Aortic oh thee pearar Thee ee ete ae en Pal s Pree te bee r/ Surber 3h if i sz ati ests Ft re Filia Beoy Taye ae z ane oe em eee ee th " rere tro ats; 1S? B3 ew CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 87S University Library E 157B3 B72 ini” 4 028 8 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES THIS VOLUME CONTAINS Wtographical Sketches oe ORL LEADING CITIZENS BERKS COUNTY, PA. BIOGRAPHICAL PUBLISHING COMPANY, BUFFALO, N. Y. rSa7 B3 Py del ; GZFS ae MVE: PREFACE Toye" brought to a successful termination our labors in Berks County im e compiling and editing the sketches herein contained, we desire, in presenting a KR this Book of Biographies to our patrons, to make a few remarks, neces- sarily brief, in regard to the value and importance of local works of this nature. We agree with Ralph Waldo Emerson that “Biography is the only true History,” and also are of the opinion that a collection of the biographies of the leading men of a nation would give a more interesting, as well as authentic, history of their country than any other that could be written. The value of such a production as this cannot be too highly estimated. With each succeeding year the haze of Obscurity removes more and more .from our view the fast disappearing landmarks of the past, Oblivion sprinkles her dust of forgetfulness on men and their deeds, effectually concealing them from the public eye, and because of the many living objects which claim our attention, few of those who have been removed from the busy world linger long in our memory. Even the glorious achieve- ments of the present age may not insure it from being lost in the glare of greater things to come, and so it is manifestly a duty to posterity for the men of the present time to preserve a record of their lives and a story of their progress from low and humble begin- nings to great and noble deeds, in order’ that future generations may read the account of their successful struggles, and profit by their example. A local history affords the best means of preserving ancestral history, and it also becomes, immediately upon its publica- tion, a ready book of reference for those who have occasion to seek biographical data of the leading and early settled families. Names, dates and events are not easily remem- bered by the average man, so it behooves the generations now living, who wish to live in the memory of their descendants, to write their own records, making them full and broad in SCOpE: and minute in detail, and insure their preservation by having them put in printed form. We firmly believe that in these collated personal memoirs will be found as true and as faithful a record of Berks County as may be obtained anywhere, for the very sufficient reason that its growth and development are identified with that of iv PREFACE the men who have made her what she is to-day—the representative, leading men, whose personal sketches it has been a pleasure to us to write and give a place in this volume. From the time when the hand of civilized man had not yet violated the virgin soil with desecrating plough, nor with the ever-ready frontiersman’s ax felled the noble, almost limitless, forests, to the present period of activity in all branches of industry, we may read in the histories of the county’s leading men, and of their ancestors, the steady growth and development which has been going on here for a century and a half, and bids fair to continue for centuries to come. A hundred years from now, whatever records of the present time are then extant, having withstood the ravages of time and the ceaseless war of the elements, will be viewed with an absorbing interest, equalling, if not surpassing, that which is taken to-day in the history of the early settlements of America. It has been our purpose in the preparation of this work to pass over no phase or portion of it slightingly, but to give attention to the smallest points, and thus invest it with an air of accuracy, to be obtained in no other way. The result has amply justified the care that has been taken, for it is our honest belief that no more reliable production, under the circumstances, could have been compiled. One feature of this work, to which we have given special prominence, and which we are sure will prove of extraordinary interest, is the collection of portraits of the represen- tative and leading citizens, which appear throughout the volume. We have tried to represent the different spheres of industrial and professional activity as well as we might. To those who have been so uniformly obliging and have kindly interested themselves in the success of this work, volunteering information and data, which have been very helpful to us in preparing this Book of Biographies of Berks County, we desire to express our grateful and profound acknowledgment of their valued services. BurFraLo, N. Y., November, 1898. THE PUBLISHERS. NOTE ALL the biographical sketches published in this volume were sub- mitted to their respective subjects, or to the subscribers, from whom the facts were primarily obtained, for their approval or correction before going to press; and a reasonable time was allowed in each case for the return of the type-written copies. Most of them were returned to us within the time allotted, or before the work was printed, after being corrected or revised; and these may therefore be regarded as reasonably accurate. A few, however, were not returned to us; and, as we have no means of knowing whether they contain errors or not, we cannot vouch for their accuracy. In justice to our readers, and to render this work more valuable for reference purposes, we have indicated these uncorrected sketches by a small asterisk (*), placed imme- diately after the name of the subject. They will all be found on the last pages of the book. BIOGRAPHICAL PUBLISHING CO. Book of BIOGRAPHIES BERKS COUNTY, PA. GENERAL DAVID McMURTRIE GREGG. Book of Biographies BERKS COUNTY. ENERAL DAVID McMURTRIE GREGG. This distinguished and widely-known resident of the city of Reading, whose portrait we take pleasure in presenting on the opposite page, occupies an enviable place in the esteem of the best peo- ple of the county and state as one of the best and most efficient officers produced by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the late Civil War. Educated at West Point, and trained by actual experience in the U. S. Regular Army for a number of years before the conflict between the’ North and the South, he was fully prepared, when. actual hostilities did break out, to perform his: part in preserving the Union, and in thus acting the part of a patriotic son of the nation to rise to a high rank, creditable alike to his early training and to his natural ability as a director and leader of men. Gen. Gregg served through the entire war, and won pro- motion after promotion, being finally brevet- ted Major-General U. S. Volunteers on Aug. 1, 1864. In civil life he has also achieved distinction that entitles him all the more to the highest regard of his countrymen. Our subject was born in Huntingdon, Pa., April 10, 1833, and was a son of Matthew Duncan and Ellen (McMurtrie) Gregg. On both sides of the house, paternaland maternal, he comes of ancestors of whose records in civil and military life he may well be proud. The Gregg, Potter, McMurtrie and Elliott 2 families, from whom Gen. Gregg is directly descended, all settled-in the colony of Penn- sylvania at a very early date, and had much to do with the development and improvement of the Keystone State. The first Gregg ancestor, of whom there is any sure knowledge, was David Gregg, who was born at Ayrshire, Scotland, about 1630. He was a captain’ in Cromwell’s Army in 1655,,and was within the walls of London- derry during the great siege of 1688-89, asa faithful supporter of the Prince of Orange, William III, against the exiled King of Eng- land, James II. Both David and his son John, who was born near Londonderry in 1665, were killed by a party of Roman Cath- olics in one of the conflicts that were con- stantly occurring between the Orangemen and the Romanists in the north of Ireland. John Gregg’s two sons, David and Andrew, and their sister Rachel (Mrs. Solomon Walk- er), came to America in 1726, and first settled in New Hampshire, where David remained. Andrew and his brother-in-law, Mr. Walker, were not satisfied to locate there, and so with their families and possessions shipped from Boston and landed at New Castle, Delaware. Andrew Gregg first located on a tract which he purchased at Chestnut Level, in Lancaster County, Pa., where he continued to live until 1748, when he purchased and removed to a plantation near Carlisle, where he continued to reside until his death, in 1789. His first 12 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES wife died at Chestnut Level, leaving six chil- dren; he again married, his second wife being named Jean Scott, who was born in 1725, and died in 1783. The children of this second union were Andrew and Matthew. Andrew Gregg, the grandfather of the subject of these memoirs, was ushered upon the stage of life June 10, 1755, near Carlisle, Pa., and died May 30, 1835, at Bellefonte, Pa. He received his early mental training in Rev. John Steel’s Latin School in Carlisle, and completed his education at Newark, Del.; while a resident of that place he served for a considerable period in the militia of the Rev- olution. In 1789 he accepted a tutorship in the College (now University) of Pennsyl- vania. He married Martha Potter, daughter of General James Potter, and in 1789 he re- moved to Penn’s Valley, Center County. In 1791 he was elected to the lower house of Congress, and remained a member until 1807, when he was chosen United States Senator, his term of office ending in 1813. In 1820 he was appointed Secretary of the Common- wealth of Pennsylvania by Gov. Joseph Hiester, and in 1823 was nominated for gov- ernor on the Federal ticket in opposition to John Andrew Shulze, but was defeated in the ensuing election. There were born to Andrew Gregg and his good wife ten chil- dren, named as follows: Mary, who married William McLanahan; Jean, the wife of Ro- land Curtin (of their children Andrew G. was the “War Governor” of Pennsylvania); Martha, who became the wife of Dr. Con. stance Curtin (brother of Roland); Eliza, who married David Mitchell; Julianna, the wife of Gen. James Irvin; Andrew married Margaret Irvin (a sister of Gen. Irvin) ; James P. married Eliza Wilson; Matthew Duncan, our subject’s father, who married Ellen McMurtrie ; Sarah, the wife of Henry Kinney; and Margery, who married Rev. Charles Tucker. The mother of the above. named children, Martha (Potter) Gregg, was born April 10, 1769, and died Aug. 20, 1815, John Potter, the grandfather of Martha Potter, wife of Andrew Gregg, emigrated from County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1741, being accompanied by his sister, Isabella, and her husband, John Hamilton; they landed in New Castle, Del., in September, 1741. In 1746 he settled in Antrim township, Franklin County, Pa., near the village of Greencastle. He was the first sheriff of Cumberland County. In 1756 he became a captain in Lieutenant-Colonel Armstrong’s Expedition against Kittanning, in September of that year. The date of his death is unknown; his wife passed away in 1778. Of their eight children, James was born on the bank of the river Foyle, Tyrone, Ireland, in 1729, and came to America with his father in 1741. On February 17, 1756, he was commissioned ensign in his father’s company of Lieutenant- Colonel Armstrong’s battalion, and served in the Kittanning Expedition, in which cam- paign he was wounded. He was promoted to the position of captain February 17, 1759, and commanded three companies on the northern frontiers. Captain Potter removed to Sun- bury, in 1768. In 1775 occurred the stirring events of Lexington, Concord and Bunker Hill, which aroused every patriotic son of Pennsylvania, and hurried them into a con- flict that finally resulted in the recognition of American Independence. Captain Potter was among the first to offer his services for the struggle, then so doubtful, and on Janu- ary 24, 1776, he was elected Colonel of the Upper Battalion, and in July of that year of independence he became a member of the Constitutional Convention. He was in com- mand of a battalion of Northumberland County militia in the battle of Trenton, December 26, 1776, and at Princeton, January 3, 1777, and on April 5, 1777, was appointed third Brigadier-General of the militia of the state, and commanded a brigade at Brandy- wine and Germantown, and served in the outposts at Valley Forge. In 1780, when residing at Middle Creek, Snyder County, he became a member of the State Council, and on November 14, 1781, he was elected Vice- President of Pennsylvania. He was unani- mously elected Major-General, May 23, 1782, and in 1784 was elected a member of the Council of Censors. General James Potter first married Elizabeth Cathcart. His second wife was Mrs. Mary Chambers, daughter of James and Mary Patterson. Mary Patterson, whose maiden name was Stewart, was a granddaughter of George Stewart, who set- tled in Conestoge township, Chester County, in 1717. To General Potter and his wife Mary were born three daughters and one son; of this family Martha became the wife of Andrew Gregg, and thus became the grand- mother of our subject. At his death General Potter possessed an immense landed estate in Penn’s Valley, Center County. Matthew Duncan Gregg was born April 5, 1804, in Penn’s Valley, Center County, and fitted himself tor the legal profession, being admitted to the bar in Huntingdon in 1825. In 1828 he was united in marriage with Ellen McMurtrie, daughter of David and Martha (Elliott) McMurtrie of Huntingdon. From that place he moved first to Pine Grove Mills, Center County, and in 1838 took up his residence in Bellefonte, where he engaged in the iron business. In 1845, in connection with his brother James P., and his brother-in- law, David Mitchell, he purchased the Poto- mac Furnace in Loudoun County, Va. Nine children were gathered about his fireside, as follows: Martha, born May 28, 1829, mar- ried Richard R. Bryan; Andrew, born May 28, 1831; General David McMurtrie, our subject; Mary, born August 20, 1834, married G. Dorsey Green; Ellen, born December 24, 1836; George, born February 10, 1838; Henry H., born March 1g, 1840, married Rose Mitchell; Thomas I., born October 8, 1842, married Bessie D. McKnight; and Olitipa, who was born August Io, 1844, and died December 28, 1848. On July 25, 1845, Matthew Duncan Gregg died, and in August of the same year was followed in death by his brother, James P.; they were both buried in a churchyard between Leesburg and Point of Rocks, Va. Ellen (McMurtrie) Gregg, our subject’s mother, died at Bedford, August 17, 1847, and is buried at Huntingdon, Pa. David McMutrtrie, the grandfather of Ellen (McMurtrie) Gregg, our subject’s mother, was born at Ayr, Scotland, about 1709, and came to America in 1735, settling in Phila- delphia, where he engaged in importing mer- chandise. In 1754, March 18, he married Margery Fisher, at Cooper’s Ferry (now a part of Philadelphia), and his children were as follows: William, born May 15, 1757; David, born January 14, 1764; Charles, born July 21,1766; and James, born December 16, 1768. Just before the Revolution David McMurtrie moved to Bedford, now Hunting- don County, and began the improvement of large tracts of land owned by him on Shaver’s BERKS COUNTY 13 Creek, and in the town of Huntingdon. His death occurred in 1782. David McMurtrie, son of the above-mentioned pioneer, was born in the City of Brotherly Love, and went to Huntingdon with his father, where he be- came a merchant, carrying on his business first in Huntingdon, then in Petersburg, and again in Huntingdon. He was a member of the General Assembly of Pennsylvania in 1802. He married Martha Elliott, daughter of Benjamin and Mary (Carpenter) Elliott, and they had the following issue: James E.; Anna, who first married Ed. Patton, and then was united in marriage with Thomas Jack- son; Mary, who married James Given; Ellen, born January 3, 1802, married Matthew Dun- can Gregg, and died August 17, 1847; David, who espoused Martha McConnell; Ben- jamin E., who married first Sarah H. Orbi- son, and afterwards was united in matrimony with Mrs. Ellen (Patton) Dorsey; Margery ; Robert Allison, who was twice married, first to Sarah Briscoe, and second to Mrs. Maria Dennison; Martha, who became the wife of James McCahen: and William, who married Margaret Whittaker. Robert Elliott, the great-grandfather of our subject’s mother, through Martha (Elliott) McMurtrie, was born prior to 1730, but it is uncertain whether his birth-place was in America or in Ireland. His home was in Peters township, Cumberland (formerly Lan- caster) County. He was twice married, the issue of his first marriage being two sons,— Benjamin and George,—and two daughters, Barbara and Jane. Benjamin Elliott was born in 1752, in Peters township, Cumber- land (now Franklin) County, Pa., and became a resident of Huntingdon, thenin Bedford Coun- ty, in 1775. When but twenty-four years old he was elected one of the delegates from Bed- ford County to the convention, which met July 15, 1776, at Carpenter’s Hall, Philadel- phia, for the purpose of forming the first Con- stitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsyl- vania. He was sheriff of Bedford County in the years 1784 and 1785, and became the first sheriff of Huntingdon County in 1787. In that year he was also elected a delegate from Huntingdon County to the Pennsylvania Convention, which ratified the Federal Con- stitution. He was elected a member of the Supreme Executive Council from Hunting- 14 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES don County, October 31, 1789, and served until December 20, 1790, when the Council’s term of office expired by reason of the elec- tion of Goy. Mifflin. He held several county offices in Huntingdon County, in- cluding that of associate judge. He died in Huntingdon March 15, 1835, and was laid to rest in Fairview Cemetery. He was thrice united in matrimonial bonds. His first wife was Mary Carpenter, a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Herr) Carpenter, and a grand- daughter of Heinrich Zimmerman, who was born in 1675 in Switzerland. Heinrich Zim- merman made his first trip to America in 1698, returning to his native place in 1700. He married Salome Ruffner. Being a phy- sician, he practiced his profession until 1706, when, having engaged in a_ conspiracy against the government, we was compelled to flee the country for safety, and accord- ingly came to America, settling in German- town. In 1710 he began to acquire lands in Lancaster County, and in 1717 he moved there; he died about 1750, leaving a large estate to his heirs. Benjamin Elliott and his wife, Mary Carpenter, had three children, namely; Martha, born in 1799, who married David McMurtrie, and died in 1841; Mary, born in 1781, who became the wife of Robert Allison; and James, who prepared for the legal profession, but died young and unmar- ried. Benjamin Elliott’s second wife was Sarah Ashman, and his third, Susan Haines. General Gregg spent his earlier boyhood with his father’s family in Bellefonte, Har- risburg, and Hollidaysburg. In April, 1845, the family removed to Potomac Furnace, Loudoun County, Va. When in the following July, the father died, the widowed mother with her nine children returned to Hbolli- daysburg, where her death occurred not long after in August, 1847. Our subject then became a member of the family of his uncle, David McMurtrie, living in Huntingdon, and for two years attended the school of that excellent teacher, Mr. John A. Hall. From this school he went to Milnwood Academy, in the lower end of Huntingdon County, and a year later joined his elder brother, Andrew, at the University at Lewisburg. While at the University he received an ap- pointment as cadet at the United States Mili- tary Academy at West Point, which he entered July 1, 1851. He graduated in June, 1855, standing eighth in a class of thirty-four members; among his class-mates were Gen- erals Averill, Webb, Ruggles and Comstock, all prominent officers in the Union Army in the War of the Rebellion, and General Nichols of the Confederate Army. He was promoted in the army to Bvt. Second Lieutenant of Dragoons, July 1, 1855, and served in garrison at Jefferson Barracks, Mo., in 1855-56, being commissioned Sec- ond Lieutenant of First Dragoons, Sept. 4, 1855. In 1856 he was assigned to frontier duty in the West and on the Pacific Coast, and remained there until the outbreak of the Civil War recalled him to the East. He was stationed at Fort Main, New Mexico, in 1856; took part in the march to California in the same year; was at Fort Tejon, Cal., in 1856-57; Fort Vancouver, Wash., in 1857-58; and at Fort Walla Walla, Wash., in 1858. He took part in the Spokane Expedition of 1858, being engaged in a desperate combat with the Indians at To-hots-nimme, Wash., May 17, 1858; was present at the combat of Four Lakes, Wash., September. 1, 1858; combat on Spokane Plain, September 5, 1858; and skirmish on Spokane River, September 8, 1858. He was on frontier duty at Fort Walla Walla, Wash., in 1859; at Fort Dallas, Oregon, in 1859-60 ; was scouting against the Snake Indians in 1860, being engaged in a skirmish near Hamoy Lake, Oregon, May 24, 1860. The winter of 1860-61 was spent in duty on the Warm Spring Reservation. Our subject became First Lieutenant of the First Dragoons on March 21, 1861, and was made Captain in the Sixth Cavalry on May 14, 1861. During the first months of the war he saw duty in the defenses of Wash- ington, D. C., and throughout the remainder of the war was connected with the Army of the Potomac. From Oct. 12, 1861, till Janu- ary, 1862, he was on sick leave. He became Colonel of the 8th Reg. Pa. Vol. Cav. on Jan. 24, 1862, and took part in the Virginia Pen- insular Campaign. He was engaged in the battles of Seven Pines and Fair Oaks, May 31 and June 1, 1862, skirmishes at New Kent Court House, Savage Station, Bottom’s Bridge and White Oak Swamp, June, 1862, battle of Glendale, June 30, 1862, battle of Malvern Hill, July 1, 1862, and covering the BERKS COUNTY 15 movement from Hanson’s Landing to York- town, August, 1862. He was in the Mary- land Campaign of the Army of the Potomac, which extended from September to Novem- ber, 1862, being engaged in several skirmish- es on the march to Falmouth, Va., in October and November. On Nov. 29, 1862, our sub- ject was commissioned Brigadier General U. S. Volunteers. From December, 1862, to June, 1863, Gen. Gregg commanded a Divi- sion of Cavalry, being engaged in the skir- mish at Rappahannock Bridge, April 4, 1863, and “Stoneman’s Raid” towards Richmond April 13-May 2, 1863. The Pennsylvania Campaign of the Army of the Potomac was participated in by our subject, still as a cav- alry commander; he was engaged in the combat of Brandy Station, June g, 1863, skir- mish at Aldie, June 17, Middleburg, June 19, Upperville, June 21, 1863, battle of Gettys- burg, July 1-2-3, 1863, skirmish at Shepherds- town, July 16, 1863, and pursuit of the Rebel Army to Warrenton, Va., July, 1863. Cen- tral Virginia then became the scene of oper- ations for the Army of the Potomac, and our subject there participated in the action at Rapidan Station, Sept. 14, Beverly Ford, Oct. 12, Auburn, Oct. 14, and New Hope Church, Nov. 27, 1863. From March 26 to April 6, 1864, Gen. Gregg was in command of the Cavalry Corps of the Army of the Potomac, and in the Richmond Campaign from April 6, 1864, to Feb. 3, 1865, was in command of the Second Cavalry Division of the Army of the Potomac, being engaged in the skirmishes at Todd’s Tavern, May 5-7, 1864, where he was in command, Ground Squirrel Church, May 11, 1864, combat at Meadow Bridge, May 12, 1864, battle of Haw’s Shop, May 28, 1864, skirmish of Gaines’ House, June 2, 1864, battle of Trevil- lian Station, June 11, 1864, action of Truestall Station, June 21, 1864, action of St. Mary’s Church, June 24, 1864, where he was in com- mand, skirmish at Warwick Swamp, July 12, 1864, combat of Darbytown, July 28, 1864, skirmish at Lee’s Mills, July 30, 1864. On Aug. 1, 1864, Gen. Gregg came into com- mand of the Cavalry of the Army of the Potomac, being brevetted on that date Major- General U. S. Volunteers “for Highly Mer- itorious and Distinguished Conduct Through- out the Campaign, Particularly in the Recon- Q* naissance on the Charles City Road.” On Aug. 17, 1864, he was in the action at Deep Bottom, skirmishes and battle of Ream’s Sta- tion, Aug. 23-25, 1864, combat of Peeble’s Farm, Sept. 29-30, and of the Vaughan Road, Oct. 1, 1864, where he was in command. The battle of Goydton Plank Road, Oct. 27, 1864, destruction of Stony Creek Station, Dec. 1, 1864, and skirmish at Bellefield, Dec. 9, 1864, terminated Gen. Gregg’s active work in the ay He resigned from the service Feb. 3, 1865. Gen. Gregg’s brothers, Henry H. and Thomas J., were both in the Union Army and served three years, the former as Captain in the 125th Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf., and as Major in the 13th Reg. Pa. Vol. Cav., the latter as Lieutenant in the 6th Reg. Pa. Vol. Cav., and as aide-de-camp on his brother’s staff. In February, 1874, President Grant ap- pointed General Gregg U. S. Consul at Prague, Bohemia, which position he resigned and returned to Reading in the following August, where he has since made his home. In 1891 he was nominated by the Republican party as its candidate for Auditor-General of Pennsylvania, was elected, and made a splen- did record in his three years of service. He was elected Commander of the Pennsylvania Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the U.S. in 1886, and was continued in office by successive elections every year until the present. He is president of the board of directors of the Charles Evans Cemetery Company of Reading, and is a member of the board of trustees of the State Lunatic Hospital at Harrisburg. On Oct. 6, 1862, General Gregg married Ellen F. Sheaff of Reading, a great-granddaughter of Frederick A. Muhlenberg, as also ot Gov. Joseph Hiester. They have two sons, name- ly : George Sheaff ; and David McMutrtrie. . y firm, Bright & Lerch, leading hardware merchants of the city of Reading, was sadly afflicted with blindness during the last fourteen years of his life, and his marvelous career in business life extend- ing over that period was the wonder of all ee ANIEL DRENKLE LERCH, de- ceased, who was a member of the 16 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES with whom he came in contact. He was a son of George Lerch, during his day the leading hardware dealer in Reading, where our subject was born July 5, 1844. After completing his education in the schools of Reading, he entered the employ of his father, and upon the latter’s demise he, in partnership with his brother, William J., assumed contro! of the business, which was located above the Mansion House, at 504 Penn Square. Subsequently William J. Lerch retired and disposed of his interest toa Mr. Bright, the firm name becoming Bright & Lerch. William J. Lerch then engaged in the manufacture of cigars, and is one of the prosperous business men of the city. In 1884, our subject was taken ill and was left totally blind as a result of the optic nerves becoming paralyzed. This was a great shock, but with the indomitable will and energy which was always characteristic of him, he regained his health in other respects after a gallant struggle and again entered the realms of the business world, much to the surprise of his many friends and business associates. The deprivation of sight seemed to sharpen his intellect and other senses, and a stranger seeing him as he sat in his chair in the count- ing room or waited upon customers would express the greatest surprise when informed of his affliction, as his eyes were not disfig- ured and the vacant stare which usually characterizes the blind was absent. He pur- chased the stock for the store with his usual good judgment, and in fact his life was very little changed. He was deprived of the pleas- ure of reading, in itself a great misfortune, but his wants in that direction were supplied in a measure by his son George, who read to him from the newspapers and kept him posted on all of the current topics of the day. He was widely known and honored as one of the most remarkable men the city of Reading has ever known. He was a man of the keenest perception and sound judg- ment, and his opinions were not infrequently sought by his fellow citizens. In matters of public interest and general improvement he ever evinced a spirit of progress. He wasa Democrat in his political affiliations, and was a delegate to the Democratic County Con- vention which nominated Hiester Clymer, Esq., for congress, also aiding largely in securing his election. He was also at one time a delegate to a Democratic National Convention. He was a member of the school board for a number of years, and took a deep interest in educational matters. In the vart- ous capacities in which he served he won the high esteem of his colleagues by a quiet, straightforward, and impartial course in the discharge of his duties. Mr. Lerch died February 23, 1898, aged fifty-three years, seven months, and eighteen days. Mr. Lerch was united in hymeneal bonds with Mary Elizabeth Stidfole, a woman of many virtues, and a daughter of Joseph E. Stidfole of Philadelphia, who was a member of the firm, Morgan & Co., proprietors of a large wholesale dry goods store on the cor- ner of Seventh and Chestnut streets, Phila- delphia. This happy union was blessed by the birth of the following offspring: George, who is now employed by Bright & Co., suc- cessors to his father; Joseph S., who is en- gaged in the grocery business in Reading ; William H., who is with Arms & Early, with an office in the Reading Second National Bank; Mary Elizabeth, the wite of A. W. Pritchett of New York, employed by Kean & Hagerty as salesman, and mother of one child, Daniel; Marie, who is a young lady of eighteen years; and Emma, who died aged nine days. ++ eee eed R. GEORGE W. KEHL, a rising | young physician of Reading, was born September 18, 1871, in Boyer- town, Pa., and isa son of William D. and Deborah (Hartman) Kehl. _ George Kehl, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was a native of New Hanover township, where he was born February 6, 1801, and where he died May 20, 1839, while in the prime of life. His son, William D. Kehl, the father of our subject, was born December 16, 1836, and since 1862 has lived in Boyertown, where he is one of the most prominent and progressive citizens. He was intimately con- nected during his years of business activity with all public enterprises which tended to elevate the standing of the community, and now occupics an enviable position in ‘public favor. When he moved to Boyertown, he SAMUEL L. YOUNG. was engaged as a commission merchant, but later operated a creamery. He continued in that line of business for some years, but gave it up when he was called to accept the vice- presidency of the Boyertown National Bank, which position he still retains. He is inter- ested in many business ventures and is pres- ident of the Boyertown Mutual Fire Insur- ance Co.; president of the Douglassville Turnpike Co. ; a director and superintendent of the Boyertown Water Works; and a director in the Boyertown Casket Co. Re- ligiously, he is an adherent of the faith of the St. John’s Lutheran Church of Boyertown. He was joined in hymeneal bonds with Deborah Hartman, a daughter of Conrad Hartman, who was born in Oley township, December 12, 1801, and died at Marysville, near Boyertown, August 28, 1878. This union was blessed by the birth of four sons and two daughters, whose records are as follows: Ada, who was born November 27, 1866, is the wife of Dr. J. Eliner Porter of Pottstown, Pa.; S. Eva, who was born Feb- ruary 4, 1868, is the wife of Rev. J. Calvin Fisher, who has charge of a pastorate at Lebanon, Pa.; George W., the subject of this personal history ; Jonathan S., who was born June 21, 1873, and died February 21, 1876; William, who was born March 2, 1875, is now attending the Millville State Normal School ; and Lester, born January 16, 1880, who is in attendance at Cornell University. In_busi- ness, William D. Kehl is shrewd, upright and exact. His social relations are of the pleas- antest nature, and few men stand higher than he in the estimation of his fellow-townsmen. Surrounded by those elements which make life worth living, he finds with each succeed- ing day matters of live interest into which he throws the same energy and activity which has been of such valued service to him these many years. Our subject is a man of educational attain- ments, having received a thorough academic and collegiatetraining. After completing the required’ course in the public schools of Boyertown, he attended Mt. Pleasant Semi- nary and later the Arms Academy of Potts- town, where he finished his preparation for college. He then took a course in the Roanoke College of Salem, Va., after which he entered the Medical Department of the BERKS COUNTY : 19 University of Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated May 10, 1893. He was then appointed resident physician at St. Timothy’s Hospital at Philadelphia for one year, during which time he gained valuable experience which enabled him to enter auspiciously upon his present practice at Reading. Although young in years, he has had a thorough prep- aration and is well qualified to handle the most complicated of cases which may come up in general practice. He is one of the assistant physicians on the medical staff of St. Joseph’s Hospital of Reading, and is a mem- ber of the Reading Medical Society and the Berks County Medical Society. Dr. Kehl has a successful practice, and a_ brilliant career is predicted for him. SS a AMUEL L. YOUNG. There are few men, indeed, in the city of Reading who have taken so promi- nent a part in the direction of pub- lic affairs, or who have contributed so largely to the general good of the people at large throughout the county, as the gentleman whose name heads this sketch, and whose life career it now becomes our pleasure to bring before the subscribers of this work. Mr. Young, whose life has been in the main de- voted to law and legal affairs, was born in Rockland township, Berks County, Pa., Sep- tember 24, 1822, and-is a son of Daniel Young, a public-spirited citizen of Berks County, who is generally remembered by the title of Judge Young, having held the posi- tion of associate judge for a term of five years. John Daniel Young, the grandfather of the present scion, was born in Westphalia, Ger- many; removing to this country about 1785, he located in Montgomery County, Pa., where he made his home for eight years. His next residence was in Northampton County, this state, where he lived five years, and then moved to Berks County, locating at first in Long Swamp township, and then taking up a permanent residence in District township, where he continued to live and to do his part in the development of the coun- try until he was called Home in 1812. He possessed an excellent education, obtained in 20 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES the schools of his native land, and followed the pursuits of a school-teacher in this country, also instructing pupils in the art of music, with which he was most familiar. The last three years of his life, however, were engaged in attending to an iron busi- ness he had built up in District township, in partnership with Jacob Lesher. He was a valued member of the Reformed Church, working zealously for the cause, and giving as liberally as his circumstances would per- mit. The communities in which he lived knew him as an indefatigable worker, both in lines peculiar to his profession and else- where. His characteristics of mind and soul, love for learning, and eagerness to improve cach legitimate opportunity, and unconquer- ableness under seeming defeat, marked his achievements, as they did the acts of his son, Judge Daniel Young, and of his grandson, Samuel L. Young, of whom these lines are written. His wife, Margaret Kuntz, bore him the following named children: Daniel, Katherine (Mrs. Daniel Rohrbach), Margaret (Mrs. George Rohrbach), Barbara (Mrs. John Heydt), Elizabeth (Mrs. George Hess), and several who did not survive the age of infancy. The father of our subject was born April 13, 1793, in what was then known as Upper Salford township, Montgomery County, and became a resident of Berks County, as a member of his father’s family, when a lad of five or six summers. His education he se- cured in the schools of Pottstown, much of it under the direct supervision of his father. When a young man be became connected with the iron business, in which his father had engaged in the last years of his life, and worked under his father until that honored pioneer’s death. From 1812 until April 3, 1815, he held a position as clerk in Trexler’s Furnace, and then went to Rockland town- ship, Berks County, where he assumed charge, as manager, of the two Rockland Forges, owned by Gen. Daniel Udree. He continued to manage the affairs of the busi- ness for the heirs after the General’s death in 1828, until April, 1837, when Mr. Young removed to Windsor township, and there assumed the management of the charcoal furnace owned by Jones, Keim & Co., con- tinuing in that position until 1843. From 1841 until he dissolved connection with the iron business, he, as assignee, had _ entire charge of the affairs of the company, the firm of Jones, Keim & Co. having become insol- vent. In 1842 he was elected prothonotary, and soon after took up his permanent resi- dence in Reading, where he continued to live until his death at the advanced age of eighty- one years, July 27, 1873. In 1851 he was elevated to a position on the bench as an associate judge, and filled out his full term of five years with great honor to himself. In 1857 he was appointed by the Governor as one of the prison inspectors, and filled the duties of that position until 1866. He wasa Democrat, originally, and was an active sup- porter of that party until the War of the Rebellion broke out, when he conceived it to be his duty as well as pleasure to become a Republican, and to aid with every means in his power in the preservation of the Union. In the Reformed Church he was known as a most influential and active member; regular in his attendance upon religious duties, and consistent in every-day life; he was a valued worker, and officiated for many years as organist, his musical education having been given him by his father. His wife, a Miss Lessig, whom he married in 1815, was born in 1795, and died in April, 1852. Two chil- dren were the fruits of this union, namely: Matilda, born in May, 1817, married to Nicholas Jones, in February, 1839, and died in June, 1861; and Samuel L., the subject of this biographical notice. At the age of fourteen, our subject, having received a thorough preparation in the dis- trict schools, entered West Chester Acad- emy, sometimes known as the Bolmar Acad- emy, being then kept by Anthony Bolmar. He remained there from 1836 until the spring of 1838, when he returned home, and clerked for his father at Windsor Furnace until the fall of the year, when he again resumed his studies at the Academy, remaining until the spring of 1839. In May, 1841, our subject removed to Reading, where he became a clerk in the prothonotary’s office under Ben- jamin Tyson. When his father succeeded to that office, Samuel still discharged the same duties as clerk. In 1842 he began his legal education as a law student in the office of William Strong, Esq., then one of the best attorneys in the county, and subsequently a judge of the United States Supreme Court. Mr. Young was admitted to the Berks Coun- ty Bar on Aug. 10, 1847, and rapidly rose to prominence as an attorney of much more than ordinary ability. He has been engaged in practice to a great extent ever since, and has been very successful. In 1853, our sub- ject was appointed to the position of Com- missioner of the Eastern District of Pennsyl- vania of the Circuit Court of the United States, and has been continued in that office ever since, his last appointment, July 1, 1896, being for a term of four years. Mr. Young has been a hard working and loyal Republi- can since the War of the Rebellion, having been a Democrat previously. He is a mem- ber of the Reformed Church of Reading, Pa. He is a scholarly gentleman of varied attain- ments, and has taken great pleasure in build- ing up a private library, which is most com- plete in its scope, and reflects the owner’s high literary tastes. Mr. Young married his first wife, Louise E. Bechtel, Jan. 27, 1852, who died in Sep- tember, 1860, leaving one child, Daniel B., who was born Dec. 25, 1852. Daniel B. Young received a most thorough education in the best schools of the land, matriculating at Weyer’s West Chester Academy, Pennsyl- vania College, and spending two years in Harvard College. He was admitted to the bar June 10, 1876, after pursuing his studies in his father’s office, and in the following year moved to Chicago, IL, where he practiced law until his death in March, 1893. Our sub- ject’s second wife, Annie E. Teed, whom he married June 15, 1864, bore him the following six children: Catherine, born April 6, 1865; Mary E., born April 24, 1866; William J., born Aug. 17, 1867; Thomas, born Nov. 26, 1868; Walter Scott, born July 13, 1870; and Annie, born Jan. 26, 1872. At the very outset of the War of the Re- bellion, Mr. Young was appointed, April 17, 1861, chief of staff to Major-General William H. Keim, who had been for a number of years Major-General of the Fifth Division of Pennsylvania Volunteers, and who, April 17, 1861, was appointed Major-General to com- mand a division in the Union Army. In 1862 Col. Young raised an independent cavalry company for the State service and departed BERKS COUNTY 21 for Chambersburg to aid in repelling the threatened invasion of Pennsylvania by Gen. Lee; after the battle of Antietam the com- pany was mustered out of the service. Upon the invasion of Pennsylvania by Gen. Lee, in 1863, Col. Young offered his services to Gov. Curtin, and was assigned to the com- mand of a reconnoitering body of cavalry, being sent to Gettysburg to report to Major Haller. He was then instructed to ascertain the movement of the enemy. He discovered Early’s command advancing toward Gettys- burg, and so reported. On the Friday pre- ceding the battle of Gettysburg, he, with the rest of the Union forces, was driven from the town to York, Pa., and from there to Wrights- ville, being followed by the Rebel general, Gordon. On the following day, Sunday, June 28, 1863, by order of Gen. Couch, Col. Young, Col. Frick and Major Knox burned the bridge crossing the Susquehanna River, and the enemy returned to Gettysburg, there to participate in the three days’ conflict that proved a turning point in the war. Ona pre- ceding page is shown a portrait of Samuel L. Young, who ranks with the best citizens of Reading. dl Works, of Reading, is well known throughout the county as an enter- prising and successful business man, and as a dutiful citizen and kind neighbor. He is a son of William and Margaret H. (White) Orr, and was born near Yellow Springs, Chester County, March 9, 1845. He is of Irish lineage, for his grandfather, Robert Orr, was born in Ireland, and was brought to America when a mere child. Robert Orr’s parents located near Yellow Springs, and there he was prepared for the duties of life; after attaining his majority he engaged in agricultural pursuits, which oc- cupation he followed until his death, in 1853, being known to his neighbors and friends as a prosperous man. For many years he was sexton of the Vincent Baptist Church. He reared a family of five children, namely: William, the father of our subject; George; John; Jesse; and Mrs. Catherine Sturgis. —____—_+<>-—__—__—_ ALLISON ORR, the general super- intendent of the Mt. Penn Stove 22 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES William Orr, the father of our subject, was born near Yellow Springs, in 1809, and early in life learned the trade of a shoemaker, which he followed for some years. He then became interested in an iron ore quarry in Chester County, which under his skillful management yielded good returns. The lat- ter years of his life were spent in agricultural pursuits in the vicinity of the town of his birth. He was a regular attendant and a deacon of the Baptist Church, to which he was a liberal contributor. In his political affiliations he was a Democrat. His marriage with Margaret H. White was blessed by the birth of three children: John W., who is connected with the Mt. Penn Stove Works; Jesse, deceased, who was president of the Reading Stove Works, and a representative citizen of Reading; and J. Allison, the sub- ject of this biographical sketch. J. Allison Orr obtained but a limited schol- astic training in the public schools of Pike- land, his native township, and at the early age of seventeen years began to battle against the tide of life. He entered a general store at Lawrenceville, Chester County, where he was employed as clerk for a period of six years, or until 1868, when he moved to Read- ing, and has since made this city his home. He was employed by Orr, Painter & Co., and for twelve years was engaged in mounting stoves for that firm. In 1880 he moved to Philadelphia, and conducted a milk route for two years, when he again returned to Reading, and became the last stockholder and director in the Mt. Penn Stove Works, which was at that time changed from a partnership to a stock company. He was soon after made general superintendent, which position he has since filled with efficiency and satisfac- tion to the board of directors and stockhold- ers. One hundred men are given constant employment, and the business is in a flourish- ing condition, for which much credit is due Mr. Orr. He was one of the organizers and is now president of the Reading Radiator Co., which employs a force of thirty hands to supply the large trade that has been built up in the last few years. He is a man of sterling qualities, and has a large circle of acquaintances, who hold him in high esteem. Mr. Orr was united in matrimonial bonds with Cassie R. Saylor, of Parker Ford, Ches- ter County, December 31, 1868, and they are the happy parents of six children, namely: Ella, born in 1870, died in 1872; Flora, born in 1872, died in 1873; Jesse, shipping clerk for the Mt. Penn Stove Works, was born in 1875; Bertha, born in 1878; Ellen, born in 1880, died in 1881; and Edwin, born June 8, 1883. Politically, Mr. Orr is a stanch Repub- lican, believing that the prosperity of the country is largely due to the protective tariff system of his party. 