Notes for Sydney Lorenz KISTLER
Born in Blain, Perry Co., PA. Baptized August 15, 1854 in Bloomfield M.E. Church, Source: Records of Bloomfield M.E. Church, Perry Historians, New Bloomfield, PA
Middle names is from handwritten list of Essie Westgate Kistler apparently from family Bible.
About 1866, the family moved to Philadelphia (where William had been discharged). Source: Sketch of Sydney's brother Horace E. Kistler in THE JOHNSTOWN DAILY DEMOCRAT SOUVENIR EDITION, Johnstown, PA, Autumn, 1894.
1870 Census, 61st District, Philadelphia, PA lists William Kistler, 45, clerk (store); Emeline, 39, housekeeping; Laura, 18, seamstress; Sidney, 16, laborer; Edwin, 11; Elmer, 9; James, 5. All born in PA.
Philadelphia addresses associated with Annie M. Kistler after her marriage to Sydney include the following, most in or near Kensington section: 1807 Memphis St. (1876), 1402 Marlborough St. (?), 562 E. York St. (1879), 1521 Hewson St., (1880), 1024 Loyal St., (1882), 3816 Grape St., (West Phila.) (1884). Source: Letters in personal collection of Bruce Kistler, Winter Haven, FL
In 1877, served on board schooner Rebecca A. Carter as 2nd officer on run between Philadelphia and Boston. "We stopped at our house. I made arrangements with the doctor (Horace) about the bills then packed my clothes and sent them aboard. Called at your house to say goodbye." "I hope to find something to do when I get back that is a situation by which I can make a respectable living for more than one but you know what my hopes are Annie do you not?" Source: Letters dated 5/24/77 and 6/1/77 from Sydney to Annie Morley in personal collection of Hugh Kistler, Springfield, PA
Lived at the following locations in Downingtown, Chester Co., PA: on Western Ave. from 5/14/84 to 9/15/89; 19 William St. from 10/1/87 to 3/15/89; Church St. from 4/15/89 to 7/13/89
Lived at the following locations in Lancaster, PA: 33 W. Frederick St. from 5/1/90 to 4/15/92; 441 Pine St. from 5/14/92 to 12/12/94; 446 Nevin St. from 12/20/94 to about 6/26/08; 436 Nevin St. from about 7/22/08 to at least October, 1918. Son Richard sold the house at 436 Nevin St. 3/14/25. Source: Sydney Kistler's rent receipt book in personal collection of Bruce Kistler, Winter Haven, FL
Article on front page of THE MORNING NEWS (Lancaster) March 25, 1895: "A Deed of Heroism. Baggage Master Kistler Risks His Life to Save Another's" "Sidney L. Kistler, age forty-one years, baggage master on the Lancaster Accommodation on the Pennsylvania railroad, is today lying at his home, 446 Nevin street, dangerously injured by being struck by a passenger train...after having at the risk of his own life saved an ungrateful drunken man from a horrible fate on Saturday afternoon. ...While engaged in cutting loose an air hose...the Philadelphia Accommodation east bound...come along at a great speed... ...he peered out from beneath the car and was startled at seeing a drunken man walking along the track directly in the path of the passenger train. His back was toward the engine, and unless rescued in a twinkling death was certain. The brave baggage master...rushed to the tracks in front of the thundering engine and effected the rescue of the stranger. This noble act nearly cost the hero his own life. Just as he pulled him from danger the cross-bar of the engine struck Mr. Kistler in the back, hurling him with great violence through the air... ...an examination of the body showed a concussion of the spine, dislocation of the index finger at the second joint, an injury to one of the ribs...and numerous bruises. ...After the wounds were temporarily dressed Mr. Kistler was removed to his home where his injuries received further attention. ...The man whose life was saved by the heroism of the unfortunate baggage master was George W. Thatcher, a tobacco buyer, residing at No. 438 North Mulberry street. He was greatly under the influence of intoxicants..."
In about October of 1906, Sydney was severely injured in the head and ear.
10/18/29 Sydney was an "invalid in Oreville Mennonite Home" according to article in LANCASTER NEW ERA.
12/20/32 Letters Testamentary, Proved and approved the last Will and Testament of S.L. Kistler deceased, ...is committed to Richard D. Kistler. Handwritten copy of will attached: "I, Sydney L. Kistler of Lancaster, Pa. make my will as follows, to wit: I give, devise and bequeath all of my estate of any and every kind, including all Lodge or Society Benefits or moneys to be received from them, to my son Richard D. Kistler, and I appoint him the Executor thereof. Witnesses: A.G. Kistler and Owen P. Bricker.
Buried Greenwood Cemetery, Lancaster, PA, Stevens Section #273, Grave # 4, no stone marker.
Source: Letters in personal collection of Bruce Kistler, Winter Haven, FL
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