Mr. Reifsnyder is an active and earnest Republican. He has served several terms as a school director from the seventh ward, in which he resides, his home being at No. 720 West Marshall street. He served a term as treasurer of the school board, and has ever been a friend of educational progress in Norristown. He and his family are members and he is an official of Calvary Baptist church, at the corner of Marshall street and Haws avenue, Norristown. Mr. Reifsnyder married, May 6, 1874, Allie, daughter of George Alexander, of Chester county. Mr. and Mrs. Reifsnyder have seven children as follows: Carolyn, a teacher in the public schools of Norristown; George, Edgar, Herbert, Emma, Nelson and Eva.

Mrs. Reifsnyder’s parents resided in Chester county, where they were for many years engaged in farming. After disposing of their farm her father was occupied in mercantile pursuits, conducting a general store at Pottstown Landing, opposite Pottstown. Mr. Alexander continued in the business until his death.