1 et" HARLES H. ARMOUR, the well- known agent of the Wilmington & Northern R. R., at Reading, has been identified with that company for many years, and is one of the progressive and highly respected citizens of the city. He is a son of John and Ruth M. (Jenkins) Armour, and was born December 20, 1854, in Cecil County, Md. The Armour family is an old and well- known family of Maryland, where it has been established for many years. John Armour, the father of our subject, and his three sons, Stephen L., Samuel H. and John A., were soldiers of the Civil War, and served fora considerable length of time, making excellent records for bravery and rendering valuable service to the cause of the Union. Charles H. Armour, the subject of this biographical sketch, was reared in his native town, but at an early age moved to Wilming- ton, Delaware, where, at the age of sixteen years, he accepted a position with the Wil- mington & Reading Railroad as a messenger. He was deprived of the opportunity of at- tending school, but, being a student by nature, he did not waste his spare moments, preferring rather to remedy his defects in education by reading and private study. By close application to his work, he was gradu- ally promoted from his lowly position to the one he now holds. His first rise trom mes. senger boy was to extra agent and operator, during which time he became a competent telegrapher, and then was transferred to Joanna, Berks County, Pa., where he remained as station agent for a period of five years. He then was given charge of the station at Birdsboro, where he faithfully discharged his MILLER. EPHRAIM S. BERKS COUNTY 25 duties for the succeeding ten years, with the exception of one year spent in Reading, when he was cashier of the Wilmington Street R. R. He was next called to Reading as agent, where he has since held his present important and responsible position. His time being almost entirely taken up by his work, his vacations have been spent in travel, of which he is very fond. Travel has also served as a means of education, and being very observing, he has a good knowledge of Denver, Seattle, Portland, Oregon, Canada, Florida and New Orleans, in all of which he has visited. He was one of the prime movers in the Sesqui-Centennial, which was cele- brated in Reading, in June of 1898, being secretary of the Transportation Committee, and a member of the Executive Committee, which arranged every detail for the mam- moth jubilee. He was also chairman of the Signal Corps Committee, in which depart- ment he rendered efficient service during the celebration. December 10, 1876, Mr. Armour was united in matrimonial bonds with Sue Shick, by whom he has four sons and one daughter, namely : S. and Charles H. Fraternally, he is a past master of Union Lodge, No. 479, of Birds- boro; secretary of Reading Chapter, No. 152, R. A. M.; a past commander ot De Molay Commandery, No. 9, K. T.; and a member of Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M.S. —_—————_~+@5o——___. PHRAIM S. MILLER, the veteran undertaker and liveryman of the city of Reading, is a son of Levi and Susanna (Scarlet) Miller. He was born March 31, 1840, in Robeson township, this county. His grandfather, Jacob Miller, was also a native of Berks County, and lived all his life in Robeson township, where he was a prominent farmer. To him and his wife, Susanna Coplin, were born the following children: Jacob, Levi, Henry, David, Har- riet and Ann. Levi Miller, the father, was born in Robe- son township, October 11, 1817, and passed his life there, learning the trade of a black- smith, and following that occupation for a number of years, when it gave place to the George C., Jesse S., Ralph, Agnes: work of the farm upon which he was en- gaged at the time of his death May 10, 18409. He was an old line Whig, was very active in politics, and held a number of township offices. It is probable that if his career had not been cut short at so early an age that he might have become a prominent figure in the polit- ical affairs of the state. His wife, Susanna Scarlet, was born June 29, 1814, and died May 28, 1854. She was a daughter of Ephraim and Lydia Scarlet, a Quaker family who formerly lived in Chester County, but later took up a tract of land on Hay Crecic, above Birdsboro. This old homestead re- mained in the family until quite recently. To Mr. and Mrs. Miller were born three children: Ephraim S. and two daughters, Elizabeth and Mary D., both deceased. Ephraim S. Miller was educated in the common schools of Robeson township, and later attended the school at Morgantown, under Professor Tutton. He learned the trade of a cabinet maker and in August, 1861, opened a shop of his own at 329 Penn street, Reading, where he conducted the business for six years. He then gave up cabinet making as unprofitable and went to 420 Washington street, where he opened an undertaking establishment. He remains there yet, and is the oldest undertaker in the city to-day. He has built up a large busi- ness and is recognized as a first-class morti- cian. In connection with this business he runs a large livery stable at 31 South Fifth street, which is well patronized. His busi- ness, which is not by any means confined to the city, extends for milesin the country. He is a member of the Undertakers’ Examining Board of the State of Pennsylvania, and de votes his entire spare time to perfecting himself in every particular of his work. Mr. Miller has led two brides to the altar. His first wife was Amelia Seyfert, to whom he was united March 28, 1861. To them were born the following children: Etna, Elizabeth, Clyde S., Howard L., Susanna, Clayton I., and Daniel, all living. His second marriage, contracted with a most estimable lady, Deborah H. Lee, a daughter of Thomas and Rachel Lee, a Quaker family of Oley township, has once more made his home a place of comfort and happiness. He is a member of the Baptist Church of Reading, 26 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES and has been on the board of trustees of that society for twenty-five years. He is a Re- publican, and represented the Seventh Ward for three terms in the Common Council of the city. He takes an intelligent interest in the success of his party, and renders no little aid toward its success. He is a member of Lodge No. 62, F. & A. M.; Excelsior Chap- ter No. 237, R. A. M.; Reading Comman- dery, No. 42, K. T.; the O. U. A. M., and the Knights of the Golden Eagle. Mr. Mil- ler is a hard-working, capable man, such a one as helps to make the success and _ pros- perity of the commonwealth, and is accred- ited an honorable place in the hearts of his fellow-townsmen. His portrait is shown on a preceding page. SSO APTAIN WILLIAM I. CLOUS, deceased, a man very prominent in social and military circles of the city of Reading, was also a man of excellent business propensities, being con- nected with different branches of business in this locality for many years, chiet of which was the ice business. He wasa son of Daniel and Mary (Brownwell) Clous, and was born in Womelsdorf, Berks County, Pa., January 27, 1820, and died February 11, 1897. He was reared in his native town until he was sixteen years of age and attended the public schools, after which he came to Read- ing and learned the trade of a tailor. After serving out his apprenticeship, he entered the business on his own account and followed it with much success for a number of years, ranking as the leading tailor in the city. His health being poor, in accordance with the wishes of his physician, he relinquished tailoring owing to its close confinement and embarked in the ice business in 1855, being one of the pioneers in that line in Reading. He continued to deal extensively in that pro- duct for over a period of forty years, when he retired, in the spring of 1895, to enjoy a well earned rest during the remainder of his days. He also conducted a confectionery store in this city for a few years, and was engaged in the lumbering business in Luzerne County. He enlisted in the army during the Civil War, but as the crisis was past he did not see actual service. Later in life he stood very high in military circles, being a captain in the Old State Guards, of the Reading Artilleryists, and of the Reading Rifles. He also served as an aide-de-camp, with rank of colonel, upon the staff of the “War Govern- or,’ Andrew G. Curtin. Captain Clous was joined in hymeneal bonds with Catherine Coller, and after her demise he formed a second alliance, April 29, 1875, with R. Frances Plank, daughter of David and Rebecca (Buckwalter) Plank, and their happy union was blessed by the birth of four children, as follows: Francis I.; Ruth P.; D. Arthur; and R. Elizabeth. Mrs. Clous comes of a very prominent family of Berks County, and isa sister of Dr. D. Heber Plank, whose biographical record appears elsewhere in this work. Politically, Captain Clous was a Republican, firm in his views, and a num- ber of times represented his ward in the City Council. He was an officer in the Reading Fire Insurance Company, and was deeply interested in other benevolent and beneficial societies. He stood high in Masonic circles, and was an honored member of the De Molay Commandery, No. 9, K. T. Religiously, he was a faithful member of the Trinity Luther- an Church. He was a manof high principles, a kind, loving husband and father, and stood high in the esteem of his fellow-citizens. ————_+oe+-_____ M.LUDEN. This prominent and well- . to-do citizen of Reading has, for the past nine years, been successfully engaged in the cigar business, and has his shop located on North Fifth street. He was born in the above city Nov. 9, 1854, and is a son of Jacob and Sarah (Musser) Luden. Jacob Luden, the father of our subject, was born in Amsterdam, Holland; after at- taining his majority, he departed from his native country and came to the United States, locating in the city of Reading, Berks Coun. ty, Pa., where he followed his trade as a watch maker and jeweler the rest of his ac. tive days. Politically, he supported the prin- ciples of the Democratic party; in religious views, he was a member of the Universalist Church. He was united in the bonds of wed. lock with Sarah Musser, and the following children blessed their home: one that died in infancy; Caroline, wife of William L. C. Bailey of Reading; E. M., our subject ; Wil- liam H.; Sally, the wife of James B. Marsh; and Jacob C. E. M. Luden acquired a common school education in the schools of Reading, and then attended business college for one year. After clerking in a store a short time, he be- gan the learning of the cigar maker’s trade, and followed that line of business eight years. He then began the manufacture of cigars on his own account, and later he opened a cigar store on North Fifth street, where he has been located for the past nine years. In politics, Mr. Luden has always taken an active part, and conscientiously casts his vote in support of the Republican party. He has served as assessor of the Seventh Ward twelve years; was elected to the State Leg- islature in 1892, and was re-elected in 1896. Our subject has been an active member of the Reading Fire Department ever since he was seventeen years of age; was police ser- geant under Mayor J. R. Kinney three years; and was clerk in the postoffice of Reading under Postmaster George K. Witner. Mr. Luden chose for his life companion Elizabeth Etzel, a daughter of John Etzel; they were married Nov. 11, 1885, and are the parents of three children, who are named as follows: Mary, Edward M., and Elizabeth. SOG SSS EV. JOSEPH ADDISON KUTZ. When a minister refuses to better his position by accepting charges in some of our largest cities, where large salaries are paid, in order that he might continue to do work among the lowly, it proves beyond the possibility of a doubt that he is engaged in the work of Christ asa result of noble impulses, and not of pe- cuniary inducements. Rev. Kutz, the beloved pastor of the Friendship Home Mission, of Reading, has had calls to many very large churches; one being one of the most promi- nent churches in Baltimore, Md., but all of these he refused in order that he might con- tinue the good work which was begun by his father. He was born in Tremont, Schuylkill County, December 17, 1856, and is the son BERKS COUNTY 27 of Joseph H. and Mary Z. (Zimmerman) Kutz. Rev. Joseph H. Kutz, the father of our subject, was born in Mahantango township, Schuylkill County, June 5, 1832, and was reared and educated in that county. Early in life, having a desire to enter the ministry, he directed his studies with that object in view, and at the age of eighteen years becanre con- nected with the Evangelical Association, of which he continued an active member until 1869. In 1873, desiring to locate permanently, he moved to Reading, and in response to his request, was given the toughest portion of the city in which to work. He organized the Friendship Home Mission, of which he be- came pastor, and the great good done by this organization is beyond estimation. He was brought in touch with a class of people to whom the teachings of the Bible had hereto- fore been unknown, and won many from their evil tendencies to the Standard of Christ. As a revivalist he was very successful, as he was aman of convincing eloquence. He could speak both the German and English languages fluently, which added greatly to his efficiency. Mr. Kutz continued in that capacity until he was called to his Heavenly reward; his death occurring June 8, 1883. His worthy companion in the pathway of life was Mary Z. Zimmerman, by whom he be- came the father of one son, Joseph Addison, and two daughters, Mary and Sallie. Rev. Joseph Addison Kutz obtained his in- | tellectual training in the public schools of Tremont, Schuylkill County, and in Lebanon, after which he was employed with the Read- ing Times-Dispatch, Reading, Pa., fora period of sixteen months. He then began to study for the ministry under the direction of his father and Prof. Staub, being ordained to preach in 1882. He followed closely in the footsteps of his father, and upon the death of the latter became pastor of the Friendship Home Mission, in which capacity his work received deserved recognition throughout this section of the State, and brought him flattering calls to many other charges. There are a number of auxiliary bodies to the church, all of which are ina flourishing con- dition. Rev. Kutz has a high ideal of what man should be, and lives up to it in every respect. 28 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES He and Miss Helen Kllinger took mar- riage vows on February 2, 1878, and to their happy union have been born the following children: Jay Henry, who was born July 5, 1879; Earl M., born December 28, 1882; Beulah, born May 14, 1885; and Nellie T., born March 6, 1806. a the Schuylkill Valley Bank, has been actively engaged in business in Read- ing since 1847. His name has been symbolical of success, whether in the quiet pursuits of the different lines of mercantile business in which he has been engaged, or in the more widely diffused field of public work. His ancestors were prominent in the early history of Berks County, and left names that will long survive in the affections of the peo- ple. Mr. Kissinger was born Feb. 14, 1824, in Bern township, this county, at what is still known as Kissinger’s Bridge, his parents be- ing John and Margaret (Madeira) Kissinger. Ulrich Kissinger, his grandfather, was from Alsace-Lorraine, that French province of the German Empire, gained by Teutonic prow- ess in the Prateo.P aascieu War. Heincom- pany with four brothers and two sisters came to America in 1770, and made his stopping place on the Schuylkill River, in this county, at what is now Kissinger’s Bridge. There he purchased a flour mill and passed the re- mainder of his days in carrying on milling. In 1811 he constructed at his mill the first bridge over the Schuylkill River in Berks County, the famous Kissinger Chain Bridge, which, in 1833, was torn down by the Schuyl- kill Navigation Co., and replaced by a wood- en bridge with roof and sides. His life work was ended in 1826. John Kissinger, the tather, was born at Kissinger’s Bridge, Feb. 8, 1790. He learned the trade of a miller with his father, and worked at that trade until 1833, when the mill and bridge were destroyed to put in the canal, when he moved to Reading and open- ed a wood and coal business in that city, at the foot of Penn street. He was thus en- gaged for eight years, five years with a part- ner and the remaining three by himself. In 1844 he once more took up his residence in J ts M. KISSINGER, president of the country, in Spring township, where he farmed for six years, but at the end of that time he moved again to Reading, living in retirement for the sixteen remaining years of his life. He died in April, 1866, at the ad- vanced age of seventy-six years, after a well rounded life of usefulness and honor. He was a Democrat in his early manhood, but when the question of slavery was made the issue, deserting the standard of Stephen A. Douglass, he cast his vote for Lincoln and the oppressed, and from that time remained with the Republican party. He was a consist- ent member and earnest laborer of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Reading. He was twice married, the first time to a Miss Reland, and the second time to Margaret Madeira. His second marriage resulted in the birth of the fol- lowing children: Amelia, who was twice mar- ried, first to John Meicks, and then to Wil- liam Himmelwright; John M.; Louisa, the widow of Jacob Kauffman, now residing in Reading; and Catherine, the wife of C. D. Geiger, both of whom are now deceased. John M. Kissinger was educated in the “pay” or select schools that were common to the early day. At the age of twenty-three, in 1847, he entered into partnership with Samuel Frees and opened a wood and coal office at the foot of Penn street. Eleven years later, in 1858, they added milling to their other line of business and continued it until 1860. Mr. Kissinger then disposed of his share in the enterprise and engaged with Jacob Kauffman in a general mercantile busi- ness on the corner of Third and Penn streets. This partnership lasted for three years, when our subject engaged in the scrap iron indus- try, a pursuit that still claims much of his at- tention. In 1890, on July 21, the Schuylkill Valley Bank of Reading was organized, and Mr. Kissinger, who was one of the principal promoters of the institution, was made presi- dent, and has been continued in that capacity until the present time. The officers of the Bank at the present time are: John M. Kis- singer, president; Frank P. Lauer, vice-presi- dent ; and M. V. R. Custer, cashier. Messrs. Kissinger and Lauer are among the fourteen directors of the institution, and its present flourishing condition is in a great measure attributable to the care and financial fore- sight of its president. That it is conducted on a sound basis is proved by the fact that it has doubled its capital stock since it started in business. At the time of its organization in 1890, it had a. paid up capital stock of $50,000.00 ; two years later this was increased to $75,000.00, and at the present time the cap- ital stock is $100,000.00, with a surplus fund of $75,000.00. In all his business undertak- ings Mr. Kissinger has been uniformly suc- cessful, and has built up a neat competency, but is too energetic and industrious to retire from active labor, although well along in years. Mr. Kissinger has been twice married ; his first wife was Catherine Ruth. His second helpmeet, Henrietta Zacharias, daughter of George Zacharias of Amity township, this county, was born in August, 1826. This sec- ond union resulted in the birth of three chil- dren, sons, who died in infancy at the ages of one and one-half, two and one-half, and three and one-half years. Our subject has been a Republican ever since the party has been or- ganized, and has served as a member of the Council. He was confirmed in the Lutheran Church, but has since united with the Second Reformed Church, in which he is an active worker and a liberal contributor to worthy causes. His life has been filled with deeds ot kindliness and helpfulness to others, and _ his. conduct has been such as to win for him the highest praise and approbation of his fellow- citizens. He is upright and honorable, and is highly esteemed by all. eo judge of Berks County, and now the senior member of the law firm XN of J. Hagenman & Son of Read- ing, established an enviable reputation in his twenty years of work on the bench as being one of the most just, impartial, and learned jurists that has ever presided over Berks County courts. His adjudications have gen- erally been sustained, when appeals have carried the cases for further hearing before higher courts; the history of one celebrated cause, the Hunsicker conspiracy trial, pre- sents a remarkable record; it was in court for eighteen weeks, and many exceptions were made to his decisions, with the result E PON. JEREMIAH HAGENMAN , ex- BERKS COUNTY 29 that the case was appealed to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, which sustained Judge Hagenman in the matter of every one of the 350 exceptions, not reversing a single one of his rulings. Truly a record of which to be proud! This trial was fought by some of the ablest counsel in the state. Judge Hagenman was born at Phoenix- ville, Chester County, Pa., February 6, 1820, and is a son of Jeremiah F. and Mary H. Hagenman. The elder Hagenman and his wife were Germans, and had been residents of this country not a great while when their son was born to them, having come to the United States from Wurtemberg in 1816, shortly after their marriage. The family lived in the little yellow house in Phoenix- ville, close to the Phoenix Iron Works, for a number of years, the father supporting the family by his labors as a nail packer in the nail works close by. In 1836, the family moved to Reading, where our subject's father died in 1856, having devoted his entire ac- tive life to the iron industry. He was a Democrat in his political preferences, and with his family regularly attended divine worship at the Lutheran Church. His wite, whose maiden name was Mary H. Idler, lived to attain the advanced age of ninety-three years. Three children made up the remain- der of the family, as follows; Lewis; Jere- miah, our subject; and Mary (Craig). Judge Hagenman laid the foundations of his education in Phoenixville as a studious pupil in the common schools. As soon as the young lad was old and hardy enough to stand hard labor, the father took him into the nail works to assist him in packing nails. However, the boy was not destined tor that work, as an accident befell him that changed the whole after course of his life. On one au- tumn day he was out with a number of youth- ful companions for the purpose of gathering toyether a store of hickory nuts; the little party in the course of their search came to a tall tree, laden with the nuts they so much desired, and this tree it was decided young Jerry should climb, and then shake off the nuts. Everything did not run so smoothly as was anticipated, for the subject of these memoirs in some way lost his hold and, fall: ing to the ground, broke his arm. The fracture was set, and everything seemed to 30 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES be doing well, when mortification set in, the bandages having been kept on too long. Of course, with such a state of affairs, nothing could be done but amputate the arm, which was accordingly done. The result of this accident was that our subject, recognizing his incapacity for manual labor with one arm, resolved upon the study of the legal profession. Until he became old enough to teach, he assisted his father as much as he could in packing nails at the mill, and per- fected himself in his studies. He began teaching school in June, 1836, at Phoenix- ville, Pa., remaining there three months, then removing to Reading, where he taught school six months, while reading law under the direction of Peter Filbert, Esq. Judge Hagenman was admitted to the bar on April 7, 1842, and in the following autumn opened an office at Reading, very soon building up a very satisfactory practice in general law and equity, which has been his life-work, Judge Hagenman associated politics with his legal practice from the first, and until his elevation to the bench in 1869 was very promi- nently identified with the Democratic party . as an active worker. He was selected from this district as a delegate on a number of occasions to state conventions, and was a delegate to the National Democratic Con- vention of 1868, which nominated Horatio Seymour for President. The office of dis- trict attorney was created by the act of May 3, 1850, the office having previously been an appointive one, under the State Attorney- General: in the ensuing election of 1850, Judge Hlagenman was elected as the first incumbent of the office, and at the expiration of his three-years’ term was re-elected for a like period. His services in office met with the entire approbation of the citizens of the county, and he was tendered a: third term, but he firmly declined, for he wished to have time to attend to his practice, which had assumed large proportions; as it was he held a longer term than has been held by any other district attorney since the office was created. On October 12, 1869, our subject was elected to the office of additional law judge for ten years, his term commencing on De- cember 6, 1869. The resignation of Judge Warren J. Woodward, who had been elected to the Supreme Court, created a vacancy in the presiding judgeship, to which Judge Hagenman was promoted on January 13, 1875. At the expiration of his first term of ten years, Judge Hagenman was re-elected for an additional term, terminating his duties asa judge in 1890. Since then he has prac- ticed with his son, George F., his work being confined to giving counsel. For about forty years, Judge Hagen- man was actively connected with the public schools of Reading, being a director on the school board for nearly thirty years of this period. For twenty years he was a member of the high school committee, and contributed largely to the building of the high school structure, and other school build- ings, by his wise and timely suggestions on important matters of improvement. It was largely through the efforts of the Judge that the Girls’ High School was established. He was the first to champion the plan of heating the buildings by stoves or furnaces, placed in the cellars. The first utilization of this plan was in 1865, in the Elm Street Building. One of Reading’s finest public schools, the *J. Hagenman School Build- ing,’ was named after him, in recognition of his work in the cause of better looking, bet- ter appointed, and more commodious schools. In 1889, our subject was elected president of the Keystone National Bank, and still holds that position. Fraternally, he is a member of Salome Lodge, No. 105, I. O. O. F., and Reading Encampment, No. 43. He has ever been an enthusiastic Odd Fellow, and has taken an abiding interest in the suc- cess of the Order from the outset. He isa member of Grace Lutheran Church, and holds a place of prominence on the Church Council. Judge Hagenman entered the married state in 1850, marrying in that year Louisa E. Boyer, daughter of George Boyer, who in his time was one of the leading citizens of Reading. Mrs. Hagenman was born in 1820. George F. Hagenman, their only son, was born March 7, 1857, receiving a prelim- inary education in the Reading public schools, and pursued a classical course in the Reading High School, graduating from that institution in 1876. He then studied law under Henry C. G. Reber, Esq., of Reading, PROF. MARTIN E. SCHEIBNER. BERKS COUNTY 33 was admitted to the Berks County bar on January 22, 1881, and practiced alone until 1889, when he became associated with his father in business, under the firm name of J. Hagenman & Son, which arrangement still continues, George F. doing the active and routine work, while our subject, with his wide and varied experience, gives the best of counsel. George F. Hagenman is, like his father, a Democrat; he was county solicitor for four years, and has served on the school board for two years. Socially, he is high in Masonic circles, being a member of Lodge No. 62, F. & A. M., Reading, Pa.; Reading Royal Arch Chapter, No. 152, be- ing past high priest; DeMolay Comman- dery, No.9, K. T., in which he is past com- mander, and Rajah Temple of the A. A. O. N.. M.S. ROF. MARTIN E. SCHEIBNER, the well-known principal of the Boys’ High School and a prom- inent educator of the city of Read- ing, was a soldier of the Civil War, during which long-continued struggle he established a reputation for bravery and daring that is. unsurpassed in this section of the state. He is ason of Edward Scheibner, and is a Rus- sian by birth, having been born south of the city of Moscow, Oct. 13, 1842. Prof. Scheibner was reared in his native country, and obtained his education in the University of Warsaw, from which he was graduated in 1862, and in other leading insti- tutions of Europe. He came to America in the spring of 1863, and being in sympathy with the cause of the Union, immediately enlisted his services in its behalf. He became a private in Co. G, goth = Pa. Vol. Inf., and continued as a member of that organiza- tion until the close of the war. Hegave the best account of himself at Mine Run, when by an act of great daring and heroism he saved the lives of many of his fellow soldiers. It was in the fall of 1863, when the Federal forces, lying in the valley, were preparing to rush up the hill, whose tops were crowned with strong fortifications and defended by Lee’s best troops, who were shelling the 3 Union forces below. Shells were falling thick and fast in the Union line, and one in particular fell close to a group of the mem- bers of the goth Pennsylvania, who were ly- ing behind a stack of regimental knapsacks. A general scattering took place, our subject being the only one to retain his presence of sind, Quick as thought and with marvelous coolness, he removed the stopper from his canteen and poured the coffee from it upon the burning fuse just in the nick of time. On May 5, 1864, in the battle of the Wilder- ness, in an unsuccessful charge of his com- pany, he fell, seriously wounded, and there lay in the line of battle between the two forces. By his side a companion lay dead, whose body he relieved of all valuables in order to save them from the Rebels. He got two $20.00 bills, and among other things took from the knapsack a picture of the comrade’s mother or sister, who possessed a winsome and attractive face. Under the cover -of darkness, Prof. Scheibner was removed to within the Union lines by several of his com- panions, and was placed in the field hos- pital. Failing to recuperate as quickly as desired, he was sent to the hospital at Wash- ington, where he obtained the best of treat- ment. In his ward the face of one of the nurses was particularly attractive to him and one that he had seen before, but he knew not where. After a time it dawned upon him that it was the original of the picture which he had taken from his dead comrade. It was a very affecting scene when the sad in- telligence was revealed to her and the picture exhibited as proof. In 1865, when he left the hospital, he also received his honorable dis- charge. Although at a very late day, in 1896, he received a medal in recognition of his act of bravery at Mine Run, accompanied by the following epistle: “Record and Pen- sion Office, War Department, Jan. 23, 1896, Prof. M. E. Scheibner, private Co. G., goth Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf., Reading Pa.: Dear Sir— ‘T have the honor to inform you that by the direction of the President, and in accordance with the Act of Congress, approved March 3, 1863, providing for the presentation of medals to such officers, non-commissioned and privates, as have distinguished them- selves in action, the Assistant Secretary of War has awarded you a medal of honor for 34 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES most distinguished gallantry in action at Mine Run.’”’ After leaving the service, our subject en- tered the office of the New York Tribune as proof reader under Horace Greeley, and re- tained that position until 1870. During that time he also traveled considerably, both for pleasure, and asa means of education, visit- ing the principal places of interest in the United States and South America. In 1870 he went to France and enlisted in the service under the noted leader, Garibaldi, but had the misfortune to be taken prisoner at Sedan. At that time General Sheridan was repre- senting the United States in that country as a student of the military tactics of foreign nations. Asa result of his earnest appeals, Prot. Scheibner was released and sent to Eng- land, whence he returned to the United States. He located at Pittsburg, where he took up the profession of a teacher in Alle- gheny, and subsequently had charge of a number of institutions, such as Beaver Sem- inary of Doylestown, and the public schools of Johnstown, Pa. In 1881 he came to Read- ing and became principal of the Boys’ High School, in which capacity he has efficiently served from that day to this. He has the hearty co-operation of the people and board of education, who are always ready to ap- preciate honest and well-directed efforts. He is a man of undying patriotism, which fact being appreciated by the G. A. R. of the state, he was appointed by the department commander to take measures toward infusing a like spirit into the schools. In 1872 Prof. Scheibner was united in marriage with Maria J. Garrard, a woman of many excellent traits of character, who has been a worthy com- panion to him. Religiously, they are con- sistent members of the Baptist Church. It is with pleasure that we present on a preced- ing page an excellent portrait of this well- known educator and patriotic citizen. — oo ADOSA S. STEVENS, the well- known proprietor of one of the leading drug stores in the city, has been engaged in that line of busi- ness in Reading for almost a half century, and has been successful from the very first. He is a gentleman of high character and is highly esteemed by a large number of friends throughout his section of the county. He is a son of Thomas Jefferson and Margaret (Kane) Stevens, and was born in Cumberland County, near the boundary line of that county and Perry County, October 2, 1825. His grandfather on the paternal side was George Stevens, a native of England, who upon coming to America located in Cumber- land County, Pa., where he spent the remain- der of his life, dying at the advanced age of ninety years. He fought valiantly for the cause of our country in our second struggle against British oppression in 1812. He was a prominent manufacturer of woolen goods in his day and was quite prosperous. Thomas Jefferson Stevens was born in Cumberland County, and after attaining man’s estate succeeded to his father’s busi- ness, which he conducted throughout life. Although a thorough business man, he did not allow business to detract from the culti- vation of his other natural talents, being especially fond of music and painting. He was also a man of literary tastes and spent much time in reading and in scientific research; during his life he accumulated a large and interesting collection of curios. He was an intimate friend of the well-known scientist Spencer Baird, who was one of the first superintendents of the Smithsonian Insti- tute. He was a good neighbor and a true friend and discharged every obligation of a dutiful citizen. Sadosa S. Stevens, the subject of this biog- raphy, obtained his education in the subscrip- tion schools which were in existence in his boyhood, attending them until he was nearly fifteen years of age, when he moved to Car- lisle and began to study for the career of a druggist. He subsequently went to Phila- delphia, where he followed that line of busi- ness until 1849, when he came to Reading, and in partnership with Philip Zieber con- ducted a drug store for one year. When the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Stevens pur- chased his partner’s interest and has since conducted the store alone. He was energetic and enterprising and it took him but a short time to acquire a large patronage, including that of the leading citizens of Reading, which he has since held by his honest CAPT. JOHN C. A. HOFFEDITZ. methods and the courtesy which is always extended to his customers. He has also been deeply interested in the progress of the city’s interests, and in 1872 was one of the organ- izers of the board of health, of which he was a member for ten years. He also served one term in the capacity of school director, per- forming the duties of that office in a straight- forward and impartial manner. For a number of years he has served as chairman of the library committee, and holds that office at the present time. Mr. Stevens was joined in wedlock with Ellen B. Kerper, daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth (Boyer) Kerper, and their happy union has been blessed by the birth of the following children: Frank Van Dyke, who died at the age of five years; Emily, who died at the age of three years; William Ker- per, an attorney of Reading and a member of the firm of Stevens & Stevens; and Bessie K., the wife of Rev. William P. Taylor, an Episcopal minister located at Morristown, N. J. Politically, our subject was originally a Whig, but became a Republican upon the organization of that party, his family being active in its sympathy with the cause of the Abolitionists. Oo APT. JOHN C. A. HOFFEDITZ, who has practically lived in fretire- ment for nearly a quarter of a century, is one of the good, sub- stantial, and reliable citizens of the city of Reading. He was born in Upper Mount Bethel township, Northampton County, Pa., April 5, 1829, and is a son of Rev. Theodore L. and Julia (Roth) Hoffeditz. Theodore Ludwig Hoffeditz, the father of our subject, was bornin Germany, and came to America a young man of eighteen years; he had learned the trade of a piano maker in his native land, and followed it in this country for a few years. Being a man of scholarly attainments, he turned his attention to teach- ing school in the northern part of Berks County, after which he took up the study of theology in Philadelphia under a minister of the Reformed Church. He was engaged in Biblical instruction the remainder of his life, a period of forty-six years, and was one BERKS COUNTY 37 of the most active ministers of the Relormed Church at that time, being president of the Synod a number of times. He was one of a committee, composed of Rev. Benjamin Schneck and himself, who were sent abroad to secure a German Professor for the Mer- cersburg College, which resulted in their returning home with the Rev. Dr. Philip Schaff, who later won distinction as a writer in America. Rev. Mr. Hoffeditz was an earnest and eloquent advocate of the church, and while residing in Upper Mount Bethel township, Northampton County, he traveled as far as sixty miles to and from his charges, always making the journey on horseback. He was united in the holy bonds of wedlock with Julia Roth, who was born in Saucon township in 1793. Their union resulted in the following issue: Louisa, who is still liv- ing and is unmarried; Theodore C. W., de- ceased, who was a minister of the Reformed Church; Matilda, deceased, who after her marriage moved west; Maria W., deceased ; Charles W. L., who is living in retirement in the city of Philadelphia; Pauline C., who is still living and remains unmarried; Capt. John C. A., in whom the interest of this sketch centers; William B., deceased, was a printer by trade and lived in Anaconda, Mon- tana; and Emma Julia, who lives in Lehigh County, Pa. Rev. Mr. Hoffeditz closed his eyes in final sleep in 1858, and his beloved wife survived him one year, dying at the age of sixty-six years. Capt. John C. A. Hoffeditz was intellectu- ally prepared for the battles of life in Naza- reth Hall Academy,in Northampton County, and started out in life by learning the trade of a tanner and currier, which he followed a few years. He came tothe city of Reading in May, 1852, and embarked in the dry goods business, at which he continued for three years, when he went into the wholesale liquor business, and continued at that fora period of twenty years. During that time he was also connected with oil development, and in 1865 was engaged in boring two wells in Canada, from which he realized handsome profits. In 1867 he became superintendent of the construction of the Grand Boulevard west of Central Park in the city of New York, being thus employed for about one year. In 1868 he became connected with 38 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES the East Penn R. R., continuing until it came under the management of the P. & R. R. R. one year later. After closing out the liquor business, he, in partnership with his son, built a large factory in Reading, where they were engaged in the manufacture of carriages for three or four years, since which he has lived a retired life. Prior to the Civil War he was connected with a cavalry company, and when the war broke out in 1861 he organized a company of cavalry- men, of which he was captain, and it was the first to be accepted by General Cameron, then Secretary of War, after the First Battle of Bull Run. The organization left Reading as an independent company August 3, 1861, but was soon after attached to the First Pennsylvania Cavalry, and served throughout the entire war. Our subject served faith- fully for eleven months, when he was incapa- citated for further service by a disease ot the throat. He was compelled to leave the camp much against his will, and returned to his home. About one-half of this brave and patriotic company who left happy homes, and sacrificed the business in which they were engaged, gave up their lives in the de- fense of their country. Capt. Hoffeditz was united in marriage with Emma Reifsnyder, a native of Reading, and they reared four children, of whom but one now lives, J. Calvin, who is collector for Peter Barbey & Son, brewers. Politically, our subject originally wasa Whig, but upon the organization of the Republican party, he became a follower of Fremont and Lincoln. He has always taken an active part in the affairs of his party, and is at present assessor for the Seventh Ward otf the city of Read- ing, the