Harry G. Tritapoe

From History of Frederick County. p. 1172-1173:

Harry G. Tritapoe, farmer, real estate, loan and insurance broker, residing near Frederick City, Md., son of Samuel E. and Sarah E. (Vincel) Tritapoe, was born at his father’s home near Lovettsville, Loudoun County, Va., September 24, 1881.

John Tritapoe, great-grandfather of Harry G. Tritapoe, was one of the early settlers of Virginia. In early manhood, he came from Germany to America and settled in Virginia where he became a prominent farmer of Loudoun County. John Tritapoe was a fine old gentleman, and was highly esteemed by his fellow citizens. He lived to a good old age.

Michael Tritapoe, son of John Tritapoe, grandfather of Harry C. Tritapoe, was born in Loudoun County, Va., in August, 1799. He attended the public schools of his native county, and remained with his father on the farm until he attained his majority, when he began working for himself. He soon turned his attention to the cultivation of the soil in which he was very successful, and was able to retire from farming a few years before his death. He ascribed his good fortune to honest toil and careful attention to business. Mr. Tritapoe was an Old Line Whig, and was esteemed and respected in the community. Michael Tritapoe was married twice. His first wife was a Miss Fry, who died shortly after her marriage. His second wife was Margaret, daughter of Henry and Christina (Spring) Fawley, whose father was a prominent citizen of Loudoun County, Va. Their children are: 1, Mary E. (Mrs. Richard J. Speaks), of Ohio, deceased; 2, Margaret A. (Mrs. Thomas Harrison), of Loudoun County, Va.; 3, Charles W., of Loudoun County; 4, George H., of Burkittsville, Frederick County, Md.; 5, Samuel E., of Petersville, Frederick County, Md. Mr. Tritapoe and his wife were members of the Lutheran Church in Lovettsville, Va. Mr. and Mrs. Tritapoe died some years ago.

Mr. Tritapoe’s father, Samuel E. Tritapoe, received his education in the public schools of Loudoun County, and remained at home until he was seventeen. On July 23, 1862, Mr. Tritapoe joined the Loudoun Rangers of Virginia, and was made a corporal in company A. He was with his company in several severe battles, and on August 26, 1862, be and several other soldiers of the company were captured at the battle of Waterford, Va., and was held a prisoner until October, 1862. He was released and joined his company in time to take part in the battle of Winchester, Va. He was with his company at Monocacy, where he was the bravest of the brave, and shared the dangers of the company on many a well fought field. He remained with the army until the close of the war. When the war was over, Mr. Tritapoe married and began farming in Loudoun County, Va. In 1882, he removed to Frederick County, Md., and rented a place near Petersville which he cultivated very successfully. Mr. Tritapoe next removed to the old Culler farm near Jefferson, Md., where he remained for a number of years. In 1906, he purchased his beautiful home, known as the Stroder property, situated at the western end of Petersville, about thirteen miles west of Frederick City, on the Frederick and Harper’s Ferry turnpike. After remodeling the dwelling, putting up all the necessary buildings, and making various other improvements, Mr. Tritapoe retired from farming, and removed to the home which he had made one of the most beautiful properties in that section of Maryland. He owes his financial success to hard work and close attention to business. He has always been a loyal Republican, interested in all that pertains to the progress of the community, and enjoys the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens.

Samuel E. Tritapoe was married to Sarah E., daughter of George and Susan (Frey) Vincel, whose father was prominent among the farmers of Loudoun County, Va. Of their eight children, six reached adult age: 1, Ada V., at home; 2, Edward H., of Petersville District; 3, Gertrude A. (Mrs. David C. Sulcer), of Jefferson, Md., deceased; 4, Alvira E. (Mrs. Arthur Poffenberger), of Jefferson District; 5, Harry G., real estate, loan and insurance agent, Frederick City, Md.; 6, Earl E., at home. Mr. Tritapoe and his wife are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jefferson; both are active workers in the congregation.

Harry G. Tritapoe was eight years old when his parents moved from Loudoun County, Va., to their farm near Petersville, Frederick County, Md. He was educated in the public schools of the district, and remained at home with his father until he married. After his marriage, Mr. Tritapoe began farming for himself on land belonging to his father-in-law, Hanson Boyer, situated near Broadrun, Burkittsville District, Frederick County, which he cultivated successfully for three years. Mr. Tritapoe next rented the Hopwood farm, one mile west of Frederick, Md., to which he removed in the spring of 1904. After farming this land for five years in the spring of 1910, he abandoned farming to give his whole time to dealing in real estate. During the Fall of 1910 Mr. Tritapoe had erected a beautiful residence in the Western suburbs of Frederick to which he now removed. He had already taken a course in Law in the International School of Scranton, Pa., and had graduated in the Real Estate, Brokerage and Insurance business, with the Cross Company of Chicago, Ill., of which he was one of a class of sixty-three that graduated with high honors. His percentage being 97 1-2. On April 1st, 1907, in addition to farming he began to deal in real estate, and formed a partnership with Harry Mohler, which lasted seven months. He next formed a partnership with G. Warring Tyson, the firm name being Tritapoe & Tyson. They prospered and had a large business connection. On June 1, 1909, Mr. Tritapoe bought out Mr. Tyson and continued the business alone. His offices are located at 29 Court street, where he does a thriving business. His hard work, patience and close application have been richly rewarded. He has built up a fine business and has made a number of large sales. Mr. Tritapoe is one of the most active Republicans in Frederick City. Socially, he is both prominent and popular and he has a host of personal friends in all classes.

Harry G. Tritapoe was married to Mary E., daughter of Hanson and Susan (Koogle) Boyer, whose parents were the descendants of families prominent in the Middletown Valley. Their children are: 1, Erma M.; 2, Velma G.; 3, Susan E.; 4, Harry E., all at home. Mr. Harry G. Tritapoe is a member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Jefferson. His wife holds her membership in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Middletown, Md.