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From: Donna Heller Zinn <>
Subject: [PA-Perry] EWING - ZIMMERMAN - BISTLINE - WELLS - ARNEY - FETTER - SHROM - GENSLER - KIEFFER - BENDER - DELANCEY
Date: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 08:56:10 -0800

Hi Bill:

I don't know if you've ever checked the Biographical Annals of
Cumberland Co. or not but here it goes - please forgive any typing or
spelling errors:

HASTINGS ALEXANDER EWING, who for the past twenty years has been
engaged as cabinet-maker and undertaker in Carlisle, is one of the well
known business men of the town, holding a high place in commerical
circles because of his unquestioned integrity and his practical,
progressive spirit.
In the early days the EWING family emigrated from Ireland. Armstrong
EWING, the grandfather of Hastings A., resided in Middltown, Dauphin
Co., PA.. He began life for himself in the humble calling of boy driver
on a tow-path, and for many years followed the caal, gradually advancing
in his work. He married Eliza ZIMMERMAN of Perry Co, and they became
the parents of five children, one son and four daughters: Alexander
Black; Mary, who became Mrs. John BISTLINE, and lives in Illinois; Miss
Elizabeth; Jane, who married William WELLS, of Baltimore; and Emma, wife
of Edward ARNEY, of Carlisle. Armstrong EWING died at his home in
Middletown. His widow passed away in Carlisle at the home of her
daughter, Mrs. ARNEY.
Alexander Black EWING was born in Middletown, Dauphin Co., March 23,
1831, and remained at home until he was 18 yrs. of age. The public
schools afforded him good educational advantages for the time, and when
he started out for himself he was better equipped than most boys of his
age. During his boyhood, however, when not in the schoolroom, he had
driven mules on the tow-path, and for some time thought of following in
his father's footsteps, and working all his life on the canal. The
work, however, did not offer to the ambitious young man the good
inducements other callings did, and when he was 18 he went to Carlisle,
and there apprenticed himself to learn the cabinetmaker's trade with
Henry FETTER. He thoroughly mastered his trade, and continued in the
employ of his instructor until 1853, when he started in business for
himself at No. 159 West High St. This location proving a good one, he
continued in it for the remainder of his life. He met with great
success in his work, because of his pride in turning out flawless work.
Whatever he attempted he did well. His death occurred Sept. 23, 1903.
In 1851, in Carlisle, Mr. EWING was married to Eliza Jane SHROM, who
was born in that city June 5, 1832. Of the children born of this
marriage four died young; Kate is Mrs. Samuel GENSLER, of Carlisle;
Florence died unmarried FEb. 20, 1903; Grace is Mrs. William KIEFFER, of
Carlisle; Hastings Alexander is mentioned below; May A. married Herbert
BENDER, of Carlisle.
Hastings A. EWING was born in the old home in Carlisle Jan. 14, 1866.
He received a good education in the public schools of Carlisle, from
which he was graduated with the class of 1883, and learned cabinetmaking
under his father, serving a regular apprenticeship. That his
instruction was thorough goes without saying, and under the same careful
guidance he began his business career. The old saying "like father,
like son" aptly applies in this case, as both were masters of their
trade, and both took pride in the high class of finished work leaving
their shop. In 1893, while attending and directing a funeral, the
father met with an accident which practically ended his personal
supervision of the business. His son stepped quietly and modestly into
his place, and afterward practically conducted the entire establishment,
which he has continued to carry on since his father's death.
On Dec. 6, 1888, Hastings A. EWING was united in marriage with Effie
DeLANCEY, daughter of Oliver and Emma (SHROM) DeLANCEY. They have had
four children, as follows: Alexander B., one that died in infancy in
1892, Mary E., and William Joseph. The religious connection of Mr.
EWING and his wife is with the Episcopal Church, both being communicants
in St. John's parish. In politics Mr. EWING is a stanch Republican.
Fraternally he belongs to Lodge No. 91, I.O.O.F., of which he is past
grand; to the K.G.E., No. 110, in which he is past chief; to the
Mystic Circle, and to Tent No. 403, K.O.T.M., Carlisle. For the past
eight years he has been a member of the Union Fire Co. of Carlisle, and
he is a member of the Southern District Funeral Directors' Association.
He is very popular socially, and is a welcome addition in the friendly
gathering's of the best people of the city.

Hope this is of help!
Donna HELLER ZINN of Newville, Cumberland Co., PA.

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• [PA-Perry] EWING - ZIMMERMAN - BISTLINE - WELLS - ARNEY - FETTER - SHROM - GENSLER - KIEFFER - BENDER - DELANCEY by Donna Heller Zinn <>