wealthiest ward of the city, and has performed his duties in a manner satisfactory to all concerned. He also served twelve years as a member of the school board from the Seventh Ward. Socially, he is very prominent in the work of the Masonic Order, being a member of Chandler Lodge, No. 227, F. & A. M., of which he is the third oldest past officer living; he is a member of Reading Chapter, No. 152, R. A. M., and the DeMolay Commandery, No. 9, K. T. In re ligious attachments he is a consistemt mem- ber of the Reformed Church. His portrait is shown on a preceding page. AHLON SHAABER. This pop- ular and energetic business man of Reading is the proprietor of the Post Office Cigar Store and Pool Room located at No. 37 North Fifth street, and was born in Reading, April 12, 1844. He is a son of John C. and Elizabeth (Schis- ler) Shaaber. Andrew Shaaber, the great-great-grand- father of our subject, was of . German extraction; he located in Reading in 1754, and may easily be classed among the pioneer settlers of Berks County. He was the pro- genitor of a family of children, one of whom was Andrew Shaaber, Jr., the great-grand- father of our subject, who was a native of Reading. The early records of Berks County show that he wasa tax payer of Reading in 1775. His wife was Elizabeth Sauerbier, and among their children was John, the grandfather of our subject, who was bornin Reading March 5, 1790. He resided in this city all his life, and was the owner of the old family homestead located on the corner of Ninth and Franklin streets. He was a hatter by trade, and followed that occupation throughout his entire life. He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church. He was wedded October 11, 1810, to Mary Caldwell, who was born in Berks County May 14, 1791. The grandfather of our subject died in Reading, November 11, 1839; his wile died March 11, 1844. They were the parents of the following children: Catherine, born February 9, 1811; Elizabeth, February 24, 1813; Margaret, November, 1815, was married to Frederick Dease; Mary, June 29, 1818; John C., October 30, 1820, the father of our subject; George, August 6, 1823; Sarah, November 13, 1825; Peter, December 16, 1828; Rebecca, June 23, 1830; Daniel and Jacob, twins, December 10, 1832; and Henry W., January 20, 1835. John C. Shaaber, the father of our subject, was a blacksmith by trade, and resided at No. 130 South Ninth street. He was a born me- chanic, and was a valued citizen of his com- munity. In politics he was formerly an old line Whig, but when this party was aband- oned, he became a Republican, and took an active part in local politics. He was joined in marriage with Elizabeth Schisler, a native of Lehigh County, Pa., and a family of three BERKS COUNTY 39 sons and four daughters blessed this union, namely : Maria, deceased, was a music teacher in the Lewisburg Seminary; Ella is the wife of Frank Knerr of Reading; Susan died in her infancy; Elizabeth also died young; Adam J., a blacksmith by trade and a resident of Reading, enlisted in the 42nd Reg. Pa., Emergency Company, and served until 1863 in this company, and then enlisted for 100 days in the 196th Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf., known asthe Fifth Union League; John, an em- ployee of the United States Mail Service, is a carrier of this city; and Mahlon, our subject. Mahlon Shaaber attended the public schools of Reading but a short time, being unable to attend on account of his poor health. Later he worked for different iron companies of Reading, learning the trade of a machinist, and followed that occupation until February 1, 1898, when he purchased the Post Office Cigar Store and Pool Room, located at No. 37 North Fifth street, Reading. Mr. Shaaber carries a fine stock of cigars, his billiard tables are nothing but the best, and his parlors are a popular resort with the young men of the city. Our subject ren- dered valuable service toward the Union cause during the late Rebellion, enlisting in the Union Army in October, 1861; he was assigned to Co. B, 93rd Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf. At the battle of Fair Oaks, May 31, 1862, he was severely wounded, which circumstance compelled him to give up his service for some time; later he re-enlisted in the 42nd Regiment for three months, and was given the rank of corporal; at the expiration of his term he re-enlisted in the 196th Reg., known as the Fifth Union League Regiment, as a first lieutenant, and served three months. When our subject was wounded at Fair Oaks he was held a prisoner on the field two days; the wound which he received still gives him much trouble, and he has never since been able to do much if any manual labor. Mr. Shaaber is a strong Republican, and served as chief of police one term under the administration of Mayor James R. Kinney. Socially, he is a member of the G. A.R, McLean Post No. 16; and Encampment No. 43, Union Veteran Legion. Our subject was united in the bonds of matrimony with Mary A. Hooker, a daughter of Amos Hooker, a foreman in the P. & R. R. R. shops of Read- B* ing. To them were born five children, as follows: John E., deceased; Arthur Osbeck, deceased; Minnie, the wife of Charles Rhein, an employee of the United States Express Company of Reading; Edmund Garfield, born May 20, 1881, is now serving an appren- ticeship to the machinist’s trade; and Stewart Logan. —____ ++ -—___ ILLIAM ROBINSON MCILVAIN, who was engaged in the manufac- ture of boiler tanks, bridge iron, and steel in the city of Reading for a period of forty years, retired at the beginning of the year, 1898, to spend the remainder of his life in the enjoyment of a handsome compe- tency gained through the labors of his early life. He is a son of William and Sarah Crosby (Morton) MclIlvain, and was born in Berks County, near Jones’ Mines, Jan. 28, 1841. The Mcllvain family originally came from the north of Ireland, and are typical repre- sentatives of that sturdy Scotch-Irish race, who came from that section and became some of our best American citizens. James MclIl- vain, the first to establish the family name in this country, was bornin County Antrim, Ire- land, and emigrated to this country in 1724, locating in Delaware County, Pa. He reared a son, John, whose son, James, was the grand- father of our subject. On the maternal side the ancestry is traced back to John Morton, the speaker of the Colonial Assembly from Pennsylvania, and a signer of the Declara- tion of Independence. He was the father of Sketchley, the grandfather of Adam Taylor, and the great-grandfather of the mother of our subject. James Mcllvain, the grandfather of our subject, was united in matrimonial bonds with Mary Robinson, who was a daughter of Abraham Robinson, a man of distinction in New Castle County, Del. He was judge of the court of common pleas in that county, was a member of the House of Assembly of Delaware in 1776 and 1777, and was also on the committee of safety for New Castle dur- ing the Revolutionary War. William Mcllvain, our subject's father, was born in Delaware County, Pa., in 1807, and 40 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES in 1836 moved to Jones’ Mines, Berks County, where he served as superintendent of the mines for ten years. He then moved to Gib- raltar, where he formed a partnership with Henry Seyfert for the purpose of manufac- turing boiler plate iron, and under the name, Seyfert, Mcllvain & Co., the firm continued for ten years, doing a large and prosperous business. In 1856 Mr. Mcllvain removed to Reading, where he built an extensive mill and engaged inthe manufacture of boiler tanks, bridge iron and steel. After the year 1860 he took in his two sons, M. C. and William R., and the firm name became William MclIL- vain & Sons, remaining such until his retire- ment in 1886. The business flourished and became one of the leading industries of Read- ing, employing some 225 men the year around. Mr. MclIlvain was also closely con- nected with many other enterprises in the city. He was one of the organizers and president of the Second National Bank of Reading, and up to the time of his death was superintendent of the Reading Steam Forge. Politically, he was at one time a Whig, but being opposed to the institution of slavery be- came a Republican, upon the organization of that party. He took an active interest in the welfare of every measure which tended to promote the interest of his party. Re- ligiously, he was for many years a vestryman in the Christian Church of Reading. He was called to his eternal resting place in 1890, after living a long and useful life. As a result of his marriage with Sarah Morton, four children were born, namely: Howard, who was killed at White Sulphur Springs, Va.; M. C., who died in 1895, was a member of the firm, William McIlvain & Sons; Spen- cer L. of Reading; Annie E.; and William Robinson, the gentleman whose name heads these lines. William Robinson Mcllvain was reared in the village of Jones’ Mines, and obtained his education in the public schools and the high school at Reading, from which he graduated in 1857. He then entered the office of his father, and finally became a member of the firm, continuing until his retirement in 1898, a period of over forty years. He has also been interested in many other business ven- tures, and in all measures having for their ul- timate factor the advancement of the city's interests. He is a director of the Second National Bank of Reading, a director of the Reading Trust Co., vice-president of the Reading Fire Insurance Co.; president of the Reading Market House Co., and is closely connected with the management of the street railway lines of the city. He is a director of the Reading Gas Co., and for twelve years was a member of the water board, during which time many improvements were made, and a reservoir was built at the head of Penn street. Mr. Mcllvain is a man of energy and enterprise, and his success in life is mainly due to his untiring industry and good man- agement. He entered the realms of matrimony Dec. 31, 1862, with Emily Reed Smith, of Read- ing, and they are the proud parents of two sons, Edward Morton and William. Edward M. is assistant to the president of the Bethle- hem Iron Co., and is general sales agent. William is interested in the business in which his father has been engaged for so many years. Religiously, Mr. MclIlvain is a mem- ber of the Christian Church, of which he has been a vestryman for the past twenty years. io UGUSTUS S. FLICKER, the genial and popular proprietor of the Mer- chant’s Hotel of Reading, is a son of Jeremiah and Mary (Swavely ) Flicker, and was born August 22, 1847, in Earl township, Berks County. His grand- father, Jacob Flicker, was also a native of Earl township, but moved to Oley township, this county, where he died, and, where the father of our subject was born. Jeremiah Flicker was a prominent Democrat of Oley township, and did his party much valuable service in that locality. He was road com- missioner for a number of years. He was married to Mary Swavely, a daughter of Jacob Swavely. Her mother was named Trout previous to her marriage, a relative ot Mrs. Elizabeth Trout, well known as the oldest person in Earl township to-day. Mrs. Elizabeth Trout was born August 13, 1796, and is consequently almost one hundred and two years of age; living with her isa daughter who was born January 16, 1823. To Mr.and Mrs. Jeremiah Flicker were born five chil- JAMES NEVIN ERMENTROUT. HON. dren: Jacob, at present residing in Philadel- phia, served through the Civil War, and at its close secured employment with the P. & R. R. R. as trainmaster, a position he has held continually since; Sallie is unmarried and resides in Reading; Jerry is a blacksmith of the same city; Mary is the wife of Daniel Becker of Hyde Park, Muhlenberg township; and Augustus S., who is the subject of this biography. Augustus S. Flicker attended the public schools when a lad, but at an early age had to seek work to help support the family. His father died when he was young, and his elder brother was away to the War, leaving the mother and children dependent upon him for support. At the age of fourteen, Augustus commenced work on a farm in Oley township for four dollars per month. He wasa steady and industrious boy, and a blessing to his mother, to whom he carried his earnings. He worked on a farm there for six years, until he was twenty years old, when he went to the Almshouse Farm and drove a team fora year. Having worked a good deal about horses, and understanding and liking that work, he now secured employment with Amos Young in taking charge of his trotting horses in Exeter township. “Billy Mustafly” was under his care one season. He then worked on a farm for another six months and at the end of that time entered the employ of the P. & R.R. R. as one of the crew on a ballast train. He was soon promoted from this to the position of fireman on a passenger train, and held to this work until 1877, when he re- signed. That summer he worked on a farm for fifty cents a day and his board, and the following year he devoted to huckstering. He then began to think seriously of engaging in some business that would furnish him steady employment in one place, and with this object in view he purchased the grocery store at No. 426 South Ninth street, Reading, and for nine years did a very profitable bus- iness there. He then sold the store to Ed Kramer and engaged in the flour and feed trade. In this business he had two partners, I. S. Fry and John P. Fink, the firm being known as Flicker, Fink & Fry. This part- nership lasted three years, when Mr. Flicker sold out to Mr. Fry, and bought out a Mr. Rhoads at Ninth and Franklin streets. This BERKS COUNTY 43 was a grocery, flour and feed business, and he conducted it six months, until September 8, 1888, when he purchased the Merchant’s Hotel at Reading, which he has since oper- ated. This hotel is strictly first class in every respect, a fact that is highly appreciated by the traveling public. It isa line of business for which Mr. Flicker seems to be peculiarly fitted, and the success with which he has met but proves him to be the right man in the right place. He is also acting as agent for the Deering Harvester Co., with which con- cern he has been connected for the past eight years, which line of work furnishes him a remunerative salary. On February 26, 1878, Mr. Flicker was united in marriage with a daughter of Lewis Snyder, Emma, who was born April 4, 1858. They have four children: Florence, Wayne, Edna and Earl. Mr. Flicker is a stanch Democrat and takes a great interest in the welfare of the party, but is in no manner an office seeker, the benefits to be derived from that source having no attraction for him. He is a member of the Knights of the Castle, Golden Eagle, and the Masonic Order. He is also a member of the First Reformed Church, and is an earnest worker in the or- ganization. He is an upright, Christian gentleman, amiable and charitable to a fault, and highly esteemed by the community in which he lives. —_—— @a>—___ TROUT, the president judge of the Berks County district, whose Ry portrait we present on the oppo- site page, merits well the distinction gained in twelve years of service on the bench, of being the most popular judge that has ever presided over the courts of the county. This popu- larity has not been secured at the expense of justice and sound decisions, for there is no judge in the whole State of Pennsylvania who is more respected for his profound legal learning, unquestioned integrity of conduct, and for his regard for the rights and liberties of his felowmen, His rulings and decisions invariably hold when appeals are taken to higher courts, for they are founded on the A JAMES NEVIN ERMEN.- 44 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES soundest principles of equity andlaw. Pleas- ant, affable and courteous in manner, he has unnumbered friends, who recognize in him the ideal qualifications of a judge, and esteem him as one of the best native products of Berks County. The bar has ever been unan- imous in endorsing his actions, and Demo- cratic and Republican lawyers alike support him, regardless of party. _ Judge Ermentrout comes of a family that has contributed in no small degree in the making of the history of Berks County ; its members have occupied with distinction lead- ing places in all the learned professions and skilled avocations. The Ermentrout line in this country extends back to the great-great- grandfather of the Judge, John Ermentrout by name, a resident of the Palatinate in Germany, who became a pioneer of what afterwards became Berks County, in 1739, and there ever afterwards made his home. In Germany the line can be traced back, for the most part unbroken, to about 1350, when the family name was Ehrentraudt. Christopher, the son of John Ermentrout, was born in Berks County, February 8, 1754, and resided near the place where he was born all of his life, engaged in agricul- tural pursuits. John Ermentrout, grandfather of our sub- ject, was ushered into life in Berks County, April 27, 1777, and throughout his life was busied in farming, and in carrying on the business of a hatter near Womelsdorf, the last twenty years of his life being spent in re- tirement. The greatest confidence was al- ways reposed in him by his fellow-citizens, who held him in very high regard as a man of uprightness and correct principles. He made his personality felt in the district, where his fortunes were cast, and did a pow- er of good by his ever timely advocacy of the right, and opposition to wrong. The Reformed Church included him as one of its best members, for he could be relied upon at all times to perform his whole duty and more, and esteemed it a pleasure and privilege to work in behalf of his church. The accounts of his personal appearance unite in ascribing to him the most manly, virile qualities; he was tall, well-proportioned, and possessed of great endurance, the latter feature being well established from the accounts given of his quite frequent journeys to Philadelphia, when he would cover the entire distance between Reading and that city on foot between sun- rise and sunset. His political preferences united him to the Democratic party. He married Mary M. Moyer, and their family numbered the following children: Daniel; William, the father of the Judge; John; David; Katherine (Mrs. Radell); Margaret ; and an infant, that died. William Ermentrout entered upon a mer- cantile career in his youth in Womelsdorf, where he was born December 12, 1799, and where he resided until 1829, when he re- moved to Reading, and continued to busy himself in mercantile pursuits until he relin- quished business cares and settled down to his well-earned rest, dying when over eighty years of age, January 21, 1880. His position in the regard of his fellow-citizens was high indeed, and on many occasions was he shown substantial evidences of their favor, being honored with the office of treasurer of Berks County from 1851 to 1853, and being contin- ued in office for a long term of years as a member of the board of control of the pub- lic schools, a part of which period he acted as treasurer of the board. In_his business relations, strict integrity of conduct, careful- ness as to detail, and far-sightedness in his commercial ventures characterized him. He was deacon in the First Reformed Church of Reading for many years, and supported the candidates of the Democratic party at the polls. His wife, Justina Silvis, bore him the following interesting family of children: Rey. John Silvis, born September 27, 1827, died July 21, 1881, was county superintend- ent of schools from 1860 to 1869, and achieved an extended reputation as an educator; Wil- liam C.; Benjamin Franklin, deceased; Hon. Daniel, born January 24, 1837, the present representative of the Berks district in the National Congress; Philip M., at present secretary of the Mutual Fire Insurance Co. of Berks County; Joseph C.; Dr. Samuel C., born March 24, 1844, a leading physician of Reading; James Nevin, the subject of this biography; Ellen (Mrs. H. C. Ritter); - Elizabeth, wife of Benneville De Ber- tolet. _ Judge Ermentrout was born in the city of Reading, at No. 52 North Fifth street, on October 25, 1846. He early evinced a very studious turn of mind, and so bent his ener- gies toward excelling in school, that he was admitted to the Reading High School at the age of eleven years, at the head of his class. In June, 1852, he graduated from the higher institution, again being honored with the dis- tinction of being the first in his class, deliver- ing on that occasion the valedictory oration on “Andrew Jackson.” In the fall of the year he put the knowledge acquired in school to practical use in teaching in Ruscomb- manor township until the May of the next year, when he enrolled himself as a student in Tuscarora Academy, a boarding school in Juniata County, continuing there for a year, with the exception of the winter months, when he taught school in Alsace township, Berks County. His progress in the Tusca- rora Academy had been so exceptional, and so rapid, that he was appointed professor of languages in that institution, so much confi- dence was there placed in his scholarship and ability as a pedagogue. He continued to give instruction in Latin, Greek and mathe- matics until September, 1865, when he assisted in organizing St. John’s German Evangelical Parochial School of Reading, and continued for one year as the first principal of the English department. At this time our subject’s eldest brother, Rev. John S. Er- mentrout, was entering upon his third term of three years as county superintendent ol schools; such was the magnitude of the work, and the manifold duties incumbent on the official holding the position, it was de- cided that there was too much work for one man to attend to, and accordingly our sub- ject was appointed deputy superintendent. For two years he continued in this position, visiting the schools, conducting teacher’s examinations, and assisting in perfecting the educational system of the county. While engaged in educational work, Mr. Ermen- trout also found time to study law, and in November, 1867, was admitted to the Berks County Bar when but twenty-one years of age. Upon relinquishing his work as deputy superintendent of schools, he devoted all his energies toward the legal profession, and it was not long before his ability and energy had advanced him to the front ranks of the county’s attorneys, being aided in this BERKS COUNTY 45 struggle for recognition and prominence by his extended acquaintance throughout the county. In 1869, after having been en- Bpeee in practice alone for almost a year, he ormed a partnership with his brother Daniel, who had been in practice from 1859, and this partnership of Daniel & James N. Ermentrout continued until our subject took his seat as one of the county’s judges. The business of the firm increased very rapidly, and brought to the partners very handsome returns. During a great part of the life of the partnership, the practice of the firm was conducted by our subject almost entirely, his brother being engaged in public work, as a state senator from 1874 to 1880, and then as a national representative. There were few attorneys practicing in Berks County who were so generally liked and so highly re- garded as Mr. Ermentrout, whose conduct was at all times marked by strict integrity, unfailing courtesy to fellow-practitioners, and undivided attention to the litigation placed in his hands. It came almost as a matter of course, that when the time came for electing an additional law judge to succeed Judge Sassaman, whose term expired in 1885, that the Berks County Bar should almost unanimously, and without regard for party lines, request him to allow his name to be used as a candidate for the office. Such was the public sentiment, cre- ated in his behalf by this action, that he was nominated by acclamation in the Democratic County Convention, and was subsequently elected, taking his seat as additional law judge for ten years on January 4, 1886. The retirement of Judge Hagenman in 1890 placed Judge Ermentrout in the position he now so ably and justly fills. He was again re-nominated in 1895, on the Democratic ticket, without opposition, and defeated his Republican opponent in the election follow- ing, securing a plurality of 5,006 out of 24,889 votes cast. This was an immense tribute to his legal learning, and popularity with all classes. It is safe to say that there is scarcely an office in the gift of the people that would not be gladly accorded him, but it is the evident wish of all that he be con- tinued in his present field of usefulness, as the conserver of justice and morality in this district. 46 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES R. SAMUEL L. KURTZ, a leading physician of Reading, Pa., is a son of Samuel M. and Mary E. (Long- acre) Kurtz, and was born Sept. 27, 1832, in Lionville, Chester County, Pa. The family tree has its roots deep seated in the German soil. His grandfather, Joseph Kurtz, was born in Chester County, and spent his lite in that vicinity, ministering to the spirit- ual wants of the people. He possessed a good education and was a close Bible student. His researches into the Bible led him to en- ter the ministry, and he became a preacher in the German Baptist, or Dunkard, Church. His wife was Fanny Miller, and their mar- riage resulted in the birth of nineteen chil- dren. Samuel M. Kurtz, the father of our sub- ject, was born in Chester County, where he engaged in husbandry and became one of the most prominent men of the section. He was twice married; the first union was with Mary E. Longacre, by whom he had four sons and two daughters ; the second marriage was with Mary Miller, the fruits of this union being two children. Dr. Samuel L. Kurtz received his prepara- tory education in Freeland Seminary, near The Trappe, Montgomery County, this state. Having decided upon a professional career, he commenced the study of medicine under Dr. Geiger of Harleysville, Montgomery County, and remained with him until that gentleman was appointed to the chair of ob- stetrics in Philadelphia College. Dr. Kurtz continued his studies under Dr. Rinehart Keeler, and entered Jefferson Medical Col. lege of Philadelphia, from which he gradu- ated March 12, 1854. Heat once located in Phoenixville, Chester County, where he re- mained two years, and then moved to Oak- land Mills, Juniata County, where he prac- ticed until the breaking out of the Civil War, when he offered his services to his country. In 1861, he entered Camp Curtin at Harris- burg Pa., as assistant surgeon, and was after- ward assigned to duty in the 11th Reg. Pa. Reserves, Volunteer Corps, remaining with this regiment in the capacity of assistant sur- geon for about three months. At the end of that time, having fully demonstrated his abil- ity, he was promoted to the position of sur- geon and assigned to the 85th Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf., with the rank of major, and served in this capacity until the regiment was mustered out, Nov. 22, 1864. After the close of the war he came to Reading, where he has since been actively and successfully engaged in the practice of his profession. His army life had been three years of profit, so far as ex- perience went, and his patronage soon be- came extended and of a most desirable class, until at this time he is recognized as one of the best physicians in the city. He keeps well informed on the medical progress of the age, and is prominently identified with a number of societies whose design is to stim- ulate scientific research and promote good- fellowship among medical practitioners. He is a member of the Reading Medical Associ- ation, and has served as its president a number of terms; he has been president of the Berks County Medical Society a number of years, and one year was president of the Pennsyl- vania State Medical Society, this being the second time the honor was ever conferred upon a Berks County man. He is also a member of the American Medical Associa- tion. Dr. Kurtz united his fortunes with those of a daughter of John Morgan of Phoenix- ville, Chester County, Miss Sarah Morgan, and to them three children were born, all now living in the city of Reading, honorable and useful citizens. They are: Dr. J. Ellis; Georgiene, the wife of N. H. Muhlenberg, who is- employed by the Carpenter Steel Works—his ancestors and those of the Kurtz family were the founders of the Lutheran Church in this country ; and Dr. Clarence M. Dr. Kurtz, our subject, is a member of the board of health of Reading; a member of the board of managers of the Reading Hos- pital; and isa member of the surgical staff of that institution. His services are in fre- quent demand by the other physicians asa consultant, as his ability is well recognized by the medical fraternity. He has been somewhat prominently before the public in political matters, having represented the 11th Congressional District, composed of Berks and Lehigh Counties, as Presidential Elector in 1888, and has been a delegate frequently to county and state conventions. He is also active in work of the fraternal societies, being a member of General William H. Keim Post, DR. DANIEL G. LONG. BERKS COUNTY ' 49 No. 76, G. A. R., and the military order of the Loyal Legion of the U.S.,and of the Ma- sonic Order. Dr. Kurtz is emphatically a good man and a good physician. His entire life has been characterized by industry, in- tegrity, charity, sociability, and a conscien- tious devotion to his profession. Dr. and Mrs. Kurtz, and all members of the family, are members of the Episcopal Church. The Doctor and his wife belong to St. Barnabas Church of Reading. DR. J. ELLIS KURTZ, elder son of the subject of this notice, was born Oct. 13, 1858, at Oakland Mills, Juniata County, this state. He received his education in the public schools of Reading and in Trinity College, at Hartford, graduating from the former insti- tution in 1872, and from the latter in 1877, when but nineteen years of age, receiving the degree of A. B., and subsequently receiv- ing the degree of Master of Arts. He at once began reading medicine with his father, and finished his professional training at Jef- ferson Medical College, graduating in 1880. Although then but little past twenty-one years of age, he at once began the practice of medicine in Reading, giving to the pro- fession his entire time, as he had previously to his studies. The first three years were devoted to a general practice, but having completed a special study of the diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat, he has since confined his practice entirely to that field of medical endeavor. Some of his cures have been so out of the ordinary that they have claimed wide attention, and his progress has been quite flattering. He is a man of marked resources, and his skill is exceeded only by his energy and industry. All his treatment is characterized by the most care- ful, considerate attention, and his patients are among his warmest friends and well- wishers. Dr. Kurtz was wedded to Marietta Shoemaker, daughter of Dr. C. E. Shoe- maker, a well-known physician of Reading, and to them have been born two children, Georgiene and Francina. The Doctor is connected with the leading county and state medical societies, being a member of the Reading, State, and Berks County Medical Societies, and is right at the front in all mat- ters pertaining to the latest developments in the medical world. DR. CLARENCE M. KURTZ, younger son of our subject, was born March 12, 1861, at Oakland Mills, Juniata County, this state. He graduated from Trinity College, Hart- ford, Conn., with the degree of A. B., and received his diploma from the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, in 1886. He at once began to operate in the field of his chosen profession in Reading, and has alarge general practice. He also is quite efficient in the treatment of diseases of the eye, ear, nose, and throat. He was secretary for sev- eral years of the Reading Medical Society, and is also a member of the county and state organizations. He is at present one of the staff of surgeons of the Reading Hospital, and is a painstaking, capable, and efficient physi- cian. , —___++_____ a R. DANIEL G. LONG is well known in Reading, not only as one of the leading physicians, but as a large property holder, and as a man who takes an active part in promoting the interests of the community. He is a son of Aaron and Esther (Fritch) Long, and is a native of Long Swamp township, Berks County, where he was born July 13, 1850. His great-grandparents, natives of the Rhine Provinces in Germany, upon coming to America, settled in Pennsylvania in what is now knownas Long Swamp township, where the valley of Long’s Dale was named in honor of them. On the homestead in Berks County, Daniel Long, the grandfather of our subject, was born and in the district of Long Swamp township he passed his life. Aaron Long, the father, was born in Long’s Dale August 10, 1815, and, following the example set him by his father, spent his life in the community in which he was born, engaged in the peaceful pursuits of agricul- ture. The family were all wedded to the soil, and were then, as now, among the most substantial farmers of the county. He wasa Republican, but cared nothing for office. He was united in inarriage to Esther Fritch, who was born January 30, 1816. They were the parents of three sons: Marcus, born May 11, 1836, now resides on the old farm and is a prosperous farmer and mill owner; 5° BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES Jonas F., born September 28, 1837, is now living at Mare’s Island, where he has been for a number of years in the employ of the U. S. Navy; and Daniel G., our subject. Jonas F. Long entered the Civil War as a sergeant and was promoted to the position of captain in the 7th Reg. Pa. Vol. Cav. He was wounded seven times during his service, but, with the persistent determination shown by so many of our brave boys, he again and again returned to his post at the first possible moment, and continued fighting for the cause of freedom until rewarded by victory. He then returned to Berks County, where he remained until 1873, when he once more entered the service of the Government. Aaron Long passed from this life October 30, 1883, and three months later, on the 2oth of January, 1884, his wife, the loving and faithful partner who had helped to lighten his work, joined him in the better world. Dr. Daniel G. Long received his primary education in the common schools of Long Swamp township. This was supplemented later by a most thorough course in several of the best schools of the time. After attend- ing Whitehall Academy of Cumberland County and the Normal School at Kutztown he entered the office of his uncle, Dr. M. S. Long of Long Swamp, and studied medicine with him until he had fitted himself to enter a good medical school. He then entered the University of Pennsylvania, from which he graduated in 1875. For the three subse- quent years he practiced with his uncle, at Long Swamp, locating next in Mertztown, Berks County, where he remained two years and then moved to Fleetwood. In 1881-82 he was a student at the University of Penn- sylvania, taking a post-graduate course, upon the completion of which he came to Reading and opened his office, building up a fine practice. He is a specialist in chronic and skin diseases, and is a recognized author- ity in their treatment, having taken a special course in that line. His reputation is far- reaching, and his services are in constant demand. The Doctor is also deeply inter- ested in fruit culture, Dr. Long & Johnson being the owners of Crystal Springs Fruit Farm, located near Reading, one of the finest fruit farms to be found in this part of the state. The fruit is of the choicest variety, and especial care is taken to have it mature in the best condition; after a visit to these well kept grounds, one is not surprised at the pride manifested by the Doctor. An orchard of 9,000 peach trees is one of the notable features, to say nothing of the apples, plums, and other fruit that make it a most productive and desirable property. He also owns considerable real estate in Reading, and is stockholder and promoter of several of the prominent local institutions. Dr. Long was married in 1873 to Miss Emma Miller, by whom he has had three daughters: Ella C., born in 1876; Gertrude E., born November 26, 1883; and Anna E., born June 18, 1874, and died at the age of seven years. The Doctor is a member of several fraternal orders, viz: Huguenot Lodge, No. 377, F. & A. M.; Excelsior Chap- ter, No. 237; Reading Commandery, No. 42; Philadelphia Consistory 32°; Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. of Mystic Shriners: and Pro- gressive Lodge of the Odd Fellows. He is medical examiner for the Royal Arcanum. In politics he is a strong Republican, but has never been before the public as an aspir- ant for office. He is a faithful and consistent member of St. Paul's Memorial Reformed Church and an earnest worker for its ad- vancement. He is a most accomplished gentleman, with amiable and engaging man- ners, and commands the full confidence and respect of the community for the rectitude of his daily life. As a leading physician of Reading it gives us pleasure to present Dr. Long's portrait on a preceding page. —_———_ ++ SAAC LAUCKS, deceased, was in life a highly esteemed citizen of the city of Reading, and was a man of unques- tioned integrity, being held in high esti- mation by a wide circle of acquaintances. He was born in Friedensburg, Pa., April 5, 1821, and early in life came to the city of Reading, where he soon attained a command- ing position as one of the leading business men of the community. Isaac Laucks possessed a fine education, and during his younger days he engaged as a school teacher at Friedensburg; after teaching several years he became a resident of the city of Reading, where he accepted a position as clerk in the office of the recorder of deeds, which was the beginning of his career in public life. Later he was elected recorder of deeds of Berks County, and after remaining in that capacity one term, he became deputy recorder of wills. Mr. Laucks, for a period of thirty-five years, was a public official in various capacities in the ee court house, and in fact he was en- gaged in public life the greater part of his life. For many years he served as assessor and collector of the Seventh Ward of Read- ing; he was a man of broad views and was deeply interested in all educational matters. He was also a man of considerable influence, and his opinion was frequently sought for in legal and business matters. Religiously, he was a devoted member of the First Reformed Church, and was treas- urer of the same a number of years. In due time, when he felt that his means would jus- tify the step, Mr. Laucks took unto himself a life partner in the person of Mrs. Catherine Kring, neé Shick. She was born in Lehigh County, Pa., and was a daughter of George and Catherine (Muthard) Shick. Her father, who is now deceased, was a prominent farmer and hotel keeper of Lehigh County. Mr. Laucks departed from this life at his resi- dence at No. 211 North Sixth street, on the twenty-sixth day of October, 1890, his death being deeply lamented by a large circle of friends who held him in dear esteem. In politics he was a Democrat, and was one of the foremost citizens of the township and county, highly respected and honored by those who knew him for his sterling worth as a neighbor, a gentleman, and a citizen. Mrs. Laucks is still living. It was with great pride that our subject always attributed to her a goodly share of his success in life. ++ DWARD IRVIN WILLIAMS, gen- eral foreman of the Consumers’ Gas Company of Reading, is a son of William and Hannah (Simon) Williams, and was born in the above city February 4, 1858. William Williams, the father of our subject, was born in the city of Philadelphia, Pa., and attained a good education in the common BERKS COUNTY 51 schools of that city. He came to Berks County about 1856, and located in Birdsboro; having worked around engines during his boyhood days, learning the trade of an engi- neer, he followed that occupation the rest of his active days at Birdsboro. He chose for his hfe companion Hannah Simon, and as a result of this union, a family of six children was born to them, five sons and one daughter, namely: Albert, Mary, and John, allof whom are deceased ; William, who is employed asa gas maker of the Consumers’ Gas Company of Reading; and Edward Irvin, the subject of this biographical sketch. Edward Irvin Williams acquired a liberal education in the grammar schools of Read- ing, and, commencing life on his own ac- count went to work at the age of eleven years, engaged ina rolling mill of the city. After following that occupation two years, he moved to Birdsboro, where he found employment asa nail maker in the nail fac- tory of that village. He remained in that town some seven years, when he returned to the city of Reading, where he was engaged in a like capacity for about two years. He then learned the trade of a moulder, serving an apprenticeship of four years. Later he accepted a position as a laborer at the Con- sumers’ Gas Works, and after working there a short time, he was promoted to gas maker, then to foreman, which position he has re- tained for the past ten years. He has gen- eral supervision of the gas plant, and has a number of men under his charge. He was united in the bonds of wedlock with Ida Miller, and a family of six children has blessed the home. They were named as follows: Harry, Mary, William, Horace, Anna and Wilson. Mr. Williams is a good citizen, a kind husband, an affectionate father, and is discharging the duties of life with great credit to himself, being a valued citizen and a highly esteemed member of the community in which he resides. Mr. Williams, socially, belongs to Vigilant Lodge, No. 194, I. O. O. F.; and Royal Arcanum. He has been con- nected with the Reading Fire Department, as a member of Liberty Fire Co., No. 5, for twenty-two years, and is now an honorary member. He served on the engineer’s board, and was a hose director at different times. 