Gc M, L
974.801
SchSs
V.2
1153970
OENEAL-OGY
COL-L-ECTTION
1833 01203 8763
GENEALOGY
974.801
SCH8S
V.2
SCHUYLKILL
COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA
Genealogy — Family History — Biography
Containing Historical Sketc/ies of Old Families and of
Representative and Profninent Citizens
Past and Present
IN TWO VOLUMES
ILLUSTRATED
VOLUME II
CHICAGO
L H. BEERS & COMPANY
1916
INDEX
1153970
Achenbach Family
Achenbach, Gregory
Acker, Mrs. Esther A
Acker Family
759
759
931
930
Acker, William S
Adam (Adams) Families
104, 221,
Adam, George B
Adams Family
Adams Frank
930
...'.. 983
.104, 221
1192
Adams, George
105
Adams, John H
107
Adams, Robert W
Adamson Family
Adamson, William R
107
247
247
All>right, Hiester S.
96
Allen, Lueian H
268
Alspach, Charles P
317
Andreas Family
393
Angst Family ...
251
Angst, John H
Annunciation Cliurch, Shenandoah,
Archbald Family
Archbald, Col. James, Jr
Aregood, Isaiah
Aregood, Ossman J
Aregood, Samuel C
Arndt Family
. .... 251
1151
35
35
592
593
592
415
Artz Family
1032
Atkins, Charles M
Auchmuty, J. E., M. D
Bachert, Elias
1
452
Bachert Families 438, 475
Bachert, William I
Bachman Family
Bachman, Samuel
Baer (Barr) Families 565,
, 659, 818
658
456
456
990, 1011
Bailey Family .
383
Bailey, Samuel S
383
Baldinger, Albert
Balliet Family
690
Bannan, Benjamin
168
Bannan. John
609
Bannan, Miss Martha E
Bannan, Thomas B
Bare Family
Barket, Solomon A
Barlow, Ephraim
Barlow, Nathan
Barr, Edward
Barr (Baer) Families 990,
Barr, Milton
Basler, Mrs. Mary C
Basler, William
Bast Family
Bast, Jeremiah F
Bast, Oliver O
Batten, George
Batten, Shadraeh
Baum, Earl D
Baum Family
Bauscher, David
Bauscher Family
Bausum Family
Bausum, Frank W
Baver Family
Baver, Franklin D
Beatty, George H
Bechtel, Edgar W
Bechtel Family 2
Bechtel, Francis W
Bechtel, Judge O. P
Beck, C. Lester
Beck, Edward F
Beck Families
100, 466, 1087, 1092, 1141,
Beck, George
Beck, Isaac G
Becker Family
Becker, Irwin H
Becker, William
Behler, Anthony
Behler Family
Behler, Samuel B
Behney Family
Behney, Prof. George A
Bell Family
Bell, James J
Bendriek, Mrs. Helen
Bendrick, Joseph
Ben-Salem Clmrch (Reformed)
Bensinser, Hiarles S
Benfin-er Families 404, .116, 7.30,
Bensingev, Frank L
Bensinger. William F
Bergan, William
610
610
565
719
552
552
1011
1011
566
566
496
496
498
1171
1171
821
409
410
633
633
381
381
869
1162
1076
100
IV
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Family 58,
John D
Berger, William
Berk Family
Berk, John K., M. D
Berkheiser Family
Berkheiser, Arthur J., M. D
Berney, Timothy F
Berrett, George
Betz, Peter
Bevan, John
Beveridge, David
Bicht, William F
Biersteiu (Birstou), Pius W
Billig, William
Billman Family
Birch, Mrs. Margaret D
Birston (Biersteiu), Pius W
Bischoff, Conrad
Bisehoff, William C
Bittle, Charles H
Bittle Families 234
318, 329, 473, 525
Bittle, Isaac C
Bittle, John C '
Bittle, Marcus
Bittle, Oliver A
Bittle, Mrs. Rosa
Bittle, Samuel B
Bittner Family
Bixler, Irvin H
Bleiler Family
Bleiler, Thomas F
Bobbin, John J
Boczkowski, William D
Boden Family
671
1019
1027
1099
1169
827
888
63
1169
357
35S
473
588
Rolich Families 411, 618, 851
Bolich, Herman A 852
Bolich, Louis C 851
Bolton, George W 900
Boltz Family 548
Boltz, Jacob 548
Bond, Miss Emily 764
Bond, George 763
Boner, Mrs. Alice M 1198
Boner, Ambrose 1197
Boner Family 1197
Borbaeh, Charles C 494
Borlace Family 1134
Bosch, Joseph C 1214
Bosche, Frank 1084
Bmighter, Ezra J 1038
Bowen, Charles K 695
Bovren Families 695, 1066
Bowers, Walter G., M. D 6.39
Bowman Families 194, 1178
Bowman, George F 1178
Bowman, Peter 195
Boyer Families 176, 421, 725, 1047
Boyer, John O. J 725
Braehman Fam (lies 797, 1034
Brachman, Frederick W 796
Braehman, Harry J 1033
Brady, Michael j 413
.803, 1160
Braun (Brown) Families 76
1072, 1096,
Braun, Robert C
Breen, Joseph
Breen, Patrick
Breisch Families
Brennan, Hon. James E 568
Brennan, Michael R 1025
Brobst, Edward C 230
Brobst Family 230
Erode Family 254
Brode, Samuel 254
Erode, William 256
Brommer Family 698
Brommer, Manuel W 698
Brown, Adam J 1103
Brown, Charles T 768
Brown, Edwin .- 152
Brown (Braun) Families 62,
405, 768, 875, 1096, 1103
Brown, Frank 152
Brown, George W 62
Brown, Harper H 1071
Brown, Jacob P 1000
Brown, John C 405
Brown, John K 63
Brown, Walter E 1096
Brown, Warren G 875
Brown, William J 1121
Brown, William W 540
Brownmiller Family 726
Bruuim, Hon. Charles N 168
Bruner Family 115
Bryant, Willis L 162
Bubeck, Charles H 561
Bubeck, Clayton W 561
Bubeck, John E 560
Buchsbice, Mrs. Dorothy 1028
Buchsbice, Gottlieb 1028
Buckley Family 799
Bucklev, William R., M. D 799
Buck Hun Colliery 866
Buehler, Francis J 1020
Buehler, Peter 519
Buehler, Samuel 519
Bull, .Jonathan, Sr 770
Bull, Ross 770
Burke Brothers 350
Burke, Edward J 184
Burke Family 184
Burke, James V 350
Burke, Martin M.- 182
Burke, Patrick H 183
Burkhardt, James 1078
Burkhart Family 947
Burkhart, Karl W 947
Burnham, Joseph 950
Burnham, William J 950
Butz Family 281
Butz, George W 280
Canfield Family 847
Canfield, Prof. Patrick S 846
Cardin Family 1210
Carl, Abraham 638
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Carl, Mrs. Ellen M 639
Carl Families 95, 837
Carl, Frederick 837
Carl, Harry E 95
Carmitcheli Family 954
Carmitehell, George E 954
Carroll, Prof. Charles 257
Christeson, Capt. Hans C 689
Christeson, Mrs. Louisa 689
Clappier, Christian G 342
Clappier, Peter 342
Clauser Families 749, 898
Clauser, Jacob W 749
Clay (Henry) Monument 610
aayton, Nelson 296
aayton, E. Bruce 296
Cleaver, James R 77
Cochran, Andrew B 116
Cochran, William A 117
Coldren, Darius D 146
Coldren Family 146
Collins, James B 303
Collins, Patrick 303
Conrad, John L 344
Conville Family 534
Cook Family 841
Coombe, John M 852
Coombe Family 258
Coombe, Eiehard 258
Cooper FamOy 896
Cooper, Prof. Jonathan W 896
Corbe, August 829
Crawford, Mrs. Alona B 285
Crawford, Andrew J 284
Crawford, Samuel G 285
Crosby, NeU 838
Culleu, John J 1211
Cummings, Pierce 855
Cunimings, Thomas J 855
Curran, James 779
Daley FamUy 823
Daley, William J 822
Dampman Family 995
Dampman, William M 994
Daniel, Arthur H 1080
Danner, Henrv 809
Darkwater Colliery 866
Daubert Family 601
Daubert, William H 601
Davis, E. F. C 43
Davis Family 585
Davis, Mrs. Ida H 290
Davis, .John H 288
Davis, Thomas D 585
Davis, Thomas J 153
Deehert, Daniel, M. D 464
Dechert Family 464
Deebel, John F 556
Deebel, Samuel 555
Degler Familv 901
Degler. Joel S 901
Deibert, Allen J 747
Deibert. Charles V. B 834
Deibert, Daniel 869
Deibert, Daniel D 576
Deibert Families 213,
576, 663, 677, 747, 834, 869, 1004
Deibert, George E 213
Deibert, James 677
Deibert, Samuel J 663
Deibert, William F 1004
Deisher Family 426
Deisher, John H ; 426
Delaney Family 858
Dengler Family 1048
Dengler, Howard 1048
Derr, Elias 570
Derr FamOies 570, 670
Derr, Gabriel B 669
DeSilva, Mrs. Ella E 380
DeSilva, John S 380
Detweiler Family 23
Detwiler, Dr. Peter C 23
Dewald PamUies 437, 1029
Dewald, Irwin 1029
Dewald, Samuel 437
Dewey Family 961
Dewey, Michael G., M. D 961
Diefenderfer Family 535
Diefenderfer, Guy H 536
Diefenderfer, Wi'lliam H 535
Dietricli, Frank D 1064
Dillman Family 80
Dillman, Daniel D 83
Dillman, Daniel K 82
Dillman, D. Walker 84
Dimmerling FamUy 1062
Dimmerling, George F 1062
Dinger Family 667
Dinger, Joel A ; 735
Dinger, Wilson R 667
Dirscliedl, Henrv A., M. D 295
Dirschedl, Joseph 295
Ditchey, Charles F 1119
Ditchey, Jacob W 1119
Doehney, William F 358
Dodson, Weston & Co 860
Doebler, Mrs. M 490
Doebler, WiUiam G 489
Doherty, Edward A 1156
Doherty Families 527, 1156
Doherty, William F 527
Dohner, Henry J 310
Dolbin Family 765
Dolbin, John 'E 765
Donahoe Brothers 907
Donahoe Families 574, 908
Donahoe, Hon. J. Wilfred 574
Donahoe, Eiehard A 909
Donahoe, Thomas C 908
Donmoyer Family 1084
Donmoyer, John W 1084
Donne, Daniel 1056
Donne Family 1056
Donohue, Martin 317
Donohue, Michael M 317
Dormer, Martin 964
Dormer, Mrs. Mary 965
Dornbach, Henry H 543
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Douglass, Dr. George 37
Douglass, Miss Eachel M 37
Doyle Family 240
Doyle, W. Francis, M. D 240
Dresher FamUy 623
Drumheller Family 512
DrumheUer, Bert E 512
Dumcius, Eev. John 300
Ebbert Family 505
Eberly FamUy 1102
Eberly, William 1101
Ebert FamUies 1037, 1077
Ebert, George W 1077
Eberts, Joseph 356
Ebling Families 948, 974
Ebling, Irvin A 974
Ebling, John M 948
Eckert, Abraham L 297
Ehrhart Family 433
Ehrhart, Mrs. Julia C 436
Ehrhart, WUliam N., A.M., Ph.D.... 432
Eifert Family 1031
Eifert, William P 1031
Eiler, Elwood T 702
Eiler FamUy 884
EUer, Frank 703
Eiler, John 703
Eisenhauer, Samuel 557
Eisinger, Charles W 816
Eisinger Family 816
Elison, Alois 1091
ElisoD Family 1109
Elison, Peter 1091
EUiott, William 174
Emerich, Elijah 222
Emerich Families 223, 445, 714, 957
Emerich, Irvin W 714
Emriek Family 957
Emrick Jonathan B 957
English, Ellis J 1100
Esterly, Walter F 1071
Evans, Miss Annie S 746
Evan's, Charles B 746
Evans, Clarence H 1014
Evans, Rev. David 1 1131
Evans Families 86, 801, 978, 1014
Evans, Nathan 746
Evans, Samuel J 977
Evans, William D 1191
Fahl Families 590, 950
Fahl, John H 590
Farquhar, George W 4
Farquhar, Guy E 4
Farquhar, Otto E 8
Farrell Family 775
Farrell, Thomas A 775
Faust, Andrew B 1126
Faust, Charles W 927
Faust, Mrs. Dora T 309
Faust Families. 565, 627, 775, 899, 927, 1126
Faust, Mrs. Rebecca E 1127
Faust, William G 308
Fayhey, John B 1190
Feger, Jacob 642
Fegley Families 298, 807
Fegley, Perry W 298
FeUer, Levi 1095
Felty Families 1020, 1037
Felty, Ferdinand 1037
Felty, John H 1020
Fenkner FamUy 915
Fenton FamUy 684
Fenton, Ivor D., M. D 684
Ferguson, Anthony 980
Ferguson, Christopher P 57
Ferguson, Daniel J 56
Ferguson FamUies 50, 980
Ferguson, Patrick J 50
Fertig FamUy 396
Fertig, John 396
Fesig, Samuel M 850
Fessler FamUies 351, 708
Fessler, Harry G 351
Fessler, Jeremiah 708
Fetterolf FamUy 826
Fetterolf, Peter 826
Fifller FamUy 445
PUbert FamUies 11, 177, 248
FUbert, John Harry 248
Filbert, Maj. Peter A 177
FUbert, Peter K., D. D. S 11
FUer, Elisha, Jr 760
Fisher, C. Arthur 291
Fisher FamUy 291
Fister FamUy 600
Fister, James H 695
Fleming, William C 1106
Flexer FamUy 392
Flynn Family 389
Flynn, John J 389
Foley, James 1211
Ford, Edwin 889
Foster, Thomas 165
Foyle, Martin E 1204
Frack, Daniel 77
Franey, James J 1146
Franey, Martin 1146
Prantz, Christian 1180
Freeman FamUy 709
Freeman, John W 709
Freese, WUliam F 945
Freudenberger, Fred D 399
Fritz, Martin 773
Fryer, Daniel C 1081
Fuhrman FamUy 622
Fuhrman, WUliam F 621
Gabbert, Christ F 980
Gable FamUies 1033, 1056
Gable, Harrv P 1055
Gable, Henry E 1033
Gane, Uriah 450
Gane, William U 450
GanglofE FamUv 878
Gangloff, Rev. 'William 877
Garis, Thomas 925
Garrett FamUy 963
Gazdzik, Father Joseph 495
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Gehrig, B. Frank 1194
Gehrig Families 712, 1194
Gehrig, J. Franklin 712
Geiger, Miss Augusta 891
Geiger Family 562
Geiger, Jeremiah D 562
Geiger, WQIiam 891
Geist, A. Frank 664
Geist Family 664
Gensemer Family 235
Gensemer, Daniel J 235
Gerber Families 378, 461, 493, 649
Gerber, William H 493
Gerhard, Charles 99
Gerhard Families 443, 485, 717, 903
Gerhard, Frank 443
Gerhard, Prof. Frederic 99
Gerhard, Henry Y 485
Gerhard, William F 717
Gibbons Family 1123
GUgour, George 309
Ginther, George C 455
Ginther, John B 596
Gluuz, Bernard ■ 436
Glunz, Clement B 436
Goho Family 482
Golden, Thomas B 713
Gore Family 412
Gore, Mrs. Mary E 413
Gore, Samuel H 412
Gorman, Joseph H 125
Gorman, Miss Julia T 125
Gorman, Thomas 124
Gowen, Franklin Benjamin 171
Gray Family 272, 341
Gray, James C, M. D 272
Gray, John M., M. D 341
Green, Thomas 1058
Greenawald, Daniel A 374
Greenawald (Greenawalt) Families....
374, 597
Greenawalt, Moses S 597
Gregory, John 800
Grieff, Elmer D 506
Grieff Families 313, 506
Griefif, William A 313
Grosser, Edward W 375
Grosser, George 375
Grosskettler, Eberhard C 1183
Grosskettler Family. .1139, 1181, 1183, 1204
Grosskettler, John 1204
Grosskettler, Joseph 1139
Grube, Charles W 981
Grube, Ernest 750
Grube Families 751, 817, 981
Grube, Lewis J 817
Grumm, Frederick L 885
Haber, William 356
Haeseler, Dr. Charles H 532
Haeseler Family 531
Haeseler, Frederick 155
Haf er Family 794
Hafer, Jared 794
Hagner, William 488
Hamilton, William T 220
Hand FamUies 856, 1059, 1063
Hand, Ira W 1059
Hand, James Monroe 856
Hand, John F 1063
Hand, William E 856
Hanney, Edward J 779
Hanney, John F 778
Hannum, Mrs. A. J 285
Hannum, John T 285
Harlor, Thomas 1067
Harris Family 262
Harris, John M 261
Harris, Eobert 262
Harron, Eobert 784
Hartenstein, Peter 340
Hartman, Simon 763
Hartung Family 407
Hartung, Thomas 952
Hause Family 154
Hause, Frederick H 134
Haverty, Peter F 1153
Hawkins, Claude H 499
Hawkins Family 499
Header, Monroe 1025
Heberling, John F 1201
Hede FamUy 811
Hede, John J 811
Hehn, Alfred 722
Hehn Family 722
Heim (Hime) Families. .228, 408, 522, 748
Heim, Lyman D., M. D 228
Heine, Francis W 583
Heine, Michael H 537
Heine, Solomon 538, 583
Heiser Family 926
Henry Family 414
Henry, Wilson 414
Hensyl Family 407
Hensyl, George S., M. D 407
Hepler Family 7.53
Hepler, Eev. Henry 753
Herbein, H. J., D. D. S 624
Hermany, Phaon, M. D 610
Hess, Adam 825
Hess, Jacob A 1107
Hess, I,ambert 463
Hessinger Family 1008
Hessinger, Howard W 1008
Higgins, Patrick T 1195
Hikes Family 848
Hikes, Morris W 848
Hill, David K 893
Hill FamOv 893
Hillanbrand, Charles L 608
Hime (Heim) Families.. .228, 40S, 522. 748
Hime, Jacob F 522
Hinkel Family 472
Hinkel, William H., M. D 471
Hoak, Peter 1109
Hobart, John Potts 44
Hobart, Nathaniel P 45
Hock, Conrad, Sr 605
Hock, Conrad K 605
Hoch Family 1054
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Hach, Harry E 1054
Hoepstine Family 505
Hoepstine, James W 505
Hoflf Family 252
Hoff, William, Jr 252
Hoffman Family 521
Hoffman, Miss Maud E 814
Hoffman, Peter L 813
Hoffman, Eobert J 520
Holderman, Mrs. A 721
Holderman, Carl F 720
Holland, David A., M. D 595
Holshue, Josiah 570
Holtgreve, Rev. Francis P 1193
Holy Family Church, Shenandoah 1193
HonsVierger, Jacob S 1085
Honsberger, William H 1085
Hooper, Mrs. Mary J 782
Hooper, Robert W. C 782
Hopkins, Richard W 1022
Hoppes, Charles H 934
Hoppes Families 467, 934
Hoppes, Joseph S 467
Horn Families 641,805
Horn, George B. McClellan 805
Horn, Mrs. Hattie 806
Horn, William 641
Houser, Daniel 740, 741
Houser Family 809
Houtz Families 422, 425, 1193
Houtz, Rev. Harry D., A. M 421
Hoy Families 201, 389
Hoy, Pancoast T 201
Huber, Andrew W 776
Huber Family 776, 1049
Huber, Lyman A 1049
Hubler Family 84
Hughes, David C 1026
Hughes, David G 987
Hughes, Francis Wade 41
Huling, J. W 1201
Hullihan, John 1199
Hummel, Engelhart 753
Hummel, Frank J 752
Hunter, Alexander 1050
Huntsinger Family 1039
Huntsinger, John E 1039
Iffert, John 772
Imsehweiler, Lorenz 275
James, Benjamin F 736
James FamUy 736
Jenkins, Frederick C 176
Jenkins, Gething 514
Jones, David 1104
Kaier, Charles D 165
Kaier, Charles F 16S
Kalbach Family 638
Kaminskv, Rev. A. V '. 927
Kane, John 1068
Kane, John F 1068
Kanter, Franklin 484
Kauffman Familv 867
Kaufman, Alexander 731
Kaufman, Charles M 186
Kaufman Families 186, 731
Kaup Family 676
Kaup, William W 676
Kear, Albert S 138
Kear, Charles R 137
Kear, Edward G 138
Kear FamUy 134
Kear, Frank G 139
Kear, Harrison A 139
Kear, Mrs. Mary B 138
Kear, Mrs. Sarah 137
Kear, William 136
Keefer, Andrew 286
Keef er Family 1154
Keefer, Harry 1154
Kehler Family 655
Kehler, Henry C 655
KeUman Family 764
Keilman, John H 764/
Keith, Elvin W., M. D " 698
Keiser, G. M 213
Keiser, William 1188
Keiter, Samuel 206
Kemner, Matthias 347
Kepner FamUy 352
Kepner, Mrs. Ellnora 354
Kepner, W. Clinton 352
Kerkeslager Family 149
Kershner Family 593
Kershner, John U 593
Kilgus, Jacob 537
Killian, Joseph 883
Killian Family ; . . 883
Kimmel, Andrew S 270
Kimmel Family 271
Kistler, Albert S 458
Kistler, Alvin 646
Kistler, Charles S 1141
Kistler Families. . .458, 646, 936, 1095, 1141
Klase, Edward 755
Kleber Family 732
Kleckner Family 994
Kleckner, Samuel 994
Kline, Adolph 1120
Kline, Mrs. Caroline 829
Kline, G. Edgar 710
Kline Families 711, 941
Kline, Harry P 941
Kline, Rev. Jacob 270
Kline, Jeremiah 269
Kline, Robert E 828
Kliugaman Family 471
Klinger Familv 1036
Klinger, Lewis" A 1036
Knapp, Alanson 452
Knapp, Charles L 1199
Knapp Families 452, 1199
Knapp, Joseph P . . .1199
Knauber, Henry 1022
Knecht, William F 607
Knepper Family 887
Knepper. Harry 887
Kuipe, Oscar 252
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Knittle, George F 976
Kuoedler, Gottfried 1006
Koeh, Albert G 891
Koch Families. . .16, 419, 617, 891, 917, 976
Koch, Jacob M 419
Koeh, Hon. Eiehard H 16
Koeh, Salem W 617
Koch, Walter M 917
Koenig Family 971
Koenig, Samuel 971
Koerper, Harry H 222
Kolbe, Henry 539
Kopp Family 652
Kopp, John G., Sr 652
Kramer Family 382
Krammes, Charles H 700
Krammes Family 701
Krapf , Richard 1213
Kraus Family 667
Kraus, Henry W 667
Krauss Family 788
Krauss, Eev. Howard H 787
Krebs Family 282
Kreis, Henry C 766
Krell, John 1060
Krell, George 822
Krell, P. Philip 822
Kressley, Eev. Clement D., A. M 586
Kressley Family 586
Kreitzer, George D 1114
Kripplebaur, Peter 886
Kuebler, Henry Z 845
KuU, C. Fred 334
Kunkel Families 744, 965
Kunkel, Jonas 965
Lally, Anthony B 591
LaUy Family 591
Lamberson, Amos E 756
Landemann, Henry 785
Landeiilieroor, Hnrold L 1216
Lattimore F.amily 657
Lattimore, Harry D 657
Laubenstein Family 612
Lanbenstein, Frank J 612
Laubenstein Mfg. Co 613
Laudeman, Jacob 909
Laudig Families 563, 679
Laudig, Joseph H 679
Laudig, William F 563
Lautenbacher, Charles 142, 693
Lautenbacher, Irvin L 693
Lautenbacher, Jeremiah C 142
Leaman, Mrs. Ida L. W 267
Lebo, John 841
Lecher Family 960
Lecher, William E 960
Lehr, John 1045
Leibig, Benjamin F 1017
Leibig Family 1017
Leiby Families 442, 660
Leiser Family 973
Lengel Family 715
Lengel, John H 715
Leonard, John 321
Leonard, Mrs. Mary A 322
Leonhardt, Henry 756
Lesher Families 243, 1042
Lesher, Felix H 1042
Levan Family 79
Levan, Eiehard K 79
Lime, J ohn H 462
Lindenmuth Families
483, 622, 843, 1124, 1168
Lindenmuth, George Clarence 843
Linder, Burd E 373
Linder, E. Raymond 373
Linder Family 372
Lindermuth Families 501, 1124
Lindermuth, Horace D 1126
Lindermuth, Joseph 1124
Loch, Daniel . . .'. 727
Loch Family 727
Loeser, Christopher, Esq 632
Lomas, Benjamin 1203
Long, Charles F 716
Lorah Family 625, 1130
Lorah, James 625
Lord, Henry 687
Losch, lion. Samuel Alfred 12S
Loy & Minnig 559
Loy, Harry F 560
Lucas, Edwin 918
Lucas Family 918
Lutz, Eobert J 359
Lynch, Abraham 226
Lynch, John H 877
Lynch, John W 226
Lytle, L. C 1207
Mc Andrew, Thomas C 600
MeClure, George W 227
MeCool, Eev. Joseph 98
MeGuire Family 1019
McKniirht. J. .J 850
M.Xol.Iv, TIeiiry 1051
M:H|i:iiiiei'. Oliver 1000
MiHl.iia l-:iiiiilies 526,1118
Madara, Zac.'ur P 526
Madenford Family 518
Madenford, Jeremiah 517
Mader, Christian 1082
Maher, John P S57
Maher, Mrs. Mary A 857
Malarkey, E. C 692
Mandler, August 952
Mandler Family 952
Manhart, Henry 890
Manhart, John M 890
Mardis, William 709
Marshall, Charles H 640
Martin Families 486, 868, 1107
Martin, .John H 1107
Martin, Thomas J 868
Martin, William W 486
Master, Harry E 1187
Master, Milton H 1187
Matz, William 220
Maurer, Elmer H., M. D 277
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Maurer Families 277, 1088, 1105, 1159
Maurer, James A 1088
Maurer, Solomon 1105
Maurer, WUUam E 1182
May, Charles H 761
Meek Families 199, 1030
Meek, Walter F 199
Meisgeier, August 979
MeUey, Eev. Dennis J 653
Mengel Family 895
Mengel, Nathan 895
Mengle Family 309
Mentzer, John 340
Mercantile Club, MinersvOle 1101
Meredith, Mrs. Leonora 7S
Meredith, John S 78
Merkle Family 476
Merrick, Edwin E 736
Messersmith, Abram C 833
Meyers, Charles 631
Michael FamDy 815
Michael, Harry M 814
Miller, Alfred M 304
Miller, Mrs. Annie 782
Miller, Charles B 446
MUler, Charles D., M. D 102
Miller, Edwin J 276
Miller Families
260, 304, 345, 446, 948, 1139, 1215
Miller, George G 1052
Miller, Dr. George M 103
Miller, Henry L 628
Miller, Homer F 948
Miller, Jacob 431
Miller, John Frederick 628
Miller, John J 1215
Miller, Levi 645
Jliller, Milton H 345
Miller, Oliver 805
Miller, Richard E., Sr 260
MUler, E'obert P 1052
Minnig, Floyd H 560
Minnig, Eev. George 179
Minogiie, J. P 691
Mohl Family 742
Moll, George E 206
Moll, Henry 886
Moll, Mrs. -Mary K 206
Molony, Edward W 785
Molony, Joseph F 784
Monaghan, Cliarles J 1028
Monaghan Family 1209
Monaghan, James B '. . 1027
Monaghan, Peter J 1208
Moore, Cyrus 549
Moore, Mrs. Elizabeth M 550
Moore Families 306, 492, 549, 573
Moore, George H., M. D 305
Moore, Harry C. 573
Moore, John J., M. D 492
Moore, Samuel 778
Morea Colliery 860
Morgan, George W 1215
Morgan, Morgan 1003
Morrison Family 501
Morrison, Nathaniel C 501
Morscher, Jacob 62
Mortimer Family 150
Mortimer, F. P., Sr 150
Mortimer, F. Pierce, Jr 151
Moser, Albert L 773
Moser Family 773
Moyer, Charles E 932
Moyer Families
31, 274, 814, 584, 915, 932
Moyer, Huston Eobison 349
Moyer, Isaac 32, 274
Moyer, Joseph W 3 L4
Moyer, WUliam F 915
Murphj', Dr. Dennis J 577
Murphy Family 1064
Murphy, Michael 1064
Murphy, John 273
NaflSn, Paul E 71S
Nagle, Col. Daniel 64
Nagle Family 64
Nagle, Gen. James 66
Neidlinger, Christian 651
Neidlinger Family 651
Neiswender, Edwin E 723
Neiswender Family 723
Nesbitt, Mrs. Kate 1068
Nesbitt. Eobert J 1068
Xester, Aaron 881
Nester, Daniel 931
Nester Families 881, 922, 931
Nester, Salem B 922
Noeeker Family 173
Noecker, James A 173
Noel Family 940
Noel, Stephen E 946
Norton, Eev. Lemuel B 1147
O'Brien, Michael J...
O'Connor, Thomas C.
'Donnell, Joseph . . .
Oerther, John
Ohl, Samuel
O 'Leary, David
Oliver, George
Oliver, William
O'Neill, Charles
O 'Neill, George B
Oren, James
Oren, John M
Orwig, Peter
Osenbach Family . . . .
Ossman, Aaron
Ossman, Philip
Ost, August W
Ost, Charles F
Oswald Families
Owens, Maj. John F. .
. 962
. 253
. 204
. 547
. 690
.1154
. 416
. 416
.1035
. 985
. 727
. 727
. 179
S59
479
478
882
697
Parker Family 38
Parker, Hiram, Jr 37
Parrott. Benjamin F 1135
Patten Families 831, 985
Patten, Thomas 985
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Patten, William T 831
Patterson, Frank B lllli
Patterson, Hon. George R 70
Patterson, Mrs. Mary A 7G
Paul FamOy 997
Paul, John J 1035
Paul, Thomas \V 997
Peale, Charles Willson 8
Peale Family 10
Peale, Rubens H S
Peifer Families 839, 1132
Peifer, John 839
Peifer, Hiram 1132
Pelechovych, Eev. Joseph 973
Perry, Eourindine 1065
Pershing, Judge Cyrus L 181
Peter Family 894
Petery Family 303
Petery, Oscar D 301
Petry Family 332
Petry, Harvey D 332
Pfeiffer, John 620
PhoeJii.x Hose Company, Shenandoah.. .1162
Pleasants, Gen. Henry 172
Pollard, John H 256
Portland, Charles A 1171
Portz, Frederick, Jr 191
Portz, Frederick, Sr 191, 203
Portz, Harry K 203
Pott (Potts) FamUies U, 170,2-43
Pott, John, Sr 170
Prevost, John 47
Price, John W 1108
Pugh, William S 176
Purcell, Mrs. Mary Ann 1153
Purcell, Michael 1154
Quail, Charles Edward, M. D 117
Quail, Mrs. Emma C 118
Quandel, Charles 696
Quick, Samuel 772
Quigel Family 672
Quigel, Valentine W 672
Quinn, Terence J 912
Randall, David V 290
Earich Family 431
Ranch Family 335
Rauch, George B 335
Raykowski, Waldysluw 1044
Eeber Family 244
Reber, George W 207
Reber, Harry A 207
Reber, Horace F 244
Reddy, Christopher C 951
Reed, Albert L 32S
Reed, Charles 1046
Reed, Elias 109
Reed Families . 292, 328, 333, 692, 1046, 1207
Reed, Frederick B 333
Reed, Harry D 692
Reed, Jacob D 109
Reed, Samuel 292
Reed, Sherman H 1207
Reese Families 287, 786
Reese, Frank C 368
Reese, John 368
Reese, John W '. . . . 287
Reese, Stephen 786
Reichard, Joseph 398
Reichwein, Henry 1021
Reick, Frederick 431
Reick, William H 432
Reid, Robert A 325
Reilly, Bernard 14
Reilly, James B 14
Reiner Family 1041
Reinert, Daniel 260
Reinhart Family 429
Reiuhart, Henry 429
Reinoehl, Levi E 1089
Reiseg, Elmer G 1017
Reisig, Frederick 567
Reinalv, Lewis F 832
Rennel- Family 1061
Keuner, William 1061
Renninger Family 970
Renninger, John 970
Rentschler Family 614
Rentschler, Henry D., M. D 614
Rice, Aaron L 1082
Rice Family 1082
Richards, William C 569
Richenderfer, John H 1137
Rickert Family 39
Rickert, Col. Thomas H 39
Ridgway, Thomas S 610
Riegel Family 542
Eiegel, Samuel A 542
RUand (Ryland) Family 852
Rissinger, Abraham F 1188
Rissingcr, Jacoli J 1190
Robinhol.l FMuiily 490
Robinliold, Lewis C, M. D 491
Robinhoia, William L 491
Rockwell, W. B 180
Robinpon, Moncure 180
Robinson, William H., M. D 108
Romberger, James M 1048
Romberger, Jesse M 1047
Romig Family 649
Rooney, Christ J 1111
Rooney Family 1111
Rosenberger, Clemens M 367
Rosenberger Family 367
Rubright, Charles H 825
Rubright Families 825, 939
Rumbel Families 616, 1157
Rumbel, Richard T 1159
Rumbel, Trenton W 1157
Rump Family 1098
Rump, William 1098
Ryan, Martin F 1061
Ryland (Riland) Family 852
Ryland, William H 852
Ryon, George W 190
Ryon, Judge James 190
Ryon, John Percy 190
Ryon, Hon. John W 190
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Sabaleski, Mat
Sabold, William H., Sr
Sachs Family
Sachs, Henry
Sassaman Family
Saterlee, Britton W
Schablein, Joseph
Schablein, Michael
Schaef er, Charles T
Sehaef er Family
Schaeffer Families 442,
Schaefler, George M
Schaffer Families 807,
Schaffer, Salem B
Schalck, Adolph W
Schalck, Mrs. Emma R
Schalck, George
SchaUer Family
Schappell (Shappell) FamOies ......
541, 682, 733, 988,
Schappell, George W
Scharadin (SharadiD) Families
211, 308,
Scharadin, Harry F
Scharadin, Jacob A
Scheaffer, Joseph
Scheaffer, Sebastian
Scheele Brothers
Scheele, Carl
Sehenek, Fred
Sehief , Charles F
Sehief , Mrs. Sofie
Schilling Family
Schilling, John C
Schlaseman, Elmer F
Schlaseman, Jacob A
Schlear, Alfred
Schlear Family
Sehlegel Family
Schlegel, James D
Schmeltzer Family
Schmeltzer, Frank A
Schmidt, Christian
Schmidt, Philip
Schneider, Mrs. Catherine
Schneider, Mrs. Elizabeth
Schneider Families 90,
Schneider, John F
Schneiiler, Peter J. (deceased)
Schneider, Peter J. (Loeustdale)
Schneider, Theodore D
Schoch (Schoek) FamUy
Schoeneman, Michael
Sehrepple, Gottlieb E
Schrope, Charles A
Schrope Family
Schulz, Jacob E
Schulze, Harry F
Schuyler, Joseph M
Schuyler, Miss Mary I
Schwalm Families 754, 992,
Schwalm, George M
Schwalm, Ralph A
Schwartz, Joseph
Scott, Alexander
1182
801
801
457
720
283
283
830
830
462
462
1010
807
312
312
307
1013
1013
398
515
925
925
553
553
1043
1043
336
336
524
700
706
700
524
706
954
1102
650
674
674
929
1075
1217
992
1217
Scott, John A
707
Scott, Walter W
. 707
Seiberling Family
. 387
Seitzinger, Miss Emma
. 240
Seitzinger FamUy. .19, 239,
783,
986,
1036
Seitzinger, Henry M
.1036
Seitzinger, Jeremiah
. 7S3
Seitzinger, James M
. 9,S6
Seitzinger, Col. Nicholas
. 19
Seitzinger, Judge Nicholas .
. 239
Seligman, Abraham Pott, M.
I)..
. 242
Seligman Family
. 242
Seltzer, Albert W
.110
Seltzer, Conrad
110
Seltzer Families
.619
, 942
, 962
Seltzer, Francis B
Seltzer, Frank P
. 942
Seltzer, Miss R. W
963
Seltzer, Wesley A
, 619
Shannon, Benjamin Franklin
, M.
n..
, 162
Shannon, Samuel H., M. D. .
. 160
Shappell, Andrew J
. 683
Shappell, Benjamm
. 733
Shappell, Daniel
. 683
Shappell, Elias F
. 541
Shappell Families.. 541, 682,
733,
988,
1006
Sharadin, Edward
. 211
Sharadin (Scharadin) FamUies.
;mi
308
31?
Sheafer, Lesley G
. 25
Sheaf er, Paul
1176
Sheafer, Peter W
•?.n
Sheafer, Walter S
.1175
Sheafer, William L
, 24
Shearer, Robert C
. 343
Shellhamer Family
. 755
Shellhamer, Jackson M
. 755
Shellhammer, Benjamin P...
.1001
Shellhammer Families. .686,
755,
982
1001
Shellhammer, James M
. 686
Q-^l
1112
Shissler, Mrs. Clara K
, 867
Shissler, Edward L
866
Shoemaker FamUies
. 737
, 913
Shoemaker, James A
. 913
Shoemaker, John H
. 737
Shoener, Edward
. 7S0
Shoener, Mrs. Emma
. 744
Shoener Families 279,
743,
7S0
, 910
Shoener, John
Qin
Shoener, Hon. John T
. 278
Shoener, Joseph
. 743
Siefert, WUliam H. . .".
, 748
Silliman, Mrs. Catharme . . .
62
Silliman, Edward S
67
Silliman (Sillyman) Familie
6(
'S
), 68,
, 120
, 208
Silliman, H. I
20S
, 60
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Xlll
Sillyman (Silliman) Families.
Sillyman, Samuel 120
SiUyman, Miss Susan J 122
Simmons, Thomas 107o
Sittler, Calvin E :Ui^
Sittler (Sitler) Families 301, 470
Slater, Mrs. Clara K 401
Slater, George W 400
Slater, Henry P 400
Smith, Charles E 1172
Smith, Charles H 1074
Smith, David G 227
Smith Families 388, 477, 1074, 1172
Smith, Jeremiah 388
Smith, Joseph G 1176
Smith, William E 108
Smith, William S 470
Snyder, Charles A 144
Snyder Family 488
Snyder, Frank 316
Snyder, E'euben 316
Spayd, Prof. H. H 126
Speaeht, Mrs. Dorothy 393
Speacht Family 392, 401
Speaeht, Frederick 392
Spencer, Mrs. Amelia J 47
Spencer, George 45
Spencer, William 45
Spitzner, Valentine 1070
Spohn, Moncure R 1023
St. Clair Family 1024
St. Clair, Oscar 1024
St. Peter 's Church (Eeformed) 426
St. Mary's Church, Tremont 653
Stamm Family 879
Starr, David 761
Starr Families 88, 761, 1012
Starr, William A 1012
Staudt (Stoudt, Stout) Families
447, 509, 729
Staudt, John F 447
Staudt, John S 509
Stauffer, Arthur Elliott 482
Staufifer, Elias K 480
Stauffer Families 480, 845, 1115, 1165
Stauffer, John M 1115
Stauffer, Norman M 1165
• Stauffer, William E 1166
Steigerwalt, Albert H .' 376
Steigerwalt Families 376, 395
Stein, Daniel 324
Stein Families 140, 418
Stein, Jonathan Frank 417
Stein, Franklin M 142
Stein, Moses S 140
Steiner Family 424
Stephens, Alliert lull
Sterner Family ill 9
Sterner, Frank 1? 919
Stewart, Harry H., M. D 581
Stichter, George H 625
Stief Family 758
Stief , John A 758
Stiles Family 1015
Stiles, Michael V 1015
Stine Family (332
Stine, William N 632
Stitzer Family 503, 687
Stitzer, William F 503
Stitzer, William G 687
Stoker Family qh
Stoudt (Staudt, Stout) Families
447, 509, 729
Strauch Family 450
Strauch, Robert D 450
Strause (Strauss, Strouse) FamUy 215
Strause, Samuel 215
Striegei, John G., M. D 520
Strubhar, Aaron 767
Strubhar Family 767
Stutzman Family 836
Stutzman, Raymond H., M. D 835
Super Family 433
Swoyer Family 997
Tallman, Henry 1177
Tallman, Mrs. Mary A 1177
Tasker, Eeese 238
Taylor, William T 827
Thomas Family 192
Thomas, Thomas L 193
Thomas, Mrs. Thomas L 84, 194, 196
Thompson, Alexander 668
Thompson, Hon. Alexander 669
Thompson, Charles D 906
Thompson Families.. 32, 112, 114, 907, 1053
Thompson, Heber H 35
Thompson, Maj. Heber S ' 32
Thompson, Isaac B 669
Thompson, Lewis C 113
Thompson, Oliver C 1053
Thompson, Ool. William 112
Tielman, William 1110
Toole, John 1114
Toomey, John 829
Toomey, Michael 829
Trachte, William 494
Tregea Family 1004 ■
Trexler Family 967
Turner Family 921
Tyson Family 742
Underkoffler, Charles M 772
Unger, Albert A 495
Updegrave Families 439, 681
Updegrave, Morris 680
Updegrave, Philip H 439
Updegrove Family 661
Updegrove, Walter E 661
X:n, Uov.i Family 644
X'ritli, .Irhn 209, 1201
\oitli, .1 ihn, Jr 211
A'ettcr, 1 >avid 704
Vetter Family 704, 977
Wachter, George A 943
Wachter, Rudolph 944
Wadlinger, Mrs. Margaret D 50
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Wadlinger, Frauds 48
Wadlinger, Judge George J 4S
Wagner, Alfred B 1016
WagBer, Charles C 5-l.j
Wagner, Charles G 508
Wasner Fuuiilies 219,
.-,us, .14.1, .l.ls, 781, 824, 886, 1014, 1016
Wagner. Franklin 781
Wagner, Frederick E., D. D. S 5o8
Wagner, Henry A 547
Wagner, Mrs. Mary A 571
Wagner, PhUip 823
Wagner, Samuel C 571
Wagner William M 219
Walborn Families 156, 1087
Walborn, Ira Guy 157
Walborn, Jonathan H 156
Walborn, Joseph A 158
Walliorn, Maurice D 157
Wallauer, Jacob 379
Walter Famdies 677, 793
Walter, George W 793
Walters, Henry 92
Walters, William H 92
Warne, Joseph L., M. D 1175
Watson Families 1175, 1186
Watson, George M 1186
Weaklim, William T 63
Weaver (Weber) Family 912
Weber (Weaver) Family 912
Weber, Louis 327
Weber, William F : 327
Weidman FamOy 864
Weidman, Samuel 864
Weiser, Conrad 158
Weishampel Family 119
Weissinger Family 27
Weissinger, George 29
Weissinger, Harry 30
Weissinger, Leonard W 27
Weldon, Michael 1100
Weldv, Charles H 95
Weldy. Henry A 93
Wellendorf , Joseph 1080
Wertley Family 266
Wertley, Walter 266
Wertley, Wellington A 267
Wertman Family 820
Wessner Family 431
Whalen, Edward J 1160
Whalen Family 1160
White Families 978, 1090
White, J. S 1090
White, Maj. J. Claude 320
White, Joseph E 978
Whitfield, Joseph 928
Whitfield, Mrs. Lottie E 929
Whitfield, Eowland 928
Wiesner, Dr. Edwin E 3S4
Wiesner Family 3S4
Wiest Family 478
Wilhelm, William 224
Williams, Mrs. Annie 1050
Williams, William 1050
Wingert, Adam 884
Wingert Family 884
Wintersteen, Mrs. John 1172
Withelder FamUies 1079, 1083
Withelder, Frederick 1083
Withelder, John H 1079
Wittich, Henry W , 1077
Wittmer, Martin 999
Wittmei', Mrs. Mary 999
Wolfgang Family 771
Wolfgang, Paul 771
Womer (Woomer) Family 390,440
Womer, Monroe 390
Wonders, Newton M 714
Wooleock, John 145
Woomer, Elmer 440
Woomer (Womer) Family 390,440
Yarnall Families 472, 666
Yarnall, Ephraim 666
Yeager, Alfred A 819
Yeager Family 819
Yeingst, Prof. Wilbur M 360
Yerger Family 701
Yerger, Henry 701
Yoder Family 582
Yoder, Irvin U 582
Y'orkville Fire Company 456
Yost, Benjamin J 797
Yost FamUies.. 322, 402, 446, 660, 798, 924
Yost, Israel 924
Yost, James A 402
Yost, Jonathan 1 322
Young, George 821
Zapf , Charles A 578
Zapf, William E 57S
Zehner Families 739, 740, 984
Zehner, Lewis A 740
Zerbe Family 579
Zerbe, WUliam E 579
Zettlemoyer Family 1093
Zettlemoyer, Frank 1093
Zimmerman, Alfred 955
Zimmerman, Edward 1093
Zimmerman Families
. . .' 550, 558, 811, 955, 1093, 1205
Zimmerman, George K 811
Zimmerman, Robert J 550
Zimmerman, William H 1205
Zion 's Lutheran Church 789
Zion 's Eef ormed Church 426
Zulich, Mrs. E. E 233
Zulich Family 232
Zulich, Henry B 232
Zulick Family 603
Zuliek, John S 604
Zulick, Thomas H. B 603
Genealogy— Family History
Biography
JOHN BANNAN, deceased, was in his time a lawyer of the first rank in
his State. He was truly said by a writer of his time to have been a self-made
man, but well made. He was born in Berks county, Pa., Sept. 19, 1796, and at
the age of fifteen became an orphan, entirely dependent upon his own efforts
for making a success in the struggle of life. He attended the subscription
schools of the early times, the terms of which were only three months in the
year, and in the interim was cared for by an uncle who lived on a farm. But
he had the ambition for better things, and for years thereafter labored to
increase his store of knowledge, so that he might be better equipped for the
coming years. He began his career as an engineer under Phillip Wernwag,
who lived at Douglassville, where his parents are buried; studied law at Read-
ing under Charles Evans, was admitted to the bar in 181 8, and began practice in
Orwigsburg. Later, when the seat of justice was removed to Pottsville, he
removed to that city, to remain until death brought a close to his labors. When
the war of 1812 occurred he entered the ist Regiment of Pennsylvania
Volunteers, locally known as the "Washington Blues," serving as a private
soldier under Capt. D. B. Keim until the end of the war. So patriotic was
Mr. Bannan that when the Civil war occurred he offered his services at once,
but the age of sixty-five was the bar to his enlistment. However, he assisted
in the care of the families of those left behind and contributed his time and
money to the relief of the soldiers and their widows.
John Bannan was married to Sarah Ann Ridgway, who was born on the
last day of the year 1806, and died at the family home in November, 1879.
They were the parents of three sons and three daughters : Zelia R. ; Mary
Joy; Thomas R. ; Douglass R. ; Francis B., and Martha Ridgway. In 1852
Mr. Bannan built his beautiful residence on Sharp Mountain, "Cloud Home,"
the plans being furnished by his wife (who displayed remarkable talent for
this class of work), directed by the architect.
At the time of the projected erection of the Henry Clay monument in
Pottsville, Mr. Bannan gave a tract 120 feet square for the location of the
structure, and it was accepted. This tall and striking column, surmounted with
a colossal statute of the great orator and statesman, was begun July 28, 1852,
and dedicated July 4, 1855. It stands just below the site of "Cloud Home."
Francis B. Banx.\n. son of John Bannan, was born in Orwigsburg,
Schuylkill county, Feb. 28, 1833, and attended the local schools and a select
school at New Haven, Conn. He took up the task of earning a living by
entering the employ of Joel J. Bailey & Co., of Philadelphia, holding the posi-
tion of clerk from 1850 to 1855. He then went for a short time with Daniel
Kaiser, of the same city, finally coming to Pottsville. For a number of years
Vol. II— 1
609
610 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANL^
he was in partnership with Robert Allison, under the firm name of Allison &
Bannan, manufacturing all kinds of mining machinery, drills, compressors, etc.
In 1876 he closed out his interest, and in 1878 he went into the business of
steamlieating, also- having a machine shop at Pottsville. He continued this
work until 1889, when he retired from active life.
On Jan. i, 1S63, Mr. Bannan was married to Mary T., daughter of Mrs.
Julia (Kuethenthal) Repplier, and step-daughter of George S. Repplier.
Mrs. Bannan died Dec. 22, 1893. They had children as follows : John R.,
living in Philadelphia ; Imogen R., widow of H. C. Halberstadt, formerly of
the Pottsville Supply Company; Clara R., wife of H. H. Lineweaver, of
Merion, Pa. ; and Bertha L., living at home.
Mr. Bannan was one of the first to enlist, April 13, 1861, in the "First
Defenders," known as the Washington Artillery, and was honorably discharged
July 31, 1861. He is a natural mechanical genius, and many specimens of his
handiwork are to be seen at the old home on the mountain, "Cloud Home."
He has also invented a unique method of picture-writing with tacks, which he
calls "Taxography." He is a writer of no mean capacity, having issued a
pamphlet, the gist of which he read before the Schuylkill County Historical
Society, entitled "Reminiscences of a Long and Happy Life of Fun, Frolic and
Mischief." He has gotten together the details of many a childish escapade
and incident of his boyhood and maturity, which are not only presented in an
interesting and colloquial manner, but betray a disposition at once humorous
and ingenuous.
Thom.\s R. B.\nn.\x, deceased, son of John Bannan, was born Oct. 10,
1827, in Orwigsburg, and there began his education in the public schools.
Entering Yale College, he graduated from the law school, returned to Potts-
ville, and was admitted to the bar of Schuylkill county, where he practiced
until his death. He was one of the most scholarly, able and gentlemanly
pleaders of his time. He served for a short period in the Civil war and then
returned to his practice. He died in 1878.
Marth.v Ridgway Bannan, the only surviving daughter of John Bannan,
was born in Orwigsburg, and attended the private school of Miss .A.llen, in
Pottsville. Later she continued her studies in Philadelphia. Music and litera-
ture have been her chief interests. She has written in verse, and translated
some of Goethe's poems from the German, which are published m book form.
She is now living in her father and mother's old home, "Cloud Home." Her
sister Zelia R. died Dec. 14, 191 1, and Mary Joy passed to rest May 17, 1912.
kiss Bannan is a member of the Trinity Episcopal Church of Pottsville.
Thomas S. Ridgway, father of Mrs. John Bannan, was born at Mount
Holly. N. J., and was an architect, skilled in his profession, having drawn
the plans for many of the finest homes in Philadelphia, where he lived pre-
viously to his removal to Schuylkill Co., Pa. When he came to this county
he became interested in coal lands, and he it was who induced his friend
Stephen Girard to invest in the lands which have since become so enormously
profitable He married Mary Jov, daughter of Daniel Joy, who was ordnance
master in the Revolutionary war. They had a family of twelve children, ten
of whom grew to maturity.
PH.\ON HERMANY, M. D., of ]\Iahanoy City, the oldest practicing phy-
sician in that section of Schuylkill county, has made a distinguished record in
his lono- professional career, a half century and more of faithful service to
his fellow men. His ideals of duty have been set forth in practical illustra-
HENRY CLAY MONUMENT. POTTSVILLE
nerstone Laid July 28. 1852, Dedicated July 4. 1855
Henry Clav
C, June 29, 1852. A
,m Kentucky, 1806-07 i
m Hanover county, near Ric
A celebrated American state
1810-11; was member
1811-14. 1815-20 and 1823-25);
candida'te for' the presidency in 1824: was secreta
1831-42 and 1849-52; was Whia candidate for prcs
of the "Missouri Compromise" o£ 1820, and of the
compromise tariff of 1833.
nd. Va., April 12, 17
; died at
United S
from Kentucky. 181
ingt
1823-25
Ghent in 1814; was
tate 1825-29; was United States senator,
in 1832 and 1844; was the chief designer
omise of 1850; and was the author of the
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PEXXSYLVAXL\ 611
tions throughout this extended period of activity, and the sum of his vise ful-
ness may be best read in the popularity he enjoys among his townsmen.
Public spirit in those things affecting the general welfare, and conscientious-
ness in his personal relations with all whose lives have touched his directly,
have been the surface indications of a character whose depth has been sounded
by many besides his close intimates. Through the medium of his profes-
sion he has no doubt had unusually good opportunities for observation and
first-hand knowledge of many conditions in the community calling for better-
ment, and the wisdom of his judgment has been proved in many tests.
Coming to Mahanoy City in 1863, the year the borough was organized, he
has had a part in the making of practically all her history. When he came
here he made his rounds on horseback, and no one in this section has had
more reason to be gratified at the improvement in roads and transportation
facilities.
Dr. Hermany is of German descent, and the family name was originally
spelled Hermon. The Doctor's great-grandfather was the emigrant ancestor,
coming to this country in 1756, and settling first near Philadelphia, Pa. How-
ever, he moved to Lehigh county not long afterwards, and there his son Philip
Hermany, the Doctor's grandfather, who was born at sea while his parents
were en route from the Old to the New World, grew to manhood. John
Hermany, son of Philip, was born in Lehigh county in the year 1800, and
passed all his life there, dying Sept. 3, 1863, aged sixty-three years. During
his earlier manhood he followed farming, later conducting a store and hotel,
and he was the founder of the village of Jacksonville, where he served as
postmaster for twenty years. His religious faith was that of the German
Reformed Church. He married Salome Kistler, like himself a native of
Lehigh county, and they became the parents of ten children, four sons and six
daughters, all born at the old homestead at Jacksonville, of whom w-e have
the following record: Didania (Mrs. Brobst), born in 1833; Sallie (Mrs.
Crietz), born in 1835. who died in 1862; Mary (Mrs. Wuchter), born in 1837;
Edwin, born in 1838: Phaon ; Lydia, born in 1842; John, Jr., born in 1844;
and Martha M., born in 1850.
Phaon Hermany was born Sept. 16, 1840, and spent his boyhood in Lehigh
county, beginning his education in the schools of the home locality. Later he
attended an academy at the Trappe, in Montgomery county, and he commenced
the study of medicine with Dr. Daniel Shade, of Lehigh county. He took the
regular course at the medical department of the L'niversity of New York,
graduating March 3, 1863, and before long had started practice at Mahanoy
City, Schuylkill Co., Pa. At that time there were but sixty-three houses in
the town, and he was the third physician to locate here, Drs. Philip Weber
and Brender having arrived a short time before. With the exception of four
years during which he carried on a drug business he has devoted himself
entirely to practice since, and with continuous success, few men in any walk
of life being better known in the region. Recognition of his ability has come
from his fellow members in the profession as well as from patrons. More
than twenty years ago he was chosen president of the Schuylkill County Med-
ical Society, and he is also a member in good standing of the Lehigh County
Medical Society, the Pennsylvania State Medical Society and the American
Medical Association. In 1864 he was appointed surgeon for the Lehigh \'al-
ley Railway Company, during the period when Hon. Asa Packer was president
of that company. His field embraced the territory in and about Mahanoy
City. Fraternally Dr. Hermany is a high Mason, belonging to Mahanoy City
612 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANL\
Lodge, No. 357, F. & A. M. (past master) ; Mizpah Chapter, No. 252, R. A. M.
(past officer, and secretary continuously since 1881); Ivanhoe Commandery,
No. 31, K. T. (past officer); Philadelphia Consistory, thirty-second degree;
Lu Lu Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Philadelphia ; and the Northwestern
Masonic Aid Association. Years ago he joined Council No. 162, Royal
Arcanum, of Mahanoy City; Asa Packer Lodge, No. 328, L O. O. F. ; and
Washington Camp No. 124, P. O. S. of A. He was a charter member of the
first fire company organized in the borough. Though he never sought honors
of any kind. Dr. Hermany was elected a member of the local school board
several times, serving on that body seventeen and a half years, and for a time
as president. His interest in educational advancement, and foresight in pro-
viding against the growing needs of the community, made his work in this
connection especially valuable. For many years he acted as deputy coroner in
Mahanoy City and vicinity. Politically he has adhered loyally to the principles
of the Republican party.
On Dec. 6, 1863, Dr. Hermany was married in Mahanoy City to Mary J.
Bowman, of Bowmanstown, Lehigh Co.. Pa., daughter of David and Susan
(Lentz) Bowman. Four children have been born to this marriage: Horace
David graduated from Jefiferson Medical College in 1891, for a time prac-
ticed medicine and conducted a drug store in Philadelphia, next followed
dentistry, and is now engaged in electrical work in Mahanoy City ; Robert K.
died in 1872. when four years old ; Susan L. B. is married to William Dyatt
and resides at Hazleton, Pa. ; Sallie B. K. is at home. The familv are members
of the English Lutheran Church. They reside in a beautiful home at No. 56
South Main street, where the Doctor also has his office.
FRANK J. LAUBENSTEIN, of Ashland, executive head of the business
of the Laubenstein Manufacturing Company, is a representative of honored
stock of Schuylkill county. The name he bears has also been prominently
associated with industrial interests at Ashland from the early seventies, when
Jonas Laubenstein. his grandfather, became owner of the business continued
since his day by his son and grandsons, a manufacturing concern whose pros-
perity has contributed materially to that of the borough.
The Laubensteins are of German origin, and this branch of the family has
been established in America since 1756, settling then in what is now Schuylkill
county, Pa., where descendants of the original ancestors in this country have
been resident continuously to the present.
