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.