52 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES DAM B. RIESER is a most highly respected citizen of Reading and is a lawyer of considerable ability. He is a son of Jacob and Mary (Bucks) Rieser, and was born October 22, 1854,in Bern township, Berks County. His grandfather, Abraham Rieser, who was born in the same locality, and resided there all his life, was a miller by trade, but a farmer by occupation. Jacob Rieser, the father, was born on the old homestead at Rieser Mill, where he grew to manhood, and took up milling, tol- lowing that occupation a number of years, when he changed it for the more pleasant and lucrative work of agriculture. He was a Democrat and a strong supporter of the public school system. He was chosen as school director a number of times, and aided the cause of education to the best of his ability. He was a liberal supporter. of the Reformed Church, of which he was a member. He was deacon and elder in the church, and delighted in dispensing charity when the object was a worthy one. He was united in marriage with Mary Bucks, whose father, John Bucks, was a resident of Heidel- berg township, a farmer by occupation. The Bucks family originated in Switzerland, early settlers coming from the Canton of Bern, in that country, and locating in this section of the state. In honor of them the township of Bern received its name. Mr. and Mrs. Rieser had four children: the sub- ject of this biography, and three children, who died in infancy. Adam B. Rieser attended the public schools during his boyhood, and afterwards pursued advanced studies at the Keystone State Normal School of Kutztown, Pa., for sixteen weeks, and then entered the Hudson River Institute at Claverack, N. Y., whence, after an attendance of thirteen weeks, he went to Myerstown, Pa., and settled himself as a student of the Palatinate College, where he continued his preparations for a colle- giate degree. In the fall of 1876 he became a student in the Franklin and Marshall College of Lancaster, Pa., and graduated in June, 1880. After leaving school he studied law in the office of Henry C. G. Reber of Reading, and on November 14, 1882, was ad- mitted to the bar in that city, where he has practiced ever since, being acknowledged as a barrister of more than ordinary ability. He was admitted to the Pennsylvania Su- preme Court at Philadelphia, on March 1, 1886. In November, 1895, he was elected to the office of district attorney, a position of great responsibility, which he filled to the entire satisfaction of all. In pleading he aims to present his subject always in the form of a cool, dispassionate argument, that the jury may be influenced by their judg- ment, rather than by their emotions. Mr. Rieser was married to Sallie E. Lein- bach, a daughter of the Rev. Aaron S. Lein- bach, a minister of the Reformed Church. This marriage was celebrated December 14, 1882, and four children have blessed the home: J. Leinbach, born August 12, 1884; Mary Amanda, born October 2, 1889; one that died in infancy; and John Adam, born March 12,1891. Mr. Rieser has always been a Democrat, and has served as legal solicitor of the board of poor directors of the county. He was president of the Americanus Club, the leading Democratic organization of the county, for a number of years. This club was organized in 1878, and attended the second inauguration of Cleveland, with Mr. Rieser as its president. He is an enthusi- astic member of St. John’s Lodge, 435, F. & A. M., and is an attendant of St. Paul’s Memorial Reformed Church, of which he is a member and a liberal supporter. SSS R. 1. LEO MINGLE. This gentle- | man of culture and learning, whose talents have been directed toward the relieving of pain and caring for those who have been brought into dire straits of sickness by inimical diseases, is a man of experience, and has been engaged in the practice of his profession in the city of Reading since the year 1889. He isa son of Jacob and Hannah (Leoscher) Mingle, and was born September 15, 1839, in what was then Windsor township, but is now Perry. Our subject completed the required course in the public schools, after which he attended Freeland Academy in Montgomery County. Upon leaving school, he took up the study of his chosen profession with Dr. F. B. Nice, a well known practitioner of Hamburg, and MUHLENBERG. WILLIAM F. DR. BERKS COUNTY 55 later attended a course of lectures in Jefler- son Medical College of Philadelphia. He then attended a summer course of lectures at Long Island Medical College, Brooklyn, N. Y., after which he returned to Jefferson Medical College, and graduated from that institution in 1866. He then began his first practice at Molltown, Berks County, where he remained for one year and then moved to Greenbrier, Northumberland County. There he demonstrated his ability as a physician, acquired a large practice and remained for a period of ten years. His next field of practice was at York, Pa., where he resided until 1889, when he came to Read- ing. He has since been connected with the medical profession in the city of his present residence, and numbers a wide circle of pat- rons, who rely on him in times of ‘disease and physical trouble. He is skilled in gyne- cology and obstetrics, and makes a specialty of woman’s diseases, being particularly suc- cessful in removing uterine tumors without an operation or the use of the knife. He formed matrimonial alliance with Mary M. Herr, and they are the proud parents of two daughters, namely: Lillian Guilielma, who is a milliner in the employ of Dives, Pomeroy & Stuart of Reading; and Almeda Camilla, a talented artist of Reading. Relig- iously, they are members of the Lutheran Church. In 1863, Dr. Mingle enlisted in Co. G, 48th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., and served in the emergency service. He is a member of the John Sedgwick Post, G. A. R. of York, Pa. Socially, he is a member of the Veteran Castle, Knights of the Golden Eagle, and Veteran Camp, P. O.S. of A. He appreci- ates to the fullest extent his duties as a citi- zen and native-born American. —_ --—_++ -— R. WILLIAM F. MUHLENBERG. One of the most prominent resi- \6) dents of Reading is the eminent and efficient surgeon whose name heads this biography, and whose portrait we are indeed pleased to present on the opposite page. He was born in Gettysburg, Adams County, Pa., November 18, 1852, his parents being Frederick A. and Catherine A. (Muhl- enberg) Muhlenberg. The name is one that is well known and highly honored by Amer- icans of every profession and walk of life. Rev. Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, the first of the family to settle in America, was born in Hanover in 1711; he came to Philadelphia in 1742, later moving to The Trappe, Montgomery County, where he died in 1787. He was a minister of the Lutheran Church, and the founder of that religion in America. He received his education in Ger- many, in the University of Halle. He was married in this country, his wite being Anna Maria Weiser, whose father, Colonel Conrad Weiser, was an Indian agent and one of the founders of Reading. His sons won distinc- tion both in religious and political life. Rev. Henry Ernestus Muhlenberg, the paternal great-grandfather of our subject, who was located at Lancaster, Pa., during most of his life, engaged in ministerial work, wasa native of this country, although he received his ’ education in the University of Halle, as did his brothers also. He became a minister of the Lutheran Church and was an able theo- logian. He also gained considerable prom- inence as an eminent botanist. Another son, John Peter Gabriel, the maternal great- grandfather of our subject, also a native ot this country, and educated at the University of Halle, was a distinguished Revolutionary general. At the breaking out of the war he was residing at Woodstock, Va., pastor of the Lutheran Church at that place; when it became evident that the contest for liberty and independence could no longer be delayed, he resigned his charge without hesitation, and raised a regiment of soldiers in Virginia, one company being recruited almost entirely from his own parishioners. He entered the war as acolonel, but was soon promoted to the rank of major-general in the Continental Army. He afterwards located in Philadel- phia, and from there was sent to the United States Senate. So highly was he esteemed by the citizens that his statue was placed in the Statuary Hall of the National Capitol at Washington, with that of Robert Fulton, to represent the state of Pennsylvania. The second son of Rev. H. M. Muhlenberg, Frederick Augustus, was twice Speaker of the House of Representatives. He was, like his brothers, educated for the Lutheran min- istry at the University of Halle. 56 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES Rey. Henry Ernestus Muhlenberg was but a child of nine when he was sent to the great German University, whence have come so many noble men. He was married to the great-grandmother of our subject, who was a Miss Hall of Philadelphia. One of the sons of this marriage, Frederick Augustus, paternal grandfather of our subject, was born in Lancaster, and was educated at the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania, where he was a student under Dr. Benjamin Rush of Phila- delphia, and from which he graduated. He settled down to the practice of his profession in Lancaster, where he afterward died. An. other son, Henry Augustus, became one of the leading Democratic politicians of the state, although educated for the Lutheran ministry, and for a quarter of a century pas- tor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Reading. He represented the United States as minister to Austria, was in Congress a number of terms, and was candidate for Governor of Pennsylvania, an office to which he would undoubtedly have been elected but fora split in the party at that time. He was a very popular man and was nominated a second time, but just before election was called to the higher life. Major Peter Muhlenberg, the maternal grandfather of our subject, and son of the Revolutionary hero, General Peter Muhlen- berg, reference to whom has been made above, was born in Philadelphia, and entered the U.S. Navy asa midshipman. [He served in the War of 1812, and at the battle of York, in Canada, was so severely injured that he was never again able to walk. He then became paymaster in the army, a posi- tion he filled for the remainder of his life. Frederick A. Muhlenberg, the father of our subject, was born in Lancaster, this state, August 25, 1818; after a long life spent in useful work, he at last: retired to Reading, where he now leads a life of comfort and case, content in the knowledge that he has done his share towards bettering and uplift- ing the country in the training of her youth. The Muhlenbergs have always been friends to education, and the children have always been given the best education to be obtained. Frederick A. was graduated from Jefferson College when eighteen years of age, and devoted his life to teaching. He had a won- derful aptitude for this calling, as was shown by his wide popularity as an instructor. He was not satisfied to be anything but the best, and his whole time was given to maintaining the high standard he had set for himself. For many years he was Professor of Greek in the University of Pennsylvania, and it was with sincere regret that his many friends saw him leave the post he had so long and honorably filled. His friends are numbered by the hundreds among the men and women who were once his pupils, and who remem- ber him with the greatest love and affection. Catherine A. Muhlenberg, the mother, was born in Reading on the 20th of November, 1827, and died in 1894, deeply mourned by a wide circle of friends and relatives. Be- sides the aged husband, she left four sons: Ernest A., a successful lawyer of Philadel- phia; Dr. William F., our subject ; Francis, a banker of Philadelphia; and Henry M.,a druggist of Germantown, Pa. Dr. William F. Muhlenberg received a thorough education, attending Pennsylvania College until 1867, when he entered Muhlen- berg College, from which he graduated in 1868. He then studied medicine with Dr. Charles H. Hunter of Reading, graduating from the medical department of the Univer- sity of Pennsylvania in 1872. He still further perfected himself for his chosen profession by a special course in the hospital at Phila- delphia, and in 1873 began practicing in Reading. He has met with the most flatter- ing success, giving most of his attention to surgery, in which he has won considerable distinction. He is employed by the Pa. R. R., as their surgeon; was a member of the board of health fora number of terms, and is also surgeon in the Reading Hospital. He is a man of ripe experience, exceptional capacity, and endowed with a thorough knowledge of the profession, which quali- fications easily place him in the lead. He enjoys an unusual degree of popularity among those with whom he has been associ- ated, while his reputation is far-reaching as a careful and painstaking practitioner. He is amember of the Reading Medical Associa- tion, and the Berks County Medical Society, in both of which organizations he has served in the capacity of president. Dr. Muhlenberg was united in marriage to BERKS COUNTY : 57 a most estimable lady, Miss Augusta Muh- lenberg, and has a family of three children: Hiester H.; Frederick A.; and Augusta, all living at home. From the illustrious ances- tor, Rev. Henry Melchior Muhlenberg of Hanover, all the Muhlenbergs have come, an illustrious succession, contributing in many ways to the nation’s development, and includ- ing much of what is best in the American life and tradition. It is not to be wondered at that a pride in this splendid ancestral record has been common to the Muhlen- bergs for generations. ++ - LBERT J. BRUMBACH, president of the Penn National Bank of Reading, and a leading manufacturer of that city and the township of Exeter, is well and most favorably known throughout the county and state as a business man of exceptionable ability and enterprising char- acter. He has been engaged in manufac- turing woolen fabrics all his life, but by no means confines his activities to that special line of work. He has been an organizer and incorporator of many business enterprises, that have become powers in the world of commercial and industrial activity. As a manufacturer of woolen fabrics he continues a business, that was originally brought into being by his grandfather, and succeeded to by his father. The St. Lawrence Woolen Mills of Exeter township, of which Mr. Brumbach is the sole proprietor and manager, have been very successfully conducted by him since he built the present mill buildings over thirty-five years ago. His name in the business world is a surety for honest goods, straightforward and fair dealing, and for an enterprise that has just the proper amount of conservatism in it to hold the unbounded confidence of the monied world. Mr. Brumbach has his residence at St. Lawrence Mills, but may practically be classed as a citizen of Reading, because of his large garment manufacturing establishment at the corner of 14th and Muhlenberg streets, his presidency of the Penn National Bank, and his many other important interests in the city. He was born in Exeter township 4 October 11, 1840, and is a son of William and Sarah (Spats) Brumbach. Emanuel Brumbach, the great-grandfather of the subject of these lines, was a native of Switzerland, and was one of the early settlers on Manatawny Creek, Berks County. Jacob Brumbach, his son,’ was born in Berks County, and began life for himself as a farmer, later engaging in the manufacture of linseed oil on Antietam Creek in Exeter township, near the village of St. Lawrence. He after- wards converted this property into a carding and woolen mill, and entered upon the manu- facture of woolen goods prior to the year 1840. He continued to operate this call for a number of years, doing custom work for the surrounding farmers chiefly, until 1842, when his sons, Jacob, Jr., and William, suc- ceeded him in the business, and conducted it jointly until 1845, when Jacob removed to Reading, and William assumed the entire control of the property. Jacob Brumbach, Sr., the grandfather of our subject, was a member of the Reformed Church. He was twice married ; by his first wife, a Miss Gum- bear, he had three sons and one daughter, while his second helpmeet bore him two daughters and one son. William Brumbach, the father of Albert J., was born in Exeter township, was brought up tothe manufacturing of woolen goods, and succeeded his father in the old mill as afore- said. In 1853 he bought the Daniel Housin grist mill, which he converted into a woolen factory, and conducted the business until 1863, when his mills burned, entailing a loss of $75,000.00. He then became a member of the Marr, Griffey & Co. firm, owners and operators of the White Deer Woolen Mills in Union County, Pa. At the death of Mr. Marr, the firm became Griffey & Brumbach, and continued as such until Mr. Brumbach’s death in 1868, aged fifty-four years. Like his father, he was a member of the Reformed Church. Politically, he was at first a Demo- crat, then a Whig, afterwards a Know-Noth- ing, and finally a Republican. He was a member in good standing of the Masonic fra- ternity. His first wife was Sarah Spats, a daughter of Jacob Spats, a farmer and butcher living near St. Lawrence Mills; the fruits of this union were three daughters and one son, as follows: Mrs. Emma Stroshecker 58 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES of Reading, Pa.; Albert J., our subject; Mrs. Sarah Leithiser of Reading, Pa.; and Mrs. Elizabeth Stauffer of Exeter township, this county. He married as his second wife Rachel Schneider, by whom he had four sons and one daughter, that grew to maturity, namely: David, George W., Aaron, and Thomas, constituting the firm of Brumbach Brothers, woolen manufacturers of St. Law- rence Mills; and Mrs. Mary Snyder of Exeter township. Albert J. Brumbach was educated in the schools of his native place and in Lee’s Acad- emy of Reading, Pa., being associated from an extremely early age with his father in the milling business. After the old mills had burned down, our subject erected the present St. Lawrence Woolen Mills in 1863-64, and put them in operation in the following year. The name of the mills and the town clustered about them arose from a certain class of woolen goods, that was manufactured in 1856, and sold to a commission house in Philadelphia. The factory-building is a struc- ture of stone, two stories in height, supplied with three sets of machines of superior type for making all kinds of woolen fabrics and yarns. The power is supplied by water and steam, and seventy operatives are given em- ployment. The product of the mills, which consists chiefly of mixed cassimeres, was con- signed from 1865 to 1870 to commission houses and merchantsin Philadelphia. From 1870 until 1895 Mr. Brumbach sold by travel- ing salesmen, who covered most of the United States in their combined trips. In 1895 he withdrew his goods from the market, and since then has been making his cloth into pants and vests at 14th and Muhlenberg streets, Reading, where he gives steady em- ployment to 125 hands. Many of the companies that have been organized in late years in Reading include his name on their lists of directors and officers, for his support and influence are recognized as being of the highest order. He was one of the organizers and an original director of the Penn National Bank of Read- ing, which was authorized to do business in 1883 upon a capital of $100,000.00; he became the president of the institution in 1897. The East Reading R. R. Co., organized in 1888, one of the first electric railroad companies in the state, was promoted by him, and its affairs have been administered by him as its pres- ident since its organization. He has been a stockholder in the Oley Turnpike Co. since its organization, and has been its secretary for a number of years. In 1884 be was one of the organizers of the Reading Cold Storage Co., which started business with a capital of $150,000.00, and he became its first vice-president, and has continued in that position till now. This company erected the first public cold storage building in Reading, and their business increased to such an extent that they were obliged to enlarge the build- ing in 1897. He is secretary of the Schwartz- wald Cemetery Association, which was in- corporated in 1859 by some seventeen citizens ot Exeter township, among whom was Wil- liam Brumbach, our subject’s father. Albert J. Brumbach was joined in marriage December 26, 1862, with Sarah A. Dunkle, daughter of Solomon Dunkle, late of Exeter township; this union has been blessed with six children, who are as follows: Solomon, superintendent of the St. Lawrence Woolen Mills; William, bookkeeper of the same mills; Albert, superintendent of the pants factory ; Ida, wife of Stockton Snyder of Reading, Pa.; and Kate and Emma, who live at home with their parents. Mr. Brumbach has been an active member of Chandler Lodge, No. 227, F. & A. M,, of Reading, since he was twenty-one years of age. In his political affiliations he is a Republican of no uncertain or wavering type, and takes a keen interest in local affairs. For many years he has been a member in the best of standing in the Schwartzwald Reformed Church, and _ is regularly seen in the choir. i or ___—— UGUSTUS BARTELS, the record of whose life is an excellent example of the frugality and thrift of the sturdy German race, from which he sprang, is the well known proprietor of the Germania Printing House of the city of Reading. He is a son of Frederick “and Wilhelmina (Brandt) Bartels, and was born June 5, 1857, in the town of Wangelstedt, province of Brunswick, Germany. His father, Frederick Bartels, was also a HENRY KERPER, native of that town, and there learned the trade of a cabinet maker, and followed it until he emigrated to this country in 1861. He at first located in the city of York, York Co., Pa.,and later in Lancaster County, where he remained one year, and in 1871 came to Reading, in which city he spent the remain- der of his days, dying in 1885. Politically, he affiliated with the Republican party, but only took the interest that is shown by every dutiful citizen. Asa result of his union with Wilhelmina Brandt, he became the happy father of the following children: Augusta, the wife of Henry Kleffman of York, Pa.; William, who was a cabinet maker of Harris- burg, is now living a retired life; Frederick, who is a pattern maker of York, Pa.; Henry, a shoemaker of Steelton, Pa.; Charles, who is a minister in the Winebrenarian Church of Lancaster County; and Augustus, the gentle- man whose name appears at the head of these lines. Augustus Bartels received his mental train- ing in the public schools of York, Pa., and attended St. John’s Parochial School of Reading for one year. He then became an apprentice to the printer’s trade, which he followed as a journeyman until 1891, when he purchased the printing plant of Theodore Wischan. He changed the name to the Germania Printing House, and has conducted it since, having a large patronage and num- bering among his customers many of the leading people and business houses of the city. He is well known for his sterling quali- ties, and is respected and held in high esteem by a large circle of acquaintances. June 19, 1879, Mr. Bartels was united in matrimonial bonds with Henrietta Dersch, a daughter of John Dersch, a respected citizen of Reading, and they are the proud parents of one son, John Frederick, who was born February 4, 1887. Politically, he is an un- swerving Democrat and has always taken an active part in the work of his party. He has represented the Ninth Ward as school con- troller for a period of seven years, and has also been secretary of the Democratic Ninth Ward organization a number of years. Reli- giously, he isa member of St. John’s German Lutheran Church, of which he is a trustee. He is a liberal supporter of that church and is secretary of the vestry. BERKS COUNTY 61 TO -ENRY KERPER, who conducted a tannery in the city of Reading until ie 1882, since which time he has been + XK living a retired life on account of ill health, is of German-Swiss descent, and comes of one of the oldest and best known families of Reading. His great-great-grandfather, Abraham Kerper, a German Palatinate, came to this country in 1735, locating in the city of Ger- mantown, Pa., where he lived the remainder of his life. He was the father of Valentine, the great-grandfather of our subject, who moved from Germantown to Reading in 1750, while a young man. He was thus one of the earliest settlers of the metropolis of Berks County, and became prosperous and well-to- do with the growth of the city. He was a member of the Reformed Church. Daniel Kerper, the grandfather of the gen- tleman whose name heads this sketch, was one of the early hotel keepers of this section, where he conducted a hotel nearly all of his life. During his younger years he took an active part in political matters and served as sheriff of Berks County for two terms. He was united in marriage with Rosina Stultz, whose father conducted a blacksmith shop at Eighth and Chestnut streets, Philadelphia, during the Revolutionary War, and they reared the tollowing children, all of whom are now deceased: Abraham, the father of our subject; Margaret was the wife of Wil- liam Silvis, both of whom are now deceased; Catherine, wife of Joshua Keeley; Charles; Daniel; John; William ; and Caroline. Abraham Kerper was born in the city of Reading, August 12, 1796, on the old Kerper homestead, in the vicinity of the present Zimmerman residence, at the corner of Fifth and Walnut streets. At an early age he became an apprentice to the trade of a tanner, which he followed with good results through- out his entire lite, leaving an extensive busi- ness at his death in May, 1872. Politically, he was a Democrat and served as director of the poor for two terms. Religiously, he was an adherent to the faith of the German Reformed Church. He was united in mar- riage with Elizabeth Boyer, who was born in 1804 and died in 1879, and unto them were born twelve children, six sons and six daugh- ters, namely: Daniel, deceased; Mary, the 62 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES widow of James H. Parker of Fulton County, Pa.; Henry, the subject of this personal his- tory; Rosanna, who died in infancy; Eliza- beth, who died in childhood; Ellen B., the wife of Sadosa S. Stevens, a druggist of Reading, whose life history appears on an- other page; James R., who lives in the state of Illinois; George B., whose home is in Dayton, Ohio; William of Reading; Kate E., the wife of Charles Ringle, both of whom are deceased; and Abraham, who died aged twenty years. Henry Kerper was born in the city of Reading, August 2, 1828, and obtained his intellectual training in the private schools of that city. At the age of seventeen years he entered the shops of the P.& R. R. R. as an apprentice to the trade of a machinist, and served in that capacity for three years. He was then engaged as a machinist in different places throughout the county until 1856, making an excellent reputation as a skilled mechanic. Upon the death of his father, Mr. Kerper took charge of the latter’s tannery and successfully operated it until 1882, when he retired from active business on account of his failing health. Heisa man of many ex- cellent qualities, and faithfully and conscien- tiously performs every obligation of a dutiful citizen, standing high in the esteem and respect of his numerous acquaintances. In the month of December, 1858, he was joined in Hymeneal bonds with Louisa Reiff, who has the love and friendship of a large circle of acquaintances in Reading, where she has resided for many years. As a thoroughly estimable gentleman and well known citizen ot Reading, we take pleasure in presenting on a previous page a portrait of Mr. Kerper. + +-______ HOMAS C. ZIMMERMAN. This Book of Biographies of Berks County would be decidedly incomplete were not full and complete mention made of the gentleman whose name heads this sketch, and who is known over the county as the talented editor of The Reading Times. He is an enterprising and aggressive newspaper man, a clear-headed thinker, and an able and versatile writer. he has achieved distinction as a_ literary genius, have been his translations of German poetical masterpieces into English, and his renderings of English poems into the Penn- sylvania German vernacular. In these two fields of work he is acknowledged by the best authorities to be without an equal. He is a poet by natural instinct, self-training being the means by which he has developed his native powers of expression. In present- ing, through the columns of The Reading Times, his translations of English poems into Pennsylvania German, he has proved himself entitled to the highest regard of the class of worthy citizens of the Keystone State allied with him by race, in whose interests he has ever been an earnest and _ indefatigable worker. The only school education Mr. Zimmer- man ever enjoyed was the public school 5* His best works, by which training he received during the years of his boyhood in Lebanon, Pa., where his birth occurred, January 23, 1838. He, thus, never had the advantages of a classical education, and therefore all the more credit is due him for making such splendid use of his talents and opportunities. When thirteen years of age he was apprenticed to the printing trade, in the newspaper establishment of the Lebanon Courter. Upon the completion of his term of service he went to Philadelphia, and worked on the Philadelphia Inquirer a short time, until January 8, 1856, when he entered the office of the Berks and Schuylkill Yournal, in Reading, as a journeyman printer. In 1859 Mr. Zimmerman removed to Columbia, S.C., where he worked on the state laws, in the printing establishment of Dr. Robert Gibbs, who afterwards became surgeon-general of the Confederate Army. In March, 1860, our subject returned to Reading, as the Anti- Northern sentiment had become so intense and virulent in South Carolina, the hot-bed of Secession, that his life was endangered, though he never openly opposed the course of the Secessionists while in that section. Upon his return to Reading, he once more entered the employ of the Berks and Schuyl- kill Fournal.. Under its proprietor, Jacob Knabb, who became postmaster of Reading, in May, 1860, he acted as chief clerk until the close of his superior’s term of office, in July, 1865. During this period Mr. Zimmerman contributed some striking articles on postal reform to the United States Mail and other journals, which called out a correspondence with the then Postmaster-General, Mr. Den- nison, and some of the suggestions solicited were incorporated into that official’s report. When he finished his connection with the postofice he resumed his work in the Fournal office, and in January, 1866, became co-proprietor and associate editor of the paper. Up to the year 1869 the firm bore the name of J. Knabb & Co.; in that year they also became the proprietors of the Dazly Times, which, in 1871, was consolidated with the Evening Dispatch, under the title of the Times & Dispatch. The Reading Times Pub. lishing Company was organized:in 1897, with Mr. Zimmerman as president and editor. This paper is one of the foremost journals in the state, and exerts the strongest kind of go BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES influence upon the moral and material devel- opment of its city, standing in high esteem with the political leaders in the state and at Washington. Mr. Zimmerman was happy in the choice of his vocation and his home. He is a great lover of nature, and evidently believes, with a distinguished writer and fellow-pedestrian, that “the shining angels second and accom- pany the man who goes afoot, while all the dark spirits are ever looking out for a chance to ride.” It has been his habit for nearly thirty years to take daily walks into the country, accompanied often only by his fa- vorite dog, returning after a long excursion to his editorial desk by noon. Nothing has turned him aside from the calling for which he was so eminently fitted. He has had many flattering offers to engage in other fields of work, but in all cases these have been declined. In his early manhood he had arranged to enter the law office of Hon. William Strong, and was also importuned to study for the ministry ; his manifest destiny, however, has made and kept him a journalist and writer of no mean ability. A brother editor comments on the journalistic abilities of Mr. Zimmerman in this language: “ Mr. Zimmerman is a writer of force and ability. His writings are pure, easy and graceful. He is witty and humorous when occasion de- mands. In controversy he is gentlemanly at all times, and in argument he is fair and generous to his opponents. He hasa gen- uine taste for literature, poetry and the fine arts, as many of his articles attest. He is one of the ablest writers in the old common- wealth. Many of his articles show alike the eye of the artist, and the hand of the /:ftera- teur.” One of these productions, that was most widely published and copied, was a sketch of his visit to the Luray Caverns in Virginia; the merits of this inspiration of the moment were seen by the Hotel and Cave Company, who caused to be published up- wards of sixty thousand copies in illustrated pamphlet form for general circulation. The newspapers of Richmond, Va., copied this article, and the favor it met with called out the request that Mr. Zimmerman also write up the undeveloped resources of Alabama. Our subject was united in marriage with Tamsie T. Kauffman of Reading, on June 11, 1867. Several years previous, in 1863, he enlisted in Co. C, 42nd Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf,, but that company did not see active service. He was one of the founders of the Pennsyl- vania German Society, as well as of the His- torical Society of Berks County. Mr. Zim- merman has delivered quite a large number of addresses on public occasions. He has been selected a half dozen times or more to speak before the Pennsylvania German Soci- ety: once in the court-house at Lancaster, where the Society was organized; once in the court house at York, in response to the address of welcome, and in the evening of the same day at the banquet in the same city; once at Lebanon: and once at Harris- burg, besides numerous occasions in Reading. He was subsequently selected by the Society as its special representative before the Chau- tauqua Assembly at Mt. Gretna, at which time he was elected one of the vice-presi- dents of the body in honor of the occasion. Twice his name was presented for the presi- dency of the Pennsylvania German Society, an honor that he firmly and respectfully de- clined. He has frequently been mentioned as an available candidate for mayor of Read- ing, and once his name was presented for the congressional nomination from the Berks Legislative district, both of which honors he declined. He is a well known figure in Reading, and has a host of devoted friends, who were won by his lotty, manly spirit, uni- versal friendship of heart, and strong sense of right and duty; he is in particular favor with the Germans, in whose behalf he has written and spoken much. Very early in life Mr. Zimmerman began to read poetry for the intellectual pleasure and profit which its elevated diction afforded him, and at the age of eighteen he had already made considerable progress in a pre- determined systematic perusal of the whole line of English poets, or of as many of them as lay within his reach. The instinct of the translator asserted itself in marvelous matu- rity, when he began to make this one of the prominent features of The Reading Times. Hundreds of these matchless translations from the German classics into English ap- peared from time to time, the Saturday issue of the paper invariably containing a transla- tion-into English of some German poem, the original and translation appearing close to- gether in parallel columns; in recognition of their merit he has been made the recipient of many presents, from friends at home and abroad. Worthy of mention among these are 75 volumes of German poetry from an admirer, residing in Berlin, Germany; his collection of tobacco pipes from Germany, England, Ireland, France, Denmark, Finland and Holland is palpable evidence of the widespread influence his work has had upon readers. Mr. Zimmerman has shown re- markable aptitude and poetic skill in all his translations, preserving with remarkable fidel- ity the exact measure of the original. poems, and the rhythmical beat of each syllable with remarkable fidelity. Some very original work has been done by Mr. Zimmerman in his translations of English classics into Pennsylvania German, that curi- ous mixture of German dialects and English words, which continues to be the chief spoken language of over half of the inhabi- tants of Berks County. His first attempt, Clement C. Moore’s “’ Iwas the Night before Christmas,” caught the fancy of the press at once, and its favorable mention brought him congratulatory letters from such men as Prof. Haldeman, the eminent philologist of the University of Pennsylvania; Hon. Simon Cameron; Gen. Hartranft; P. F. Rothermel, painter of the “ Battle of Gettysburg ;” Prof. Porter of Lafayette College; Prof. Horne of Muhlenberg College and other men of prom- inence in the literary world. Poems of Tom Hood, Oliver Goldsmith, Heine, Longfellow followed, and were received with hearty in- terest by the German people. “Luther’s Battle Hymn,” a “translation from the German into English, was a wonder- ful inspiration, and fairly ran up and down the country, as soon as it was given to the public through 7he Reading Times. In five weeks it brought eighteen columns of letters to the paper that published it, from eminent divines, professors, publicists, poets, histo- rians and others in the higher walks of society. Notwithstanding there are some seventy or eighty translations of this mag- nificent poem, Mr. Zimmerman’s effort has been characterized by Rev. Dr. Pick, the publisher of these translations, as “the new- est and best that has been made.” The new BERKS COUNTY gI version was specially favored by being sung with enlarged choirs in different denomina- tions of town and city, and sermons here and there were delivered on the translation. Our subject’s translation of Schiller’s “‘ The Song of the Bell” met with even more favor trom the public; no less than twenty columns of newspaper matter made up of letters from all over the world came to the transla- tor, and though ten years have elapsed since its first appearance, Mr. Zimmerman receives continued inquiries for the translation from far and near. The Phtladelphia Ledger says: “Mr. Zimmerman’s translations have been highly commended by literary authorities at home and abroad. He has shown a special gift for making his English readers familiar with the spirit of the best German poets. Even those who are well at home in German will find a special interest in comparing the translation with the original, for he is sure to find that Mr. Zimmerman has not only seized the meaning of the author, but he has so put it into an English clothing as to show that the real bone and sinew of the original still live in its new dress.” Hon. Andrew D. White, now U.S. Minister to Germany, in a letter to Mr. Zimmerman about his transla- tions writes: “ They have greatly interested me, as you seem to have caught their spirit and rendered them admirably. I am not sufficiently strong in literary criticism to compare them with other translations, but they seem to me thoroughly well done. [| have also been especially interested in your translations into Pennsylvania German of some of the poems. Although not a philolo- gist, the reading of them has also greatly interested me, and they, too, seem very spirited and in all respects interesting.” Prof. Max. D. Larned, of the Department of Phil- osophy, University of Pennsylvania, says: “A masterful hand is visible in all the trans- lations. * * * * It is perhaps safe to say that Schiller’s ‘Song of the Bell’ is the most difficult lyrical poem in the German language to render into English with the corresponding meters. Your version seems to me to excel all other English translations of the poem, both in spirit and in rhythm. Especially striking in point of movement is your happy use of the Pu participle in reproducing Schiller’s feminine rhymes. 