Jonas Laubenstein, the grandfather of Frank J. Laubenstein, lived and died
in Schuylkill county. During the Civil war he was a loyal Union supporter
and served in the army. Becoming profitably engaged in business as a manu-
facturer of screens, he owned a plant at Minersville, and in the early seventies
(1875) erected a plant of the same kind at Ashland. As previously stated,
the business has been continued by the Laubensteins ever since. Jonas Lau-
benstein married a Keumer, and the following children were born to them:
Rev. William, deceased, who was a minister of the Lutheran Church ; Albert L. ;
David F., deceased, who was a musician ; Charles S., who is engaged in busi-
ness at Ashland as a manufacturer of screens and elevator buckets (he is also
in the State game protection service) ; George, formerly a resident of Phila-
delphia and employed by the Philadelphia Press; Jonas, of Minersville. present
postmaster of that borough : and Katie, deceased.
Albert L. Laubenstein was born in Schuylkill county, and he was con-
nected with the screen manufacturing business at Ashland from the time his
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 613
father bought the same to the end of his life. Though he attended to his own
affairs systematicahy and with unremitting care, he was also solicitous for
local enterprises which affected the general welfare, and took some part in
politics in his borough. He was a Republican on national issues.
Mr. Laubenstein married Ida M. Roads, daughter of Franklin Roads, at
one time a resident of Minersville, this county, and a member of one of Schuyl-
kill county's old families. Mr. Roads was a coal operator in this region for
some time, and later carried on a feed business. Of his four children one son
died young; Matilda R. is the widow of Jacob S. Laurence, of Alinnesota,
and she resides at Ashland, Pa.; Purmillea is deceased; Ida M. was the wife
of Albert L. Laubenstein.
To Mr. and Mrs. Laubenstein were born six children : Howard R. died in
1902; Frank J. is mentioned below; Albert R. is manager of the Laubenstein
Manufacturing Company, of Ashland; Harry W. is also a member of that
company, as is E. Carl ; Ida R. is the youngest of the family. The father died
in March, 1909, the mother in May, 1910.
Frank J. Laubenstein was born Sept. 3, 1878, at Minersville, Schuylkill Co.,
Pa., and was brought up at Ashland, receiving his preparatory education in
the public schools there. After graduating from high school he took a course
at Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa., and in 1897 entered the Dickinson Law
School, at Carlisle, Pa. He was graduated from that institution in 1899. took
a post-graduate course there in 1902, and was admitted to the bar in Schuylkill
county in 1905. That year he began the practice of law at Ashland, and has
continued it since, giving considerable time to his profession in spite of the
fact that he has important interests in the local manufacturing field. His legal
work has attracted much favorable notice, and he has acquired a clientele rep-
resentative of the best interests in the community, the standing of his patrons
being sufficient comment on his own reputation. He is a member of the Law
Fraternity and of the American Bar .Association. As president of the Lauben-
stein Manufacturing Company he has been influential in shaping its present
policy and directing its affairs along thoroughly progressive lines, continuing
the course for which it has been noted throughout the ownership of the Lau-
bensteins. Frank J- Laubenstein is also doing effective work in local politics,
as a member of the Republican party. Though still a young man he has done
enough to show that he possesses the qualities for which the family name has
stood in this region for several generations.
Mr. Laubenstein is a member of the B. P. O. Elks and the P. O. S. of A.
His religious connection is with St. James' Lutheran Church.
The Laubenstein M.\nuf.\cturing Cgmp.xny has occupied a place as a
stable industrial asset of the town of Ashland for over fifty years. Started
by George Helfrig. it remained in his hands until purchased about 1875 by
Albert L. Laubenstein, then the manager of a similar plant at Ashland. ' He
had acquired considerable experience as a manufacturer of screens. After
taking over the factory he began to enlarge its facilities and the scope of the
work as increasing trade demanded, having a keen appreciation of the calls of
the market and foresight as to the improvement of his product and its adapta-
bility to various uses not hitherto appreciated. He carried on the business
until his death, following a policy of liberal expansion which kept the Lauben-
stein Company among the foremost of its kind. Following his death, in the
year 1909, it was carried on for a year by the estate, with his sons in charge.
In the latter part of 1910 his heirs, four sons and one daughter, incorporated
under the present name, the Laubenstein Manufacturing Company, the officers
614 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENxXSYLVANIA
being Frank J. Laubenstein, president ; E. Carl Laubenstein, vice president ;
Albert R. Laubenstein, manager ; Harry W. Laubenstein, secretary. All the
brothers were born and reared at Ashland. The product of the plant, princi-
pally perforated plates and wire screens, has a recognized reputation in the
market. Modern machinery and new appliances have been installed wherever
necessary, facilitating operations and bringing the equipment up to the maxi-
mum of efficiency. The enterprising spirit of the owners has animated every
branch of the work, which is going forward along the most approved modern
lines.
HENRY D. RENTSCHLER, M. D., of Ringtown, Schuylkill county, a
practicing physician there for over fifty years, has during all that period been
held in deserved esteem for his sincere devotion to the best interests of the
community in which he chose to spend his life. His labors have all been in
useful channels, contributing directly or incidentally to the general well-
being. As one of the guardians of local prosperity he has allied himself with
worthy movements of every character, whether their object was the eleva-
tion of social conditions, the widening of business opportunities, or the mate-
rial improvement of his borough. With broad intelligence and far-reaching
sympathies he combines a versatility of talent which not only assured his
professional success, but made him a valued cooperator in those enterprises
which require foresight, clear judgment and executive capacity. Brought into
close daily contact with all classes of his fellow citizens, he made practical
use of the knowledge thus acquired regarding their vital needs, and never
withheld his services in the promotion of such causes as he felt were favorable
to supplying them. For many years he was the honored medical adviser of
many a family, and though he has withdrawn from most of the arduous work
of the profession he is still in demand for consultation, and attends to a large
office practice.
The Rentschler family is of German stock, and was founded in Berks
county. Pa., about the time of the close of the Revolutionary war, there being
three brothers, one of whom settled in the city of Philadelphia, one near Sun-
bury, Pa., and the other, John George, in Bern (now Upper Bern) township,
Berks county. John George Rentschler was born Oct. ii, 1755, lived for many
years at Hamburg, Berks county, and afterwards followed farming and dis-
tilling near that place. In 1785 he married Catherine Wagoner, born Dec.
23, 1765, who died Jan. 2, 1847. They became the parents of teni children,
six sons and four daughters, namely : Daniel ; George, who settled out West ;
Samuel; Elizabeth, Mrs. Peter Philhps ; Jacob; Mrs. Qirist. Kauffman ; Mrs.
Joseph Kauffman ; and three others — two sons and one daughter.
Jacob Rentschler, son of John George and father of Dr. Henrj' D. Rent-
schler, was born April 3, 1804, on the old homestead, and was reared in Bern
township. He was a farmer and also owned a woolen mill, which stood upon
his farm, the buildings being still there, about three quarters of a mile from
Upper Bern post office. He manufactured woolen bedspreads and woolen
goods from which men's and women's clothing was made, and in his time
was known as an energetic, hard-working man. In about middle life he be-
came paralyzed, and during the rest of his life he was lame. He died at Bem-
ville Jan. 28, 1874. Mr. Rentschler was twice married, his first wife being
Sarali Fegley, by whom he had four children, namely: Charles F., Fietta,
Matilda and Frank. His second wife was Sarah Diehl, who died in 1845,
and by this union there were two children : Henry D. ; and Lewis, who died
in 1898, in his forty-fifth year.
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 615
Henry D. Rentschler was born May 5. 1841, in Upper Bern township,
Berks county, and there acquired his preliminary education in the pubhc
schools, which he attended up to the age of fifteen years. Then he was a
student in Washington Hall Seminary, at the Trappe, in Montgomery county.
Pa., for three years, and he began his medical studies in the office of Dr.
Devilla Schoener, at Shartlesville, Berks county. Entering the medical depart-
ment of the University of Pennsylvania in 1861, he was graduated in 1864,
and immediately thereafter settled at Ringtown, Schuylkill Co., Pa., where
he has since had his home and field of practice. His work has been general,
and his patrons during his active years were scattered over a wide territory,
the country adjacent to Ringtown and other boroughs in this part of the
county as well as his home place. He is an honored member of the Schuylkill
County Medical Society and of the Pennsylvania State Medical Society, and
respected by his contemporaries in the profession as well as by his
patients. His public services have a large place in the records of his section.
For twenty-eight years he held the position of school director in Union
township (before Ringtown was incorporated as a borough), and during
twenty-one years also acted as secretary of the board, where his recommenda-
tions were always received with respect and his opinions sought and valued.
In 1878 he was elected coroner of the county and filled that office for one
term, when its duties were both responsible and dangerous by reason of the
activities of the Molly Maguires. Politically he has always given his sup-
port to the Democratic party.
When the need for more solid financial institutions in this section became
apparent Dr. Rentschler lent his aid to their establishment, having been one
of the organizers of the Merchants' National Bank of Shenandoah, and was a
director of same for twelve years, until the First National Bank of Ringtown
came into existence, in 1904. He was interested in its organization, served as
vice president for some years, and is now president of the institution, which
has been a valuable adjunct to the business activities of the borough and sur-
rounding country. He owns a farm of eighty-seven and a half acres in the
borough, turned over to general agriculture and fruit growing.
Fraternally the Doctor affiliates with the Odd Fellows and Masons, belong-
ing to Ringtown Lodge, No. 287, I. O. O. F. ; to Mahanoy City Lodge, No.
357, F. & A. M.; Alizpah Chapter, No. 252, R. A. M., of Mahanoy City
(charter member) ; and Ivanhoe Commandery, No. 31, K. T., of Mahanoy
City. He and his wife and all of their children are members of the Lutheran
Church.
On Feb. 15, 1869, Dr. Rentschler was married to Emmaline Rumbel, of
Ringtown, who was bom there Feb. 21, 1852, and received her education in
the local public schools. Eight children have been born to this marriage:
Adalaide, born Aug. 19, 1870, completed a course in the Keystone State Nor-
mal School, at Kutztown, Pa., afterwards studied music in a seminary at
Hagerstown, and was organist of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church for
years ; she is now the wife of Dr. George R. Shenk, of Reading, Pa., and has
three children, Katherine F., Florence E. and Frederick R. Maurice F., born
Aug. 19, 1872, after receiving an excellent fundamental education entered the
University of Pennsylvania, but did not finish the course, and he is now
engaged in the confectionery business at Ringtown ; he married Sadie Rumbel,
daughter of Francis Rumbel, of Ringtown, and their children are Emmaline,
Winifred, Ralph M. and Frederick. Walter R., born Oct. 12, 1874, received
his education in the public schools of Ringtown, Bloomsburg State Normal
616 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVAXL\
School and the University of Pennsylvania Medical School, which he entered
in 1892, graduating in 1896, since when he has been in practice with his
father at Ringtown ; he married Edna Hughes, daughter of George S. and
Emily (Barrow) Hughes, of Clearfield, Pa., and their children are George
Hughes, Henry D., Emily B., Rebecca R. and Isabelle C. Sadie May. born
Dec. 10, 1876, graduated from the Bloomsburg State Normal School and
taught school at Ringtown ; she was organist of St. John's Evangelical Luth-
eran Church for over ten years; she died Feb. '7, 1907. when thirty years
old. Harry J., born Dec. 16, 1878, was formerly engaged as a machinist in
the hosiery mills at Ringtown, and is now farming there ; he married Pearl
Fuhrman, and they have had two children, Elizabeth (deceased) and Fuhr-
man Henry. Robert F., born May 23, 1881, graduated from the Keystone
State Normal School, at Kutztown. Pa., taught school a few terms, took a
course in a commercial college at Reading; and then entered the employ of the
E. & G. Brooke Iron Company, at Birdsboro, where he is accountant; he is
unmarried and makes his home at Reading. Elizabeth M., born Aug. 28,
1883, who lives at home, graduated from the musical department of the
Bloomsburg State Normal School, and has taught music at Ringtown, where
she has also been organist in the church since 1908. Guy H., born Sept. i,
1885, is a graduate of the Bloomsburg State Normal School, has taken courses
at Columbia University, New York (iity, and is now supervising principal of
the schools of Dunellen, New Jersey.
Mrs. Rentschler belongs to an old family of Schuylkill county, being a
granddaughter of Henry Rumbel, who was born Oct. 31, 1801, in East Bruns-
wick township, this county, where he owned land near Rauschs which he
traded for property in Union township, acquiring valuable holdings. He
had one tract principally in timber (now owned by Washington Rumbel),
cultivating the few acres which were cleared, and owned another which he
occupied and operated, selling the latter eventually to his son Henry. He
gave each of his sons a fann. Mr. Rumbel was independent in politics. He
was known for his high Christian character, and was a zealous member of
the Lutheran congregation of the Old White Church, in which he filled all
the official positions. His wife belonged to the Reformed denomination. Her
maiden name was Salome Andrews, and she was born Sept. 18. 1807. Mr.
Rumbel died Nov. 17. 1869. Mrs. Rumbel on May 20. 1887. and they are
buried at the Old White Church. They were the parents of the following
children : Henry married Elizabeth Singley ; Daniel is mentioned below ;
Jacob served in the Civil war. was wounded, and died from his injuries;
Joshua married Lucy Singley; Rebecca married William Laudig; Mary mar-
ried Levi Reber.
Daniel Rumbel, son of Henry, was bom Dec. 24, 1830, in East Brunswick
township, this county, and died at Ringtown June 26, 1891. He was educated
partly in his native township, but was still a boy when the family moved to
Union township, where he finished his schooling. During most of his early
life he helped his father on the farm, continuing thus for some time after his
marriage, and he also learned the trade of shoemaker. In time he bought a
farm of about 115 acres from his father, nearly all timbered, cut the wood
and cleared the ground, selling his lumber to the Catawissa Railroad Com-
pany, who used it in the construction of bridges along their road._ Later he
sold' fifteen acres to Jacob Laudig, retaining the remainder for himself and
carrying on general farming for some years. He sold another portion of this
tract to the Ringtown Fair Association for fair grounds. Below Ringtown
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 617
he owned a tract of fifty acres mostly in timber, on which he had a water-
power sawmill, and the timber cut there was used for mining and building
purposes. His general farming and lumbering operations were very profitable,
and he did well, but he was too good-natured for his own interest about gomg
on others' bonds, and as a consequence he failed financially, his property being
disposed of at sheriff's sale. After that he went into the shoe business at
Ringtown, conducting a store and working at the trade. He spent his later
years in retirement there.
Mr. Rumbel married Sarah M. Seltzer, who was born Sept. 7, 1832, in
East Brunswick township, and they had three children: Emmaline, wife of
Dr. H. D. Rentschler, of Ringtown; William H., born Jan. 29, 1854, who
rnarried Louisa Seitz ; and Trenton W., born in October, 1856, who married
Barbara Maurer. The mother died Sept. 2, 1914, and both parents are buried
at the Old White Church. Mr. Rumbel was a Lutheran member of that
church, and a Republican in political sentiment.
SALEM W. KOCH, who has valuable mercantile and agricultural in-
terests near Rauschs, in East Brunswick township, has been one of the most
enterprising residents of that portion of Schuylkill county for a quarter of a
century and more. He has taken a hand in the direction of township affairs
in various official capacities, and his personal influence has always been felt
as a distinct force for progress. In church and social affairs he has also
done his share, helping to raise the standard of the community by giving en-
couragement to every movement whose object appealed to his sympathies as
being worthy of support. He is a native of East Brunswick township, born
Sept. 21, 1848, son of William W. Koch and grandson of William Kocii.
William Koch, the grandfather, lived in Schuylkill county from early life,
and followed farming in East Brunswick township, where he owned a farm
of 180 acres, no acres of which were cleared ground. After operating this
farm for some years he sold it to his son, William W., and it is now the
property of George Zimmerman. After selling his farm he moved to Schuyl-
kill Haven and was a boatbuilder for the Schuylkill Navigation Company for
many years before his retirement. He died in that place, aged ninety-two
years. Mr. Koch married a Miss Bolich, by whom he had the following chil-
dren : William W. ; Daniel ; and Kate, who married John Deibert. For his
second wife he married Briggetta Schaeffer, who was from Berks county,
and they had one child, Lewis, who is unmarried. He became a Republican,
and served his fellow citizens as school director. Mr. Koch was first a member
of Christ Church at McKeansburg, but on his removal to Schuylkill Haven
became a member of the German Lutheran Church there. He and his sec-
ond wife are buried at Schuylkill Haven.
William W. Koch, father of Salem W. Koch, was educated in East
Brunswick township, and worked for his father until he was twenty years old,
when he married. Then he bought his father's farm and operated that place
for eight years, when he sold it and bought the mill property which Jonas
Kunkel now owns. He conducted the property for eight years, when he sold
out and removed to Lewisburg, Union Co., Pa., remaining there one year.
Then he removed to Selinsgrove, Snyder Co., Pa., and bought a property, but
held it only one year, when he sold and removed to East Brunswick township
and bought the mill property now owned by Elias Bachert. At that time the
property was known as the Weaver property. Mr. Koch operated the mill
and farm for eight years, when the mill burned down and he sold the property
618 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
to Elias Bachert. Then he removed to New Ringgold and from there to
Rauschs, where he lived retired. He was killed accidentally on the Lehigh
Valley railroad about a mile from his home, when on his way to go fishing.
He married Catherine Kershner, a daughter of William B. and Elizabeth
(Seltzer) Kershner, and they had three children: Oliver, who is deceased;
Salem W.; and Wesley W., who conducts a hotel at Mohnton, Berks Co.,
Pa., his mother, now eighty-nine years old, making her home with him (he
married Hannah Hartman). Mr. Koch was a Republican and was elected
school director. He joined the Church of God at Steigerwalt, McKeansburg,
and was an active church member. He is buried in Christ Church cemetery
at McKeansburg.
Salem W. Koch started his education in East Brunswick township, later
attending the seminary at CoUegeville and Lewisburg Academy. He pre-
pared himself for teaching, and taught one term at Selinsgrove, Snyder
county, after which he came to East Brunswick township, and worked in his
father's mill (now the Bachert mill), also operating the sawmill and assisting
on the farm. Later he engaged in the general store business in New Ring-
gold, where he remained five years, after which he removed to Rauschs Sta-
tion and bought his father-in-law's farm of eighty-six acres. He still owns
the same and has added to his holdings, having bought a tract of eighty acres
and later one of fifty-five acres from the Bachert land. All told he had i lo
acres under cultivation. Mr. Koch devoted himself to the operation of his
farm for a while, and when the Lehigh Valley railroad was built through that
section he put up his present store building, where he has done a general mer-
cantile business for the last twenty-four years. His son Luther now manages
the farm. He is a substantial man in his community and a good citizen. He
has been closely associated with the township government, having served as
auditor ; for four years as supervisor ; ten years as justice of the peace ; and
twenty-four years as school director, also acting as secretary of the board
throughout that period. As a worker of recognized value in the Republican
party he has been township committeeman fifteen years, and has served as
inspector of elections.
Mr. Koch has numerous social connections. He is a member of East
Brunswick Lodge, No. 802, I. O. O. P., of New Ringgold, and is a past grand ;
a member of Washington Camp No. 100. P. O. S. of A., of New Ringgold,
and a past president, and has been delegate to county and State conventions ;
belongs to Protection Council, No. 935, Order of Independent Americans,
McKeansburg, and is a past councilor. In religion he is a Lutheran, a member
of the Frieden's Church at New Ringgold, and he has taken a leading part in
the church and Sunday school afifairs. He was deacon for many years ; secre-
tary of the church council from twenty-four years of age until 1913; superin-
tendent of the Sunday school for several years; and was also superintendent
of the Bachert Sunday school for some time.
Mr. Koch married Maria Bolich, who was born Oct. 11, 1848, a daughter
of William and Mary (Sechler) Bolich, the latter coming from Lehigh county.
Mr. and Mrs. Koch have had six children : Luther Martin married Laura
Hartman and they have three children, Mildred Emma, Salem Hartman and
Roberta Maria ; Mary Catherine married W. M. Miller, of Topton, Pa., and
has one child, Bessie Florence ; Emma Elizabeth married George G. Shick, of
Pottsville, Pa., and has three children, Catherine Koch. Salem Henry and
Bernon George ; Salem W., William B. and Oliver are deceased.
John Bolich, Mrs. Koch's grandfather, farmed in East Brunswick town-
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 619
ship, where he owned about three hundred acres of land. He followed gen-
eral farming throughout his active years, but retired many years before his
death, which occurred when he was eighty-four years old. His wife, Susan
(Fisher), died at the age of fifty, and they are buried in the cemetery of the
Frieden's Lutheran Church, of which organization they were members. Polit-
ically he was a Republican. Their' children were as follows : John married
Hannah Sechler: George married Priscilla Wanamaker; Daniel married Eliz-
abeth Sechler; Samuel did not marry; William married Mary Sechler; Ben-
jamin married Mary Reinhard ; Joseph married Sarah Oswald; Susan mar-
ried Josepji Alspacli; Kate married Jesse Sechler; Hannah married Charles
Dreher ; Mary married Jacob Steinmetz ; Diana and Sarah never married.
William Bolich wasborn July 12, 1820, in East Brunswick township, and
was educated there. He worked for his father on the farm for some time
and before his father's death bought about eighty acres of the place, later pur-
chasing another farm of 100 acres, to which he removed. He cultivated that
tract until his death, which occurred when he was aged fifty-seven years.
He was actively interested in politics as a member of the Republican party,
served as school director, and belonged to the Frieden's Lutheran Church at
New Ringgold ; he is buried in the cemetery of that church. Mr. Bolich mar-
ried Mary Sechler, who was born March 10. 1823, in Lynn township, Lehigh
county, daughter of Jacob Sechler, whose wife's maiden name was Fussel-
man. Mrs. Bolich survives her husband, making her home with her daughter,
Mrs. Bauscher. Mr. and Mrs. Bolich had three children: Charles married
Sarah Kindt, of New Ringgold, Pa. ; Maria married Salem Koch, of Rauschs,
Schuylkill county; Emma is Mrs. David Bauscher.
WESLEY A. SELTZER belongs to two families of old and honorable
standing in Schuylkill county, being connected in the maternal line with the
Albrights, whose name has long been associated with high qualities of char-
acter, for which its representatives have been known.
The Seltzers were first established in Berks county. Pa., after their emigra-
tion to America. Jacob Seltzer emigrated in the year 1752 from the upper
Rhein, near Coblentz, in the vicinity of the famous "Seltzer Springs" in Ger-
many, where he was born in 1732. He settled in Heidelberg township (where
afterwards Womelsdorf was laid out), Berks Co., Pa., and became a natural-
ized citizen in 1765. Several years before (in 1762) he had established a
hotel in the village, which has been known until the present time as the "Selt-
zer House." He died in 1788. He was married to Maria Catharine Hiester,
of Bern township, who was born in 1735 and died in 1817. By her he had six
children : Jacob, who married Catharine KaufTman ; Michael, who enlisted
in the Revolution and died of fever shortly before the end of his term of
service ; Elizabeth, who married Dr. Michael Tryon, a prominent physician of
Tulpehocken ; Mary, who married Jacob Spang, a prominent ironmaster of
Oley ; Catharine, who married David Dewees; and a daughter who married
Christopher Reed.
Jacob Seltzer was born in 176.4 at Womelsdorf, where he carried on farm-
ingand kept hotel until his decease in 1825. He was married to Catharine
Kaufifman (daughter of Jacob, of Oley), born in 1766 and died in 1842, and
by her he had eight children : William married Catharine Ruth ; John married
Mary Van Reed: Daniel married a Weiser; David married Eliza O. Sheetz
and moved to Ohio ; Jacob married a Hassinger ; Michael married Catherine
Hain; Anna remained single; Elizabeth married George See.
620 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Michael Seltzer, great-grandfather of Wesley Seltzer, served in the Revo-
lutionary war, and was at Valley Forge. He was taken prisoner and con-
fined with others in an old stone church, where he starved to death. His
children were Abraham, John and Jacob.
Abraham Seltzer, son of Michael, was born in Berks county. Pa., and was
an early settler in East Brunswick township, Schuylkill county, where he fol-
lowed farming at Drehersville until his death, which occurred there. For a
number of years he kept hotel at that point, besides following agricultural
pursuits. He lived to the age of ninety-one years, and his wife, whose maiden
name was Catherine Faust, is buried with him at the Red Church. They had
the following family : Joseph, Elizabeth, Michael, Susan, Polly, Catherine,
Rebecca and Nathan. One married Daniel Ebling; another Edw. Ebling;
Michael married Mary Frey ; Nathan married Catherine Albright; Joseph
went West, where he died ; Mrs. Reuben Miller lived in the West.
Nathan Seltzer, son of Abraham, was born in December, 1827, in East
Brunswick township, and died at the early age of thirty-three. He was a
successful business man, following farming, and kept an inn at Drehersville
for a time, also carrying on a general mercantile business at that point. He
was a member of the Reformed Church, and is buried at the Red Church.
Politically he was a Democrat. His wife, Catherine, was a daughter of Peter
Albright, of West Brunswick township, and four children were born to this
union : Elizabeth, Wesley A., Oscar and Alary, all deceased but Wesley.
Mrs. Seltzer remarried, becoming the wife of John Walborn, but had no
children by that union.
Wesley A. Seltzer was born Jan. 22, 1865, at Drehersville, East Brunswick
township. Being only four years old when his father died he was reared by
his grandfather, Peter Albright, meantime attending the public schools of the
locality. He assisted his grandfather with the farm work until he reached
his majority, and from that time farmed on shares, also conducting a lime
quarry. He continued to carry on his agricultural work and quarrying for
twenty-one years in all, and in 1894 removed to Orwigsburg. where he pur-
chased the Jacob Hiest farm, a valuable tract of 135 acres, included within
the borough limits. Under Mr. Seltzer's management during the twenty years
and more of his ownership it has undergone steady improvement, and is up-to-
date in every respect, having reached a fine state of cultivation. Mr. Seltzer
has erected a house upon the land, which he rents. His time has always
been given to business, and he is known as one of the most progressive agricul-
turalists of his vicinity. He is a director of the South Schuylkill Farmers'
Fire Insurance Company, which he has been serving as treasurer for some
time. Politically he is a Republican, but has never taken any part in public
affairs. His religious connection is with the Reformed Church.
In 1874 Mr. Seltzer married Joanna Hoy, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth
(Faust) Hoy, and they are the parents of the following named children:
Frank P.. now engaged in farming in North Manheim township, this county ;
Mary, who lives at home; Anna, who taught school for a time, now married
and living in Orwigsburg; Catherine, wife of John Williams, living at Pine
Grove Furnace, Cumberland county. Pa. ; John W., living at Franklin Furnace,
N. J.; George I., now in New York State; Edward, a student at State Col-
lege ; and Albert, at home.
JOHN PFEIFFER, of Tower City, is one of the substantial business
men of his section of Schuylkill county. His own success would be suffi-
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 621
cient to justify his faith in the county as a field for investment, and he has
been among the promoters and supporters of some of the most progressive
enterprises set on foot within the last twenty years, taking a public-spirited
pride in securing for his locality the benefits afi'orded by the various con-
cerns in which he is interested. Mr. Pfeiffef is a native of Germany and a
typical member of his race, thorough-going, self-reliant, persevering and in-
dustrious. It is to these solid characteristics that his many friends in the
valley ascribe the good fortune he now enjoys.
Mr. Pfeiffer was born in Germany Oct. 26, 1864, son of Daniel Pfeififer,
also a native of that country. He brought his family to America in 1882 and
settled at Middleport, Schuylkill Co., Pa. In the old country he had been
variously employed, and here he was engaged for a time in coal washing, at
Brockton. Then he followed farming until his retirement. His death
occurred at iMiddleport, where his wife, Elizabeth (Pabst), also passed away,
and they are both buried there. They had the following children : Jacob,
John, Daniel, Frederick, Henry, Lewis, Charles, and Lena (who married
George W. Miller).
John Pfeiffer received his education in the Fatherland, being eighteen
years old when he accompanied the family to America. He had learned the
trade of stone cutter, and after his arrival in Schuylkill county was em-
ployed for ten years at the mines and on the railroad. By that time he felt
justified in starting business on his own account, and he opened the general
store at Tower City which he has conducted ever since, having one of the
best managed establishments in the town. The trade has increased steadily,
and Mr. Pfeifl'er has given his patrons the benefit of his prosperity, im-
proving his stock and facilities not only as the trade demands, but usually
in advance of its needs. His merchandise is of reliable quality, the service
is prompt and courteous, and no detail is neglected to insure satisfaction to all
customers. Mr. Pfeiffer also owns the "Commercial Hotel," carrying a
retail license, and he has considerable valuable real estate at Tower City and
in Porter township. He was one of the organizers of the Consolidated Elec-
tric Company which supplies light to New Philadelphia, Middleport, Cum-
bola and Schuylkill township, and also to Blythe township, and whose plant
was sold July i, 1915, to the Eastern Pennsylvania Light, Heat & Power Com-
pany. He was one of the first stockholders in the Tower City National Bank,
organized in 1902, and has been a director since 1914. He also helped to
organize the Electric Light Company at Tower City, which has since been
sold. Mr. Pfeiffer is a director of the Williamstown Water Company and
the Wiconisco Telephone Company. The only public ofifice he has ever con-
sented to fill is that of supervisor of Porter township.
Mr. Pfeift'er married Emma Ida Miller, daughter of Thomas Miller, and
they have three children, Ella, Charles and John. He and his family belong
to the Reformed Church. Socially he is a Mason, holding membership in
Ashler Lodge, No. 570, F. & A. M., of Lykens, Pa., and he also belongs to
the Moose lodge at that place; to Tower City Lodge, No. 755, I. O. O. F. ;
and to the Knights of the Golden Eagle.
WILLIAM FRANKLIN FUHRMAN, present burgess of the borough
of Ringtown. has been actively engaged in business there for a number of
years, following various lines. His principal interests now are in the line
of carpentry, and the steady demand for his services bears indisputable testi-
mony to his good workmanship and conscientious fulfillment of every obliga-
622 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENXSYL\'AXL\
tion. In his public duties he has been equally faithful, showing a sincere
desire to promote the best interests of the town where his unselfish, progress-
ive spirit is proving an influential element for good.
i\Ir. Fuhrman was born Jan. 30, 1861, in Union township, Schuylkill
county, son of Lewis Fuhrman, also a native of Union township, who was
occupied at farming and lumbering. During the Civil war Lewis Fuhrman
enlisted at Ringtown, this county, for three years, served his full term, and
received an honorable discharge at Harrisburg, Pa. He died in July, 1869,
and is buried at the old White Church near Ringtown. In religion he was a
Lutheran, in politics a Democrat. Mr. Fuhrman married Susanna Linden-
muth, who was born in October, 1838, in Union township, where she received
her education. Her father, John Lindenmuth, was a farmer in that town-
ship, owning a tract of over one hundred acres, part of which he cleared;
there was a great deal of valuable timber on his land. He belonged to the
Lutheran Church, and was a Democrat on political questions. He and his
wife Hannah ( Ponnebecker) are buried in a private graveyard in Union
township. They were the parents of the following children: Elizabeth, wife
of Frank Rhoades; Jacob, who married Catherine Ulshaffer; William, who
was twice married, his second wife being Eliza Diliplane; Rachel, wife of
Daniel Rhoades; Polly, wife of Daniel Zimmerman; Amanda, wife of Peter
Fry; and Susan, Mrs. Fuhrman.
Mrs. Susan Fuhrman, widow of Lewis Fuhrman, resides in Ringtown
borough. Six children were born to them: Caroline, who lives in Allentown,
Pa. ; William F. ; Amanda, wife of Samuel Miller, living at Black Hills, near
McAdoo, Schuylkill county; Barbara, deceased; Hannah, deceased, who was
the wife of George Titus, of Rush township, Schuylkill county ; and Henry,
of Ringtown, Pennsylvania.
William F. Fuhrman attended the Home and Lindner schoolhouses in
Union township, but as he was only eight years old when his father died he
began work when yet a boy, helping his mother. He was employed by
neighboring farmers until twelve years old, when he went to work in the
breaker of the colliery at Raven Run, this county, later doing inside tasks,
firing and running engines, etc. He remained there until nearly thirty years
old. when he entered the employ of Peter Dresher, as teamster in his lumber
woods and as wood chopper, continuing with him two years. For four years
afterwards he was in the hotel business at Ringtown on his own account, first
as proprietor of the "Eagle Hotel" and later of another house. He also
acquired manufacturing interests in the borough, being one of the stockhold-
ers of the Ringtown Knitting Mills, which he operated for a couple of years,
later selling out and renting the farm of Dr. H. D. Rentschler, in Ringtown,
which he conducted for four years. After the death of his father-in-law,
Samuel Dresher, he bought the latter's farm, but never operated that prop-
erty, which he sold later to Elmer Dennison, the present owner. In 1905
Mr. Fuhrman bought the William Snyder farm in Union township, which he
cultivated for one year, later selling the place to Jonathan Hetherington, who
in turn sold it to the present owner, Benjamin Zimmerman. Mr. Fuhrman,
however, retained eight building lots from the Snyder tract, and has disposed
of six of them, still holding two. He also owns a seventy-foot (front) lot in
Ringtown upon which he has erected a fine double dwelling house, which
he occupies. For a number of years past he has been devoting his energies
principally to the carpenter's trade, and he has a large number of patrons in
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 623
the borough and vicinity. From time to time Mr. Fuhrman has acquired
other interests, having been one of the first directors of the First National
Bank of Ringtown, in which capacity he is still serving; he attends the direct-
ors' meetings regularly.
For some years Mr. Fuhrman has kept in close touch with local public
afifairs, having served as election inspector in Union township before Ring-
town was incorporated as a borough, and he has earned a well merited repu-
tation for reliable service in public trusts. In 1913 he was honored as the
choice of the townspeople for the office of burgess, being the second incum-
bent of that important position since the incorporation of the borough. His
official acts have been such as to hold the allegiance of his original sup-
porters and gain him many new friends. Mr. Fuhrman has also been
active in other local interests, being a member of Ringtown Castle, No. 300,
Knights of the Golden Eagle, and of the Ringtown Lutheran Church ; many
years ago he served as superintendent of the Sunday school held in Home's
school in Union township.
Mr. Fuhrman married Elizabeth Dresher, who was born Feb. 23, 1861,
in Union township, where she received her education, remaining at home until
her marriage. She is an earnest member of the Ringtown Lutheran Church
and of its Ladies' Aid Society. Two children have been born to Mr. and
Mrs. Fuhrman: Pearl May, the daughter, born Oct. 17, 1887, received an ex-
cellent education in the public schools, graduating from the Ringtown high
school, taught school for three years in Union township, and is now the wife
of Harry Rentschler, a farmer, of Ringtown; they have had two children,
Elizabeth Alice (born Dec. 26, 1912, deceased) and Fuhrman Henry (born
Nov. 24, 1913). Samuel Robert, son of Mr. and Mrs. William F. Fuhrman,
born June 2, 1891, was educated in the local public schools and at the Blooms-
burg (Pa.) State Normal School, attending the latter for one term; he was
an employe of the Hooven Mercantile Company at Shenandoah at the time of
his death, Aug. 6, 191 3.
George Dresher, grandfather of Mrs. Fuhrman, was a native of Ger-
many. Coming to America he settled in Black Creek township, Luzerne
Co., Pa., where he farmed the rest of his life, and he is buried there
with his second wife. He was a member of the Lutheran Church. He
was twice married, and had five children by the first union : Samuel ; Polly,
Mrs. Henry Hetler; Katie, Mrs. Joseph Mostellor ; Elizabeth, Mrs. Aaron
Mostellor; and Lydia, Mrs. Paul Huntsinger. To the second marriage were
born : George, John and Henry all went West ; Stephen married Mary Etta
Link ; Susan married Charles Baer ; Sallie married Jeremiah Spiegel.
Samuel Dresher, father of Mrs. Fuhrman, was born Sept. 25, 181 5. in
Mifflin township, Columbia Co., Pa., was reared and educated in that county,
and became a prosperous farmer, owning three farms, one in Mifflin town-
ship, Columbia county, and two in Union township, Schuylkill county. When
he came to this county he settled on his large tract, which comprised 325 acres,
then in the woods. He cleared a considerable portion of that property and
carried on general farming for a number of years, but eventually gave up
agriculture, renting out his farms, and for some time conducted the "Eagle
Hotel" in Ringtown, owning the hotel property. When he withdrew from
that business he rented the hotel and bought a dwelling in Ringtown where
he spent the rest of his life in retirement. He died March 17, 1897, and his
325-acre farm was subsequently divided into three parts and sold; these
624 ~ SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
parts are now owned by Harry Shenk, Frank Lebenburg and the Girard
Estate, respectively. Mr. Dresher's other Union township farm is now
owned by Elmer Dennison. Mr. Dresher was actively interested in local
affairs, being a well known member of the Democratic party, tax collector of
his township, and a prominent worker in the Lutheran Church of Ringto\yn.
He is buried at the old White Church near Ringtown with his first wife,
Elizabeth (Hetler), who was born in Mifflin township, Columbia county,
and died at the age of thirty-six years, when her daughter Mrs. Fuhrman was
an infant. Her father, Peter Hetler, was a farmer in Milflin township, and
he and his wife are buried at Mifflinville, Columbia county. He was a Demo-
crat in politics. Mr. and Mrs. Hetler had two children, the other being a
son Henry, who married Polly Dresher. By his first wife Mr. Dresher had
the following children : Savina, Mahala, Mary Ann, Sydney Frances and
Boyd (who married Emma Bitting, now a resident of Ringtown) are all
deceased ; Peter married Sallie Hetherington ; George married Carolina Fry ;
Elizabeth is the wife of William F. Fuhrman. For his second wife Mr.
Dresher married Anna Lindermuth, daughter of Michael and Nima (Miller)
Lindermuth, and she survives him, being now (1915) about seventy-five years
old. To this union were born children as follows : Henry married Lizzie
Seltzer, and they make their home at Berwick, Pa. ; Santharella married Wil-
liam Long, and both are deceased; David, a resident of Ringtown, Pa., mar-
ried Adeline Brown ; Charles, of Girardville, this county, married Sallie Schap-
pell ; Anna is the wife of Irwin Seltzer, of Union township; Nima is the wife
of Luther Stauffer, of Ringtown ; Emma married Fred Jay, of Philadelphia,
Pa.; Fannie married Charles Richards; Ida married George Barnhart, of
Girardville, Pennsylvania.
H. J. HERBEIN, D. D. S., the subject of this sketch, was born in Bern
township, Berks county, son of Dr. J. S. and Elizabeth A. R. (Winter) Her-
bein, grandson of John Herbein, who removed to Bern township from Oley
township, Berks county, where the progenitor of the Herbein family in Penn-
sylvania located in 17 17. He was educated in the public schools of Bern town-
ship, and Sinking Springs, Berks county, and in Brunner's Scientific Academy,
Reading, Pa. After teaching in the public schools of Berks county for several
terms, Dr. Herbein took up the study of dentistry, in the Dental Department
of the University of Pennsylvania ; and was graduated from that institution,
April 13, 1883, with the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery. After practicing
for three years as assistant in the office of Dr. E. Slegel, Reading, Pa., he
opened an office in Pottsville, in March, 1886, where he has continued in the
active practice of his profession to the present time.
Dr. Herbein is a member of the Pennsylvania State Dental Society, the
Schuylkill County Dental Society and the Lebanon Valley Dental Association,
serving as Secretary of the last named organization for twenty-five consecu-
tive years, and as President in 191 1. As a charter member of the Historical
Society, he served as librarian of the Society, from its organization, in 1903,
until 1912, when he was elected secretary, which office he filled until 1915.
In November, 1912, he received the appointment of Local Registrar of
the Pottsville District of the Pennsylvania Department of Health ; at the
same time he was elected secretary to the Board of Health of Pottsville,
which offices he still holds.
Residing in one of the finest fossil fields in the country. Dr. Herbein has
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 625
devoted his leisure time to the collection of Coal Flora, and has a large col-
lection of typical specimens of coal fossils, as well as a very unique collec-
tion of fossil reptilian foot tracks from the Mauch Chunk Red Shales in the
vicinity of Pottsville.
In 1893, Dr. Herbein was married to Miss Bertha M. Stichter, of Potts-
ville, taking as a residence and dental office the residence. No. 407 Garfield
Square, Pottsville, where, with their family of three daughters and one son,
they still reside.
GEORGE HOFF STICHTER. With the band of pioneers who blazed
the trail through the wilds of Schuylkill county, Pa., in the year 1827, there
was one young man who had just reached his majority, by the name of George
Hoff Stichter, son of Peter Stichter. He was born in Reading, Berks Co.,
Pa;, Feb. 13, 1805, and was educated in a private night school which he
attended after the day's labor. He learned the trade of tinsmith with his
cousin, John Stichter. of Pottsville, Pa. In 1829, upon the death of John
Stichter. he purchased the good-will and interest in the stove and tin busi-
ness from the estate, and branched out very extensively, employing twelve
to fifteen journeymen in his factory, all hand work, and using three teams
on the road to sell the finished product north, east, south and west.
George H. Stichter was a natural-born mechanic and inventor. In 1831
he patented an improvement on the first cook stove. In 1832 he designed and
patented the cylinder stove now in use. In 1833 he patented and manu-
factured the first heating stove for house use to burn coal in the United
States. Up to then grates walled in were used exclusively. In 1845 he
added hardware to his stove and tin business, and continued in active life
until 1876, when he retired, dying May 4, 1887. He served as county com-
missioner from 1845 to 1848, as school director, councilman and tax collector,
was a member of the old Schuylkill County Troop in the thirties and forties,
and a charter member of the first Lutheran Church at Pottsville.
On May 11, 1S30, George H. Stichter was married to Mary, daughter
of John Hahn. of Reading, Berks county. They were blessed with eleven
children, of whom four survive : Henry P. Stichter, retired hardware mer-
chant ; Emma Fox, widow of Augustus Fox, grocer ; Anna Rich, widow of
Isaac Rich ; and Joseph Stichter, clerk with the Coal & Iron Company-
all of Pottsville, Pennsylvania.
JAMES LORAH, of East Union township, has had his chief interests
in the lumber business for a number of years. At present he deals exclusively
in mine timber, operating as a lessee and working the timber under royalty.
Possessed of noteworthy business qualities, Mr. Lorah has made his way in
the world one of constant progress, in the course of which he has drawn
to himself the respect of all his associates and the good will of his fellow men
generally by the unselfish spirit he has shown and a keen sense of responsi-
bility towards others, manifest in all his transactions.
The Lorahs are an old family of this section of Schuylkill county. Michael
Lorah, the grandfather of James Lorah, was born May 18, 1788, in Berks
county. Pa., and was of French descent. His education was acquired in the
local subscription schools. He followed farming and shoemaking, owning
a farm of one hundred acres, which included the property where his grand-
son James Lorah now lives, in what is now East Union township, Schuylkill
Vdl. II— 2
626 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANLA
county. It was all Union then. He died on his farm ]\Iay 6, 1S52, and is
buried with his wife at St. John's German Reformed Church, of which he
was a member. In politics he was a Whig. It is supposed that Michael
Lorah was twice married, and the maiden name of his first wife, born Dec.
23, 1793, died March 6, 1837, was Hannah Fry. His second wife's maiden
name was Polly Long. His children were: Emmanuel, who married Mary
Houser ; Henry, deceased ; Lafayette, deceased ; Daniel, who married Polly
Schappell, both now deceased ; Joshua, deceased : John, who married Cath-
erine Johnson (she is deceased); Susanna, who married Aaron Gross;
Hannah, wife of Samuel Beaver; Lucy, who died young, and William, who
died young.
Joshua Lorah, son of Michael, was born July 11, 1S30, in Union town-
ship, that part now included in East Union, and there grew to manhood,
meantime receiving his education in the local district schools. During his
younger days he worked for his father on the home place, and after his
marriage he lived as a tenant on various farms, continuing thus for a number
of years. W'hen Michael Lorah died his son Emmanuel bought the home-
stead, which he operated until his death, when it was sold by the adminis-
trators to Elias Peifer, who subsequently sold sixty-three acres of the orig-
inal tract to Joshua Lorah. He carried on general farming there for a con-
siderable period. In his later life he cut up thirteen acres of this property
into building lots and laid out the town of Phinny, including iSo lots. As he
died before they were all sold his son James, as administrator of the estate,
continued to dispose of them, buying two of them himself, upon which he
built his present home. That part of Joshua Lorah's farm remaining un-
divided was bought by his son Michael upon the mother's death, and is
now owned by Jacob Landauhl.
Mr. Lorah married Elizabeth Johnson, who was born Sept. 3, 1831, in
Northumberland county. Pa., daughter of Henry Johnson, and was of Eng-
lish ancestry. ]\Irs. Lorah survived her husband, his death occurring Feb.
4, 1895, hers Feb. 9, 1899, and they are buried at St. John's Reformed and
Lutheran Church in East Union township. He was a prominent Reformed
member of that church, in which he held the highest offices, serving many
years as elder and deacon, and also acting as treasurer. Politically he was
a Republican, and kept up an interest in local public affairs ; he served as one
of the directors of the school district and as treasurer of same. To Mr. and
Mrs. Joshua Lorah were born the following children : Hannah married John
Deeble, and both are deceased ; Michael, deceased, married Sarah Huntsinger,
who now resides at Mountain Grove, Luzerne Co., Pa. ; Thomas, a resident
of East Union township, married Missouri Applegate; Emma died in infancy;
Mary died in infancy; Albert, deceased, married Anna Irwin, who lives at
Allentown, Pa. ; James is next in the family ; Sarah, deceased, was the wife
of Williani Schaeffer, who lives in Alabama ; Rebecca Elizabeth is the widow
of Andrew B. Faust, and lives next door to her brother James ; Oscar, of
McAdoo, Schuylkill county, married Clara Applegate ; Ida is married to John
Wilhelm, of W'illiamsport, Pa. ; Jacob married Jennie Davis of Brandonville,
Schuylkill county, and moved to Cleveland, Ohio.
James Lorah was born ]\Iay 18. i860, in East Union township, Schuyl-
kill county, where he was reared and educated, attending Lorah's school. He
was trained to agricultural life, working on his father's farm until twenty-six
years old, after which he was employed as a section hand on the Philadelphia
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANL\ 627
& Reading road for nine months. His next work was for William and Elder
Spangler, in the lumber woods at Andenried, Carbon county, being in their
employ about two years, and later he was a stationary engineer for Coxe
Brothers & Co., at their Oneida (Schuylkill county) colliery, for a period of
eleven years. His sister. Mrs. Andrew B. Faust, having bought the lumber
business of her deceased husband at the administrators' sale, he went into
partnership with her under the name of Mrs. Andrew Faust & Brother, and
they had joint interests for the next nine years, when they sold out. Later
Mr. Lorah formed another partnership, with his brother Michael, in the
same line, and they were together five years, dissolving the association by
mutual consent. James Lorah is now alone in the lumber business, con-
fining his transactions entirely to mine timber. He has other important con-
nections also, being one of the most active business men in his community,
and his encouragement of any project is considered a recommendation. He
was one of the first directors of the Ringtown National Bank, and is still
serving in that capacity.
Like the earlier generations of his family in this region Mr. Lorah has
taken a deep interest in the prosperity of St. John's Reformed Church, which
he is serving as elder at present ; he was formerly a deacon. With his brother-
in-law. Andrew B. Faust, and others, he built the present house of worship,
Mr. I'"aust furnishing the lumber and Mr. Lorah contributing lilierally of
money and supervising the erection of the building. He has always taken a
leading part in the enterprises of this church. Fraternally he is an Odd
Fellow, belonging to Ringtown Lodge. No. 287, which he joined Oct. 9, 1890.
His political support is given to the Republican party. He has sened his
township six years as school director, for two years being president of the
board.
Mr. Lorah was united in marriage with Margaret Catherine Faust, who
was born May 3, 1863, in East Union township, where she was reared and
educated, remaining at home until her marriage. She is a Lutheran member
of St. John's Church, and formerly taught in the Sunday school. Children
as follows have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Lorah : Derwin Ezra, born Dec.
10, 1891, received his early education in the township schools, and later took
the college preparatory course at the Bloonisburg (Pa.) State Normal School,
from which he was graduated ; he is a member of the Improved Order of
Red Men at Sheppton, Schuylkill county, and belongs to St. John's Reformed
Church. Ivy May, born July 12, 1894, began her education in the township
schools, later attending one year at the Bloomsburg Normal and taking one
summer course at Perkiomen Seminary, Pennsburg, Pa., and is now teach-
ing the Oneida school in East Union township ; she is a member of St. John's
Reformed Church. Olive Margaret, born Jan. 5, 1898, acquired her early
education in the township schools and is now attending the Keystone State
Normal School at Kutztown, Pa. ; she is a member of St. John's Reformed
Church. Beulah Caroline, born June 2, 190x3, is attending high school at
Sheppton, in East Union township. James Russell, born Dec. 14, 1904, and
Heber Daniel, born Oct. 14, 1907, are attending school in the township.
Henry Faust, grandfather of Mrs. Lorah, was born April 8, 1780, prob-
ably in East Brunswick township, and died June 6, 1871, aged ninety-one
years, one month, twenty-eight days. He is buried at the Old White Church
near Ringtown. and his wife, whose maiden name was Mengle, is buried at
Weissport, Carbon Co., Pa. It is supposed they were farming people. Mr.
1153970
628 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Faust was a Democrat in political sentiment. His children were : James,
who married Levina Moyer; Frank, who married Dorothy; Michael; Daniel;
Elizabeth (deceased), who married Jacob Trout; and Catherine, widow of
Henry Eisenhart, living at Brownsville, Pennsylvania.
Daniel Faust, father of Mrs. Lorah, was born near McKeansburg, in East
Brunswick township, Feb. 27, 1828, and was there reared and educated. Dur-
ing his young manhood he worked out among farmers, and in time bought a
farm of his own, at Brandonville, in East Union township, Schuylkill county,
upon which he followed agricultural pursuits the remainder of his life. His
death occurred Oct. 11, 1910. and he is buried with his wife, Carolina
(Bitting), at the Old White Church near Ringtown. She was born Oct. 6,
1835, daughter of Charles and Margaret (Beaver) Bitting, and died Aug.
II, 1914, at the home of her son-in-law, James Lorah. They had the follow-
ing children: Hannah Malinda married Jacob Brobst, and they live at Hazle-
ton. Pa.; Amanda Elizabeth is the wife of Frank Scott, of Brandonville, this
county; Andrew B. (deceased) married Rebecca Elizabeth Lorah; Margaret
Catherine is the wife of James Lorah; Daniel Wesley married Rebecca
Bolander, and they live at Hazleton ; Silas Mayberry (deceased) married
Charity Creasy, and she resides at Forks, Columbia Co., Pa. The father
of this family was a Democrat and a Lutheran, belonging to St. John's
Church in East Union township, which he served as deacon.
HENRY L. MILLER has had his residence and business headquarters
at Port Carbon for a number of years. But having had interests at various
other points in Schuylkill county, and retaining important connections in sev-
eral places besides his home town, he has more than local reputation and
standing. Mr. Miller has exhibited in large degree the qualities which made
his father one of the most valuable citizens of this region in his day, admired
for his energetic and progressive character and respected for his substantial
contributions to the development of the locality.
John Frederick Miller, the father, was of German nativity, born in the
kingdom of Wurtemberg. There he spent his childhood and youth, coming
to this country when twenty-one years old. He landed at Castle Garden, New
York City, came as far as Landingville, Schuylkill Co., Pa., by canalboat, and
thence walked to Orwigsburg, where he found work with Reuben Hoy as a
farm hand. Some time later he purchased 145 acres of land in West Bruns-
wick township, lying one mile north of Orwigsburg, the old Leymeister
farm. Part of it was still covered with brush and timber, and he continued
the work of clearing and cultivation until 1895, i" which year he removed to
the borough of Orwigsburg. The property remained in the Miller family
for forty-five years, and is now owned by Fred Blacker. John F. Miller
acquired extensive and valuable real estate holdings at Orwigsburg. and
exerted himself very effectively in introducing modern conditions of life into
that town. The first sewers laid there were of his construction, and he was
the original owner of the system, now in the possession of his son Henry L.
Miller. When the borough was ready to provide a public water supply the
necessary land was purchased from him for the works, reservoir, etc., and
he assisted the project in every possible way. He was one of the original
jKirtics interested in the Orwigsburg Fair Association, which for years enter-
taiind the people throughout this section. He was the first to start in the ice
business at Orwigsburg, and carried it on successfully, as he did everything
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PEXXSYLVANL\ 629
else he undertook. Indeed, his fellow citizens had such confidence in his
judgment and faith in his disinterested public spirit, that few men of his
time were more influential in guiding local affairs, though he took no special
part in the administration of public matters. However, he was a zealous mem-
ber of the German Lutheran Church at Orwigsburg, having been one of
the founders of the church, and he assisted in building the present St. Paul's
Church, which he served as trustee. Mr. Miller lived to the age of seventy-
eight years, dying in 1909, after several years of retirement. He is buried in
the Lutheran cemetery at Orwigsburg.
Mr. Miller married Sophia Dietrich, also a native of Wurtemberg, Ger-
many, who came to America when twenty years old, and died at Orwigs-
burg at the age of seventy-nine years. They were married at that place,
and the following children were born to their union: Elizabeth died young;
Mary died young ; William, who lives at McAdoo, this county, is engaged in
the ice business and has a farm in the Ouakake valley ; Henry L. is next in
the family; George B. is living at Orwigsburg; John J. is a resident of Shen-
andoah, this county; Catherine is the wife of John Reidler, of Orwigsburg;
Rosie is the wife of Charles H. Hein, who is serving as poor director of
Schuylkill county; Frederick hves at Pottsville. Mr. and Mrs. Miller also
reared her sister's son, Jacob Koenig, who was born in Germany and was
brought to America when nine months old.
Henry L. Miller was born May 28, 1862, at Orwigsburg, and had school
privileges there and in West Brunswick township. His early years were
spent in assisting his father on the farm. At the age of eighteen he went
to learn the business of broommaking, in which eventually he became engaged
on his own account, following it for seven years at Orwigsburg and Auburn,
this county ; he also made brushes. Then he entered the hotel business at
Lakeside, this county, also taking charge of the pleasure resort grounds
there for a period of four years. Returning to Orwigsburg, he became inter-
ested in the manufacture of paper boxes in company with Samuel Miller,
under the firm name of Miller & Miller, carrying on the business which they
sold to George Ketner and which is now owned and operated by Oscar Knipe.
For several years following Henry L. Miller gave his time chiefly to the
timber business, and at the same time conducted coal washeries along the
Schuylkill river, near Schuylkill Haven, taking out thousands of tons of coal,
and finding the venture very profitable. In 1902 he came to Port Carbon
and purchased the knitting plant then owned by George Heebner, and imme-
diately set about improving and enlarging the facilities, foreseeing the great
possibilities in the business. He rented "the old building of the Evangelical
Church at Port Carbon, remodeled it to suit his needs, installed modern ma-
chinery, and for the next six years operated the plant under the name of the
Superior Knitting Mills. The business was then incorporated as the Superior
Knitting Company, with Mr. Miller as president and general manager, Messrs.
S. R. Beddall (ex-sherifif) and G. W. Beddall being the other members of
the firm. They continued together until Aug. i, 1914, when Mr. Miller,
having new ideas which he wished to put into practice, resigned as president
and general manager of the Superior Knitting Company and formed a part-
nership with his son, John J. Miller, under the name of H. L. Miller & Son.
They have erected a fine modern, three-story brick plant on South Coal street.
Port Carbon, one of the most complete of its kind in the State, equipped'
with the most-tipproved machinery known to the trade, lighted, heated and
630 SCHUYLKILL COUXTY, PENNSYLVANIA
ventilated in accordance with the latest ideas, admirably appointed, in fact,
for the production of the highest class of work under the most favorable con-
ditions. The Millers deserve no less credit for the consideration they have
shown in respect to the welfare of their employes than for intelligent dis-
crimination in the choice of machinery' and the arrangement of their estab-
lishment. They employ one hundred skilled workers, who turn out the finest
grades of underwear, sold to jobbers all over the world. Mr. Miller's char-
acteristic thoroughness has left no weak points in the business, his familiarity
with the details of manufacturing being well supplemented with executive
ability and grasp of trade conditions. He is one of the owners in the Potts-
ville Bleaching & Dyeing Company, and for a time was the president of that
concern, but is now vice president, Mr. John P. Schwenk, of Schuylkill Haven,
taking the presidency; John J. Miller (son of Henr}' L. Miller) is secretary
and treasurer. Mr. Schwenk and Mr. Miller erected the plant (at Potts-
ville) in 1909. It is provided throughout with modern machinery and facili-
ties of every description, being one of the most up-to-date factories of the
kind in the State, and the company has established a remunerative business
in this section, many factories having found its conveniences very advan-
tageous.
Mr. Miller is a large property owner at Orwigsburg. His holdings at one
time included the "Harlon House" there, and he formerly owned his father's
farm, but sold it in 1910. At one time he owned another farm in West
Brunswick township. Success has come to him as the result of work, for
though his ability is exceptional his application and perseverance have been
equally noteworthy, and he has maintained a name for honor and integrity
in every transaction. While a resident of Orwigsburg he was an officer in
the Lutheran Church. At one time he was an active member of the Mahanoy
City Gun Club and enthusiastic in the sport, being one of the best wing and
rifle shots in this section.
In 1885 Mr. Miller was married at Orwigsburg, by Rev. H. I. Erb, to Ida
Amanda Honsberger, daughter of Jacob S. and Mary Matilda (Walborn)
Honsberger. Her father now resides at New Ringgold, Schuylkill county.
She is a great-granddaughter of Uris Walborn, an early settler at Pinedale,
Pa. The Honsberger and Walborn families are mentioned elsewhere in this
work. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have two children, Lottie Irene and John J.,
both living at home.
