Transcribed by Deb Thormahlen

p. 479

            Ripley Stauffer, general farmer and apiarist on section 23, Jordan Township, was born June 13, 1839, in Manor Township, Lancaster Co., Pa., where his parents were also born and passed their whole lives.  They were members of the pioneer Dutch families that settled in considerable numbers in Lancaster County.  The father was married twice, and had 11 children by his first wife, all grown up and married but one.  He died in 1852, when more than 70 years of age.  Elizabeth (Ripley) Stauffer, the mother, was twice married.  By her first husband, William Rummel, she had three children.  Christian is the oldest; William is deceased; John is the name of the youngest.

            Mr. Stauffer is the only child of the second marriage.  When he was ten years of age he found himself at liberty to maintain himself, and he earned his own livelihood among strangers until he was married.  He worked at various points until he was 18 years of age, when he entered upon an apprenticeship to learn the trade of a carpenter, with his cousin, Zachariah Witmer, in the township where he was born.  He spent three years in the acquisition of a complete knowledge of that business, and after he was 21 years of age was employed as a journeyman in the same place.

            His marriage to Mary. A. Hess took place in Lancaster County, Oct. 16, 1862.  Mrs. Stauffer is the daughter of Michael Hess, an d sister of the wife of Henry Mellinger.  (See sketch of H. Mellinger for a condensed account of the parents) She was born in Manor Township, Mach 19, 1843, and was reared and educated in Conestoga Township in her native county. Lizzie, born Feb. 5, 1863, and now the wife of Charles Bennett, is the oldest child of Mr. and Mrs. Stauffer.  Mr. and Mrs. Bennett reside on a farm in Jordan Township.  They have one child, Jessie:  Minnie and Walter are deceased.  Susie, second child, born June 18, 1864, married Jabez Franklin and they live in Los Angeles, Cal.  Willie, born Sept. 12, 1870, is the youngest and lives at home.

            Mr. Stauffer followed the business of carpenter five years in his native county, and at the expiration of that time came West.  He purchased 20 acres of land for a homestead for his family, and has cultivated his place and devoted his time to bee culture, with satisfactory results.  He has about 40 stands of bees, and is gradually enlarging the number of his colonies.  His annual product of honey averages about one ton.

            Mr. Stauffer is a staunch and zealous Republican and has held several township offices.  He belongs to the United Brethren church, of which his wife is also a member, and has acted as Steward and Class leader some years.