92 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES Your version, however, while closely adher- ing to the form of the original, maintains at the same time dignity and clearness of expression, which translators often sacrifice to meet the demands of rhythm. Your poetic instinct has furnished you the key to this masterpiece of German song.” The Mew York World says: “Mr. Zimmerman’s rend- -ering (Schiller’s ‘Song of the Bell’) is a triumph of the translator’s art, and recalls the work of Bayard Taylor.” The Wew York Herald says: “Mr. Zimmerman has placed his name in the category of famous litterateurs by a very creditable translation of Schiller’s ‘Song of the Bell.’” The following ably written criticism is from the pen of J. B. Ker, who, while a resi- dent of Scotland, once stood for parliament: “To Col. T. C. Zimmerman—Sir: Having read and studied your noble translation of Schiller’s ‘Song of the Bell,’ I have been forcibly impressed by the music of the language into which you have rendered the poem. This is a merit of capital importance in the translation of this poem. In estimat- ing the value of translations of the great German poems, it is necessary to bear in mind the weight which the literary and critical consciousness of Germany attached to the ancient classical canons of poetry. There is no question here as to whether the ancients were right. The point for us is that their influence was loyally acknowledged as ot high authority during the Augustan age of German literature. Proof of this can be found in Goethe as distinctly as it super- abundantly appears in Lessing's famous “Dramatic Notes,” where the poetic dicta of Aristotle are treated with profound respect. In the study of Aristotle’s work on the Poetic, nothing is perhaps more striking than his dictum that poetry is imitation, with the explanation or enlargement so aptly given by Pope in the words: “Tis not enough no harshness gives offence, The sound must seem an echo to the sense Soft is the strain when zephyr gently blows, And the smooth stream in smoother numbers flows ; But when loud surges lash the sounding shore, The hoarse, rough waves should like the torrent roar When Ajax strives some rocks vast weight to throw, The line, too, labors, and the words move slow, Not so when swift Camilla scours the main, Flies o’er the unbending corn, or skims along the plain.” Now knowing the German recognition of the law and acknowledging its realization in the works of the leading Teutonic poets, one of the crucial tests of a translation of a great German poem is, Does the language into which the original is rendered form an “echo to the sense?” It seems to me that one of the strongest points in your translation of the “ Bell” is that the words which you have selected and gathered have sounds, which, like the music of a skillful musical composer, convey a signification independently of their literal meaning. Not to protract these re- marks unduly, few words could more appro- priately refer to the music of strong and dis- tant bells than your rendering— ‘‘That from the metal’s unmixed founding Clear and full may the bell be sounding.” Very slight poetic capacity must admit the music of these words as eminently happy in the “Song of the Bell.” The echo to the sense is also striking in the sound of the word-symbols in many places throughout the rendering where the poet describes the oc- currences conceived in connection with the bell’s imagined history. Speaking of the visions of love ‘\O, that they would be never-ending, These vernal days with lovelight blending ;’ the way in which the penult of the word “ending” conveys the idea of finality, while the afhx of the present participle yet pro- longs the word as though loath to let it de- part, is a beautiful and enviable realization of the Aristotelian rule, a prolongation of the words which expresses doubly a_prolong- ation of desire. The four lines reading: ’ “Blind raging, like the thunder’s crashing, It bursts its fractured bed of earth, As if from out hell’s jaws fierce flashing, It spewed its flaming ruin forth,” have a vehement strength and a rough and: even a painful and horrid sound which apply with singular propriety to the horrible im- ages by which the poet presents the catas- trophe to our quickened apprehensions. The beautiful lines: ‘“Joy to me now God hath given,” &c., in which the bell founder exults, avoiding, as they do, the deeper vowel sounds and pre- serving as it were a series of high musical notes save where the gift descends from BERKS COUNTY 93 Heaven to earth, when the vowel sounds fall from high to low, form a delightful resonance of the happy sentiment they embody. The general experience of translations is that they are more prosy than sonorous or musi- cal. Few, however, if any, will deny the melody of your language in many places and its remarkable appropriateness in others, and those who have worked on similar transla- tions can best judge how great is the success you have accomplished in this valuable con- tribution to Anglo-Saxon literature.” We present to our readers a few short selections from our subject’s translation of “The Song of the Bell.” Firmly walled in earth, and steady, Stands the mold of well burnt clay. Quick, now, workmen, be ye ready ! Forth must come the bell to-day ! Hot from forehead’s glow Must the sweat-drops flow, Should the master praise be given ; Yet the blessing comes from Heaven. The work prepared with so much ardor May well an earnest word become; When good discourse attends the labor, Then flows employment briskly on. Observe with care, then, what arises— See what from feeble strength escapes ; The man so poor, each one despises, Who ne’er foresees the form he shapes. ’Tis this that man so well adorneth, For mind hath he to understand That in his inner heart he feeleth Whate’er he fashions with his hand. * * *£ &€ €# & *¥ & & & F O sweetest hope! O tender longing ! The earliest love’s first golden time ! The eye, it sees the heavens thronging With rapt’rous sights and scenes sublime: O that they would be never-ending, These vernal days with lovelight blending OR Ra AoE Through the streets, with fury flaring, Stalks the fire with fiendish glaring, Rushing as if the whirlwind sharing ! Like the blast from furnace flashing Glows the air, and beams are crashing, Pillars tumbling, windows creaking, Mothers wandering, children shrieking, Beasts are moaning, Running, groaning, *Neath the ruins; all are frightened, Bright as day the night enlightened. %¥ & & From the steeple Sad and strong, Th’ bell is tolling A fun’ral song. Sad and slow its mournful strokes attending Some poor wand’rer tow’rds his last home wending. WOR Re Re oe Ah! the wife it is, the dear one; Ah! it is the faithful mother, Whom the Prince of Shades, unheeding, From the husband’s arms is leading, From the group of children there, Whom she blooming to him bare; On whose breast saw, maid and boy, Growing with maternal joy. Ah! the household ties so tender Sundered are forevermore ; Gone into the realm of shadows She who ruled this household o’er. Now her faithful reign is ended, She will need to watch no more; In the orphaned place there ruleth A stranger, loveless evermore. ye & FR MH HS HH HR oH And this henceforth its calling be, Whereto the master set it free ! High o’er this nether world of ours, Shall it, in heaven’s azure tent, Dwell where the pealing thunder lowers, And border on the firmament. It shall, too, be a voice from heaven, Like yonder starry hosts, so clear, Who in their course extol their Maker, And onward lead the wreath-crowned year. To earnest things and things eternal, Devoted be its metal tongue, And, hourly, Time, with swift-winged pinions, Will touch it as it flieth on. Its tongue to dest’ny ’twill be lending ; No heart itself, from pity free Its swinging ever be attending Life’s changeful play, whate’er it be. And as the sound is slowly dying That strikes with such o’erpow’ring might, So may it teach that naught abideth, That all things earthly take their flight. Following is Reading’s Official Sesqui- Centennial Hymn, as written by Thomas C. Zimmerman, and sung on Tuesday evening, June 6, 1898, by a chorus of 600 voices, to an audience of 20,000 people, assembled on Penn’s Common: All hail to Reading’s name and fame! And let the welkin ring With song and shout and roundelay, As we together sing. And may our songs, with glad acclaim, To heav’n, like incense, rise, While glowing hearts in tones proclaim Her glory to the skies. Tis sev’n score years ago and ten Since this fair town was born; Its sweet young life must have exhaled A breath like rosy morn. So let us sing till yonder hills Send back the joyous song ; Till echoing dales and rippling rills The gladsome sound prolong. Let others tread life’s stately halls, Where princely pleasures flow ; Give us our homes, like jewels set In evening’s sunset glow. 94 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES And may our hearts, in swelling pride, Forget not those of old— The men of Reading’s pristine days— Whose hearts have long grown cold Let all, therefore, with mingled voice, Repeat the glad refrain ; Let civic pride, in flowing tide, Rejoice with might and main. And God, the Father of us all, With His protecting care, Will bless us while we praise in song Our city, bright and fair. We present, on a preceding page, a por- trait of our distinguished subject, whose name is well known in literary circles of the country. —S— tear __ ROF. O. H. UNGER. A gentleman of superior natural talents and one who has studied music under some of the greatest masters of America, Prof. Unger stands without a peer in Berks County as_an instructor of music. Since coming to Reading in 1871, he has been the leading spirit in the musical world and has organized and acted as leader of a number of bands in the city, which have become famous throughout the state. He is also a composer of note, and altogether has written some 184 pieces, including band marches, church music, and patriotic compositions. He is a son of William and Elizabeth (Harper) Un- ger, and was born in Shoemakersville, Berks County, October 17, 1849. William Unger the father of our subject, was born in the vicinity of Shoemakersville, and early in life learned the trade of a car- penter, which he followed in connection with farming all ot his life. He was called to his eternal rest when our’ subject was but thir- teen years of age. His companion in the pathways of life was Elizabeth Harper, by whom he had twelve children, nine sons and three daughters, who were as follows: Wil- liam A., who was organist of the Blue Moun- tain Church, is a stonecutter by trade and livesin the city of Reading; Amos is a fresco painter by trade and resides in Lebanon County; Oliver, who lives at Freidensburg, Schuylkill County, was organist of a church for many years; Solomon died at an early age; Masita also died young; Simon, who resides in Foglesville, Lehigh County, is a painter by trade; Sarah, the relict of Nathan Poff, is now a resident of reading; Caroline is the widow of Michael Seidel and is also a resident of Reading; Phanas is a farmer liv- ing near Pine Grove, Schuylkill County; Monroe, who was in Co. B., 78th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., during the Civil War, died while in the service; and Prof. O. H., the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Unger attained an ad- vanced old age before succumbing to the inevitable in 1893. Prof. O. H. Unger, after attending the common schools for some time, took a course in the Keystone State Normal School of Kutztown. He began the study of music at the age of seven years under the tutelage of his older brothers and later under various other teachers of local fame in that vicinity, among whom was Mrs. Phillips, one of the first organists of the county, and Mrs. Grim, who was a graduate of the Dresden Musical Conservatory. By the time he was sixteen years of age he had attracted considerable attention in musical circles, and at that re- markably young age made music a source of earning a competency as well as a pleasure by teaching brass bands and giving lessons in voice culture. He drilled a large number of bands in Mahanoy City and Allentown during the succeeding sixteen years, after which he decided to perfect his knowledge of music. As ameans to this end he went to Boston, where he took lessons in harmony and piano teaching under Prof. Hoover, a graduate of a well known conservatory of Germany. He also took a course of study under Prof. Shultz of Boston, who was at that time un- surpassed in America as a violinist. Prof. Unger has also studied under several other prominent instructors. After completing his studies, he returned to Allentown and taught until 1871, when he moved to Reading and opened a store, in which he sold musical in- struments of all kinds. He has a good knowledge as to the quality and tone of an instrument, and as he is known far and wide in this section as a man of his word, he is often called upon for advice. He is honest and trustworthy in every respect, and well merits the large patronage which he re- ceives. During his residence here, he has been organist in different churches, and his BERKS COUNTY 95 services have been in great demand, but in 1898 he resigned from such duties and gives his attention to his store. He has also been engaged in teaching, and has pupils from all over the county, many of whom give promise of future fame under his skillful instruction. He organized the celebrated Liberty Band of Reading; was a member of Brown’s Band, a noted organization of Boston; played with the Ringgold Band of Reading; and is now the teacher of the Athletic Band of this city. Prof. Unger also completed a musical term of two years on the violoncello under Theodore Kolb. Prof. Unger formed a matrimonial alliance with Lizzie Miller, a daughter of William S. Miller, and they are the proud parents of one son, S. W. Unger, who is associated in busi- ness with his father, being also a musician and teacher, as well as an organist and choir trainer. EVI B. PAXSON. The Philadelphia & Reading R. R. has been for many years past more closely identified with the industrial progress and prosperity of the city of Reading, than any other enterprise in it. A man who has been prominently connected with the road in Reading is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch, and whose position since 1871 has been that of superintendent of motive power and rolling equipment. Such a man is cer- tainly entitled to a prominent place in such a work as this. Mr. Paxson is a very modest gentleman, and it was only after considerable difficulty that we were enabled to obtain the following meager facts concerning his career. The subject of these lines was born in Chester County, Pa, March 22, 1827. On his parental side he traces his ancestry to an English Quaker origin, whilst on the mater- nal side of the family, he is of German lineage. The family was founded in Chester County shortly before the War of the Revolution by his grandfather, Joseph Paxson, who came from New Hope, Bucks County, to Sadsbury township, where he purchased a large tract of land, and established a homestead upon which he lived the remainder of his life. Upon that homestead, Jonathan Paxson, our subject’s father, was born and reared. When Jonathan Paxson grew to manhood he adopted the pursuits of an agriculturist, and spent the remainder of his life on the old homestead. He was a quiet, unassuming man of industrious habits, and as an adherent of the Quaker Church he lived a consistently religious and useful career. His marriage with Catherine Beecher resulted in the birth of eleven children. Levi B. Paxson spent his youthful days upon the paternal acres, availing himself of such educational advantages as the schools of the day afforded. At the age of fourteen years, yielding to the impulsiveness of youth, and fired with an adventurous desire to see the world, he went to sea for five years. These years of experience on the main before the mast have no doubt contributed more to his success in after years than would at first be apparent to the casual observer. While in this service, being for most of the time under masters of good morals and high intel- lectual capacity, he was given every encour- agement in the study of the subject of navi- gation, for which he had tormed quite a liking. In addition to this mental training, the discipline required on board vessels was such as to equip him admirably for the high position he now holds, a position in which the highest order of executive ability is re- quired. In October, 1847, Mr. Paxson sought and secured a position with the road with which he has ever since been identified. His first position was a humble one indeed, that of a brakeman on a coal train, but he was faithful to every trust reposed in him, and his fidelity was recognized and rewarded by promotions, through the various positions of freman and locomotive engineer ; after serving some time in the latter position he entered upon an apprenticeship in the mechanical department of the road. After completing this appren- ticeship, he at once commended himself to the favorable consideration of the manage- ment, and he rapidly rose from one position of trust to another until he attained the highest position in his department in the gift of the road,—the position he now holds. To show that this position is a responsible one, it is only necessary to state that he has under 96 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES his supervision and direction an army of over 3,000 men. Mr. Paxson is a member of the Masonic Order, and of the I. O. O. F., whilst in reli- gious faith he is an adherent of the Reformed Church, to which he has always given his earnest support, being for many years a member of St. Paul’s Memorial Church of Reading, holding important positions in the government of the same. In 1851 Mr. Paxson was united in marriage with Mary A. F. Kraft, and to this happy marital union have been born four children, as follows: Lydia K., wife of Ammon S. Deeter of Reading; Mary, wife of John B. Mull of Reading; Anna K.; and Levi B., Jr., who is a clerk in the office of the assistant superintendent of motive power, Philadelphia & Reading R. R. —S ++ TANLEY S. DAVIES, the well- known and popular superintendent of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company for the district of Read- ing, is one of the most enterprising and hustling business men to be found in the city of Reading, and is held in high esteem by a large circle of acquaintances. He is a son of Samuel and Margaret (Lloyd) Davies, and was born in 1853, in Broseley, Shropshire, England. He received a good education in the schools of that country, after which he fol- lowed the trade of a maltster, which line of business came naturally to him, as his ances- tors for many generations had followed that occupation. He remained in England until 1882, when he came to America, being the first of his family to emigrate to this country. His first position on this side of the water was as solicitor of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, in which position he was retained for some time, and was then promoted to be assistant superintendent of McKeesport, Pa. He served faithfully in that capacity for a period of three years, after which he was called to the city of Reading to look after the interests of the company in this district. He has repeatedly had offers to engage in business in larger fields since, but owing to his love for the city and the success with which he has met, he has not hesitated to decline. In this field he has six assistants, thirty-six agents, and they have about 20,000 industrial policies in force in the city of Reading. In 1896, the company offereda prize for the work showing the least number of lapses, and the efficiency of our subject’s work is proven by the fact that he received one of the prizes, ranking fourth in competition with all of the other districts of the country. His entire attention is devoted to his business, and by the able manner in which he looks after the interests of the company, he has gained the favor and re- spect of the head officers. He stands high in the estimation of his fellow-citizens, and is well-known throughout the county. Mr. Davies was united in the holy bonds of wedlock with Sarah Davies, a lady of English birth, and they are the happy parents of seven children, whose names are as fol- lows: Lizzie; John Samuel; Leonard Stan- ley; Thomas Cleveland; Spencer; Harry; and Cecil. SO R. JOSEPH H. HAGENMAN, the subject of this sketch, is one of Reading’s leading and most suc- cessful practitioners of medicine, and possesses, in addition to a lucrative office practice, an extensive patronage in the sur- rounding territory. He is a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Burke) Hagenman, and was born in the city of Philadelphia December 12, 1832. His father moved to Reading, Pa., when he was a mere lad, and in that place were the years of his boyhood passed, and the rudiments of a common school education mastered. He then read medicine with Dr. Carech of Kutztown, this county, and later with Dr. Samuel Winters of Lancaster, Pa. In 1864 Dr. Hagenman came to Reading, where he has since been successfully engaged in the practice of his chosen profession, enjoying the confidence and good-will of a very desirable class of patrons. He has an excellent reputation as a physician, well versed in all the intricacies and details of the difficult art. The Doctor was united in marriage with Emma Elizabeth Hinnershitz, and they are SS \ S ISAAC ECKERT. the parents of the following children: Daniel, a resident of Reading; Charles, the proprietor of one of the leading jewelry stores of Read- ing; Annie, the wife of Elmer Gillmore of _ Reading; Emma was wedded to William Luppold; Mary Elizabeth is the wife of Elias Phillip of Reading; Kate was united in mar- riage with John Einsick of Reading; and Milton Edward. Dr. Hagenman and family are members of the Lutheran Church. ++ SAAC ECKERT. This leading and progressive citizen of Reading, presi- dent of the Farmers’ Bank, and prom- inently identified with the iron manu- facturing business, is a descendant of one of the oldest families of German extraction in Berks County. The names of his ancestors are closely connected with the written history of this section. He is a sonof Henry S. Eckert, grandson of Isaac Eckert, great- grandson of Peter Eckert, and great-great- grandson of Valentine Eckert, whose father was the first representative of the family to locate in America. Valentine Eckert, who was born in Longa. selva, Hanover, Germany, in 1733, came to this country with his parents in 1740, and settled with them in the valley of the Tulpe- hocken in the western part of Berks County. After twenty-one years residence in this country Valentine Eckert became a citizen, and took a prominent part in the stirring events that led up to and culminated in the Declaration of Independence, and the over- throw of British domination. In June, 1776, he with nine others represented Berks County in the Provincial Conference, and in the following month was one of a delegation of eight members from Berks County to the Provincial Convention, that was convoked for the purpose of framing a new torm of government, founded on the authority of the people, to succeed the old proprietary form. He was a member of the Provincial Assem- blies of both 1776 and 1777. In the Revolu- tionary War, he commanded a company of cavalry, and was wounded at the battle of Germantown. He became sub-lieutenant of the county in 1777, and served in that office until he became lieutenant of the county in BERKS COUNTY 99 1781. In 1784 he was appointed judge of the Court of Common Pleas, and held office for seven years, when by the Constitution of 1790 a president judge took the places of the various judges. When very advanced in ears, in 1816, he removed to the State of irginia, where his death took place at Win- chester, in December, 1821, when he was in his eighty-eighth year. His son, Peter Eck- ert, was engaged in farming and merchan- dising all his life in Berks County, near Womelsdorf, the family home. Isaac Eckert, the grandfather of the subject of these lines, was born in Womelsdorf, this county, in January, 1800, and received an education in the schools of his native place, and in the grammar schools of the University of Pennsylvania. Before he had attained his majority, he with his elder brother, William, succeeded their father in the grocery busi- ness, and continued there in trade until 1828, when they removed the business to Reading, where together they operated it until 1836, when Isaac retired from the firm, and asso- ciated himself with his younger brother, Dr. George N. Eckert, in iron manufacturing. They erected the Henry Clay Furnace in 1842-44; it was one of the largest anthracite furnaces in the country at that time; in 1855 a second stack wascompleted. On the death of his brother, the Doctor, June 28, 1865, Isaac Eckert became sole proprietor of the works, and so continued until 1873, when he retired, passing them over to his sons, Henry S.and George B. In many other channels of enterprise and commercial activity did the superior ability, judgment and business per- ception of Isaac Eckert make itself felt. The Farmers’ Bank, which had been established in 1814, chose him as its president in i838, and in that position he continued for a period of thirty-five years, being succeeded at his death, in 1873, by his son, Henry S. Eckert, the father of our subject. In 1852 he became president of the Leesport Iron Co., and was its executive officer until his death, thus controlling and having the oversight of ex- tensive iron interests, in which he was one of the largest stockholders. He was one of the founders of the Berks County Agricultural and Horticultural Society, and served many years as the very efficient president of the organization. In his politics he was true to Io0o BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES the principles of the Whig and then of its logical successor, the Republican party. In the troublous times of the War of the Rebel- lion, he did all in his power to aid the national administration in carrying on the war, both by liberal contributions and by assisting in creating favorable public sentiment in Read- ing. In 1860 he was a delegate to the Re- publican National Convention at Chicago, that placed Abraham Lincoln at the head of its ticket, and in 1864 he was one of the Presidential Electors from the State of Penn- sylvania. He was a member of Christ Epis- copal Church of Reading. After his death, which occurred on December 13, 1873, his widow and three children presented to Christ Church a full chime of ten bells as a memo- rial. He married Judith Hahn, a daughter of Dr. Hahn of Montgomery County, and at his death left his widow, and three children, who were as follows: Henry S., the tather of our subject; George B.; and Rebecca, who married P. R. Stetson of New York City. He had many beautiful traits of character, which were admired by his hundreds of per- sonal friends. Henry S. Eckert, our subject's father, was born in Reading; after a thorough prepara- tion in the schools of his native city, he became a student at Franklin and Marshall College, and graduated from the institution. Upon assuming the active duties of life, he became associated with his father in the iron manufacturing business, and soon after took the management of the works upon himself, manifesting for this line of work a high order of ability. On July 1, 1873, shortly before his father’s death, he and his brother, George B. Eckert, formed a partnership under the style of Eckert & Brother, for the purpose of carrying on the iron business; and then the iron works, the Henry Clay Furnace, came into their hands. The firm successfully en- countered the storms ot the financial panic of 1873, and steadily kept up the business. The firm owned iron mines, and carried on mining operations to supply iron ore, and employed in the mines and the iron works upwards of two hundred and fifty men. Many other enterprises were forwarded by Mr. Eckert, among which was the Penn Street Passenger Railway, which was put in operation in 1874, and proved of so much good in improving East Reading. He was one of the projectors of the Berks County R. R. from Reading to Slatington, and served upon its organization in the board of directors, being also a direc- tor of the Wilmington & Northern R. R. Upon his father’s death, he was chosen pres- ident of the Farmers’ Bank, and continued at the head of that institution for twenty years, until his death, in 1893, when our subject succeeded him. He held at various times the following prominent positions: trustee of the Union Trust Company, and of the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Co. at Philadelphia ; president of the Eastern Pig-iron Association; president of the Topton Furnace Co. at Top- ton; and president of the Pennsylvania Bolt and Nut Works at Lebanon. He was also a director of Charles Evans’ Cemetery, and a director of Reading Hospital. Mr. Eckert was very much interested in politics for many years. His large manufacturing interests naturally inclined him to favor the principle of protection to home industries, and there- fore he continued in the political faith of his father, and was a most loyal and decided Republican. In 1866 he was the Republican nominee from this district to Congress, against J. Lawrence Getz, but could not overcome the large normal Democratic ma- jority, although the city of Reading supported him handsomely, giving him a majority, which, however, was not large enough to overcome the opposing party’s majority in the country districts. For over twenty years he served as president of the school board of control. The Eckert Public School, a com- modious two-story brick structure, erected in 1873, was named after him, in recognition of his valued services. He was a zealous worker in the cause of the advancement of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and was vestryman in Christ Church for a number of years before his death. His marriage to Carrie Hunter, daughter of Nicholas Hunter, an iron-master of Reading, occurred in 1857, and resulted in the birth of four children, namely: Isaac, the subject of this sketch ; Helen, who became the wife of Herman Meigs; Hunter; and Kate M., who married a Mr. Reeves. Mrs. Eckert preceded her hus- band to that fair land on High, dying March 28, 1880. The subject of this sketch was born in WILLIAM B. CALL. BERKS COUNTY 103 Reading May 27, 1859, and in his boyhood attended the excellent public schools of his native city. He then entered Lafayette Col- lege, from which he graduated in 1879. Upon leaving college, he immediately en- gaged in the iron business, which he still carries on under the firm name ot Eckert & Brother. He was elected president of the Farmers’ Bank, when the place became vacant by the death of his father, in 1893, and is now the head of that most solid and conservative banking institution. Three generations have succeeded each other as president of the bank, which for a period of sixty years has had an Eckert at its head. This is but an index of how great esteem has always been placed in members of the Eckert family, who have proved themselves, without an excep- tion, to be business men of the highest order, in whom the confidence of the entire com- munity is well placed. Mr. Eckert is a public-spirited citizen, and takes the liveliest pleasure in advancing the general interests of the city. Heis a Republican in politics, and, though not classed among the active partisans, makes his influence felt in directing the local policies of the party. In 1879, Mr. Eckert married Eliza Kaufman, a daughter of William M. Kaufman, and they have two children: William; and Carrie. As one of the most representative manufacturers and men of finance in the county, a portrait of Mr. Eckert is found on a preceding page. a ILLIAM B. CALL, whose career for over fifty years of his life was marked by the greatest of activity and industry, was an extensive boat builder of Reading and also contracted in building railroads in different parts of Pennsylvania and adjoining states. In 1895 he retired from active business life to enjoy a well earned rest and spend his declining years in peace and quiet. He is a son of George and Cath- erine (Reifsnyder) Call, and was born May 7, 1817, in the city of Reading. His paternal grandfather was William Call, who came from the land of his nativity, Hol- land, with his three brothers, and settled in Berks County. One of his brothers located in New Jersey and the others went west. He first made his home in Germantown, but later came to Reading, where he was en- gaged in the tanning business, sending his goods to Philadelphia by team and he him- self walking there in one day. He was the progenitor of a large family of children, one of whom was George, the father of our sub- ject. George Call was born at Germantown and learned the trade of a carpenter and builder, which he followed with much success in Reading. He became the leadin in the city and built many of the finest houses of that time. At the age of seventy years he retired from business and spent the remainder of his life in a quiet way, dying in 1873, at the age of eighty-three years. Re- ligiously, he was a member of the Reformed Church and was a regular attendant on Divine Worship. He was united in the holy bonds of wedlock with Catherine Reifsnyder, a daughter of Michael Reifsnyder of Berks County, and they became the parents of twelve children, all of whom are deceased but our subject, William B., and John, who lives in Chester, Pa. William B. Call, after obtaining as good an education as the common schools of his day afforded, learned the trade, of a carpenter and builder at the age of fifteen years. At the age of twenty years he took charge of his father’s business and conducted it for two years, but as it did not prove as remunera- tive as other lines of work, he established a boat yard and began building boats for the Schuylkill Navigation Co. He was very successful and his business increased rap- idly, and at one time he owned as many as four boat yards, completing on an average three boats per month, being the largest boat builder operating in this district at that time. He also owned a large lumber yard at the foot of Chestnut street, and bought and cut up large tracts of timberland. During this time he again engaged in building school houses and dwellings, erecting many in dif- ferent sections of the county. In 1850 a large flood washed away his lumber yard and boat yards, and as the Canal Company was at that time widening the canal, he took a contract to build four locks and four miles of canal, extending from Bernville to Hiester Mills. He completed the job satisfactorily contractor 104 and then built four miles of railroad for the East Penn R. R., and later four miles for the Columbia R. R. and also the Berks Co. R. R. In addition to this he built roads for different companies in the states of New Jersey and New York. In 1886 he built the No. 2 Water Dam for the city of Lebanon, Pa., and in 1891 constructed Dam No. 3 for that city. In 1895 he retired from the active duties of business life after a remarkably busy career extending over a period of fifty years. He enlisted in the Civil War in 1861, in Co. G, 6th Reg., Pa. Vol. Cav., and served for six months. He was at that time engaged in building the Columbia R. R., and they in- sisted that he leave the service and take up the building of the road as specified in the contract. Mr. Call was very ambitious and energetic and could turn his hand to almost any line of business with success. He is possessed of a remarkably strong constitu- tion and has never been sick a day in his life. He was joined in wedlock with Susan Flickthorn in 1838, and two children resulted from the union: Susan, deceased; and Cath- erine, the wife of Edward Scull, a plumber of Reading. His second union was with Mary Clementine Flickthorn, a woman of many excellent traits of character. He is a con- sistent member of the German Reformed Church of Reading, which was built by his father. Politically, he has always been an unswerving Republican, having cast his first vote for Henry Clay. He never sought political distinction, but several times was called upon to serve in the city council. Mr. Call's portrait is presented on a previous page. ++ ANIEL ESTERLY SCHROEDER, | a well-known lawyer of Reading, is a son of John S.and Susan E, (Boyer) Schroeder, and was born January 20, 1842, in the city of his present residence. His grandfather, George Schroe. der, was a native of Berks County, his parents being among the pioneer settlers of Oley and Bern townships, coming to this county between 1720 and 1730. The grand- father spent his time in the pursuits of agricul- ture in Muhlenberg township, near Reading. BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES John S. Schroeder, the father, was born in Muhlenberg township and there reared to manhood. As a young man he came to Reading and entered mercantile life as a clerk. He was a stanch Democrat and filled his first office as deputy sheriff under his uncle, Daniel Esterly, in 1840-41. In 1848 he was elected sheriff and served one term. He then became chief clerk for the firm of Sey- fert, McManus & Co., afterward knownas the Reading Iron Co. He became identified with their interests in 1851, and continued with them until old age compelled his resig- nation in 1890, after forty years of faithful service. Not many men can show so good a business record. His death occurred the following year in the ripeness of age and the consciousness of a well spent life. He was united in marriage with Susan E. Boyer, and raised a family of eight sons and two daugh- ters, as follows: George, deceased; Daniel E.; John, deceased; William, deceased ; Joseph, employed by the Electric Light Co. of Reading ; Frank, deceased, a clerk; Charles was an attorney at Bellefonte, Pa., at the time of his death; Lewis died young; Martha, the widow of Daniel S. Kellerer, late an attorney of Bellefonte, this state; and Lucy, the widow of W. S. Bryson, late an attorney of Philipsburg, Pa. Two of these sons were soldiers of the Union Army in the late Re- bellion. John was wounded at the battle of Fair Oaks, May 31, 1862, when such a loss of life occurred to both sides, and the Confed- erate Army was forced to retreat, in which retreat John Schroeder, severely wounded, was taken prisoner, and placed in Libby Prison, from which he was subsequently dis- charged. Upon regaining freedom he again enlisted, this time in Durell's Battery, and served until the close of the war. William enlisted in the 2nd Reg. Pa. Vol. Cav. in February, 1864, and received wounds in the battle of the Wilderness in May of that year, from which he died shortly afterward. David E. Schroeder, upon finishing his edu- cation in the Reading High School, began the study of law under Judge J. Hagenman. He was adinitted to the bar in 1863, and has practiced at the Berks County Bar ever since. He is a lawyer of ability, and has worked up a good clientage. Mr. Schroeder was married to Clara L. BERKS COUNTY 105 Clark, by whom he has three children: Harry, a pattern maker of Reading; George keeps a grocery store in Baltimore, Md. ; and Estella who lives at home. Mr. Schroeder is a Democrat and served as school director in Reading from 1887 to 1897, giving the best of satisfaction and winning much commend- ation for the manner in which he discharged his duties. Heisa genial, kindly man, and one whom everybody knows and likes. Oo ___——_ DWARD LEWIS HOTTENSTEIN, M. D., a medical practitioner of promi- nence and skill, is following the practice of his profession throughout Berks County, and resides at Kutztown. He was born in Maxatawny township, this county, August 12, 1864, and is ason of Dr. Edward and Sarah (Knabb) Hottenstein, grandson of William and Elizabeth (Hunter) Hottenstein, and great-grandson of Dr. David and Eliza- beth (Klein) Hottenstein. Our subject traces the name Hottenstein back to the so-called Forest of the Spessurt, near Aschaffenburg, Germany, where it or- iginated. It was there that Riedbold held annually the great solemn court, upon a large rock under a powerful oak tree. Jacob Hot- tenstein, the great-great-great-grandfather of our subject, was born in Esslingen, Germany, and was a son of Ernst Hottenstein, who was mayor of Esslingen, and died there in 1618. Jacob, in company with his two brothers, came to America, landing in the city of Philadelphia; one of the brothers died soon after landing in this country, and the other brother moved to Lancaster, Pa., where he engaged in general farming. Jacob settled in Oley township, this county, and remained there until 1729, when he located in Maxa- tawny township, Berks County, then included in Philadelphia County. He bought of Cas- per Wister a tract of land consisting of 116 acres, for which he paid the sum of forty pounds and twelve shillings. At that time the land was covered with a dense forest, and Jacob immediately set about clearing a part of the land, and built a log house, in which he resided the rest of his active days. He was united in marriage with Dorothy Reber, and they were the parents of the fol- 8 lowing children: Jacob; William; David; Henry; Dorothy; and Maria. Mr. and Mrs. Hottenstein were Lutherans in their religious views, and taught their children the Lutheran Catechism. Jacob died at his home in Maxa- tawny township, March 23, 1753, at the age of fifty-six years, one month and five days. David Hottenstein, the great-great-grand- father of our subject, and his brother, Henry, inherited the old homestead in Maxatawny township, and after farming together some years, David purchased Henry’s interest in the farm, and spent his entire lite engaged in the pursuits of an agriculturist. In 1783 David built a large and handsome stone dwelling, which is still occupied. He was united in the bonds of wedlock with Miss Herbine, and a family of five children blessed their home, namely: Jacob; David; Daniel; Catherine, who was the wife of Jacob Grim; and Dorothy, who died in her infancy. In religious views David Hottenstein was a Lutheran. Dr. David Hottenstein, the great-grand- father of our subject, was born on the old homestead in Maxatawny township, Berks County, and while still in his boyhood he began the study of medicine under Dr. Joseph Hersch; later he entered the Medical De- partment of the University of Pennsylvania, and upon graduating he moved to the north- ern part of Berks County, where he followed his chosen profession, and was one of the most prominent and skillful physicians and surgeons of that district. He purchased the homestead in Maxatawny township, and made many improvements upon the same. He formed a matrimonial alliance with Eliza- beth Klein, a daughter of Richard Klein, a resident. of Montgomery County, and to this union the following children were born: David; Jacob; Daniel; William; Isaac; Henry; Catherine; Sarah; and Dorothy, who died in childhood. Dr. David Hottenstein died in 1848, aged eighty-two years, four months and twenty-five days. William Hottenstein, the grandfather of our subject, was reared and educated in Maxatawny township. He took great pride in handing down the early history of the Hottensteins, which he compiled in 1878. As he said in the preface, his object was: “To benefit thereby posterity, that the descen- 106 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES dants might continue their line of descent of the name Hottenstein in the far distant future.” He stated that the maxims, “Man, know thyself,” and “ Man, know from whence comest thou,” had actuated him in the work, and trusted they would have the same effect on his descendants. He also says if his work of compiling a family history should prove useful to any future descendants, that the wishes of the compiler, whose body may have crumbled into dust, and spirit gone to its final resting place, will be gratified. William wasa noble minded man, full of vigor and strength, and his counsel was often sought, as his word was golden. In 1834 he represented his fel- low-citizens in the State Legislature, and also filled many township offices. He passed from this life at the advanced age of ninety- one years, and twelve days. In religious views he was attached to the Reformed Church. William Hottenstein was wedded to Elizabeth Hunter, who bore him a family of seven children, namely: David H., whose sketch also appears in this Book of Biograph- ies; Charles H., who resides in the state of Indiana; Robert, deceased; Edward, the father of our subject; Caroline, deceased ; Sally, the wife of J. V. High; and Matilda. Dr. Edward Hottenstein, the father of our subject, was born in Maxatawny township, October 1, 1831, and received a liberal edu- cation in the public schools of his native township. He studied medicine with Dr. Henry Geiger, and began the practice of his profession in Maxatawny township, meet- ing with great success. He inherited a part of the homestead, and built a handsome brick residence in 1855, and resided there until 1868, when he moved to Kutztown and purchased the Jonas Beiber residence; he is now living in retirement, but still his counsel and medical advice are often sought. He has been very successful in his chosen pro- fession, and has the reputation of being one of the best physicians and surgeons in Berks County. He was united in marriage with Sarah Knabb, daughter of Jacob Knabb, and the following children resulted from this union: Ida Caroline, born September 5, 1856, is the wife of James De Long, of Bowers, Pa.; Harriett Alice, born February 13, 1850, resides at home; Elmer, born December 30, 1861, is a physician, residing at Akron, Ohio; Edward Lewis, the subject of this sketch; Sarah Ann, deceased; William Jacob, born August 28, 1868, a graduate of Penn Dental College, and Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, is a dentist, residing at Akron, Ohio; Charles Augustus, born October 1, 1871, also a graduate of the above institutions, is a dentist residing at Kutztown; Peter David, born July 20, 1874, is taking a course in pharmacy at the Pennsylvania Pharma- ceutical College ; and Debora Caroline, born July 14, 1877, a graduate of the Keystone State Normal School, and a teacher in Bucks County. Mr. Hottenstein is a member of Huguenot Lodge, No. 377, F. & A. M., and is past master of the same. He has served as a school director many years; and in religious views he is a devoted member of the Reformed Church. Dr. Edward Lewis Hottenstein was edu- cated in the public schools and in the Key- stone State Normal School of Kutztown; having decided upon a medical career, he entered the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, Pa., and in 1886 he was gradu- ated and became entitled to practice. He took a special course in diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat, and has followed his profession in Kutztown, where he has met with marked success. The Doctor is well known throughout the county, has a good and paying practice, and is regarded as one of the foremost practitioners of his profession in his district. Our subject pur- chased the Dr. Johnson property on Main street, in which he has his office rooms. Dr. Hottenstein chose for his life companion Sarah A. Stimmel, a daughter of William F. Stimmel, whose sketch may also be found in this Book of Biographies. In political views our subject is a decided Democrat; socially, he is a member of Huguenot Lodge No. 377, F. & A. M., and the Knights of the Golden Eagle. Or ____———— DANIEL SHARADIN, who resides in a beautiful residence on Main street, in the borough of Kutztown, is proprietor of the Kutztown Tan- nery and also operates a saw mill. He isa son of David and Maria (Wanner) Sharadin, FRANCIS F. SEIDEL. BERKS COUNTY and was born in Oley township, Berks County, May 31, 1842. David Sharadin, the father of our subject, was born in Maxatawny township, where he spent most of his life in agricultural pursuits. He was united in marriage to Maria Wan- ner, a native of Maxatawny township, by whom he had a family of nine children, namely: one who died in infancy; Ephraim, a farmer residing near Kutztown; Henry, deceased; Catherine, deceased; J. Daniel, whose name appears at the head of these lines; Sarah, deceased; Maria, the wife of Frank Keck, who resides in Kutztown; Wil- liam, deceased; and David, an undertaker of Kutztown. Mrs. Sharadin was called Home in 1877, and her husband survived her three years. J. Daniel Sharadin received a primary education in the common schools of his native town, after which he attended the Keystone State Normal School of Kutztown. He remained upon the farm until he was twenty-one years of age, and then went to Greenwich township, this county, where he learned the trade of a tanner and followed it for two and one-half years. For the follow- ing two years, he followed his trade in Wayne, Ashland, and Delaware Counties in Ohio, and then went to Goshen, Ind., where he formed a partnership with Henry Wan- ner, and they conducted a tannery for two years. In 1870, he removed to Kutztown and erected a tannery and has followed that business there ever since. He tans hides of all kinds and has one of the largest establish- ments of the kind in his section of the county. He is also engaged in the lumber business, and owns and operates a saw mill in Kutztown. He is engaged in the real estate business and has done considerable building in the borough. He takes an active interest in all measures which have for their end the advancement of the interests of Kutztown, and has established a reputation for strict integrity and honesty which time cannot shake. On December 8, 1868, our subject was united in matrimonial bonds with Caroline Butz, who was born in Kutztown, August 7, 1848, a daughter of Equiduis and Elizabeth (Beaver) Butz. This happy union resulted in the birth of six children, namely: Harry, an 109 artist of superior talents, married Louise Neff, and lives in Reading; Ella M., who is residing at home with her parents, was a successful teacher for several terms, and is al- so skilled in the art of china painting and dec- orating; Howard, who is proprietor of a shirt factory in Kutztown; Francis, a resi- dent of Kutztown; Ralph; and Carrie Louise. In religious belief Mr. Sharadin and family are members of the German Retormed Church of Kutztown. Politically, Mr. Shar- adin holds steadfastly to the principles of the Democratic party, and has been called upon to serve in several public offices. He was a member of the council at one time, and in 1889 he was chief burgess of the burough. He has faithfully performed all of the duties of a loyal citizen, and is respected and esteemed as a true friend and a kind neighbor. ——____++—____ RANCIS F. SEIDEL, whom we repre- sent with a portrait on the opposite page, is one of the valued citizens of Reading, and is held in high esteem by his acquaintances for his many sterling qualities; he is now successfully engaged in the under- taking business, and conducts the largest mortuary establishment in Berks County. He was born in Bern township, Berks County, Pa. February 23, 1858, and isa son of Eli and Caroline (Faust) Seidel, and grand- son of Daniel Seidel. Daniel Seidel, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was a native of Berks County; his ancestors were residents of the northern part of the state of Pennsylvania, where they were engaged in cultivating the soil. Daniel Seidel purchased a tract of land consisting of 450 acres of land, which was wild, unculti- vated and covered by a heavy forest. He set about clearing a part of his purchase, and there spent the remainder of his life, engaged in the pursuits of an agriculturist. Mr. Seidel was very prominent in his community, and was greatly respected by his neighbors and friends, and always lent his influence toward the betterment of his community and county. He firmly believed in educational institutions, and cheerfully donated property upon which to erecta school building. In politics Mr. Seidel was an unwavering Dem- IIo BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES ocrat, and strongly upheld the principles of that party both by ballot and voice. For many years he rendered valuable service to his fellow citizens on the school board. He was joined in marriage with an English lady, and to this union three sons and tour daugh- ters were reared, namely: Bernville; Michael; Elias; Elizabeth; Lovina; Lucy; and Mary. Elias Seidel, the father of our subject, was born in Bern township, this county, and passed from this life on the old homestead at the age of twenty-five years. He acquired a good education in the common schools of his native town, and devoted himself to operat- ing the old homestead. Our subject’s father formed a matrimonial alliance with Caroline Faust, and two children were born to them, who were named as follows: Francis F., whose name heads the above lines; and Elias, who passed from this life July 8, 1890, aged thirty years. Francis F. Seidel possesses a thorough education, which he acquired in the public schools of his native town, and then worked tor E. S. Miller three years; later he worked three years, serving an apprenticeship to the undertaker’s trade, and then became foreman in E. S. Miller’s undertaking establishment, remaining in his employ some ten years. April 1, 1888, our subject embarked in the undertaking business in Reading, and has continued in the same pursuits to the present day. Our subject is very popular with his fellow-citizens, and has succeeded in estab- lishing a large and paying patronage by his honest and straightforward methods of deal- ing. During the first year of business our subject had charge of 52 funerals, and dur- ing the succeeding years, the business has increased as indicated below: in 1889, 127 funerals; 1890, 182; 1891, 230; 1892, 236; 1893. 