Peter Reist
Biography from Biographical Annals of Lancaster County, PA
Submitted by Joanne Diem KennelPeter Reist, the founder of the Reist family in this county, one of the most prominent in Lancaster, was born in Switzerland, but went from there to the Palatinate, and came to the United States in 1723. A cabin was erected by him on Kissel Hill, but after living there for a time he gave up the place, and took possession of 600 acres of land, two miles to the northwest. Two hundred acres of this extensive tract is still in the possession of two of his descendants, John and Jacob Reist.
Peter Reist was the father of five sons and two daughters, the sons being Peter, Christian, Abraham, Jacob and John. One of these sons was killed on Braddocks Field, July 9, 1755. The Reists have a wide family connection, and among the immediate descendants of the first Peter Reist, are Mennonite clergymen and men prominent in all the walks of life. Joseph Ritner, afterward Governor of Pennsylvania worked in his young manhood, and was employed by Peter Reist. When he had become Governor of the State he visited Mr. Reist in Warwick
Jacob Reist, son of the second Peter Reist, was an extensive farmer in Warwick township, during the limits of an ordinary lifetime, but was living retired in Petersburg at the time of his death. Jacob Reist was the father of Simon, Peter, Levi and Isaac Reist. Peter Reist is the only surviving member of this family, and he is now living retired in Lititiz. They were all widely known among the farmers of the county, and Levi and Peter Reist were especially prominent. They were leading members of the Lancaster County Agricultural Society, where they frequently read essays and took part in all the discussions.
Living in a cozy home at NO. 49 East Walnut street, Lancaster, is the venerable widow of Simon Reist, who was a grandson of the second Peter Reist, and son of Jacob. Simon Reist, who was a farmer in Manheim township, and was one of nine men who organized the Republican party in Lancaster county, died in 1861 at the early age of forty-five years. Miss Mary J. Rohrer, who became his wife, was a daughter of Jacob Rohrer,a prominent farmer of Washington county, Md. To this union were born four children, all of whom are living, as follows; Henry, engaged in the leaf tobacco business in Lancaster; Lineas R., an extensive farmer in Manheim township; Simon, who is engaged in the cigar business in Lancaster; John, long the bookkeeper and general office man of Hager & Brothers, Lancaster. Such is a brief glimpse at the past history of one of the leading families of Lancaster county. To tell its story fully would require a volume.
Lineas R. Reist, son of Simon Reist, deceased was born on the farm where he still lives, and is one of the leading farmers in that section of Lancaster county. His education was secured in the local schools, and the State Normal at Millersville. Before he had reached his majority he began business for himself, taking charge of the homestead and gradually has erected a complete set of buildings on the place where he now resides.
Mr. Reist does general farming in a most practical and successful manner, owning 135 acres; he has identified himself in a business way with various institutions of the county.
Mr. Reist was married Oct. 21, 1879, to Susan, a daughter of Jacob N. Landis, by whom he has become the father of 3 children; Lineas L. now a student of Franklin and Marshall Academy; John J. and Anna, both at home. Mr. Reist is a stanch Republican, and is one of the party leaders in his township. He is a director of a bank in Lancaster, and is one of the most enlightened and public-spirited men of the community.
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