John J. Miller was bom Sept. 2, i88g, at Lakeside, this county, and
received his. education principally in the local public schools, attending high
school at Port Carbon. In 1909 he was graduated from the Peirce business
college, at Philadelphia. That year he found employment in the accounting
department of the Eastern Steel Company's plant at Pottsville, but after a
short experience there became associated with H. O. KoUer, of Reading, Pa.,
and established the Pottsville Motor Car Company. They did business at
Potts\iUe, selling the Buick, Franklin and E. M. F. cars. Two years
later Mr. Miller bought out his partner, and thereafter conducted the business
alone until he formed an alliance with Theodore K. Leininger, of Orwigs-
burg, under the name of the Pottsville Automobile Company. Their loca-
tion was on Centre street, Pottsville, and they did a successful business, being
sole agents for the Buick cars in Schuylkill county. In October, 1914, Mr.
Miller having made arrangements to enter the manufacturing business with
his father, sold his interests in the automobile business to Mr. Leininger, and
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PEN\'SYLVANL\ 631
he is now devoting all his time to his duties as junior member of the firm of
H. L. Miller & Son and secretary and treasurer of the Pottsville Bleaching
& Dyeing Company. He is business-like, industrious and popular, and has
excellent prospects of taking his place among the wide-awake men of the
borough.
Mr. Miller holds membership in the Patriotic Order Sons of America,
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Junior Order United American
Mechanics, the T. P. A., and the Pottsville Motor Club.
CHARLES MEYERS, proprietor of the Evening Chronicle, Pottsville,
was born in Branch township, near Minersville, Schuylkill Co., Pa., Nov.
25, 1855. He is descended from German ancestors, his parents, Jacob and
Susanna (Laudemann) Meyers, being natives of Bavaria. They immigrated
to America in 1852, and were married in Minersville, spending the rest of
their lives in Branch township, near Minersville. The father died in March,
1894, at the age of sixty-seven, and the mother died three months later, at
the age of seventy-two. Charles Meyers has been entirely self-dependent
from early youth. His parents were not financially able to afford him the
advantages of an education, and he left school at the age of ten years, to
join the army of slate pickers at the mines. He was employed in this capa-
city and that of "loader" until eighteen years of age. Thereafter he was
engaged in various lines of work for a number of years, until after his mar-
riage, in 1880, when he returned to the mines as a foreman, being thus em-
ployed for several years, at different places. In 1894 he became the super-
intendent of the Brookwood Coal Company's washery at Mahanoy Plane,
both he and his brother Harry having an interest in the $50,000 plant there
erected. In 1896 Mr. Meyers resigned this position and was nominated as
Republican candidate for the office of county commissioner, a position to
which he was elected by a handsome majority. xA.fter this Mr. Meyers again
returned to the mines, having retained his interest in the property previously
mentioned, and soon thereafter considerable change was made in the propri-
etorship, other property was purchased, and the business of the firm expanded.
It now became known as the Madeira, Hill & Co., consolidating with the G. B.
Newton & Company, and Mr. Meyers owned a one-third interest, being
superintendent of the business. Leases were secured on additional property,
in different parts of the county, the business being devoted to mining and
washing culm banks, which proved profitable. In August, 1903, Mr. Meyers
sold his interest in the extensive business here briefly described, and in
May, 1905, he purchased the Chronicle, which is one of the principal daily
papers in Pottsville, as it is also one of the oldest. The Chronicle from time
to time, since Mr. Meyers has acquired it, has been thq leader in a number
of crusades. Especially was it instrumental, in the fall and winter of 1909,
in clearing up the stigma resting on Schuylkill county politics, resulting in
many of the crooked ways of the professional politician Ijeing made straight,
and the eft'ect of which is still wholesome on the entire county. The plant
is large and valuable, fully equipped for all kinds of job and book work, as
well as the publication of a daily newspaper.
On Feb. 8, 1880, Mr. Meyers was married to Caroline Semmet, of Cres-
sona. Schuylkill county. Her parents, Frederick and Elizabeth (Leonard)
Semmet, were natives of Bavaria, and located at Cressona in an early day.
Her father was killed in a railroad accident in 1875, and her mother died at
632 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENXSYLVAXL\
Cressona in 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Meyers have two daughters, Marion and
Helen, the latter now the wife of Lester E. Schlaseman.
CHRISTOPHER LOESER, ESQ., who at the time of his death was
the oldest member of the bar of Schuylkill county, was born in Montgomery
county. Pa., Nov. 5, 1793, the son of Christian and Elizabeth (Stringer)
Loeser. He came to Schuylkill county in 1814. During the war of 1812 Mr.
Loeser served as a lieutenant in a company from this county, commanded by
Capt. Theophilus Hughes, which in 1814 was stationed in Baltimore. He
was for some years clerk in the prothonotary's office under Dr. McFarland,
who was the first prothonotary under the new county organization of Schuyl-
kill. Subsequently Mr. Loeser became deputy sheriff under Benjamin Christ.
In 1820, as deputy marshal, Mr. Loeser took the first census of the county,
going over much of the ground necessarily on foot. He read law under
James B. Hubley, Esq. ; was admitted to the bar of. Schuylkill county July
31, 1820, and commenced the practice of the law at Orwigsburg, then the
county seat of Schuylkill. He entered upon a professional career, which con-
tinued until he became enfeebled by disease, for nearly half a century. With
great natural ability he united legal learning, untiring industry, sterling integ-
rity and fidelity to the interests of his clients, who gave to him their un-
limited confidence.
During his long professional career Mr. Loeser acted as legal adviser to
many of "the mining companies. So well known was his sense of what was
just and proper, that he quelled many an incipient riot in the numerous strikes
among the coal miners of his time, by merely raising his hand, and directing
the men to return to work, telling them that he would personally present their
grievances to the operators, and he never betrayed the confidence. After
the removal of the county seat to Pottsville, Mr. Loeser became a resident
of that borough, where death, which occurred March 27, 1865, at the age of
seventy-two years, closed his long and useful career. Mr. Loeser was mar-
. ried to Louisa Bartle Sept. 15, 1833.
WILLIAM N. STINE, a prominent resident of Barry township, has
occupied his home place there for over thirty years. He has prospered and
has made investments from time to time in other farm lands, still retaining
valuable interests of the kind. But he has availed himself of the opportunities
to go into other fields, has been a successful trader, and at present does con-
siderable business handling real estate.
The Stine family is of German extraction. Jonas Stine, father of William
N., was born in the Mahantongo valley, in this section of Pennsylvania, where
his earlier ancestors settled. He was one of three brothers, and also had
three half brothers, John, W^illiam and Safenos, two of whom, William and
Safenos, were in the military service during the Mexican war. Jonas Stine
in his youth followed carpenter work, but he soon became engaged in the
buying and selling of horses, bringing many from the West. Later he became
a merchant, having a store at Gettysburg, whence he removed to Dark Corner,
in Columbia county. His next change was to Shamokin, Northumberland
county, and subsequently he was located at Mount Carmel, that county, from
which place he moved to the farm in Mahantongo where the rest of his life
was spent. He was accidentally killed in 1869, by being thrown from a
wagon. Mr. Stine's energetic disposition made him active in other lines as
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 633
well as in business, and he was a leader of public opinion among his neigh-
bors, being regarded as an authority on law and politics in Mount Carmel.
He married Eva Ann Lake, who was born near Reed station, in Northum-
berland county, daughter of John Lake, a farmer, who settled early in North-
umberland county and continued to live there to the end of his days. . Mrs.
Stine was one of a large family, three sons and several daughters: John,
Daniel, Milton, Eva Ann, Mahalia, Kate, Martha, and Maria. Daniel, Mil-
ton, and several of the daughters still survive.
To Mr. and Mrs. Stine were born three children : Louis lives at Ansted,
W. Va. ; Dora died young; William N. completes the family. He was only
a small boy when the mother died, in 1855, and the father remarried, having
several children by the second union : John W. ; Hannibal C. ; Jonas G. ; Flora,
and Elizabeth.
William N. Stine was born in 1851 at Shamokin, Northumberland county,
received the principal part of his education in the schools of Mount Carmel,
and when yet a boy began work at the mines. He was first employed at the
breaker, and he was afterwards in the mines, spending a year thus in dififerent
capacities. When only fifteen years old he became engaged in the business
his father followed so successfully, dealing in horses, in which line he later
developed an extensive trade. In 1883 he came to his present home property
in Barry township, Schuylkill county, a farm of over one hundred acres, and
for a number of years, in connection with its management, was extensively
engaged in buying, selling and exchanging property. He acquired other
farm property, at one time owning as many as eight farms. Some of his
capital has been attracted to other quarters, being at present invested in the
coal fields of West \"irginia. Besides his operations in real estate he has an
interest in several hotels and local bank stock, a practical proof of his faith
in the stabihty of business conditions in Schuylkill county. Though not a
public man in any sense he is an influential member of the community, where
his intelligence and substantial qualities of character are highly appreciated.
In 1871 Mr. Stine married Phietta W'ehry, a native of the Mahantongo
valley, where her father, David Wehry, was an early settler and became
extensively engaged in farming. Mrs. Stine's brothers, Daniel and Amos,
survive. Mrs. Stine died May 23, 1901, the mother of one child, Charles
Henry, who lives in Barry township, this county. He married Sallie Berry,
of that township, and they have had a large family, eight still living.
FRANK W. BAUSUM, one of the leading merchants at Pottsville, bears
a name which has been associated with the development of Schuylkill county
from its early days, the family having been established here by his great-
grandfather. In every generation the Bausums have been conspicuous for
industry, honesty and the other substantial characteristics which are at the
foundation of good citizenship and progress in any community. The present-
day members of the family are no exception.
Conrad Bausum, the emigrant ancestor of this family, came from Alsace-
Lorraine, near the border line of Germany, settling in America in young
manhood. He located near what is now Orwigsburg, in Schuylkill county,
Pa., and followed the miller's trade at Orwigsburg, as well as farming. He
died there, and is buried in the old cemetery at that place. His children were:
John; Philip; William; and Sarah, who went West with a family by the
name of Allairs.
634 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANL\
Philip Bausum, son of Conrad, was born at Orwigsburg, Pa., and spent
most of his Hfe there, dying at the comparatively early age of thirty-five
years. He is buried at Orwigsburg. By occupation he was a carpenter and
builder. He married Rebecca Reinheimer, daughter of Jacob Reinheimer,
of Berks county, Pa., and they became the parents of the following children:
Mary, who died in infancy; Edw., deceased; Henry, deceased; Daniel F. ;
Sarah, who died in infancy; and Emma, who married Charles Reinhart.
Daniel F. Bausum, father of Frank W. Bausum, was born at Orwigs-
burg Feb. 9, 1840, and owing to his father's untimely death had few advan-
tages. When but seven years old he began to work for Isaac Orwig, Sr.,
by whom he was employed until he reached the age of fourteen, and he also
drove a store team for Isaac Orwig, Jr. His next employer was George
Moser, for whom he did farm work for some time at Pine Creek. Return-
ing to Orwigsburg he worked there until the Civil war broke out, enlisting
Aug. 5, 1861, in C9mpany K, 48th Pennsylvania Volunteers, with which he
served to the close of the'war, reenlisting Jan. i, 1864, in the same company.
He was in the corps under Gen. Ambrose E. Bumside, and took part in
thirty-seven battles, every one in which his regiment was engaged except
that at Newport. After the war he returned to Pottsville and entered the
employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Company, being engaged in railroad
work with that company from Aug. 7, 1865, until March, 191 1, when he was
pensioned. He is now living retired. Mr. Bausum married Anna Wesley,
daughter of Peter Wesley, of Berks county, Pa., near Reading. They have
had five children: George, of St. Clair, this county, a merchant; Mary, de-
ceased; Anna, who is teaching public school at Pottsville; Frank W. ; and
Cora B., at home.
By virtue of his service in the Civil war Mr. Bausum holds membership
in Gowen Post, No. 23, G. A. R., of Pottsville, and in the encampment of the
Union Veteran Legion at that place. He is also a member of the I. O. R. M.
His religious connection is with the Trinity Reformed Church of Pottsville.
Politically he is independent, casting his ballot for the candidates he favors
regardless of the party which sponsors them.
Frank W. Bausum was born Feb. 16. 1872. at Pottsville. and obtained his
education in the public schools there. When a boy of fifteen he began to work
in Mr. Rohrheiner's clothing store in the borough, and after clerking in the
same line for a period of fifteen years he formed his present association with
George F. Moyer, in 1902. engaging in the clothing business under the firm
name of Moyer & Bausum, as they still continue. Their first store was at the
corner of Centre and Market streets, and in 1907 they purchased the premises
at No, 4 South Centre street, opening their new store on that site Sept. 25,
1913. The fine line of clothing carried by Moyer & Bausum is adapted to
cater to the most fastidious trade, the patrons of this firm knowing from long
experience that it can be relied upon to supply them with up-to-date furnish-
ings and correct clothes and having a wide choice of desirable garments to
select from. Mr. Bausum has evidenced his willingness to aid in keeping his
city well to the front as a progressive municipality by his hearty cooperation
in the activities of the Merchants' Association (of Pottsville and vicinity),
of which he was an early member and is now president. His fellow officers
are: E. F. Schlaseman, vice president; H. R. Knapp. recording secretary;
T. E. Hummel, financial secretary; Harry C. Manbeck. treasurer. Mr.
Bausum is also a member of the Civic Club of Pottsville, taking a thorough
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANL\ 635
interest in all that affects the welfare of his native city. He belongs to the
Reformed Church, and socially to the local lodges of the Elks, Fraternal
Order of Eagles, P. O. S. of A. (Camp No. 36) and L O. O. F. (Lodge
No. 20).
Mr. Bausum married Catherine R. Mayberry, daughter of Joseph S. May-
berry, of Schuylkill Haven, this county, and they have two children, Ethyle
M. and Harry W.
PROF. GEORGE A. BEHNEY, principal of the public schools of Out-
wood, Schuylkill Co., Pa., was bom Aug. 10, 1876, at Outwood, and is a
son of Emanuel and Catherine (Reinhart) Behney.
Michael Behney, the paternal grandfather of George A. Behney, passed
his entire life in Lebanon county. Pa., where he followed the trade of cooper.
He was the father of the following children : Ephraim, who served as a soldier
in the Union army during the Civil war, and now resides at Lebanon; Jere-
miah, who also joined the Union army during that struggle, and met his
death while a prisoner in the notorious Andersonville stockade; Emanuel;
Louis; John, who is deceased; Eliza; Lucinda, and Mary.
Emanuel Behney, father of George A. Behney, was born in Lebanon
county, Pa., there received limited educational advantages, and grew up
amid the furnaces and forges. He became a forgeman and in 1874 located
in Pine Grove township, Schuylkill county, securing a position at the Eckert
Forge, where he followed his vocation during the remainder of his active life.
He died at Outwood in 1910. While he was an industrious and skilled
worker, Mr. Behney was able to accumulate but little property, but he was one
of his community's respected and substantial citizens. He married Catherine
Reinhart, daughter of Ephraim Reinhart, who survives her husband and lives
at Outwood with her son George A. The following children were in the
family : Emanuel, Ephraim, Mary, Ellen, John, Jacob, Elizabeth and George A.
The boyhood of George A. Behney was passed in the little country com-
munity about six miles west of Pine Grove, and, as his parents were poor,
he was allowed few advantages of an educational nature, early beginning
work at the Lincoln colliery as a slate picker in order to contribute to the
family income. He was, however, of a particularly studious and ambitious
nature, and studied at night when through with his day's work, in addition
to carefully hoarding whatever he could save from his meagre earnings,
always with the goal in view of bettering his condition. Through hard work
he was able to amass enough to pay his way through the Keystone State Nor-
mal School, at Kufztown, Pa., from which he was duly graduated at the age
of twenty years, and since that time he has been engaged principally in teach-
ing school, although he has also worked in the mines in the summer months
and engaged in other enterprises. For five years after completing his normal
course Air. Behney taught school at Outwood, and then entered the United
States railway mail service, with a run between Pittsburg and New York
City. This work did not prove congenial, however, and after three months
he returned to Outwood and established himself in business as the proprietor
of a general store at Suedberg. After one year he disposed of his interests
in that line and accepted the position of principal of schools at Outwood, a
capacity in which he has acted capably ever since. Mr. Behney is one of the
popular and efficient educators of the county, earnest, zealous, energetic and
painstaking, interested in the advancement and careful in the training of those
636 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
under his charge. He belongs to the Pennsylvania State Educational Asso-
ciation and the Pennsylvania State Teachers' League. Fraternally he is affil-
iated with Camp No. 223, Patriotic Order Sons of America, of Suedberg, of
which he is now secretary, and of which he is an ex-district president, of
the Fourth District of Schuylkill county. He also holds membership in the
Knights of the Mystic Chain. Mr. Behney belongs to the Lutheran Church,
and teaches in German a large I.ible class at Outwood. That he is independ-
ent in thought and action in political affairs, and is standing boldly forth as
an exponent of better government, is shown by a letter which he sent to the
voters of J his district when he became a candidate for the Pennsylvania Legis-
lature in 1915, and which said in part: "A little over half a century ago, on
the now historic field of Gettysburg, Abraham Lincoln delivered a short ad-
dress which has become world-famous, largely through its decisive utterance
of the principles that really stand for human liberty and free government. The
closing lines of this address were : 'Government of the people, for the people,
by the people, shall not perish from the earth.' To-day the words of Lincoln
are on the verge of becoming a false prophecy through the abominable manip-
ulations and treacherous tactics of self-seeking politicians and party machines.
It was for the purpose of trying to rectify these evils, and to make this coun-
try once more a government of, for, and by the people, that I conceived the
project of placing myself among those who are laboring toward this end. The
Washington Party as you well know is the only party in the country to-day that
strives toward this goal; it is to this party, therefore, that I have given my
support and my undying allegiance. I sincerely hope that you will stand by me
in this fight, which means so much for you and for me and for" the unborn
future."
Mr. Behney was married, July 24, 191 5, to Elizabeth Ditzler, daughter of
Clinton Ditzler, of Greenpoint, Leljanon Co., Pa. Mrs. Behney's death,
occurring after less than five months of married life, Dec. 6, 191 5, was a
great shock to the entire community.
JOHN K. BERK, M. D., has been established at Frackville ever since he
began the practice of his profession, in which he has attained honorable stand-
ing by conscientious attention to his duties. He is, indeed, a most creditable
.representative of a respected family of Berks county. Pa., where it was
founded during Provincial days. The Berks are of Gennan lineage.
The Berk, Berck, or Berg family settled in Berks county in the very be-
ginning of its history. The pioneer members of the family were Henry and
Ludwig Berck, probably brothers, who located in Greenwich township. In
1759 the former paid four pounds tax, and the latter three pounds. In 1774
the taxable list of Greenwich township records the names of Henry Berck
and Peter Berck. It appears that Ludwig had already died or removed from
that township. The Federal census for 1790 records the following Berks for
Greenwich township, as heads of families : Peter Berck, who had a son under
sixteen years, a wife and three daughters; George Berck, who was married
but had no children. In 181 1 John Berk was a taxable of Greenwich town-
ship, and paid a tax of £1 5s. 4d. The Berks were among the Huguenot fam-
ilies who came to this country for religious freedom, and with a family bear-
ing the narne of Beli (now Bailey) settled in the same (Greenwich) township.
Both families later moved to Albany township in the same county. One
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 637
branch of the Berk family went to Ontelaunee, and of that line one member
went to Cumru township, where to-day Charles Berg is well known.
David Berk, who died in Greenwich township in 1871, was survived by
his wife Hannah and sons David and Nathan. His will is on record in Book
12, page 354.
DanierBerck (as his name is spelled on his tombstone) was born July
27, 1796, and died March 6, 187 1, and is buried at New Jerusalem Church in
Albany township. He owned the farm now the property of Charles Schol-
lenberger. This was a large farm, and when Mr. Berck died it first became
the property of his son, Reuben. His wife was Sarah Billman, born Oct. 12,
1793, died May 28, 1869. They had seven children, and at their deaths twenty-
nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Among their children
were: Johan ; Reuben, born in 1821, who died when past sixty years of age
(he married Lovina Knepper, who died at the age of fifty-four years, and
they lived in Albany township) ; Daniel B., born in 1825, died in 1884, who
lived in Albany township ; and Salome, who married Jacob Reinhart.
Henry Berk, grandfather of Dr. John K. Berk, was a prominent farmer in
his section of Berks county, where he passed all his life. His wife's maiden
name was Greenawalt, and they had the following children : Floranda, John
G., Amanda (Mrs. Peter Warner, living at Kutztown, Pa.) and Llewellyn
(who lives at Molltown, Berks county).
John G. Berk, the Doctor's father, was born Jan. 20, 1845, and settled
at Girardville, Schuylkill county, in the year 1873. After clerking about a
year in a general store there he moved to Frackville, where he was in business
as senior member of the firm of John G. Berk 8z Co., general merchants,
remaining at the head of that concern the rest of his life. His death occurred
at Frackville April 22, 1880, when he was but thirty-five years old, and he
was buried at Hamburg. On March 30, 1869, he married Mary Jane Kal-
bach, and they had four children, namely : William Henry, born Dec. 3,
1869, a clergyman of the Lutheran Church now located at Berwick, Pa.;
John K., born Aug. 22, 1871 ; Katie Louisa, born June 28, 1874, who died
July 20, 1875; and Harvey Isaac, born July 3, 1877, who died June 5, 1878.
The mother remarried, on Dec. 30, 1893, becoming the wife of William
Huppert, of Frackville. No children were born to this union.
John K. Berk was born Aug. 22, 1871, at Hamburg, Berks Co., Pa., and
was reared in Schuylkill county, beginning his education in the public schools
at Frackville. His higher literary studies were pursued at the Keystone
State Normal School at Kutztown, Pa., where he graduated in 1892, after
which he taught school for one year, at Lewistown, Schuylkill county. In the-
fall of 1893 he entered Jefferson Medical College, at Philadelphia, and was
graduated in 1S96 with the degree of M. D. He opened an office at Frack-
ville, Schuylkill county, the following October, and has since devoted prac-
tically all his time to general practice. His skill and sincere efforts to keep
those who call on him have made him very popular with a wide circle of
patrons, and in his desire to serve them well he has kept pace with the advances
made in medical science through various channels. He is a member of the
Schuylkill County Medical Society; of the Pennsylvania Medical State So-
ciety ; and the American Medical Association. Local business interests have
also attracted him to some extent. He was one of the charter members of the
First National Bank of Frackville, and was made vice president of that insti-
638 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
tution in 191 1. In religious connection he is a Lutheran, and fraternally he
is a thirty-second-degree Mason, affiliated with Ashland Lodge, No. 294. F.
& A. M.; Griscom Chapter, No. 219, R. A. M. ; Prince of Peace Conimandery,
No. 39, .K. T.— all of Ashland ; and Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of
Reading.
On June 6, 19CX), Dr. Berk married Rae Ethel Hand, daughter of Lud-
man and Hester (Goff) Hand, of Cape May Court House, N. J. They have
had two sons, John William and Leslie Hand.
The Kalbach family, from which Dr. Berk is descended in the maternal
line, had its origin in the northeastern part of Germany, whence came Chris-
topher Kahlbach, the immigrant ancestor, who settled in Heidelberg town-
ship, Berks Co., Pa., before the middle of the eighteenth century. Here he
acquired property, prospered, and reared a family of children, among whom
were Adam and Michael. The latter, born in 1766, died in 1840. He had
sons: Daniel, 1800-1874; and Michael, 1814-1896 (who married Elizabeth
Womelsdorf, 1816-1895). Michael, Sr., and his sons are buried at Womels-
dorf.
Through the marriage of George Kalbach, one of the early members of
the family, to Maria Spang, of Berks county. Pa., these Kalbachs are among
the heirs to the great Spang fortune in Germany.
Adam Kalbach, son of Christopher, was a farmer in Tulpehocken town-
ship, where he owned a large plantation, on which he died, ripe in years, in
1801. He and his wife, Maria Eva, had these children: Michael, George,
Adam, Johannes, Susanna, Elizabeth, Maria Sabilla, Regina Catherine and
Sophia.
Adam Kalbach, son of Adam, above, was a farmer in Tulpehocken (now
Penn) township, owning a large tract of land. He was twice married, his
first wife's maiden name being Catherine Ruth, and his second wife's name
being Christ. His children, all by the first union, were: Adam; Joseph;
John; William; Isaac; Elizabeth, Mrs. Conrad Loose; Catherine, Mrs. Loose;
Liddie, Mrs. John Epler; and Jacob.
Isaac Kalbach, son of Adam and Catherine (Rtith) Kalbach, was born
July 3, 1820, near Bernville, in Bern township, Berks county. He attended
school in the locality, and until forty years old remained on the home farm
in that township with his brother William. Meantime, on Feb. 2, 1S45, he mar-
ried L. Haus, the ceremony being performed by Rev. August Hermann. She
was born May i, 1826, in Bern township, daughter of Benjamin and Elisabetha
Haus, and died at Frackville. Mr. Kalbach died there March 10, 1877, aged
fifty-six years, eight months, seven days. He was a member of the German
Reformed Church always known as the Bern Church. Mr. and Mrs. Kal-
bach had children as follows: Elisabetha, born Nov. i. 1845, who died when
eighteen years old; William Adam, bom June 11, 1847; Mary Jane, born
Aug. 13, 1848; James Benjamin, born Jan. 31, 1853, who died when nine years
old; Emma Catherine, bom Sept. 10, 1854, deceased in infancy; Henry Wash-
ington, born Oct. 10, 1856, who died when five years old; Martha M.. born
March 28, i860, who died when three years old ; and Catherine Ellen, born
Sept. 20, 1862, who married Isaiah Mensch.
ABRAHAM CARL, deceased, was born in Schuylkill county. Pa., a son
of Philip Carl, also a resident of this county, whose useful life was rounded
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 639
out within its confines. The children of Phihp Carl were : Elizabeth, John,
Daniel, Abraham, David and Samuel.
While still a boy Abraham Carl learned the shoemaker's trade, and he
followed it for a few years, but later became a butcher, learning that calling
at Fearnot, where he resided for a period. In 1874 he located at Tower City,
and until 1881 was actively engaged in butchering. Then for a year he
operated a farm in Porter township, and returning to Tower City embarked
in a general merchandising business, which he continued for seven years. He
built the well known "Carl House" at Tower City, and operated this hotel
until within a year of his death, which occurred Jan. 30, 1898. His remains
were interred at the Artz Church, near Sacramento, in Hubley township,
Schuylkill county. For many years he was one of the well known men of this
section, and his success in business through honorable methods proved an
incentive to others to pursue a like course. He was one of the members of the
Patriotic Order Sons of America.
Mr. Carl married (first) Catherine Schwalm, who died leaving one son,
Fred M., who is now a butcher in Tower City. The second wife of Mr. Carl
bore the maiden name of Ellen M. Shade, and she was a daughter of Jacob
and Mary (Klinger) Shade. There were no children of this marriage, but
Mrs. Carl has reared four belonging to others, one of whom, Harry C. Kurtz,
a son of Reuben Kurtz, has been with her since he was two years old. He
is a plumber and tinsmith by trade, and is employed by Ira W. Hand at Reiner-
ton, Pa. Mrs. Carl still owns the "Carl House." Like the rest of the fam-
ily she is a Lutheran, and her charities in conjunction with her church, in addi-
tion to those of a private nature, are many. She is beloved by all who know
her, and those whom she has reared as her own rise up to call her blessed.
WALTER G. BOWERS, M. D., ]\Iedical Superintendent at the Schuyl-
kill County Hospital for the Insane, located within two miles from the borough
of Schuylkill Haven, is a physician of wide hospital experience, particularly
in the line in which he is now serving. His early training was thorough and
comprehensive, a solid foundation for the practical work which he has had
in such great variety in his special field, and his administration has been highly
satisfactory to the citizens of Schuylkill county.
Dr. Bowers was born Sept. 23, 1879, at Parsons. Luzerne Co., Pa., and
obtained his early literary education in the public schools of that vicinity,
graduating from the high school at Wilkes-Barre. He then entered the
Medico-Chirurgical College, at Philadelphia, Pa., where he took the full course,
graduating in the year 1904. Immediately following his graduation he became
an Interne at the State Hospital of the North Eastern Anthracite Coal Region,
at Scranton, Pa., where he remained for one year. Then for eighteen months
he was at the Philadelphia General Hospital (Blockley), Philadelphia, mean-
time passing the civil service examination at that city and at the close of his
service in the institution named becoming first assistant at the Philadelphia
Hospital for the Insane, at Philadelphia. The next three years were spent
there, until he transferred to the State Hospital for the Insane at Norristown,
Pa. He continued in successful work in that connection until appointed to his
present position, at the Schuylkill County Hospital for the Insane, July 17,
191 2. He was its first superintendent, assuming his duties when the hospital
was opened, so that the entire credit for the progressive spirit which has been
manifested at this institution from the beginning belongs to him. This is
640 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
verified by the report of Floyd Haviland, M. D., of Kings Park, N. Y., who
in his report to The Public Charities' Association of Pennsylvania, after a
survey of all the Institutions in Pennsylvania caring for the insane, said:
"This, in most respects, is the best County Hospital in the State." Dr. Haviland
spent six months at this work. Dr. Bowers' conscientious performance of
every obligation, and many responsibilities voluntarily taken upon himself,
show how deep is his interest in improving the condition of those in his care,
and how earnest he is in his endeavor to be of real service to the community
which has honored him with so important a trust. He has been well received
among his professional co-workers in the county, being a member of the
Southern Schuylkill County Medical Society, the Schuylkill County Medical
Society, the Pennsylvania State Medical Society, and the American Medical
Association. Fraternally he is a Mason, affiliated with Page Lodge, No. 270,
F. & A. M., of Schuylkill Haven.
Dr. Bowers was married to Rae R. Pierce, of Millville, N. J., and they
have two children, Leroy and Ruth.
CHARLES HERBERT MARSHALL, cashier of the Merchants' National
Bank, Pottsville, Pa., is undoubtedly a self-made man, and his career is an
example of what can be accomplished even in these modern days by energy,
hard work and perseverance. Young men who complain of lack of opportu-
nities for advancement should read and learn what has been done by one man
who started in life without a dollar and won a position where he handles
thousands of those valuable tokens of wealth.
James Henry Marshall, father of Charles H. Marshall, was born in
England April 20, 1820, and came to America when a youth. He first resided
in Philadelphia, being a member of the old Marshall family of that city, but
remained there only a short time, coming to Jefferson county. Pa., where he
bought a plat of 165 acres at Sugar Hill, near Brockwayville. He settled
down to agriculture for the rest of his days. His wife, Ellen (Robinson), a
native of England, died in Jefiferson county Jan. 21, 1880, and is buried at
Sugar Hill. Mr. Marshall died Aug. 5, 1874, and is also buried at Sugar Hill.
Six children were born to their union : Martha Jane Marshall, who married
William W. Dougherty. Emma Marshall, wife of John Bryan: Florence
Marshall, wife of William F. Burchfield ; John E. Marshall, who resides on
the homestead in Jefferson county : James H. IMarshall. also residing on one
of the homesteads in Jefferson county : and Charles H. Marshall.
Charles Herbert Marshall was born July 27. 1866, on the old farm at
Sugar Hill, Jefferson Co., Pa. He was orphaned at the age of thirteen and
had but twenty-five cents when he started out to get an education and support
himself during the endeavor. But he had unlimited courage, and undaunted
by adversity took every odd job given him by the sympathetic but hardworking
neighbors. In the summer he worked from daylight to dark at the numerous
tasks of the farm, and in the winter did chores morning and evening to pay
for his board, so as to attend the local public schools, from which he was grad-
uated in 1883. As he grew older he labored in the lumber camps during sev-
eral winters.in order to get money enough to continue his education. Finally
he accumulated the amount necessary to pay for a course at the Clarion
Normal School, Clarion, Pa., and later one in the Iron City Business College,
at Pittsburgh, and defray his expenses while in attendance. Having com-
pleted the course and graduated, April 14, 1887, he immediately found a posi-
^.^^'^^U^.a^^c^l^
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 641
tion as bookkeeper with Horton Brothers, of Brockport, Pa., with whom he
remained for one year. He next returned to Brockwayville and took charge
of the books in Bond & Cooper's hardware store, remaining with them until
May, 1892, whn he was offered the position of bookkeeper in the Brockway-
ville Bank. He held this position until October, 1895, when, though but
twenty-nine years old, he was elected cashier. In 1900 he formed a partner-
ship with R. L. Buzzard and W. G. McCain and bought up all the shares of
the bank.
In July, 1900, Mr. Marshall promoted the First National Bank of Brock-
wayville, was one of the largest stockholders, and took the responsible position
of cashier and director. His activities seemed to be but commenced, for in
the year 1904 he assisted in the organization of the DuBois National Bank,
of which he became assistant cashier. In 1907 he saw the opportunity and
again assisted in the formation of a bank, this time at Pottsville. With a
capital of $125,000 and a surplus of $25,000, the new bank was firmly estab-
lished, Mr. Marshall taking the position of cashier ('and also director), which
he holds at the present time. The IMerchants' National Bank is one of the
most substantial in the State, and to the financial acumen and clear discern-
ment of Charles H. Marshall a great part of its prosperity is due. Concerning
the many industrial enterprises in which he is interested, it is unnecessary to go
into detail. Suffice it to say he is always prepared to finance any industry of
benefit to the community and takes a warm personal interest in building up his
adopted town, industrially and socially.
On IMarch- 24, 1891, Mr. ^Marshall was married to Elizabeth Biddle, daugh-
ter of Nelson Biddle, of Mififlinburg, Union Co., Pa., and they have one child,
Anna Marshall. Politically Mr. Marshall is a Republican. He held several
borough offices while in Brockwayville, being the youngest burgess ever elected
in that borough. He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Potts-
ville, of the Pottsville Club, and of the Acorn Club of EhiBois. He was for-
merly a member of Knapp Commandery, No. 40, Knights Templar, of Ridg-
way, but transferred his membership from that Commandery to Bethany
Commandery, No. 83, of DuBois, of which he was a charter member. He
still belongs to Elk Chapter, No. 230, and Elk Lodge. No. 379, F. & A. M.,
both of Ridgway, Pa., and also holds membership in ZemZem Temple, A. A.
O. N. M. S., of Erie.
WILLIAM HORN, of Sheppton, has held an honored place in that town
and the adjacent part of Schuylkill ctDunty for many years, his business and
official duties bringing him into contact with a large proportion of his fellow
citizens. He was born March 10, 1840, at Pine Grove, Schuylkill county, and
the family has been here since his grandfather's time. So far as is known, his
great-grandfather came from the North of Ireland.
William Horn, the grandfather, was born in the State of New Jersey, was
a shoemaker by trade, and died in 1847, at the age of sixty-five years. Com-
ing to Pennsylvania, he settled near Reading, in Berks county, was married
in" that county, and thence removed to Pine Grove township, Schuylkill county,
where he became a well known citizen, serving that township as a justice of
the peace for a number of years. He was located near the Lauberry mines,
and followed shoemaking all his life. His wife, Elizabeth (Bretz), died when
about sixty-five years old. Their children were: Daniel; Mary; Abraham;
Joseph: John; William; Sarah. Mrs. Fisher, a widow, now residing with her
Vol. II— 3
642 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENXSYLVAXL\
daughter at No. 2 Patch, in Bear Valley, near Shamokin, Northumberland
Co., Pa. ; Jerusha, who married John Elder (he is deceased) ; and Eliza. At
this writing (1915) Mrs. Sarah Fisher is the only survivor of the family.
Mr. and Mrs. William Horn are buried in Pine Grove township, this county.
He was a Democrat in political opinion.
Daniel Horn, son of William and Elizabeth (Bretz) Horn, was born
March 16, 181 5, near Reading, and lived to the age of ninety-three years,
eleven months, twenty-three days, passing away March 7, 1909. The neigh-
borhood at that time offered no educational advantages, and he began work
early. He lived in Berks county until twenty-one years of age, and was there
employed in chopping wood for the charcoal furnaces. Coming to Pine Grove
township, Schuylkill county, he found work as a miner at the Lauberry mines .
for a short time, later buying a team and hauling coal on the Mine Hill road,
from Llewellyn to the canal dock at Schuylkill Haven. This was before the
locomotive came into use on that road. He entered into a contract with the
Hibners Coal Company to furnish mine timber, and was so occupied two years,
then removing to Tamaqua, this county, where he worked a little while on the
Little Schuylkill railroad. Later he took a contract to furnish cordwood for
their wood-burning locomotives which he kept for five years, in 1863 moving
to Mahanoy City, where he obtained the position of chute boss at the Hill &
Harris colliery, remaining there for the next seventeen years. At the end of
that period he retired and for a time lived at Shenandoah, moved thence to
East Union township, and a short time before his death took up his resi-
dence with his daughter Laura, Mrs. Charles Schreaves, in Shenandoah, at
whose home he died. Mr. Horn married Susanna Feger, who was born Dec.
27, 1813, near Reading, Pa., and survived him a few months, dying June 17,
1909. They are buried in the Evangelical Church cemetery near Ringtown.
He was a member of that denomination. Li politics Mr. Horn was originally
a Democrat, but after his son William returned from his service with the
Union army he turned Republican. A large family was born to Mr. and Mrs.
Daniel Horn : Sarah E. (deceased), was the wife of David Faust, of Camden,
N. J., a fire insurance broker; William is mentioned below; Henry, Clara and
Franklin died young; Daniel A. was accidentally killed at Atlanta, Ga., in 1887
(he married Mary Brannigan, and left four children) ; Maria married Daniel
D. Kirby, publisher of the Salem Herald, of Salem, Ohio, and they have two
children; Matilda married Alton O. Crobaugh, and they have one child (he
is watchman at the Knickerbocker collier}', Shenandoah) ; Joseph died young;
Laura married Charles Schreaves, of Shenandoah, a watchman.
Jacob Feger, father of Airs. Susanna (Feger) Horn, was a native of Berks
county, Pa., where he lived until after his marriage. He owned and operated
a paper mill there, and moved thence to Schuylkill Haven, Schuylkill county.
During one governor's temi he was doorkeeper of the House of Representa-
tives at Hari-isburg. This was during the middle fifties. Later he was elected
prothonotary of Schuylkill county, in which office he served one term. Polit-
ically he was a Democrat, in religion a member of the Evangelical Church.
He and his wife, Elizabeth (Yergy), both died at the age of seventy-four
years, and they are buried at Spring Garden, Schuylkill Haven. They had
children as follows : William ; Joseph, who married a Miss Mills ; Franklin,
who married Sarah Johnson ; Susanna, who married Daniel Horn ; Matilda,
who married Cornelius Hoffman ; Priscilla, who married George K. Reed ;
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 643
Eliza, who married Morgan Saylor; Amanda, who married Emmanuel
Pflueger ; and Abigail, who married William Spangler.
William Horn was reared at Tamaqua and Llewellyn, where he attended
public school until he reached the age of twelve years. He has made his own
way in the world since. His first employment was as water boy for a gang
of trackmen building the Philadelphia & Reading road, the part then known
as the Little Schuylkill. As he became able to assume more responsibility he
was given work as a trackman, working as such until he reached his twenty- ,
first year.. At that time came the first call for volunteers to defend the Union,
and Mr. Horn was a member of the local organization known as the Scott
Rifles, formed at Tamaqua, and mustered into the United States service as
Company C, loth Pennsylvania \'okmteer Infantry. Their service was for
ninety days, at the end of which term he reenlisted, joining Company H, 96th
Pennsylvania Infantry, after a three weeks' furlough. The company was first
under the command of Capt. Henry Hippie, and after his resignation under
Henry Royer. The regiment left Pottsville Nov. 8, 1861, proceeded by way
of Gordon Plane and Shamokin to Washington, D. C, and thence into camp
at Bladensburg, Md. It was then moved across the Long bridge into Vir-
ginia, beyond Fairfax Seminary. Col. Henry L. Cake, commanding the regi-
ment, named the new location Camp Northumberland, in honor of his home
county. Up to this time the command had been engaged principally in picket
duty. Shortly afterwards the regiment was sent by boat to Fortress Monroe,
and after the evacuation of Yorktown went up the York river to West Point,
where it had a slight skirmish with the Confederate rear guard. From
West Point it went on to White House Landing, thence to ]\Iechanicsville,
where it was in camp for a short time, moving across the Qiickahominy river
to Savage Station. It participated with McClellan in the Peninsular cam-
paign. On June 2j, 1862, it formed the extreme right of the Federal line at
Gaines' Mill, and the following day supported the batteries at \'\'hite Oak
Swamp. At Malvern Hill it again had the extreme right of the line, and
with the rest of the army fell back when that engagement was over. After
participating in the second battle of Bull Run the 6th Corps, to which the
96th had been assigned, was moved to help intercept the Confederate move-
ment into Maryland. On Sept. 14th was fought the battle of South Mountain.
Mr. Horn's company took part in the gallant charge up the slope, with the
final result of a decisive Federal victory, going into the charge with forty-
eight men, of which twenty-four were killed or wounded. He received a
gunshot wound in the breast, so severe that the army surgeons did not expect
him to live, and he spent three months in hospital at Burketsville and Fred-
erick, ]\Id. When discharged from the hospital he was so weakened by his
injuries as to be incapacitated for further service, and he returned to Tamaqua.
For a time Mr. Horn tried railroad work, but found he was in no con-
dition to stand it. Then he went to Mahanoy City and took a position at
hoisting, on a coal plane, remaining there seven years. In 1871 he went out
to Missouri, where he expected to do farm work, but it was too much for his
strength, and after fourteen months in that section he returned to Mahanoy
City, where he found employment issuing supplies to miners, shipping coal, at
the Mahanoy City colliery. The superintendent of this colliery later asked
him to take the position of foreman at the Elmwood colliery, Mahanoy City,
where he continued for five years, being afterwards sent to the Indian' Ridge
colliery, where he was outside foreman for five years. Meantime he had
644 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
bought a farm of 103 acres in East Union township, and his father-in-law,
Aaron Van Horn, operated the place for five years, Mr. Horn having stocked
it after it came into his possession. When he resigned his position at the
Indian Ridge colliery he moved to the farm, and lived there for three years,
though he had nothing to do with its cultivation. He still owns eighty-five
acres of the place (having given the rest to his daughter), and has fifty acres
of his property cleared, the farm being now rented and operated by John
Kahley.
Mr. Horn has been quite closely connected with the administration of
local affairs. In 1887 he was elected justice of the peace, for East Union
township, and accordingly opened an office at Sheppton, to which town he
subsequently removed. By repeated reelections he continued to fill the office
for a quarter of a century, closing his duties in January, 191 3. He is still
acting as a notary public, deputy coroner (which office he has held twelve
years) and register of births and deaths, and has also been school director,
supervisor and judge of election. In politics he has always been associated
with the Republican party. For a number of years he has carried on business
as an insurance broker and real estate dealer, collects rents, and is agent for
the local sewer.
Mr. Horn has always kept in touch with social and church enterprises. He
is a member of Watkin Waters Post, No. 146, G. A. R., of Shenandoah, and
has been guard of that post; formerly he held membership in General Grant
Lodge, No. 575, I. O. O. F., of Mahanoy City. He is a zealous member of
the Evangelical denomination, now connected with the church at Shenandoah,
and has served as exhorter and class leader at both Shenandoah and Mahanoy
City.
In 1863 Mr. Horn was married, at Tamaqua, to Rebecca Margaret Van
Horn, who was bom March 8, 1842, in Salem township, Luzerne Co., Pa.,
and shortly afterwards they moved to Mahanoy City. They have had four
children: Ella, born June 14, 1864, died Jan. 30, 1910; she was the wife of
H. F. Faust, of Camden, N. J., an employe of the Victor Talking Machine
Company, and the mother of one child, Roy Brenton, born in 1892, who mar-
ried Sallie Kunkel and has one child. Earl ; they live at Camden. William F.,
born April 14, 1868, is outside foreman at the Oneida colliery in East Union
township, Schuylkill county: he married Sarah Alvaretta Rich, who died
Jan. 31, 1908, the mother of these children: Duane. Auber, Retta, Grace,
Bessie, Florence, and one that died unnamed. Bessie Van Horn, born July
25, 1873, is the wife of Benjamin F. Van Horn, a carpenter in East Union
township; they have had children, Guy (deceased), Sylvester (deceased),
Leslie, Margaret and Althea. Rev. Leo D., born Jan. i, 1882, is a Reformed
clergyman now stationed at McConnellstown, Huntingdon Co., Pa.; he mar-
ried Pearl Kahley, and their children are Vernon M., Daisy May and Merl.
Mrs. Rebecca Margaret (Van Horn) Horn was educated at Tamaqua, to
which place her parents removed in 1846. She is a member of the Evangelical
Church, her last association being with the organization at Shenandoah, where
she still retains' membership. Mrs. Horn is a daughter of Aaron Van Horn
and a granddaughter of Nicholas Van Horn, who was born near New York
City and was of Holland-Dutch stock. By trade he was a cooper. Coming
to Northampton county. Pa., he followed his trade for a time, later bought a
farm in Salem township, Luzerne county, and moving to that property spent
the remainder of his life there, engaged in farming. At one time he owned
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 645
considerable land now included in the site of New York City. He and his
wife, whose maiden name was Shobert, are buried in Salem township, Luzerne
county. He was a Democrat politically, and a Presbyterian in religious faith.
His children were: George, who married Phoebe Titus; Aaron; John, who
did not marry; Mary, Mrs. Isaac Titus; Anne, Mrs. William Thomas; Eliz-
abeth, Mrs. George Hughes ; and Catherine, who died unmarried.
Aaron Van Horn, Mrs. Horn's father, was born in April, 1820, at Pocono
Mountain, Northampton Co., Pa., and died in June, 1893, on a farm in East
Union township, Schuylkill county. He learned coopering with his father,
and later followed the carpenters trade. Moving to Salem township, Luzerne
county, he operated his father's farm, the property coming to him at the
latter's death, and thence moved to Tamaqua. For a time he was engaged as
a carpenter by the Little Schuylkill Railway Company. Then he went out
to Missouri, where he rented a farm seven miles from Chillicothe, remain-
ing there nine years, and on his return to Schuylkill county he was a car-
penter at the Mahanoy City collieries for a while. But he was anxious to get
on a farm again, so his son-in-law, William Horn, bought the place in East
Union township previously mentioned, and Mr. Van Horn moved thereon,
operating the tract for five years. It was there he died. He married Eliz-
abeth Titus, who was born in January, 1826, in Nescopeck township, Luzerne
county, and died March 12, 1854, the mother of six children : Rebecca Mar-
garet, Mrs. William Hom ; Phoebe Ann, who died young; Daniel, unmar-
ried, who lives in East Union township; George W., who died in infancy;
Nicholas James, who died in infancy; and !Mary C, Mrs. Morris Marsh,
living in Connecticut. Mrs. Van Horn was buried in the Methodist cemetery
at Tamaqua, and Mr. Van Horn in the Union graveyard at Brandonville, in
East Union township. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and a
Republican in his political views.
Samuel Titus, father of Mrs. Elizabeth (Titus) Van Horn, was born in
Nescopeck township, Luzerne county, and was of Scotch-Irish descent. He
was engaged as a fisherman on the Susquehanna in the days when salmon were
plentiful there, and was drowned in that river. He is buried in Nescopeck
township. Mr. Titus belonged to the Presbyterian Church. His children
were: Isaac, Daniel, George and Albert (who went out west when young),
Elizabeth (Mrs. Van Hom), Phoebe (who married George Van Hom) and
Mary (Mrs. Hiram Murray).
LEVI MILLER, deceased, who was for many years identified with the
business and financial interests of Schuylkill county, was born at Pine Grove,
this county, in January, 1853, son of Levi and Mary (Ruth) Miller.
Levi Miller, the father, was for a long period engaged in business opera-
tions in Schuylkill county and was a prominent, wealthy and influential citizen.
He died in August, 1887, his wife about two years before. Their children
were: Daniel R., who died in 1902; George, who died in 1877; Catherine,
also deceased ; and Levi.
After attending the local schools of Pine Grove Levi Miller entered Mer-
cersburg College and was duly graduated therefrom, and subsequently with
his father and brother Daniel R. was engaged in coal mining, in the operation
of the Lincoln and New Lincoln collieries. Their offices were in the brick
mansion opposite the "Filbert House," now owned by Justice Gregory Achen-
bach, where the Miller Estate continued to maintain offices for some time. The
646 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PEi\XSYLVAXL-\
firm operating under the name of Miller, Filbert & Company also conducted
a large business, and was located in the building afterwards occupied by the
concern of Christ & Rehrer. Mr. Miller was identified with and a director of
the Pennsylvania Trust Company, of Reading, and the Pennsylvania National
Bank, of Pottsville, for many years, but had resigned from the latter the
year before his death. Politically he was a Republican, and fraternally was
connected with Lodge No. 49, F. & A. M., being also a thirty-second-degree
Mason ; he was a member of Camp No. 49, Patriotic Order Sons of Artierica.
He served on the school board and assisted the community in every possible
way, and was prominently connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church,
of which he and the other members of his family have always been liberal
supporters.
Mr. Miller had a large relationship, his family connections reaching to
distant points in this and other States, and his sudden death, July 31, 1910,
was a shock not only to his immediate relations and to the community, but to
a wide circle of friends. Mr. Miller was laid to rest in the New Lutheran
Cemetery.
In 1874 Mr. Miller was united in marriage with Emma Eaton, of Landis-
burg. Pa., who survives him. Two children were born to this union: Ralph
E. ; and Mary Ruth, who died in March, 1906.
Dr. Ralph E. Miller began his education in the public schools of Pine Grove,
and after graduation from the medical department of the University of Penn-
sylvania served as an interne at the Wilkes-Barre hospital. In July, 1905, he
took up his residence at Bloomsburg, Pa., where he has since been in the enjoy-
ment of a large and representative professional business. Dr. Miller married
Tanette Nigton, of Pine Grove, and they are the parents of two children:
Ralph E., Jr., and Mary Ruth.
ALVIN KISTLER, owner of a large tract of land in \\'est Penn town-
ship, and one of the progressive young farmers of that section, has many of
the characteristics which have come to be associated with the name he bears.
The Kistlers in this part of Schuylkill county are a branch of an old Berks
county family founded in this country by Johannes or John George Kistler,
and are people of high character and the sterling qualities pertaining to good
citizenship and helpful lives.
On the records of the Jerusalem Church in Albany township, Berks county,
known in the eighteenth century as the Allemangel Church, there are recorded
the baptisms ofhundreds of the Kistler children, while in the cemetery under
the shadow of the church are many graves marked with the same name. Near
the center of the oldest part of the cemetery lies a slate stone (which is now
being replaced by the descendants with a marble slab) bearing the inscription
"I. G. K. 1767.'' This is supposed to be the stone that marked the burial
place of the progenitor of the American Kistlers. who was legally known as
Johannes, but was called Joerg or George by Pastor Schumacher in his record
and Han joerg or John George by his neighbors.
Johannes Kistler was a native of the Palatinate, in Germany. On Oct.
5, 1737, he came in the ship "Townshead" from Amsterdam to- Philadelphia,
and soon after to Falkner Swamp, or Goshenhoppen, in what is now Mont-
gomery county. Pa. It is supposed he was accompanied by his wife, Anna
Dorothea, and his oldest children. In 1747 he took out a warrant for land and
moved to Albany township, Berks county, then wild and barren, where he
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANL\ 647
made his permanent home.- The vicinity was named "Allemangel" or "All
Wants." Johannes Kistler was taxed in 1756 in Albany township, and was
naturalized in 1761, on Sept. loth of which year he and his neighbor, Michael
Brobst, appeared before the Supreme court at Philadelphia, and there received
the papers which made them citizens of Pennsylvania. He was a Lutheran,
and served for a number of years as elder of the Allemangel Church, where
his children were baptized and confirmed. His children were : ( i ) Jacob left
seven children, Philip, Jacob, Michael, Solomon, Daniel. Catharine and Magda-
lene. Samuel Kistler Brobst, a teacher of James A. Garfield, was a grand-
son of Philip; and so was Michael Kistler, the tanner, whose son Stephen
was at one time the most extensive tanner in eastern Pennsylvania. (2) John
remained on the homestead after his father's death. The name John runs
through at least five generations and the trade of blacksmith follows it. John's
children were: John William, born May 29, 1757; and Abraham, born Dec.
20, 1761, who is the ancestor of the Perry county Kistlers, for whom Kistler
post office was named. A descendant, Rev. Dr. John Kistler, has for many
years been professor at the oldest Lutheran Theological Seminary in America,
located at Hartwick, N. J. (3) George remained in Berks county. In 1779
he was the owner of 248 acres of land and a gristmill. In 1778 he was
elected elder of the Allemangel Church, and as he was referred to as George
Kistler, 5r., he doubtless had a son George. The archives of Pennsylvania
show that a George Kistler served in the Continental army during the war
of the Revolution. (4) Philip, born Oct. 19, 1745, is next in the line we are
tracing. (5) Michael moved to Ohio, and is the ancestor of the large Kistler
settlements in Indiana. His family consisted of John, ]Michael, Joseph. Nathan,
Monroe, Salome and Judith. (6) Samuel, the yoimgest son of his father,
married Elizabeth Ladich and Catharine Brobst, and had three children by his
first marriage and twelve by the second. (7) Barbara married (first) a Brobst
and (second) Michael ]\Iosser, of Lowhill. (8) Dorothea married Michael
Reinhart. (9) Elizabeth married a Mr. Keller, near Hamburg, Pennsylvania.
Philip Kistler, son of George, above, was born Oct. 19. i745, and died
Aug. 28, 1809. He had nine children: Jacob, John, Ferdinand, Philip,
Jonathan, Barbara, Maria, Catherine and Elizabeth. Of these, Jacob was a
"lieutenant in the war of 1812.
Jonathan Kistler, son of Philip, was born Nov. 10, 1799, in Berks county,
and was raised on the place where his grandson Charles S. Kistler now lives.
He was reared by Jacob Wehr, worked among farmers while young, and
after he married started out for himself. In 1829 he built the gristmill which
still stands and is known as the Kistler mill. He also became the owner of
about two hundred acres of land, a great deal of which he cleared and culti-
vated, following milling and farming on this place until his death, which
occurred when he was about seventy-nine years of age. His wife, Sarah
(Shellhammer). born .Aug. 4, 1800, daughter of Simon and Catherine (Long)
Shellhammer, died aged eighty-one years. They were the parents of children
as follows: Polly married Michael Houser; Rebecca married Jacob Wert-
man; Hannah married Joseph Shaefifer; Daniel married Rebecca Sechler;
David, who resides in West 'Penn township, married Mary Hagenbuch, now
deceased ; John is mentioned below ; \\'illiam, who was a school teacher, never
married; Nathan never married: Jonathan K. married Lydia Shellhammer;
Elizabeth married Timothy Zehner. The father retired some years before
his death. He took an active part in politics as a member of the Democratic
648 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
party, and was a justice of the peace for forty-four years, and a leader in
Zion's Lutheran Church, in West Penn township, serving as elder, deacon and
trustee. He and his wife are buried at that church.
John Kistler, son of Jonathan, was born March 24, 1832, in West Penn
township, and was educated there. He assisted with the work on his father's
farm while young, and later bought the farm of about seventy-five acres where
Ambrose Lechleitner now resides. He operated that farm for a number of
years, sold it, and bought the farm of ninety acres which is now owned by his
son, Albert S. Of this farm, about eighty acres are cleared. Mr. Kistler
carried on general farming, and for many years also followed the stonemason's
trade, which he learned when he was a young man. He attended market at
Tamaqua. Mr. Kistler was an active man up to the time of his death, which
occurred Nov. 23, 1909. He is buried in the cemetery of Zion's Lutheran
Cliurch in West Penn township, of which church he was a devout member
and faithful official, serving as elder and deacon. He held the township
office of school director, and was a Democrat in politics.
Mr. Kistler's first wife, Caroline (Hagenbuch), was born March 4, 1836,
daughter of Amos and Sarah (Bailey) Hagenbuch, and died Jan. 19, 1856,
the mother of one child, Jonathan, born July 6, 1855. He is married to Alvina
Mantz, and they reside at Allentown, Pa. Mrs. Kistler is buried at Zion's
Church in W'est Penn township. For his second wife Mr. Kistler married
Cordelia Hagenbuch, who was born ]\Iarch 10, 1839, a sister of his first wife,
and a large family came to this union: William, born July 15, 1858, married
Ella Meyerhoff, and their children are Rosie, Bert and Raymond ; Mary, born
Nov. 18, 1859, died Feb. 22, i860; Sarah, born Dec. 27, i860, married Uriah
Reber, of Neffs (P. O.), Lehigh Co.. Pa., and has children, William, Charles,
Ralph, Jennie, Francis and Harvey; Amanda, born June i, 1863, died Feb. 4,
1884, the wife of Mahlon Lutz and mother of one child, Laura, who is deceased ;
Alice was born April 28, 1865; Ida, born March 26, 1868, married William
Brobst, of Owl Creek, Schuylkill Co., Pa., and has had three children, Charles,
Mabel (deceased) and Alice; Oliver was born Jan. 4, 1870; Franklin, born
Dec. 8, 1871, died aged forty years; Amandus, born Aug. 18, 1873, ''^'^s in
Missouri; Rosa, born Jan. 9, 1876, is married to John Nester, of Jamaqua,
and has had two children, Mary (deceased) and Herbert; one son died in
infancy; Albert S. is a farmer in West Penn township; Alvin is mentioned
below. The mother of this family is now living at the home of David K. Kist-
ler, in West Penn township.