277: 1804, 374; 1895, 343; 1896, 368; and in 1897, 397. March 9g, 1888, our subject graduated from the Oriental School of Em- balming of New York City ; Clask’s School of Embalming in 1893; and the school of embalming at Harrisburg, Pa., in 1894. He has also taken lectures on contagious diseases; and was the first to advertise embalming in the city of Reading. He also introduced the funeral car in Reading; funeral nets; the first to use high hats and capes in Reading ; and is the originator of the grave lining, which has become universal throughout the country. On July 24, 1883, Mr. Seidel and Miss Amelia Hartman were united in the bonds of matrimony, and they reared four children, namely: Estella E., born April 24, 1884, and died November 5, 1887; Herbert A., born September 21, 1885; Calvin E., born May 1, 1887; and Florence May, born September 2, 1888. Mr. Seidel is a member of the follow- ing fraternal organizations: Chandler Lodge, No. 227, F. & A. M.; Reading Commandery, No. 42, Knight Templars ; and Rajah Temple of the A. A.O. N. M.S.; Vigilance Lodge, No. 194, 1. O. O. F.; Perseverance Council, No. 194, Jr. O. U. A. M.; Knights of the Golden Eagle; Juniata Tribe, No. 74, 1. O. R. M.; K. of F.; and Rebecca Degree Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 4. Mr. Seidel is honor- able and straightforward in his business transactions, and as a natural result he has customers from far and near, and is on the highway to a competency to be enjoyed in later years. SSO ARTIN LUTHER BERTO.- LETTE, M. D.,a prominent and most highly esteemed physician of Reading, was born in Oley township, Berks County, Pa., October 5, 1856, on the tract of land purchased from the Penns, in 1726, by his paternal ancestor, Jean Bertolette, upon his arrival in America. Dr. Bertolette’s father was Jeremiah Guldin Bertolette, a prosperous farmer of more than ordinary intellect, who died in January, 1876, of typhoid fever, aged forty-two years, ten months and seventeen days, and is buried at the Oley Reformed Church. His mother was Franna Christman Butz, a descendant of one of the early German settlers of Long Swamp township. The subject of this sketch was educated in the public schools of his native township, the Oley Academy, and Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown; he then matriculated in the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania in 1875, and graduated in March, 1878. He started the practice of. medicine at Jacksonwald, near Reading, im- BERKS COUNTY II! mediately upon graduating, and continued there four years. In March, 1882, he accom- panied his invalid cousin, Clifford Bertolette, to Colorado, the latter going for the benefit of his health. In the summer of that year, our subject came east as far as Zwingle, lowa, and engaged in the practice of medi- cine as the successor of Drs. David N. Loose, originally from Myerstown, Lebanon County, Pa., and Edwin B. Bertolette, de- ceased, a native of Oley township, this county. On account of failing health, brought on by an extensive and laborious practice in the severe climate of the North- West, Dr. Bertolette thought it advisable to change his location, which he did in the fall of 1888. He moved to Philadelphia, where he took a post-graduate course at the Poly- clinic and the University of Pennsylvania. In the spring of 1889 he resumed the prac- tice of medicine at St. Lawrence Mills, in the suburbs of Reading; later on he removed to the city of Reading, where he has been located since 1894 at No. 32 North Ninth street. He is engaged in the general practice of medicine. He has been visiting physician of St. Joseph’s Hospital since 1890, being chief for diseases of the chest at the above institution. He is an ex-president of the Berks County Medical Society, having held the presidency in 1893; he is also a member of the city, state and national medical socie- ties. In politics he isa Democrat, while in religious attachments he is a member of the Lutheran Church. On November 27, 1879 (Thanksgiving Day), he was married to Han- nah Elizabeth High, daughter of Jacob Van Reed High, but no children have blessed this union. Our subject’s paternal ancestor was Jean Bertolette, a Frenchman of noble birth, and from a family of large land-holders in the Province of Alsace. Having embraced the Reformed religion, he began to fear for his personal safety because of the religious per- secutions, directed in France against the Huguenots, and removed to Switzerland with his wife Susanna, a descendant of the Hercourt family of France, and settled at Chateaudeaux, Canton of Berne. Affairs in his native country not improving to such a degree as to justify his return, his property having been confiscated, he resolved to seek 6* anew home in America. After a sojourn of fourteen years in Switzerland, he took pass- age for the New World, and landed in New York City, with wite and five children, in 1726. Thence in the same year he removed to Oley township, Berks County, Pa., and purchased land, about one mile west of what is now Yellow House, upon which lived suc- cessive generations of his descendants until within a very few years. The following children constituted his family: Abraham, born in 1712, and died in 1776; Marie (Mrs. Stephen Bernot), born in 1715, and died in 1802; Jean, born in 1717, and died in 1789; Esther (Mrs. Dr. De Benneville), born in 1720, and died in 1796; Susanna (Mrs. Jacob Frey), born in 1722, and died in 1803; and Frederick Americus, born in 1726. Abraham Bertolette, the great-great-great- grandfather of the present scion, married Esther De Turk in 1736, and had these chil- dren: Marie, born in 1737; Daniel, born in 1741, who married a Miss Yoder; Samuel, born in 1743, and died in 1805, was married to a Miss Frey; Elizabeth (Mrs. De Turk), born in 1745; Esther (Mrs. Yoder), born in 1746; and John, born in 1748, who married a Miss Shenkel. The youngest son of the family, John, is in the direct line of descent to our subject. Both he and his wife died young, and left one son, John Shenkel Ber- tolette. John S. Bertolette, the great-grandfather of the Doctor, was born in 1775, and died in 1833. He wasa large land owner and farmer, and also was engaged in the manufacture of iron at Spring Forge. In 1808 occurred his marriage with Mary Boyer, which resulted in the birth of the following children: Dr. David, born in 1809, and died in 1880, whose residence was in Washingtonville, Ohio; Lydia (Mrs. Filbert Nagle), born in 1811, and died in 1885; Levi John, born March 29, 1813, and died April 10, 1883; Zechariah, born in 1815, and died in 1890; and Mahlon, born in 1817, and died in 1852. A second marriage with Mrs. Peter Guldin (nee Reiff) was childless. Early in life Levi John Bertolette began to assist his father in the work about the iron mill, and at the age of eighteen Henrietta Guldin became his wife, and the young couple settled down on a fine farm, given BOOK OF 112 BIOGRAPHIES them by Levi's father, which farm was a part of the original tract settled by the pioneer ancestor. Henrietta Guldin was a daughter of Peter Guldin. Our subject’s grandfather prospered in his affairs, and became one of the leading citizens and agriculturists of his section, also engaging very extensively in stock raising. He was very fond of fine driv- ing horses, and turned out some of the best speeders in the county. He frequently made trips to the West, purchasing stock, which he brought home and sold at advanced figures. Eight children were born to him, of whom three now survive, namely: John C., born in 1831, is engaged in ranching in the state of Colorado, near Denver; Levi A. resides in Wilmington, Delaware; and Emma Joseph- ine (Mrs. Dr. Jack and Mrs. Samuel Heck- man). Jeremiah Guldin Bertolette, the father of Dr. Bertolette, was born March 17, 1833, and died in 1876. He was married on October 9, 1855, to Franna Christman Butz, and the following children blessed their union: Mar- tin Luther, the subject of this writing, who was born October 5, 1856; Mary Alice (Mrs. Gross), born January 2,1859; Charles Albert, who died in infancy; and Annie Virginia, who was born March 6, 1874, and died Feb- ruary IJ, 1898. SS ae ARIUS Z. BOWMAN, M. D., is a gentleman who has worked his way \S) well toward the head of his chosen profession. He is earnest, indus- trious and capable, possessing a strong intel- lect and persistent determination, that is bound to make him succeed in whatever he undertakes. He is a son of Frederick and Mary A. (Zimmerman) Bowman, and was ushered into this world December 10, 1854, in Earl township, Berks County, Pa. The family is of the sturdy German stock that has contributed so much to the strength and honor of this country. His father, Fred- erick Bowman, was born in Germany, but emigrated to this country and settled in Earl township, this county, where our subject was born. He was married to Mary A. Zimmer- man, whose father was also of German extraction, and to this union one child was born, Darius Z. Bowman. Dr. Bowman was reared on a farm until he had attained his sixteenth year, his training on the farm well fitting him for the hard study he laid out for himself when he had reached more mature years. His early edu- cation was received in the common schools of Berks County, and later at the Mt. Pleasant Seminary at Boyerstown. He discovered nothing congenial in the business of farming, but developed a great love for books and determined to become a physician, a profes- sion that ever held a great charm for him. To this end he devoured all the books within his reach that treated on medicine, and at the age of eighteen he came to Reading and secured employment with Dr. A. C. Det- weiler, one of the prominent physicians of the city. His work consisted in taking care of the Doctor’s horses, keeping his books, and doing whatever work about the office that came to hand. At the same time he applied himself assiduously to the study of medicine, and was soon prepared to enter the College of Physicians and Sur- geons at Baltimore, Md. In 1880 he gradu- ated from this college and at once entered upon the practice of his profession in Read- ing, where he has since been located. He has a large general practice, and his entire time is devoted to his work, while every energy is bent in perfecting himself in his life work, a field in which his peculiar talents have proven eminently useful. In every respect the doctor is what is generally termed “self-made,” and is all the more highly regarded because of his successful up-hill struggle. December 25, 1884, Dr. Bowman was wedded to Annie Irene Newkirk, whose father, Samuel Newkirk, is one of Reading’s influential citizens. This marriage has been blessed by the birth of three children: Paul N., who was born April 13, 1886; Helen was born August 21, 1889; and Emma, born January 24, 1892. The Doctor has never taken an active interest in politics, pre- ferring to leave that field to those whose talents lay in that direction. He is a man of cheery, happy disposition, and is a great favorite among those with whom he comes in contact. WILLIAM H. YOCUM anp JAMES W. YOCUM. BERKS COUNTY AMES W. YOCUM. Among the pee and enterprising citizens of erks County is the gentleman whose biography we write, who is one of the most reliable business men of the city of Reading, and is a member of the well-known firm Yocum Brothers, the largest cigar man- ufacturers of the county, whose portraits are presented on the opposite page. The honesty of the proprietors of this establishment is never questioned, and the prosperity with which they are meeting is solely due to their integrity and untiring industry. Our subject is a son of William and Mary (Potteiger) Yocum, and grandson of George Yocum. George Yocum, the grandfather of our subject, was a native of Yocum’s Forge, this county, and resided there all his life, engaged in the manufacture of iron. Politically, he was a firm supporter ot the Republican prin- ciples, and was a man highly esteemed by the citizens of his community. He entered the world of rest at the advanced age of seventy- eight years. He was the progenitor of a family of six children, four sons and two daughters. William Yocum was also born at Yocum’s Forge, Berks County, Pa., and after receiving a good education in the pub- lic schools of that town, he learned the mill- ing business, but soon after engaged in the cultivation of the soil; he was very success- ful in his chosen occupation, and is now enjoying the fruits of his early toil. In his religious views, he -is an active member and liberal supporter of the Lutheran Church, and has held all the offices of that church. Politically, he has always cast his vote in support of the Republican party. As a result of his marriage with Miss Mary Potteiger, a family of five children were born, namely: Clara; James W., the subject of this narrative; William H., whose sketch follows this; Valara; and George J. James W. Yocum was intellectually trained for the battles of life in the public schools of his native town, and during his early man- hood, he taught six terms of school in this county. He then formed a partnership with S. F. Fisher, and the firm of Fisher & Yocum continued two and one-half years in the general merchandise business at Stouchs- burg, this county; on January 1, 1885, our subject and his brother, William H. Yocum, 115 engaged in the cigar manufacturing business under the firm name of Yocum Bros. Their establishment is a large six story brick build- ing, located on the corners of Walnut and Seventh streets, and they give employment to some 500 skillful mechanics, who turn out 20,000,000 cigars per annum. Politically, Mr. Yocum is a solid Repub- lican, and endorses the principles of that party with conscientious fidelity. Relig- iously, he is a devoted member of the Luth- eran Church.. Fraternally, he is a Mason of the Thirty-second Degree, Williamson Lodge, No. 307, F. & A. M.; and is also a member of the Patriotic Order ot Sons of America, Camp No. 237. Our subject chose for his life companion Miss Agnes G. Schaffer, a daughter of John Schaffer, and they were united in marriage October 14, 1875. To this union the following children have been reared: Charles; John; Frank; Paul; Ralph; and Sadie M. Mr. Yocum has been a resident of Reading the major part of his life, and as a business man, he has won the highest respect among the mercantile and manufacturing classes. He is a careful, shrewd and upright business man, and a respecter of the rights of others. Asa citi- zen, he is pleasant, affable, and approachable, with a ready good-will to enter into anything that stands for the public good. He knows how to get and hold customers, and those who deal with Mr. Yocum know that when he says a piece of goods is so and so, the article will every time come up to the recom- mendation. +e ILLIAM H. YOCUM. The cigar industry which was started in Reading on a small scale at the beginning of the nineteenth century has had a marvelous growth, and has assumed vast proportions, to-day ranking among the leading industries of the city. At first the cigars were made of domestic tobacco, and commanded a small price, but times have greatly changed, and cigarmaking to-day is an art, and requires the employment of none but skilled workmen, which fact, combined with the heavy tax imposed upon tobacco, has increased the price many times over. 116 Chief among the many cigar manufacturing plants of America is the establishment con- ducted by Yocum Bros., William H. and James W., whose portraits are shown on a preceding page, both of whom are men of experience in that line, and their house is largely patronized throughout the United States, making it necessary to employ 500 skilled mechanics to meet the demand for their product. The gentleman whose name heads these lines, a man of great energy and enterprise, is a son of William and Mary Pot- teiger) Yocum, and a grandson of George Yocum. George Yocum, the grandfather of our subject, was born at Yocum’s Forge, and throughout life was engaged in iron manu- facturing at Yocum’s Forge, where he passed away in the seventy-eighth year of his age. Politically, he was a firm supporter of the principles of the Republican party, and was one of the valued and aggressive citizens of his county. He reared a family of six chil- dren, four sons and two daughters, each of whom became a credit to the community in which he lived. William Yocum, our sub- ject’s father, was also born at Yocum’s Forge, Berks County, and obtained his intel- lectual training in the public schools of that vicinity. He then learned the milling busi- ness; later he engaged in agricultural pur- suits, in which he was very successful, and is now living in retirement in Stouchsburg, this county. Religiously, he is an active member and a consistent worker in the Lutheran Church, and has held all the church offices. In political affiliations he is an ardent Repub- lican, but never aspired to office. He led Miss Mary Potteiger to the hymeneal altar, and their happy union resulted in the follow- ing issue: Clara; James W., a record of whose life immediately precedes this sketch ; William H.; Valara; and George J. William H. Yocum, after attending the common schools and obtaining a good educa- tion in the English language, learned the trade of a cigarmaker, and followed that oc- cupation until April, 1881, when he engaged in the business for himself, continuing alone until July 1, 1881, when he took in William Smith as a partner. This partnership existed until June 1, 1883, when Mr. Yocum became sole proprietor, and did business alone until BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES January 1, 1885. In the mean time our sub- ject established, on June 1, 1884, a factory at 13 South Sixth street of this city. A new partnership was formed January 1, 1885, with his brother James W., and they have since been engaged in the manufacture of cigars. Being possessed of no small degree of energy and ambition, they did not pause in their labor until they had established the largest cigar factory in Berks County, and the cigars commanded a good sale on the market throughout the United States. The instinct- ive uprightness of our subject is his dealings with his fellowmen, charity for the worthy poor, and generous support of all measures tending to promote the interests of Church and State, mark him as a man worthy of the esteem and confidence in which he is held by his friends and neighbors. Mr. Yocum was united in matrimonial bonds February 21, 1880, with Emma K. Bright, a daughter of Aaron Bright of Bern- ville, this county, and this happy union has been blessed by the birth of four children, who were named as follows: Mary, Howard W., Lizzie V.,and George L. In politics Mr. Yocum is a member of the Republican party, whilst in religious views he is a member of the Lutheran Church. ++ YPOWARD KOCH. A representative citizen of Reading, and a gentleman who has succeeded in life, not as \— the recipient of a legacy, but through his own energy and perseverance, is the gentleman whose name heads this brief narrative, and who is representing the Third Ward as alderman. Our subject was born in the above city November 28, 1869. Mr. Koch received his early training in the public schools of Reading and later graduated from the Reading High School. Starting out in the world to battle for himself, he engaged in the contracting business with his uncle, Elijah Koch, and successfully carried on that line of business in Reading for some six years. At the expiration of that time they dissolved partnership, and our subject for some time was manager of the Jefferson House of Reading. Mr. Koch is a self made man In every respect the word implies, and is recognized as one of the pushing and enter- prising business men of the city. ‘ Mr. Koch is an active member of the P. O. S. of A. and has trequently represented that order in state conventions. He also takes a vast interest in the fire department of the city, and is a member of the Reading Hose Company, of which he has been president for the past two years. Politically, our subject is an unwavering supporter of the Democrat party, whose principles he believes in hon- estly and sincerely. He has represented his fellow-citizens frequently in county and state conventions, and at the age of twenty-four years he was selected a delegate to the state convention, and was probably the youngest delegate in that political gathering. In the spring of 1898 he was elected alderman from the Third Ward, the duties of which office he is honestly and faithfully discharging. Mr. Koch is greatly interested in the welfare of his community, and lends a helping hand at every opportunity in aiding it to become one of the first in the Keystone State. He is an honest and upright citizen, and as such enjoys the respect and esteem of his fellow- citizens. RS. HANNAH BIEHL is the widow of the late Henry Biehl, who was a prosperous business man and a worthy and highly es- teemed citizen of Kutztown. She is a daugh- ter of David and Lorinda (Levan) Kirby, and granddaughter of Stanley and Hannah (Merkel) Kirby. Stanley Kirby, a native of “Bonnie Scotland,” early in life emi- grated to America and settled in Maiden Creek township, Berks County, Pa., where he purchased a large tract of land and was successtully engaged in the cultivation of the soil for the remainder of his life. He passed from earth at the age of eighty years. He was married to Hannah Merkel, and they were the parents of three children that grew to maturity, namely: Solomon; Hannah; and David. His wife died aged seventy-four years. David, the father of our subject, received a good education in the public schools of his native town; he then studied BERKS COUNTY 117 medicine and later graduated from the Med- ical Department of Belvidere College of New York City, and immediately began practicing his profession in Maiden Creek township, and vicinity. He commenced in the saddle-bag days, when country physicians made professional calls upon their patients on horse-back. He formed a matrimonial alli- ance with Lorinda Levan, and two children were the results of this union, namely: Stanley and Hannah, whose name heads this personal history. Dr. Kirby was a solid Democrat in politics; in religious views, he was a Lutheran, while his wife was a Metho- dist. He entered the world of rest at the age of seventy-one years; our subject’s mother died when seventy-nine years old. Miss Hannah Kirby was wedded to Henry Biehl, a son of Jacob and Rebecca (Biedler) Biehl, and grandson of John C. Biehl. John C. Biehl was born in 1765 and was a life-long farmer of Maxatawny township, this county; he died in the year 1813. His life companion was Elizabeth Dunguse, who was born in 1770 and died in 1839. This union resulted in the birth of four children, who were named as follows: Elizabeth; Mary; Hannah; and Jacob. Jacob Biehl was born in Maxatawny township, this county, in 1794, and passed from life on the homestead in 1848. He came into possession of his father’s farm, and followed the vocation of an agriculturist all his life. His wife was Rebecca Biedler, who was born in 1797 and died in 1869; their children were: Nathan; Jonathan; Henry ; Catherine; and Mary. After the death of Mr. Biehl, his widow moved to Kutztown and bought the David Levan property at No. 242 Main street, where she resided with her daughter Mary the rest of her days. Mr. Biehl was a stanch Democrat in politics; religiously, he and his wife were members of the Lutheran Church. Henry Biehl acquired a fine education in the old Franklin Academy of Kutztown, and spent the years of his boyhood and young manhood in assisting his father in the work about the homestead. Later he engaged in agricultural pursuits on the homestead until 1859, when he sold the property and became a resident of Kutztown, There, in partner- ship with Reuben Sharadin he embarked in mercantile business under the firm name of 118 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES Sharadin & Biehl; later J. Daniel Wanner succeeded Mr. Sharadin, and the firm was known as Wanner & Biehl. They success- fully conducted the business a number of years, and had established a large patronage, when they sold out to Joshua Bieber, and our subject’s husband retired from the active duties of life. In 1857 or 1858 Mr. Biehl purchased the Mrs. Pike estate on Main street, and immediately removed the old buildings which stood upon the property, and erected a handsome two story brick, in which he resided until death claimed him. He also owned the house on Oak street, in which Mr. Rothermel now resides; erected two brick houses on the north side of the bridge on Main street; built a three-story brick tenement house; owned and built the machine shops at the end of the bridge; he bought a great deal of other property, which he would improve and sell again, Politically, he was a firm supporter of the principles of the Democratic party, and served in the borough council, besides being school direc- tor and filling other township offices. So- cially, he was a member of the I. O. O. F. The demise of Henry Biehl occurred at Kutztown October 4, 1896, when he was aged seventy-four years. He was greatly mourned, in that he was loved and respected by all who knew him, and he was a man widely known and esteemed for his integrity, honesty and uprightness, both in his social and public life. He was a man of energy and industry, and by his own efforts became the possessor of a handsome estate. He com- menced life at the foot of the ladder, and climbed up without any assistance except the respect which his own worth and integrity secured for him from all those with whom he came in contact. He wasa kind father and husband, and the esteemed lady whose name heads this sketch lost a dear companion at his death. Mrs. Biehl is still residing in Kutztown, surrounded by numerous friends and relatives and enjoying the respect and esteem of the entire community, of which she has so long been a resident. She was the mother of one child, Lawson Jacob, who passed from this life as he was about to enter manhood, the cause of his death being ty- phoid fever. He was a medical student in New York City at the time of his demise. EVI H. PRINTZ, a scion of a very prominent and old Berks County fam- ily, has attained more than ordi- nary success in the pursuance of his trade, that of a tailor, which he has fol- lowed all of his life. He was born in Read- ing, Berks County, July 15, 1837, and is a son of John and Rosanna (Hill) Printz. The family, which is of sturdy German stock, was established in America by the great-grandfather of our subject, who prior to the Revolutionary War located in Read- ing, Pa., on Ninth street, below Franklin, where he plied his trade, that of a stocking. weaver, until his demise. Among the chil- dren of whom he was the father was Fred- erick Printz, the grandfather of our subject, who was born in the city of Reading. The latter was one of the pioneer carpenters and builders of that city, and met with great success in following his trade. He continued in that line of work throughout his days, and passed to his Home beyond the river of Death at the advanced age of seventy-five years. John Printz, the father of the gentleman whose name appears at the head of these lines, was born in Reading, on August 18, 1801, and was reared to the trade ot a car- penter, which he followed in his native town. After a long and useful life, he closed his eyes in final sleep in August, 1880, at the age of seventy-nine years. He was a Democrat and active in political affairs, serving in many of the city offices and being a member of the city council for a number of years. In religious attachments he was a consistent member of the German Reformed Church. He was joined in wedlock with Rosanna Hill, who was born in Spring township, Berks County, in 1800, and died at the age of sixty-six years, by whom he had seven children, four of whom are still living. The record is as follows: Henry, deceased; Wil- liam, deceased; Susan Ann, the wife of William Orth, both of whom are now de- ceased; Christina, the wife of George Bick- ley of Reading; John H., a prominent busi- ness man of Reading, whose biographical sketch appears elsewhere in this volume; Levi H., the subject of this personal history ; and Frederick, who resides in Reading. Levi H. Printz was reared in his native JOHN J. KUENDIG, D. D. town and received his education in the com- mon schools, after which he learned the trade of a tailor while still in his youthful days. He has since continued at that occu- pation, and in point of skill is not surpassed by any in Reading. He is a man of many good qualities and is held in high esteem by his many acquaintances throughout this sec- tion of the county. He was united in mar- riage with Sarah Ann Reiff, and one child has blessed their happy union, Kate, the wife of Edward M. Herbine, a respected citizen of Reading. Socially, he is a member of the Junior Order of United American Mechan- ics, whilst in his religious views he is a mem- ber of the German Reformed Church. - $e OHN J. KUENDIG, D.D., an excel- lent portrait of whom we take pleasure in presenting on the opposite page, came to America from that most picturesque of all countries, Switzerland; now having made his home in the city of Reading for almost forty years, he has become so identified with its growth and improvement, that it almost appears as if he were a part of the city itself. No more familiar figure is to be seen than that of Dr. Kuendig, nor is there a man to whom more reverence and respect is shown, for he came here at an early day, and much of the good that has come to the city since his advent is associated with his name. His life has been devoted to the up-building of Christian char- acter, and the good he has accomplished is not to be estimated, for it is incalculable. Rev. John J. Kuendig is a son of John Jacob and Elizabeth (Heuser) Kuendig of Zurich, Switzerland, where he first saw the light of day December 6, 1830. He received a thorough education in the best schools ot his native land, prepared for a theological course in a polytechnic college of Munich, and graduated from the Mission Institute at Basle in September, 1858. Fresh from the college at Basle he came to America, land- ing here near the close of the year 1858, and at once entered the theological seminary at Gettysburg in order to familiarize himself with our language, manners and customs. In the following fall, 1859, he received his BERKS COUNTY first call as assistant pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Reading. This was before his ordination, and permission to preach was obtained from the president of the synod. He remained in this charge for one year, when a new congregation was organized, in 1860, with the privilege of hold- ing services in the old church for one year, pending the completion of the new building. This new organization, the St. John’s Ger- man Lutheran Church, erected a house of worship on Walnut street, between Fifth and Sixth streets, and elected as pastor our sub- ject, who has remained in charge ever since, almost forty years. This church is in a very flourishing condition, and numbers about fif- teen hundred souls at the present time, while the Sunday School has an enrollment of eight hundred pupils. Many improvements and additions have been made from time to time since its organi- zation, one of the most important, perhaps, being the establishment of a parochial school in connection with the church. This school employs three teachers, two English and one German teacher. The church building orig- inally cost about $20,000.00, but it has since been remodeled at a cost of $27,000.00, and a neat chapel has been built on Cotton street, between Twelfth and Thirteenth streets. This chapel, with the five-acre cemetery, cost an additional $12,000.00. The present flour- ishing condition of the church was beyond the hopes of its founders at the time of its in- ception, which was a critical time in the his- tory of this country, but the apathy, which is characteristic of so many religious denomina- tions after a few years of spasmodic progress, has been entirely lacking here, and a steady progress has attended it through each suc- ceeding year. Dr. Kuendig was united in matrimony with Emily S. Shalters, June 12, 1860, and two sons have resulted from this union, Theophilus and Paul. Theophilus is a teacher of music, and Paul is engaged in teaching in an Episcopal school in Philadelphia. Dr. Kuendig has made an honorable record in the city that in its successful outcome will be excelled by no other. He has been most active in all charitable work, and his time is continually taken up with the performance of deeds that have for their object the better- 122 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES ment of his fellowmen. He is an enthusiast in his admiration of the home of his adoption in which he has labored so long, and he sees in it a resemblance to his native Switzerland. In 1888 he was elected treasurer of the German Home Mission of the General Coun- cil of America, and has since held the office. For a period of fourteen years he was editor of the Pilger, a paper devoted to the work of his church in general, and is now the editor of the Srloah, the official paper of the Ger- man Home Mission. He is an able writer, and his pen furnishes some highly interesting contributions to the press. He was honored by having the degree of Doctor of Divinity conferred upon him by the Pennsylvania Col- lege at Gettysburg, an honor well deserved. He is kindly by nature, strong and fearless in the discharge of his duties, and a worthy example for the emulation of the youth of to day. -—— ++ R. JOHN K. SEAMAN, one of the honored and respected citizens of (0) the city of Reading, where he en- joys a large general practice, in which he has been eminently successful in every branch, was born Nov. 3, 1844, and is a son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Klein) Seaman. He isa descendant of the sturdy German race, his great-grandfather, Everhart Sea- man, having been born in Germany. He came to America at an early age and located near Hamburg, Berks County, Pa., where he was one of the early settlers. He was the progenitor of three sons and one daughter. The sons, John, George and Jonathan, all settled down in the vicinity of Hamburg, where many of their descendants still reside. John Seaman, the grandfather of our sub- ject, followed farming in that section of the county all his life and was a very prosper- ous man. He was the father of a family of four children, three sons and one daughter, namely: Joseph; Reuben; Benjamin; and Kate, who became the wife of a Mr. Stein and moved west. Benjamin Seaman, the father otf our sub- ject, was born in Tilden township, and although he learned the trade of a carpenter in early life, his occupation was that of an agriculturist. He was a man of more than ordinary intelligence, and took an active in- terest in advancing the standard of educa- tion in the community. He was one of the first directors of the public schools when they were founded, and was an active worker in their behalf. In political belief, he was a Republican and held a number of the local offices. As a result of his union ‘with Elizabeth Klein, three sons and one daughter were born, as follows: Dr. John K., in whom the interest of this sketch cen- ters: Henry, a restauranteur, residing in Philadelphia; Adam, a farmer, living on the old homestead; and Mary, the wife of James Dunkleberger, who is engaged in farming in Tilden township. Dr. John K. Seaman is a gentleman of scholarly attainments, having received a good common and normal school education. He at first attended the public schools of Hamburg, receiving both high school and private instruction, after which he took a course in the Millersville State Normal School. He then taught school for five terms in Berks and Schuylkill Counties, commencing at the age of seventeen years. Under the tutelage of Dr. J. A. Brobst, an experienced physician of Bernville, he began the study of medicine, after which he entered the Bellevue Medical College of New York City, from which institution he graduated in 1869. He then returned to Bernville where he began practice in partnership with his former preceptor, continuing for a period of one year, when he moved to Lenhartsville, Berks County, in 1871. He entered upon a successful practice in that village and re- mained there until the spring of 1894, when he came to his present field in the city of Reading. He has a large general prac- tice, and is held in high esteem by his patients, who not only regard him as a physi- clan, but as a [friend in whom they may safely repose their entire confidence. Dr. Seaman was united in the holy bonds of wedlock with Permilla Conrad, a daugh- ter of Joseph Conrad of Bernville, and he formed a second marital union with Sue Peters, a woman whose excellent traits of character have won the admiration and love of a large circle of friends. Dr. Seaman is a BERKS COUNTY 123 member of the Reading Medical Association, the Berks County Medical Society, and has served as vice-president of both, and is a member of the State Medical Society. In political belief, he affiliates with the Republi- can party. Religiously, he is a member of St. Stephen’s Reformed Church and is treas- urer of the Building Association, which is now erecting a new church in this city, at the corner of Ninth and Greenwich streets. Socially, he is a member of Veteran Castle, Knights of the Golden Eagle. Although a very busy man, he gives due attention to the cultivation of his finer tastes. His library is replete with modern works, for busy as he is, the Doctor finds time to drink of the Pierian Spring, and keeps well abreast of the times. O88 OHN E. SPEARS, proprietor of the Spears Cafe at No. 503 Penn street, and a bright and hustling business man of Reading, was born in the above city September 8, 1856, and is a son of Edward G. and Annie (Yeagley) Spears. The family is of Scotch origin; the ances- tors ot our subject on both sides of the house were residents of Scotland for several cen- turies. Grandfather Spears resided in the northern part of Berks County, Pa., and was among the pioneer iron workers of this county, when iron was manufactured by the old charcoal process. Edward G. Spears, the father of our subject, was born in Berks County, and learned the trade of a tailor, which line of business he followed all his life. He conducted a shop in Reading, and was one of the pee citizens of his community. He spent five years in Philadelphia, and then returned to Reading, where he passed from this life October 9, 1897. Mr. Spears was a member of the Union Army during the Civil War, serving three years as a member of the 15th Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf. He was united in marriage with Annie Yeagley, and asa result. of this union eight children were reared—five sons and three daughters. John E. Spears acquired a liberal education in the common schools, and then entered the Inter-State Commercial College of Reading. Upon leaving school he engaged in the con- fectionery business, and conducted a store for a period of fourteen years. At the end of that time he became a clerk in the Reading Brewing Company and remained in its em- ploy for six years. In 1893 he opened the Spears Cafe at No. 503 Penn street, where he has built up a large patronage, and is accounted very successlul. Our subject is a member of Reading Lodge, No. 549, F. & A. M.; Harrisburg Consistory, No. 320, Scottish Rites; he has been identi- fied with the Fire Department of Reading for the past twenty-two years; has served as president of the Firemen’s Union two terms; and is at present president of the State Fire- men’s Association, which is one of the strongest organizations in the state. Our subject formed a matrimonial alliance with Ida Metzger, the ceremony that united them being performed March 6, 1876; they are the parents of two children, namely: Lillie, born July 3, 1878; and Charles, born January 16, 1886. Mr. Spears has been a resident of Reading all his life, and is highly respected by his fellow-citizens, who know him to be honest and straightforward in all his dealings. —__—__— ++ __ OHN S. SCHAEFFER is a prominent and successful farmer and_ highly esteemed citizen of Richmond town- ship, where he owns a fine homestead, which consists of 100 acres. He was born on the old homestead, now occupied by his brother George, September 7, 1838, and is a son of Daniel and Margaret (Sell) Schaeffer. Daniel Schaeffer was reared in Richmond township, and was a life-long farmer; he suc- ceeded in accumulating a fortune and retired to Fleetwood, where he was able to pass his latter days in comfort and happiness. His wife also died in Fleetwood. She was Mar- garet Sell, bornin Maxatawny township, the mother of nine children, who were as follows: John S., the subject of this sketch; George, a resident and farmer of Richmond township; William, a retired citizen residing in Fleet- wood; Philip, deceased; David, also deceased: Daniel, a prominent merchant of Reading; Mary, deceased; Carolina, widow of the late Charles Messersmith, of Fleetwood; and Nathan, a merchant of Fleetwood. John S. Schaeffler attended the public 124 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES schools of Fleetwood, was reared upon his father’s farm, and remained under the par- ental roof until his marriage. He then took charge of his present farm, which consists of some of the best land in Berks County. He has greatly improved its condition since tak- ing possession of it, and has a fine dwelling, good barns and out houses, and all the con- veniences for modern and systematic farming. November 15, 1863, at the age of twenty- ‘five years, he was married to Magdalena Peter, who was born in Maiden Creek town- ship, April 30, 1842, a daughter of Joseph E. and Mary (Barndt) Peter, the former a farmer and