My Genealogy Hound

DAVID Z. GEYER, who passed away June 8, 1898, was one of the representative men of South Middleton township, Cumberland county.

William Geyer, his father, was born in Baltimore, Md., and was a wagon maker by trade, which occupation he followed for a long period prior to engaging in farming in Adams county, Pa., where he purchased a fine farm of 150 acres of land. William Geyer married a Miss Schriver, of Adams county, and had the following children: George, Caroline, Mary, Crasia, Abbie, Eli and Lydia, all in Adams county; David Z.; Harriet, in Maryland; Barbara, in Littletown, Adams county; and William, at Gettysburg. The wife and mother died in Adams county, as did also the father, and both were very worthy and highly respected people.

David Z. Geyer was born May 25, 1828, in Adams county, where as a young man he learned the trade of weaving, there following it in connection with dyeing for a number of years, and later working at the Hanover mills near Hatton, Cumberland county. After a few years spent there, he moved to Mt. Holly Springs. On Oct. 17, 1854, he married Sarah Ann Yeingst, daughter of George and Eliza Yeingst of Adams county, who had had the following children: John F., of Carlisle; Sarah Ann; Alfred, who died in Illinois; David, who died at Boiling Springs; William, who lives in Cumberland county; George, who lives in Cumberland county; James, who lives in Boiling Springs; Amelia, living in this county. Two children died in infancy. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Geyer were: Eliza M., born July 26, 1855, married W. Henry Wolf, of Adams county, where they reside, having three chlidren. Guy C., Amanda L. and George William; George William, born Oct. 10, 1857, married a Miss Shultz, of Danville, N. Y., and they live at Buffalo.

In 1866, Mr. Geyer began operating the “United States Hotel” at Mt. Holly Springs, and remained in that business for fifteen years, becoming widely known as one of the most genial and capable hotel men in the county. Later he bought a home in this city, where his widow now resides.

In politics the late Mr. Geyer was a stanch Democrat, but never aspired to office, being too much occupied with his private affairs. In religious matters he was a member of the German Reformed Church, and died firm in that faith. His widow is a member of the Methodist Church, and is a most worthy Christian lady, much beloved by all who have the pleasure of her acquaintance. Mr. Geyer was one of those men who made friends everywhere he went. His nature was such as to make him singularly cordial and genial in manner, and he delighted in seeing others happy. As a business man, he was successful, while socially he was very popular, and much beloved in his home circle. His death was deeply lamented.