Husband John Christian Motz 1 2 3
Born: 22 Jun 1832 - Woodward, Haines Twp, Centre Co, PA 2 3
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Died: 17 Jan 1893 - Woodward, Haines Twp, Centre Co, PA 2 3
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Father: John Motz, Jr. (1792-1849/1852) 1 2 3
Mother: Elizabeth Fisher (1800-1882/1882) 1 2 3
Marriage: 14 Nov 1869 1 3 4
Wife Miranda H. Reighard 1 3
AKA: Maranda A. Reigard 4
Born: 25 May 1835 - Columbia Co, PA 1 3 4
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Father: Dr. Jacob Reigard (Abt 1812-Aft 1898) 4
Mother: Lucinda Wagner (Abt 1812-Aft 1898) 4
Children
1 M William R. Motz 1 3 5
Born: 1 Sep 1870 - Woodward, Haines Twp, Centre Co, PA 1 3 5
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2 M John Christian Fisher Motz 1 3 5
Born: 25 Apr 1872 - Woodward, Haines Twp, Centre Co, PA 1 3 5
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Spouse: Ray Whitsett Ruse ( - ) 6
Marr: 2 Sep 1907 6
3 M Jacob F. Motz 1 3 5
Born: 5 Feb 1874 1 3 5
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General Notes: Husband - John Christian Motz
His studies in the local schools were supplemented with a course in the academy at Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania. At an early age he began to manifest rare business ability, and at twenty he became a merchant at Woodward. As time passed he sought still other fields of activity, operating a gristmill and distillery, and finally purchased the entire estate left by his father. His close attention to business, and thorough knowledge and supervision of its details, made success sure, and when an enterprise was once undertaken he spared no pains in its prosecution. His mill property was improved at heavy expense in 1852, and again in 1878 in order to secure the latest machinery and methods. His early success was not won without some sacrifice, however, and after fifteen years he was compelled by impaired health to give up all care for a time. A trip to the Rocky Mountains, in 1867, greatly benefited him, and on his return he resumed his accustomed activities, soon embarking in other and larger enterprises.
On March 15, 1872, he, with others, established the banking house of John C. Motz & Co., at Millheim, of which he was the chief promoter and first president. This position he held for many years, and the bank weathered the financial storms of that time bravely under his judicious yet bold management. The failure of Jay Cooke lost for the firm all their Eastern exchanges; their credit, however, was sustained by paying over their counters thousands of dollars in cash, as the bankers would not wait for the ordinary return by mail, but sent special messengers with checks. For many years he was the principal stockholder in the Bellefonte, Aaronsburg and Youngmanstown Turnpike Co., and as its president conducted its affairs to the great advantage of the people of the Valley as well as that of the shareholders. He was one of the capitalists who secured a charter in April, 1879, for the Millheim Turnpike Co., of which he was the heaviest stockholder, and his interests were still retained by his family after his decease. He dealt extensively in lumber and grain, and shipped the first carload of grain over the Lewisburg & Spruce Valley Creek railway.
He left a large estate, comprising several mill properties, extensive tracts of farm and mountain land in the state, valuable real estate in Kansas, Colorado and Iowa, together with stock in gold mines and other interests.
He was a royal entertainer, always glad to see his friends, and socially as well as in business circles he was held in high esteem. A stanch Republican, he took great interest in the success of his party, and he
was also a liberal supporter of religious work, giving not only of his money but of his time and personal influence. In 1865 he became a member of the Evangelical Association, and for many years was superintendent of the Sunday-school. [CBRCP-CCJC, 352]
General Notes: Wife - Miranda H. Reighard
She was born in Col-umbia County, Pennsylvania, and was educated in the schools of Shirleysburg, and at a select school in Dan-ville, Pennsylvania.