Alvin Kistler was born ISLiy 11. 1881, in West Penn township, and edu-
cated in the public schools there. LTntil twenty-seven years of age he worked
for his father on the home farm, this being the place his brother Albert now
owns, in \^'est Penn township. When he left the home farm he bought the
tract where he now lives, from Isaac Gerber, having originally 224 acres,
thirty-eight of which he sold to the Lehigh & New England Railroad Com-
pany. Of the remainder, 186 acres, there are about one hundred acres under
cultivation, devoted to general farming and trucking. Mr. Kistler markets
his produce to Tamaqua, making regular trips there, both winter and summer.
His affairs have prospered under strict attention, but he also finds time for
matters of general interest, takes an active part in the workings of the
Democratic party, and has served as election inspector. He is a member of
Washington Camp No. 615, P. O. S. of A., at Andreas, Pa., and of Zion's
Lutheran Church in West Penn township.
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 649
Mr. Kistler is married to Sadie Agnes Gerber, who was born Sept. 3, 1879,
in West Penn township, a daughter of Phaon and Harriet (Romig) Gerber,
and they are the parents of five children, born as follows : Percy Albert, Aug.
8, 1903; Edward Leroy, Jan. 15, 1906: Myrtle Harriet, July 4, 1908; John
William, Oct. 24, 1910; Frank Francis. Feb. 28, 1913. The children old
enough are attaiding school in the township. Mrs. Kistler was educated in
West Penn township and lived at home until her marriage. She is a member
of Zion's Reformed Church, in West Penn township, of which Rev. H. D.
Houtz is pastor, and attends the Sunday school of that organization.
The Gerbers are a very old and much respected family in West Penn town-
ship. Reuben Gerber, great-grandfather of ]\Irs. Kistler, was born on a
small tract which is now the property of Alvin Kistler, and followed farming.
His wife's maiden name was Houser, and they had the following children :
Isaac, David, Edwin, John (deceased), Caroline (Mrs. Kistler) and Ellavina
(widow of Jacob Dietrich, living at Tamaqua). The father was a Democrat
in politics. His religious connection was with Zion's Reformed Church, and
both parents are buried at that church.
Edwin Gerber, the grandfather of Mrs. Alvin Kistler, was born in 1822,
and died March 13, 1898. He was a native of ^^'est Penn township, where
he lived and died, and followed farming all his life, cultivating the place now
owned by his son Frank. He married Sarah Moyer, who was born Dec. 31,
1834, a daughter of John and Salome (Fiaer) Mover, and survives him, living
with her son Franklin in West Penn township. They had three children :
Franklin married Angeline Eckert ; Phaon was the father of Mrs. Kistler;
Amandus died young. ]\Ir. Gerber is buried in the cemetery of Zion's
Church in West Penn township, of which he was a Reformed member.
Politically he was a Democrat.
Phaon Gerber, Mrs. Kistler's father, was born in West Penn township
Aug. 2, 1855, and died Sept. 24, 1908. He was educated in his native town-
ship, and worked for his father until twenty-one years old, after which he was
employed one year on a farm in Packer township. Carbon county. He mar-
ried and returned to West Penn township, and then bought a farm of forty-
eight acres from his father, remaining on it the rest of his life. Besides farm-
ing he did wood chopping, and marketed his produce to Tamaqua. On Jan.
17, 1879, he was married at Weatherly, Carbon Co., Pa., by Rev. M. H.
Mishler, to Harriet Romig, a native of Quakake, Carbon county, daughter of
John and Rosanna (Faust) Romig, and six children were born to this union:
Sadie Agnes, wife of Alvin Kistler; Eva Rosanna, born Sept. 24, 1882, mar-
ried to Claude Steigerwalt: Oscar Frank, born April 20, 1884, who married
Jennie Knapp; Mahlon John, born Nov. 4, 1889, married to Katie Clause;
Elmer Edward, twin of Mahlon, married to Lena Behler; and Stella Adeline,
born July 26, 1896, living at home. The mother is still residing on the home
farm. Mr. Gerber was a Democrat in political faith. Socially he belonged to
the Order of Independent .Americans, being a member of Pocahontas Coun-
cil, No. 406, at Chain, Pa., and he was an active member of the Reformed
congregation of Zion's Church in West Penn township, which he served faith-
fully as elder. He is buried at that church.
Benjamin Romig, grandfather of Mrs. Phaon Gerber, was a farmer, and
one of the original settlers at Weatherly, Carbon county. At one time he was
the owner of every foot of land on which the borough of Weatherly nowr
stands. His children were: Nathan; John; Sarah, who married Daniel
650 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Fanst (he is deceased) ; Judith, who was the wife of the late John Lomison ;
Susan, who was the wife of the late Edwin Young; Mary, wlio died unmar-
ried; and Matilda, Mrs. Solomon Gerhard. Mrs. Gerhard is now the only
sur\ivor of the family. Benjamin Romig was a Democrat and a member of
the Reformed Church. He is buried at Ouakake.
John Romig, son of Benjamin, was born in February, 1824, passed all his
life in Packer township, Carbon county, and lived retired for about thirty
years before his death. He built a house on the ground now occupied by the
Warner store at Weatherly and a sawmill where the borough building now
stands. He was a successful farmer, a public-spirited citizen, and a stanch
supporter of the common schools, a kind-hearted neighbor, a good father, and
a faithful member of the Reformed Church at Ouakake, in whose work he
was always active. He served as elder, deacon and trustee of his church, and
was a popular township official, holding all the local offices. Politically he
was a Democrat. He married Rosanna Faust, daughter of John Faust, and
they are buried at Quakake. They had children as follows: Emma married
Henry Englehart ; Harriet married Phaon Gerber; Frank married Ella Flick-
inger and they made their home at Williamsport, Pa. ; Alfred married Emma
Heller, and settled at Freeland, Pa. ; Sophia married J. J. Gerhard ; Adeline
married Lewis Bender, of Scranton, Pa. ; Elizabeth married George Ulshaefer,
of Weatherly, Pa. ; Abigail married Edward Kester, of Allentown, Pa. ; Matilda
married Levi Englehart, of Weatherly ; Rosanna married Charles Gray, of
Weatherly; John is next in the family; Mary married Henry Hagenbuch, of
.Nazareth, Pennsylvania.
GOTTLIEB E. SCHREPPLE is one of the progressive business men of
Ashland, where he has built up a modern laundry plant, which gives employ-
ment to several people.
The Schrepples are of German extraction, Nicholas Schrepple, grand-
father of Gottlieb E. Schrepple, coming to America at an early age, and
settling on a farm near Ashland, Schuylkill Co., Pa., where he carried on
agricultural pursuits until his death. His son, Frederick Schrepple, was
born in Germany, came with his parents to America, and like his father fol-
lowed farming until he died, March 14, 1906. He married Loretta Buchpies,
like himself a native of Germany, daughter of Elias Buchpies, who came to
America many years ago and settled on land near Ashland, which he took up.
He cleared this property and farmed there until his death. Mrs. Loretta
Schrepple died in 1874. Of her two children, the daughter is now deceased.
Gottlieb E. Schrepple, son of Frederick and Loretta Schrepple, was born
Oct. 8, 1870, on a farm near Ashland, and received his education in the pub-
lic schools of that neighborhood. When old enough he began work on the
home farm, continuing to live there until his thirtieth year, in January, 1900,
moving to Ashland, where he has since been in business. Upon his removal
here he bought the laundry business of Mr. Bright, which he carried on for
about one year, then buying his present business. Under his management it
has enlarged steadily, and as his capital has increased Mr. Schrepple has
improved his facilities for carrying on the large trade he has established, his
plant being now equipped with highly improved machinery and being conducted
along modern lines. It is known as the Ashland Steam Laundry. The modern
system in use enables the force employed to accomplish the large amount of
work with dispatch, and Mr. Schrepple has shown himself competent to take
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PEXXSYLVAXL\ 651
care of his growing trade and to provide for it as its demands arise. He has
his business in a two-story house, in which is also the flat where he makes
his home. His business is recognized as a distinct convenience to the town,
and under Mr. Schrepple's efficient management is one of its creditable indus-
trial plants.
On June 24, lyoi, Mr. Schrepple married Mary E. Kimmel, of Pottsville,
Schuylkill county, who was born at Ashland, daughter of Cha'rles and Susan
A. Kimmel, early settlers of Ashland, of German extraction. Mr. Kimmel died
April 22, 1894, and is survived by his wife. Two children have been born to
Mr. and Mrs. Schrepple: Mildred A. and Arthur Louis. ]\Ir. Schrepple and
his wife are members of the German Lutheran Church.
CHRISTL'KN NEIDLIXGER. a farmer of Porter township. Schuylkill
county, was born at Tower City. Schuylkill Co., Pa., Dec. 7, 1843, son of
Jonathan and Anna Maria (Romberger) Neidlinger, and a grandson of Peter
Neidlinger.
Peter Neidlinger was born in 1777, in Germany, and when a young man
emigrated to America and settled as a pioneer in the Mahantongo Valley of
Pennsylvania. For many years he carried on farming in Dauphin county,
but in later life went to Fort Wayne, Ind., where his death occurred July 9,
1857. His wife, Catherine, was born in 1779. and died at the age of eighty-
three years, in Dauphin county. Pa. They were the parents of the following
children : George, who died in the West ; Jacob, who also passed away there ;
Jonathan, the father of Christian; Polly; Elizabeth; Leah; Lydia ; Nathan;
Judd ; David, and Sallie.
Jonathan Neidlinger was born May 6, 1805, in Mahantongo, Pa., and there
was reared to manhood. He early adopted farming as his life work, and for
some time cultivated a property in Rush township, Dauphin county, but
later disposed of this and bought a farm at Orwin, Porter township, Schuyl-
kill county, on which he spent the remaining years of his life, passing away
Sept. II, 1891, aged eighty-six years, four months, five days. Mr. NeidHnger
was one of the good farmers and substantial men of Orwin, and in his death
his community lost one of its most stable and highly respected citizens. He
married Anna Maria Romberger, who was born Nov. 5, 1805, and who died
Jan. 4. 1877, aged seventy-one years, nine months, twenty-nine days. Both
are Iniried in the Orwin cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Neidlinger were the par-
ents of the following children besides Christian: Elizabeth, who married
John :\Lius; Amanda, who married Henry Eichenlaub ; Henry, who died at
"Orwin ; ALatilda, who married William Shaale ; John, living at Williamstown,
Dauphin Co.. Pa. ; Jonathan, who died young; Lucy, who is the wife of Thomas
Fegley; and Eva, whose death occurred in young womanhood.
"christian Neidlinger was reared on his father's farm and remained at home
until he was twenty-six years of age. At that time he was married and
removed to Orwin, where he was employed at the East and West Brookside
collieries, making his home at Orwin for a period of six years. He then took
up his residence in Rush township. Dauphin county, where he also resided
for six years, following which for two years his home was at Tower City.
Returning at that time to Rush township, he worked five years for his father,
and after the elder man's death bought the family homestead, which he cul-
tivated for fifteen vears with a satisfying degree of success. In 1911 he dis-
posed of his interests there and purchased a small tract of land near Greenwood
652 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
cemetery, in Porter township, Schuylkill county, where he is now making his
home. He has a well improved property with good buildings and modern
equipment and is known as a progressive and industrious farmer.
On July 26, 1870, Mr. Neidlinger was married to Mary Shadle, daughter
of John and Hannah (Hain) Shadle, and to this union there have been born
the following children : John Henry, who in addition to carrying on agri-
cultural pursuits in Porter township is employed as a hoisting engineer at the
West Brookside colliery ; Charles \^'illiam, of Beaver Falls, Pa., who is a
conductor for the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad Company; George Daniel,
an electrician by vocation, living at Emporium, Pa. ; Edward N., of Harris-
burg, Pa., a brakeman in the Reading railroad yards ; Harry Jonathan, who
resides with his parents and is water boss at the East Brookside colliery ;
Reuben C, residing at Tower City, who is hoisting engineer at the West Brook-
side colliery; Emery C. of Reading, employed in the freight department of
the Reading Company; Milton H., who is employed as a fireman by the Read-
ing Railway Company at Harrisburg; Elvin Raymond, who is a pipe fitter of
Emporium, Pa.; Robert N., a graduate of the Keystone State Normal School,
at Kutztown, Pa., class of 191 5, and now a popular teacher in the public
schools of Porter township; and Arthur H., who is employed as a pipe fitter
at Emporium. Mr. and Mrs. Neidlinger, in addition to rearing their eleven
sons to lives of usefulness, have adopted a daughter, Lydia Bechtel, daughter
of John and Estelle (Kone) Bechtel. She was seven years old when she entered
the"ir home and is now thirteen, a bright and promising student in the public
schools.
Mr. Neidlinger has always been a friend of education, and has served on
the school board of Porter township for a number of years, while his other
public service has taken the form of faithful discharge of the duties of the
offices of township assessor, supervisor and treasurer. He is steward of the
United Brethren Church, has been active also in the Greenwood Sunday
school, and at this time is its treasurer. Fraternally he is affiliated with the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Tower City.
JOHN G. KOPP, Sr., of Tower City, is now living retired after a long
and industrious career, most of which was spent in a responsible capacity
with the Philadelphia & Reading Coal & Iron Company.
Mr Kopp was born July 9, 1841, at Pottsville, Schuylkill Co., Pa., son of
John Kopp, a native of Prussia, Germany, who came to this country m young
manhood and settled at Pottsville. He began as a day worker at the mines,
and after two years was made a foreman at Reed's colliery, near Pottsville
Later he moved to Tremont, this county, where he was also a mine boss,_ and
there he died when forty-eight years old. He was one of the pioneer miners
in this region. Mr. Kopp married Catherine Biltz, a native of Germany,
who came to America when eleven years old, and died at the age of forty-four
years Mr and Mrs. Kopp are buried at Tremont. They were the parents ot
six children: Caroline, wife of William Heckler; John G. ; Lewis, who lives
at Sharadin, this county; Augustus, deceased; Elizabeth, deceased; and Kate,
who is married to Peter Krebs and lives in California.
Tohn G. Kopp, Sr., was but eight years old when he commenced to work
in the coal breaker as a slate picker. Later he worked with his father as a
laborer, and by the time he was fourteen he was a skilled miner_^ This was at
the Major White's colliery, Swatara, near New Town, Pa. From there he
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 653
went to the Middle Creek colliery, under Theodore Garrison, and worked as
a miner with his brother Lewis, for several years, and from this place he
went to work at Colket colliery, Donaldson, Pa. He worked a while there and
then changed to the Lower Rausch Creek colliery, where he remained several
years, from there going to the East Franklin colliery, operated under Harry
Heil, and later by the Philadelphia & Reading Coal & Iron Company. He
worked there about eight years, when he was taken to the West Brookside
colliery, Tower City, to become an under boss, under William Elliott, inside
foreman, and a little later he became inside foreman in Air. Elliott's place.
The colliery was operated by the P. & R. C. & I. Co., and General Pleasants
was general manager. He held the position of Inside Foreman for thirty-
seven years at the aforesaid colliery, retiring therefrom in 1912. Mr. Kopp's
honorable life won him the esteem of all with whom he came in contact, the
men in his charge as well as his superiors, and he has many friends among
his old-time associates. Fraternally he is one of the best known men in his
part of Schuylkill county. He is one of the oldest members of Lodge No. 267,
F. & A. M., of Tremont ; has been a member of Tremont Lodge, No. 245, I.
O. O. F., since Feb. 23, 1866, and is a past officer of that body ; belongs to the
Odd Fellows Encampment, in which he has passed all the chairs; to the
Knights of Pythias lodge at Muir, Pa.; and to the P. O. S. of A. camp at
Tower City, as well as the commandery of that order.
Mr. Kopp married Elizabeth Hatter, of the Mahantongo \'alley, and they
have had a large family : William Jerome died when two years old ; Delia
is the wife of George W. Hatch; John G., Jr., Harry L., Robert E. and Chab-
bat L., all hve at Tower City; Bessie is married to Edw. Rank, D. D. S. ;
Blanch is the wife of Peter Klinger ; Flossie is at home; five other children
died young. The family are Lutherans in religious connection.
REV. DENNIS J. MELLEY, pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church at
Tremont, has been stationed in Schuylkill county the greater part of the time
since his ordination, and his present charge is one of the most miportant in
this region. Established in 1853, it has prospered steadily in the sixty and
more years of its existence, and is now ministering to the religious needs of a
large number of the faith in and around Tremont. The original church, biiilt
in 1853 was sufficient for the requirements of the congregation until 1885,
when it was materially enlarged, the capacity being almost doubled. The
interior was then completely remodeled and handsomely decorated, the walls
and ceiling being handsomely frescoed. The paintings in the sanctuary, and
on the walls and ceiling, are of exceptional merit. At the time the church was
rebuilt ten memorial windows were donated by various members, and the old
altar was replaced by a beautiful one of Italian marble, said to be one of the
finest productions of the famous maker, Stewart, of Philadelphia. On it are
inscribed the names of those who contributed towards it, about one hundred
and thirty The church property has been undergoing constant improvement.
The old parsonage was replaced by a beautiful new priest's home during the
pastorate of Father McDevitt, under whose energetic administration the church
had been remodeled and enlarged. The fine grove adjoining the parsonage
was leased and laid out in drives and walks, providing a delightful surrounding
for the residence, which has been improved and added to from time to time.
The grove is stillleased. ^ ,^ , - ., u c
For the first two years of its existence St. Mary s was under the charge ot
654 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVAXL\
Rev. Sylvester Eagle, and the membership when he came was about one
hundred. It increased considerably during his pastorate. In 1855 Rev. Wil-
liam McLaughlin was sent to Tremont and here ended his days in successful
administration, remaining until his death in the early part of 1867. He becamfe
very popular, not only with his parishioners but among the townspeople
generally. His successor. Father Marran, was here until 1869, in May of
which year Rev. John Cox took charge. At the beginning of 1872 he left and
for the next two years Rev. Thomas Toner was pastor. Father Cox returning
at the end of that time and continuing his services until 1876. In May, 1876,
Rev. Francis X. George was installed in the parish and remained until Decem-
ber, 1878, when Rev. P. W. Brennan arrived. The next priest was Rev. John
J. McDevitt, who had a long pastorate, beginning in November, 1880, and
extending until 1900. He was a zealous worker, and not only did notable
work for the church but also exerted great influence in the affairs of the
borough. He had the breadth of view which enabled him to see the importance
of desirable living conditions in the community and directed much of his labor
towards that end, making a record for public spirit and foresight which won
him the name of being one of the most useful citizens of the town. He offered
td bear a large share of the cost of laying out a small public park in the
borough. As previously mentioned, the church was remodeled during his
pastorate, the membership having shown a great increase during his control,
reaching 1,500 to 2,000. The duties became so heavy that the Archbisho])
appointed an assistant. Rev. John Carey, who came in June, 189 1, to lighten
them somewhat, and besides looking after the congregation of St. Mary's they
held services at Blackwood. There is now a separate church at Blackwood,
which is a mission of Branchdale. In 1885 Father McDevitt had commenced
holding sen-ices at Tower City, now also a separate parish, and as a result a
congregation was gathered there which in a few years built a handsome church.
Rev. John J. McDevitt resigned on account of ill health in 1900, and died
in St. Agnes' hospital, Philadelphia, in 1901. He was succeeded by Rev.
Francis Ward, of Tower City. During Father Ward's pastorate of ten years
he remodeled and decorated the interior of the churdi, built an addition to the
rectory, and built a handsome mission church at Keffer's, on the Broad moun-
tain (supplied by the priest of Tremont), in which the people of the neigh-
boring mining villages worship. His assistants at various times were Rev.
John Burk, now of Philadelphia, Rev. Bernard McKenna, now secretary' to
Bishop Shahan of the Catholic University of America at Washington, D. C,
and Rev. Edgar Cook, who had labored for years on the Philippine missions.
Father Cook's health became impaired by his hard labors in the Philippine
Islands, and he was obliged to resign his curacy of Tremont ; he died in Phila-
delphia in 1907. He was the last assistant at Tremont.
Father Ward was succeeded in Tremont by Rev. D. J. Melley May 11,
191 1. During Father Melley's pastorate he has beautified the sanctuary of
the church and completed the marble altar, which had hitherto remained unfin-
ished, by placing a marble throne or baldachin over the tabernacle of the
main altar. This throne was made from Carrara marble by Da Prato, of
New York. It is of a very neat design, and crowned by a cap of Venetian
mosaics, at a cost of four hundred and fifty dollars. Two hundred and fifty
dollars of this amount was given for this purpose by Miss Julia Sheehan, of
Tremont. The interior of the church as it appears to-day is the neatest in
Schuylkill county. Father Melley renovated the rectory, both the interior and
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 655
exterior, so that to-day it is without exception the most beautiful rectory in
this part of the diocese. Nor has he devoted all his time to the material
upbuilding of the parish, the spiritual side receiving still greater attention. He
has labored indefatigably for the welfare of his people, administering to their
spiritual wants at all times. As evidence of this there are to-day attached
to the church a Holy Name Society, large in proportion to the number of
parishioners; a Sodality of the Blessed Virgin Mary; a branch of the League
of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and an Altar Society — all of which he established ;
they are now in a prosperous condition.
Father Melley is a native of Schuylkill county, born at Newkirk, near
Tamaqua, in 1872. His parents, Dennis and Amia (Campbell) Melley, were
natives of County Donegal, Ireland, and they came to this country in 1855,
spending the rest of their lives in Schuylkill county. Pa. After some years'
residence at Tamaqua they removed to Xewkirk, where they made their home
for thirty years. Returning to Tamaqua Mr. Melley remained there until his
death, which occurred on Christmas Day, 1895. He was engaged in mining.
He was a most respected citizen of his section, and was repeatedly elected
school director in Schuylkill township, holding the office for sixteen years.
His widow now lives with a daughter at Atlantic City, N. J. Of the four-
teen children born to Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Melley, six are deceased. Of the
eight survivors. Rose is a graduate nurse ; Sister Stanislaus belongs to the Order
of Notre Dame; Elizabeth, wife of Edward Smith, and Joseph are resi-
dents of Philadelphia; the remaining members of the family, except Father
Melley, reside in Atlantic City.
Dennis J. Melley was reared in Schuylkill county, attending public school
in Schuylkill township. His higher literary education was received at LaSalle
College, Philadelphia, and Villanova College, and in 1892 he entered Over-
brook Seminary for his theological preparation. In 1902 he received ordina-
tion, and for a short time thereafter was at Mount Airy, Pa. Then for a
year he was stationed at Ashland, Pa., as assistant; for two years at South
Bethlehem, Pa. ; at St. Peter's Church, Reading, three months, and for five
years he was assistant rector of St. Patrick's, at Pottsville, before coming to
Tremont, in 191 1. Father Melley is proving a worthy successor to the earn-
est workers who have preceded him at St. Mary's, trying to keep this church,
as it has been from the beginning, among the potent forces for good in the
borough and vicinity.
HENRY CALVIN KEHLER, of Locustdale, is a representative member
of a family which has been foremost in the development and progress of this
portion of Schuylkill county. For several generations the Kehlers have had
extensive and valuable interests in farming in Eldred township, where the
town of Kehler and Kehler Run Junction perpetuate the name, and at present
the butchering interests which constitute by far the greater part of tlie business
wealth of Locustdale, in the adjoining township of Butler, are held principally
by Kehlers, the brothers H. Cabin and Irv'in M. Kehler being among these.
Their father, Franklin Kehler, was a drover and live stock dealer for over
thirty-five years.
John Kehler, grandfather of Henry Calvin Kehler, was born in what is
now Eldred (then Mahantongo) township, in Schuylkill county, of German
ancestry. By trade he was a tailor, but he eventually settled down to farming
and was one of the prosperous farmers there in the Mahantongo valley for
656 SCHUYLKILL COUxNTY, PENXSYLVANL\
many years. In the pioneer days he secured a large tract of land in its primi-
tive state, which his son Peter later owned, and the latter in turn was suc-
ceeded by his son, Felix F. Kehler. It was covered with hardwood timber,
and years of hard labor were required to bring it into arable condition. John
Kehler first cleared a spot for a cabin, and before the close of his life made a
good start in the improvement of the property, though the early results were
most discouraging. Thus he laid the foundation for the success of those who
came after him, and also c-ontinued the work he so bravely began in the face
of hardships and trials of which the present generation knows nothing except
what the account handed down in history. John Kehler was a devout Christian,
an earnest member of the Evangelical Church. His home was the stopping
place of the early preachers who visited the region, and the log barn he erected
was used for religious assemblages. When the first church building in the com-
munity was erected he assisted with the work. By his marriage to Elizabeth
Hepler he had eight children, five sons and three daughters.
Franklin Kehler, son of John, was born March ii, 1829, in the Mahan-
tongo valley, and died at Kehler Nov. 9, 1904. His death was quite sudden,
for although he had reached the age of seventy-five years he was active to the
last. He farmed, and kept a store at Kehler, in the upper Mahantongo valley,
but his operations in live stock were his most important interests. In the
early days he drove cattle from Buft'alo to Ashland, this county. He married
Lydia Snyder, who was born Nov. 3, 1833, in the Mahantongo valley, daugh-
ter of an early settler in that region, and she preceded him to the grave, passing
away Jan. i, 1898. Of the eight children born to them two died in infancy,
six surviving the parents, namely: Franklin ]., the eldest, is deceased; Henry
Calvin is mentioned below; Charles Robert is engaged in the butcher business
at Fremont, this county; Pruella M. is the wife of Henry H. Geist and they
are living on the old Kehler homestead ; Johanna, deceased, was the wife of
Dr. J. D. Kiefer, of Mount Carmel, Pa.; Irvin M., of Locustdale, is in the
wholesale and retail butcher business. The father was a prominent member of
the L'nited Evangelical Church, which he served thirty-five years as steward.
Henry Calvin Kehler was bora in 1856 in the Mahantongo valley and was
brought up there, receiving his education in the local schools. After leaving
school for a time he went West, and on his return to Pennsylvania started
business with his brother Frank at Locustdale. Some time later he moved to
Centralia, a short distance over the line in Columbia county, where he was
located for three years, at the end of that period coming back to Locustdale,
where he established his present business thirty-one years ago. During the
intervening time he has built up a trade of large proportions, apparently hav-
ing the gift for success in this line so characteristic of the family. He has high
qualifications for business, combined with a sense of fair dealing which has
made him recognized as entirely trustworthy in any transaction. Practically
all his attention has been gi\en to his work, his principal interest aside from
that being his church association, which is with the denomination supported by
the family for several generations. He is a leading member of the United
Evangelical Church, is serving on its board of trustees, and is teacher of the
Bible class ; for about twenty-five years he was superintendent or assistant
superintendent of the Sunday school.
On June 26, 1880, Mr. Kehler was married at Locustdale to Mary A.
Kepner.who was born Dec. 2, 1862, a native of Deep Creek valley, where her
parents. Emanuel and Matilda (Updegraf) Kepner. were early settlers; her
/.<^v: '^ c^^zz^^^^^^^/^^^
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PEXNSYLVANL\ 657
father was a soldier in the Civil war. They died in Deep Creek valley and
are buried there. They had a large family, three sons and eight daughters,
of whom John T. is in the meat business at Ashland ; George lives at Good-
spring station, this county ; Addie is the wife of David Jones, of St. Clair, a '
mine foreman ; Katherine is the widow of Elmer Haslin ; Louisa is the wife
of Paul Karns, of Orwigsburg; Flora is married to Frank Ganglof, of
Orwigsburg.
Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Kehler: \'ictor Frank,
born Dec. 29, 1881, now a butcher at Girardville, this county, is married to
]\Iartha Keller and has two children, Roy R. and Grace A. ; Pruella M., bom
May 6, 1883, is the wife of Earl Warther, of Locustdale, and has one child,
George Henry ; Lottie P., born Nov. 6, 1886, is engaged as a nurse in Phila-
delphia ; Harry C, bom Feb. 23, 1889, is in business at Philadelphia; Winfield,
born Aug. 30, 1890, is deceased; Lydia Matilda, born March 23, 1892, is at
home; Robert L., bom July 6, 1895, is at Girardville, working for his brother.
HARRY D. LATTIMORE, outside foreman and master mechanic at the
Morea colliery in Mahanoy township, operated by Weston Dodson & Co., is a
mine worker of long and varied experience and well fitted for the important
duties which have been intrusted to him. Mr. Lattimore belongs to a very old
Pennsylvania family, founded in this country in 1736 by one John Lattimer, as
the earlier generations spelled the name. He was of the Scotch-Irish race which
has made so notable a contribution to the best citizenship of the State. He
lived in Northampton county, acquired high reputation for his strong character
and integrity, and left an excellent family to carry on his name.
Robert Lattimore, son of John, married Nancy King, and among their
children was William Lattimore, better known as General Lattimore, who was
elected to the State Senate from Northampton county in 1805, his district in-
cluding Wayne, Luzerne and Northampton counties. He was born in what is
known as the Irish settlement in Northampton county, and lived and died there.
His wife, Mary (Ralston), was the daughter of John and Christiana (King)
Ralston, the former of whom took an active part in the Revolutionary war.
James Lattimore, son of Gen. William Lattimore, was for many years
connected with the government land offices located at the cities of Lancaster
and Harrisburg, Pa. He married Catherine Weaver, daughter of Michael
Weaver, of Weaversville, Northampton county, a prominent farmer and lead-
ing member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. and Mrs. Lattimore had the fol-
lowing children : William W. ; Ralston, who died in infancy ; May, who died
in 1902, unmarried^ Alvida C. who married James Abbott ; John, who mar-
ried Nancy Chase; Lenora N. S., who married Herman B. Graeff ; and Amelia
D., Mrs. E. W. Abbott.
William W. Lattimore was born in 1820, and died in 1889. He is buried
at Tamaqua, this county. The last twenty years of his life were spent at New
Boston, Schuylkill county, where he settled in 1869 and worked for the coal
company until his death. He took a keen interest in local affairs, sen-ing as
president of the Mahanoy township school board, was a Presbyterian in
religious connection, and a member of the Masonic fraternity. He married
Pauline L. Dithmar, of Northampton county, daughter of Henri (Hein) Jaques
Dithmar, a native of France and of Huguenot ancestry. She still makes her
home at New Boston. To Mr. and Mrs. Lattimore were born the following
children: Caroline A. is the widow of Dr. Alonzo Amerman, who died at
Vol. II— 4
658 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PEXXSYLVANL\
Danville, Pa., Jan. 19, i886 (they had one son, Alonzo, who died in 1912, at
the age of twenty-seven years) ; William A. holds a position with the Coal
Company at New Boston ; Harry D. is next in the family ; Walter A., of Nor-
ristown, Pa., married Nettie Richardson and has one daughter, Joan ; Arthur
R. married Loretta Cooney, of Canada, and has one son, Arthur William ;
Catherine A\'., unmarried, lives at home ; Elizabeth D. is unmarried and living
at home; Pauline S. is the wife of William Douden, of Millersburg, Pa., and
has three children, William L., Herbert C. and Dorothy.
Harrj' D. Lattimore was born Nov. 14, 1861, at Tamaqua, Schuylkill Co.,
Pa. Coming to New Boston with his parents in 1S69, he received his educa-
tion principally in the schools of Mahanoy township. In 1872 he started
work as a clerk in Mahanoy City. Later he was in the employ of the Mill
Creek Coal Company for two years, after which he clerked again for a short
time. When fifteen years old he went back to school, attending for five months,
during which period he was under the capable instruction of the late John J.
Dolphin, Esq. He then taught school for one term, clerked in a store at
Mahanoy City for one year, loaded coal at the New Boston colliery for one
winter, and for two years was engaged in running a mine fan engine and
hoisting, until December, 1886, when he was appointed outside foreman, serv-
ing in that capacity up to 1889 at the New Boston colliery, following which he
was engaged in public work, the driving of the Jeddo tunnel. His next posi-
tion was that of master mechanic at the Buck Mountain and \'ulcan collieries,
operated by the Mill Creek Coal Company, with whom he continued until 1909,
when those collieries became the property of the Lehigh A'alley Coal Company,
with whom he remained as master mechanic until 191 1. His skill and readiness
in emergencies made him a valuable factor in the operations at the mammoth
Buck Mountain breaker. In February, 191 1, Mr. Lattimore became outside
foreman and master mechanic at the Morea colliery in Mahanoy township,
carried on by Weston Dodson & Co., who employ about five hundred men at
these workings, and here he has remained to the present. A man of dependable
qualities, thoroughly conversant with all the details of his work, trustworthy
in all things and of upright character, he has exerted an appreciable influence
in the successful conduct of the collier>' and in maintaining satisfactory con-
ditions among its employees. Most of this is due to his strong personality.
Mr Lattimore married Ann D. Hay, daughter of Robert and Ann ( Douth-
waite) Hay. They have two children, Harry D., Jr., and Robert, the former
now associated with his father as chief machinist for the Dodson Coal Com-
pany at the Morea colliery ; from 1905 to 1907 he served an apprenticeship in
the Baldwin Locomotive Works, Philadelphia, and in 1910 associated himself
with the Midvale steel works, first in the engineering department and later
in the estimation department, and in 191 1 took his present position. Robert
Lattimore is engineer in charge of the pumping station at Morea colliery.
The family are Presbyterians in religious association. Socially Mr. Latti-
more belongs to Mahanoy City Lodge, No. 357, F. & A. M., and to Mahanoy
City Lodge. No. 695, B. P. O. Elks, and is highly esteemed among his fellow
members. His eldest son also holds membership in these lodges.
WILLIAM IVY BACHERT, farmer and fruit grower of Walker tov.'n-
ship, is operating a modem farm noted especially for its fine orchards to
whose development and maintenance he devotes most of his energies. Mr.
Bachert is a representative citizen of his section of Schuylkill county, and a
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENXSYLVANL\ 659
member of one of its old families, the Bacherts having been settled in East
Brunswick township for several generations. There he was born July 25,
1869, son of Elias Bachert, now a prominent farmer and miller of East
Brunswick township.
George Bachert, the greaji-grandfather of William I. Bachert, was a farmer
in East Brunswick township, where he owned 100 acres of land, upon which
he erected a log barn and stone house. He was a wheelwright as well as
farmer. He had the following children : Jacob, John, Henry, Simon, Mag-
dalena and Mrs. John Faust. George Bachert died aged eighty years, and is
buried with his wife in a private graveyard on the homestead farm. He was
a Democrat, and a member of the Frieden's German Lutheran Church.
John Bachert, father of Elias, was reared and educated in East Brunswick
township, and during his youth assisted his father. Later he bought a farm
of 100 acres near the old homestead, and carried on farming all his life.
Politically he was a Democrat, and in religion a Lutheran, he and his wife
belonging to the Frieden's Church ; they are buried in its cemetery. Mr.
Bachert married Elizabeth Zettlemoyer, who was born in Berks county. Pa.,
and the following children were born to this union : Jacob married Sarah
Miller and both are deceased; Emmanuel died unmarried; James, deceased,
married Flora Steigerwalt, who resides in West Brunswick township, this
county ; Daniel died young ; Elias is next in the family ; Elizabeth married
Jacob Houser, and both are deceased ; Laura married Aaron Eckroth ; Mollie
died unmarried ; Katie died young. The father of this family lived to the
age of eighty years, the mother dying at the age of sixty-eight.
Elias Bachert, son of John, was born Aug. 14, 1843, in East Brunswick
township, where he now owns and operates a valuable farm and mill property.
He married Hannah Merkle, and they have had a large family, namely :
Albert Robert, William Ivv, Elizabeth (deceased in infancv). Cordelia, John
E., Richard E., Howard j'., Luther P., Thomas \\'. an<l (")scar P. A fuller
account of this family appears in the biogra])hy of Elias Bachert.
William Ivy Bachert grew up in East Brunswick township and there ob-
tained a good common school education. His business and agricultural train-
ing were highly practical, gained in assisting his father with the farm and
mill work, and he continued thus until he reached the age of thirty years.
Then he settled on his present property in Walker township, having bought
the Dennis Leiby farm of fifty-three acres. Four acres are still in timber,
the rest under cultivation, partly planted in fine orchards, the balance in gen-
eral crops. Mr. Bachert has made fruit growing his particular care, and
counts on his orchard products for most of his income, marketing them prin-
cipally at Tuscarora and New Philadelphia, to which points he makes two or
three trips weekly during the season. He has identified himself with the \ari-
ous local movements for the improvement of farms and farming conditions,
and is an interested worker in the Patrons of Husbandry, being a fourth
degree member of the Lewistown Grange. Beyond this, however, he has
taken little part in public matters, though he supports good movements when-
ever he has the opportunity. He is a Democrat and a Lutheran, being a
member and deacon of Zion's Church at Lewistown, Walker township.
When twenty-eight years old Mr. Bachert married Carrie Edith Leiby,
who was born Oct. 9, 1879, in Walker township, daughter of Dennis Leiby,
received her education in the local schools there, and remained at home until
her marriage. She is a member of the Reformed congregation of Zion's
660 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENXSYLVANL\
Church, at Lewistowii. Mr. and Mrs. Bachert have had eight children, born
as follows: William Dennis, June zj, 1S98; Clarence Harvey, Dec. 10, 1899;
Mamie Yictoria, June 17, 1902 (died aged two years, eight months); Harry
Edwin, Feb. 13, 1903; Verna Elizabeth, Sept. 12, 1905; Beulah May, Feb. 17,
1909; Leon Stanley, Sept. 15, 191 1 ; Elva Margarite, June 9, 1913.
Daniel Leiby, grandfather of Mrs. Bachert, was born in West Penn town-
ship, this county, and was a shoemaker and a farmer. He was the owner of
two farms in West Penn township, and later came to Walker township, where
he bought a farm of over one hundred acres, much of which he cleared, hav-
ing about eighty acres under cultivation. There he built a tine barn and
made other improvements. He died on the farm at the advanced age of almost
eighty years. His wife's maiden name was Steigerwalt, and they had children
as follows: Dennis, father of Mrs. Bachert; Sarah, Mrs. John Schaller;
Emma, Mrs. Adolph Berner; Amanda, Mrs. Mandus Hunsicker; Mary, Mrs.
Thomas Schock ; Jonathan, who married Sarah Reinhart ; Daniel, who mar-
ried Flora Miller; Israel, who married Lizzie Reiman ; Alvena, unmarried;
Elias (his wife was Mamie) ; and Susanna, who died in childhood. The par-
ents are buried in the cemetery of Zion's Reformed Church in West Penn
township, to which church they belonged. Mr. Leiby was a Republican in
politics.
Dennis Leiby was born in West Penn township, Schuylkill county, July
25, 1845, ^"d grew up there and in Walker township, receiving his education
in the public schools of those townships. He worked for his father until
he was of age, later was stable boss at Reevesdale for a mining company, hold-
ing that position two years, and then settled down to farming on his own
account in Walker township, buying land which is the farm his son-in-law. Mr.
Bachert, now owns. He carried on general farming there until 1906, when
he sold the farm to Mr. Bachert, and is now living retired practically. Mr.
Leiby has always taken a leading part in township affairs, having held the
offices of school director, constable, supervisor and auditor, to the entire satis-
faction of his fellow citizens. Like his father he is a Republican and a member
nf the Reformed Church, belonging to the Zion's congregation at Lewistown,
in which he was formerly very active. Socially he holds membership in
Washington Camp No. 57, P. O. S. of A., at Tamaqua.
Mr. Leiby married Emmaline Yost, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth
( Merkle ) \'ost, and four children were bom to them, viz. : Carrie Edith,
Mrs. William L Bachert; Gertrude May, who is married to George Schietman
and resides at Tamaqua, Pa. ; Harry Preston, who died aged twenty-four
years; and Mamie Elizabeth, who is married to Milton Merkle, and resides at
Lewistown, ^\'alker township.
Mrs. Emmaline (Yost) Leiby was born near Frisbie. in West Brunswick
township, Schuylkill county, and died at the age of fifty-three years. She is
buried at tewistown, in Walker township. Mrs. Leiby was a member of
Christ Church at McKeansburg, but after her marriage to Dennis Leiby con-
nected herself with Zion's Reformed Church at Lewistown, and was a member
there until her death.
Samuel Yost, the maternal grandfather of Mrs. William I. Bachert. was
a farmer in West Brunswick township, the owner of a large tract of land, and
also conducted a hotel for many years. He married Elizabeth Merkle, and
they became the parents of a large family: Kitty married Giarles Lurwick,
and both are deceased; Eliza married Harry Gerhard; Caroline is the widow
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANL\ 661
of John Shutt; Sarah, deceased, married WilHam Bretz; Susanna is the
widow of William Leiser; Mary died unmarried; Emmaline was Mrs. Dennis
Leiby; Phoebe, deceased, married a Mr. Nagle; Samuel married Sarah Ger-
hard; Frank married Kitty ; Lewis completes the family. The par-
ents died on the farm and are buried at McKeansburg. Mr. Yost was a
member of Christ Reformed Church at that place and a Republican in political
conviction.
WALTER E. UPDEGROVE, who is engaged in business as a shoe mer-
chant at Muir. Schuylkill county, was born Nov. 2S, 1875, at Urvvin, Porter
township, Schuylkill county, son of Theodore G. and Catherine ( Shadle)
Updegrove, grandson of Solomon Updegrove and great-grandson of Conrad
Updegrove.
Conrad Updegrove, who was one of the earliest and best known among the
pioneers of the Williams Valley, in Dauphin county, Pa., was a great hunter,
and many stories are still told of his skill and prowess in this direction. Dur-
ing the days when game of all kinds was plentiful, he had many experiences
with bears, and at one time would have been killed by one of these beasts had
it not been for his faithful dogs. As it was he bore the marks of this
encounter up to the day of his death. He was one of the sturdy, energetic,
industrious men of his day who laid broad and deep the foundation for ad-
vancement and progress, and lived a long, active and useful life, passing away
at the advanced age of ninety-four years, three months, fifteen days. His
home at that time was on the present site of Williamstown, Dauphin county.
Solomon Updegrove, the grandfather of Walter E. Updegrove, was born
in Dauphin county. Pa., and early adopted the trade -of shoemaker, which he
followed off and on during the greater part of his life, although he also
engaged in other occupations. He was a local preacher of the Evangelical
Church, and for some years was engaged in farming in Dauphin county, but
in later life disposed of his property and moved to a farm in Juniata county,
remaining there until he retired from active work. He then sold his farm
and went to live at the home of his daughter, Mrs. William Long, at Forks,
Porter township, Schuylkill Co., Pa., where he died at the age of seventy-five
years. He was laid to rest in the cemetery at Williamstown. Mr. Upde-
grove was a man highly esteemed in the various communities in which he
resided, being possessed of those sterling qualities which command respect.
He married Barbara Rickert, who died at Williamstown. Pa., and they became
the parents of the following children : John ; Jacob ; Conrad ; Solomon, who
fought in a Pennsylvania regiment of volunteers during the Civil war;
Charles ; Theodore G. ; Catherine, who married Israel Helt ; Elizabeth, who
married Edward Hand ; Elmira, who married John Hockenbrocht ; Lucetta,
who married Isaac Dressier; Sarah, who married Isaac Brooker; and Mary,
who married William Long.
Theodore G. LTpdegrove, the father of Walter E. Updegrove, was born at
Williamstown, Dauphin Co., Pa., and after attaining an ordinary educational
training in the public schools started to learn tlie trade of shoemaker under the
instruction of his father. After mastering his vocation, he followed it in
Juniata and Columbia counties, and at Tower City, Schuylkill county, and
later came to the community of Reiner City (Muir P. O.), where he began to
build up a trade. Here, as he prospered, he built a residence and store, in
which latter he established his place of business as a dealer in boots and shoes,
662 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANL\
and continued to be successfully engaged in this line right up to the time of
his death, which occurred in 1899. He had inherited the qualities of industry,
honesty and fidelity from his forebears, and in all his business dealings was
known to be above-board and straightforward. He was a good and public-
spirited citizen, who took an interest in the advancement of his community
and who could be counted upon to serve it in any way he was able. Mr.
Updegrove was buried in the cemetery at Muir. He married Catherine
Shadle, a daughter of George and -Maria (Guard) Shadle. George Shadle
was a resident of Porter township, where he was stable boss for the Lincoln
colliery, and met his death by being killed by a train while in the performance
of his duty. Mr. and Mrs. Updegrove became the parents of the following
children: Walter E. ; Charles Howard; Henry O., who is deceased; Ella M..
who is the wife of Prof. H. O. Unger, a teacher in the public schools of Muir;
Laura A., who is the wife of Prof. George D. Nelson, a teacher in the public
schools of Orwin ; and Theodore G. Jr., who resides at Muir.
Walter E. Updegrove secured his education in the public schools of Porter
township, which he attended when not engaged in working to aid in his own
support. An evidence of his thrift and industry as a lad is found in the fact
that from the time he was nine until he was sixteen years of age he, assisted
by his brothers and sisters, carried the mail from Orwin to the people of
Reiner City, this being before the establishment of the post office at Muir.
He also gave his services to the farmers of his community and worked at the
shoemaking trade, accepting whatever honorable employment came his way
and performing all his tasks in an able, thorough and cheerful manner. When
he was eighteen years of age he began teaching in the public schools of Porter
township, and for twelve years continued to be engaged in work as an educator.
At the time of his father's death. Mr. Updegrove took over the management
of the business, which he conducted for his mother for seven years, buying
it on July 5. 1906, since when he has continued to carry it on with much suc-
cess. "He has a carefully selected stock of the latest footwear, and is enjoy-
ing an excellent patronage among the people among whom he has lived for so
long, and whose wishes and needs he well knows.
Mr. Updegrove was married to Nora M. Gamber, daughter of Henry
Gamber, who resided in Clark's Valley, Porter township. To this union there
have been born the following children : Prof. Harry H., a graduate of the
Keystone State Normal School, Kutztown, Pa., class of 1915, and now teach-
ing at Reinerton, Schuylkill county: Elsie M., a member of the class of 1916,
of the Porter township high school; Esther M., who is attending the Porter
township high school; T. Walter, who is attending school; and James Arthur
and Norman Henry, at home.
Always a friend of education, Mr. Updegrove has long been well and
favorably known in educational circles in this part of the State. ^ During the
last four years he has been secretary of the School Directors' Association
of Schuylkill county, and from the time he ceased teaching school has been a
member' of the school board of Porter township, having served as president
thereof and now being secretary of that body. Outside of his shoe business
he has other interests, and for three years has been secretary of the Williams
Vallev Savings Fund and Building Association. Fraternally, he belongs to the
Patriotic Order Sons of America, which he joined twenty-four years ago, and
the Junior Order United American Mechanics, of which he became a mem-
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 663
ber sixteen years ago, and also holds membership in the local lodge of the
Knights of Pythias. His good citizenship has never been doubted.
SAMUEL J. DEIBERT, deputy prothonotary of Schuylkill county, Pa.,
has been engaged at the courthouse for the last twenty years, in various capac-
ities, and his obliging service and long continuance in public posititjns have
made him a popular as well as familiar figure in the official circles of Potts-
ville. He was born March 31, 1858, at Schuylkill Haven, this county, where
he maintains his home.
Samuel Deibert, father of Samuel J. Deibert, was the son of John and
Christina Deibert, and was reared on his father's farm in North Alanheim
township, Schuylkill Co., Pa. He had such schooling as is common to the
average country boy. He was born in the year 1818, and remained beneath the
parental roof up to the age of twenty-five, when he engaged with his brothers
John and Jacob at Schuylkill Haven in boatbuilding. After a brief period
in that line he embarked in the mercantile business at the same place, which
he successfully conducted until the time of his death, in 1867. To his first mar-
riage, with Mary Essert, were born one son, Thomas, and one daughter,
Emma, who became the wife of Martin Fisher. No heirs came of this alliance.
His second wife was Mary A. Sterner, daughter of Jacob and Anna Sterner,
and to this union were born three children, viz.: Alice, Thomas I. and Sam-
uel J. It may be justly recorded that Samuel Deibert was a most modest
man, and though prominent in business and benefactions shrunk from eulogy
and praise, but he was a man revered, and one whose place cannot well be
filled. In religious affiliation he was a Lutheran.
Samuel J. Deibert obtained a public school education at Schuylkill Haven,
and learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for about twenty years.
During Dr. Daniel Dechert's term as county treasurer he came as a clerk to
his office, serving there one year. After that he became deputy treasurer
under Elias Davis, holding that position for a period of almost three years,
until the death of Mr. Davis, which occurred Nov. 11. 1899. The county
commissioners appointed Mr. Deibert treasurer for the unexpired term, and
he discharged the duties of the office for six weeks. In August, 1900, he
became deputy prothonotary under W. S. Leib, and served to the end of his
term, subsequently serving six years in the same capacity under Samuel H.
Gore, and continuing under his successor, the present prothonotary, John W.
Reese. Up to now he has been in the public service for twenty years. His
courtesy and efficiency have combined to make him a most desirable official
in the office and sought by those who have business there, his work being
greatly apprcriatcil by all who have had occasion to call for his services. His
I)oliticnl association is with the Republican party. Mr. Deibert makes his
home at Schuylkill Iia\cn, and at one time served as assessor of that borough.
Mr. Deibert married La\ ina P>itzer, daughter of Conrad and Anna Bitzer,
and they have had four children, namely: Alice, Ralph, Samuel and Willis.
Alice is the wife of Rev. William Schlappich. of the Evangelical denomination,
now stationed at Perkasie. Pa. Ralph Deibert received his early education
in the schools of Schuylkill Haven and Pottsville, later attending Franklin
and Marshall College, at Lancaster. Pa., and entering the ministry of the
Evangelical denomination : he is now pastor of a church at Myerstown. Pa.
Samuel, who is at home, is an assistant in the Schuylkill Haven Trust Com-
664 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PEXXSYLVAXL\
pany. Willis, also at home, is bookkeeper or clerk at the Schuylkill County
Hospital for the Insane.
A. FRANK GEIST, of Hegins, is a business man who has attained honor-
able standing by giving his patrons the best accommodations to be obtained
in the local market, and he is equally esteemed for his worth as a man.
The Geist family to which he belongs is of pioneer stock of Northumber-
land county, this State, where he and his father were born. His grandfather,
Peter Geist, lived and died there, following his trade of blacksmith and also
engaging in farming. The history of the family has been lately traced back
to the year 1129. From the Official Register of the Holy Roman Empire, we
find that the family has an official '"Coat of Arms" and is of the nobility of
Ravensburg, Germany. A copy of this "Coat of Arms" is in the hands of A.
F.' Geist. of Hegins, Pennsylvania. The word Geist has been spelled in six
different ways. We find it first Gayst — \'an Wildeneck, A. D. 1129, King.
In 1300 we find it spelled Geyst, in 1590 Geist, in 1750 Goist in Germany,
and in the Colonies of America Geist and Gist. In 1S42 and to the present
time it is spelled Guist in Germany and in the United States Guist and Geist.
The family to which A. F. Geist belongs and whose biography appears
later, emigrated from Lorraine, Germany, with the Schwenkfelders' colony
in or about the year 1725 and settled at Pottstown, Montgomery Co., Pa.,
where A. F. Geist's great-grandfather, Andrew Geist, was born on Jan. 26,
1755. This great-grandfather of A. F. Geist came to what was then and is
yet known by some people as Swoven Creek or Green Brier post office, Nor-
thumberland Co., Pa., in or about the year 1777. He came to this place in his
young manhood and took up a tract of land from the United States govern-
ment about the time of the Revolutionary war, consisting of about three hundred
acres situated half way between the Leek Kill and Green Brier post offices.
He died Dec. 18, 1849. «it the age of ninety-four years, ten months, twenty-three
days, on the old homestead which he obtained from the United States govern-
ment, and is buried at Himmel's Church, Roebuck's post office, or about four
miles west from the old homestead. This church property consists of a beauti-
ful church situated on a tract of land given by the United States government
to the Refomied and Lutheran congregations for church and school purposes ;
said property is today under the control of these congregations and in its ceme-
tery are buried some soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary war.
\\'hile great-grandfather Andrew Geist was working on this homestead in
Swoven Creek, he had but one cow on these three hundred acres of land, and
this cow had no tail. During this period the Revolutionary war was in
progress and Andrew was drafted to sen-e in this great war for freedom, and
not desiring to serve he sold this tailless cow in order to raise money to buy a
substitute to serve in his place. It was during this time, from the landing of
the Schwenkfelders" colony to the close of the Re\X)lutionary war, that the
word Geist was spelled Gist, appearing this way on official records and papers
examined by R. P. Geist, justice of the peace. Green Brier, Northumberland
Co., Pa.. 1915.
On the homestead of Andrew Geist, the grandfather of A. F. Geist, Peter
Geist, was born Dec. 21, 1804, and died at this place on Jan. 8, 1875, aged
seventy years, eighteen days. He is buried at St. John's Reformed and
Lutheran Church, Leek Kill, Pa. In his boyhood days Peter left the old home-
stead and went to Washingtonville, Montour Co., Pa. There he learned his
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PEXXSYLVANL\ 665
trade, that of blacksmith. He also married at this place and soon after moved
back onto the old homestead in Swoven Creek, where he continued at his trade
and did farming. Here Jacob, the father of A. F. Geist, was born Feb. ii, 1835.
Jacob Geist, father of A. Frank Geist, learned the trade of carpenter in
his youth and followed that calling all his life. In 1S81 he came to Hegins,
Schuylkill county, where he continued work at his trade and resided to the
end of his days, dying in the year 1898. His widow, whose maiden name was
Catherine Schwartz, still lives in Hegins township, near Hegins, on the Geist
home place. She was born in Hegins township, Schuylkill county, where her
father, Abraham Schwartz, engaged in farming and made his home until his
death. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Geist, four sons and
four daughters, namely : Ellen is the widow of Samuel E. Schwalm and lives in
Hegins township, at what was known as Kessler's gristmill ; S. Calvin resides
at Hegins; Elizabeth is the wife of S. R. Masser, who has a general store at
Hegins ; Cora is married to A. C. Kessler, a farmer of Hegins township ; Katie
is married to Harry Leonard, of Tremont, Schuylkill county, baggagemaster
in the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company; A. Frank is
next in order of birth ; Thomas J. is a graduate of the Franklin and Marshall
College, Lancaster, Pa., and now engaged as a teacher at Ephrata, Lancaster
Co., Pa. ; Nathan Francis is doing a general hauling and teaming business at
Hegins, where he lives.
A. Frank Geist was born in 1877 in Northumberland county. Pa., and has
lived at Hegins from early boyhood. He began his education in the Hegins
township schools, later attended graded school at Hegins, and supplemented
his public school training with a course at the Shamokin (Pa.) business college,
in his native county. In his young manhood he taught eight terms of school
in Hegins township, during the winter season, finding employment the rest of
the year at the carpenter's trade, which he learned partly under his father's
tuition. It was only a step from'that vocation to his present line. In 1907
he established the lumber trade and planing mill at Hegins which has since
occupied most of his time. His experience as a carpenter has proved an extra
qualification for' the business he now follows, assisting him in judging the
quality of materials and filling mill orders intelligently. No doubt his knowl-
edge of building materials and requirements has had much to do with the
prosperity of his enterprise, for it has l)een gratlfyingly successful, and the
plant is considered one of the most useful industrial establishments in the
locality. Mr. Geist is looked upon as a trustworthy man in every respect. His
fellow members in the I. O. O. F. lodge at Hegins have chosen him secretary,
and he is serving at present as treasurer of the Reformed Church of Hegins,
to which he and his wife belong. Fidelity to all his obligations is one of the
most noteworthy characteristics he possesses.
In 1900 Mr. Geist married Katie Bair, a native of Hegins township, and five
children have been born to this marriage: Allen H., Guy A., Lloyd W., Tillie
V. and Earl B.
Cyrus W. B.\ir, Mrs. deist's father, was born in Perry county. Pa., and
her grandfather, Joseph Bair. was also a native of that county. The latter was
a farmer by occupation. The father learned the trade of plasterer, and besides
following same farmed and taught school, following his profession for more
than thirty years, in the Mahantongo valley. Schuylkill county, and in Dauphin
county. He died in njio, and is buried at Fountain, in Hegins township. He
was twice married, first to Isabella Otto, a native of Hegins township, daughter
666 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
of David Otto, a farmer of that township. Mrs. Isabella Bair died about
twenty-tive years ago, and is buried in the cemetery at Fountain. She was the
mother of two children, Mrs. Geist being the elder; the younger, Jesse A. Bair,
lives at Ashland, Schuylkill county. For his second wife Mr. Bair married
Mrs. Sarah Smith, of Barry township, Schuylkill county, and to this union were
born three children: Lydia is the wife of Robert Eckler, of Hegins; Roy S.
and Stephen A. also live at Hegins, making their home with their sister, Mrs.
Eckler.
EPHRAIM YARNALL owns and occupies a beautiful farm property in
Barry township which has been developed entirely by the Yarnalls. The fam-
ily is one of old standing in this section of Schuylkill county and was estab
lished here by Isaac Yarnall, grandfather of Ephraim, who came from New
Jersey and settled in the Mahanoy valley. He took up government land and
followed farming. His family consisted of eight children, viz. : Anna, John,
Jonathan, Francis, Asa, Elijah, .\.nnie, and one that died young.
John Yarnall, father of Ephraim, was born in Mahanoy township, this
county, and lived to the age of eighty-three years. He settled on the farm
in Barry township where his son Ephraim now lives, cleared the land, and
made great progress in the work of improvement, which he carried on for
many years. He is buried in the cemetery near the farm. Mr. Yarnall mar-
ried Mary Rodenbeier, who was born near Ashland, this county, daughter of
an old settler in this part of the State, Jacob Rodenbeier. He kept the hotel
known as the Red Taveni, near Centralia. Mr. Rodenbeier had ten children,
namely: Jacob, Solomon, Peter, Philip, David, Rebecca, Mary, Lydia, Susan
and Sarah. Mrs. Yarnall died near Ashland. Of her six children, Mary,
Martha. John, Ephraim, Reuben and Ezra, Ephraim is the only survivor.
