Mahlon M. Stantz

MAHLON M. STANTZ. One of the old Pennsylvania families of German origin is that represented by Mahlon M. Stantz. of Scottdale. The first ancestor of whom we have any knowledge was Jacob Stantz (or Stautz, as the name was originally spelled) who came from Franklin county to Westmoreland county about a century ago. It has not been ascertained whether he was the progenitor who emigrated from Germany or whether he was of American birth.

Jacob Stantz was a blacksmith by trade and a first-class mechanic. On his arrival in Westmoreland county he settled on the "Kindig farm," in Mount Pleasant township, and later moved to South Huntingdon township, near Men-den, where he passed the remainder of his life. He owned a farm of one hundred and twenty acres which he cultivated in connection with his -work as a blacksmith. He was a member of the Lutheran church. Mr. Stantz married Susannah Miller, and they were the parents of the following children: John who was a farmer, and moved to Ohio. Leonard, who was a laborer, and went to Clarion county, Pennsylvania. Jacob, died in early life. Christopher, mentioned hereafter. Henry, who was a farmer, and died on the homestead. Philip who was a farmer in South Huntingdon township. Isaac, who enlisted in the army during the Civil war and died of disease contracted while in service. Peter, who also served in the army and died of wounds received in battle. A daughter who became the wife of George Painter, of Westmoreland count-. Polly, died unmarried. Catharine. married Samuel McMichael, of Westmoreland county. Mr. Stantz, the father, lived to be well advanced in years, his death occurring when he was upward of eighty.

Christopher Stantz, son of Jacob and Susannah ('Miller) Stantz, was born July, 1812, in Mount Pleasant township, and in early life was a teamster, for fifteen years driving a team between Baltimore, Philadelphia and Pittsburg. From 1839 to the end of his life he lived in South Huntingdon township, where 'he engaged in the labors of a farmer. He was a member of the Lutheran church. Mr. Stantz was twice married. His first wife was Jane McAfee, who bore him three children: Jemima ; Mary R., who became the wife of L. K. Hixson, of Alverton ; and Emmanuel M., mentioned hereafter. After the death of his wife Mr. Stantz married Catharine, widow of Philip Heck and daughter of Andrew Byerly. Mr. Stantz died in 1897, at the advanced age of eighty-five years.

Emmanuel M. Stantz, son of Christopher and Jane (McAfee) Stantz, was born February 20, 1842, reared on the farm, and received his education in the public schools. He remained at home until he had passed his majority, and in 1870 had the misfortune to lose his right hand in a clover-seed huller, after which he secured a position as stable boss for the firm of Brown & Coughran, coal miners. He filled this position for nine years and then retired to the farm where he remained from 1880 to 1895. when he removed to Scottdale which is his present place of abode. The family belong to the United Baptist church. Mr. Stantz married, April 4, 1867, Catharine, daughter of Michael and Nancy (Fretts) Myers, and the following children have been born to them: Jennie. died at the age of eighteen years Mahlon M.. mentioned hereafter. Millie, who became the wife of W. H. Lynn, and is now deceased. Ella, married John Medsgar, of Charleroi, Pennsylvania. Florence, at home. Benjamin F., at home. Ruth. at home.

Mahlon M. Stantz. son of Emmanuel M. and Catharine (Myers) Stantz, was born September 12, 1869, educated in the public schools, and when but seventeen or eighteen years of age began to learn the butcher's trade. He was employed for about eight years in the stores of the R. J. Raney Company, at Vanderbilt. In September, 1898. he settled in Scottdale, where he opened a meat market and has since conducted a flourishing business. He supplies the trade in Scottdale and the suburbs, and in addition to meat handles eggs, butter and cheese. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum and the Modern Wood men of the World. Mr. Stantz married. June 5, 1895. Florence, daughter of Henry and Mary Snyder. Mrs. Stantz is a native of East Liberty. Fayette county, Pennsylvania.  

Source: Page(s) 219-220, History of Westmoreland County, Volume II, Pennsylvania by John N Boucher. New York, The Lewis Publishing Company, 1906.
Transcribed August 2008 by Nathan Zipfel for the Westmoreland County History Project
Contributed for use by the Westmoreland County Genealogy Project (http://www.pa-roots.com/westmoreland/)

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