merchant of Maiden Creek township. Three children blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Schaeffer, who are as follows: Mary Emma; Rev. Charles Edmund, pastor of St. Mark’s Reformed Church of Reading, mar- ried Carrie Leinbach; and Daniel Edgar, a graduate of the Reformed Church Theo- logical Seminary, and now pastor of the Leesport charge, near Reading, who was united in marriage with Annie Schaeffer. Our subject has always voted the Democratic ticket, and has served as school director. He and his wife hold a membership with the Reformed Church of Fleetwood. He and his good wife are happy in the possession of numerous friends, and their names are syno- nyms for loveliness of character and _ strict fidelity to all the relations of life. + ROF. DAVID S. KECK, the efficient teacher of English Grammar and History in the Keystone State Nor- mal School of Kutztown, is a man prominent throughout the state, and one who has done much to advance the educational interests of Berks County. He is a son of Thomas and Isabella (Kelchner) Keck, and was born in Lehigh County, Pa., October 6, 1852. His grandfather was Henry Keck, who was born in Northampton County, Pa., and later located in Lehigh County, where he was one of the leading agriculturists and a very prominent man. He passed into the world of rest at the age of seventy years. He was the progenitor of the following chil- dren: William J.; Thomas, the father of our subject; Mary; Catherine; Elizabeth: and Julia, who is the only one living at the pres- ent time. Thomas Keck, our subject’s father, was reared on his father’s farm, but at an early age learned the trade of a slater, and followed that his entire life in connection with farm- ing. He worked mainly in a quarry, but did considerable slate roofing. He was one of the progressive and successful business men of his community. He died at the age of fifty years; his worthy wife still lives. Mr. Keck was united in matrimonial bonds with Isabella Kelchner, and they became the parents of the following children: Alfred, deceased; William F., deceased; Mary (Polly), who is now living at home ; Amanda, deceased ; Louis, who died in infancy ; Peter, who also died in infancy; David S., whose name appears at the head of these lines; Joseph O., who is living on the homestead with his mother; and Frank R., an electri- cian by trade. Prof. David S. Keck received his primary education in the common schools, which was supplemented by a thorough course in the Keystone State Normal School of Kutztown, from which institution he graduated in 1874. Immediately, thereafter, he received an ap- pointment as principal of the Hamburg High School, which position he held for three years, and during the following four years had charge of the training department of the Keystone State Normal School. In 1881 he was elected superintendent of the public schools of Berks County, and his work was given the prominence’ that was the fruit of untiring toil and endeavor to fulfil his duties as an educator. He exhibited marked quali- fications for the office, and during his term of office, which extended over a period of nine years, he added much to the efficiency of the schools throughout the county. At the expiration of that time he went to New York City, where he accepted a position in the foreign freight department of the Lehigh Valley R. R., remaining there one year. He was then appointed supervisor of the Indian Schools in Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado, and during his residence in the West he met with many wild and interesting experiences. Not liking life on the frontier, however, he returned to Kutztown, after a DR, JEREMIAH S. TREXLER, BERKS COUNTY period of two years’ time, and served as pro- fessor of history for one year in the Normal School. After the death of Professor Neff, he became teacher of English Grammar and History, which position he has since held, much to the satisfaction of the patrons of the school and the pupils themselves. He is a man of high ambitions, an industrious and energetic worker, and his success in life is richly deserved. In 1884 Prof. Keck’ pur- chased two large lots, a part of the old Kutz farm, just opposite the Normal School on Main street, upon which he erected a hand- some brick house, fitted it with all modern conveniences, and built a large barn. The lawn on each side and in front of the house, with large shade trees scattered here and there, and with thickly set shrubbery on each side ol the walks leading to the house, makes it one of the most attractive and valuable places in the village. In 1889 he built a large brick house on the lot adjoining his residence, which he has since sold. His house was the second erected on that side of Main street, which is now well built up with fine houses. Prof. Keck formed a matrimonial alliance with Susan Kaufman, a daughter of Daniel Kaufman, a resident of Maiden Creek town- ship, and they are the happy parents of one daughter, Laura Isabella, who was born in Kutztown, November 27, 1893. In religious belief he is a member of the Lutheran Church. Politically, he is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Democratic party. Socially, he isa member of Masonic Lodge, No. 377, F. & A. M., of which he is past master and for five years was secretary; at present he is treasurer. —__+<+_____ R. JEREMIAH S. TREXLER, a | prominent citizen of Kutztown, Berks County, is a fit representa- tive of the medical profession of Berks County, and a gentleman who has at- tained distinction as a practitioner by care- fully diagnosing his cases and bringing that skill to bear in their treatment, which he is enabled to do by years of careful study and constant practice. His indisputed and pro- found knowledge of his profession, and the large success which he has won by his perse- vering industry and attention to business, have given to him the standing and prestige he so richly merits. Although his active career is now practically closed, his is the satisfaction of looking back over years of usefulness and thrilling incidents, such as occur only when human life hangs in the bal- ance, and his is the privilege of being re- garded as a personal benefactor by number- less friends whom his skill has helped in some way or other. Dr. Trexler was born in Lehigh County, in 1832, and isa son-of James Trexler. The latter was also a native of that county, where he lived all of his life, attaining considerable prominence as the proprietor of the leading hotel in his vicinity. Our subject early exhibited a studious turn of mind, being, when a lad, far advanced in his studies for one of his years, and gradu- ated from college at an early age, after which he began the study of medicine with Dr. C. C. Gerasch. The latter, with rare judgment and foresight, recognized in this student the qualities which were one day to make him famous, and aided him to the extent of his ability. After his graduation as a physician and surgeon, Dr. Trexler accompanied his former preceptor, Dr. Gerasch, to Kutztown, where together they engaged in practice, and, being men of ability and culture, they attained unparalleled success, and won the confidence and esteem of the public by their care and courteous kindness, no less than by their energy and industry. In 1863, during ‘the Civil War, Dr. Trexler enlisted as ser- geant in the 73d Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., and remained steadfastly in the service until the cessation of hostilities and the.complete vic- tory of the Union. Returning from the scenes of carnage at the front, he again took up his practice in Kutztown, continuing until his retirement some ten years ago. The doctor possesses a kindly nature, and while he was decidedly successful in his profession and accumulated a large estate, he did not place a barrier between himself and the less fortunate in worldly goods; but, on the con- trary, he was enabled by his position in life to alleviate much real suffering. True to the noble impulses characteristic of him, he has not infrequently treated cases without the hope 128 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES of compensation, and his friends number the old and young alike, he being a particular favorite of children. He has at all times been interested in the development of Kutz- town, and has invested considerable money toward the building up of the borough, also being a stockholder in most of the enter- prises in that section. It was through his persistent efforts that the town is now sup- plied with water works; he is president of the board of shoe manufacturers, and the large iron bridge is another of his improve- ments. Besides his beautiful residence in Kutztown, he owns the handsome Trexler Block, and the Keystone Hotel, the finest in the eastern part of Berks County. Fraternally, Dr. Trexler is a Thirty-second Degree Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine. He has traveled throughout the United States and abroad, and few men are better versed in matters of public interest. Our subject’s portrait, that adorns a preced- ing page, should prove of interest to his friends, and add a decided value to the above biography. a aa ATHANIEL FERGUSON, vice- president of the First National Bank of Reading, and one of the highly esteemed and prominent residents of Berks County, resides at his home in the city of Reading. He was born in Robesonia, Berks County, June 5, 1868, and is a son of Nathaniel and Amanda (Davenport) Fergu- son. Nathaniel Ferguson, the father of our sub- ject, was a native of Lancaster County, Pa. In 1861 he moved to Robesonia, this county, and for twenty-four years was manager and part owner of a furnace located in that place. In 1885 our subject’s father retired from active life, and moved to Reading, where he lived until his death, in the year 1891. He was a heavy stockholder and director in the First National Bank of Reading, and was largely interested in other financial and busi- ness institutions of the city. He aided greatly in furthering the interests of his county and community, and his death was greatly felt and deeply lamented. He was a_ stanch Republican, and a life-long member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Ferguson was united in marriage with Amanda Davenport, a granddaughter of Judge William Adams of Reading, and she passed from this life at the age of fifty-one years, She was a mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church, and a lady greatly respected in the community. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson, five of whom are living, as follows: Eliza- beth, the eldest, was united in marriage with Charles L. Hoff of .Reading; Laura is the wife of S. H.-Leeper of Coatesville, Pa.; Nathaniel, whose name heads this brief notice; Wilson, a prominent attorney-at-law of Reading: and Grace, who became the wife of O. S. Doolittle of Reading. Our subject spent his younger days under the parental roof, and attended the Carroll Institute. He is vice-president of the First National Bank of Reading ; a member of the Berks County Agricultural Society; Read- ing Library; Wyomissing Club; and a direc- tor of the Pennsylvania Trust Company. Mr. Ferguson formed a matrimonial alliance with Anna R. Jones, a daughter of Richmond R. Jones, a highly respected citizen of Read- ing. SO SS horses and cattle, is well known L. throughout Berks County as an ex- pert judge of fine horses, and is a resident of Virginville, Richmond township. He was born in Albany township, Berks County, March 1, 1863, and is a son of Daniel and Harriett (Greenawalt) Werley, the former of Weissenburg township, Lehigh County, and the latter a native ot Albany township, this county. Daniel Werley was a tanner by trade, but followed the vocation of an agriculturist in Lehigh County, Pa. Later he moved to Berks County and settled in Albany town- ship, where he again followed farming until he retired from active work. He was wed- ded to Harriett Greenawalt, and a family of nine children was born to them: Susan is the wife of James Hamm, a resident of Weatherly, Pa. Helen married Joel W. Miller of Klinesville, this county ; Louisa is the wife of Levi Hilbert, and they reside in Pe q HOMAS G. WERLEY a dealer in BERKS COUNTY Pricetown, Pa.; Janette was wedded to John Greenawalt of Windsor Castle, Pa.; Thomas G.; Lydia is the wife of Alvin Greenawalt, and they reside on the old homestead in Albany township; Dr. Daniel of Lynnville, Lehigh County, Pa. married Miss Alice Adams of Virginville, Pa.; and James and Harrison, who are deceased. Thomas G. Werley first attended the com- mon schools of his native town, and then took three terms of study in the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown. He then engaged in teaching school for three winters, after which he took up farming in Greenwich township; later he moved to Richmond township, where he followed the vocation of a farmer for six years. Upon taking up his residence in Virginville, he purchased his present property and began the buying and selling of horses and cattle. Mr. Werley goes West every few weeks, where he buys up carloads of horses and cattle. These are shipped to Virginville, where Mr. Werley has a large sale stable, in which he disposes of his stock. He also goes out through the county and buys and sells stock. Our subject is a strong Democrat, and is not an office seeker, but has served in several minor offices in the township, and has at- tended several county conventions as a dele- ate from his township. He is a member of t. Peter’s Lutheran Church. January 3, 1885, he and Amelia Kunkel, a native of Lynn township, Lehigh County, and a daugh- ter of Peter and Fianna (Trexler) Kunkel, were wedded, and they are the parents of six children, namely: one who died in in- fancy; Kirby; Daisy, deceased; Clara; Irvin Peter, deceased; and Florence. Our subject has been a resident of Virginville for a num- ber of years, and during this time he has built up a reputation of honesty and straight- forwardness, and is held in high esteem by his fellow-citizens. ———__—_———_>e______- ILLIAM H. DECHANT, C. E., a civil engineer and surveyor located at No. 536 Penn street, Reading, Pa., began the struggle for self-support with- out means in the capacity of messenger boy on the Philadelphia & Reading R. R.; by % hard, industrious labor he has worked _ his way up to his present enviable standing in the community. Ile was born in Perry County, Ohio, and is a son of Rev. Frederick W. and Angeline (Boyer) Dechant. William Dechant, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Germany, and came to America at the beginning of the nineteenth century, locating in Oley township. He was prepared for the ministry in the Reformed Church, and had a charge in Oley township for many years, and after his death was buried in the churchyard. He had consid- erable influence and was well known through- out the county. He was the progenitor of a large family of children, one of whom was Rev. Frederick W., the father of our subject. Rev. Frederick W. Dechant was born in Oley township, Berks County, December 25, 1812, and received his intellectual train- ing in the public schools of his native town and in Mercersburg College, from which he graduated. He was prepared for the min- istry in the Reformed Church, and was or- dained to preach, making the cause of Christianity his life work. His labors were mostly in Western Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana, where he accomplished a great and good work. He was an excellent German scholar, and worked principally among the German people, preaching to them in their native tongue. His every aim was to be of some help to his fellow-man. He had a high ideal of manhood, and lived up to it in every respect. He was united in matrimonial bonds with Angeline Boyer, a daughter of Henry Boyer, after whom the village of Boyertown was named, and a member of one of the oldest and best known families of Berks County. Asa result of this happy union, the following children were born: Sarah Re- ' becca; William H., the gentleman whose name heads these lines; Calvin M., who isa civil engineer in the employ of our subject; and Adelaide, the wife of Edwin Chamber- lain of Reading. William H. Dechant received his educa- tion in the public. schools of Western Penn- sylvania and in Philadelphia, after which he entered the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading R. R. as a messenger boy. He then learned telegraphy, and was an operator for the same company trom 1866 to 1871, 128 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES of compensation, and his friends number the old and young alike, he being a particular favorite of children. He has at all times been interested in the development of Kutz- town, and has invested considerable money toward the building up of the borough, also being a stockholder in most of the enter- prises in that section. It was through his persistent efforts that the town is now sup- plied with water works; he is president of the board of shoe manufacturers, and the large iron bridge is another of his improve- ments. Besides his beautiful residence in Kutztown, he owns the handsome Trexler Block, and the Keystone Hotel, the finest in the eastern part of Berks County. Fraternally, Dr. Trexler is a Thirty-second Degree Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine. He has traveled throughout the United States and abroad, and few men are better versed in matters of public interest. Our subject’s portrait, that adorns a preced- ing page, should prove of interest to his friends, and add a decided value to the above biography. ++ ATHANIEL FERGUSON, vice- president of the First National Bank of Reading, and one of the highly esteemed and prominent residents of Berks County, resides at his home in the city of Reading. He was born in Robesonia, Berks County, June 5, 1868, and is a son of Nathaniel and Amanda (Davenport) Fergu- son. Nathaniel Ferguson, the father of our sub- ject, was a native of Lancaster County, Pa. In 1861 he moved to Robesonia, this county, and for twenty-four years was manager and part owner of a furnace located in that place. In 1885 our subject’s father retired from active life, and moved to Reading, where he lived until his death, in the year 1891. He was a heavy stockholder and director in the First National Bank of Reading, and was largely interested in other financial and busi- ness institutions of the city. He aided greatly in furthering the interests of his county and community, and his death was greatly felt and deeply lamented. He was a_ stanch Republican, and a life-long member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Ferguson was united in marriage with Amanda Davenport, a granddaughter of Judge William Adams of Reading, and she passed from this life at the age of fifty-one years, She was a mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church, and a lady greatly respected in the community. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson, five of whom are living, as follows: Eliza- beth, the eldest, was united in marriage with Charles L. Hoff of Reading; Laura is the wife of S. H.-Leeper of Coatesville, Pa.; Nathaniel, whose name heads this. brief notice; Wilson, a prominent attorney-at-law of Reading: and Grace, who became the wife of O. S. Doolittle of Reading. ; Our subject spent his younger days under the parental roof, and attended the Carroll Institute. He is vice-president of the First National Bank of Reading ; a member of the Berks County Agricultural Society; Read- ing Library; Wyomissing Club; and a direc- tor of the Pennsylvania Trust Company. Mr. Ferguson formed a matrimonial alliance with Anna R. Jones, a daughter of Richmond R. Jones, a highly respected citizen of Read- ing. See horses and cattle, is well known throughout Berks County as an ex- pert judge of fine horses, and is a resident of Virginville, Richmond township. He was born in Albany township, Berks County, March 1, 1863, and is a son of Daniel and Harriett (Greenawalt) Werley, the former of Weissenburg township, Lehigh County, and the latter a native ot Albany township, this county. Daniel Werley was a tanner by trade, but followed the vocation of an agriculturist in Lehigh County, Pa. Later he moved to Berks County and settled in Albany town- ship, where he again followed farming until he retired from active work. He was wed- ded to Harriett Greenawalt, and a family of nine children was born to them: Susan is the wife of James Hamm, a resident of Weatherly, Pa. Helen married Joel W. Miller of Klinesville, this county ; Louisa is the wife of Levi Hilbert, and they reside in eel g HOMAS G. WERLEY a dealer in Pricetown, Pa.; Janette was wedded to John Greenawalt of Windsor Castle, Pa.; Thomas G.; Lydia is the wife of Alvin Greenawalt, and they reside on the old homestead in Albany township; Dr. Daniel of Lynnville, Lehigh County, Pa. married Miss Alice Adams of Virginville, Pa.; and James and Harrison, who are deceased. Thomas G. Werley first attended the com- mon schools of his native town, and then took three terms of study in the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown. He then engaged in teaching school for three winters, after which he took up farming in Greenwich township; later he moved to Richmond township, where he followed the vocation of a farmer for six years. Upon taking up his residence in Virginville, he purchased his present property and began the buying and selling of horses and cattle. Mr. Werley goes West every few weeks, where he buys up carloads of horses and cattle. These are shipped to Virginville, where Mr. Werley has a large sale stable, in which he disposes of his stock. He also goes out through the county and buys and sells stock. Our subject is a strong Democrat, and is not an office seeker, but has served in several minor offices in the township, and has at- tended several county conventions as a dele- ate from his township. He is a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. January 3, 1885, he and Amelia Kunkel, a native of Lynn township, Lehigh County, and a daugh- ter of Peter and Fianna (Trexler) Kunkel, were wedded, and they are the parents of six children, namely: one who died in in- fancy; Kirby; Daisy, deceased; Clara; Irvin Peter, deceased; and Florence. Our subject has been a resident of Virginville for a num- ber of years, and during this time he has built up a reputation of honesty and straight- forwardness, and is held in high esteem by his fellow-citizens. eae -—_— ILLIAM H. DECHANT, C. E., a civil engineer and surveyor located at No. 536 Penn street, Reading, Pa., began the struggle for self-support with- out means in the capacity of messenger boy on the Philadelphia & Reading R. R.; by 7 BERKS COUNTY 129 hard, industrious labor he has worked _ his way up to his present enviable standing in the community. He was born in Perry County, Ohio, and is a son of Rev. Frederick W. and Angeline (Boyer) Dechant. William Dechant, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Germany, and came to America at the beginning of the nineteenth century, locating in Oley township. He was prepared for the ministry in the Reformed Church, and had a charge in Oley township for many years, and after his death was buried in the churchyard. He had consid- erable influence and was well known through- out the county. He was the progenitor of a large family of children, one of whom was Rev. Frederick W., the father of our subject. Rey. Frederick W. Dechant was born in Oley township, Berks County, December 25, 1812, and received his intellectual train- ing in the public schools of his native town and in Mercersburg College, from which he graduated. He was prepared for the min- istry in the Reformed Church, and was or- dained to preach, making the cause of Christianity his life work. His labors were mostly in Western Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana, where he accomplished a great and good work. He was an excellent German scholar, and worked principally among the German people, preaching to them in their native tongue. His every aim was to be of some help to his fellow-man. He had a high ideal of manhood, and lived up to it in every respect. He was united in matrimonial bonds with Angeline Boyer, a daughter of Henry Boyer, after whom the village of Boyertown was named, and a member of one of the oldest and best known families of Berks County. Asa result of this happy union, the following children were born: Sarah Re- | becca; William H., the gentleman whose name heads these lines; Calvin M., who is a civil engineer in the employ of our subject; and Adelaide, the wife of Edwin Chamber- lain of Reading. William H. Dechant received his educa- tion in the public. schools of Western Penn- sylvania and in Philadelphia, after which he entered the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading R. R. as a messenger boy. He then learned telegraphy, and was an operator for the same company trom 1866 to 1871, 130 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES when he was promoted to a position in the engineering office of the canal department. He then began the study of engineering, and after a few months of preliminary work be- came assistant engineer, remaining in that department until 1884, when he was placed in charge as road-master of the Tamaqua Division of the P.& R.R.R. After remain- ing in that capacity for about one and a half years, the company was reorganized and our subject was given a division engineership on the Mahanoy Division, which embraces all of the railroads in the Mahanoy coal fields, with headquarters at Mahanoy Plane. By that time he had gained largely in experience, as his work in connection with the canal gave him good training in the construction of locks, dams, aqueducts, etc., and in the measurement and control of extensive water powers. While with the railroad company he laid the foundations for the bridge across the Susquehanna River at Sunbury, repaired and rebuilt the high trestles on the Catawissa and the Nesquehoning Valley Branches. His many years of experience in the various lines of work created a demand for his ser- vices, and, in 1886, he was called to Reading to take charge of the miscellaneous engineer- ing business of the Kendall Bros., and served as manager of that firm for five years. At the expiration of that time, or in 1891, he succeeded to the ownership of the business and has since conducted it on his own ac- count, making a specialty of civil and hy- draulic engineering. Some of the most important work performed by him since he has been established in business was for the following organizations: Shamokin Water Co., Sunbury Water Co., Bloomsburg Water Co., Gettysburg Water Co., Birdsboro Water Co., the Sinking Springs Water Co., the City of Reading Water Department, and several water power dams. He has also done engineering work for the Mount Penn Gravity R. R.; the Neversink Mountain R. R., in connection with the latter also putting in the electric power plant; he located the Mohnsville & Adamstown R. R., and the extension of the Reading & Southwestern R. R. He has done engineering work for the commissioners on county bridge building since 1894, and has always performed it to the entire satisfaction of the members of that commission. Along the line of contract work he performed a very difficult piece of work in the laying of a 30 inch cast iron pipe for the sewage disposal of the city of Reading, and he is now engaged, in company with Edwin Chamberlain in laying a line of 36 inch cast iron pipe in the Susquehanna River at Binghamton, N. Y. December 15, 1885, Mr. Dechant was united in marriage with Rebecca Catherine Hag- man, a daughter of Frederick Hagman of Philadelphia, and they are the happy parents of three children, namely: Frederick H., who was born August 31, 1887; Miles B., who was born January 9, 1889; and Mary A., who was born March 31, 1893. Religiously, they are members of the Reformed Church, and Mr. Dechant has been an elder in St. Paul’s Memorial Church of Reading for many years. He is a member of the execu- tive committee of the Berks County Sabbath School Association, which is a branch of the state organization. He is much interested in all religious workings, and does all he can to promote the social and moral standing of the community. He is also a member of the board of managers of the Y. M. C. A. of Reading. ———_+2+—____ : TANLEY J. KIRBY, who is the founder of Kirbyville, is now resid- ing within its limits, retired from the active duties of life. From the beginning of his career he has been intimate- ly connected with the growth and prosperity of the village, and has been one of the most liberal contributors of time and money for the advancement of its interests. This pros- perous and honored citizen was born in Maiden Creek township, Berks County, Pa., March 14, 1833, and is a son of Dr. David and Florinda (Levan) Kirby, and grandson of Stanley Kirby. The first of the Kirby tamily to come to this country were four brothers who left England together, one of whom, Stanley Kirby, the great-grandfather of our subject, settled in Maiden Creek township, where he was engaged in the cultivation of the soil. The other brothers settled in different parts of the country—one in New York City, one HIGH, A. M. BERKS COUNTY 133 in Illinois, and the other in Chester County, Pa. Stanley Kirby, Jr., the grandfather of our subject, a native of Maiden Creek town- ship, was the proprietor of two large and productive farms in the township, and he successfully carried on general farming all the days of his life, with the exception of his latter years, when he lived in retirement. He was the progenitor of a family of twelve children, three of whom lived to attain their majority, namely: Solomon was a farmer all his active days in Richmond township, and died at the age of seventy-four years; our subject's father; and a daughter. Dr. David Kirby was born on his father’s farm; upon attaining manhood he studied medicine, and was regarded as one of the most successful and skillful physicians of his community. His latter years were spent upon our subject's present farm, enjoying the fruits of his early toil. He entered the world of rest April 24, 1878. His wife was Florinda Levan, who was born in Kutztown, this county, and died in Kutztown, May 3, 1889. Two children blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Kirby, namely: our subject, and Hannah, widow of the late Henry Biehl, whose sketch may also be found in this work. Dr. David Kirby was a leader in all its enterprises, and assisted in the building of the village. Stanley J. Kirby received his intellectual training in the normal school at West Ches- ter, Pa., and spent his boyhood days working on the farm. When our subject grew to ma- turity, he removed to the farm which he in- herited from his grandfather, and devoted his entire time toward the tilling of the soil; in 1862 he moved to Kirbyville and bought his present farm, and has since resided there, where he has successfully followed his inde- pendent calling. Mr. Kirby is one of the most widely known men of Berks County, and is recognized as a leader of his commun- ity. He has not only been identified with the growth and development of his town- ship, but of the entire county, and has done his share toward bringing it to the high state of advancement it occupies in comparison with other counties of the state. Our sub- ject owns a large farm of 135 acres in Rich- mond township; one of 194 acres; and his present farm, all of which are highly culti- vated and have the best of improvements. October 26, 1882, our subject was united in marriage with Carolina Kauffman, a native of Maiden Creek township, and a daughter of Daniel and Mary (Weidenheimer) Kauff- man. Mrs. Kirby passed from this life May 14, 1895; she was the mother of three chil- dren, all of whom died in their infancy. On December 1, 1896, our subject formed a sec- ond matrimonial alliance with Mary Geehr, who was born in Kutztown, this county, December 17, 1852, and who is a daughter of Jacob and Mary (Hock) Geehr. Her father was a cigarmaker, and a veteran of the Civil War, serving as a member of Co. G, 74th Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf. Mr. Kirby was postmas- ter of the village of Kirbyville six years; served twenty-four years as a school director, and held other township offices. In politics he is an unwavering Democrat, but in local elections he votes for the best man. Our subject has been connected with the Sinking Springs Fire Insurance Co. for the last thirty- six years, during which time he has been president, a position which he holds at the present time. Socially, he is a member of Lodge No. 377, F. & A. M., of Kutztown; and Jr. O. U. A. M. of Fleetwood, Pa. Re- ligiously, his wife isa member of the Evan- gelical Church, while our subject is an at- tendant of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Kirby has many valuable old relics in his posses- sion, such as old deeds and papers, some of which have been in the family since 1700. SSO M. HIGH. In every county there must be some man at the head of each political organization, a man of sound judgment and great shrewdness, and a natural born leader of men, who will not abuse the confidence re- posed in him by sacrificing party principle to meet personal ends, as is but too often the case, to advise them at party councils and caucuses and represent them at conventions. The gentleman whose name appears at the head of these lines occupies such a position in the Republican party of Berks County, and it may safely be said, without fear of contradic- tion, that no man has more ably served his party. Mr. High is also one of the progres- sive business men of Reading, and in part- 134 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES nership with his son, Harry S., conducts a large tailoring establishment. He is a son of Joel and Marie (May) High, and was born in Richmond township, Berks County, Pa., December 18, 1849. The family is of German descent, but has long been es- tablished in this country. Solomon High, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Richmond township, Berks County, where he followed the occupation of a farmer throughout life. In political affiliations he was at one time a Whig, but during the latter years of his life was a member of the Republican party. Religiously, he was a member of the Reformed Church. He was also a captain in the old state militia. He was the progenitor of a family of three chil- dren, one son and two daughters. He was called to his final home beyond the river of death in 1874, and his worthy wife survived him many years, dying in 1891. Joel High, our subject’s father, also a na- tive of Richmond township, after obtaining a common school education, turned his at- tention to the cultivation of the soil in that township. He continued at that occupation all through life, and was one of the good, substantial farmers of his community. Re- ligiously, he was an adherent of the doctrines of the Reformed Church. He passed into the unknown beyond in 1872, and his wife died in 1866. The latter, whose maiden name was Marie May, bore him eleven children, namely: James; Joel; A. M., a record of whose life is here given; Jacob; Solomon; Daniel; Samuel; Charles; Wilson, deceased; Emma, deceased; and Mary, who is also deceased. A. M. High, who is a man of liberal edu- cation and well versed on all subjects of interest to the people, attended the common schools in youth, and later took a course in the Keystone State Normal School of Kutz- town. He then taught school for two terms, after which he clerked in a general store at Fleetwood, Berks County. After remaining there one year, he moved to Reading in 1868, and accepted a clerical position in the dry goods store of D. H. Brown, continuing for one year, when he held a similar position in a general store for one and a half years. He then embarked in business for himself, estab- lishing a tailor shop at No. 824 Penn street, where he was successfully engaged for nine- teen years. He was then associated with John Reger in the same line of business, but after’a period of three years the latter was succeeded by Mr. High’s son. They carry a large stock of goods of a high quality, and have their share of the trade of Reading. The larger portion of Mr. High’s attention is taken up with matters of a political nature, in which he has attained the greatest distinc- tion. Since his first arrival in Reading he has been an active worker in the Republican party, but has never held any office. In 1887 he was one of the candidates for dele- gate to the national convention, and after a hot fight was elected by acclamation. At the convention in Chicago, in 1888, six times he cast his vote in favor of John Sherman, but upon the seventh ballot he supported Ben- jamin Harrison. who received the nomina- tion. He took an active part inthe campaign and gained many votes for the party. He became a candidate for the postmastership of Reading and was turned down, but not with- out a hard fight. Six months later he was again elected as national delegate, and at the convention supported James G. Blaine. Upon returning home, he continued as the popular leader of the party, and in 1895 was for the third time elected delegate to the national convention. His services at the head of the organization were invaluable to the cause, and by his honest and energetic methods of conducting the campaign he gained a large number of friends, many of them being opposed to him in party principles. At present he is a popular candidate for the position of postmaster of Reading, with in dications favorable for his appointment. In the character of Mr. High there is much that even his bitterest opponents cannot but admire. He is filled with generous emotions, always ready and even eager to help others who have not been as fortunate as he, and his personal magnetism is always felt in his dealings with men. Mr. High was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Lizzie Delp, and they be- came the proud parents of three children, as follows: Harry S.; Howard J., deceased ; and Wayne M. As one of the best known men in Berks County, who has been prom- inent in Republican party circles in Reading GUSTAV A. ENDEICH EE Ds BERKS COUNTY 135 for many years, Mr. High is entitled to rank with the most representative citizens of the county, and it is with feelings of satisfaction that the publishers of this volume present his portrait on a preceding page. SSS OS ILLIAM F. SEIDEL, postmaster of Bower's Station, Maxatawny township, and proprietor of a gen- eral merchandise store, is one of the most respected and popular citizens in his district, and has been a resident of the town for the past twenty years. He is a son of William and Susanna (Dreibelbis) Seidel, and was born in Windsor township, Berks County, October 29, 1856. William Seidel is a native of Windsor township, and has followed the pursuits of an agriculturist all his life in that township. He was united in marriage with Susanna Drei- belbis, a native of Richmond township, and they reared a family of nine children, who were as follows: Ellen; Charles; William F., the subject of this sketch; Fannie I.; Mahlon D.; Susan C.; Mary M.; George D.; and Richard, deceased. William F. Seidel is mainly self-educated, having received only a common school edu- cation. He remained on his father’s farm until he reached the age of nineteen years, when he began to work on a farm in Bucks County, Pa., being thus occupied but one year, removing then to Reading and clerking In a grocery store for a year. Upon moving to Bower's Station he formed a partnership with Hiram Kauffman and embarked in the grocery business; at the end of two years Mr. Kauffman sold his interest to Mahlon D. Seidel, the brother of our subject, and they carried on the business for two years. The partnership ceasing at the expiration of that time, our subject has since carried on the store alone, and because of his popularity and straightforward dealings he has succeed- ed in establishing a large and satisfactory patronage, that well rewards him for his efforts. Mr. Seidel chose for his life-companion Barbara Kline, daughter of Charles A. and Susanna (Kutz) Kline. Mr. Kline clerks in a store in Colorado, Three children have qk blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Seidel, as follows: John F.; Helen S.; and George K. Mr. Seidel is a member of the Lutheran Church and his wife is a member of the Re- formed Church. Ie is a Democrat in poli- tics, watches all local and general political movements with interest, and uses his influ- ence for the promotion of the good of his state and community. He has served as postmaster ever since he has been a resident of the town, and is now township auditor. Socially, he is a member of Lyons Lodge No. 102, Knights of Pythias. Mr. Seidel is a first-class business man, upright and honorable in his transactions, and has one of the best stores in the-town. He is a great favorite socially, and the home of himself and wife is a pleasant resort for the cultured people of their acquaintance. Sor USTAV A. ENDLICH, LL.D., law writer and jurist, was born January . 