Ephraim Yarnall was born in 1837 in Barry township and grew up on the
farm, attending school in an old log building nearljy. During his school years
he gave his spare hours to assisting with the farm duties at liome, and subse-
quently devoted all his time to the operation of the home i)lace, working in
partnership with his father until the latter retired because of advancing age.
Under his competent management the home tract has undergone steady im-
provement, Mr. Yarnall sparing neither thought nor labor in the advancement
of his "work. Modern methods, the intelligent application of various up-to-
date ideas, have resulted in increased production along different lines, and Mr.
Yarnall has also taken much pleasure in beautifying his surroundings, as the
attractive arrangements and comfortable home conditions testify. His opin-
ions on public questions, as in his chosen calling, are considered practical and
worthy of attention, and liis neighbors have shown their faith in his views
and character by electing liim to represent them in various capacities. In the
offices of township supervisor and member of the school board he has done
good work for the locality.
In i860 Mr. Yarnall married Lucy Sigenfuse, who was born in the same
part of Barry township as himself, her parents, Charles and Susan (Bixler)
Sigenfuse, having settled there many years ago. Mrs. Sigenfuse was born
in Mahantongo. She and her husband died when comparatively young. Their
family con-iisted of six cliildren: Betsy, now the wife of Elias Slopick. of
Alount C.irniel ; Lydia. wife of Jacob Umlauf, of Mount Carniel ; Susan, Mrs.
F'eter Bradburv. of 'l",'una(|ua, this county; Charles, a resident of Allentown,
Pa.; Elias; and Lucy, Mrs. Yarnall.
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PEXXSYLVANL\ 667
Of the thirteen children born to Mr. and Mrs. Yarnall several are deceased;
William and Franz live at home; Charles and Irvin are also located in Barry
township; Sallie is the wife of Sam Kessler, a farmer of Barry township; Cora
is married to Thomas Hoch, of Barry township; Katie is the wife of Albert
Moser, of Pottsville. Mr. and Mrs. Yarnall are members of the United
Brethren Church.
WILSON R. DINGER, a farmer of Porter txDwnship, was born in Hegins
township Feb. 26, 1850, son of Jonathan Dinger, and grandson of Peter Dinger.
The great-grandfather, Frederick Dinger, came from Berks county, Pa., to
become one of the first settlers of Hegins township, Schuylkill Co., Pa. Sub-
sequently he moved to Lower Mahanoy township, where he died upon farm-
ing property owned by him.
Peter Dinger, the grandfather, was an officer of the war of 1812. He
was also a farmer of Hegins township, settling on the homestead, his farm
being located about two and a half miles above the borough of Hegins, and
comprising 225 acres of land. There he died. The maiden name of his wife
was Magdalena Hand, and they had these children : Catherine, who married
Jacob Crone; Elizabeth, who married John Horn; Mrs. Eliza Seitz; Peter;
Daniel; William, and Jonathan. The latter was a farmer of Hegins township,
the Dinger family forming a little settlement in this township, and there he
resided until his death at the age of sixty-nine years. He is buried in Fountain
cemetery. Jonathan Dinger married Catherine Dinger, a daughter of George
Dmger, of Hegins township, and their children were : Joel, who was a hotel
man of Pottsville, Pa., died in 1914; Frank is a resident of Hegins township;
Wilson R. is mentioned below; Amanda married John Stutzman; Alice mar-
ried (first) Aaron Heater and (second) Harvey Kline.
Wilson R. Dinger was reared on the family homestead, and made his home
there until he was fifty-three years old, for many years having sole charge of
the property. In 1913, however, he bought the Berger farm at Tower City,
and has forty acres of land in an excellent state of cultivation. Mr. Dinger
married Maria Lucas, a daughter of Emanuel Lucas, and they ha\c one daugh-
ter, Irene Catherine, born Feb. 21, 1915. Independent in his political views,
Mr. Dinger votes for the man rather than according to party regulations.
He has served some years as township auditor. He is a member of the
Lutheran Church, and Mrs. Dinger is a member of the Church of God at
Weishample. Fraternally he belongs to the K. G. E.
Mr. Dinger was one of the organizers of the First National Dank of
Hegins, and served on its directorate for five years, but refused further serv-
ice, although elected, feeling that he was too far away from the bank. He is
still a stockholder. The Dinger family is one of the best known and most
highly respected in this part of the county, and the individual members are
proving themselves worthy of their name.
HENRY W. KR.\L^S is one of the leading spirits in agricultural progress
in Ryon townshi]). where he has a fine farm and dairy, both branches of his
business exempli fxini; his achancefl ideas, which have had a noticeable efifect
on raising standards all n\er his section of Schuylkill county.
Mr. Kraus was born Feb. 17, 1862, at Mahanoy City, this county, son of
William and Mary (Kraus) Kraus, both of whom were natives of Germany,
the father born at Seise, the mother at Reigelsdorf , in the same vicinity. Wil-
668 SCHUYLKILL COUiNTY, PENNSYLVANL\
liam Kraus came to America when seventeen years old, and first located at
Tamaqua, Schuylkill Co., Pa., for a time following mining, but later turning
to the butcher business. Moving to Mahanoy City he carried on business there
for several years, until he purchased the John Schlear farm in Ryon township,
a tract of 150 acres which is considered one of the finest properties in the
valley. Most of the buildings on that place are of his construction, though
part of the old house built in 1829 is still standing. There Mr. Kraus died in
1888, at the age of fifty-six years, and he is buried at Tamaqua. To him and
his wife were born nine children, four of whom survive: Mary, who married
Mack McMinity and settled in Meadville, Pa. ; Anna, widow of John Lathan ;
William, of Rush township, this county ; and Henry W.
Henry \V. Kraus received his education in the public schools of Jonestown,
Lebanon county, and Mahanoy City, meantime assisting his father in the
butcher business until he reached the age of fourteen years. He has since been
occupied with farm work. In 1896 he purchased the homestead place in Ryon
township, above mentioned, and in the twenty years which have elapsed since
has made numerous improvements thereon, his place being one of the most
valuable in the locality. He has taken pleasure in developing the property,
which shows the intelligent interest with which he has followed modern meth-
ods, everything about the farm being up-to-date. He has been foremost in en-
terprise among the farmers of his neighborhood in adopting new ideas for
economy of labor and assuring good results, and his success has been an encour-
agement to others in many ways. Mr. Kraus has a fine dairy, operated in
accordance with modern views on the production of clean, wholesome milk,
which he ships daily. As a manager he has shown business ability beyond the
ordinary, and he has not limited his activities to his farm work, supporting
any movements which hold promise of benefiting the community. He is presi-
dent of the Lakeside Rural Telephone Company, whose line has been a great
convenience in the neighborhood. For six years he was a member of the town-
ship board of school directors, and he has taken an active part in promoting
the work of the Grange in his locality, whereby many excellent ideas have
been brought to the attention of the farming population. Socially he is a mem-
ber of the Loyal Order of Moose, and his religious connection is with the
German Lutheran Church. His neighbors regard him as one of the most
valuable citizens in this region.
In September, 1884, Mr. Kraus married Maude C. Mert, daughter of
John Ififert, and the three children born to this union are all living at home,
viz.: Gertrude, widow of Herbert Mengle; John W., who married Hattie
Matthews (he is a member of the school board of Ryon township at present) ;
and Maude C.
ALEXANDER TPIOMP.'^^OX (deceased) was a native of Scotland, and
came to this country during: hi^ >oung manhood. The rest of his life was
spent in Schuylkill countw Pa., where he was widely and favorably known
during his active, useful career. He first settled at Middleport, where he was
engaged in hauling machinery, timber, etc., and later lived at the York Farm,
near Potts\ille. which he bought, cultivating that tract for many years. He
also had small drifts opened on the property and sold coal to the public, this
being the first coal taken from the workings later developed into the famous
York Farm colliery. After a long residence there he removed to Porter
town.ship, in 1854, being one of the early settlers in this section, where he
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANL\ 669
bought a farm of no acres, from which he subsequently sold a number of
building lots for the town of Sharadin, which was laid out in 1869. This was
his home until his death, which occurred Dec. 4, 1873 ; he is buried in the
Greenwood cemetery in Porter township. Besides farming, Mr. Thompson
also engaged in milling in Porter township, building a gristmill upon his tract
which was known in his day as Thomps-on's mill. It was sold to Grimm &
Womer, and later to the Reading Company, the present owners of the land.
Mr. Thompson was a man of intelligence and strong character, and in his
day was one of the most influential men in this section.
By his first marriage, to Isabella Pennman, Mr. Thompson had nine chil-
dren : George was killed at York Farm ; David P., deceased, was a soldier in
the Civil war; Elizabeth, deceased, was the wife of Hiram Kimmel; Janette
inarried Benjamin Houtz ; William died while serving in the Civil war; Alex-
ander is living at Lykens, Pa. ; Robert is deceased ; Isabella is the widow of
George Powell; James is living in West Virginia. For his second wife Mr.
Thompson married Mary Bast, daughter of Isaac Bast, and by this union there
was also a large family: Isaac B. ; George, who is now living in Alaska;
Mary, wife of Daniel Stout; John, residing at Sharadin, Pa.; Andrew, a resi-
dent of Michigan; Charles, deceased; Abraham, deceased; Winfield S., of
Michigan; William I'. S. (i., deceased; Elmer E., of Sharadin; and Rebecca
M., wife of Hoplin E\ans. living on the old Thompson homestead in Porter
township.
Hon. Alexander Thompson, eldest surviving son of Alexander Thompson,
has been a very prominent man in his district, a member of the Dauphin
county bar and at one time a member of the State Senate. During the Civil
war he served in the Union army. His home is at Lykens, Dauphin county,
and he is also very well known in Schuylkill county. Since 1912 he has been
blind, having lost his sight in an explosion on his farm at Lykens.
Is.x.Ac B. Thompson, eldest son of Alexander and Mary (Bast) Thompson,
was born Dec. 26. 1S53, at York Farm, and had ordinary school advantages
during his early boyhood. \Mien twelve years old he began picking slate, and
he continued to be employed about the mines for a period of twenty-eight
years. Then he turned to carpenter work, which he has been following ever
since. His home is at Sharadin. in Porter township, and he is one of the well
known citizens of the valley, having taken an active interest in local affairs
for a number of years. He has been a member of the Porter township school
board, and served the township as tax collector for twelve years. Socially he
belongs to the Knights of Pythias at Tower City. Mr. Thompson was one of
the executors of his father's estate, ser\ing with his brothers David P. and A.
F. Thompson.
Mr. Thompson married Mary Goodman, daughter of William Goodman,
and the following children were born to them: Cora, wife of Francis W.
Shomber; Arthur; Charles; Ralph; Lillie, deceased; Roy; Mary wife of
Wilbur Kaufman; Carrie, wife of Harry Shomber; Russell; Lester, deceased;
and Leona, wife of Clarence Lenkert. The family are Methodists in religious
connection. Mrs. Thompson died in January, 191 1, and is buried in the Green-
wood cemetery in Porter township.
GABRIEL B. DERR, an old resident of the borough of Tremont, now
living retired after many years in the service of the Philadelphia & Reading
Railway Company, is a native of Schuylkill county and of old Pennsylvania
670 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANL\
stock. His grandfather, John Derr, was born in this State, where the family
has been estabhshed since, the pioneer period, the earher generations living in
Lehigh county for many years and moving thence to Northumberland county.
John Derr settled in the Shamokin valley in Northumberland county, remain-
ing there until his death. He was a shoemaker by trade and also followed
farming. Besides James, the father of Gabriel B. Derr, his children were :
Benjamin, the eldest, who lived to be ninety-two years old ; Peter, the second,
V'ho died at the age of eighty-nine years ; Jacob, who attained the age of ninety ;
George, who died when fifty years old ; Kate ; Matilda ; Elizabeth, who
reached the age of ninety-six years ; one that died in infancy ; and Mary.
James Derr, son of John, was born in the Shamokin valley in Northum-
berland county in the year 1818, and moved thence to Schuylkill county, set-
tling in the Mahantongo valley in 1836. Afterwards he moved to Porter town-
ship, and from there in i860 to Tremont, where he passed the remainder of
his days, dying May 9, 1890. During his residence in this county James Derr
engaged in farming, and also followed the lumber business. In Porter town-
ship he married Catherine Haertter, who was born in Bavaria, Germany,
daughter of Christ Haerttet. Her father was also born in Bavaria, Germany,
and when he came to America first located at Reading, Pa., later moving to
Pine Grove, Schuylkill county, and then to Porter township, this county,
where he died in 1852. By trade he was a brushmaker, and he followed farm-
ing as well. His children were : Christ, Jacob, Casper, Mary, Barbara and
Catherine. Mr. and Mrs. James Derr had the following children : Regina,
the eldest, now deceased; Gabriel B. ; John, who lives at Tremont; Catherine,
deceased ; Mary, deceased ; Emma, deceased ; and George, deceased. All but
Catherine died at Tremont, where, they are buried.
Gabriel B. Derr was bom, June 13, 1844, in Porter township, this county,
where he was reared. In his early boyhood he helped with the farm work at
home, \Mien thirteen years old he came to Tremont, where he worked with
his father in the timber business until 1868, in which year he .entered the
employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company. He began rail-
road work as a trackman, later became brakeman, and worked up to the posi-
tion of conductor and baggageman, being so engaged for some time. He was
retired July i, 19 14, and is now on the pension list.
Mr. Derr is respected by all his fellow citizens, among whom he had a wide
acc|uaintance. He is a prominent member of the Grand Army of the Republic,
being commander of the post at Tremont. In 1864 he enlisted from Tremont,
joining Company D, i6th Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, with which he
served until the close of the Civil war, being mustered out at Richmond, Vn.,
in August. 1865. He took part in the actions around Petersburg and in other
important battles. Mr. Derr also holds membership in the P. O. S. of A. and
the I. O. O. F.. at Tremont, and is especially interested in the Odd Fellows,
having passed all the chairs in the local lodge. He is a member of the Lutheran
Church in the borough.
On March 27, 1873, Mr. Derr married Sarah Betz, and they have had
children as follows: Emma and George (twins), Edward, Rutherford.
Charles, Martha, and William, the last named deceased. George, who is living
at Tremont, was in the service during the Spanish-American war, having
enlisted from Philadelphia; Rutherford, who lives at Pottsville. this county,
also sened in the Spanish-American war; Edward is a resident of Allentown,
Pa.; Charles lives at Tremont; Martha is the wife of Leo Frille. of Tremont.
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLYANLA 671
Peter and Esther (Bowen) Betz, Mrs. Derr's parents, settled in Potts-
ville, Schuylkill county, in 1875, ^nd he followed the trade of painter there
for many years. The family sulDsequently moved to Berwick, Pa., where Mr.
and Mrs. Betz ended their days, her death occurring in March, 1905, his in
July, 1913. He was one of a large family, among his brothers being Daniel
and Charles. Mrs. Betz was also a member of a large family, her parents hav-
ing children as follows: James, Henry, William, Charles, Sarah, Katherine,
Susan, Esther and Emma. We have the following record of the children bom
to Mr. and Mrs. Betz: Henry the eldest, is deceased; Edward is deceased;
Howard is a resident of 'Schuylkill Haven; George lives at Pottsville, this
county; Charles is located at Berwick; Sarah, who was born at Lehighton,
Carbon Co., Pa., is Mrs. Gabriel B. Derr; Frank is in Philadelphia. The last
named is a veteran of the Spanish-American war. Peter Betz, the father,
served three years in the Union army during the Civil war.
JOHN C. SCHILLING has been engaged in business at Ashland since 1900.
He bears a name highly respected in this section, being a grandson of Peter
Schilling, who emigrated to this country from Germany in 1855, settling at
Ashland when it had but five houses on the present town site. He was em-
ployed at the mines. During the Civil war he ser\-ed in the Union army,
and he was a man of solid worth and one of the esteemed citizens of this
region to the end of his days. At the time of his death he was living in Cen-
tralia, just over the line in Columbia county. He was the father of three
children, Philip, John and Peter, all of whom are now deceased. John moved
out to Minnesota, where he took up government land, became wealthy, and
remained there until the end of his days.
Peter Schilling, son of Peter Schilling, was born in Bavaria, Germany, and
was but a boy when the family came to America. He was soon afterwards
bound out to a farmer, and continued to follow agricultural work until he
became a young man, after which he was engaged on the railroad for forty
years as foreman with the Philadelphia & Reading Company. In this capacity
he built the Mine Hill railroad, the first railroad in this part of Pennsylvania.
He was regarded as one of the substantial citizens of Ashland, where _he
was a member of the Washington Fire Company and interested in all the
affairs of the locality. He was a member of the Roman Catholic Church, and
helped to build the first German Catholic Church at Ashland. Politically he
was a stanch Democrat. ]\Ir. Schilling married Emma Schmidt, who was born
at Reading, Pa., and died April 12, 1897, at Ashland. Of the children born
to this union all died in infancy but John C. The father died at Ashland March
10, 1911.
Theodore Schmidt, father of Mrs. Peter Schilling, was a native of Ger-
many, and learned the business of painting and decorating there, acquiring
considerable reputation before his emigration to America. He settled at Read-
ing. Pa., and afterwards came to Ashland, and followed his calling very suc-
cessfully, being one of the finest in his line in this section of Pennsylvania. He
died at Ashland when sixty-three years old. His wife's maiden name was
Webber. He was the father of twenty-four children.
John C. Schilling was born Sept. 27, 1874, at Ashland, where he was reared
and educated. In 1900 he commenced business on his own account, establish-
ing himself at his present location at No. 1839 Centre street. He has always
carried a complete general stock and in 1904 he added a meat market, which
672 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANLA.
has been continued ever since. By honorable methods and his accommodat-
ing disposition Air. SchiUing has succeeded in building up a profitable trade
which has shown a wholesome increase from the beginning, and he has estab-
lished himself among the substantial merchants of the borough. His thrift and
reliability in business have attracted the attention of his fellow citizens, who
have honored him with election as member of the council, in which body he
has served two years, 1912-1914. His official duties are discharged with
characteristic consideration for the best interests of his constituents. He is
a member of St. Mauritius' Church at Ashland, and is a grand knight of Sarto
Council, Knights of Columbus.
On May 26, 1896, Mr. Schilling married Mary Llewellyn, who was born
in Ashland, daughter of David and Mary ( Rhoades) Llewellyn, the former
of whom died Nov. 21, 1901. He was an engineer at the mines. Mrs. Llewel-
lyn, now (1914) sixty-one years of age, makes her home at Ashland. Their
family consisted of sixteen children, and we have record of : David, who is
foreman at the Excelsior colliery; Harry, a mason contractor; Mary, Mrs.
Schilling; Hannah; William, head mechanic of the Excelsior colliery; Charles;
Abraham, a graduate of Girard College, now engaged as a civil engineer.
To Mr. and Mrs. John C. Schilling have been born seven children, of whom
but three survive: Leo (now aged thirteen years), Emma and Catherine.
The others died in infancy.
VALENTINE W. QUIGEL, cashier of the First National Bank at Hegins,
is considered one of the ablest financiers of his section of Schuylkill county. His
reputation has been built up in years of exemplary service in positions of great
responsibility, his present connection dating from the establishment of the
bank, in 1908.
Mr. Ouigel is a worthy representative of old Pennsylvania stock, the fam-
ily having been founded here during the Provincial period. The name itself
has been anglicized, its original form being Quickel. Quigel and its earlier
variations are mentioned in a work on the "Teutonic Name System," by a Ger-
man author, who claims that the root of the name is found in the ancient Norse
language, the original meaning being "sword." The founder of the family was
evidently a maker of swords or very dexterous in handling them, hence the
surname. In the year 1736 there arrived at the port of Philadelphia, in ihe
ship "Fantana," a number of German emigrants, among the passengers over
sixteen years old being John M. and John P. Quigel, as well as other members
of the family, including Christian, George and Peter Quigel. The "Fantana"
sailed from Rotterdam, Holland, and it is probable the Quigels came to that
port down the Rhine from their home in the Palatinate, in the Grand Duchy
of Baden, where many bearing the name of Quickel are still to be found. Cnris-
tian Ouigel was a son of John P. Quigel, "and they settled in Lancaster, the
others in York county, Pa. (York county, however, was not separated from
Lancaster until the late forties.)
Qiristian Quigel, who came to this country in the "Fantana" with his father,
John P. Ouigel, was the ancestor of \'alentine W. Quigel. He lived in Man-
heim township, Lancaster Co., Pa., and enlisted from that township for service
in the Revolutionary war, Aug. 27, 1776. He was a soldier in Colonel Swope's
battalion, part of the troops of the celebrated "Flying Camp" commanded by
General Washington on Long Island. Reference to his service may be found
in the Pennsylvania Archives. Christian Quigel had six children : Peter, who
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 673
was a soldier in the Revolution ; Balzer, who removed to that part of North-
umberland county now known as Lycoming, and was the ancestor of the fam-
ily at Quigelville; Nicholas, ancestor of the McElhattan (Pa.) Ouigels ; Philip,
a Revolutionary soldier, ancestor of the branch of the family~found at Pine
Station, Clinton Co., Pa.; Michael, who settled in Northumberland county (he
was the ancestor of Hon. A. J. Quigley) ; and Catherine, who married John
Myers.
The descendants of these six children of Christian Quigel, as well as the
other Quigels and Quickels who came to this country in the early days, have
become scattered all over Pennsylvania, Ohio, the West and the South, and
include a number of persons of dictinction and renown, notably Hon. William
B. Allison, United States senator from Iowa, and Hon. Hoke Smith, secre-
tary of the Interior in Cleveland's cabinet. The Maclaurin family of South
Carolina, and the Montgomery, Allen, Crawford, Crane, Stewart, McCormick,
White, Williams, Grier, Baird, Welsh, Guise, Mobly, Hess, Simons, Shaw,
Hanna and other well known families of this section of Pennsylvania, are also
connected with the Quigels.
Balzer Quigel, son of Christian, married Rosanna Fink, by whom he had
children : George, John and Michael.
George Quigel, son of Balzer, died in 1884, aged ninety-six years. He mar-
ried Leah Kinley, and their children were : Michael, Jesse, John, Ambrose,
Mary Ann, Catherine, Lydia and Sophia.
John Quigel, son of George, was bom July 9, 1838, at Quigelville, Lycom-
ing Co., Pa., and was reared there. He had the common school advantages
afforded in the home neighborhood, and followed farming throughout his
active years. In religion he was a Lutheran, in politics a Democrat. During
the Civil war he was in the Union service from September, 1862, to August,
1863, belonging to Captain Dodd's company, of the 77th Pennsylvania Volun-
teer Infantry. Mr. Quigel married Julia Ann Capple, a native of Germany,
who came to America when two years old with her parents, George and Mar-
garet Capple, both now deceased; the Capples resided in Lewis township,
Lycoming county. Mr. and Mrs. John Quigel had three children, \'alentine
W., Sylvester and Margaret.
Valentine W. Quigel was born April i, 1862, at Quigelville, Lycoming Co.,
Pa. His education was acquired in the schools of his native county, and
included instruction in the normal school at Muncy, Pa. In his early manhood
he taught for three terms, but bookkeeping was his business profession, and he
was engaged in that kind of work for years. In 1879 he went to Williams-
port, Lycoming county, and entered the employ of J. C. Green & Co., with whom
he remained until 1885. That year he became connected with the railway mail
service, in which he continued during Cleveland's administration. For four
years he was with the Gazette & Bulletin Publishing Association at Williams-
port, served for five years as secretary of the Pennsylvania Beneficial Associa-
tion, and in 1908 came to Hegins, where he has since been established. His
comprehensive knowledge and understanding of financial questions was so gen-
erally recognized that he was called upon to serve the city of Williamsport as
treasurer and the county of Lycoming as auditor, filling each office for two
terms to the entire satisfaction of his fellow citizens.
The First National Bank of Hegins was organized April 23, 1908. with local
capital, F. P. Barnd of Hegins being the first president and one of the original
board of directors, his fellow members being : H. William Bressler, R. R. Artz,
Vol. II— 5
674 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Mr. D. E. Kurtz, W. R. Dinger, S. W. Kessler, G. W. Baum, S. A. Buffington,
H. H. Geist, Dr. W. D. Karterman, Moses Schadel and John W. Heckert. Dr.
Karternian is now president, and serving with him on the board of directors
are H. W. Bressler, VV. R. Dinger, H. H. Geist, W. W. Haas, M. W. Kessler,
S. E. Kessler, H. Fred Lauer (of Ashland, Pa.), V. W. Quigel, Moses Schadel,
L. L. Snyder and C. F. Otto. Mr. Lauer is secretary of the board. Mr. Quigel
has filled the position of cashier uninterruptedly since the bank was organized,
and his ser\'ices and advice have been of inestimable value in the direction of
its affairs. The capital stock is $50,000, and there is at present a surplus of
$12,000, the undivided profits amounting to over $2,000. The sound principles
v.'hich have characterized the operation of the First National Bank of Hegins
from the beginning have had an appreciably beneficial influence upon business
activities in the town and adjacent territory in Schuylkill county. Much of
the credit for the wholesome conditions it has helped to create and maintain
must be assigned to Mr. Quigel's clear-headedness.
Mr. Quigel is a Democrat in politics, in which he takes a real interest, a
member of the Lutheran Church, and socially connected with the Royal
Arcanum and Modern Woodmen of America.
On July 8, 1886, Mr. Quigel married Jennie L. Smith, who died Jan. 5,
1887. On Jan. 3, 1889, he married (second) Caroline Hadtner, and they have
one child, Beatrice E., now an employee in the First National Bank at Hegins;
Miss Quigel holds a commission as notary public.
CHARLES A. SCHROPE, who is engaged in business at Tower City as a
contracting miner, was born at Valley View, Schuylkill Co., Pa., in 1882, and
is a son of George W. and Elizabeth (Smith) Schrope, grandson of Amos
Schrope, great-grandson of John Schrope, and great-great-grandson of
Andrew Schrope.
.\ndrew Schrope was born in Germany, and at about the time of the
war of the Revolution became a pioneer of \'alley Mew, Schuylkill county,
where he took up a large tract of land. His operations were very extensive
in scope, as may be judged from the fact that his property, now cut up, con-
tained what is now six farms, all of great size. There he passed the remain-
ing years of his life, one of the substantial and reliable men of his community,
an influential voice in civic affairs and a force for progress and advancement
along all lines. He died and was buried in the Sacramento community of
Hubley township. He was the father of two sons, John and Andrew.
John Schrope, son of the pioneer, followed in his father's footsteps and
when ready to adopt an occupation of his own took up farming. Through
thrift, industry and good management his affairs prospered, and he became
►he owner of 325 acres of valuable land in Hegins township and a man of
worth and substance in his locality. His life was devoted to the cultivation of
the soil, and his death occurred near Sacramento, where he was laid to rest.
Mr. Schrope married Maud Halderman, and they became the parents of four
children : Amos, Jacob, Maria and Kate. After the death of his first wife
Mr. Schrope was again married, to Lydia Haas, but there were no children
born to this union.
Amos Schrope, the grandfather of Charles A. Schrope, was born on his
father's homestead in Hegins Township, Schuylkill Co., Pa., and there received
his education and grew to manhood. \\'hen ready to establish a home of
his own he secured a part of the homestead place, 105 acres, to the cultivation
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PEXNSYLVAXL\ 675
and development of which he devoted the entire period of his active hfe. He
still survives, in comfortable retirement, at his home at \alley Yiew. Mr.
Schrope has upheld the family name for public-spirited participation in civic
affairs, and has served capably and faithfully in various offices, including
those of school director and tax collector. Always a man of the strictest
integrity, he has well merited the esteem and confidence in which he is held
by those among whom his life has been passed. Mr. Schrope married Harriet
Haas, daughter of Isaac Haas, of Mahantongo Valley, and four children were
born to this union : Monroe, who is deceased ; George W. ; Ellen, who is the
wife of Emanuel Schnieltz ; and Webster, who resides with his father at \'al-
ley View.
George W. Schro]5e, father of Charles A. Schrope. was born at \'alley
View, Hegins township, Schuylkill Co., Pa., Oct. lo, 1864, and received his
education in the public schools of that community. He remained at home on
the farm, assisting his father, until he was seventeen years of age, at which
time he secured employment as a laborer at the Brookside colliery. Later he
turned his attention to mining, at which he was engaged for about fifteen
years, then returning to the homestead and engaging in farming for eight
years. Then he again went to the P)rookside colliery, where for three years
he was a miner, and through his efforts won promotion to the position of
assistant inside foreman, a capacity in which he acted for seven years. In 1912
he was made foreman at the East Brookside colliery, and this post he continues
to fill, being one of his company's most trusted men. Mr. Schrope married
Elizabeth Smith, daughter of John Smith, of Mahantongo Valley, and to this
union there were born the following children : Charles A. ; John, whose
death occurred when he was seven years old ; Kate, who is the wife of
Charles Long; Lillie, who is the wife of Harry Miller; George, who resides
at Tower City; Robert, also a resident of that community; Minnie, who is
the wife of A. Hoffler; Jacob, who is a student at HaverfOrd College; Eva,
wife of Charles Shuey; Mabel, who resides with her parents; and Harriet,
who died when nine months old. The mother of these children died in April,
1913, deeply mourned by a wide circle of friends. Mr. Schrope is one of the
well known men of his community and an influential factor in civic affairs.
He has served capably as a member of the school board of Tower City. Fra-
ternally he is affiliated with the local lodges of the Junior Order United Amer-
ican Mechanics, the Improved Order of Red Men and the Loyal Order of
Moose.
Charles A. Schrope was still a lad when brought by his parents to Tower
City, and here his education was secured in the public schools. He was but a
boy when he secured employment in the mines, and when only seventeen years
of age began to cut coal, a business at which he has spent the greater part of
his life. For three years he was fire boss at the Siher Creek colliery, at the
end of that time returin"ng to Tower City, and he is now emjilnved at the West
1!rookside colliery, where he is known as a highly efficient, reliable and faith-
ful workman nnrl skilled miner. As a citizen he has been a leader in move-
ments whicli ha\e made for progress and advancement, and has willingly given
of his ser\ices in behalf of the elevation of educational standards", having
served for some years as a member of the school board of Porter township.
He also took the census of that township in igio. Fraternally Mr. Schrope is
a member of the Junior Order United American Mechanics, Improved Order
676 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
of Red Men, Knights of Pythias and Loyal Order of Moose, in all of which
orders he has numerous warm friends.
Mr. Schrope was united in marriage with Anna May Heartter, daughter of
David Heartter, of Reinerton, Pa., and to this union there have been born
live children, namely : Susie, Annie, Charles, Eva and Beatrice, who died
when seven months old.
WILLIAM W. KAUP is undoubtedly one of the best known residents of
Rush township, where he has a good farm which he cultivates, and also acts
as mail carrier on Rural Route No. 2, out of Tamaqua, covering his home
township and part of Ryon township. He has filled a number o»f public
offices in the township, and in the discharge of all his responsibilities has shown
consistent integrity and fidelity to the interests of his fellow citizens, in whose
respect he feels well rewarded. Mr. Kaup is a native of the township, born
July 16, 1851, son of William Kaup and grandson of John Kaup.
John Kaup was born Dec. 23, 1783, in W'urtemberg, Gemiany, and when
he came to America settled in Schuylkill county. Pa., first in West Penn town-
ship, whence he removed to Rush township in the year 1830. He owned a
farm of forty-seven acres about two miles from Tamaqua, which he cleared,
and the stable which he built there in 1831 is still standing. He also erected
a log house on the property. His death occurred Jan. 21, 1S53, in his seven-
tieth year, and he is buried at Dutch Hill, Tamaqua. His wife, Anna (Ben-
singer), born in April, 1788, died in January, 1849. Their children were:
Lucetta, Mrs. William Kramer; William; Levi, who died in Illinois; Solomon,
who died in Ohio; Priscilla, Mrs. Harry Bischofif; Benjamin, who died in
Ohio; Maltida, Mrs. Abraham Boocher; Daniel, who died at Williamsport,
Pa. ; and Sarah Ann, Mrs. Charles Phillips.
William Kaup, son of John, was born in 181 1, and died at the age of
seventy-seven years. He was buried in the White Cliurch cemetery in Rush
township. He followed farming on his father's homestead, in Rush township,
continuing to engage in agricultural pursuits throughout his life. He was one
of three men who had charge of the teams that hauled the first engine, from
Philadelphia, shipped from England for the Little Schuylkill Mining Com-
pany at Tamaqua. His progressive spirit is shown in his advocacy of the
public school system, in the establishment of which he took an active part.
He married Lydia Lindner, daughter of Samuel Lindner, whose wife was a
Sensensdorfer, member of a Revolutionary family ; the Lindners were of
German origin. Children as follows were born to this union : Isabella, who
married Thomas Baker ; Sevilla, who married William Reinhart ; Solomon,
who died when twenty-two years old; Mary M., who married Lewis Kline;
Sarah Ann, who died in infancy ; William W. ; and Lydia E.
William W. Kaup was reared upon the homestead farm, where he now
makes his home. He has not devoted all his life to agriculture, having for
several years been associated with the American Ice Company as superintend-
ent of their Schuylkill county plant. After his parents died he took the home
property, which he has been improving materially ever since, having built a
fine dwelling thereon in 1903. In 1904 Mr. Kaup was appointed to his posi-
tion of rural mail carrier, in which capacity he has served efficiently since.
Mr. Kaup has been a prominent \\-orker in the Rcjniblican party for many
vears, and he has been elected to several local offices, having served for a
long period as township clerk, and for twenty years he was general assessor.
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANLA. 677
Li February, 1876, Mr. Kaup married Catherine Walter, and the follow-
ing children have been born to them: John W. ; Claude C, who married
Annie Harris; Mary Ellen; Charles G., who married Minnie Parry; Eliz-
abeth May; Bessie B.; and William Walter, who died young. The family
are Lutherans.
John Walter, father of Mrs. William W. Kaup, was born June 6, 1829, in
France, came to the United States in young manhood, and first settled at
Tamaqua, Schuylkill Co., Pa. Later he removed to Rush township. locatiii,<;
at Stone Tavern. During the Civil war he enlisted for service in the Uiiiun
army, and his death, which occurred March 2, 1867, was caused by exposure
while in the army. He is buried at Tamaqua. His wife, Catherine (Bladel),
was bom in Germany, came to America when eighteen years old, and sur-
vived him many years, dying at the age of seventy-three. They had four chil-
dren: Catherine, Mrs. Kaup; Rachel, Mrs. Charles Morgans; John, who
died when thirty-seven years old ; and Margaret, who married Francis Job, of
England. The father of this family was a-Democrat in ix)litical sentiment.
JAMES DEIBERT, a lifelong resident of North Manheim township,
Schuylkill county, recently deceased,, was a citizen especially helpful in local
affairs by his efficient services on the school board. He was probably one of
the most widely known men in his part of the county, where he was engaged
in farming for many years on land which has been owned and occupied by
his family since the middle of the eighteenth century.
Michael Deiver (as his generation spelled the name), great-grandfather of
James Deibert, was the founder of this branch of the family in Schuylkill
county. He was born in Germany, and came with his parents to America,
the family settling in Bern township, Berks county, in the then Province of
Pennsylvania, near Michael's Church. There were five children, three sons
and two daughters: Michael, Christopher, Wilhelm, Mrs. George Hunt-
zinger and Mrs. John Gevert. When the sons were grown they moved to
Manheim township, Schuylkill county, and married, Wilhelm to a daughter of
John Renchler, from Bern township, Berks county, Michael to Elizabeth
Waver. In the year 1744 the brothers Wilhelm and Michael bought in part-
nership three hundred acres of land in North Manheim township, at the road
leading from Schuylkill Haven to Landingville, Wilhelm's ])art being at the
location occupied by Edward Peale in 1S84, and Michael's where John Filbert
lived at that time. The third brother, Christopher, went to Virginia in his
younger years, and the family did not hear from him afterwards.
In the beginning Wilhelm and Michael Deiver had the Indians for their
neighbors, and were molested considerably. Deer and bears were plentiful in
the region at that day, and as they divided the meat with the savages when
they shot any the Indians became more friendly. In the pamphlet published
in 18S4 by Daniel Deibert, a grandson of Wilhelm Deibert, we find this para-
graph : "My grandfather said after the Indians went away, some of them
came back again to rob them of their planting fruits. My grandfather and his
brother Michael had to flee over the Blue mountain to their father's home.
They buried their implements on the other side of the Schuylkill river, in
tTie woods, that the Indians could not get them ; but when they came back
they didn't find them any more. And they didn't find them till the Schuylkill
canal was made, then they dug them out again."
Michael Deiver (according to the same pamphlet) had five sons and three
678 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
daughters (only two daughters are named, however), Henry, Andrew, Michael,
Christian, John, Catharine and Ehzabeth. Henry married Miss Kriner;
Andrew, Miss Luckenbill; Michael, Miss Luckenbill (they had no children);
Christian, Miss Miller; Catharine, John Dewald ; Elizabeth, Daniel Repp. The
father, Michael, died on his property in North Manheim township, and is
buried at the Red Church in this county.
John Deibert, son of Michael, was born in North Manheim township, and
was a farmer by occupation. He is buried in the old cemetery at Schuylkill
Haven. He was twice married, the maiden name of his first wife being
Renchler, of his second Wagner. His children were as follows : Daniel,
who lived in Schuylkill Haven; George; Jacob, who died at Schuylkill Haven;
John, who died at Schuylkill Haven; Benjamin, who died at Pottsville; Wil-
liam, who died in the Upper Mahantongo Valley, Schuylkill county; Samuel;
Hannah, who married John Humel, of Selinsgrove, Pa. ; and Christine, who
married Henry Shelly and lived at Pottsville.
George Deibert, son of John and grandson of Michael, born at the old
homestead of his parents, followed farming all his life. He is buried in the
Union cemetery. He had many interesting experiences in the early days. His
father owned a large tract of land where Fishbach is now located (near
Pottsville), then thickly wooded. When the timber was cut it was floated down
the Schuylkill. One day, while going past what is now known as Mount
Carbon, he was followed by a wolf, and hastened to reach the river so that
the animal might lose his scent when he forded the stream. When somewhat
older he had another exciting time while plowing on the homestead, on the
Second mountain. A deer ran out and got into a pond, and Mr. Deibert,
thinking he could kill it, went into the water after it, but the animal almost
drowned him. He also had some adventures with panthers. Mr. Deibert
married Susanna Reed, daughter of James Reed, and she lived to the age of
seventy-one. The following children were born to them: Charles V. B., of
Schuylkill Haven; Sarah, who married Abraham Sharadin ; Mahlon, who
died when nine years old; Amanda, who married Harrison Berger; James,
who settled on the old homestead in North Manheim township ; Frank ; George,
living at Landingville ; Hannah, who married Edward Schappell ; Elwin,
living at Schuylkill Haven ; and William, who died when sixteen years old.
James Deibert, son of George, above, was born Oct. i8, 1847, on the
homestead near the Half Way House in North Manheim township, and attended
the local public schools. When fifteen years old he entered the employ of
W. D. Kline, at Landingville, for whom he clerked three months, receiving
six dollars a month. As his father needed his assistance he returned home,
and thereafter cultivated the Deibert property, after his marriage renting
the land, and purchasing the homestead upon his father's death. He had
eighty-nine acres of valuable farming land situated along the State road, near
Orwigsburg. He continued to reside there after retiring from the active work
of cultivation, in 1909, but was preparing to remove to Orwigsburg at the
time of his death, and had leased the property. There was no more highly
respected citizen in the township. His activity in the promotion of all measures
intended for the betterment of the locality, his upright life and well balanced
ideas, were influences for good these many years. During the twelve years he
was on the school board he showed his sincere desire to secure the best pos-
sible advantages for his township in the way of educational facilities, and
si)ared neither time nor efi^ort to fill his office with the highest regard for its
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 679
responsibilities. He was president of the board several years, and also acted
as treasurer. Mr. Deibert was a Democrat in politics, and a Lutheran in
religious connection. His death occurred at his home on the farm Feb. 9,
1915, after a few days' illness.
Mr. Deibert's wife, Mary C. (Faust), died in 1908, and is buried in the
Union cemetery at Schuylkill Haven. She was a daughter of Daniel Faust.
Of the children born to this union four survive, all married: Newton A.,
who is a shoe manufacturer at Orwigsburg, this county; Elizabeth, wife of
William H. Brommer, of Harrisburg, Pa.; Lillie B., wife of Milton Rohrer,
a shoe manufacturer of Orwigsburg; and James R., a draftsman, and also
engaged in the grocery business at Harrisburg.
JOSEPH H. LAUDIG, of Ringtown, is doing a thriving business in that
borough and the neighboring territory as a general carpenter and contractor,
and has many substantial structures to show for his activity in the quarter
of a century he has been operating on his own account. For thrift in busi-
ness and honorable dealings with all, he is considered a worthy representative
of the Laudig family, which has been established in this region since the time
of his great-grandfather.
Peter Laudig, a Re\olutionary soldier, was born Jan. 28, 1760, and died
Aug. 6, 1837. On May 16, 1780, he married Catherine Lantzer, who was born
in Philadelphia June 12, 1760, and died Oct. 6, 1835. They are buried at
the Old White Church near Ringtown, Schuylkill county.
Jacob Laudig, son of Peter, was born Sept. 28, 1786, and died July 17,
1863. The greater part of his active life was spent in Union township,
whither he moved from Middleport, this county, and he was engaged in farm-
ing and milling, having a tract of about forty-eight acres and a gristmill where
T. W. Rumbel now lives. This mill and farm he sold to John Maurer and
then bought the place where W. H. Rumbel is now located, remaining there
until his death. He was a Democrat in political faith, and his religious con-
nection was with the German Reformed congregation of the Old White Church
near Ringtown, in whose cemetery he and his wife are buried. Mr. Laudig
married Elizabeth Wetstone, who was born Jan. 13, 1794. and died Sept. 26,
1863. Their children were : Solomon married Susan Zimmerman ; William
married Rebecca Rumbel ; Frank died in young manhood ; Jacob married a
Stauffer; Leah married John Zimmerman.
Jacob Laudig, son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Wetstone) Laudig. was born
Feb. 15, 1836, in Union township, where he grew to manhood. He assisted
his father with the farm work and remained with. him until his death, on the
place now owned by William H. Rumbel, continuing to live at the old home-
stead until 1880, when he removed to Zion Grove, in North Union township.
There he purchased a tract of eighty acres (the farm now owned by Edward
Lindermuth), about three acres of which were in timber, and he followed gen-
eral farming on that land until his death. Mr. Laudig was an expert butcher,
and his services as such were in great demand among all the farmers in this
section. In politics he gave his support to the Democratic party, and in
religion he clung to the faith of the German Reformed denomination, belong-
ing to the Old White Church, near Ringtown. He died July 17, 1898, and is
buried at that church.
Mr. Laudig married Rachel (or Rebecca) Stauffer, who was bom March
6, 1837, in Locust Valley, Schuylkill Co., Pa., daughter of George and Catherine
680 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANL\
(Swank) Stauffer, and survives him, living in Ringtown. Children as follows
were born to them: Joseph H.; Benjamin F., born June 15, 1864, who mar-
ried Elizabeth R. Lessig and lives in Scranton, Pa. ; George, born Dec. 2, 1865,
of Ringtown, who married Mary A. Horn ; Charles, born Dec. 3, 1867, who
married Emma Mummey and lives at Zion Grove, this county; Elizabeth C,
born Jan. 31, 1873, wife of William Deebel, of Ringtown; and Rose, bom Oct.
28, 1874, wife of Henry Reich, of Ringtown.
Joseph H. Laudig was born Aug. 8, 1861, in Union township, his birth-
place being now included in Ringtown borough. He worked with his father
on the home place until 1880, meantime receiving good educational advantages
in the public schools of the township, and then became a carpenter's appren-
tice with J. B. Kester, of Ringtown, with whom he remained for a period of
eight years. During that time he had obtained a comprehensive knowledge
of general carpenter work, barn and house building, and he felt competent to
.start out on his own account as a contractor. His success has fully justified
the venture. Much of the most creditable construction work in and around
l^ingtown has been intrusted to him, and he is usually kept busy with his
contracts in that vicinity. One summer he worked at Shenandoah for Mr.
O'Hearn, lumber dealer and contractor, and he built a house for his brother
in Scranton. Personally he is able to perform any kind of carpenter work,
being very proficient with the tools of the trade and competent to do any of
the skilled labor necessary in the erection of a building. His familiarity with
the practical end of the business, combined with executive capacity, makes
him a shrewd judge of workmen, and no one in the business hereabouts
stands higher for reliability and responsibility in anything he undertakes.
Affairs of local interest have always received their due share of his attention.
He is a member of the Ringtown Fire Company, and was one of its trustees
for several years. He belongs to Washington Camp No. 265, P. O. S. of A.,
of Ringtown, of which he was formerly recording secretary; and was a
charter member of Ringtown Lodge, No. 287, I. O. O. F., of which he is a
])ast grand, and he was its first secretary. Mr. Laudig is independent in
politics, supporting the candidates and measures he thinks best, regardless of
party. In his earlier years he was a member of the Old White Church (Re-
formed) near Ringtown, where he held the office of deacon for nine years, but
he is now a member of the Reformed Church at Ringtown. For some time he
taught in the Sunday school at Zion Grove, and he has always been a gener-
ous contributor to religious enterprises of all kinds.
Mr. Laudig married Susan Kersteder. who was born Oct. 18, 1861 ; her
father and mother, Adam Kersteder and Hannah Long, were both natives of
Schuylkill county, born in Mahanoy Valley. Seven children have been born
to Mr. and Mrs. Laudig: Mattie May, born July 27, 1884. is married to
Elmer Kreiger, and has five children, Clarence E., Mary R., Roy A., Emily
M. and Joseph D. ; Daniel A., born Sept. 21, 1886, married Carrie Laudig and
has two children. Guy H. and Grace; Sadie E. was born March 30, 1889;
James A. was born May 31, 1891 ; Jacob W., born Dec. 8, 1893, married
Eva Home; Allen R. was born July 23, 1896; Perl R. was born Nov. 12,
1004. Mrs. Kreiger, Daniel, Sadie and James are graduates of the Ringtown
high school.
MORRIS UPDEGRAVE, proprietor of the "Tower City House," at
Tower City, Pa., was born Dec. 13, 1873, in Hubley township, near Sacra-
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANL-\ 681
mento, Schuylkill county, son of Samuel and Lucinda (Undercoffler) Upde-
grave, and a grandson of Jacob Updegrave.
Jacob Updegrave was born in Germany, and as a young man came to the
United States in search of his fortune, settling as a pioneer in Pine Valley,
Schuylkill Co., Pa. There his affairs prospered, he became the owner of a
good farm, was known as a substantial and reliable citizen, and passed all
his life He died there, and was buried at the cemetery at Sacramento. Mr.
Updegrave married Catherine Kimmel, and they became the parents of the
following children: Henry K. ; Anetta, who married John Deibler; Cecelia,
wlu. married Daniel Geist; Catherine, who married John Pritchard ; Elizabeth,
who married Frank Stutzman ; Jacob ; Samuel ; and Sevilla, who married
Wilson Geist. Of these children, Henry K. Updegrave was connected with
the early history of the coal industry in the West End. and was a large con-
tractor in the supplying of timber for the mines. Later he became proprietor
of the "Tower City House," which he conducted for a number of years. He
looked after the land for Mr. Tower at a time when the entire locality was
little more than a wilderness and later supplied the first timber for the Brook-
side colliery. His death occurred at Tower City when he was well advanced
in years. Jacob, son of Jacob, and brother of Henry K. Updegrave, was a
miner and the victim of one of the early accidents in this locality, in which his
back was broken. He lived for nine years thereafter, eventually passing away
at Tower City.
Samuel Updegrave, father of Morris Updegrave, was in early life em-
ployed with his brother, Henry K., and Henry Row, in driving team, hauling
timber. He subsequently turned his attention to farming operations in Pine
Valley, Hubley township, and in 1874 came to Tower City, where he was
employed to drive a team at the mines. Later he was advanced to stable boss
at the Brookside colliery and held that position until his death, which occurred
June 29, 1909. Mr. Updegrave was well known in this locality and was the
possessor of a host of friends. He married Lucinda Undercoffler, who died
in 191 1, and both are buried at Greenwood cemetery, Tower City. They had
the following children: Elmer; Morris; Clara, deceased, who was the wife
of Samuel Stephens; Fred; Cora, who is the wife of Edward Artz ; Walter;
Edith, who is the wife of Allen Schreiner; Harper; and Estella, who is the
wife of S. Bruggy.
The education of Morris Updegrave was secured in the public schools of
Tower City, and his boyhood was passed in much the same manner as that
of his youthful companions, who early learned the lessons of industry and
thrift, and who were taught to be self-reliant. He was only nine years of
age when he began contributing to his own support as a slate picker, and one
year later went inside to work, gradually becoming experienced in various
lines. Eventually he became a miner, a vocation which he followed until
reaching the age of twenty-four years, when, having accumulated some capital,
he left the mines and entered the draying business by buying out Charles Mas-
terson, at Tower City. For thirteen years Mr. Updegrave followed this
business with a full measure of success, and then disposed of his interests to
Troutman Brothers and removed to Atlantic City, N. J. A short time later
he went to Philadelphia, where he spent eighteen months and was employed
as a station agent by the Rapid Transit Company, returning to Tower City,
where, April 13, 1914, he took charge of the "Tower City House." He has
continued to conduct this hotel with success, and is very popular with the
682 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
traveling public. A solicitous host, he is eager to meet the wishes of his
guests, and as a result this hostelry is gaining much reputation and patronage.
Mr. Updegrave married Agnes Brown, daughter of Samuel Brown, and
they have five children : Mae, Allen, Vivian, Hazel and Dorothy.
Always progressive and enterprising, Mr. Updegrave has contributed to
the entertainment facilities of this locality by the erection of what is known
as Palace Hall, a structure 56 by 76 feet, located in the rear of the "Tower
City House," which has been fitted up with a splendid dance floor, with all
modern equipment, and accommodations for basket-ball matches and other
entertainments. It is well lighted and heated, has a large seating capacity,
and being the only structure of its kind it is largely patronized by the pleasure-
loving public. It has been frequently the scene of entertainments given by
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Tower City, the Knights of
Pythias of Muir, and the Loyal Order of Moose, of Lykens, of which orders
Mr. Updegrave is a popular member.
SHAPPELL FAMILY. In Perry township, Berks Co., Pa., which until
1853 was a part of Windsor township, is a prominent family bearing the
name of Shappell, which is sometimes variously spelled Schappelle, Choppelle,
.Schobbel, Shobel, .Schappel and Schappell. The original home of the family
was in France, but through religious persecution its members sought refuge
in Germany, making their home at Wittenberg. Among the 108 passengers
on the good ship "Patience." which arrived at the port of Philadelphia Sept.
17- 1753' was a Jeremie Chappelle, and one Jean Pierre Chappelle. The
kinship of these two emigrants is unknown, but it is doubted that they were
relatives. What became of Jean Pierre after landing in the New World is
unknown. Jeremias Schappelle (as it appears on the tombstone) or Schobel,
and Eberhart Schoppel, brothers, were residents in Windsor township, Berks
Co., Pa., in 1754 (see Rupp's history).
According to the tombstone inscription at Zion's Church, in Perry
(formerly Windsor) township, Jeremias Schappelle was born in 171 5, and
he died Oct. 13, 1804. His wife, Catherine, born in 1724, passed away June
8, 1801. The will of Jeremiah Shappel (sic) is on record in the Berks county
courthouse in Will Book A, page 505. It was made Feb. 11, 1803, and
probated Jan. 7, 1805. At the time the will was made he was a resident of
Windsor township. The following children were mentioned in the will:
Jacob (who was made executor of his father's estate), Matthias, Jeremiah,
Magdalena and Catherine. In the cemetery at Zion's Church is a tombstone
bearing the following inscription : "Elizabeth Schappelle, wife of Jeremias,
formerly of Deutschland, born Feb. 16. 1771, died July 9, 1817, aged forty-
six years, five months, twenty-three days." This probably refers to the wife
of Jeremias or Jeremiah, son of Jeremias (i).
No records of the descendants of Eberhart Schoppel are in evidence at
Zion's Union Church. He may have left Windsor township after 1744, in
which year he hewed his name on a stone now in the southeastern wall of the
old graveyard. Tradition says that the stones upon which these names are
carved (one bears the name of Jeremias) were once part of the wall of the
first church. The fourth church was in process of construction in 1908.
Jacob Schappell, son of Jeremias, was better known as "Jockey," a nick-
name e\idently taken from the German pronunciation of his name. He was
born in Wittenberg, Germany, Feb. 2, 1744, and died Sept. 11, 1826. As stated
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANL\ 683
above he was the executor of his father's will in 1805. His wife, Susanna,
was born Feb. 2, 1751, and died July 24, 1828. They are buried at Zion's
Church. Jeremias, Eberhart and Jockey Schappell were founders of the orig-
inal Zion's Church. Tradition says Jacob and Susanna had a large family,
some of their children, however, dying in infancy and childhood. Of these
may be mentioned those of whom there is record: Peter, born April 19, 1770;
Col. Jeremiah, born March 20, 1774; Daniel, mentioned below; and Hannah,
who married Georg Hoffman, a farmer of Perry township. There is a
valley in Perry township known as Schappell's Dale, because of the many
Shappells living there.
Daniel Shappell was born in Longswamp, Berks county, and followed farm-
ing all of his active life. He came to Schuylkill county at an early date, set-
tling between Schuylkill Haven and Orwigsburg, where he purchased 500 acres
of land. He was a taxable resident of North Manheim township in 1790,
where he died, and is buried in the old cemetery at Schuylkill Haven. His
children were : John, Charles, Daniel, Jacob, Mrs. Tobias, Mrs. Dengler,
Mrs. Potts, Mrs. Koudenbush, Mrs. Miller, Mrs. Krebs and Mrs. Waitman.
John Shappell was born on the homestead and was reared a farmer. He
came into possession of 136 acres of the homestead, which he continued to cul-
tivate until his death. For a short time he followed the occupation of boat-
builder at Schuylkill Haven, also making several trips down the canal. He died
at the age of seventy-nine, his wife, Caroline Bowen, passing to rest at the
age of seventy-two years. They are interred in the Union cemetery at Schuyl-
kill Haven. Mr. Shappell was a man of high repute throughout the country-
side and his death was regretted by all with whom he had intercourse in life.
His children were : Edwin, living in Cressona ; James, of Schuylkill Haven ;
Hannah, wife of Elijah Boyer; Albert, living in Pottsville ; John, who resides
in Omaha, Nebr. ; Daniel; Charles, who died in Cressona; Andrew J.; and a
son who died in infancy.
Andrew J. Shappell was born on the homestead in North Manheim
township Feb. 12, 1859, has followed farming all of his life, and is now half
owner of his father's homestead. He was married to Ella Weaver, daughter
of Charles Weaver, and to this union were born children as follows : Luther,
Helen, Florence, Ida, Lester, Claude (deceased), and a daughter who died in
infancy.
D.\NiEL Sii.vPPEr.L was born on the homestead in North Manheim town-
ship Dec. 19, 1854. He is now the possessor of half of his father's homestead
of 136 acres, and in partnership with his brother Andrew J. carries on a
general farming and trucking business there, disposing of his produce in the
Pottsville and Schuylkill Haven markets. He married Anna Bubeck, daughter
oi John Bubeck, and their children are: Lottie, wife of Morris Becker;
Clair; Daniel, Jr.; and Howard and Bird D., both deceased.
TIMOTHY F. BERNEY, postmaster at Tower City, Schuylkill Co., Pa.,
was born at Minersville, this county, Oct. 25, 1879, son of Patrick Berr.ey.
His father, who resides at Tower City, has for many vears been connected
with the Brookside colliery, and is adjudged one of the valued and reliable
foremen in the employ of the Reading Company.
Timothy F. Eerney was six years of age when brought by his parents to
Tower City, and here his education was secured in the public schools. He
was still a lad when he took employment at the West Brookside colliery, and
684 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
continued to work there for about two years, or until he learned the art of
telegraphy at the Brookside station of the Reading railroad. This he followed
as a vocation for one year, and was then promoted to a clerical position in
the Brookside office of the company, having since that time been advanced
to a place of importance. He is a Democrat in politics and has been prominent
in the councils of his party in this locality. As a public servant he has served
very satisfactorily in the capacities of member of the board of health, a posi-
tion which he held for five years, and as auditor of Tower City borough, and
on June 27, 1913, was appointed postmaster at Tower City borough by Presi-
dent VVoodrow Wilson. He has worked faithfully in an endeavor to better
the service from his office, and has proved a most popular official with the
people there. Formerly he was a director and secretary of the Franklin Build-
ing and Loan Association of Tower City. His religious connection is with the
Catliolic Church, and at present he is a director of the Knights of Saint George,
of Tower City, as well as president of the local organization of the A. O.
H. In business, official and fraternal circles he is one of the most popular
young men of Tower City.
Mr. Berney married Cecilia A. McDonald, a daughter of Archibald F.
McDonald, of St. Clair, Pa., and they have one daughter, Florence Rita.
IVOR DAVID FENTON, M. D., is one of the younger physicians at
Mahanoy City, but nevertheless a trustworthy member of the profession, and
personally he bears the enviable reputation which has become attached to the
name of Fenton in this part of Schuylkill county. His father, Patrick C.
Fenton, has attained by his own efforts an honored position in mining circles.
His grandparents were James and Mary (Phillips) Fenton, natives of Scotland
and Wales, respectively, who lived and died in the latter country. James
Fenton passed away in 1871, aged sixty-eight years, his widow in 1904, at
the age of eighty-six.
Patrick C. Fenton was born Jan. 3, i860, in Glamorganshire, Wales, and
was reared in his native country. His early educational opportunities were
meagre, for he began work in the mines when a boy, but he was ambitious
and attended night school, both in Wales and after coming to this country.
