Hong Neok Woo in religious clothing - Hong Neok Woo, a young Chinese immigrant who lived in Lancaster from 1855 to 1864. He was brought here by Dr. John S. Messersmith, naval surgeon on the frigate Susquehanna, flagship of the squadron which had opened the ports of Japan to the world's commerce. Commodore Peary's vessels had stopped at Shanghai during their voyage. Woo lived for a time with Dr. Messersmith at his home, 40 North Lime Street. He learned the printing trade at the Lancaster Examiner and Herald office. There he met Walter Kieffer, a reporter on the paper (and later City Editor), and became a friend of him an dof the Kieffer family. On Sept. 22, 1860, Woo became an American citizen, the first Asian to be naturalized in Lancaster. He served briefly as a member of Comapny I, 50th Regiment, PA Volunteers. In 1864, Mr. Woo returned to China and was ordained to the diaconate and priesthood in China. While in Lancaster he had been a faithful attendant at the sevices of St. James Episcopal Church. He died on August 18, 1919, and was buried in Westgate Cemetery, the oldest Christian burial ground in Shanghai.
Rev. Bates, possibly served Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Brickerville.
Provenance
Album thought to be from the Gruel family of Lancaster. Possibly belonging to John Gruel, who lived in Gettysburg. Many of the subjects of the album were students at Gettysburg College. This is a small leather album of cart de visites and tintypes.
Album thought to be from the Gruel family of Lancaster. Possibly belonging to John Gruel, who lived in Gettysburg. Many of the subjects of the album were students at Gettysburg College. This is a small leather album of cart de visites and tintypes.
Album thought to belong to the Willson family who were the last owners of Wheatland. Contains both cabinet cards and carte de visites, as well as a few tintypes. Cover is brown with black and gold trim. Very few of the photographs are identified.
Loose photo - carte de visite of Rev. John Jumper, Indigenous person who became a Presbyterian minister.
Provenance
Large brown album of carte de visites and tintypes, thought to be a Kieffer family album. In fair condition. Has brass clasps and a few loose photos. Most photos are not indentified.
Large brown album of carte de visites and tintypes, thought to be a Kieffer family album. In fair condition. Has brass clasps and a few loose photos. Most photos are not indentified.
Small red velvet album with M A W 1868 engraved on front cover. Contains carte de visites, many of which are identifed. Album may have belonged to Mary Ann Rettew Willson, wife of George Willson, Sr. Their son George B. Willson and their niece, Mary Willson Rettew, were the last residents of Wheatland.
