HOYER, George

Hoyer, George, retired, was born in Hogestown, Cumberland county, Pa., August 3, 1828. He is a son of Jacob and Lucetta (Brua) Hoyer. George, the father of Jacob Hoyer, a native of York county, came to Harrisburg about 1780. He purchased land from the Harris' in what is now Market square. He traded in general merchandise, and built the "Popular Tavern," of which he was proprietor for many years. After the organization of the borough of Harrisburg, he was elected its first chief burgess. He was one of the organizers of the Harrisburg Bank. In politics he was a Democrat. He was a member of the German Reformed church, and helped to organize the church on Chestnut street. He married Miss Catherine Schultz, of York county. He died in Harrisburg in 1841; his wife died in 1835. They had one son and three daughters: Jacob, Susan (Mrs. Philip Smyser, of York county), Sarah and Eliza, maiden ladies; all are deceased.

Jacob Hoyer, father of George second, was born in Harrisburg in 1793. He received his education in the subscription schools. He dealt in general merchandise, first in Hogestown, and afterwards in Harrisburg; he also kept a hotel on Front street, between Chestnut and Market streets. He was a private in the army in the war of 1812. He was a member of the German Reformed church. His wife was a native of Harrisburg, and a member of the Lutheran church. He died May 21, 1834; his wife, in 1860. Their eight children were: George P., deceased; B. Franklin, of Harrisburg; Sarah Ann, Catherine (Mrs. Ambrose Taylor), Charles, teacher in a private school; George; Jacob, a dentist, was lieutenant in the Twelfth U. S. infantry during the Rebellion; Joseph, a tinner, was first lieutenant of the First U. S. cavalry, and was killed in the Shenandoah Valley; all are dead except George and B. Franklin.

George Hoyer was educated in the common schools. He learned tin and iron working, and followed that trade for thirty years, after which he retired from active business.

In 1850 he married Miss Justina, daughter of William Hippey, of Columbia, Lancaster county. He has six children living and two dead: Loiuisa, (Mrs. Frank Witherau), of Harrisburg; Charles, died young; William, of Harrisburg, printer; J. Brua, of Chambersburg, private secretary to the president of the Cumberland Valley railroad; Elizabeth (Mrs. Benjamin Boggs), of Harrisburg; Josephine and George R.

Mr. Hoyer ia a Republican. He and his family are prominent members of Zion Lutheran church, Fourth street, Harrisburg.

Hoyer, George, Sr., p. 311

Transcribed by Gwen Bixler Drivon at GGDGEN@aol.com for the Dauphin County, Pennsylvania Genealogy Transcription Project - http://maley.net/transcription

Nov. 2000