In 1878 he turned to America to improve his fortunes. After landing he pro-
ceeded directly to Shenandoah, Schuylkill Co., Pa., arriving there in Septem-
ber, and immediately sought work at the mines. He was employed at
Shenandoah for almost a quarter of a century, during which time he won
several promotions on his merits. For ten years he was a fire boss, inside fore-
man six years, and assistant superintendent two years. When he had been in
this country eighteen years he made a visit to his old home in Wales, spending
two and a half months on the trip. Returning to Shenandoah he resumed work
as inside foreman of the Packer colliery. No. 3, where he continued until
1903, since when he has been engaged as a mine inspector. The duties of the
mine inspectors are arduous and highly important to operators as well as
employes. The company is divided into four districts, the Tenth, Eleventh,
Twelfth and Thirteenth Anthracite districts, each in charge of an inspector,
and Mr. Fenton has held the position in the Eleventh district (known as
the Mahanoy district) continuously since first chosen, now serving his fifth
term. Though there has been official mine inspection since 1870, the Act of
Assembly under which the Department of Mines, as at present constituted,
was established was not approved until April 14, 1903. The office of mine
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANL\ 685
inspector is elective, the term three years, the responsibility great, the require-
ments very exacting. Supplementing his practical experience, Mr. Fenton in
order to qualify thoroughly took the full correspondence course in mining of
the International Correspondence Schools, Scranton, Pa., familiarizing him-
self with the theory of many details. At the general election in 1903 he was
the successful candidate in the Eleventh district, where his ability was well
known, and so well satisfied were the people with his performance of the
duties intrusted to him that he was reelected without opposition in 1906. He
has been the choice of the voters at each election since. There are nine
collieries in the district, with about ten thousand employes, whose safety to a
large extent is dependent upon the thoroughness of the inspector. He keeps
a record of the ventilation — the condition of the mines with relation to the
presence of gas and the methods employed to obviate its effects, the number
of cubic feet of air supplied to each man, and the means employed to supply
it; the extension of tunnels; abandonment of workings; installation of each
new machine, and the reason for ever)' change. All new workings are prose-
cuted under his direct supervision, and he must keep track of all the details
of the working of every mine in his district, above and below ground. The
information must all be embodied in his annual report to the chief of the De-
partment of Mines of Pennsyhania. When we state that Mr. Fenton has
passed several examinations with high marks, it is only doing justice to his
comprehensive knowledge of mines and mining in the anthracite region and
his conscientious interpretation of duty. His genial nature has made him
many friends. He has his official headquarters on East Centre street, Mahanoy
City, at his handsome home. He is also president of the Mahanoy-Mecholin
Coal Company, whose mines are in Harrison county, Ohio.
On April 20, 1882, Mr. Fenton married Elizabeth Thomas, daughter of
John T. and Mary Ann Thomas, then living at Shenandoah. Mr. and Mrs.
Thomas are natives of Glamorganshire, Wales. Mr. and Mrs. Fenton have
had five children : Mary graduated from high school and taught school in
Mahanoy City before her marriage to Charles Richards, now division super-
intendent of the mines at Mahanoy City ; Ivor David is next in the family ;
Edith, a graduate of the Mahanoy City high school, lives at home ; Caroline is
attending high school ; John is also at school. The family are members of
the Welsh Congregational Church. Politically he is a Republican, and has
always been active in party affairs and a leader in the locality. He is on
the library committee which selects the public school books. Fraternally he
is connected with the horites, B. P. O. Elks and Fraternal Order of Eagles.
Mr. Fenton is fond of music and a good singer, and has been active in musical
circles for many years. His numerous and various associations have brought
him into contact with a large number of his fellow citizens, and he commands
their respectful esteem by his many admirable qualities. He is a self-made
man, and has gained his high standing by the most commendable methods.
h-or David Fenton was born Aug. 3. 1889, at Buck Mountain, Schuyl-
kill county. He received his literary education in the public schools of
Mahanoy City and Bucknell LTniversity. Lewisburg, Pa., graduating from the
academy there and spending one year in the college. He then matriculated
at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, and after his graduation in 1912
was stationed for eighteen months in the Fountain Springs hospital at Ash-
land, Pa., where he had many advantages for supplementing his college work
with actual experience. Since entering upon independent practice he has been
686 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PEXXSYLVAXIA
established at Mahanoy City, where he is building up a creditable patronage.
His success is the reward of devoted labor, and well deserved. Dr. Fenton is
a Mason, belonging to Mahanoy City Lodge, No. 357, F. & A. M., and a
member of the B. P. O. Elks and Improved Order of Red Men. His religious
connection is with the Welsh Congregational Church.
JAMES M. SHELLHAMMER, of Pottsville, at present a member of the
city council, was engaged in the confectionery trade there throughout his
business career. He attained a substantial position entirely through his own
efforts, having begun life a poor boy, but he had the ambition and determination
necessary to make headway against obstacles, and his success was well earned.
Thus he merits the confidence which his fellow citizens have placed in him,
and which he has never betrayed either in his performance of public duties
or discharge of any of the obligations of daily life.
The Shellhammers are of German origin, Isaac Shellhammer, grandfather
of James M., having been born in Germany. When he came to America he
established his home in Schuylkill, where he lived and died. His children were
Benneville, Jared, Samuel H. and Mary (Mrs. Jonas Rerig).
Samuel H. Shellhammer was born at West Penn, Schuylkill county, and
spent all his life in the county. In early life he did farm work, and after-
wards became a mine worker, acting as inside and outside boss at the Myers-
ville colliery (owned by Henry j\Iyers), near Mahanoy City, where he was
employed for a period of seventeen years. For about four years after giving
up this work he was on a farm in the same vicinity, at Locust Valley, from
there moving to the Daniel Hummel farm, near Orwigsburg. He remained
on that property until his death, which occurred there in 1887. Mr. Shell-
hammer is buried at McKeansburg, this county, near Orwigsburg. He married
Priscilla Correll, of West Penn, this county, who survived him, dying in 1889.
They had the following family : Charles, who is living at Bowmansville, Pa. ;
Mary, Mrs. William Mills; James M. ; Clara and Elizabeth, both of whom died
young; Joseph, living at Port Carbon, Pa.; Samuel, a resident of Schuylkill
county; and Elizabeth (2), who married Emerson Trout and (second) Joseph
Mangle.
James I\I. Shellhammer was born Oct. 31, i860, in Schuylkill county, near
the Berks county line. He was reared on a farm. His educational advantages
were limited, as he was only a boy of eight years when he commenced picking
slate at a breaker. He was employed about the mines at that and other work
until si.xteen years old, after which he farmed with his father for two years.
He then came to Pottsville, where he learned the candy business with Henry
Loechel, with whom he continued for about nine years, until ready to go into
the business for himself. He was located at No. 15 North Centre street, and
worked up a profitable trade by honest methods and satisfactory goods. Dur-
ing the fifteen years he carried on the business Mr. Shellhammer made a
reputation for reliability which has evidently gained him a permanent place
in the regard of his townsmen. He retired in 1905, and has enjoyed thor-
oughly the leisure which his release from business allows, taking a leading
part in the social organizations of the city and devoting some of his time to
the public service. In 1910 he was elected to the city council, and in Novem-
ber, 1913, was reelected, with the largest vote given to any candidate for the
office on that occasion. As there was a hard contest in 1913, this indorsement
of his good work was especially creditalile. Though a Republican in principle,
0.00^/^.^^^^^^^^^^
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SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 687
Mr. Shellhammer votes independently, supporting the men he deems best
fitted for the places to be filled.
Socially Mr. Shellhammer holds membership in the I. O. O. F. (Lily of
the \'alley Lodge), P. O. S. of A. (Washington Camp No. 36), K. G. E.,
Red Men, Heptasophs and B. P. O. Elks (Lodge No. 207), all of Pottsville ;
in the Ridgley Protective Association and Preferred Accidental. His religious
connection is with the English Lutheran Church.
On Sept. I, 1887, Mr. Shellhammer married Minnie H. Lord, daughter of
Henry Lord. They have no children. Mr. and Mrs. Shellhammer occupy the
handsome residence at the corner of Jackson and Greenwood avenues, on
Greenwood Hill, which he built at the time of his retirement from business.
The lot is 110 by 160 feet in dimensions, and beautifully situated, affording a
fine view which adds greatly to the attractions of this beautiful home.
Elijah Lord, Airs. Shellhammer's grandfather, was a pioneer settler in
Pottsville, and died in the borough. He is buried in the Presbyterian ceme-
tery. His children were: Seth, Charles, Peggin, Henry, Jeremiah, Isaac,
William and Frank, all of whom lived and died at Pottsville.
Henry Lord, father of Mrs. Shellhammer, was born Dec. 23, 1819, at
Pottsville, and passed all his life there, dying Feb. 7, 1889, as the result of
injuries received in an accident. He was a carpenter, and followed contract-
ing to the end of his days. His first wife, Ann (Williams), born Dec. 7, 1822,
died Nov. 7, 1855, leaving four children: William, who was killed at the
battle of Gettysburg ; Susan, who married Charles Seaman, a veteran of the
Civil war; Ellen, wife of Joseph R. Sowers; and Albert, now living at Shamo-
kin. Pa. Mr. Lord subsequently married (second) Lucretia Hagar, of Orwigs-
burg. Pa., born Jan. 15, 1834, daughter of Peter Hagar: She survived him a
year, dying March 19, 1890. To this union also were born four children:
Minnie H., Mrs. James M. Shellhammer; Carrie, wife of Edward Boyer;
Lulu, Mrs. Charles Hummel; and Hagar, who married Emma Brennaman.
WILLIAM G. STITZER, proprietor of Stitzer's Cafe at Schuylkill Haven,
was born in that borough May 27, 1866, and is a son of William F. Stitzer.
The family is of German ancestry.
David Stitzer, the first of the family on record in America, was born
March 12, 1750, in Nova Scotia, whence he came to Philadelphia. He served
in the Revolutionary war and at its close moved to Reading, Berks Co., Pa.
His. wife, Barbara Ann Ehzabeth (Pafenhouser), was a native of Nova
Scotia, born Alarch .10, 1754, and came to Philadelphia in 1757. Among the
children of this couple was John D., the grandfather of William G. Stitzer.
John D. Stitzer was born at Reading, April 18, 1799, and learned the trade
of shoemaker. I'or a time he lived at Rehrersburg, Berks county, removing
thence in 1844 to Schuylkill Haven, where he followed his trade for a num-
ber of years. He died at Alahanoy City, June 27, 1879, aged eighty years.
He was originally a Whig, but became a Republican after the formation of
that party, although he took no active part in politics. He was a member of
the Lutheran Church. On Sept. 22, 1822, Mr. Stitzer was married by Rev.
Mr. Muhlenberg, of Reading, to Sarah Ilockaman, who was born Jan. 29,
1806, in Tulpehocken, Berks county, and died Sept. 18, 1884, at Minersville,
Schuylkill county. Her father, Henry Hockaman, of Stouchsburg, Berks
county, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and died in 1833 at the age of
seventy-eight. Mr. and Mrs. Stitzer were the parents of thirteen children:
688 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
George W., born Nov. 17, 1823, at Reamstown, Lancaster county, died Oct.
28, 1901 ; Amelia E., bom Nov. 19, 1825, married Morton Swartz, and died
Jan. 6, 1906; Mary, born Feb. 28, 1827, married Anthony Lerch, and died in
Ohio, June 14, 1904; Harriet S., bom Oct. 31, 1828, died unmarried, April
6, 1847; Sarah Frances, bom Jan. 21, 1831, married Engelbert Geiger, and
died Oct. 14, 1902; John Andrew, born Feb. i, 1833, died June 14, i860;
William Foster was born Jan. 2, 1835; a daughter, born Feb. 6, 1837, died in
infancy; Ann Delilah, born April 19, 1838, lives in the South; Francis A.,
bom Aug. 29, 1840, at Rehrersburg, became a private in the Union army
April 17, 1861, and served throughout the war, being mustered out as a major
July 27, 1865 (he served as deputy collector of internal revenue at Easton, Pa.,
for fifteen years, and Feb. 20, 1886, removed to Cheyenne, Wyo., becoming
active in business and military circles in that State, and is at present serving
as mayor of Laramie) ; David Henry, born June 7, 1843, served throughout the
Civil war, afterwards had charge of the Gordon Plane in Schuylkill county
for a time, and then removed to Kansas and engaged in farming, dying in
that State Sept. 17, 191 1 ; Catherine E., born Sept. 25, 1845, rnarried Solomon
Hoffas and is living in the South; Samuel, born Dec. 21, 1847, died Dec.
6, 1900.
William Foster Stitzer was bom at Rehrersburg, Berks county, and
attended the common schools there. When he was but nine years of age he
became driver of a towing team on the Schuylkill canal, following that line
of work for the next twenty-three years, becoming a captain in 1855. His
boats plied between Schuylkill Haven and New York City. In 1868 Mr.
Stitzer was elected constable of Schuylkill Haven, and served thereafter for
twenty-four consecutive years, until he resigned. In 1869 he became
borough tax collector, discharging his duties with such ability as to be chosen
tax collector of North Manheim township three times and of Port Clinton
once. In 1878 he collected $10,000 in Shenandoah, and he attained the repu-
tation of an expert collector of public money. He also followed auctioneer-
ing and real estate selling, for eighteen years being special officer for the
Reading Railway Company, part of the time being active in the prosecution
of the "Molly Maguires," a dangerous business in those times. On Feb. 9,
1892, Mr. Stitzer became proprietor of a hotel and restaurant — Stitzer's
Cafe — which soon developed into a popular place under his management.
In 1904 he sold out to his son William G. and retired.
In 1858 William F. Stitzer was married to Emma Hammas, daughter of
the late John Hammas, of Oley, Berks Co., Pa., afterwards of Pottsville,
where he died. To this marriage have been bom eleven children, viz.:
Charles A., born Jan. 11, 1859, a druggist, living in Nebraska, married Grace
Traver: Horace E., born June i. i860, a saddler, is residing in Nebraska;
Sarah, bom March 7, 1869, died at the age of fourteen ; Annie E., born Sept.
21, 1863, married Benjamin Kline, of Philadelphia; a daughter, born June
23, 1865, died in infancy; William G. is mentioned below; Katie M., born
Oct. 24, 1867, married Lewis A. Graefif, of Pottsville; Emma R., born
April 14, 1870, died in infancy; Mrs. Frank Heiser, born Nov. 14, 1871,
died at Schuylkill Haven, leaving three children; Ella L., born July 8. 1874,
is a deaconess at the Lutheran Mother House at Baltimore, Md. ; Carrie,
born Tan. 18, 1876, is at home; Garfield J. A. was born March 4, 1881.
William F. Stitzer has long been a member of the Lutheran Church. He
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 689
has been a lifelong Republican, and has taken much interest in local politics.
He enlisted for the Union cause July 4, 1863, in Company L Thirty-ninth
Regiment, was honorably discharged in August of that year, and is a member
of Helms Post, No. 26, G. A. R., of Schuylkill Haven.
William G. Stitzer attended public school in Schuylkill Haven, and began
his business career by clerking in the hardware store of J. F. Thompson of
that town. At the age of sixteen he went to Long Tree or Central City,
Nebr., where he spent five years as a drug clerk and five years as a clerk in
a hardware store. Returning to Schuylkill Haven he worked with his father
for three and a half years, going then to Pottsville to work for Benjamin
Zimmerman for a time, and subsequently for si.x years with Joseph Klitch.
In 1904 he bought the cafe in Schuylkill Haven established by his father
and conducted it at the old stand for three and a half years. He next pur-
chased the "Union House," which he operated for a year, and then in
November, 1912, bought the Huntzinger property on Main street, which is a
fine location for his business. Here he has developed a large and lucrative
trade. Mr. Stitzer is a member of the Retail Liquor Dealers' Association
of the State and county, and is also a member of the Schuylkill Haven Hose
Company.
William G. Stitzer was married Nov. 3, 1897, to Sarah A. Leitzel, daugh-
ter of M. E. and Elizabeth (Weiser) Leitzel, the latter a direct descendant
of Conrad Weiser, one of the early settlers of the State of Pennsylvania.
To this couple has been born one daughter, Marion Leitzel, born at Pottsville
May 23, 1901.
CAPT. HANS C. CHRISTESON, deceased, who was for many years one
of the leading men of his part of Schuylkill county, was born in Denmark
March 13, 1825. He came of a sea-faring family, and was brought up on a
vessel, so that he was familiar with his calling from, childhood. For many
years he followed the sea, rising to be captain, and became the owner of a ves-
sel that carried merchandise between San Francisco and China ports, and
between New York and South American ports, and also made several voyages
round the world. When the gold excitement was at its height, in 1849, Cap-
tain Christeson went to California, and for several years thereafter was en-
gaged in prospecting. Until after his marriage he followed the sea, and then
spent some time in New York City. Subsequently he came to Pennsylvania,
and with Charles E. Molly embarked in general merchandising at Pine Grove.
He was also interested in a furnace at tliis point, and became a man of large
affairs. After disposing of his mercantile interests Captain Christeson went
to Mifflin, now Suedberg, where he bought a large tract of land, and opened
a general store. He also conducted a hotel, and took an active part in hav-
ing the Lebanon & Tremont branch of the Pennsylvania railroad built through
this section of the county. Not only did he secure a post office for the station,
but served as postmaster until his death, on Jan. 26, 1878. The name of the
post office was changed from Mifflin, as it was originally known, to Suedberg
in 1882.
Captain Christeson was married to Louisa Wies, of New York City, who
was born in Alsace-Lorraine, France, Nov. 24, 1836. and died at Suedberg,
Pa., Feb. 3, 1912. She succeeded her husband in the post office, and continued
to operate his other lines of business, being a woman of unusual capability.
Vol. II— 6
690 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
The following children were born to this couple : Charles, who is a traveling
salesman living at Annville, Lebanon Co., Pa., was at one time postmaster at
Suedberg; George lives at St. Louis; Louisa, who spends a portion of her time
in the •old homestead at Suedberg, was appointed postmistress of the post
office at this point April i, 1915; six other children are deceased.
Captain Christeson was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows. In religious faith he was a Lutheran, and he and his wife are buried in
the Lutheran cemetery at Pine Grove. Few people of their day stood any
higher in public esteem than these two, and they are remembered with alfec-
tionate reverence by those who had the honor of their acquaintance.
SAMUEL OHI- ranks among the progressive farmers in Rush township,
where he is operating a valuable farm of 150 acres. He was born in West
Penn township, Schuylkill county, and the family has long been established
in this section, his grandfather, Samuel Ohl, having lived at Lizard Creek, near
the border line of Schuylkill and Carbon counties. He followed farming, and
died there.
John Ohl, son of Samuel Ohl, lived for a number of years in West Penn
township, Schuylkill county, where he was engaged at farming and carpenter
work. He afterwards moved to Ohio, where he died. To his marriage with
Sarah Behler were born the following children : Qiristina, who lives in Ohio ;
Moses, living in Berks county. Pa. ; Samuel ; Charles ; Rosie ; and Elizabeth,
wife of William Balliett, living in Ohio.
Samuel Ohl, son of John and Sarah (Behler) Ohl, was born in 1857, and
grew to manhood in his native township, becoming familiar with agricultural
work as his father's assistant on the home place. When twenty years old he
married and went out to Ohio, where he remained for a time, returning to
Schuylkill county and locating in Tamaqua, in which borough he resided for
eight years. At the end of that time he moved to Rush township, where he
had bought a farm of 150 acres from Schmit & Campion, and he has since
been engaged in general farming. He is favorably known among his neighbors,
who appreciate his substantial qualities and the enterprise he has shown in
developing his own property, which reflects credit upon the entire locality.
Mr. Ohl married Sarah Dietrich, daughter of Jacob Dietrich, and seven
children have been born to them, namely : Cora, who is living in the South ;
Gertrude, who is now the wife of Charles Rank, of Mahanoy City; Earl, Roy,
Emma, Dewey and Carrie, all living at home. The family attend the Reformed
Church.
ALBERT BALDINGER, proprietor of a general store and confectionery
at Cressona, in North Manheim township, Schuylkill county, was born Jan.
16, 1862, in Albany township, Berks Co., Pa., son of Frederick Baldinger, a
native of Germany.
Frederick Baldinger, the father of Albert Baldinger, came to America
when a young man and settled at Jacksonville, Lehigh Co., Pa. He was a
tailor by trade, and conducted an establishment in Jacksonville until his death.
He married Polly Bolmer, who died in Albany township, Berks county. To
this marriage was born but one child, Albert.
Albert Baldinger was reared to farm work, and was employed by neighbor-
ing farmers throughout his childhood. Until six years old he lived with
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANL^ 691
George Greenawald, and he was employed in Albany township until twelve
years old. He then came to Auburn, Schuylkill county, and followed carpet
weaving for one year, and was with Dr. Quail for a year. He next turned to
railroad work, being in the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Railway
Company from Jan. lo, 1881, until July 28, 1913. He came to Cressona
April 25, 1896, and opened his present store on Railroad street in 191 1. Mr.
Baldinger carries a complete line of goods such as are usually found in a gen-
eral store, besides handling ice cream and confectionery.
Mr. Baldinger was married at Jefferson, Schuylkill Co., Pa., to Alice Wike,
of this county, and to them have been born five children: Charles, Irvin,
Foster, William and Frederick; the two last named are deceased. Mr. Bald-
inger is a Republican in politics. He was elected councilman of Cressona in
1913, by a large majority, and takes a keen interest in local politics. He is a
popular man in his borough and is known as an enterprising and progressive
citizen. He is a member of the Reformed Church, of the Philadelphia & Read-
ing Relief Association, and of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen.
J. F. MINOGUE, attorney at law, Ashland, Pennsylvania.
JOSEPH E. BOE, of Tower City, who has recently taken the position of
inside foreman at the West Brookside colliery, has had a thorough experience
in that capacity in the course of his long employment at local operations. He
is very well known in fraternal circles, and highly esteemed among all his
acquaintances.
Daniel Boe, father of Joseph E. Boe, was bom in the Lebanon valley, in
this State, whence he removed to Schuylkill county. He had followed the
blacksmith's trade for some time, and was here employed as engineer at vari-
ous collieries, first at the Lorberry, later at Rausch Creek and the Lincoln
colliery. He died at Joliett, in Porter township, this county. To his marriage
with Mary Fessler were born the following children: Ida, who married Henrv
Harvey: Thopolius, deceased; Annie, wife of John Minnig; Joseph F. ; and
Ellen Amanda, wife of Frank Schell.
Joseph E. Boe was born Jan. 3, 1870, in Tremont township, Schuylkill
county, and attended public school there and also in Porter township. He
began mine work at the age of eleven years, picking slate at the breaker, and
was advanced to more responsible jobs as he became competent until he reached
the grade of regular miner, being so engaged for about ten years. He was
then made assistant inside foreman at the Lincoln colliery, serving as such
until 1902, when he was promoted to inside foreman there, holding that posi-
tion to the entire satisfaction of all concerned until July, 1915, when transferred
to a similar post at the West Brookside colliery. Mr. Boe has attended to
his duties intelligently and conscientiously, adding constantly to his good repu-
tation by his strict adherence to the highest standards of efficiency in the work
carried on under his direction. He has won his way forward entirely on his
own merit, and deserves all the credit for his steady advancement. Socially
he has numerous connections, belonging to the P. O. S. of A., the Knights of
the Golden Eagle, Knights of Malta, Red Men and Royal Arcanum.
Mr. Boe married Daisy Shellenberger, daughter of Alonzo Shellenberger,
of Shenandoah, this county, and they are the parents of four children : Daniel,
692 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
William, Jennie and Grace. Their home is at Tower City. The family are
members of the Enghsh Lutheran Church.
E. C. MALARKEY, Girardville, Pennsylvania, district manager for the
Cunningham Piano Company.
HARRY D. REED, of Schuylkill Haven, belongs to a family which has
been resident in Schuylkill county for several generations and at all times repre-
sented among the best citizenship of this region. He himself has made a sub-
stantial success as a contractor and builder, for though he has been in business
on his own account only a few years he has established a reputation for
reliable work and conscientious attention to his obligations which inspires the
confidence necessary to steady patronage.
John Reed, great-grandfather of Harry D. Reed, lived at Reedsville, Schuyl-
kill county, and was one of the well known farmers of that section in his day.
He owned the tract now in the possession of Oscar Mengle. He was twice
married, his second wife being named Kimmel, and they are buried at Reeds-
ville. To this marriage were born children as follows : George, William, Daniel
K., Elias, Hannah (married Peter Reed) and Elizabeth (married William
Fehr).
Daniel K. Reed, son of John, above, was born at Reedsville and like his
father followed farming. He was also an auctioneer, his services being in
great demand. After his marriage he removed to Wayne township, where
he had a farm of eighty acres, and he died there at the age of fifty-four years;
he is buried in the cemetery at Friedensburg. He married Susan Berger,
daughter of Ludwig Berger, of North Alanheim township, and they became
the parents of the following children : Lyman G. is mentioned below ; ]\Iendon
died at Friedensburg, this county; Elizabeth married Lewis J. Brown, who
lived at Cressona (he was a school teacher for sixteen years, served as steward
at the county almshouse, was at one time county commissioner, and was a justice
of the peace) ; Arabella married William W. Berkheiser, and is living in South
Manheim township; Ida married Lewis E. Brown, of Washington township,
and both are deceased ; Gordon D., who was also steward at the Almshouse,
is the father of Frederick B. Reed, present postmaster of Schuylkill Haven;
Sherman H. is a farmer and auctioneer, living near Cressona (he was jury
commissioner for six years), Annie married George Emerich.
Lyman G. Reed was bom at Friedensburg, Schuylkill county, where he con-
tinues to reside, engaged in farming and as an auctioneer, in the latter line
having been in partnership with his brother Sherman H. Reed for over thirty
years ; their services are in great demand. Lyman G. Reed has also had the
contract as Star route carrier from Friedensburg to Schuylkill Haven for eight
years. He and his wife, Elizabeth (Werner), have spent all their married
life on the farm. Eight children have been born to them, namely : ( i ) Harry D.
is mentioned below. (2) Ida is the wife of Frank Dietrich, who lives on the old
Neri Dietrich farm near Friedensburg and is a very successful agriculturist.
They have one son. Claudie. (3) Katie is married to Robert Fenstermaker,
and has two children, Norman and Elizabeth. They reside on Centre avenue,
in Schuylkill Haven, and Mr. Fenstermaker is engaged as a carpenter at the
Pottsvilie Union Traction car barn, Palo Alto, holding a responsible position.
(4) lames L., who lives with his parents, is engaged as a carpenter for his
brother, Harry D. Reed, and gives every indication of becoming a successful
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 693
mechanic. (5) Estella is the wife of Samuel L. Weidner, who holds a lucrative
position in an iron foundry at Reading, and they reside there, at No. 1654 North
Tenth street. They have two children, Williard and Elizabeth. (6) George L.,
who is living at home on the farm, first attended the schools of Wayne town-
ship, graduated from Cressona high school, subsequently studied at the Key-
stone State Normal School (Kutztown, Pa.), and took a course at Conway
Hall, one of the departments of Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa., graduating
therefrom. For three terms he taught school, being engaged at the Reed's
school at Friedensburg, the Drehersville school and the grammar school at
Quakake, and is now a law student, reading in the office of Charles E. Berger,
Esq., one of the best lawyers at the Schuylkill county bar. For a brief period
he was employed by the Rakestraw Pyle Company, of Kennett Square, Pa., as
salesman, and had splendid success. During the existence of the Pennsyl-
vania Chestnut Blight Commission he was appointed as field agent and located
in western Pennsylvania, where he served with credit. (7j Robert R., the
youngest son, living at home, helps on the farm, serves as assistant mail driver,
and has also put in considerable time at carpenter work under his brother's
direction. (8j Edna M., the youngest of the family, also lives at home, helping
her mother and following dressmaking. She is a pianist of great promise. All
of the family but Airs. Reed and Edna have affiliated with the Reformed
Church, the others being Lutherans.
Harry D. Reed was born Aug. i, 1877, at Friedensburg, Schuylkill county,
was reared upon the home farm, and attended the public schools of the locality.
When twenty-one years old he began to learn the trade of carpenter, at which
occupation he has since been engaged, following it in the employ of others
until 1910, the year he commenced business on his own responsibility. He has
had a number of contracts for houses and barns, having done considerable
work in Schuylkill Haven, which stands as a credit to his workmanship and
intelligent understanding of up-to-date methods and ideas in his calling. He
keeps several men regularly employed. Mr. Reed has his residence and shop
on the same property, at Union street and Avenue'A. He has every promise
of a prosperous career.
Air. Reed is married to Estella Hughes, daughter of Isaac Hughes, and
they have three children : Melvin, Gertrude and Frederick. He is a member
of the Lutheran Church, and fraternally belongs to Washington Camp, No.
264, P. O. S. of A., at Friedensburg; to Page Lodge, No. 270, F. & A. M.; and
to the Owls and Heptasophs at Schuylkill Haven.
IRVIN L. LAUTENBACHER, member of the firm of Schwenk & Co.,
whose underwear mill at Schuylkill Haven is one of the growing industrial
plants of the borough, is at present giving all his time to the direction of its
operation, though until recently he was carrying other business responsibilities
as well. Mr. Lautenbacher is a native of Schuylkill Haven and of German
descent, being the youngest son of the late Charles Lautenbacher.
Charles Lautenbacher was born July 15, 1832, in Germany, being a native
of Ballafengen, in the grand duchy of Baden. Coming to America when nine-
teen years old, he first located at Philadelphia, Pa., living there for some time,
and he was employed in the construction of the stone work of the well known
"Continental Hotel" in that city. Thence he removed to Baltimore, Md., and
subsequently to Alexandria, Va., and Camden, N. J., his next location being at
Kutztown, Pa., where he remained some time and married. From there he
694 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
came to Schuylkill Haven, Schuylkill county, where he made a permanent
home, engaging in his calling of marble and stone cutter until his death, which
occurred Aug. 9, 1881. At Kutztown he met and married Sarah Ann Graeff,
who was born Dec. 17, 1831, daughter of John and Mary (Kutz) Graeff, and
died Aug. 17, 1904. To Mr. and Mrs. Lautenbacher were born three children:
Jeremiah C, Irvin L. and Flora.
Mrs. Lautenbacher was a native of Kutztown, Berks county, which place
was so named in honor of her maternal ancestors, who were early pioneers of
that county. They experienced the usual hardships and dangers of the days
when the Indians were numerous and hostile, and there is a well established
tradition in the family that her great-grandfather had a secret cave to which
he could retire with his family in emergency, and that the Indians never suc-
ceeded in locating this hiding place. George Kutz bought a tract of 130 acres
from Peter Wentz in 1755, and there in 1779 laid out the town which has
developed into one of the important boroughs of Berks county and still bears
his name. The first tax list of the borough, made in 1817, records the follow-
ing Kutzes: Peter, tinsmith; Adam, carpenter; Jacob, mason; John, tailor;
Peter (who was a Revolutionary soldier) ; Daniel ; and Solomon, butcher.
Solomon Kutz, the last named, was the grandfather of Mrs. Lautenbacher.
He was long engaged as a butcher at Kutztown, and lived to the age of ninety-
two years. Among his children were the following : Mary, Mrs. John Graeff,
died at Kutztown when seventy-nine years old ; her children were Daniel, John,
Catherine (Mrs. John Stickman) and Sarah Ann (Mrs. Charles Lautenbacher).
Lydia, who died at West Penn, Pa., was the wife of Oscar Sheetz and mother
of Oscar, Buchanan, Tillie and Sara. Reuben lived and died at Kutztown.
Louisa married Daniel Kutz, son of Benjamin, and lived at Kutztown, now
(1914) aged eighty-six years. Susanna married Harry Shide and lives at
Kutztown, now aged eighty-four years.
Irvin L. Lautenbacher was born at Schuylkill Haven Feb. 21, 1862, and
received his preparatory education in the public schools of the borough, attend-
ing high school. He then took a course at the Philadelphia College of Phar-
macy, graduating in 1885, and followed his calling at Schuylkill Haven for the
three years succeeding. Removing to Williamstown, Dauphin county, this
State, he engaged in the drug business on his own account, and was estab-
lished there for a period of seventeen years. At the end of that time he re-
turned to his native place, where he went into business as a confectioner and
ice cream manufacturer, continuing in this line until the fall of 1913, when he
sold out to give all his attention to the knitting mill in which he had become
interested in the meantime. It was in 1910 that he took up the manufacture
of underwear in partnership with M. G. Schwenk, and they have since been
doing business as Schwenk & Co., having a well equipped plant at Schuylkill
Haven. Their building is 40 by 75 feet in dimensions, and from thirty to forty
people are given steady employment in the production of ladies' .Swiss ribbed
underwear, for which the firm has found a steady demand. Mr. Lautenbacher
and his partner are men of high business principle, and their conscientious en-
deavors to put a high-grade product on the market have met with substantial
approval in the form of wide patronage. Mr. Lautenbacher has proved his
executive qualities and versatility in the success he has made of his various
ventures, differing so widely in nature, and in all his associations he has shown
the spirit of accommodation to patrons and efforts to meet their wants which
cannot fail to attract trade. He is a man of commendable personal character,
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 695
a credit to a name which has always been synonymous in the community with
honesty of purpose and dignified labor.
Mr. Lautenbacher married Kate E. Schwenk, daughter of Jacob R. and
Mary A. (Crebsj Schwenk and member of an old family of Schuylkill Haven.
They have had three children : Ivan L., now a clerk in the railway mail
service and located at Tyrone, Pa. ; Ruth A. and Kathryn, both at home. The
family reside on Main street. They are members of the United Evangelical
Church.
JAMES H. FISTER, late of Pottsville, passed most of his life in that
borough, having moved here in boyhood. He was a native of Bloomsburg,
Columbia Co., Pa., bom in 1831, and finished his schooling at Pottsville. For
several years he was in the employ of his uncle, Mr. Silliman, who was a large
coal operator, acting for some time as superintendent of his mines. He then
became a mail agent, between Pottsville and Philadelphia, on the railroad,
leaving Pottsville at eight in the morning and returning at eight in the even-
ing. He was so engaged for many years. At one time he was agent for the
old Howard Express Company, when its offices were on South Centre street,
Pottsville, where the Miller automobile store is now located. The business
of this company was eventually taken over by the Adams Express Company.
However, he was best known as justice of the peace, to which office he was
first elected in 1890, succeeding Charles G. Reed, who had been appointed
by Governor Beaver to succeed his father upon the latter's death. ]\Ir. Fister
continued to serve as justice of the peace until that office was abolished several
years ago, by a new charter which Pottsville received, at the time of the
annexation of Yorkville. He then took out a commission as notary pubhc,
and continued to act as such until his death, which occurred April 3, 1914, at
his home. No. 300 Mahantongo street. Mr. Fister also maintained his office
at that location, where he had been established for many years, and he was
widely acquainted in Pottsville, his upright, unassuming life gaining him the
esteem of all who knew him.
Mr. Fister was an Odd Fellow, and a Republican on political questions.
He never married. He had several brothers and sisters who lived in Schuylkill
county, but all predeceased him.
CHARLES K. BOWEN, engaged in the coal washing business at Adams-
dale, Schuylkill Co., Pa., was born in North Manheim township, that county,
Sept. 16, 1884, and is a son of Charles K. Bowen, grandson of Martin Bowen,
and great-grandson of John Bowen, the latter a forgeman and pioneer farmer
of Port Clinton, Schuylkill county.
Martin Bowen was a farmer during all of his active years. At the death of
his father he inherited a third of the homestead (sixty-five acres), which he
cultivated, later buying the old Kershner farm of fifty-four acres. Both of
these properties were in North Manheim township. He died at the age of
eighty-four years, and is buried in the cemetery of the Jerusalem Union Church
at Schuylkill Haven, of which he was an active Lutheran member and one of
the building committee which supervised its erection. Mr. Bowen was wedded
to ]\Iary Kershner, and to them these children were born : Charles K. ;
Amanda, deceased, who was married to Jacob Kirk : Matilda, who died at the
age of sixty-nine years ; Louis, unmarried, living in North Manheim town-
696 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANL\
ship ; John A., Hving in Schuylkill Haven ; and Morris W., a prominent farmer
of North Manheim township.
Charles K. Bowen, father of Charles K. Bowen, was born on the home-
stead in North Manheim township, and was an agriculturist all of his days.
He married Mary Staller, by whom he had ten children, viz. : Harry, Gussie,
Edward, William, Howard, Samuel, Elsie, Charles K., and two who died young.
Charles K. Bowen died in his forty-fifth year, and after his death the widow
married Morris W. Bowen, his brother. To this latter union two children were
born, Warren and Lister.
Charles K. Bowen, son of Charles K., attended the schools of North Man-
heim township and worked upon the home farm for a time. He then went to
Mount Carbon and worked in the Pennsylvania Railroad car shops for four
years, after which he took up the occupation of coal washing, which he has
followed ever since. He has his washery at Landingville, fitted with all the
latest machinery, and is doing a large business, selling his coal both wholesale
and retail. He was formerly associated in business with Irvin Alsbach.
Mr. Bowen is a public-spirited man and is popular with all classes of people
in his vicinity. He resides in a beautiful home at Adamsdale. He is fond
of automobiling and owns a fine seven-passenger touring car, from which
he and his wife obtain a great deal of pleasure and recreation. Mr. Bowen
was married to Anna Aulenbach, daughter of Pierce and Mary (]\Ioyer) Aulen-
bach. They have no children. He is a member of Christ's Lutheran Church
of Schuylkill Haven, is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Patriotic
Order Sons of America at Schuylkill Haven.
Pierce Aulenbach, father of Airs. Bowen, resided at Adamsdale and was a
carpenter by occupation. He married Alary Moyer, of Bernville, Berks Co.,
Pa., and they had children: Samuel, of Schuylkill Haven; Anna, wife of
Charles K. Bowen ; Cora, wife of Irvin Alsbach; Sadie; Robert; Hartie; Ray-
mond, and Hannah. Mr. Aulenbach died May 5, 1906, at Adamsdale, and is
buried in the cemetery of Zion's (Red) Church.
CHARLES QUANDEL, at present serving as fire chief of Alinersville, is
also one of the respected business men of that borough, where he has built
up a profitable contracting business. Formerly he was also engaged in the
burning of lime. He was born at Minersville, April 3, 1875, son of Emil Quan-
del. The father was a native of Berlin, Germany, came to America when a
young man, and first settled at Ashland, Schuylkill Co., Pa. Later he removed
to Minersville, where he became engaged in lime burning, following this busi-
ness for many years. His death occurred suddenly at Shenandoah, this county,
and he is buried at Minersville. By his marriage to Wilhelmina \'onder-Heiden
he had three children: F. J. R., who is now a resident of Philadelphia, Pa.;
William, of New Jersey; and Charles.
Charles Ouandel grew up to manhood at Minersville and attended the
public schools in his boyhood. In his early life he became employed at lime
burning for a time, and also in the cement and concrete business, and in 1912
engaged in the lumber business, to which he has since added contracting and
building. His combined interests ofl:"er him steady employment, and he is well
known in his line for reliable dealings and uprightness in all his transactions.
Since 1912 Mr. Ouandel has been fire chief at Minersville, an honor- which
indicates unquestionably the confidence which his fellow citizens repose in him.
He is well known in the local fraternal bodies, being a member of Minersville
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 697
Lodge, No. 222, F. & A. M. ; of the chapter at Minersville ; commandery at
Pottsville, and Philadelphia Consistory, having attained the thirty-second
degree; he also belongs to Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., at Reading, Pa.
Besides his Masonic connections he holds membership in the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, the Royal Arcanum and the P. O. S. of A.
Mr. Quandel married Bessie Noble, of Pottsville, daughter of William
Noble, of Pottsville, Pa., and granddaughter of the late John T. and Sarah
Noble; John T. Noble was the proprietor of the iron woVks which bore his
name. The children born to ]\Ir. and Mrs. Quandel are : Adda M., Doris May
and C. Nobel.
MAJ. JOHN F. OWENS, of Pottsville, has the distinction of being the
oldest member of the National Guard in the State of Pennsylvania. He has
been on the retired list of that body since 1909, but he is still connected with
the service, being at present caretaker of the new State Armory at Pottsville.
Major Owens was born in this city Aug. 16, 1851, son of Thomas Owens, a
native of Wales, who came to the United States in young manhood and settled
in Pottsville, Schuylkill county, where he followed mining. He died at Potts-
ville, and is buried in the Odd Fellows cemetery there. His wife was Hannah
Mitchel.
Major Owens received a common school education, and in his youth did
day's work until he entered the employ of Mr. Spark, with whom he learned the
trade of boilermaker. Subsequently he entered the shops of the Philadelphia
& Reading Company, where he was employed at boilermaking until 191 1 — a
long period of service with the same concern. Then for a few years he was
tipstaif at the courthouse, and in January, 1914, he became caretaker at the
new State Armory in Pottsville, which position he now holds. Major Owens
is particularly well known in his long association with the Pennsylvania National
Guard, in which he enlisted Oct. i, 1870, as a member of Company G. 7th Regi-
ment, Light Infantry of Pottsville. His record is as follows : "Corporal, Com-
pany G. 7th Regiment, N. G. of Pa., Feb. 10, 1877 ; Corporal, Company F,
1st Regiment, Inf. \'ol., Aug. 23, 1877; Sergeant, Company G, 7th Regiment,
N. G. of Pa., Dec. 8, 1877; First Sergeant, Company H, 8th Regiment. N. G.
of Pa., June 5, 1882; second lieutenant, Company H, 8th Regiment, N. G. of
Pa., July 2, 1889 ; first lieutenant. Company H, 8th Regiment, N. G. of Pa., July
19, 1889: captain. Company H, 8th Regiment, N. G. of Pa., April 23, 1894;
Major, 8th Regiment, Oct. 18, 1892." On Aug. 12, 1909, Major Owens was
placed on the retired list. He has a fine medal, presented to him in recognition
of his extended service. His association with Good Intent Fire Company has
covered almost as long a period, he having joined that organization forty years
ago.
On Dec. 16. 1875, Major Owens married Mary McGinley. by which union
he had three children : Frances, John and Anna (deceased). His second mar-
riage was to Emma Heffner, daughter of the late Edward Hefl^ner, who at one
time served as burgess of Pottsville. and to them were born two children:
Harry, a civil and mining engineer, now located at W' ilkes-Barre, Pa. ; and
Arthur, a machinist, in the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Coal and
Iron Company at Pottsville. For his third wife Major Owens married Mary
Flummer, and four children were born to this marriage : William, Anna,
Thomas and Elizabeth.
The Major is a member of the ^ilethodist Church. He does not identify
698 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENXSYLVANL\
himself with any political party, voting independently on all questions. He is
a citizen who holds the unqualified respect of his fellow men wherever known,
and has made a record of faithful service in every capacity of which he may
well be proud and which entitles him to high regard.
ELVIN W. KEITH, M. D., of Minersville, though just at the outset of
his professional career has every promise of success in his chosen calling, for
which he has had the good fortune to be thoroughly prepared. He is a native
of Luzerne county. Pa., born Aug. 26, 1886, at Stockton. His father, George
Keith, came to America from Germany when a child and made his home in
Luzerne county. Pa., for many years. By trade he was a carpenter, and for
many years was engaged in contracting in that line where he now resides.
He is carpenter foreman at the Pine Hill colliery. He married Martha Schnei-
der, and they have the following children : Orthia, Mrs. George Pettit ; Anna,
Mrs. Eilus Saylor ; George, of Nazareth, Pa. ; Regina, wife of Frank Snyder,
postmaster of Minersville; Harry, of Minersville; Elvin W. ; Stanley, of South
Bethlehem, Pa. ; and Hilda, Mrs. Fred German, of Paterson, New Jersey.
Elvin W. Keith attended public school and was graduated from the Miners-
ville high school in the class of 1907. He then took his professional course,
at the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, from which institution he was
graduated in 1913. During the year following he was stationed at the Potts-
ville Hospital, on June i, 1914, locating at Minersville, where he has since been
engaged in general practice. He is a member of the Schuylkill County Medical
Society and the American jMedical Association. Dr. Keith has made an
excellent start and is gaining steadily in the confidence and esteem of the resi-
dents of Minersville and vicinity. He is married to Helen C. Dougherty. The
Keith family are Methodists in religious faith.
MANUEL W. BROMMER, of Landingville, Schuylkill county, seems to
have found the solution of being "pleasantly and profitably employed" for him-
self, at any rate, and his beautifully kept little property is one of the features
of the neighborhood, where enterprises similar to his are rare. For a number
of years Mr. Brommer was an employee of the Philadelphia & Reading Rail-
road Company, and in that capacity and as hotelkeeper at Landingville, he has
a very wide acquaintance. Born Nov. 6, 1857, in South Manheim township,
Schuylkill county, he is a son of Lewis Brommer and grandson of Henry
Brommer. The latter came to this country from Germany with his wife and
one child, and settled at Schuylkill Haven, Schuylkill Co., Pa. By trade he
was a carpenter, and as such was employed at the locks when the Schuylkill
canal was under construction.
Lewis Brommer, father of Manuel W. Brommer, was born in Wayne
township. While living in Schuylkill county he followed farming, andin 1879
he moved out to Missouri, settling at Boonville, where he continued agricultural
pursuits, also making a specialtv of hog raising. He prospered and continued
to reside there until his death. His wife was Eliza Reber, daughter of Samuel
Reber, and they had children as follows : Manuel W., Morris, Harry, Robert,
Francis, Fulton, Carrie, Jennie and Pearl.
Manuel W. Brommer attended public school during his boyhood, and later,
in 1874-75, was a student of the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown,
Pa. In his young manhood he taught six terms of school in Schuylkill county,
after which he entered the service of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 699
Company. Following a short experience as brakeman he became conductor of
a freight train, and soon afterwards a passenger train, for eight years being
so engaged on the best train on his division, the "Cannon Ball," running
between Pottsville and Philadelphia. His employment with the railroad com-
pany extended over a period of twenty years, and he retired in 1899, at which
time he bought the hotel at Landingville. He conducted it as proprietor for
seven years, leasing the property, and made a thorough success of his business,
but gave it up to enter his present line, the raising of high-grade chickens.
Mr. Brommer has bought the small piece of ground on the road running
west from Landingville, a short distance from the railroad station, two and a
quarter acres, which was all woodland when it came into his possession. He
put up a little two-story house, where he has since resided, and during the inter-
vening years has improved the place with the idea of making it an ideal poultry
establishment. Most of his land is on a hillside, and at the foot of the hill is
a fine stream of clear water, a great advantage for his purpose. He has eight
pens, 8 by 10 feet in size, with wire inclosures 10 by 100 feet for each, the
latter extending down the slope of the hill to the creek at the bottom. The
houses are of the open front variety, protected in the winter by muslin curtains.
After considerable study of the various breeds of poultry, Mr. Brommer
decided on the White Leghorns, which he keeps exclusively, and after import-
ing a pen of Tom Barron Single Comb White Leghorns from Preston. England,
he had such favorable results that he has tried no other kind since. At present
he has about one hundred and fifty chickens, old and young, and the efifect
of scientific feeding and unremitting care is very well demonstrated, for often,
even during the winter season, he gathers as many eggs daily as there are hens
in the pens. The eggs are always very large, averaging nearly two pounds to
the dozen, and he has been unable to supply the demand for hatching purposes.
In one season from his small flock he has disposed of more than one hundred
and fifty dollars worth in eggs for hatching purposes. Mr. Brommer has made
a thorough study of feed, housing and the ideal conditions for his stock, and
though he has taken infinite pains and neglected no precautions to keep the
chickens in the best condition, his arrangements have been so perfected that he
is able to accomplish all the necessary work with the minimum of labor.
Cleanliness is the prime consideration, whitewash is used plentifully wherever
needed, and all of the property is kept in a most attractive state, neatness and
true economy being the most conspicuous characteristics. The feed house is one
of the best arranged in the country. Mr. Brommer erected it especially for his
purpose and it is admirably equipped, about 20 feet square and three stories
high. The lower floor is used for the mixing of the feed and provided with
two large mixing troughs, a grinder and a gasoline engine. After being mixed
in the trough the feed is ground, and then placed in the hopper and fed. The
hoppers are large enough to hold a week's supply of grain, thus eliminating
much of the work of feeding. The second floor is so arranged that a team can
back up against the front from the road and deliver the bags of feed right on
the floor. The bins, six in number, with a capacity of 400 bushels, are on this
floor, three on either side of the aisle. These bins are equipped on the bottom
with chutes, leading into and operated from the basement, and when Mr.
Brommer wants a certain kind of grain, he simply taps it from the bin. The
third floor is used for storage purposes. Here he keeps his incubators when
not in use, and various other articles.
Alono- with the raising of poultry Mr. Brommer has continued the clearing
700 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PEi\XSYLVANL\
of his land and its improvement in other Hnes. He plants a fair sized garden,
raising enough vegetables for his own use, and he has set out fifty peach trees,
principally to supply shade for the chickens when the brush and trees originally
on the land have all been cleared away. Last year he set out a strawberry bed,
20 by 100 feet in size. His little establishment is a model of its kind, and
though he has expended much time and means on its development the venture
is paying him well. Combining study with intelligent labor he has worked out
many problems of the business to which he now devotes his time, making experi-
ments which assist his neighbors as well as himself, and showing the possibili-
ties of the industry in this section he has accomplished at least one thing of
distinct value to his neighborhood.
Mr. Brommer is a skillful watchmaker and jeweler, and while on the rail-
road he was well known as a reliable repairman, many of his fellow trainmen
bringing their watches to him for care and adjustment. He continues to follow
this trade as occasion demands. Mr. Brommer is a meinber of the Improved
Order of Red Men.
lOHN F. SCHNEIDER, late of Pottsville, was a typical member of the
thrifty German stock from which he came, a skillful tradesman, industrious,
honorable in all his dealings and prosperous in business as a result of trust-
worthy methods and steady service to his patrons. He was one of a family of
five children, of whom August died at Minersville, Pa. ; Lena married a Mr.
Burkhart ; Sophia married Carl Spaulding ; Catherine married August Orf . _
j\Ir. Schneider was born in Saxony, Germany, in 1840. He grew up in his
native country and was a young man when he came to America. From the
time of his settlement in this country he lived in Schuylkill county, Pa., first
at Minersville and later at Pottsville, where he resided until his death. A shoe-
maker by trade, he followed that occupation throughout his active years, and
by frugality and good management he became the owner of several valuable
pieces of property. Mr. Schneider was a man of fine qualities and became well
and favorably known in this region, for whose interest he always had close
concern. His death occurred Jan. 22. 1914, at his residence in Pottsville. No.
214 North Third street, and he"is buried in the Odd Fellows cemetery. He was
a zealous member of Trinity Lutheran Church, and in his wilLbequeathed one
hundred dollars to that church and a like amount to the Third Brigade Band
of Pottsville.
Mr. Schneider married Elizabeth Klein, who was born June 17, 1855, m the
northwestern part of Germany, daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Barnhart)
Klein, both of whom died in Germany; they had six children, Mrs. Schneider's
brothers and sisters being: Frederick, John, Bernhart, Josephine and Catherine.
:\Irs. Schneider came to America when fourteen years old. and lived in New
York City for five years, at the end of that time coming to Pottsville. where
she has since made her home. She continues to occupy the old residence on
North Third street. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Schneider : John
Frederick, who lives at Pottsville ; August F., who died when twenty-two years
old • Charles, who died young : Mary Elizabeth, who married John W. Brown,
and' has two children: Elma^E. and'Robert P. : and Charles F., living at home.
The family are members of Trinity Lutheran Church at Pottsville.
CHARLES H. KRAMMES, proprietor of the "Auburn Hotel," was bom
in Wayne township, Schuylkill Co., Pa., Feb. 12, 1851, son of Benjamin B.
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 701
Krammes and grandson of Andrew Krammes. The family is one of the oldest
of Gemian ancestry in the State. Andrew Krammes lived in Wayne township
and followed farming until the end of his days. He is buried at Summer Hill
cemetery. His children were: Moses, Daniel, Benjamin B., Sarah, Elizabeth,
Louisa and Matilda.
Benjamin B. Krammes was born in Wayne township, and followed boating
on the Schuylkill canal during all of his active life. He died in Wayne town-
ship, and is buried near the old Summer Hill Church there. By his marriage
to Lucy Ann, daughter of Daniel Krammes, he had these children: Benjamin
L., W. W., Frank S., Levi (deceased), Charles H., James, David, Milton and
Polly Ann (who married Levi Ditzler, of Washington township). After the
death of Mr. Krammes Mrs. Krammes married Benjamin Heimbach. She is
now deceased.
Charles H. Krammes obtained his education in the public schools. He
followed boating on the canal for eight years, after which he took up the
occupation of carpenter, which he continued for ten years. He then went
into the hotel business, which he has carried on for the past nineteen years at
the following places : Summit Station ; "Red Lion Hotel," Washington town-
ship; Rock Station; Friedensburg ; "Half- Way House," North Manheim town-
ship; "Springer Hotel," Cressona ; and the "Auburn House," which he bought
of John H. Fahl Feb. i, 1911. He is conducting the most popular house in the
borough of Auburn and caters to the best trade of the county. Mr. Krammes
is a member of the Board of Trade of Auburn and in every way is a citizen
of public spirit and enterprise. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge at
Summit Station, and also of the P. O. S. of A. camp at the same place. In
religious affiliation he is a Lutheran. Fraternally he is a Mason, with member-
ship at Pottsville.
Mr. Krammes was married to Sarah Jane Roeder, daughter of Anthony
Roeder, of Wayne township, and they have had twelve children, as follows :
(I) Carrie V*. is the wife of Jacob W. Clauser, of Auburn, Pa. (2) Mabel A.,
wife of Frank Wilson, is living in Reading, Pa. (3) Clora M., wife of J. D.
Kantner, died at the age of twenty-five years. (4) Sallie A. married Henry
H. Emerich, of Summit Station. (5) Fronie J. is the wife of Alvin Maiden-
ford, of Washington township, this county. (6) Richard E. lives at Frack-
ville. Pa. (7) Rufus V. lives at Schuylkill Haven and is the proprietor of the
"Columbus Hotel." (8) Mary L. is the wife of Edward Moyer, of Pine
Grove. (9) Elerttie E. married Walter Fegley, of Palo Alto, Pa. (10) Brua
C. lives at Pottsville, Pa. (11) Curtis E. lives at Schuylkill Haven. (12)
Hattie F. died at the age of four years.
HENRY YERGER, retired resident of Palo Alto, was in the employ of
the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company for about forty-eight years.
Mr. Yerger was born April i, 1844, at Leesport. Berks Co., Pa., son of George
B. Yerger, and his grandfather lived and died at Reading, Berks county. The
latter had a family of six children, namely: John, Benjamin, George B., Mary,
Lydia and Elizabeth.
George B. Yerger, father of Henry Yerger, was born March 15, 1820, at
Reading, Berks Co., Pa., where he followed butchering. In 1845 he came to
Pottsville. Schuylkill county, where he found employment with Mr. Spohn, who
had a meat market here for many years. Mr. Yerger finally entered the busi-
ness on his own account, and continued it until his death, in 1893. He married
702 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Esther Shuck, and their family consisted of twelve children: Henry is the
eldest; Ellen, born May 26, 1845, married a Mr. Marshall; Annie, born' April
30, 1846, married Philip Smith, and is deceased; Frank, born Feb. i, 1848, is
living at Norristown, Pa.; Charles, born Oct. 17, 1849, died in Iowa; Mary,
born Feb. 7, 1853, married Edw. Taylor, of Ilhnois ; Alice, born Jan. 16, 1855,
married a Air. Applegate, and is living in Iowa ; Agnes, twin of Alice, is un-
married and makes her home at Pottsville; William B., born Nov. 24, 1857,
lives near Reading, Pa. ; George, born Feb. 2, i860, is living in Iowa ; Sallie
married Thomas C. Williams, of Pottsville; John, born June 5, 1866, died
in 1913 in Iowa.
Henry Yerger was but one year old when his parents came to Pottsville,
and he grew up here, attending the public school during his boyhood. He found
his first regular employment in the Snyder foundry, and did that kind of
work for about three years. He then spent one year in the rolling mill at
Palo Alto, was at the car shop in the employ of the Reading Company one
year, and for another year held the position of brakeman. He afterwards
served successfully as conductor and fireman, and in 1874 began running an
engine, continuing with that company in that capacity until his retirement,
April I, 1914. He is now on the pension list. For about twenty years he ran
an engine on the Frackville and Mahanoy division, and he was one of the
oldest engineers on the road at the time of his retirement. His trustworthiness
and his intelligent attention to his important work were properly valued by his
employers. He is a member of Anthracite Lodge, No. 285, F. & A. M.,' and
of Mountain City Chapter, No. 196, R. A. M., of Pottsville, Pa. By reason of
his service in the Civil war Mr. Yerger is entitled to membership in the
G. A. R., belonging to Gowen Post, No. 23, of that body, as well as to Union
Veteran Legion, No. 19, of which he is a past colonel. He has also been prom-
inent in the "First Defenders" Association, serving as president in 1900. and
as vice president from 1909 to 1914.
