The Minnichs

A true example of the tenacity of Victorian gentlemen, the Minnich brothers met adversity at a young age. Born to Granville, a laborer, and Mary (Spatz) Minnich, John and William were orphaned before their teenage years, leaving them to navigate through life without the necessary parental guidance. Despite the tragedy, and while navigating the nuances of Victorian society, the brothers grew up to find success in their chosen careers, becoming prominent members of the Dallastown community.

JOHN WESLEY MINNICH  (Jan 21, 1861 – May 14, 1940)

​ John was, without doubt, a self-made man. Businessman, active participant in the community affairs, he was born on a farm in York township, and his family was both of Irish and German descent. His German roots can be traced back to 17th Century Germany. ​ He attended public school in York Township, but later graduated High School in Dallastown, all the while working various jobs to support his brother and himself financially. He became an apprentice in the cigar-making business when he was 18 years old, continuing his employment in the industry for several years. ​ In 1882, John opened up his cigar-making business, quite modest in size, which employed three assistants. Eventually, this modest company grew significantly and was later known as the J. W. Minnich & Son Cigar Company, employing approximately 125 people. His factory’s output was the largest within York County, producing more than 12 million cigars annually. ​ Beyond cigar manufacturing, he was an active participant in community affairs and contributed significantly to the growth of Dallastown. In 1903 he contributed to the founding of the First National Bank of Dallastown, which he capitalized for $50,000 (over $1.5 million, adjusted for inflation today), and of which he was President and the principal stockholder. He was also the founder and President of the Dallastown Water Company and was involved with the Merchants’ Cigar Box Company. ​ While he never ran for office, he was well involved in local politics and organizations, and he held positions as a town council, chief burgess, and school director. He was also affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F, Lodge 1017), which ran out of his factory, as well as the Junior Order of United American Mechanic. John was a member of the United Brethren Church. ​ He married Susan Geesey on April 9, 1882, and they had one son, Chauncey, who was born on September 1st, 1883. Mr. Minnich and his son became business partners on January 1st, 1904, and the factory name was changed to J. W. Minnich & Son Cigar Company. Susan suffered from rheumatism, and died on January 27, 1912, at only 47 years of age. Chauncey, his son, also died very young at only 36 years of age from kidney disease (May 18, 1919). Mr. Minnich died in the house on May 14, 1940. The Minnichs are interred in the family mausoleum in the Home Cemetery in Dallastown.

DR. WILLIAM HENRY MINNICH  (Sep 30, 1864 – May 1, 1914)

Much like his older brother, Dr. Minnich forged his path in life overcoming all the difficulties and adverse circumstances of his youth. His early education was rather inconsistent; he attended Adamsville public schools while at the same time maintaining employment as a cigarmaker. ​ He began his medical training in 1885 under the tutelage of Dr. Grove, of Dallastown, and continued his training at home in 1886.  His formal medical instruction was earned from Baltimore Medical College, which he began attending in 1887, and from the Baltimore College of Physicians and Surgeons, where he graduated in 1890 with a degree of Doctor of Medicine. Upon graduation, he relocated to Windsorville, later moving to Jacobus where he established his medical practice at his residence. In 1895 he relocated once more to Dallastown, where he served as the town physician. He was a member of the American Medical Association and the York County Medical Society. He also served as the active physician for the York Prison, where he was called upon to certify deaths by execution. ​  He was also an active participant in all civic matters and served as a member of the Dallastown board of education for many years. He was also affiliated with the Improved Order of Heptasophs, the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. ​ He married Elizabeth E. Crist in 1894, and they had four children: Janet, Mary, William, and Frances. He died May 1st, 1914 at the age of 49. Some sources say that he died from exhaustion, while others claim he died after a prolonged illness. ​