On April 18, 1861, Mr. Yerger enlisted in Company D, 25th Regiment,
National Light Infantry, for three months, under Captain McDowell, being
one of the "first defenders." He was discharged July 27, 1861, at the expiration
of this term, and reenlisted Oct. ist, following, for three years, becoming a
member of Company G, 48th Pennsylvania Regiment, from which he received
his discharge Oct. i, 1864. From Sept. i, 1861, to Oct. i, 1864, it was attached
to Batteries L and M, 3d Artillery, U. S. A. Mr. Yerger received one slight
wound while in the service, being wounded at Charleston, W. Va., in the right
ankle. In 1866 Mr. Yerger was married to Sarah Jane Lashorn, daughter of
Daniel Lashorn, who was a native of Virginia. Five children have been born
to this marriage : William D. is an engineer in the employ of the Philadelphia
& Reading Company, and resides at Reading, Pa. : Morris E. is a member of
the well known firm of Yerger & Jones, clothiers at Pottsville ; George H., who
lives at home, is a machinist in the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Com-
pany : Frank H. is a telegrapher in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad
Company ; Mary E. is the widow of Harry G. Miller, and resides at home. Mr.
Yerger has served as a member of the council of Palo Alto.
ELWOOD T. EILER has been a recognized influence in the musical circles
in Schuylkill Haven for a number of years, devoting practically all of his life
to such interests, for he is not only a musician, but also engaged in business
as a dealer in musical instruments and such merchandise. Mr. Eiler is the
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 703
leader of the Schuylkill Haven Band and also plays cornet in the Third Brigade
Band of Pottsville.
The Eiler family, to which Elwood T. Eiler belongs, traces its ancestry
to Johannes Eyler, who was born Dec. 6, 1772, and died Dec. 21, 1843. He
settled at what became known as Eyler's Hollow (in Pennsylvania German as
"Noosadaul"), in North Manheim township, Schuylkill county, followed farm-
ing, and died upon his farm, and is buried in the old cemetery at Schuylkill
Haven. His children were: John; Daniel (1811-1869) ; Henry; Betsy, wife of
Frank Mellon; and Kate, wife of Peter Strause. His children changed the
name to its present form.
John Eiler, grandfather of Elwood T. Eiler, and son of John, above, was
a large landowner in what is now known as Schuylkill Haven, and also at Eiler's
Hollow. He was born on the homestead in North Manheim township, and died
in that township at the advanced age of eighty-three years. He learned the
trade of carpet weaver and followed it throughout his active life. His wife,
Hannah (Schappell), daughter of Jacob Schappell, died at the age of forty-six
years, and they are buried in the old cemetery at Schuylkill Haven. They had
the following family : Mary married John Bubeck ; Maria married Levi Reich'
ert ; Hannah married John Krietzel, who was killed during the Civil war, while
serving as a member of the 48th Pennsylvania Regiment, and she afterwards
married Samuel Bonberger, who was also a soldier in the Civil war; Emaline
married Joseph Freeman ; Susan married William Killian, a soldier of the Civil
war; Israel died while serving as a soldier in the Civil war; Frank is the father
of Elwood T. Eiler. Three children died young.
Frank Eiler, son of John and Hannah Eiler, was born April 13, 1840, in
North Manheim township, and is now living retired at Schuylkill Haven, after
a long service in the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Company.
He began work for that company as a switchman, later becoming brakeman,
and three years afterwards was promoted to fireman, finally becoming an
engineer. He was thus engaged for thirty-five years, most of the time on the
Mine Hill road, and he brought the old yellow cars then in use to the Mine
Hill crossing, where they were loaded on the canalboats. Thus he has seen
the development of the railroads from the complicated but inferior methods of
the early days to the splendid system now in operation. Mr. Eiler was retired
by the company April 13, igio. He has been a member of the Philadelphia
& Reading Veterans since the organization of that body, and has also belonged
to the Relief Association since its organization. Mr. Eiler married Leah
Baker, daughter of John Baker, and the following children were born to their
union : Elvvood T. Eiler is mentioned below ; Harry and Clayton are barbers
at Schuylkill Haven : George died young ; Frank is a barber and music dealer
at Spring City, Pa. ; Robert, also a barber, is located at Landingville, Pa. ; j\Iay
is married to Arthur Rich, of Pottsville, Pa. The mother died Dec. 11, 1909,
and is buried in the Union cemetery at Schuylkill Haven.
Elwood T. Eiler was born Nov. 24, 1861, and obtained his education in
the public schools. When a youth he learned the trade of barber, which he
followed until 1903. He has since been in business at Schuylkill Haven as a
dealer in musical instruments and music, selling pianos, player pianos, organs
and other such instruments, phonographs and records. Mr. Eiler has made
a thorough success in his mercantile venture, his understanding of the require-
ments of his customers and his familiarity with music fitting him to accommo-
date his trade to the best advantage. His store on Main street is up-to-date
704 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
and well stocked. Mr. Eiler began taking violin lessons when twelve years old,
and later had instruction on other instruments, and has become an accomplished
performer. He organized Eiler's Band, of Schuylkill Haven, which had an
existence of about eighteen years, and was its leader during that time. Later
he became the leader of the Schuylkill Haven Band, which he is still conduct-
ing, and he plays the cornet in the Third Brigade Band, of Pottsville, which
was led by the late Frederic Gerhard until his death ; Mr. Braun is the present
leader. For the last twenty-seven years Mr. Eiler has been a member of the
choir of the Second Reformed Church, to which he belongs, and has taken part
in all the local enterprises of this nature. He has a high reputation, his work
being of the best quality. Socially he is a member of Page Lodge, No. 270,
F. & A. M., of the I. O. O. F. and of the Sons of America.
Mr. Eiler married z\nnie Rupp, daughter of John Rupp. They have no
children.
Mrs. Eiler's grandfather brought his family to this country from Germany,
settling at Schuylkill Haven, where he died. His children were: Joseph,
Thomas, jMary, Barbara and John.
John Rupp, the father of Mrs. Eiler, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany,
and" came to America with his parents. He learned blacksmithing, which he
followed throughout his active life at Schuylkill Haven, and his death occurred
there. By his marriage to Charity Reed, daughter of Thomas Reed, he had the
following children : Margaret, who married Frank Heiser ; Joseph ; and Emma,
Mrs. Frank Sterner. For his second wife he married Catherine Himmel, and
the children of this union were: Sarah. Annie (Mrs. Eiler), Barbara (de-
ceased), Elizabeth (deceased), Charles, Thomas. Frank and George.
DA\'ID VETTER, one of the best known citizens of New Ringgold,
Schuylkill county, is now living retired after a lifetime of useful labor in
business and public service, assisting his fellow citizens in the upbuilding of
the town and county, to whose interests he has become deeply attached in long
years of intimate association. Mr. Yetter was born at Pottsville, Schuylkill
county, Feb. 22, 1843, and is of German lineage, his grandfather, John Vetter,
having spent the whole of his life in GeiTnany.
John \'etter, father of David \'etter, was born in the Grand Duchy of
Baden Feb. 26, 1815, and with his wife, Mary (Hetzel), who was also a native
of Germany, emigrated to America in the year 1828. He first settled in the
State of New York, and in 1840 removed to Pottsville, where he carried on
the occupations of brickmaking and farming until 1864. In the latter year he
moved to New Ringgold, where both he and his wife died, the fomier on Aug.
8, 1885, and the latter on April 20, 1883. In religious association Mr. \'etter
was a member of the Lutheran Church. He had a family of six children, three
sons and three daughters, all of whom grew to maturity.
David Vetter attended school at Pottsville and soon after leaving school
became employed on the Schuylkill and Erie canal as boatman. When the
Civil war began he became enthused with the prospect of fighting for his coun-
try' and enlisted on Aug. 22, 1862. in Company H, 120th Regiment, New York
\'olunteers, at Kingston. N. Y. This regiment was assigned to the 2d Brigade,
2d Division, 3d Corps, Army of the Potomac, with which he served untd the
close of the war, participating in the battles of Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg,
Cold Harbor, \\'ilderness. Spottsvlvania. Gettysburg, and others of minor im-
portance. After the war Mr. \'etter returned to New Ringgold and learned
iSM^^^^^^
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANL\ 705
telegraphy, in 1870 entering the employ of the Reading Company, and serving
for over twenty-one years as night operator. In 1891 he was promoted to the
position of station agent at New Ringgold, which he held until he was retired,
in 1913, with a pension, after a continuous service of over forty-three years
with the company at that pomt. He was also agent for the United States
Express Company at New Ringgold. Mr. Vetter was formerly a Republican,
but soon after its organization joined the Washington Progressive party, and
was its candidate for sheriff of Schuylkill county in 1913, being defeated by a
small margin. He was also the Washington party candidate for General As-
semblyman in 1914, but was again defeated by a small majority.
Mr. Vetter was elected to the office of justice of the peace in 1878, and has
served continuously in that position ever since. He was a member of the
borough school board for thirty-hve years, being secretary during this entire
period of service, and was a member of the borough council for five years. He
has been a member of Washington Camp No. 100, P. O. S. of A., for forty-
seven years, is a past president, has been recording secretary for many years,
and has been representative to the State camp a number of times. He has
also been a member of East Brunswick Lodge No. 802, L O. O. F., for the last
forty-three years, is a past grand, and has held all the offices within the gift of
the lodge. By virtue of his Civil war service he is a member of the G. A. R.,
having been connected with Doubleday Post, No. 189, of Tamaqua, for over
thirty years. He is a member of the General Council branch of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church, has held all the church offices, and is also interested in the
Sunday school, having been superintendent of the same for many years, and
a teacher as well.
On June 15, 1863, Air. \'etter married Mary C. Hetzel, a daughter of John
and Christina Hetzel, of Ulster county, N. Y., and to them were born these
children: (i) Sarah Esther, bom Aug. 19, 1870, married Christian Miller,
formerly of Mahanoy City, now an employee at the Bethlehem Steel Works,
and they have six children, Lottie, Carrie, Gertrude, Ella, Edward and Barbara.
(2) Mary Rebecca, born April 27, 1873, married George Sassaman, at one
time a farmer of Bamesville, this county, now engaged as a carpenter at
Tamaqua, Pa. They have two children, Goldie and Gladys. (3) Flora Louisa,
born April 27, 1873 (twin of Mary), married Alvin Fussleman, a carpenter, for
a time a resident of Slatington, Lehigh Co., Pa., now of Tamaqua, Pa. They
have two children, David and Clarence. (4) John Howard, born Oct. 2, 1875,
a shoemaker of Lititz, Pa., married Carrie E. Miller, and they have two chil-
dren, William and Mar}' Ellen. (3) George William, born Aug. 14, 1878, a
telegraph operator at Connellsville, Pa., is married to Emma Schwender, and
they have one child, Helen. (6) Katie Magdalena, born Jan. 22, 1880, married
E. R. Neiswender, station agent of the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Com-
pany at New Ringgold, Pa., and they have one child, Florence. (7) Carrie
Emma, born May 10, 1884, married George F. Knittle. State health officer and
telegraph operator, and they have three children, Robert, Miriam and Alma.
(8) Lottie Pearl Altie, born April 27, 1889, married Walter Neiswender, a lum-
berman of New Ringgold, and they have two children, Marj' and Dorothy. All
of Mr. \'etter's children were boni at New Ringgold and all of them are mem-
bers of the Lutheran Church.
Mrs. Mary C. (Hetzel) \"etter, wife of David Vetter, was born Nov. 3,
1842, at Rondout, near Kingston, Ulster Co., N. Y., was educated in that part
Vol. II— 7
706 SCHUYLKILL COUiNTY, PENNSYLVANLA.
of the Empire State, and resided at home mitil her marriage. She died Sept.
15, 1912, and is buried at the P'rieden's Church, New Ringgold, Pennsylvania.
John Hetzel, father of Mrs. David Vetter, was born in Germany, and by
occupation was a quarryman, employed at the Rosendale Cement Quarries in
Ulster County, N. Y. He married Christina Steigmire, and they had the
following children: John, the only survivor of the family, is a boatman on the
North river for the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad Company (he
has two children) ; George, Mary C. and William are deceased. Mr. and Mrs.
Hetzel were members of the Lutheran Church. Both are buried at Rondout,
New York.
THEODORE D. SCHNEIDER, proprietor of what is known as the
Schneider Pharmacy, in Pottsville, has been operating on his own account only
a short time, but his varied experiences with responsible drug houses covering
a long period of his business life should be a sufficient guaranty that he is well
qualihed for his chosen line. He has recently taken over the old established
trade of George G. Hinterleitner.
The Schneiders are of German extraction. Theodore D. Schneider, the
grandfather of Theodore D. Schneider, was born in Hanover, Germany, and
when a young man left his country to escape the military service, taking refuge
in France, whence he sailed for America. Locating at Ashland, in Schuylkill
county. Pa., he became engaged as a butcher and drover, established a large
business, and remained there until his death.
Lewis Schneider, father of Theodore D. Schneider, was born in Schuylkill
county. Pa., and passed his entire life here, dying in September, 1913. From
boyhood he was associated with his father in business as a butcher and
drover, continuing to follow that line successfully at Ashland all his life.
Politically he was a Democrat, and active in party and political affairs in his
locality, serving ten years as a member of the borough council. He belonged
to the German Reformed Church. He married Clara Hetherington, whose
father, Jonathan Hetherington, was an Englishman, who was engaged in the
mule and mine timber business at St. Clair, Schuylkill county, later moving
to Ringtown, this county, where he followed farming. Mrs. Schneider is still
living, at Ashland, Pa. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Schneider,
namely : Theodore D. and Lottie, the latter dying when six years old.
Theodore D. Schneider was born at Ashland in 1880, and received an
excellent education in the public schools of that place, graduating from the
high school in 1898. He received his first training in the drug business under
L. C. Voshage, of Ashland, where he remained for eighteen months. His next
position was at Sunbury, where he was in the employ of a Mr. Kelley for
three years, after which he spent four months at Bellefonte, Pa., and five
months at Harrisburg. In January, 1904, Mr. Schneider came to Pottsville,
where he spent seven years in the employ of William S. Cowen. His next
change was to Hazleton, Pa., where he was connected with the Eble Pharmacy,
as manager, for two years and three months. Returning to Pottsville, he
purchased the well known drug store of George G. Hinterleitner, at No. 300
North Centre street, which he has since been conducting. Mr. Schneider has
a thorough grasp of modern business methods, has kept up with the best ideas
in his particular line, and has a high sense of responsibility attaching to his
chosen calling, an important point which has gained him the absolute confidence
of his townsmen in Pottsville. The wide acquaintance and high reputation he
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 707
gained during his association with Mr. Cowen, at Pottsville, has aided him
greatly in establishing himself since he started business on his own account.
Personally he is regarded as an excellent citizen in every respect, and is highly
thought of by his fellow members in Ashland Lodge, No. 384, B. P. O. Elks.
He belongs to the Reformed Church. Mr. Schneider is an independent voter,
supporting the candidates he thinks best fitted for the ofhce and the measures
which in his opinion will confer the greatest benefit on the community.
On Sept. 16, 1913. Mr. Schneider married Elsie L. Kline, daughter of Wil-
liam H. Kline. Her father formerly conducted the well known Kline's cafe, on
Centre street, Pottsville ; he is now residing at Yellow House, Berks Co., Pa.
Mrs. Schneider was born at Farmersville, in Lancaster county, this State.
WALTER WINFIELD SCOTT, a prosperous farmer, owning the only
farm between Pottsville and Schuylkill Haven, was born Oct. i, 1868, at
Wadesville, Schuylkill Co., Pa., son of John Alexander Scott. The family is
an old and honored one in England.
John Alexander Scott, father of Walter W. Scott, was born at Greatbridge,
Staffordshire, England, and came to America when he was thirty-one years
of age. He settled at Summer Hill, Schuylkill Co., Pa., and was employed by
a man named Brown in a small mine near there. He then went to Wadesville,
where he sank the first mining shaft in this section, by contract, the superin-
tendent of the mine being a Mr. Althouse. After a time Mr. Scott became
mine boss, having at one period four hundred men under his direct super-
vision. He took a trip to his old home in England after a number of years
of labor in the mines, and upon his return went to Wilkes-Barre, Pa., where
he followed mining for a time, but eventually returned to the Wadesville shaft,
remaining there until 1875. Mr. Scott then bought the old Minnich homestead
of seventy-three acres at St. Clair, a mile above Schuylkill Haven, on the main
road, and there followed farming until his death, which occurred Aug. 30,
1880, at Cape Horn, on the Reading railroad, through an accident. He is
buried in the borough cemetery at St. Clair.
John A. Scott was married to Matilda Reid, daughter of Joseph Reid. She
was born half a mile from her husband's birthplace, and died June 30, 1912,
and is buried in the Charles Baber cemetery at Pottsville, Pa. The following
children were born to John A. Scott and his wife: John A., of Schuylkill
Haven; Mary, wife of William Yeager, of Reading, Pa.; Walter W. ; Ella;
Frank ; Edward ; and two who died in infancy.
Walter W. Scott was born at Wadesville, Schuylkill Co., Pa., and lived upon
his father's farm until he was twenty-seven years old. He then obtained a
position with the Atlantic Refining Company at Mount Carbon, where he
remained for two years. Returning to the home farm he spent nine m.onths
there, after which he accepted the position of assistant farmer at the county
almshouse farm, continuing there for one year. Again he returned home, for
one year, next working on the local trolley road as motorman, for seven years,
and then after five years' residence on the home farm he reentered the service
of the Atlantic Refining Company, for eight and a half months. Having ac-
cumulated a competency, he invested in land, buying first the family homestead
of sixty-eight and a half acres in 191 3, and also thirteen acres of the old Mellet
farm, and ten acres of the John Womer tract, adjoining. Mr. Scott now has
one of the finest farms in the county, all good land, and the only one on the
road between Pottsville and Schuylkill Haven. His farm and buildings are
708 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENi\SYLYANL\
kept in up-to-date condition, and he has adopted modern methods of cultivating
the soil.
On Jan. ii, 1898, Mr. Scott was married to Anna Doretta Kear, daughter
of William Kear, and they have had children as follows : Camilla May, Walter
W., Elmer N., Luther R. and Mary Matilda. Mr. Scott is a Republican, and
has served upon the school board of North Manheim township, and as commit-
teeman and delegate to the county conventions. He and his family attend
the Lutheran Church.
JEREMLAH FESSLER, one of the most respected residents of Cressona
borough, now living retired, was born Jan. 28, 1845, in Panther valley, Wayne
township, Schuylkill county. He belongs to an old family of German origin
which has been in this county for several generations, his grandfather having
been a pioneer in Long Run valley, Schuylkill county, where he followed
farming and lived until his death. He was twice married, by the first union
having two children, Joseph and John, and his second wife, whose maiden name
was Confer, was the mother of the following: Andrew died in Schuylkill
county ; Michael died in Berks county ; Abraham died in Shamokin, Pa. ; Wil-
liam and George died in Schuylkill county ; Molly married Solomon Luckenbill ;
Rebecca married Daniel Minich.
Of the above family, William Fessler, well known in his day as "Old Bill
Fessler," was the father of Jeremiah Fessler. He was born in Long Run valley.
Living in this section in the pioneer era he was a typical man of his day, a
great hunter and fisherman, and shot several deer and bear in the Second Moun-
tain district in Pennsylvania. He did railroad work during the early days of
the railroad in this region, being one of the first men employed on the Mine
Hill road, helping to lay the track, later hauling coal, and still later acting as
roadmaster, which position he held until 1866. At that time he retired to his
land, owning two farms in this section, and continued to live there until his
death, which occurred when he was eighty-five years old ; he is buried in the
Union cemetery at Friedensburg, this county. Few men m this part of
Schuylkill county were better or more favorably known. He and William Lark
built the Union Church at Friedensburg, and he never lost his interest in church
work, in which he tookan active part. Politically he was a Republican. In his
early days Cressona was known as West Haven. By his marriage to Elizabeth
Luckenbill, daughter of Solomon Luckenbill, he had a large family, namely :
William, who died in Wayne township, Schuylkill county ; Catherine, who died
young; four who died in infancy; Esther, deceased, wife of George Lark;
George, who died at Cressona ; Elias, who was a soldier in the Civil war ; Jere-
miah, now one of the oldest residents of Cressona ; Elizabeth, widow of William
Breininger; Henry and James, who live in Wisconsin; Josiah, a resident of
Cressona ; and Amanda, who married John Lengle, and lives at Cressona. The
mother of this family lived to the age of eighty years.
Jeremiah Fessler began work for the Mine Hill Railroad Company m 1858,
and when the Reading Railway Company took over the ownership of the road
continued in the same employ. In 1864 he became fireman on the engine of
a passenger train on the Mine Hill road, and in 1873 was promoted to engineer,
in which capacity he was engaged until igog. In 191 1 he was pensioned, and
has since lived retired at Cressona. Mr. Fessler was a charter member of the
Reading Relief Association, and well known in that organization. In the
course of his industrious life he has made many friends in the borough, and is
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PEx\NSYLVANL-\ 709
highly esteemed by all who know him, as he deserves to be. J\Ir. Fessler is a
member of the United Evangelical Church, and has always been an active
and interested worker in that direction. For over fifteen years he served as
superintendent of its Sunday school.
By his first marriage, to Louisa Kantner, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth
(Snyder) Kantner, Air. Fessler had one child, Ida May, who married Dr.
Frank Alerkle; he died in Bucks county, and Airs. Merkle now resides at
Cressona and is engaged as a public school teacher. Mrs. Louisa Fessler died
when twenty-seven years old, and Mr. Fessler subsequently married her sister,
Caroline E. Kantner, by whom he has had three children : Charles, who died
when seven months old; Thomas W., a merchant, of Minersville, Pa.; and
Beulah, wife of Willard Weaver, of Cressona.
WILLIAM MARDIS, a venerable citizen of Pottsville, now living in
retirement, has been a resident of Schuylkill county since 1845. He was born
Oct. 10, 1822, in Cambria county. Pa., son of Samuel Mardis, a native of the
State of Maryland and of Scotch descent. Samuel Mardis followed farming
in Cambria county, and died in Indiana county, Pa. To his marriage with
Abbie Yost were born the following children : Joseph died in Cambria county ;
John died in California; Jacob died in Cambria county; James is a resident of
Iowa ; George was killed by a robber in California ; William is next in the order
of birth; Samuel died young; Mary and Catherine complete the family.
William Mardis obtained his education in the public schools of Cambria
county, where he was reared upon a farm. Coming to Schuylkill county in
June, 1845, he settled in Mahanoy township. His first mine work was in the
soft coal fields of the Alleghenies. For one year he was in the employ of the
State, engaged at railroad building over the Allegheny mountains. Besides
mining in Schuylkill county, he assisted in building the Tremont railroad, and
was also engaged on the work of widening the old Schuylkill canal. For
twenty years he carried on farming on his own account, and for several years
conducted a dairy business at Pottsville. He moved to that borough about
twenty-eight years ago, and for a few years was an employee at the Philadelphia
& Reading shops, since which time he has been variously engaged. Though over
ninety years old Mr. Mardis is remarkably active, and he is able to read without
the aid of glasses. He is a member of the Methodist Church, and he has
always been among the most respected residents of the borough. His home is
at No. 710 West Market street.
Mr. Mardis married Margaret Hudson, who died in 1886, and is buried in
the Odd Fellows cemetery at Pottsville. They had one daughter, Catherine,
who is the wife of John Alertz, and resides on East Market street, Pottsville.
Mr. and Mrs. Mertz have one son, William Mertz, now a resident of Phila-
delphia, Pa., who married a Miss Reikert ; they have one daughter, Margaret.
JOHN W. FREEMAN, of Schuylkill Haven, who has been in the grocery
business at Centre and Garfield avenues since 1907, is one of the live young
business men of the borough, and has shown commendable enterprise in the
development of his trade. The Freeman family is an old and honored one
in Pennsylvania.
Jurig (George) Freeman, the American ancestor of the family, was born
in Germany in 1706, and came to this country in his thirty-third year, in the
710 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANL\
ship "Samuel," commanded by Hugh Percy, landing at Philadelphia Aug. 27,
1739. It appears that he settled in Cumru township some time after 1750.
George Freeman, a descendant of Jurig, above, was born Jan. 10, 1783, and
died in 1825. He married Elizabeth Gerhard, bom in 1786, and they became
the parents of children as follows: George, born Dec. 5, 1808; John; Catherine,
born May 7, 181 1 ; Jacob, born Oct. 17, 1813; Elizabeth, born May 28, 1815;
Benjamin, born June i, 1817; Cornelius, born Nov. 29, 1819; Peter; and
Samuel. (It seems possible the son John of this family was the great-grand-
father of John W. Freeman.)
Johannes (or John) Freeman, great-grandfather of John W. Freeman, was
born in Berks county, and settled in Wayne township, Schuylkill Co., Pa., where
he followed farming. He died there, and is buried at the Summer Mountain
church. His wife was Sarah Fehr, and they had children as follows: Joseph,
William, Jonathan, Benjamin, Mrs. John Reichert and Mrs. Wert.
Joseph Freeman, son of John, was born March 16, 1830, in Wayne town-
ship, Schuylkill county, learned the trade of blacksmith, and followed that
calling at Schuylkill Haven. He died on Centre avenue, in that borough, and
is buried in the Union cemetery. By his marriage to Emma Filer, daughter
of George Eiler, he had the following children : Sarah married Charles Hoff-
man ; Emma married Adam Moyer ; Henry is living at Pottsville, this county ;
John is mentioned below; Joseph (2) is a resident of Philadelphia, Pa.; George
and Joseph ( i ) are deceased.
John Freeman, son of Joseph, was born Nov. 27, i860, at Schuylkill Haven,
where he is still living. For several years he was engaged in boating on the
Schuylkill canal, afterwards entering the car shops in the borough, where he is
still employed. On Dec. 29, 1884, he married Clara Shappell, daughter of
William and Sarah (Ochenbach) Shappell, and granddaughter of John Shap-
pell. Three children have been born to this union : John W. : INIamie S., wife of
John Mengle, living at Schuylkill Haven ; and Sarah A., who died when nine
days old.
John W. Freeman was born June 10, 1886, at Schuylkill Haven, and obtained
the principal part of his education in the public schools there. He has also
taken a course at the Pottsville business college. For a time he was employed
by the Walkover Shoe Company at Schuylkill Haven, and on Dec. 15, 1907,
engaged in business for himself, dealing in groceries, dry goods and notions.
His store is at the corner of Centre and Garfield avenues, and he has a very
creditable stock, carrying a large assortment of well selected goods, which
supply the needs of a large patronage. Mr. Freeman deserves his prosperity,
having built up his trade by unremitting attention to the wants of his customers,
accommodating service and reliable goods. His circle of patrons is widening
steadily.
Socially Mr. Freeman belongs to the Patriotic Order Sons of America and
the Improved Order of Heptasophs. Politically he gives his support to the
Democratic party. He married Grace \'iolet May Donmoyer. daughter of
jMorris W. Donmoyer.
G. EDG.'KR KLINE has proved his possession of stable business qualities
in the management of the hotel and cafe at Pottsville which receives a liberal
share of the local patronage. His father, who operated this place for seven
years, had a long and successful career in the hotel business in different parts
of Pennsylvania", and the son had the benefit of first hand e.xperience from
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 711
early boyhood. Its value may well be inferred from his intelligent comprehen-
sion of the requirements of the business.
The Kline family are of old Lancaster stock. Hiram Kline, grandfather
of G. Edgar Kline, was born in Lancaster county. Pa., and lived and died
there, his death occurring at Lancaster Dec. 26, 1885. He was a well-to-do
farmer. Hiram Kline married Barbara Beck, who still survives. Five chil-
dren were born to this marriage : William H. ; Emma, born Jan. i, 1858, the wife
of Samuel Miller, a farmer in Lancaster county ; Ezra, who was born Oct. 10,
i860, a farmer on the old homestead in Warwick township, Lancaster county ;
Hiram, born Nov. 3, 1862, also a farmer in Warwick township; and Kate, born
Jan. 21, 1865, who married Horace Sturgis and lives in the town of Lititz.
William H. Kline was born Jan. 14, 1854, at Lititz, Lancaster county, and
received a public school education, attending in the home locality and at nearby
town schools. He was reared to farming and followed that calling during his
early manhood, until three years' after his marriage. His next venture was as
a merchant, and from merchandising he turned to hotel keeping, being so
engaged at Farmersville and Lancaster in his native county for six years.
Moving thence to the vicinity of Pottsville, he conducted the "Tumbling Run
Hotel" for a period of about seven years, from 1892 to 1898. and was the first
proprietor there to have a license. Mr. Kline was next located at Reading. Pa.,
where he remained for three years, successfully conducting the Spears Cafe, at
No. 503 Penn street, which attained a high popularity, during his ownership.
In 1902 Mr. Kline came to Pottsville, where he opened a hotel and cafe which
he and his son, in turn, have since kept up. Mr. Kline had contemplated remov-
ing to Pottsville during his residence at Tumbling Run, which gave him a
chance to observe the business in the borough, and his experience was sufficient
to make the enterprise a success as long as he handled it. Kline's Cafe under
his management became the most popular cafe of the kind in the town, the
quality of the food served there and the service itself attracting many who
demand the best. He equipped the place thoroughly and conveniently, and
during the seven years he carried it on kept up the high standard which he
established at the beginning. Several years ago he gave up the business, and has
since been living at Yellow Llouse, Berks Co., Pa., where he has a farm of
seventy-five acres.
Mr. Kline was married Oct. 14, 1879, to Maggie Bowman, of Ephrata,
Lancaster county, daughter of George L. and Fannie (Steinmets) Bowman.
Mr. Bowman is deceased. Of the three children born to Mr. and Mrs. Kline
George Edgar is the eldest; Elsie, who graduated from the Reading high school,
is now the wife of Dr. Theodore D. Schneider, a well known druggist of Potts-
ville; William McKinley, who lives at home, was born in 1897, two days after
the inauguration of President McKinley. Mr. Kline is a Lutheran in religious
faith, while his wife is a member of the Reformed Church. Socially he belongs
to the I. O. O. F., Knights of Pythias, Dramatic Order of Knights of Khor-
assan, Pottsville Gun Club and the Liederkranz.
G. Edgar Kline was born Oct. 29, 1880, in Ephrata, Lancaster county, and
received his education in the public schools of the various localities where the
family resided during his youth, graduating from the Pottsville high school
when sixteen years old. He assisted his father from boyhood, thus becoming
familiar with the details of the hotel business from an early age, and in May,
1910, he became proprietor of Kline's Cafe, at No. 18 South Centre street,
Pottsville, which his father conducted successfully for a number of years. He
712 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANL\
succeeded his father directly in the ownership of this place. The hotel con-
tains thirty rooms, including several dining rooms, the restaurant business being
still the specialty. All the guest rooms are very desirable and well kept up,
and ;Mr. Kline has the faculty of making the traveling public feel comfortably
at home in his house. He has kept thoroughly abreast of the times in providing
modern conveniences for his guests, and his unflagging zeal in catering to their
wants has made him many friends among his patrons, local and otherwise.
Aside from his hotel business Mr. Kline has been interested in the raising of
fine chickens, and has been highly successful in this field, having taken many
prizes in his own and other cities with his Black Orpington stock. Though he
has done so well in this respect and has become widely known among chicken
fanciers, he has followed the line for pleasure only.
Mr. Kline is very well known among local social organizations, belonging
to the Elks Lodge at Pottsville, No. 207 ; to the Fraternal Order of Eagles ; to
the Liquor Dealers' Association of Pennsylvania ; and to the Central Republican
Club, Baxter Club, Turtle Club and Pottsville Game and Fish Protective .Asso-
ciation.
J. FRANKLIN GEHRIG, assistant postmaster at Schuylkill Haven, was
born in that borough Feb. 17, 1891, son of George E. Gehrig. He belongs to a
family of German origin which has long been estabhshed in Pennsylvania,
having settled in Berks county at an early date.
John Gehrig, his great-great-grandfather, lived at Leesport, Berks Co., Pa.,
and kept hotel at that point while the turnpike was under construction in that
section. He died there in 1824. His children were: John, George E., Mrs.
Beard and Mrs. Sallie Baker.
George E. Gehrig, son of John Gehrig, was bom at Leesport, Berks Co.,
Pa., Jan. 17, 1801, and spent his early life in Berks county. In 1829 he removed
to Milton, Pa., where he kept the "United States Hotel" for some time and
later engaged in the milling business, which he continued to follow for a number
of years. His death occurred in 1854. His wife, Elizabeth (Huey), died in
1883. They had these children : Jacob, George, B. Frank, Nice, James, Sophia,
Joseph, Isaac, Albert, Elizabeth, Harrison and William.
B. Frank Gehrig was born Oct. 25, 1832, at Milton, Pa., and attended the
public schools there. When a young man he learned the distilling trade. He
came to Schuylkill Haven in 1852 and clerked for three and a half years, after
which he engaged in the clothing and notion business, continuing same with
success for seven years. For a year afterwards he shipped coal, and was then
employed in the shops at Schuylkill Haven for one year. Then, in company
with David Dreibelbis, he built a factory and engaged in the manufacture of
soap, Mr. Gehrig selling out to his partner after conducting the business for
one year. He next engaged in droving, traveling through central Pennsylvania
buying and selling stock, and was so occupied for several years. For fifteen
years following he carried on farming in North Manheim township, and he
has since lived retired except for his duties as assessor of the North ward of
Schuylkill Haven, which office he has filled for the last sixteen years. For
eighteen years he was a member of the borough council, his long continuance
in that position being a most substantial evidence of the estimate placed upon
his services by his fellow citizens and their confidence in his trustworthiness
and ability to handle the affairs of the borough. Politically he is a Republican.
He is a member of the Lutheran Church.
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PEXXSYL\AXL\ 713
Mr. Gehrig owns the old John Mackey hotel stand at Schuylkill Haven,
which was well known in the days of the stagecoach. It is still a fine old
building, and the Gehrigs have a comfortable home there. He married Isabella
Barr, a daughter of John Barr, formerly of Kutztown, Berks Co., Pa., later
of Schuylkill Haven, and she died June 2, 1913. They had a family of six sons :
John is deceased ; George E. is mentioned below ; William is deceased ; Harry
is at home ; Robert is a resident of Schuylkill Haven ; Edward is at home.
George E. Gehrig, father of J. Franklin Gehrig, was born in Schuylkill
Haven Nov. i, 1861, and was educated in the public schools there. He worked
for a time as a woodchopper with the Schuylkill Navigation Company, later
was made foreman in the coal storage department of the Philadelphia & Reading
Coal & Iron Company, holding that position for a considerable period, and then
became car inspector for the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company at the
Mine Hill Crossing, Schuylkill Haven ; he is now a foreman in the Reading
car shops at that place. Air. Gehrig was married to Leonora Gehrig, who was
bom Oct. 10, 1 871, a daughter of J. Brown Gehrig, a coal and coke dealer of
Milton, Pa. They have one child, J. Franklin. Mr. Gehrig is a Republican
politically, and socially a member of Webster Council, No. 23, Jr. O. LT. A. M.,
of Schuylkill Haven, of which he is a past councillor. He is a member of Christ
Evangelical Lutheran Church, member of the church council, financial secre-
tary of the church, and has also been active in the work of its Sunday school.
J. Franklin Gehrig was educated in the grammar and high schools of Schuyl-
kill Haven, and Pottsville business college, after which he spent about three
years as a knitter in the underwear mills of the borough of Schuylkill Haven,
first with D. D. Coldren and lastly with Jere Lautenbacher. On March i,
1910, he entered the post office at Schuylkill Haven as assistant postmaster,
which position he has since filled with satisfaction to all. On Sept. 28, 1913, he
was appointed a member of the board of civil service examiners.
Mr. Gehrig was married to Sarah M. Cripple, who was boni June 28,
1894, daughter of George W. and Araminta (Sierer) Cripple, natives of West
Fairview, Pa. They have one child, Earl A. Mr. Gehrig is an adherent of
the Republican party. He holds membership in Page Lodge, No. 270, F. &
A. M. ; Mountain City Royal Arch Chapter, No. 196: Webster Council, No. 23,
Jr. O. U. A. M. ; Washington Camp No. 47, P. O. S. of A.; and Conclave No.
1087, I- O- of H. He belongs to Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church of
Schuylkill Haven, and is pianist of the Sunday School.
THOMAS B. GOLDEN, the present proprietor of the "New Park Hotel,"
is a well known citizen of Pottsville and of Schuylkill county as well, having
been associated as player and manager with local baseball teams for a number
of years. He is a son of William D. Golden, a native of England.
William D. Golden came to America when twenty-two years of age. He
first settled at Pottsville, Pa., being engaged as a mining engineer. Removing
to Canada he lived there for a time, but returned to Pennsylvania in 1874,
locating at Stockton. In 1877 he went to Springfield, 111., where he remained
until his death. Before coming to America, he married Sarah Wilkinson, and
to them were born seven children, of which the youngest is Thomas B.
Thomas B. Golden attended the public schools and. while still a boy, began
work at a breaker, as a slate picker. He worked about the mines for several
years, later learning the trade of watchmaker. In 1887 he began playing ball
as a professional, a contract with one of the major league teams bringing him
714 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANLA.
East. In 1894 he came to Pottsville to play, and has managed teams for both
Pottsville and Reading during the existence of the Atlantic League. In
September, 1910, Mr. Golden bought the "Park Hotel," which he has renovated
and improved. It comprises sixty rooms, equipped for comfortable service to
patrons. Mr. Golden's sociable nature and obliging disposition have won him
many friends wherever he has gone. Fraternally he is a member of the local
lodge of the B. P. O. Elks. He is a citizen of unquestioned worth and thor-
oughly esteemed in his home city.
Mr. Golden married Emiua, daughter of Henry and Margaret D. Schwartz-
hans, of Aurora, 111. They have had the following children: Sarah (a teacher
in the public schools of Pottsville), Thomas, William, Harry and Norman.
IRVIN W. EMERICH, of Schuylkill Haven, is a native of South Manheim
township, Schuylkill county, and a descendant of one of the old settled families
of this region. His grandfather, Jacob Emerich, lived in South Manheim town-
ship, where he was a pioneer, and followed farming on the place where he con-
tinued to reside until his death. He is buried in the Summer Hill cemetery.
His children were Morgan, Jacob, Jonathan and Joshua.
Joshua Emerich, father of Irvin W. Emerich, was born in South Manheim
township, Schuylkill county, and died in that township Oct. 5, 1895. He did
day's work and was a man of industrious habits, respected by all his neighbors.
By his marriage to Pietta Gruber he had children as follows: Nathan, who is
deceased ; Nathaniel, deceased ; Filmore, who died when seventeen years old ;
Reuben, a resident of Pottstown, Pa. ; Alvin, living at Schuylkill Haven, Pa. ;
Irvin W. ; Lyman, who died in 1898; Sydney, living in Reading, Pa.; Kate, of
Schuylkill Haven; Deborah, who died young; and Alida, of Schuylkill Haven.
Irvin W. Emerich was bom Jan. 19, 1870, and was reared in his native
township, where he attended public school. Until nineteen years old he was
employed among the farmers of the district, in 1890 starting the business of
painting and paperhanging which he has followed ever since. He is estab-
lished in Schuylkill Haven, and has built up an excellent business, having a
steady patronage which requires the services of several men. ]\Ir. Emerich has
kept up-to-date in his work, and has made every effort to give his patrons desir-
able service, and they, in turn, have shown substantial appreciation of his
enterprise. Personally he has the respect of all his associates. He is a member
of Page Lodge, No. 270, F. & A. M., of Schuylkill Haven ; of the I. O. O. F.,
and the P. O. S. of A. In religious connection he is a member of the Reformed
Church. In politics he is independent, supporting the men and measures he
considers the most desirable regardless of party lines.
Mr. Emerich married Emma Moyer, daughter of William J. Moyer, of
South Manheim township, Schuyjkill county, and they have two children:
Edith, a graduate of the SchuylkiU Haven high school, and of the Keystone
State Normal School of Kutztown, Pa., is now a public school teacher at
Schuylkill Haven; Sallie, also a graduate of the Schuylkill Haven high school,
lives at home and is engaged in sewing. The family reside on Canal street.
NEWTON M. WONDERS, of Pottsville, has been one of the most popular
photographers in this part of Schuylkill county for over twenty-five years.
Photography has been his life work, and as he has gone in for all the different
branches of the art he has been able to keep in touch with the advances of the
business, besides acquiring a varied experience of the greatest value. Though
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENxXSYLVANIA 715
he has done well from the commercial standpoint, his success has meant more
than mere material prosperity, for he has natural taste for his chosen calling
which has developed along with his proficiency, and he finds keen enjoyment in
his vocation and the great progress which has culminated in recent years in un-
dreamed of accomplishments.
Mr. Wonders was born in New Franklin, Stark Co., Ohio, Oct. 17, 1S62.
His father, Peter D. Wonders, was a native of Berks county. Pa., and settled
in Stark county, Ohio, dying at Alliance, that county, in 1877. By occupation
he was a carpenter and cabinetmaker. He married Fredericka Bammerlin, who
was born in Berlin, Gemiany, and is still living, at the age of over ninety years,
making her home in Cleveland, Ohio. Of the twelve children bom to them
five are deceased, namely: j\Irs. Lucy L. McGlone, who died in 1898 at Los
Angeles, Cal. ; Allen, who died of fever while serving in the Union army during
the Civil war, in his twenty-first year; Emma J., who died when eighteen
years old ; and Florence and Louise, who died in infancy ; Lafayette is a resident
of Alliance, Ohio ; Benton AL lives in Cleveland ; Mrs. Marietta Thomas, in
Cleveland; Frances M. lives at F"rankfort, Ind. ; Mrs. Laura P. Teeters is a
resident of Cleveland; Solon L. is at Baltimore, Md.; Newton M. completes the
family.
Newton M. Wonders had common school advantages, attending at AUiance,
Ohio. His school days over he commenced work for his brother, who was in
the photographic business, becoming well grounded in the details of the work
during this association. Subsequently for a time he was located at Cleveland,
Ohio, and he afterwards spent three years in Chicago, 111., and three years at
Lebanon, Pa., before coming to Pottsville. He has been established here since
1891, in which year he purchased his studio, the location being at No. 10 West
Market street until he removed to his present quarters. No. 7 South Centre
street. Mr. Wonders has built up a large business by strict attention to the
wants of his customers, and by giving them the best that photography, as it is
now understood, ofl:'ers. He has probably the largest clientele in this section,
and deservedly. Mr. W'onders is a member of the National Photographers'
Association of America.
In 1889 Mr. Wonders was united in marriage with Anna E. Weitzel, of
Lebanon, Pa., daughter of H. P. and Emma E. Weitzel, both of whom are
deceased. Three children have been born to this union : Dorothy, who died
when eight years old; and Jettie L. and Henry P., surviving. Mr. and Mrs.
Wonders are members of the English Lutheran Church.
JOHN H. LENGEL, who is now serving as president of the school board
of the borough of Cressona, has given his fellow citizens excellent service in
that capacity. He is a man of estimable character, a member of a family which
has been well and favorably known in Schuylkill county for several generations,
his grandfather, John Lengel, living and dying in Washington township, this
county, near Hetzel's Church, where he is buried. By occupation he was a
farmer, one of the prosperous men of his day, owning three large farms. His
children were : John, Reuben, Adam, David, Daniel, Mrs. Catherine Zimmer-
man, Mrs. Rebecca Zimmerman and Mrs. Sarah Hein.
Daniel Lengel, son of John, was born in Washington township, and learned
the trade of wheelwright. He was also a farmer for many years, in his later
life settling at Friedensburg, this county, where he conducted a shop, following
his trade while living there. He died at Friedensburg when seventy-two years
716 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANL\
old, and is buried at Cressona, where his wife also rests. She too passed away
at the age of seventy-two years. Her maiden name was Catherine Berkheiser,
daughter of William Berkheiser. Mr. and Mrs. Lengel had a family of seven
children: Mary, deceased, who was the wife of Peter C. Bittle; John H.;
Daniel, Kate and Sallie, all three of whom died young; Charles, deceased; and
Carrie, who married John Heffner and (second) Oscar Bernheisel.
John H. Lengel was born Dec. 29, 1861, in Washington township, this
county, and acquired his education in the public schools of Cressona. He was
reared upon the farm, where he remained until twenty years old, in 1882
entering the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company, as a
track repairman. By efficient work he was promoted from time to time, and
is now an engineer, which position he has held for over twenty years. Since
1892 he has been running between St. Clair and Philadelphia. His home is
at Cressona. Mr. Lengel has always been interested in local activities, being
a member of Phoenix Lodge, No. 75, F. & A. AL, of Phoenixville, and of the
Independent Order of Americans, and in politics he is associated with the
Washington party. His principal work in public affairs has been along the line
of improvements in the school system, and he has been faithful to his duties as
member of the school board, on which body he has been serving since 191 1.
In 1884 Mr. Lengel married Amanda Fessler, daughter of William Fessler,
of Cressona, and member of a pioneer family of this locality. They have
three children : Florence, James and Daniel, all of whom are at home with their
parents. ^
CHARLES F. LONG was engaged during his earlier years at mining, a
vocation which occupies a large proportion of the workers in Schuylkill county,
but for a number of years past he has been a hotel proprietor, now success-
fully conducting the "United States Hotel" at Minersville. Under his capable
management it has become one of the leading hotels in the borough.
Mr. Long is of German parentage, his father, Charles Long, having been
bom in Prussia, about forty miles from Berlin. He served in the German
army in 1848, and was shot in the leg while marching through Poland. After
his discharge from the service he came to America, in 1848, and settled at
Wiconisco, Dauphin Co., Pa., where he passed the remainder of his life. After
coming to this country he followed mining, and he died in Dauphin county,
where he is buried, at Lykens. His wife, Christian (Seifert), was a native of
the same place as her husband, died at Wiconisco, and is also buried at Lykens.
Of the six children bom to J\Ir. and Mrs. Charles Long, Otto and one sister
continue to reside on the old homestead at Wiconisco.
Charles F. Long was born July 6, 1862, at Lykens, Dauphin county. His
early advantages were meager, for though he attended the common schools
he was only eight years old when he commenced to pick slate at the Big Lick
colliery, at Williamstown, Dauphin county. As he grew up he was given
dift'erent kinds of work at the mines, advancing himself steadily by applica-
tion to his duties, and he subsequently took a course on mining at the Scranton
Correspondence Schools, which assisted him greatly in his work. For several
years Mr. Long was inside foreman at the Silberton colliery, and was later
similarly employed at the Buck Run colliery, where he did his last work as
a miner. In 1902, having decided to change his calling, he purchased the
"Decort Hotel" at Pottsville, Schuylkill county, which he conducted for two
years, in Febraary, 1904, buying the "United States Hotel" at Minersville, to
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 717
which he has since given all his time. Mr. Long has proved himself well
adapted for this business, and the hotel has continued to draw a profitable
patronage since he took charge. He has become very favorably known in the
borough as a straightforward business man, and personally has the good will
of a wide circle of acquaintances. Mr. Long was made a Mason Sept. 28,
1890, belonging to Ashlar Lodge, No. 570, F. & A. M., of Lykens, Pennsyl-
vania.
- Mr. Long married Amelia Kendter, daughter of George Kendter, of Tre-
mont, Schuylkill county, and they are the parents of six children, namely:
Edward, now of Pottsville, this county; and Arthur, John, Otto, Matilda and
Alma, at home.
WILLIAM FRANCIS GERHARD, of Orwigsburg, is one of the best
known residents of the lower end of Schuylkill county. As an agriculturist he
has been thoroughly successful in cultivating a very valuable piece of property
in North Manheim township and he has also undertaken other work, as oppor-
tunity offered, his industrious nature and proved reliability being appreciated
wherever he has been employed.
Mr. Gerhard was born March 11, 1855, in West Brunswick township, son
of Henry Gerhard and grandson of Henry Gerhard. His great-grandfather,
Jacob Gerhard, was born in Germany, and on coming to America when a
young man settled at Rehrersburg, in Tulpehocken township, Berks Co., Pa.,
where he followed farming and his trade, that of wheelwright. He lived there
until his death. His children were: Peter, Heinrich (Henry), John, Jacob,
William, Catherine, Lydia, Polly, Sarah, Elizabeth and Lavina.
Heinrich (Henry) Gerhard, grandfather of William Francis Gerhard, born
May I, 1798, at Rehrersburg, died Nov. 22, 1871. Like his father he was a
farmer and wheelwright. Coming to Schuylkill county in 1828, he bought a
farm in West Brunswick township April 5th of that year, the old Abraham
Werner property, comprising 263 acres, 155 perches. He continued to farm
there the rest of his life, dying at that place, and is buried in the Reformed
cemetery at Orwigsburg. His wife, ilaria Sarah, daughter of Philip and
Maria (Gilbert) Hoy, was born in 1800, and died in 1863, at the age of sixty-
three years, nine months, twenty-three days. They were the parents of six
children: Maria, who married Daniel Alspach; Sarah, Mrs. Samuel Yost;
Henry; Priscilla, who married James Anderson and (second) Edward Mengel ;
William ; and Edward, the last named dying young.
Henry Gerhard, father of William F. Gerhard, was born Aug. 25, 1829, in
West Brunswick township, in the house where he still resides. Part of this
house was standing when his parents moved here, his father adding to it subse-
quently. Mr. Gerhard has been living retired since 1912. He attended school
in the neighborhood, ajid farmed throughout his active years. After the death
of his father he bought 148 acres of the home property, his brother William
taking eighty-three acres, and their brother-in-law, Daniel Alspach, also owning
a tract. The latter engaged in the undertaking business. While the cultivation
of the property was under Mr. Gerhard's direct management he was one of the
prominent farmers in his vicinity and attended the markets of Schuylkill Haven,
Pottsville and Orwigsburg, where he was known as a thoroughly reliable dealer,
all his transactions being above reproach. He is a Democrat, serving many
years as school director of his township, and was one of the prominent members
718 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
of the Reformed Church, in which he held the offices of elder and deacon for
many years.
On June 19, 1852, Mr. Gerhard married Diana Mengel, who died Jan. 3,
1857. She was the mother of three children: Charles, born July 16, 1853,
died Oct. 8, 1854; William Francis ; and Diana, born Nov. 5. 1856, died Nov. 10,
1857. On Nov. 5, 1859, Mr. Gerhard married (second) Eliza Yost, daughter
of Samuel and Betsy (Merkel) Yost. Eleven children have been born to this
union, as follows: Elwood P., born May 31, i860, is living in Port Carbon;
Mary E., born Aug. 2, 1862, is married to Joel Degler, and lives at Orwigsburg;
Henry Y., born Oct. 5, 1864, is a shoe manufacturer of Orwigsburg; Samuel,
born April 6, 1867, died aged nine years; Frank, born Feb. 5, 1869, is a farmer
of West Brunswick township; Emma M., born Feb. 22, 1871, married Jacob
Zuber, and is living at Allentown, Pa. ; George A., bom April 11, 1873, is a shoe
manufacturer at Orwigsburg, with his brother; John, born March 11, 1875, is
farming at Orwigsburg; Calvin L., born July 2, 1876, is farming in the borough
of Orwigsburg; Hannah S., born June 20, 1881, married George Seltzer, and is
living at iNIcKeansburg, Schuylkill county; and Edwin R., born Oct. 20, 1884,
is farming the homestead place in West Brunswick township.
William Francis Gerhard attended the public schools of the township and
remained at home until twenty-one years old. At that time he located in
Orwigsburg and undertook the cultivation of his father-in-law's farm, carrying
it on until JMr. Moyer's death. He now has fifty acres of the place and thirty-
six acres purchased from Daniel Aloyer, and he operates the place very profit-
ably, his up-to-date methods of cultivation having brought it to a most desirable
state. ]\Ir. Gerhard is also engaged in hauling coal, doing considerable in this
line, and he is a busy, prosperous man, well liked and respected in the com-
munity where he has had so creditable a career. He is a member of the Evan-
gelical Church, and has always taken an active part in its work, at present serv-
ing as trustee and class leader. Socially he holds membership in the P. O.
S. of A.
Mr. Gerhard married Susanna IMoyer, daughter of George K. and Susanna
(Hoy) ]\Ioyer, and they reside at the old homestead of her parents. Two chil-
dren have been born to them : Laura died when two years old ; Sadie married
Ralph Kauffman, and has two children, Marie and Leroy. Mr. and Mrs.
Kauffman reside with her parents.
PAUL R. NAFFIN, one of the rising young business men of Schuylkill
Haven, where he is engaged in general contracting and is proprietor of the
roller skating rink, was born Jan. 24, 1886, at Colwalk, Pommern, North Ger-
many, and is a son of Albert Naffin.
Albert Naffin, the father, was born May 20, 1844, in Germany, where he was
a contractor and builder. He came to America with his family, landing at
Pier No. 53, Philadelphia, July 27, 1896, and soon thereafter located in Reading,
Pa. Remaining in Reading until July 4, 1897, he then returned to Germany,
where he remained until November, 1912. Coming back to America at that
time he staved in this country only until Sept. 27, 191 3, when he again went
back to his Fatherland, dying there Dec. 12, 191 3, at the age of sixty-nine. He
is buried at Belgard, Germany. Mr. Naffin was married to Wilhelmina, daugh-
ter of Frederick Rabe, and a native of the same county as her husband, born
Dec. 3, 1848. She is now residing at Schuylkill Haven. To Albert and Wil-
helmina Naffin were born five children : Theodore, living at Riverside, N. J. :
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANL'\ 719
William, living at Camden, N. J.; Paul R. ; Gustave, residing in Schuylkill
Haven ; and Frieda, residing at home.
Paul R. Naffin was but ten years old when his father came to America. He
had obtained some schooling in Germany, to which he has since added by study
and observation. His first work was in the Mohns' hat factory, at Reading,
Pa., where he remained for about five years. He then went to the Reading
Hardware Company for a time, afterwards working at various places and
learning the trade of carpenter, which he commenced July i8, 1904. He came
to Schuylkill Haven July 20, 1907, and worked at his trade until October, when
he began in partnership with his brother William to build the roller skating
rink, completing it April 28, 1908. The rink is two stories in height and 67 by
140 feet in size, having one of the largest floors in this part of the State. Mr.
Naffin'also conducted a rink at Minersville, Pa., for two seasons with success,
and ran a portable rink for two seasons. The firm was known as Paul R. Naffin
& Bro. until March, 1913, when Gustave, the other partner, withdrew, leaving
Paul R. Naffin as the sole owner. Mr. Naffin also does considerable contracting
and building in Schuylkill Haven and vicinity. He resides at Schuylkill Haven,
where he attends Christ Lutheran Church. He is a member of the Carpenters'
Union of Pottsville.
On Oct. I, 1914, Mr. Naffin was married to Helen Louisa Mulldore,
who was born in Philadelphia, Pa., June 23, 1891. They have one child,
Richard Spindler, born July 27, 191 5.
SOLOMON A. BARKET, of Pottsville, has exemplified in his prosperous
business career that the era of opportunities for willing workers is not over.
Coming to this county in 1893, he has without the aid of friends or advan-
tages, made his way to a substantial position in local business circles, conduct-
ing a useful industry, which has been valuable to the town as well as profitable
to him.
Mr. Barket was born in Tripoli, Syria, in 1876, and came to America when
seventeen years old, landing at New York City in 1893. Proceeding thence
to Pottsville, Pa., he began to work as a peddler in Schuylkill county, being
so engaged for two years and ten months. By that time he felt that he could
take the responsibility of a store, and he engaged in the wholesale dry goods
and notion business at No. 401 West Minersville street, where he has since
been located. He continued his original line for twelve years, and in 1910
commenced the manufacture of hosiery, which he started June 27th. He
has an up-to-date knitting mill and is engaged in the production of men's half-
hose, the eightv-four-needle hose, known as the miner's sock, and the one
hundred and seventy-six-needle hose, a fine grade. Beginning with five
machines Mr. Barket has so increased his trade that he now has over sixty
and employs from fifteen to twenty people steadily, 'the growing demand for
his goods being a sure evidence of the satisfaction they have given to con-
stmiers. The product is disposed of mostly through jobbers. Mr. Barket has
acquired the ownership of the property where his factory is located, and also
of No. 405 West Minersville street.
On Tune 19, 1909, Mr. Barket married Matilda Ashwood, like himself a
native of Syria, daughter of Faress Ashwood, the ceremony being performed
at Pottsville by Fathers McGovem, Malley and Fiatt. _ Mrs. Barket was
taken to Brazil when nine years old, and came to America two years later.
Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Barket: Elias, April 18,
720 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENiNSYLVANIA
191 1 ; Gertrude, June 27, 1913, and Alfred Peter, April 29, 1915. Mr. and
Mrs. Barket are members of the Roman Catholic Church.
BRLfTON W. SATERLEE (deceased) was stationed at Cressona, Schuyl-
kill county, from 1903 until his recent death, acting as assistant trainmaster
for the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company at that point, to which he
was transferred from Allentown. He was in the service of the company from
1890, and his various promotions during the quarter of a century he remained
in its employ attested the value placed upon his ability and trustworthiness.
Mr. Saterlee's grandparents, Edward N. and Lucy (Falkner) Saterlee,
were natives of northeast New York and northern Pennsylvania, respectively.
His father, Britton \V. Saterlee, Sr., was a soldier in the Civil war, enlisting
in March, 1864, in Company L, 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry. The following
month he died of typhoid fever. He married Lucy Fenderson, daughter of
John and Lucy (Clemens) Fenderson, the former born in Bangor, Maine,
and the latter in Massachusetts; Mrs. Fenderson was a first cousin of Edward
Everett, the historian. After Mr. Saterlee's death his widow became the
wife of John C. East, who was a member of the 146th Virginia Confederate
Infantry in the Civil war, but who took the oath of allegiance prior to the
cessation of hostilities. By this union she had three sons and three daughters:
Martha M., Mildred E. (deceased), John L., William T., Carrie S. and
James E.
Britton W. Saterlee was born Sept. 4, 1864, at Karthaus, Clearfield Co.,
Pa. He attended public school in New York State from 1869 to 1875, and
was at the soldiers" orphans' school at White Hill, Cumberland Co., Pa., from
1875 to 1880. His first employment was as a mechanic with the Lycoming
Rubber Company, of Williamsport. where he remained for eight years. For
one year he was with the Perkins & Miller Lumber Company, of Westlake,
La., and in 1890 entered the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Company
as clerk at Williamsport. In 1893 he was made freight agent at Shippens-
burg, Pa., and six years later was promoted to the position of assistant train-
master, at Palo Alto. The ne.xt year he went to Allentown, in the same
capacity, and in 1903 was assigned to Cressona, where he was first assistant
trainmaster. He died suddenly at his home in Cressona, March 5, 1915.
Mr. Saterlee proved a desirable citizen of the community, where he gained
respect and esteem by his strict attention to duty and integrity in all his rela-
tions with his fellow townsmen. He was a Mason, belonging to Cressona
Lodge, No. 426, F. & A. M., and a member of the Royal Arcanum (Potts-
ville^ Council, No. 965). Politically he did not pledge himself to the support
of any particular party, voting as his conscience dictated.
On Sept. 10, 1882, Mr. Saterlee was married to Eda L. :\Ianagan, daughter
of Thomas and Harriet (Bixbv) Managan, of Tioga, Pa. Of the nine chil-
dren born to this marriage four are deceased; Arietta, the eldest, is married
to William H. Hansford, of Philadelphia, formerly of Richmond, Va. ; Har-
riet B. is the wife of Rev. R. E. \'ellines, of Minersville; Ida M. is at home;
Gerald B. lives at Reading: Eda Hilma has received her higher education at
the Wilson College for Women. The Saterlees are members of the First
Methodist Episcopal Church of Cressona, to which Mr. Saterlee also belonged.
CARL FREDERICK HOLDERMAN, late of Shenandoah, held an
estimable place among his associates in every relation of life. His worth
might be measured by the respect they showed in recognition of his substan-
ty^^-^^-^-^^^^^t^^i^-^^
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANL\ 721
tial qualities, and no less by the friends he made through his admirable personal
traits, which endeared him to many in social ties.
Mr. Holderman was a native of Baden, Germany, born Sept. 7, 1854, at
Mosbach, son of Karl Frederick and Marie Holderman and grandson of
George and Anna Holderman. George Holderman owned a large bakery at
Mosbach, following that business all his life. He and his wife are buried at
that place. Their children were : Henry, George, Karl Frederick. Anna, and
Marie. The parents were members of the German Evangelical Lutheran
Church, and active in its work.
Karl Frederick Holderman, son of George, was born at Mosbach, and
died when about thirty-six years old. He was well educated, graduating with
honors from the Gymnasium at Karlsruhe, Baden, where his picture was hung
in tribute to his scholarship. He became a civil engineer. His wife, whose
maiden name was Marie Mueller, lived in Mosbach until ten years before
her death, then removing to Karlsruhe, where she passed away at the age
of sixty-three years. She is buried at Karlsruhe, Mr. Holderman at Mosbach.
They were members of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church at Mosbach.
The following children were born to them: Carl Frederick; Marie, Mrs.
Wieland, whose husband was overseer for the Duke of Baden ; Helena, who
was married to the late Albert Mueller, Chancellor to the Duchess of Baden ;
and Frederick L., who was Private Secretary to Baron von Rothschild.
Carl Frederick Holderman was reared at Alosbach, receiving his educa-
tion there and at Karlsruhe, where he learned his trade of watchmaker. He
followed it in his home town for some time, and later in Vienna, Austria,
where he remained until after his marriage, which took place in 1876. In
November of that year he came with his wife to this country, where he first
found employment in the Hitchcock jewelry establishment on Broadway, New
York City. Later he worked for Bailey, Banks & Biddle, in Philadelphia,
and in the year 1879 he arrived at Shenandoah, Schuylkill Co., Pa., where
he made a permanent home. He began work at his trade with T. Cassidy,
at No. 40 North Main street, remaining with him until he bought the estab-
lishment, in 1880, to continue it on his own account. Subsequently he removed
the jewelry business to No. 131 North ]\Iain street, and a few years later
purchased the site at No. 112 North Main street, where it has since been
conducted. His home was also at that location. Mr. Holderman, though
interested in the business until his death, had been in poor health for six
months previously, and in the latter part of 1914 underwent an operation at
the State Hospital at Fountain Springs, Pa. Though his condition seemed
hopeful at times he never really rallied, and he passed away at his home on
Jan. II, 1915. Mr. Holderman traveled and read extensively and was a
most interesting conversationalist, his active mind and keen powers of obser-
vation betokening unusual intelligence. In disposition he was genial and
kindly, and his friendly attitude attracted many to him who will cherish his
memory among their delightful experiences. Mr. Holderman is buried in the
Odd Fellows' cemetery at Shenandoah. He was a member of the Evangelical
- Lutheran Church, and in politics was identified with the Republican party.
On April 12, 1876, Mr. Holderman was married in Vienna, Austria, by a
Lutheran clergyman, to Anna Louise Holderman, who was born in that city
June I, 1857, and received her education there. Children as follows were
born to this marriage: Charles Frederick, born March 15, 1877, in Phila-
delphia, now engaged as traveling auditor for the S. & S. Packing Co., of
Chicago, 111. ; Frederica Louise, born Nov. r7, 1878, in Philadelphia, who
Vol. 11—8
722 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANL\
died when seventeen days old; Frederick William, born Oct. 17, 1879, in
Philadelphia, now a resident of Hazleton, Pa., engaged as a mining engineer
for the Lehigh Valley Coal Company ; Emil Otto, born Sept. 25, 1883, a min-
ing engineer in the employ of the Lehigh Valley Coal Company at Centralia,
living at home; Bertha Anna Marie, born Feb. 9, 1882, who graduated from
the State Normal School at Bloomsbnrg, Pa., from the Hazleton (Pa.) Busi-
ness College, and from the Rochester (N. Y.) Business Institute, and now the
commercial teacher in the Shenandoah High School; Henry Otto, born Jan.
5, 1886, who died when four months old; and Herbert Helmuth, born April
I, 1893, a student in the Jefferson jMedical College, Philadelphia, class of
1916. All of this family hold membership in the Reformed Church.
There are four grandchildren, all children of Charles F. and Jennie Holder-
man, as follows : Anna Louise, born at Pottsville, Pa., June 28, 1901 ; Marie
Bertha, born April 3, 1903, at Shenandoah, Pa. ; Karl Frederick, born at
Chicago, 111., Oct. 8, 1905 ; Frances Marguerite, born at Chicago, 111., Jan. 28,
1914.
Mrs. Holderman now lives at 116 North Jardin street, Shenandoah, Penn-
sylvania.
ALFRED HEHN, a merchant and assessor of Pine Grove township, was
born in Wayne township, Schuylkill Co., Pa., Oct. 13, 1849, son of William
and Esther (Scheaffer) Hehn, and grandson of Jacob Hehn. The American
founder of the Hehn family (also spelled Hain in the early days), was a
native of France, and leaving that land reached the New World after a long
and stormy voyage. He located near Hain's Church, in Berks county, Pa.,
where he spent the remainder of his life.
Jacob Hehn was born in Berks county. Pa., and in young manhood moved
to Schuylkill county, locating in Wayne township on a fann known as the
Farrabee property. There he carried on farming for many years, becoming
one of the well known men of his community. When Schuylkill county was
taken from Berks county, Jacob Hehn was made one of the first county com-
missioners, and he always took a deep interest in its growth.
William Hehn, a son of Jacob Hehn, was born in Wayne township, and
like his father was a farmer. His farm was located in Washington township,
where he died at the age of fifty-eight years. He and his wife had these
children: Mary AL, Angeline. Alfred, Matilda, Susan, Lucinda, John, Peter
and Sallie.
After completing his studies in the schools of his district, Alfred Hehn
became a farmer, but within a few years began working in the Lincoln col-
liery, where he continued for twenty-two years. He then saw an opening for
a general store at Pleasant \'alley, in Pine Grove township, and embarked
in this line, in which he has since continued very profitably. Not only is Mr.
Hehn serving in his second term as assessor of his township, but he was a
constable of the township for four years, and is one of the well known men
of his part of the county.
By his first wife, Annie, Mr. Hehn had one daughter, Annie. He married
(second) Elizabeth Satticaln, daughter of Peter Satticaln, and they became the
parents of four children : Matilda, Sallie, William A., and Paul S. A^r. Hehn
belongs to the Reformed Church, in which he is held in high esteem. Frater-
nally he is affiliated with the Order of Odd Fellows, and enjoys his connection
in this direction. An earnest, steadfast, hardworking man, he has earned all
his possessions, and can well be proud of what he has accomplished.
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANL\ 723
EDWIN R. NEISWENDER, of New Ringgold, has become well known
to the residents of the borough and vicinity in his long service at that point
in the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company. He has
been located there since 1900, as station agent since March i, 1913. Mr.
Neiswender is a native of Ohio, but the family is of old Schuylkill county
stock.
George Neiswender, his grandfather, was born about the year 1794, near
Orwigsburg, Schuylkill Co., Pa. He was a farmer all his life, and the
owner of a large tract in West Brunswick township. His wife, Mary
(Keim), bom in 1800, died in 1878, was a daughter of Peter Keim. To Mr.
and Mrs . Neiswender were born children as follows : George married
Hannah Riegel ; Daniel married Eliza Tyson ; Samuel is the father of Edwin
R. Neiswender; Polly married John Bensinger ; Lydia married John Weaver;
Sallie married Nathan Zimmerman : Hannah married Henry Geiger ; I.evina
married Samuel Hillibish. The father was a Republican on political cjues-
tions. His religious connection was with the Lutheran Church at Orwigs-
burg.
Samuel Neiswender was born at Tumbling Run, near Pottsville, April
28, 1834, was educated at Orwigsburg, and assisted his father on the home
farm. After his father's death he bought the home place, a tract of 100
acres, and later came to own another farm, of fifty acres. After farming
successfully in that section for a number of years, he lost all he had accumu-
lated through a bank failure. Moving to Bowling Green, Ohio, he tenanted
a number of farms there, returning to Schuylkill county in 1886. There-
after he tenanted farms for several years, and also did work on the neigh-
boring farms, but for the last ten years he has been living retired in his home
at New Ringgold. ]\Ir. Neiswender dealt in horses for some time and was
an excellent judge, having been a jockey in his early days. On Oct. 27, 1862,
he enlisted from Schuylkill county, and was mustered in at Reading, Pa., in
Company I, 167th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, to serve nine months.
He was under Capts. J. M. Shollenberger and Charles Knoder, and Col. J. D.
Davis. The regiment was assigned to the ist Brigade, ist Division, and
attached to the ist and 6th Army Corps of the Army of the Potomac. The
command went to Harrisburg and then to Baltimore, later to Washington,
D. C, and to Suffolk, and was engaged in guard duty at the fortifications
there. In the expedition to the Black Water his regiment engaged the enemy
at Deserted Farm, Jan. 30, 1863 ; was in the siege of Suffolk, April 12 to
May 4, 1863; and joined in the pursuit of Lee on his retreat from Gettys-
burg. Mr. Neiswender shared in all its movements and fortunes, and was
honorably discharged at Reading, Pa., Aug. 12. 1863. He reenlisted Feb. 23,
1864, for three years or during the war, in Company I, 48th Pennsylvania
Volunteer Infantr>', serving under Capts. B. B. Schuck and N. B. Koch,
and Cols G W. Gowen and I. N. Brannon. Under this enlistment he was
in the engagements of the Wilderness, May 5, 1864; Spottsylvania, May
8-18 1864- North Anna River, May 23-27, 1864: Cold Harbor, June 1-12,
1864- Petersburg, June 15-30, 1864; Mine Explosion, July 30, 1864; Poplar
Spring Church, Sept. 30, 1864; Fort Sedgwick, Nov. 5, 1864: fall of Peters-
burg -"and was' discharged at Petersburg July 17, 1865.
Mr Neiswender was first married to Priscilla Halderman, who was born
in West Penn township, this county, April 23, 183-, a daughter of Abra-
ham Halderman. She died aged thirty-three years, the mother of the fol-
724 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANLA.
lowing children: Moses, born Sept. 24, 1856, who married Rate Dreher;
Jonas, born July 17, 1859; Mary, born Aug. 24, 1861, wife of Jacob Frantz;
Rena, born July i, 1866, who married a Mr. Henderson and is deceased;
Rosie, born May 11, 1868, widow of Nicholas Yocum ; Eli, born in 1869; and
Ida, bom Aug. 18, 1870. For his second wife Mr. Neiswender married
Katie Elizabeth Smith, who was born April 15, 1858, in the State of New
Hampshire, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Smith) Smith. Children
as follows were born to this marriage: Edwin R. ; William H., born Nov. 3,
1878, who died Sept. 18, 1904: Minnie F., born Feb. 22, 1880, wife of Wil-
liam M. Koch; Lewis R., born Aug. 15, 1883, who- married Gertrude Sel-
grath: and Agnes M., born Aug. 6, 1894, wife of Charles Hepler. ]\Ir. Neis-
wender is a member of the Frieden's Lutheran Church at New Ringgold.
He is a Republican in politics.
Edwin R. Neiswender was born March 20, 1875, at Bowling Green, Ohio,
was educated in the public schools there and at Jacksonville, Lehigh Co., Pa.,
and Hecla. in East Brunswick township, Schuylkill county. He spent six
years at farm work, assisting on the farms of Daniel Schroeder, at Lynnport,
Lehigh Co., Pa. : John Fetherolf, Jacksonville, Lehigh Co., Pa. ; James
Braucher, near ^Vessnersville, Lehigh Co., Pa. ; Jacob Frantz, of New Ring-
gold, Schuylkill county; George Stamm, of East Brunswick township; and
Alvin Frantz, of East Brunswick township. On Nov. 5, 1894, he entered the
station of the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company at N'ew Ringgold to
learn telegraphy with George W. Yetter. At the end of eleven months he
was appointed e.xtra operator and again agent for the company and served
two years Ijetween Port Clinton and Mahanoy City, also on the Catawissa
division as far north as Lofty, Schuylkill county. On Nov. 14, 1897, he went
on duty as regular night operator in the Q. X. office at the Tamaqua yard,
remaining there until April i, 1899. O" that date he changed to Tunnel Scale,
where he was stationed until April 6, 1900, when he went on duty as regular
night operator at Z. office, Tamaqua. He was there until transferred, June
I, igoo, as regular night man at New Ringgold, holding that position until
April I, 1905, when he was appointed regular day operator at New Ringgold.
He was retained in that capacity until March i, 1913, when he was appointed
station agent at New Ringgold, succeeding David Vetter, retired. He also acts
as agent for the American Express Company.
Mr. Neiswender has identified himself with the best interests of New
Ringgold, and in recognition of his activity has been honored with various
offices. He has been councilman of New Ringgold for si.x years, and State
health officer for the townships of West Penn and East Brunswick for three
years. He has been a zealous Republican, has acted as judge, inspector
and clerk of elections, and he has been a delegate to county conven-
tions a number of times. He is a prominent member of Washing-
ton Camp, No. 100, P. O. S. of A., at New Ringgold, is a past pres-
ident and at present trustee; and has been delegate from his camp to the
State convention. Mr. Neiswender also belongs to the Philadelphia & Reading
Relief Association. A Lutheran in religious faith, he is one of the most
valued members of the Frieden's Church at New Ringgold, and has been
honored with its most important offices. Formerly he was a deacon, and he
is now serving his sixth year as elder, and is also church treasurer. He was
secretary of the church council for a number of years, and superintendent of
the Sunday school for a long period. His varied experience in church work
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 725
has qualified him for effective service and he is conscientious in the perform-
ance of all his duties.
Mr. Neiswender married Catherine Magdalena \'etter, born Jan. 22, 1880,
a daughter of David and Alary C. (Hetzel) Vetter, and they have had two
children: (i) Florence May, born Dec. 20, 1895, began her education in the
schools of Nev^r Ringgold and is a graduate of the Keystone State Normal
School, class of 1913. She is now teaching the primary grade in the New Ring-
gold schools. (2) Luther Edwin, born Dec. 9, 1900, died Alarch 28, 1902.
Mrs. Neiswender obtained her literary education in the schools of New
Ringgold, and spent seven years as a private pupil of Gilbert R. Coombs,
principal of the South Broad Street Conservatory of Music, Philadelphia,
graduating from the conservatory in piano, theory, harmony, history and
ensemble, analysis, sight reading, and the nomial training course. Subse-
quently she started a class of piano students in Tamaqua, Pa., which she
continued for four months, until because of illness she was obliged to discon-
tinue it, having contracted blood poisoning. After a lapse of one year she
resumed teaching, at New Ringgold. She is now organist and chorister of
Frieden's Lutheran and Reformed Church.
Mrs. Neiswender is of German lineage on both sides, being a daughter of
David and Mary C. (Hetzel) Vetter, granddaughter of John and Mary
(Hetzel) Vetter and great-granddaughter of John Vetter. Her father was
station agent at New Ringgold for over twenty years, and is now living retired
in that borough. An account of the Vetter and Hetzel families appears in his
biography in this work.
JOHN O. J. BOYER, a popular engineer in the employ of the Phila-
delphia & Reading Railway Company, located at Schuylkill Haven, was born
Jan. 7, 1877, in that borough, son of Edward Boyer and grandson of Philip
Isaac Boyer, all natives of Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania.
Philip Isaac Boyer, the grandfather, was bom May 2, 1805, in Manheim
township, this county, and was a farmer by occupation, residing in South Man-
heim township for a number of years. He then removed to Schuylkill Haven,
where he died May 16, 1863, and is interred in the Union cemetery there. He
was twice married, his first wife, Maria, born in South Manheim
township Jan. 22, 181 1, dying in Schuylkill Haven Nov. 15, 1829; she is buried
in the Union cemetery at Schuylkill Haven. Edward Boyer was born to this
union. For his second wife Philip Isaac Boyer married Catharine Heffner,
and she was the mother of a daughter, Maria, who married Daniel Moyer.
Edward Boyer was born May 16, 1828, in South Manheim township,
Schuylkill county, and followed farming during the earlier years of his work-
inf life. He spent some years in railroading, but most of his work was
agricultural in character. His death occurred on the street in Pottsville,
while he was waiting for a car to go on a visit, and before he could be con-
veyed to the hospital for treatment he passed away. His remains lie in the
Union cemetery at Schuylkill Haven. Mr. Boyer was married to Sarah Ann
DeLong, a daughter of Isaac DeLong, of Cressona, blacksmith and wheel-
wright."' Nine children were bom to this union : Celia, Philip, Catherine, Ed-
ward, Calvin, Mary, Luther, Mabel and John O. J.
John O. T- Boyer attended the public schools of Schuylkill Haven, and as
soon as he was permitted to go to work selected the occupation of railroading.
At the age of eighteen years he began to fire an engine, and in 1904 was given
726 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
• charge of his first engine, on the run between Pottsville and Philadelphia. All
of his railroad experience has been with the same company, and he has gained
the respect of his employers and the friendship of his fellow employes and the
traveling public. After running a passenger train on the Reading division
of the Philadelphia & Reading road successfully he was promoted to the posi-
tion of road foreman of engines on the Reading division, and is so engaged at
the present time. Mr. Boyer resides on Dock street, in Schuylkill Haven, and
is one of the respected citizens of the borough.
Mr. Boyer was united in marriage to Lillie I. Brownmiller, a daughter of
Thomas Daniel Brownmiller, of Lebanon county, Pa., a sketch of whose
family follows. Mrs. Boyer was born in Lebanon county, June 7, 1877. Mr.
and Mrs. Boyer have two children, Paul and Edward. Mr. Boyer is a mem-
ber of the Reformed Church, while his wife is an attendant of the Lutheran
Church. Socially Mr. Boyer is a member of Page Lodge, No. 270, F. &
A. M. ; a charter member of Reading Lodge of Perfection ( fourteenth degree) ;
belongs to Philadelphia Consistory (thirty-second degree), and to Rajah
Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He is also a member of the Jr. O. U. A. M. and
the P. O. S. of A.
The Brownmiller family, of which Mrs. J. O. J. Boyer is a member, was
founded in America by Johannes Braunmiller who was born about 1712 in
Germany, and emigrated to this country on the ship "Samuel," from Rotter-
dam, landing in Philadelphia Aug. 2y, 1739. He is supposed to have settled
in New Jersey, where he raised a large family.
Luttwick Braunmiller (Ludwig Brownmiller), son of the emigrant
Johannes, located in Northampton county, Pa., before the Revolution, and
from that place many of his family moved to Lenhartsville, Berks county, Pa.
Luttwick Braunmiller served in the Revolutionary war, in Capt. Frederick
Kern's company, and since that time the family has been represented in every
war in which this country has been involved.
Nicholas Brownmiller, M. D., son of Luttwick, lived near Lenhartsville,
Berks county, and owned what is now called the Yenser farm. On this farm
is a private burial ground where many of the family are interred. His chil-
dren were: Moses and Josiah, of Hamburg, and Nicholas, of Pottsville. Penn-
sylvania.
Frederick Brownmiller, son of Luttwick, lived m earlier life near Bath,
Northampton county, and from there moved to Hokendauqua, Lehigh county,
and then to Lenhartsville. He was married to Barbara Nolf, and their chil-
dren were- George, Joseph, Daniel, Reuben, Samuel (died in the Civil war),
Teremiah and Benneville (a Methodist minister). All of the earlier members
of the family were Lutherans.
Joseph Brownmiller, son of Frederick, was born Oct. 23, 1807, at Hoken-
dauqua Lehigh county, and was a shoemaker. He was organist and chorister
of Klopp's Church, in Lebanon county, Pa., for more than forty years. He
died \pril 7 189s. He married Hannah Stein, of Greenwich, Berks county,
who died May i,' 1877. aged sixty-four years, six months twenty-six davs,
and they had ten children: Helena : Maria, wife of Gideon Botz : Esther, wife
of Eli Wolever: Amelia, wife of Samuel F. Steiner ; Joel; Susanna, married
to Jonathan Miller; Amanda, married to Isaac K. Wolf; Emma wife of John
H Kreiser; Ephraim S. ; and Thomas Daniel, father of Mrs Boyer
■ Thomas Daniel Brownmiller was born May 14. 1856, at Hamlm, Lebanon
Co Pa and his death occurred Aug. 14, 191 5- He was a graduate of Palat-
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANL\ 727
inate College, Alyerstown, Lebanon county, was a professor of music, and for
forty-six years was organist and chorister in the Lutheran Church. He mar-
ried Fianna Gerhart, of Hamlin, and their union was blessed with tive chil-
dren: Lillie, wife of John O. J. Boyer; J. Harry, of New York City, at present
a salesman in the Wanamaker store ; Charles, of Cape May City, Cape May,
N. J. ; Roy and Annetta, living at home in Schuylkill Haven.
JOHN M. OREN, of Port Carbon, has been deputy recorder of Schuyl-
kill county for several years, and his intelligent performance of the duties
of that position has given much satisfaction to his fellow citizens. The pains-
taking attention he has given to his work and obliging courtesy to all who have
had occasion to seek his services have made him deservedly popular at the
county seat, and his long service has given him a familiarity with the records
which is of the highest value in the correct transaction of the business of the
office. Mr. Oren was born at Palo Alto, Schuylkill Co., Pa., Feb. 5, 1856, son
of James Oren. His grandfather, James Oren, was a native of Ireland, and
on coming to America settled at New Cumberland, in Cumberland county,
Pa., where he followed farming.
James Oren, father of John M. Oren, was born in New Cumberland. He
was only a boy when he came to Palo Alto, where he was in the employ of the
Navigation Company for many years, being with them when the canal was
first opened until it was discontinued in 1871. He rose to the position of
harbonnaster. After the canal was abandoned he was engaged as a railroad
foreman for several years, and he died at Palo Alto at the age of sixty-seven
years. By his first marriage, to Rosa Krause, of Lebanon, Pa., Mr. Oren had
four children, Jennie, Elizabeth, John M. and Cora. By his second wife,
Luthena (Chillson), daughter of Squire Walter S. Chillson, of Palo Alto, he
had a family of six children : Jessie, Elsie, Edith, Olive, 'Mary and George.
John M. Oren had common school privileges during his youth, but was
only twelve years old when he began work, loading canalboats. At the age of
fifteen he began to learn the trade of machinist, with Robert Allison, in whose
employ he continued for a period of twenty-eight years. In 1901 he took
a position with the Reading Coal & Iron Company, and he was also employed
at his trade in Virginia, Ohio and various places in Pennsylvania, being so
occupied until January, 1909, when he assumed the duties of his present
position, to which he was appointed. Mr. Oren has proved himself worthy
of the confidence of his fellow citizens, and is looking after their interests
well. He is a Republican on political questions, and socially holds member-
ship in the local lodge of Elks, No. 207, and in the Sons of America.
On May 13, 1880, Mr. Oren married Annie E. Bailey, sister of Samuel S.
Bailey, recorder of Schuylkill county. No children have been born to this
marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Oren reside at Port Carbon.
DANIEL LOCH is the owner of valuable farm property in West Penn
township, and is busily engaged in its cultivation and in lumbering, which he
has carried on successfully for a number of years. He is a native of the
township, born Tan. 22, 1858, on the place now owned by Daniel L. Miller,
and is a grandson of George Loch, who founded the family here._
George Loch, the grandfather, came to this section from Lehigh county,
and settled in West Penn township, where he worked at his trade of weaver
all his life. He and his wife were members of Zion's Lutheran Church in
728 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANL\
West Penn township, and they are buried at that church. He was a Repubh-
can in politics. His children, all now deceased, were: Samuel, Jonas (who
married a Holshoe), George, Mary (wife of Daniel L. Miller, of West Penn
township), Maria (who married George Schmidt, both dying in Philadelphia)
and Amos.
George Loch, father of Daniel Loch, was born and grew up in West Penn
township, receiving his education in the public schools. Farming was his
life work. About the time he reached his majority Jie married, and after
working around among farmers he bought thirty acres from John Hartung,
where he followed general agriculture all his active years, retiring some five
years before his death, which occurred at Mantz, in West Penn township,
when he was fifty-nine years of age. He was a veteran of the Civil war, a
stanch Republican in politics, and a sincere Christian, one of the valued mem-
bers and workers of the Evangelical Church in his township, which he served
as elder, deacon and in all the other ofiices. He was also superintendent of
the Sunday school. Mr. Loch married Kate Beibleheimer, daughter of George
and Kate (Yeager) Beibleheimer, natives of West Penn township, and chil-
dren as follows were born to them : Joseph, who lives in West Penn township,
married Sarah Lutz, and their children are George, Eva, Clinton, Pierce,
Howard, Mamie and Sadie; Daniel is next in the family; Noah, a farmer
and lumberman, residing at Sittler (Andreas), this county, married Mary A.
Staudt, and they have had two children, Charles Edwin (deceased) and William
A.; George A., who lives at Nesquehoning, Carbon Co., Pa., and is engaged
as a section foreman on the Central railroad of New Jersey, married Emma
Bachert, and their children are Edward and Mabel; Fred B., proprietor of
the "Lansford House," at Lansford, Pa., married .\nnie Kemmerer, and they
have one child, Gertrude; Kate, wife of William Freeman, of Allentown,
Pa., fireman at a brewery, has children, Mazie, Erma, Robert, Allen and
Herbert; Sallie is married to Edward Kem, of Lehighton, and their children
are Harry, Florence, Edward, Guy, Leroy, Arline and Paul. The parents
are buried at the Evangelical Church in West Penn township.
Daniel Loch was reared and educated in West Penn township, attending
Bolich's school, and was trained to farming, working for his father until he
left home, at the age of eighteen years. He was employed by various farmers
until twenty-one years old, when he went to Shamokin, Pa., where he worked
at the coal breaker for the Philadelphia & Reading Coal & Iron Company for
four months, following which he spent over a year at Audenried, Carbon
county, with Weaver & Dick, contractors, stripping coal. His next removal
was to Wilkes-Barre, Pa., where he learned the carpenter's trade, serving an
apprenticeship with George D. Silvis, under whom he became quite proficient
at house building and similar work. Returning to West Penn township in
the year 1882, he followed his trade at Sittler, his first job being on the erec-
tion of the store of the late T. E. Sittler. He remained at that location until
May, 1883, when he married, thereafter continuing his trade for a number of
years. For about three years he lived with his brother Noah at Sittler. In
1887 he built the house he has since occupied, in West Penn township in the
vicinity of Sittler, and a few years later bought the old Rubrecht farm, adjoin-
ing his dwelling site, from Francis K. Mantz. a tract of one hundred acres,
of which seventy-five are cleared. He bought another tract in West Penn
township, containing fifty acres, and cut the timber from twenty acres of that
property, all of which is now clear, Mr. Loch farming both his tracts and
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANL\ 729
finding profitable occupation in general agriculture. For a number of years
he has also carried on lumbering, buying timber tracts, cutting the wood and
hiring saw-mills for its manufacture, and then marketing the finished product.
His operations in this line are all in West Penn township.
Mr. Loch is recognized as a thoroughly progressive character wherever
his interests take him. He has long been a leading member of Washington
Camp No. 615, P. O. S. of A., of Sittler, Pa., which he served eight years in
the capacity of financial secretary, and he is at present treasurer of the organ-
ization. As a member of Blue Ridge Lodge, No. 1153, L O. O. F., of Sittler,
he is one of the best known Odd Fell6ws in this part of Pennsylvania, being
a past grand of his own lodge and its present secretary, and he was a delegate
to the State convention held at Harrisburg in May, 1909; he had the past
grand degree conferred upon him at Harrisburg. In political principle he is
a Republican, and he has been associated with the local activities of the party,
having served as election inspector ; though not an office seeker he is interested
in the proper administration of township afl^airs, and he is serving as registry
assessor of the Southeast district of West Penn. His religious connection is
with Zion's Reformed Church in his home township.
Mr. Loch was married at Lehighton, Pa., by Rev. Abraham Bartholomew,
to Fianna Rebecca Staudt, who was born April 13, 1865, at Bernville, Berks
Co., Pa., daughter of John Fisher and Sarah (Snyder) Staudt, and obtained
her schooling in West Penn township. She remained at home until her mar-
riage. Mrs. Loch is a member of Zion's Reformed Church. By this union
there is one child, Charles Calvin, who was born Sept. 8, 1884, received his
education at Sittler, and has always worked with his father, whom he assists
at both farming and lumbering. He is married to Amanda Hoppes, who was
bom April 28, 1890, in West Penn township, daughter of Solomon and Caro-
line (Eberts) Hoppes, farming people of that township, now living retired.
They have one child, Hattie Caroline, born Feb. 2, 191 1. Mr. and Mrs. Loch
also have an adopted child, her niece, the datighter of Frank Leiby and grand-
daughter of John F. Staudt. She has lived with them from the age of six
years, and is now nineteen.
The Staudts are an old Berks county family, and Airs. Loch is a daughter
of John Fisher Staudt, granddaughter of Daniel Staudt, and great-grand-
daughter of Johannes Staudt who married a Christ. Daniel Staudt mar-
ried Mary Ann Fisher, and their children were : Mary Ann, Adam, Joshua,
Eliza Ann, Fayetta, Alfred, Johannes Fisher, Emilie Sara Ann, Daniel Jared
and Aaron.
John (Johannes) Fisher Staudt was born Feb. 18, 1841, in Penn town-
ship, Berks county, and spent his early life in that county. When he settled
in Schuylkill county he carried on a feed and grocery business at Pottsville
for one year, and has since been a resident of West Penn township, owning
and operating what is probably the oldest mill property in the county. He
has been county surveyor, postmaster at Staudtsville, and member of the
township school board, and has been long regarded as one of the most useful
members of his community. He is now living retired, but retains the over-
sight of all his affairs. All his children were bom to his first marriage, with
Sarah Snyder, viz.: Mary Ann (Mrs. Noah Loch), Sarah A. V. (Mrs. Frank
Leiby). Hiram Henry, Alvin, Milton, Fianna R. (Mrs. Daniel Loch), Ellen
(Mrs. Tames Muth), John, Charles William, Daniel Jacob and Clara (Mrs.
William Stabler). For his second wife Mr. Staudt married Mrs. Carolina
730 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANLA.
(Osenbach) Schrack, widow of Aaron Schrack, and daughter of Daniel
Osenbach. A full account of the Staudt family appears elsewhere in this
work.
FRANK L. BENSINGER is farming the old Bensinger homestead in
East Brunswick township, and is known as an estimable representative of a
family whose members in every generation have been respected for intelligent
citizenship and substantial character. He is one of the fourth generation of
Bensingers in East Brunswick township, Schuylkill county, being a great-
grandson of Frederick Bensinger, the progenitor of many of the name in this
locality, who was bom in Montgomery county, Pa., and settled in East Bruns-
wick township before the Revolution. When the war broke out he was
engaged in farming there, and he left his private affairs to go to the assistance
of the Colonies. In his later years he received a pension for his services.
He married Mary Weiman, and had a family of eight children, one of whom,
Jacob, married Hannah Dreher, and was the ancestor of another branch of
the family in East Brunswick township.
Michael Bensinger, son of Frederick, was a farmer in East Brunswick
township, where he owned about seventy-five acres of land. He cleared that
tract, erected a log house and barn, and carried on general farming the greater
part of his life. He had the following children: Edward married Sarah
Heiser, and both are deceased; William, deceased, married a Miss Fister;
Franklin B. is next in the family; Benneville married Caroline Fahl, and both
are deceased ; Fred married a Aliss Bock, and they reside at McKeansburg ;
Priscilla married Thomas Hartung, and both are deceased. Mr. and Mrs.
Bensinger are buried in the Steigerwalt cemetery in East Brunswick town-
ship. He was a Whig in politics.
Franklin B. Bensinger was born in East Brunswick township in March,
1822, was educated in the schools of the local district, and spent his youth
and early manhood assisting his father on the fami. After his father's death
he bought out the' other heirs to the homestead farm, which he operated all
his life. His wife, Catherine (Shuster), who was born in September, 1821,
and died in March, 1899, was a daughter of Martin Shuster, whose wife was
a Koons. Mr. Bensinger died in March, 1898. He and his wife had the fol-
lowing children: John went West, and is now deceased; Howard, a farmer
in West Brunswick township, married Emma Leiby ; Charles S. married Ida
Baer; Frank L. is mentionecl below; Harry, who is a foreman in a silk mill at
Tamaqua, married Cora Albright ; Thomas, deceased, married Elmira Horn,
who resides in McKeansburg ; Dora married W. S. Miller, of East Brunswick
township; Mary married W. H. Yost, of Reading; Susan is the widow
of James Shoener, and lives at Hamburg, Pa.; Lizzie is the wi'ldw of Oscar
Kimmel, and makes her home at Port Carbon; Kate married J. A. Shellham-
mer, of Port Carbon; Carrie married J. A. Yost, of Ringtown, this county.
Politically Mr. Bensinger was a Republican. He was an earnest member of
the Church of God and very active in its work, serving as trustee and in other
capacities. His wife was also a member. They are buried in the Steigerwalt
cemetery in East Brunswick township.
Frank L. Bensinger was born Dec. 5, i860, on the place where he now
lives, the old Bensinger homestead. His education was acquired in the East
Brunswick schools, and he worked for his father on the homestead farm until
1883, when he went to Ohio. After doing farm work there for one year he
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 731
returned home and entered the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Rail-
way Company, as coal flagman on the main line from Palo Alto to Port Rich-
mond, Philadelphia, remaining with that company for two years, when he
moved to McKeansburg. He worked for his father another three years, and
then rented the Steigerwalt farm, near the Steigerwalt church (now owned
by E. H. Kunkel), being tenant on that farm for nine years. At the end
of that time he bought the homestead tract, where he has resided ever since,
engaged in general farming and trucking. He makes two trips a week to the
markets of New Philadelphia and St. Clair. Mr. Bensinger has found time
to take part in the township government, has been elected school director and
auditor, and has been associated with politics as a Republican. Socially he
belongs to Washington Camp No. lOO, P. O. S. of A., of New Ringgold, and
to Protection Council, No. 935, Order of Independent Americans, of Mc-
Keansburg; at one time he was very active in the work of the latter organiza-
tion, but never held any elective oftice. In religion he leans toward the teach-
ings of the Evangelical Association.
Mr. Bensinger married Ida Albright, a daughter of Thomas and Catherine
(Kershner) Albright, and they have had one child, Eva May; she was edu-
cated in the East Brunswick schools and the Keystone State Normal School,
graduating with the class of 1913, and was married to Leon Kimmel in 191 5.
Previously she taught school at Rauschs and Kepners, in East Brunswick
township.
Airs. Ida (Albright) Bensinger was born and educated in West Brunswick
township, and lived at home until married. Her grandfather, Joseph Albright,
was a farmer in West Brunswick township, owning 120 acres, nearly all of
which he had under cultivation. He married Esther Sharadin, and they had
children : Thomas ; Susanna, widow of Solomon Moyer ; Morgan, who mar-
ried a Deibert; Benneville, who married Mary Hicks (both are deceased);
Lucian, deceased, who married Isabella Hoy; and William, who married a
Miss Bodey. The father died when over seventy years old, the mother when
over sixty, and they are buried at St. John's Reformed Church, Orwigsburg,
of which Mr. Albright was a member. He was a Democrat politically.
Thomas Albright, son of Joseph, was educated in West Brunswick town-
ship and at the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown, where he spent
one year. He worked for his father on the farm until after his marriage.
He operated his grandfather Kershner's farm at Drehersville for about eight
years, and then moved to Orwigsburg and lived retired for one year. His
next removal was to the homestead farm, which he had bought from his
father, and he operated it for eleven years, at the end of that time removing
to Allentown, where he is now employed by Dr. Albright. Mr. Albright is
now (1915) seventy-seven years old. He married Catherine Kershner. daugh-
ter of Daniel and Judith (Fegley) Kershner, and they had five children:
Thomas and Lewis died young; Calvin married Ella Shoener, of Tamaqua;
Ida is Mrs. Bensinger; Cora married Harry Bensinger. Mrs. Albright died
in March, 1895, and is buried at Orwigsburg. Mr. Albright is a member of
St. John's Reformed Church, of Orwigsburg, Pa. Lie is a Democrat in
politics.
ALEXANDER KAUFMAN, who is now living in the borough of Gor-
don, was born March 23, 1850, at Schuylkill Haven, this county, where his
grandfather, George Kaufman, settled about 1825, The latter was born Nov.
732 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENxXSYLVANIA
6, 17S8, in Upper Bern township, then in Montgomery county. Pa., and on
coming to Schuylkill Haven engaged in the flour and feed business, remaining
there until his death, April 3, 1838. He had but one child, George.
George Kaufman, father of Alexander Kaufman, was born in Upper Bern
township, Montgomery Co., Pa., March 25, iSii, and spent most of his hfe
at Schuylkill Haven, Schuylkill county, where he was a business man for over
fifty years, engaged in merchandising. He served as county poor director one
term, as school director at Schuylkill Haven, and held other offices. His
death occurred at Schuylkill Haven Oct. 16, 1883. Mr. Kaufman married
Elmire Boyer, who was born Nov. 25, 1818, in Norwegian township, Schuyl-
kill county, of which township her father, George Boyer, was also a native.
He was a farmer there, owning what was called the Boyer tract, between
Gordon and Pottsville. Selling this property he moved to Jefierson county,
where he died. Of his seven children, four sons and three daughters, three
survive: Benjamin, George and Hannah, all residents of Jefferson county,
Pa. Mrs. Kaufman passed away Sept. 28, 1892. She was the mother of eleven
children, namely: John G., the eldest, born Jan. 19, 1838, is deceased;
Charles F., bom Jan. 10, 1840, died Sept. 19, 190S; Elmira, born Feb. 22, 1842,
died July 3, 1844; Emma L., born Oct. 13," 1844, died April 29, 1846; George
B., born Oct. 3, 1846, died March 14, 1913; William L., born Feb. 16, 1849,
died Jtily 25, 1876; Alexander is next in the family; Alice R., born June 5,
1853, li'^'ss at Schuylkill Haven; Lewis, born Sept. 7, 1855, died May i, 1910;
Edward, born Oct. 5, 1857, is a resident of Philadelphia; Samuel L., born
Feb. 25, 1861, lives at Schuylkill Haven.
Alexander Kaufman received his education at Schuylkill Haven, where
his early life was spent. For a few years during his young manhood he
clerked in a store at Raven Run, for E. H. Heaton, and then engaged in busi-
ness at that place on his own account for about three years, at the end of
which period he sold out. Coming to Girardville he again embarked in busi-
ness, remaining at that point until his removal to Gordon, in 1890. He had
come to the borough previously, in 1866, remaining until 1881, and had great
faith in its possibilities as a business location, and he was not disappointed
in his expectations, for he had a successful career as a merchant up to the time
of his retirement. He has always been considered one of the substantial citi-
zens of the place. In 1890 he was elected to the office of supervisor of Butler
township, and reelected the next year. For thirteen years he has ser\'ed as
assessor of the borough of Gordon, discharging the duties of that office to the
eminent satisfaction of all concerned. He is a member of the Lutheran Church
of Gordon.
On Dec. 25, 1875, Mr. Kaufman was married to Josephine Kleber, who
was bom at Pottsville March 5, 1855, and died Jan. 15, 1915. The following
children were born to this union, viz.: William died Oct. 13, 1891 ; Lewis,
who lives at Gordon, is an employee of the Philadelphia & Reading Railway
Company; Raymond, who lives at Gordon, is in the same employ; Carrie is
the wife of Samuel Rubright, of Mount Carmel ; Anna is the wife of Charles
Rinehart, of Mount Carmel: Alexander died Dec. 2, 1881. ]\Ir. Kaufman
owns the home at Gordon which he occupies with his family.
Louis and Phoebe (\\'iken Kleber, I\Irs. Kaufman's parents, were natives
of Gemiany, the father born Dec. 28, 1828, the mother May 4, 1832. They
were married in that country, and on coming to America first settled at Potts-
ville, Schuylkill Co., Pa., thence moving to Cressona and later to Gordon.
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PEXXSYLVANL\ 733
Mr. Kleber was a coppersmith, and for many years was in the employ of the
Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company. He died Nov. lo, 1899, and his
wife survived him a number of years, passing away Feb. 20, 1914. Their
family consisted of seven children : Josephine, Mrs. Kaufman ; Lewis, who
lives at Easton, Pa.; Charles, a retired butcher, of Gordon, Pa.; Anna, wife
of Fred Dreher, a retired merchant of Gordon ; \^^illiam, a machinist, of New
York; Ida, wife of John F. Dreher, a merchant of Gordon; and Harry,
deceased.
BENJAMIN SHAPPELL is making a reputation for himself as a pro-
gressive agriculturist in North Manheim township, this county, where he owns
over 200 acres of valuable land. He is giving all his time to farming operations,
making a specialty of fruit growing and dairying, in both of which lines he has
done particularly well. The branch of the Shappell family to which he belongs
was established in Schuylkill county by Jacob Shappell, his grandfather, who
moved hither from Berks county, where the name is of record from the days
of its settlement.
In Perry township, Berks county, which until 1853 was a part of Windsor
township, Berks county, is a prominent family bearing the name of Schap-
pelle, Qioppelle, Schobbel, Shobel, but now more commonly found spelled
Shappell, Schappel and Schappell. The original home of the family was in
France, but through religious persecution its members sought refuge in Ger-
many, making their home at Wittenberg. Among the loS passengers on the
good ship "Patience," which landed at the port of Philadelphia Sept. 17, 1753,
was a Jeremie Chappelle and one Jean Pierre Chappelle. The kinship of these
two emigrants is unknown, but it is not doubted that they were relatives. What
became of Jean Pierre after landing in the New W'orld is not known. Jere-
mias Schappelle (as it appears on the tombstone) (or Schobel) and Eberhart
Schoppel, brothers, were residents in Windsor township, Berks Co., Pa., in
1754 (see Rupp's History).
According to the tombstone inscription at Zion's Church, in Perry (formerly
Windsor) township, Jcremias Schappelle was born in 1715, and he died Oct.
15, 1804. His wife Catharine, born in 1724, passed away June 8, 1801. The
will of Jeremiah Shappel (sic) is on record in Berks county courthouse in Will
Book A, page 505. It was made Feb. 11, 1803, and probated Jan. 7, 1805. At
the time the will was made he was a resident of Windsor township. The fol-
lowing children were mentioned in the will: Jacob (who was made executor of
his father's estate) ; Matthias, Jeremiah, Magdalena and Catharine. In the
cemetery at Zion's (Church is a tombstone bearing the following inscription:
"Elizabeth Schappelle, wife of Jeremias, formerly of Deutschland, bom Feb.
16, 1 77 1, died July 9, 1817, aged forty-six years, five months, twenty-three
days." This probably refers to the wife of Jeremias or Jeremiah, son of Jere-
mias (I).
No records of the descendants of Eberhart Schoppel are in evidence at
Zion's Union Church. He may have left Windsor township after 1744, in
which year he hewed his name on a stone now in the southeastern wall of the
old graveyard. Tradition says that the stones upon which these names were
carved (one bears the name of Jeremias), were once a part of the wall of the
first church. The fourth church was in course of construction in 1908.
Jacob Schappell, son of Jeremias, was better known as "Jockey," a nick-
name evidently taken from the German pronunciation of his name. He was
734 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANL\
born in Wittenberg, Germany, Feb. 2, 1744, and died Sept. 11, 1826. As
stated above he was the executor of his father's will in 1805. His wife Su-
sanna \yas born Feb. 2, 1751, and died July 24, 1828. They are both buried
at Zion's Cliurch. Jeremias, Eberhart and Jockey Schappell were founders
of the original Zion's Church. Tradition says Jacob and Susanna had a large
family, some of their children, however, dying in infancy and childhood. Of
those of whom there is record may be mentioned: Peter, born April 19, 1770;
Col. Jeremiah, born March 20, 1774; Daniel, who was a taxable resident in
Manheim township, Schuylkill county, in 1790, where he reared a family and
where his descendants still live; and Hannah, married to Georg Hoffman, a
farmer of Perry township.
There is a valley in Perry township known to the local residents as Schap-
pell's Dale, because of the many Shappells living there.
Peter Schappell, son of Jacob and Susanna, was born April 19, 1770, and
died Nov. 18, 185 1. He was a farmer in Windsor township, and he and his
family all belonged to Zion's Church, and are buried in the cemeterj' there.
His first wife was Elizabeth ,(Lenhart) (1768-1790), and his second Annie
(Kosch) (1778-1841). His children were: Jacob, who located in Schuylkill
county; Benjamin, who died young; Daniel, who settled in Schuylkill county;
Samuel, who settled in Windsor township; John, who settled in Richmond
township, Berks county; Mary, married to William Miller; Kate, married to
Martin Eisenhaur; Elizabeth, married to Jacob Boyer; a daughter married to
Anthony Adam; and Solomon.
Jacob Shappell lived at Shartlesville, in Berks county, until his removal
to Schuylkill county, where he settled in North Manheim township with his
family. Purchasing a tract of land, he followed farming successfully during
the remainder of his days, dying here, and is buried in the old cemetery at
Schuylkill Haven. His children were as follows : Jacob, who died in North-
umberland county. Pa. ; Samuel : David, who died in Schuylkill county ; Mary,
who married John Wonier ; and Lydia, Mrs. Long.
Samuel Shappell, son of Jacob, was born in 1825 at Shartlesville, Berks
county, accompanied his father to Schuylkill county, and passed the remainder
of his life here. After working several years as a boatbuilder he bought the
J. Womer farm, in North Manheim township, comprising twenty acres, and
later increased his holdings by the purchase of part of his father's homestead,
as well as part of the Pryor estate. He also acquired part of the Osewald farm
and some land from Fred Hinckle, having a total of 108 acres. He carried on
general farming and was also in the timber business for many years, becom-
ing a well known man in his day. He was a Democrat, and in religion a mem-
ber of the Reformed Church, in which he was active, holding the position of
deacon. Mr. Shappell married Sarah Oswald, who was born in 1823, daugh-
ter of Daniel Oswald, and li\ed to the age of eighty-two years, dying in 1906.
His death occurred many years before, in 1884, when he was fifty-nine years
old. Mr. and Mrs. Shappell are buried in the Union cemetery at Schuylkill
Haven. They had a large family, namely : George W., an engineer, now liv-
ing at Palo Alto, this county ; Henry, who is a resident of Philadelphia ; Sarah,
deceased ; Maria, Mrs. Frank Luckenbill, living in North Manheim township ;
Samuel, who went West; Benjamin; Hettie, wife of Jonathan Achey, of Allen-
town, Pa. ; Mahlon and Galen, twins, the former deceased, the latter in the
West; and Isaac, of Schuylkill Haven, who is in the employ of the Reading
Company.
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PEXXSYL\AXL\ 735
Benjamin Shappell was born Jan. 30, 1859, on the place in North Manheim
township which he now owns and occupies. He was reared there, attending
public school in the neighborhood, and lived at home until twenty-seven years
old, assisting in the cultivation of the home farm. Then for six years he was
in the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Company, as a brake-
man on the Mine Hill division. During this period he bought the homestead
and the stock, and upon giving up railroad work returned to the property,
where he has since remained, giving all his time to agricultural work. To the
original 108 acres which his father owned he has added by various purchases,
first buying sixty-two acres of the Charles Dealer estate and later sixty-four
acres from Joel Fisher's estate, having sold ten acres to the borough of Schuyl-
kill Haven for the waterworks. He has at present 215 acres, all excellent land,
of which eighty-five acres are cleared and under high cultivation. Mr. Shap-
pell has set out over five hundred peach trees, which have produced very profit-
ably. He has also given considerable attention to dairying, keeping twelve
milch cows, and retails the product himself, having a milk route at Schuylkill
Haven. The intelligent system which he has followed in the improvement and
development of his farm has brought him excellent results, his thorough busi-
ness methods having been quite as important in his success as his careful agri-
cultural work. He has served as school director of his township, but aside
from that has given little attention to afl:'airs outside of his business. Politically
he is a Democrat, in religious connection a member of the Reformed Church.
Mr. Shappell married Susan Honickell, daughter of Philip Honickell, a
native of Germany, who came to America when forty years old, and settled in
Schuylkill county. Six children have been born to this marriage : Bertha is
the wife of D. Fisher, of Schuylkill Haven ; Philip died young ; Alexander is
at home; Frederick was accidentally killed when sixteen years old while haul-
ing stone, the team running away ; Amelia and John are at home.
JOEL A. DINGER, late of Pottsville, was a business man of Schuylkill
county throughout his active years, and from the time of his removal to Potts-
ville was engaged in hotelkeeping. His widow is still conducting the "City
Hotel," of which he was proprietor at the time of his death. Mr. Dinger be-
longed to a well known family of Hegins township, Schuylkill county, and
he was born there April 8, 1851, son of Jonathan Dinger, a prosperous farmer
of that section.
During his boyhood Joel A. Dinger had the advantages of the local public
schools in Hegins township, and then, being ambitious for a higher education,
attended Selinsgrove Academy and later the Keystone State Normal School,
at Kutztown, Pa. When a young man he taught school in Schuylkill county
for several years, and was afterwards employed in the office of the Bright
lumber yard, at Ashland, Pa., where he remained until 1S87. That year he
rame to Pottsville and took charge of the "Eagle Hotel," which he conducted
for nine years, after which for eleven years he carried on the ''Exchange Ho-
tel" in this city. He disposed of his interest there to take the "City Hotel,"
at No. 440 North Centre street, continuing his connection therewith until his
death, which occurred Oct. 22, 1914. Mr. Dinger had many natural qualifica-
tions for the hotel business, and in his long experience became thoroughly fa-
miliar with its requirements. His obliging disposition manifested itself in sin-
cere efforts to please his guests, and their appreciation was shown in continu-
ous patronage. He made many friends in the course of his long career in the
736 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANL\
hotel business, and was equally popular wherever known, among his fellow
members of the local lodge of Elks and in the Lutheran Church, of which he
was a member. He is buried in the Charles Baber cemetery at Pottsville.
Mr. Dinger married Kate Long, who was born in Cameron township,
i\'orthumberland Co., Pa., daughter of Daniel Long, who is still residing on
the old homestead there. Mrs. Dinger has carried on the "City Hotel" very
successfully since her husband's death. Two children were born to them:
Neva O., who is the wife of Edwin E. Merrick, of Pottsville ; and Sadie R.,
who is the wife of Prof. Walter F. Hertzog (they reside in California).
Edwin E. Merrick is widely known in Pottsville in his capacity as super-
intendent at the plant of the Eastern Steel Company. A Scotchman by birth,
he was bom in Glasgow Sept. i6, 1864, son of Noah Merrick, who upon com-
ing to America settled at Troy, N. Y., where he was engaged as a roller in the
steel mill. He now resides at Paterson, N. J. Edwin E. Merrick received a
public school education, and in his youth began to learn the steel business at
Paterson, N. J. After several years' employment there he worked in Chicago
for a time, in May, 1906, coming to Pottsville, Schuylkill Co., Pa., where he
took a position as roller with the Eastern Steel Compaiiy. Before long he was
promoted to the position of superintendent of his department, and has since
been serving as such, his competency and intelligent devotion to his duties rec-
ommending him to the confidence of the executive heads of the concern. Per-
sonally he is a man of high character, and has proved himself in various ways
a desirable citizen in the town of his adoption. He is a member of the B. P.
O. Elks Lodge at Pottsville.
On Feb. 4, 1910, Mr. Merrick married Neva O. Dinger, daughter of the
late Joel A. Dinger, and they have a fine home at No. 2015 West Market street,
Pottsville.
BENJAMIN FRANK JAMES was born Aug. 19, 1873, i" Schuylkill
county, and received such common school advantages as Shenandoah, his home
town, afforded. After reaching his majority he attended business college at
Elmira, New York.
The \\'^elsh have been represented by many successful operators and capable
miners in the Pennsylvania fields, and several of the James family have con-
tributed to their reputation in the industry of leading importance in this
State. Reared in the very heart and center of the Pennsylvania anthracite
coal regions, and with his father interested in coal operations. Mr. James had
the opportunity to follow his inclinations, and by the time he reached maturity
had a familiar knowledge of the mineral deposits of the State and their
development. At the time of the death of his father. Mr. James, with his
three brothers, David R., John R., and William J. James, received the operation
from their father which he had been conducting under the name of the
Cambridge Coal Company. At the present writing they are still profitably
working at that collier}-. In 1906 Mr. James, with his three brothers before
named, leased from the Gilbert and Sheafer Estates the Girard Mammoth
colliery, located at Raven Run, and worked this collier}' very successfully.
Previous to their having taken over this operation it had been operated by
the Philadelphia & Reading Coal & Iron Company for a number of years.
Encouraged by what he considered the favorable outlook in the slate
regions, he was one of a party who organized a company for the production
and manufacture of all kinds of slate, his associates in the organization being
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 737
his three brothers, and J. C. McGinnis, of Frackville, Pa., and William
Wilhelm, of Pottsville. They incorporated under the name of the Cambridge
Slate Company, of Slatington, and are still carrying on extensive and profitable
operations. The officers of the company are : David R. James, president ;
William J. James, secretary, and Benjamin F. James, treasurer and general
manager.
In the year 1914 Mr. James made a venture in the Gilberton valley which
has developed into a very promising operation. He was accompanied in the
enterprise by his two brothers, David R. and William J. They leased from
the Girard Estate, at Gilberton, Schuylkill county, the East Bear Ridge colliery.
By the fall of 1915 they had completed preparations for its operation, and
began same at once. Mr. James is giving his closest attention to its compre-
hensive development, as the vast workings reopened or newly opened show.
He has entered into this big task fully aware of the responsibilities attaching
to it, but with no doubt as to the outcome. He has the pluck and tenacity
necessary to hold him to his duties until the realization of his ambitions is
attained, and has the experience upon which much of his success must depend.
The profitable management of the colliery will be an achievement of highest
importance and will mean much to the prosperity of the district, where
thousands look to the coal workings for their means of earning a livelihood.
With the enterprising methods now in practice in the East Bear Ridge work-
ings, and conditions as they now are, great promise is given of a large pro-
duction.
In 1896 Mr. James married Mary A. Troutman, daughter of Emanuel and
Sarah Troutman, and their children are : Mary, a cultured musician, who
received her training in the schools at Oak Lane, Philadelphia, and Dayton,
Va. ; Viola, a student of the Pottsville high school ; Elva May ; Elsie, and
Benjamin F., Jr. Mr. James and his family are associated with the Baptist
Church. Fraternally he is a Mason, holding membership in the Blue Lodge at
Shenandoah, Chapter and Commandery at Ashland, and Rajah Temple, A. A.
O. N. M. S.. of Reading, Pennsylvania.
William R. James, the father of Benjamin Frank James, was a native of
Wales, born Dec. 2, 1838, in Glamorganshire. He was reared and educated
there, being nineteen years old when he left that land for America. Immedi-
ately upon his arrival in this country he settled in Schuylkill county. Pa., where
he found employment in the mines and continued to engage in that line of
work to the end of his days. For many years he was an operator on his own
account, in 1875 leasing coal lands at Shenandoah from the Philadelphia &
Reading Company, and conducting business under the name of the Cambridge
Coal Company until his death, in the spring of 1892. Mr. James married
Elizabeth Thomas, nee Harris, who preceded him to the grave, dying in 1890,
and they are interred in the burial plot in Shenandoah. His home was at
Shenandoah for seventeen years, until his death. Their family consisted of five
children: David R., John R., William J., Benjamin Frank (the subject of this
sketch), and Mary, the last named being deceased.
JOHN HENRY SHOEMAKER has spent the greater part of his life on
the farm in West Penn township where he is now residing, and which he
has been operating successfully on his own account for a number of years.
He was born in that township Nov. 10, 1869, son of Joel Shoemaker, and he
is a great-grandson of Johannes Shoemaker, who established the family in
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