29, 1856, in Lower Alsace township, Berks County, Pennsylvania, and is the son of John and Emma N. (Miller) Endlich. His father was a native of Hesse Darmstadt, Germany (born March 30, 1819), and received a thorough education, embracing, also, a special training in music, for which art he possessed both an original talent and early predilection. For a time he held a position in the government department of forestry, and in 1839 emigrated to America, locating in the city of Reading, Pennsylvania, where for some years he taught music and engaged in musical composition. His works in the department of sacred music, to which at a later period he devoted more especial atten- tion, received highly favorable recognition both here and abroad, and were extensively employed in the liturgy and service of the Lutheran Church. In his political faith he was a Democrat of the old school, partici- pating actively in both local and state cam- paigns, and in 1857 was appointed by Presi- dent Buchanan United States Consul to Basle, Switzerland, which post he held for four years. He married, in 1845, Emma N. (born April 15, 1819), daughter of the Rev. Jacob Miller, D. D., who was for forty-two years a promi- 136 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES nent minister of the Lutheran Church, and, from 1829 till his death in 1850, pastor of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Reading. The children of the marriage who survived to maturity were: Emma A., Frederick M., and Gustav A., the subject of this sketch —all of whom shared the intellectuality of the pa- rents. Miss Emma Endlich is possessed of marked literary talent, which she has em- ployed principally in the interests of the pub- lications of the Lutheran Church, a number of translations from the German and Swedish literature which she has issued attesting her skill and proficiency in a department of labor to which she has devoted many years of her active and useful life. Frederick M. Endlich holds the degree of Doctor of Natural Sci- ences from the University at Tubingen, is a specialist in mineralogy and geology, and has for some years past been exercising the duties of that profession in New Mexico, California and Arizona. During the interval between 1866 and 1872 Mr. John Endlich resided with his family in Germany, in order to give his sons the bene- fit of a thorough preliminary training in the schools of Stuttgart, Tubingen and Darm- stadt, his labors to that end being, as has been already evident, abundantly rewarded in results. Distinguished for the purity of his life, the amiability of his character and the dignity and grace of his manners, he spent the evening of his days in retirement at his handsome seat near Reading, his death occurring on January 18, 1892, when well advanced in the seventy-third year of his age. Having enjoyed the advantages of the train- ing of the foreign schools before mentioned, Gustav A. Endlich, upon the return of his family from Germany, in 1872, entered Princeton University, where his aptitude and application to his studies attracted the favor- able notice of the faculty and secured for him the first honors of his class in his junior year. He graduated with distinction in 1875, and in the same year began the study of the law in the othce of George F. Baer, Esq., a leading practitioner of the Berks County bar, and was admitted to practice November 12, 1877. In the following year the degree of Master of Arts was conferred upon him b his Alma Mater. He was later admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Pennsyl- vania, and in 1887 to the bar of the Supreme Court of the United States. His inclination to legal authorship was early developed, and in 1882 he published his first work, entitled, “ The Law of Build- ing Associations in the United States,” a volume of about seven hundred pages, of which he issued in 1895 a revised edition. The work has been recognized as standard authority upon the subject of which it treats, and has frequently been cited with approval by the highest courts in Pennsylvania and other states. This was followed in 1884 by a treatise on “The Law of Affidavits of Defense in Pennsylvania,’ which received equally favorable indorsement by the Su- preme Court of the State, and, in 1885, by two volumes of the Decisions of the Honor- able Warren J. Woodward, President Law Judge of the several courts of Berks County from 1861 to 1874, and subsequently an Asso- ciate Justice of the Supreme Court of Penn- sylvania. In 1888, Mr. Endlich published his most considerable work, which, more widely than any other, has established the reputa- tion of the learned author. This was the ‘Commentaries on the Interpretation of Statutes,” a volume of between eight and nine hundred pages, containing citations of upwards of eight thousand decided cases in illustration of the text. It is received as a leading authority in the courts throughout the country, and has elicited high commen- dation from the Bench and Bar for its accu- racy and completeness. In 1889, in associa- tion with Louis Richards, Esq.,a member of the Berks County Bar, likewise engaged in the literary line of the profession, he issued a treatise upon “The Rights and Liabilities of Married Women in Pennsylvania,’ a work devoted largely to the elucidation of the then recent act of assembly of 1887, which materially enlarged the rights and contrac- tual powers of femmes covert with respect to their separate property. With few excep- tions the theories and opinions advanced by the authors upon questions arising for the first time in Pennsylvania subsequently re- ceived the approval of the Supreme Court. The manifest qualifications of Mr. Endlich for the judicial office procured for him in the fall of 1889 the nomination and election JACOB WEIDEL. BERKS COUNTY to the position of Additional Law Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the Twenty- third (Berks) Judicial District, upon the du- ties of which he entered in January, 1890, for the term often years. During the pe- riod in which he has filled that station his administration has been characterized by un- remitting industry, marked ability and off- cial independence — qualities which have secured for him a high reputation as a jurist throughout the state, and the general appro- bation of the bar and people of his constitu- ency. No member of the Common Pleas bench, it may be asserted, ranks higher as an authority in the law, or excels him in energy of application to business, celerity of method and quick apprehension of the point in issue. His written opinions, now numbering up- wards of five hundred, are models of re- search, accuracy and completeness, and con- tain much material of permanent value in the elucidation of the respective subjects considered. By request of his judicial brethren in other districts, he has frequently presided in the courts of various counties of the state, in some instances for entire terms for the dispatch of accumulated business, and in others to supply casual vacancies. The very, large proportion of his opinions which have been affirmed by the Supreme and Su- perior Courts, attest the general soundness of his judicial conclusions. In addition to his official labors, Judge End- lich has found time to prepare and deliver addresses upon various topics of the law before law schools and bar associations in different parts of the state, some of which have appeared in the legal periodicals. An address upon the Law of Expert Testimony, read before the Pennsylvania Bar Associa- tion at its annual meeting in July, 1898, attracted much attention from the profession at large,as a scholarly and suggestive eluci- dation of a difficult subject. For several years immediately succeeding his election to the Bench he was the editor of the Criminal Law Magazine and Reporter. In 1898 the degree of Doctor of Laws was conferred upon him by Muhlenberg College, Allen- town, Pa. In his political adherence, Judge Endlich is a Democrat, and in his church connection a Lutheran, having served for some years T39 past as an elder of Trinity Lutheran Church of Reading, and also as a member of the Executive Committee of the Ministerium of Pennsylvania. As a citizen he is public spirited, and held in just esteem by all classes of the community in which he lives. His ‘domestic relations are felicitous and exem- plary. He married, in 1883, Amy Duffeld, of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and of their four children two daughters are living. 4 ACOB WEIDEL, mayor of the city of Reading, has proved in his adminis- tration of civic affairs since 1896 that his executive ability is of the highest order, and that the position of Reading’s mayor could not have been more satisfac- torily filled than when he was made the choice of the people. He has hosts of friends in every walk of life, who have been attracted to him by his strong, fearless, reso- lute character, and by the unswerving integ- rity of his conduct. He possesses in the fullest degree the esteem, respect and confi- dence of the community, that has delighted to honor him. Our subject was born in Lebanon County, Pa.; after graduating from Pennsylvania Col- lege at Gettysburg, he became a student in the Harvard ‘University Law School, from which institution of merit he received a diploma, and was admitted to the Lebanon County Bar. Before he was able to build up a large practice, the war between the North and South broke out, and Mr. Weidel, true to his patriotic instincts, entered the Union Army as a captain of the 209th Pa. Vol. Inf., in Gen. John F. Hartranft’s third division. When not engaged with his command, he was assigned to division headquarters, and acted as judge-advocate in conducting courts- martial up to the last days of the war. Of all the verdicts returned in his court but one was ever reversed. When he returned to Lebanon, he resumed his practice, and served several years in the borough council. In 1877, Mr. Weidel came to this city to join the staff of The Reading Times, and continued to be a reporter on that paper for six years, when he became editor of the Reading Daily News, and remained with that newspaper 140 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES until its suspension in 1888. He helped to establish the Reading Telegram in the follow- ing year, and edited the paper for two years. Then after an absence from the journalistic field for several years he returned to The Times. In 1896 he was elected mayor of Reading, and still continues to hold that office. His friends have presented his name for the Democratic nomination for state treasurer. As a journalist he is a deep thinker and trenchant writer, with a ready grasp of all matters of public moment, and his editorials have been of great benefit on more than one occasion in forming and mold- ing public opinion. He is a sociable and pleasant gentleman, and has very few ene- mies, for all who know him admire his manly qualities. Asa public-spirited citizen he has discharged every duty that has devolved upon him with creditable zeal, and with an understanding of what was required. In his term of office Mr. Weidel has, as much as lay in his power, favored public improve- ments of the most advanced nature, thus championing the best interests of the city. . The streets, especially, have come in for a great deal of attention, and have been vastly benefitted; it was mainly through our sub- ject’s untiring efforts that asphalt pavements were introduced; they are now being put down on several streets, with general satis- faction to all, though not without some deter- mined opposition. If popularity counts for much, he is certainly one of the most popu- lar and well-liked officials the city of Read- ing has ever had, and it is with pleasure that we show his portrait on a preceding page. —_— +@- R. HARRISON TYLER WIT- MAN, an old and distinguished : } practitioner of medicine in Read- ing, is also a veteran of the Civil War, during which struggle he rendered val- uable aid to the cause of the Union, and was brevetted a major surgeon by Secretary of War, Edwin M. Stanton, for distinguished and meritorious conduct at Bethesda Church, Va. He isa son of Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth (Old) Witman, and was born in Reading, December 12, 1837. He is a member of an old and well known family of Reading, his grandfather, Henry Witman, having made the city his home throughout life. Alexander Hamilton Wit- man, the father of our subject, was born in Reading in the year 1800, and was educated in the public schools, after which he was prepared for the medical profession in the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania, from which he graduated in 1821. Immediately thereafter he returned to Reading and entered upon a practice, con- tinuing with much success until his death, which occurred in January, 1869. Although a man of advanced years when the Civil War was under headway, inspired by patriotic feelings he enlisted as surgeon in the 166th Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf. from Berks County, in 1863, and served for one year. In political afflia- tions he was originally a Whig, but later became a Republican, being the first mem- ber of the latter party to serve in the capac- ity of prothonotary of Berks County. In religious attachments he was a faithful mem- ber of the Lutheran Church. He was joined in wedlock with Elizabeth Old, whose great- grandfather on the maternal side was Baron Steigel, a prominent iron manufacturer of Manheim, Lancaster County, who manufac- tured the famous ten plate stove. This happy union was blessed by the birth of the tollow- ing children: Henry Noland, deceased, a carpenter and builder of Indianapolis, Ind., who was born March 18, 1829; William, born February 6, 1833, died on July 24th of the same year; Harrison Tyler, the subject of this personal history ; Morgan O., a contrac- tor and builder, born in Reading in 1844, and died in St. Louis, Mo., in 1883; Emily, born October 8, 1831, and died on March 26th of the following year; Ellen G., the wife of Henry Ruth of Reading, was born in 1835, and died in 1893; Caroline M., was the wife of Dr. William E. Schlemm, was born June 3, 1835, and died in 1890; and Emily, born in 1842, who died in her infancy. _ Dr. Harrison Tyler Witman, after complet- ing the required course in the public schools of Reading, entered Jefferson Medical Col- lege of Philadelphia, and was graduated in 1861, upon the completion of a full course. Immediately thereafter he enlisted for a term of three months as a surgeon in the 42d Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., and subsequently re-enlisted in the 5th Reg. Pa. Reserves for three years. He served faithtully in the Army of the Potomac, and participated in a number of important battles, including the battles of the Wilderness and Spottsylvania Court House, in which he escaped unscathed, but at the battle of Bethesda Church, Va., just previous to the expiration of his term, he was severely wounded in his legs while in the discharge of his duty. His bravery in this engage- ment was afterwards rewarded by the Secre- tary of War, who brevetted him major surgeon. The wounds which he received necessitated his leaving the field, and he was taken home to recuperate, remaining there from May 30, 1864, until July 24, 1864, when he was mustered out, though not entirely recovered. His third term of enlistment was with the 1g5th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., for a per- iod of 100 days, during which he greatly suf- fered from his partially healed wounds, but his love of country and the activity of army life would not suffer him to remain home. His term expired on March 1, 186s, and he re-enlisted for one year, but the war ended soon after, and his services were only re- quired until February 1, 1866. During the closing of the war he was with the Army of the Shenandoah, and after September 1, 1865, he was placed on guard duty at Washington, during which time he witnessed the execution of Wirz, keeper of Andersonville Prison, who was taken to that city, confronted with his crimes on trial, and sentenced to be hanged. In 1898, when the Spanish-American War broke out, Dr. Witman gave vent to his patriotic ardor, which has not abated a whit since his younger days, by promptly offering his services as a surgeon, and in reply he received a letter from Surgeon-General Sternberg, stating that his application would receive due attention. After the close of the Civil War he moved to Indianapolis, in 1867, where he practiced until 1880, since which date he has been actively engaged in prac- tice in Reading. He has many patients in the community who love him as a true friend as well as a conscientious and faithful phy- sician. Dr. Witman was united in marriage, Octo- ber 13, 1859, with Valeria Phillippi, and their union has been blessed with the following BERKS COUNTY 141 issue: Charles E., who was born July 23, 1860, married Lillie E. Hoatz of Slatington, Lehigh County, and formerly operated a laundry, it being the first in the city of Read- ing; Morgan O., born December 23, 1862, was also a laundryman for some years, but at the present is not identified with any business—he is the father of one son, Robert Miller Joseph, who was born March 24, 1887; Milton, who was born March 13, 1865, died November 9, 1883, just after having gradu- ated from the Reading High School; and Harry Hutchinson, now the proprietor of a gentlemen’s clothing establishment in New York City, who was born in Indianapolis, Ind., December 3, 1868. Politically, the Doctor is a stanch Republican, and has always taken a deep interest in political matters. During the Harrison administration his name was put forth by his friends with such vigor that he nearly received the appointment of post- master of Reading. He has served one term as a member of the city council from the Fourth Ward. Fraternally, he is a member of Centre Lodge, No. 23, F. & A. M., of Indianapolis, and is also a member of the Berks County Medical Society. Religiously, he is a consistent member ot the Universalist Church, and at one time was a member of the vestry. MOS S. GREENAWALT. Among the thrifty and energetic business men of Kempton, Albany town- ship, is the gentleman whose name heads this brief notice, and who conducts a general mercantile store. He was born at Greenawalt Station, Albany township, this county, October 31, 1845, and is a son of Amos and Judith (Stein) Greenawalt. John Greenawalt, the grandfather of our subject, was the first of the name to locate in Berks County. He was an extensive land owner, and was engaged in the tilling of the soil; he also operated a distillery. Amos Greenawalt, the father of our subject, was reared in Albany township, and conducted a hotel at Greenawalt Station; he also carried on general farming until the time of his death. He was joined in wedlock with 142 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES Judith Stein, and they were the parents of fourteen children, namely: William, a well- to-do farmer of Greenwich township; Amos S., our subject; Moses, a prominent farmer of Schuylkill County; Alfred, a teacher in the schools and organist in the Union Church at Bernville; Susanna is the wife of David D. Fister, a resident of Grimville, this county; Eliza married James Bitner, a resident of Leinbach; Matilda wedded Seth Heinly of Albany township: Mary was united in mar- riage to George Dreibelbis, a miller residing in Reading; the following are deceased: John; George; Solomon ; Catherine, the wife of Samuel G. De Turk; Leah; and Emma, the wife of Samuel Oswald. Amos S. Greenawalt received only a com- mon school education, and beginning at the age of ee he taught school in Albany township fourteen terms; after his marriage he engaged in farming. In 1882 he embarked in the mercantile business in Albany township, and carried on that line of business for seven years; at the expiration of that time, he purchased his present store, and has successfully operated it until the present date. He has added a complete line of the goods usually kept in a general store, and by his industrious efforts he has succeeded in establishing a paying patronage. He also owns a farm of 260 acres of finely improved land, and carries on general farming in con- nection with his store. Mr. Greenawalt was joined in the bonds of matrimony October 9, 1869, with Eliza Diet- rich, who was born in Greenwich township May 18, 1849, a daughter of Samuel P. and Sarah (Heinly) Dietrich, her father being a farmer of Greenwich township. As a result of this union three children were born, as follows: Nora, born January 2, 1871, is the wife of Amandus A. Weisner of Kempton; Edgar D., born March 18, 1872, is a school teacher in the village of Wessnersville, Berks County ; and Anna, born November 28, 1874, who resides at home. Mrs. Greenawalt passed from this life March 8, 1876. Our subject formed a second matrimonial alliance December 24, 1881, with Mary Burkey, a native of Greenwich township, who was born September 10, 1860, a daughter of Benjamin and Mary Ann (Croll) Burkey. Her Etirer was a charcoal burner, and now resides with our subject. To Mr. and Mrs. Greenawalt were born two children, namely: Abner, born May 25, 1882; and Anson R., born March 11, 1884. Our subject upholds Re- publican principles, and for seven years he was assistant postmaster of Albany P. O. Mrs. Greenawalt is a member of the Luth- eran Church, while Mr. Greenawalt is an active member of the Reformed Church, and is superintendent and president of the Third District of Sunday Schools, having fifteen schools in his charge throughout the county. + <+_____ OLOMON STETLER, after a long life of activity, is passing his sunset years in the village of Lyons, Max- atawny township, where he is living in retirement in one of the most beautiful residences of that village. He was engaged in farming for some years, but prior to his retirement he conducted a hotel two miles outside the village of Swamp, Montgomery County. He is a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Fillman) Stetler, and was born in Montgom- ery County, September 26, 1817. Henry Stetler was born in Montgomery County, and lived there all of his life, work- ing in the tailoring business. He was united in marriage with Elizabeth Fillman, who was also a native of Montgomery County, and they became the parents of nine children, whose names are as follows: Solomon, the subject of this personal history ; Rudolph, who is living in retirement at Pottstown, is the father of four children, all of whom are sadly afflicted, being both deaf and dumb; Mary, who is the wife of Josiah Raysor, a resident of Montgomery County; Elizabeth, deceased; Catherine, the relict of George Dingler, a resident of Montgomery County; Maria, deceased: Isaac, who lives in Mont- gomery County; Franklin, a resident of Pott’s Grove, married Catherine Hallman; and Sarah, the wife of Jeremiah Romig. Solomon Stetler received his education in the common schools of his native town, and was reared on the farm. Mr. Stetler is what may be termed the architect of his own for- tunes, as he began as a hired hand on a farm, and by perseverance and untiring energy he ISAAC S. SPATZ. BERKS COUNTY 145 gradually ascended the ladder of life, step by step, until he attained his present station, and acquired a competency that enables him to spend his declining days in ease and comfort in his own home, surrounded by his family and friends. At the age of twenty-four years he began life on his own account, and worked as a farm hand for some ten years. He then learned the trade of a tinner, which he followed for two years in Pottstown, after which he bought a hotel at Swamp, New Hanover township, which he conducted until his retirement in 1885. He conducted a first-class hostelry in every respect, and made it his chief aim to see that his guests were always comfortable and satistied, and, be it to his credit, it was one of the most popular hotels in the county at that time. Upon re- tiring he moved to the village of Lyons, Maxatawny township, this county, where he purchased a fine home and has since resided. He owns considerable other property besides his residence, namely: the Keystone Hotel at Boyertown, the American Hotel at Lyons, a house in Pottstown, and several tarms in Montgomery County. Our subject has twice taken marriage vows, his first wife being Esther Riegner, to whom he was married November 21, 1839. They reared the following children: Malinda, deceased; Melara, deceased; Franklin, a car- penter living in Pottstown, married Emma Buck; William, a butcher residing in Potts- town, married Mary Boyer; Henry, Reuben, and John, all died in childhood. His second union was with the widow of Jerus Hotten- stein, whose maiden name was Eliza Jane Wagonhurst. Their marriage occurred Jan- uary 8, 1885. Mr. Stetler isa member of the Lutheran Church, but his beloved wife ad- heres to the faith of the Reformed-Church. Politically, he is.a firm supporter of the principles of the Democratic party. He is of a kind and genial disposition and has a large circle of friends. * + ar—__— raphies would indeed be incomplete were not mention made of the gentle- man, whose name appears above, and whose portrait is shown on the opposite ye S. SPATZ. This Book of Biog- page. He is a representative business man of Cumru township, where he operates sev- eral large manufacturing plants, in some of which he is sole owner, and in others part pro- prietor. These concerns include the Globe Hat Co., manufacturers of wool hats; Penn Straw Hat Works of Mohnsville; J. H. Spatz & Co., manufacturers of wool hats, of which concern he is president and secretary ; Wyomissing Hosiery Mills of Mohnsville ; and Reinhold’s Station Hosiery Mills, of which he has had charge since 1885. He re- sides in the village of Mohnsville, and is held in high esteem by a large circle of acquaint- ances, who regard him as a man of worth and influence in that section. He isa son of John H. and Mary (Snader) Spatz, and was born in Mohnsville, Cumru township, Berks County, October 15, 1857. John H. Spatz, to whom much credit is due for the thriving and prosperous condi- tion of Mohnsville, was born in Reading, Berks County, but was reared in Chester County, where he learned the trade of a wheelwright. and blacksmith, which he fol- lowed for some twenty years. In 1848 or 1850 he moved to Mohnsville, where he pur- chased a farm and engaged in tilling the soil for several years. In 1870 he became asso- ciated with a company which for three years was engaged in the manufacture of wool hats, the partnership being dissolved in 1873. He then built what is now known as the low- er factory,-and organized the firm, Spatz, Mohn & Co.; the firm engaged in the manu- facture of hats until 1879, when it was merged into J. H. Spatz & Co., and a new mill was erected. He continued to operate this with more than ordinary success until his death, which occurred January 10, 1887. He was a very active and enterprising busi- ness man, dealing largely in real estate. He was well known throughout his section of the county, and erected many of the first houses of Mohnsville. Mr. Spatz was also the proprietor of the Wyomissing Hat Co. for seven years, and was a member of the Mohnsville Water Co. In politics, he sup- ported the principles of the Republican party. He was a member of the Evangeli- cal Church and was a very active worker, being a class leader and a steward. He was united in marriage with Mary Snader, a na- 146 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES tive of Terry Hill, Lancaster Co., Pa., and they became the happy parents of the follow- ing children: Emma, the wife of J. G. Mohn, a hat manufacturer of Reading; Isaac S., the subject of this biographical sketch; Anna, who married Aaron Warner, a hat manufac- turer of Mohnsville; and Susan, the wife of Monroe Kellion, also a hat manufacturer of Mohnsville. Isaac S. Spatz has always lived in his na- tive town; he obtained his education in the common schools and in Cedar Hill Seminary at Mt. Joy. In 1879 he entered upon a busi- ness career with his father, and for several years prior to the latter’s death he had com- plete charge of their combined manufactur- ing interests, which well qualified him to enter the business on his own account at a later day. In 1885 he took charge of the Reinhold Hosiery Mills, which he has since operated, and he is also the owner of the Wyomissing Hosiery Mills of Mohnsville. In 1886 he built the Penn Straw Works at Mohnsville, which he has since conducted with good results. Under his experienced direction the business was a success, and the hats were of such a quality as to gaina rapid sale. Indeed, the sale reached such enor- mous proportions, that he was prompted to form the Globe Hat Company in January, 1897, which has since been engaged in the manufacture of wool hatsat Mohnsville. As a result of his usual good judgment and enter- prising business methods, this plant has also proven itself remunerative. He employs a large force of men and the output is enor- mous, being sent to points all over the coun- try, Reading being the shipping station. Under Mr. Spatz is employed a large force of men, from whom he gains the best possi- ble results, retaining at the same time their respect and goodwill, being kind and thought- ful. but exacting. He owns several hundred acres of valuable land, which is in a high state of cultivation, supplied with good sub- stantial barns and outbuildings, and stocked with about 30 head of high grade cattle. March 18, 1879, our subject and Ellen Gring of Cumru township took marriage vows, and they are now the happy parents of three children: Norah, who is a clerk in her father’s office; Sallie, who is now in attendance at school in Fredericks. burg, Lebanon County; and Elmer, who is also attending school at Fredericksburg. Politically, Mr. Spatz is a member of the Republican party, whilst in his religious views he is a member of the Evangelical Church, being superintendent of the Sunday School, a trustee and a class leader. Heisa member of the board of publishing of the Evangelical Association of Cleveland, Ohio, and is a director of the Penn National Bank of Reading. —-- ++ —____. LIJAH BULL. Numbered among Berks County’s most prominent and substantial business men, there are many who have risen by their innate worth and persevering efforts from humble positions in the lower walks of life to eminent places in the commercial world; it is this kind of man, whom we term self-made, that we Amer- icans delight to honor and esteem. We place the subject of this sketch, who is a director of the Reading Stove Works, Orr, Painter & Co., and prominently connected with other leading business interests of Reading, among this number, for we are con- fident that few have merited their success as has he. Mr. Bull was born January 20, 1835, at Springfield, Chester County, Pa., and is a son of Thomas and Sarah A. (Painter) Bull. The grandfather of our subject, also named Elijah Bull, was born in. Chester County, and lived there throughout his career, owning and operating large tracts of farm land. He was mustered into the volun- teer service in the War of 1812, but before the detachment of which he was a member reached the front the war had been brought to a close. Thomas Bull was born in Springfield, Chester County, May 23, 1802, and there was reared, educated, and there he spent the first forty years of his life, engaged in farming. In the spring of 1846 he moved to Pottsville, Pa., where he took up the vocation of a blacksmith, but was not allowed to pursue it long, for Death, the grim destroyer, removed . him from mortal scenes June 13, 1847. His marriage with Sarah A. Painter was blessed with the following five children: Margaret, who became the wife of Levi Buckwalter of BERKS COUNTY 147 Spring pty Chester County, Pa.; Charles, deceased, late of Reading, was a stove mounter, connected with the works of Orr, Painter & Co.; Elizabeth died in childhood; Elijah, the subject of these lines; and Mary, widow of the late. B. F. Graff. Mr. Bull married as his second wife Maria Cryley, and to them were given two children, namely: Susan C., wife of Reuben Rishel; and Thomas, who resides in St. Louis, Mo. Our subject, having become well equipped for life’s battle by home training and educa- tion in thé public schools of Chester County, journeyed to Philadelphia, where he learned the trade of a stove moulder, and there fol- lowed that occupation until he was thrown out of employment by the closing of the works, owing to the panic of 1857. From that date until 1864 he worked more or less at his trade, and taught school in Chester County during the winter months. In 1864, he began teaching in Mahanoy City, where he continued three years, and became super- intendent of the schools. On January 1, 1867, he became connected with the firm of Orr, Painter & Co., manufacturers of stoves, hollow-ware, and fine castings. In February, 1886, the firm was incorporated as the Read- ing Stove Works, Orr, Painter & Co. Shortly after becoming a member of the firm, Mr. Bull assumed charge of the ship- ping department, and discharged the duties of that position with fidelity until the death of Mr. Orr, in June, 1892, when he was made treasurer of the company. The latter posi- tion he retained until 1898, when he retired from active work in directing the affairs of the company; however, he still holds stock, and is a member of the board of directors. The magnitude of the business may be judged from the fact that upwards of four hundred workmen are employed in the vari- ous departments, engaged in moulding, cast- ing, grinding, cleaning, grinding and polish- ing, nickel-plating, finishing and mounting. Four branch establishments are conducted— one each in Chicago, Boston, Buffalo and Philadelphia. Thousands upon thousands of stoves are made annually and sold. Mr. Bull is associated in other business enterprises. He is a director of the National Union Bank of Reading, and is a member of a Building & Loan Association. Although very much interested in the cause of good government, he has never sought nor held office, his business duties having precluded any outside employment up to the present time, He is a member of the board of man- agers of the Reading Hospital, and is liberal and generous along lines of true philan- thropy. In religious affiliations Mr. Bull is a member of the Memorial M. E. Church of Reading, and was formerly president of its board of trustees. Since the Fifties he has been an Odd Fellow, afhliating with Wel- come Lodge, No. 229, of Philadelphia. He is also a member of Mt. Penn Lodge, Knights of Pythias. Our subject enlisted for emer- gency service during the Civil War in the 42d Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf. On December 31, 1867, occurred the nup- tial ceremony, which united Mr. Bull and Mary A. Amole in matrimonial bonds, that have existed till the present date, and have been blessed with one child, Edna Marguerite. Mrs. Bull's father, George Amole of Chester County, Pa., was born October 12, 1802, and died February 20, 1876. He was a farmer by vocation, and always resided in Chester County. ee EN. AUSTRIAN is an artist of merit, residing in the city of Read- ing, whose handsome paintings are recognized as works of art by the leading critics of America. He is a son of Raphael and Fannie E. (Dreifoos) Austrian, and was born in Reading November 22, 1870. Raphael Austrian was born June 28, 1842, in Mannheim, Baden, Germany, where he obtained a good education; at the age of eighteen years he emigrated to America, locating in New York City, in 1859. He later moved to Williamsport, Pa., thence to Reading, where he lived until his death in 1897. e was united in matrimonial bonds with Fannie E. Dreifoos,,and they became the happy parents of one son, Ben., the sub- ject of this personal history. Ben. Austrian obtained his intellectual training in the public schools of Reading, and at the early age of nine years gave evi- dence of a latent talent for painting which was soon to make him famous throughout 148 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES the Eastern States. He began to cultivate these talents, not under some noted instruc- tor, but by constant and painstaking practice. He was not without encouragement, how- ever, for Mrs. John D. Mishler, upon recog- nizing his hidden genius, urged him to further efforts and presented him with his first box of paints. He labored patiently and fruit- lessly for a number of years, before his work brought the recognition it so well merited. At last his master-piece, which is entitled “Temptations,” was completed and took the art-loving public by storm. It is now owned by F. De Barry & Co., of New York City, and attracts wide attention, receiving favor- able comments trom the leading metropolitan journals and praise from all connoisseurs of art who have seen it. The National Horse Show Association of New York City, an organization which annually gives an ex- hibition at Madison Square Garden, offered a snug sum for the best picture pertinent to the intents and nature of the association. The contest was open to all, and our subject became one of the competitors, executing a picture, entitled ‘“ After The Race,” which not only won the prize, but was the first pic- ture ever accepted by the association, which was indeed a high compliment paid to his skill as an artist. The picture now hangs in the corridors of the Imperial Hotel in New York City, where it is much admired. A picture of a famous Angora cat, owned by Mahlon W. Newton, the proprietor of Green's Hotel in Philadelphia, brought him $500.00; it is now on exhibition in that widely-known hotel. “Motherhood,” another of his famous works, represents a hen with her brood, and was also purchased by Mr. Newton. Isaac Eckert, president of the Farmer’s Bank of Reading, owns several of Mr. Austrian’s best examples of game and still life. Among his art patrons are no less distinguished per- sons than F. G, Phillips, the well-known pub- lisher of the Dry Goods Economist of New York City, and a connoisseur of art; Ste- phen F. Whitman & Sons of Philadelphia; James Nolan of Reading; W. H. Luden of Reading; J. C. Ilig of Reading; and Byron Dodge, of the Lancaster Cork Works of Lancaster, Pa. As an artist, Mr. Austrian certainly deserves to stand in the front rank. Mr. Fitzgerald, who edits a column on art in the Philadelphia Item, and a man who ranks very high as an art critic, has spoken very highly of him and among other things has said: “Mr. Austrian in fact does not know his talents. There is a smouldering fire which can be fanned into a blaze in our Acad- emy or some other school.” Next to his work in art, he loves horseback riding better than any other pastime or form of exercise. Socially, he is genial and good-natured, and numbers among his friends and patrons the leading citizens of Reading. SSO OL. JOHN E. ARTHUR, who is a veteran of both the Mexican and Civil Wars, in which he displayed the valor and bravery character- istic of the Scotch-Irish race, from which he sprang, is at present engaged in the fire insurance business in Reading, in which he has met with the greatest of success. He is a son of John and Rebecca (Parker) Arthur, and was born in Lycoming County, April 25, 1826. John Arthur, the father of our subject, was born in the north of Ireland, and came to America prior to the year 1810, locating in Chester County, Pa. In 1819 he moved to Lycoming County, where he lived the re- mainder of his days. He was a man of schol- arly attainments, and taught school as a means of gaining a competency. As an in. structor he was unsurpassed at that time, and was well known throughout the section in which he lived. In his political affiliations he was a member of the Democratic party. He folded his hands in final rest April 1, 1830, after many years of activity and useful- ness. He was joined in the holy bonds of wedlock with Rebecca Parker, of Chester County, Pa. Col. John E. Arthur received his intellec- tual training in the common schools of Lycoming County, after which he learned the trade of a blacksmith, which he followed there until 1845, when he moved to the city of Reading. He then became superintend- ent of the Philadelphia & Reading R. R. blacksmith shops, and acted in that capacity until 1871, when he was elected city treas- oP ADAM H. LEADER, BERKS COUNTY 151. urer. He held that position continuously until 1885, the duties of which office he per- formed in such a manner as to gain him many friends and the approval of all con- cerned. In 1885, he embarked in the real estate business in connection with the fire insurance business, identifying himself chiefly with the latter line of work. He is a man of more than ordinary business ability, and not only possesses the confidence of his fellow- citizens, but is held in high esteem by all with whom he comes in touch, both in busi- ness and social life. In December, 1846, during the war with Mexico, he enlisted in the service of his country and served with Scott’s Army until the close of the war. He took part in all of the battles fought by that army, including the most important, the tak- ing of the City of Mexico. On the last day of the fighting in that memorable battle, he was severely wounded upon entering the city, and was incapacitated for further duty for some time. In 1861, upon the outbreak of the Civil War, because of his experience gained in the previous war, he recruited a company, of which he was made captain. The organization was mustered into service as Company B, 93d Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf., and served faithfully and well throughout the war. Col. Arthur continued as captain of the company for a period of eight months, when, as a reward for valuable services rendered, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-colonel and served in the Army of the Potomac. During the war he partici- pated in many fiercely waged battles, and although always at the front with his men, he never received a wound nor was he ever taken prisoner. Among the most important battles in which he took an active part were the engagements of Yorktown, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Seven Days’ Battle, Chantilly, Antietam, and Chancellorsville. Col. Arthur was united in matrimonial bonds with Rebecca P. Moyer, daughter of Amos and Mary Moyer of Reading, Pa., and they are the happy parents of the following children: Mary, the wife of John K. Kepple- man, a record of whose life also appears in this Book of Biographies; James, who died in early childhood; Frank, who is in the em- ploy of a gas company of Philadelphia; J. Amos, a minister of the M. E. Church of Lebanon, Pa.; John, a machinist of Reading, in the employ of the Gas Company; Fanny, who died at the age of eight years; and Emily, the wife of Samuel A. Mester, a resi- dent of Reading. ++ DAM H. LEADER, whom we repre- sent with a portrait on the opposite page, is one of the most promising young menofthecounty. Scarcely thirty years of age, he has developed a shrewdness and business capacity seldom equalled by older heads. In appreciation of this ability the City of Reading has placed him at the head of her finances, as comptrol- ler, well knowing that each expenditure would receive the most careful consideration, and many unnecessary expenses be stopped. He was born March 22, 1867, in Reading, Pa., where he grew to manhood and still resides, known and liked by all. His parents are Jacob and Sarah (Herb) Leader. His grandfather, Jacob Leader, a native of Montgomery County, this state, moved thence to Bern township, this county, and later to Reading, where he died. His son, Jacob, the father of our subject, was born in Bern township in 1838, and learned the trade of a moulder, moving to Reading in 1850, and working at his trade during his active life. He was a Republican, but did not aspire to office. He was a member of the Covenant Methodist Episcopal Church, and a trustee of that organization. He was united in marriage with Sarah Herb, who was born in 1840, and was two years his junior. They were blessed with a family of three sons and one daughter: Adam H.; Sadie M., the wife of Irwin B. Homan of Reading ; J. Elmer,a machinist of Reading ; and Harry R., also a machinist of Reading. Adam i. Leader was educated in the pub- lic schools of Reading, and graduated from the Reading High School in 1884 when but seventeen years of age. After leaving school he learned the profession of a surveyor and civil engineer, and followed it for about seven years. But at the end of that period he began dealing in real estate to provide an investment for his money, and in this manner secured large returns. His plan is to buy 152 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES land, erect thereon houses and other build. ings required, and then offer the improved property for sale. In furtherance of this object he formed a partnership with H. H. Roland, in 1889, under the firm name of Roland & Leader, and they are still conduct- ing the business with the most gratifying success. Mr. Leader is one of the prominent Repub- licans of the county, and has quite an influence in local politics. In 1893 he was elected city assessor of Reading, and served in that capacity for a term of three years. At the expiration of that time he was requested to take charge of the city finances, and was elected to the position of comptroller of the city, the office he is at present filling. His political life has been above reproach, and he enjoys the confidence, respect and esteem of the people of both parties for the probity of his official life, and his upright conduct as a citizen and a man. He is a member of Read- ing Lodge, No. 549, F. & A. M., and Pro- gressive Lodge, I. O.O. F. He is quiet and unassuming in his manners, and has many friends. On June 23, 1898, Mr. Leader was joined in the holy bonds of matrimony with Mary K. Fisher, daughter of Wellington H. and Caroline Fisher of Reading. ———_— + @>—____ — R. LEVI R. LENTZ, who has been engaged in the practice of his pro- fession at Fleetwood since 186s, is the oldest physician of that village, where he enjoys a large patronage and num- bers among his patients the very best citizens of the community. He is a son of Stephen and Catherine (Ringer) Lentz, and was born in South Whitehall, Lehigh County, Decem- ber 23, 1837. Stephen Lentz, the father of our subject, was born in Lehigh County, Pa., where he lived for many years, but at the time of his death he was a resident of Allentown. He learned the trade of a mason and carpenter, which he always followed. He was joined in wedlock with Catherine Ringer, by whom he was the father of eight children, whose names are as follows: Esther, the wife of Tilman Fryman of White Hall, Pa.; Josiah, deceased; Sallie, the wife of Samuel Brown of Coplay, Pa.; Stephen, formerly a grocer of Allentown, is now living in retirement; David, an Evangelical minister, who lives at Emaus, Pa.; Caroline, the wife of Paul Ehret of Allentown; Lewis, a farmer of White Hall, and Levi R., the subject of this biography. Mr. Lentz died in 1868, and his wife survived him many years, dying in 1893 at the ad- vanced age of ninety-three years. Dr. Levi R. Lentz, after completing the required course of study in the common schools of Lehigh County, attended the Col- lege of Allentown, and later a school in Fo- gelsville. He then took up the study of medi- cine under the tutelage of J. Henry Helfrich of Fogelsville, remaining with him for two and one-half years. He then took a one year course in the New York City Medical Col- lege, after which he completed his education in the Hahnemann Homeopathic Medical College of Philadelphia. Immediately upon his graduation in 1865, our subject moved to Fleetwood, where he has since been engaged in practice. He has one of the largest vil- lage and country practices in his section of the county, and enjoys the confidence and friendship of his patients. On May 26, 1868, Dr. Lentz and Sarah M. Koch took the marriage vows, and they are the proud parents of one son, Oliver, a grad- uate of Harvard College, and now engaged in the newspaper business at South Bethle- hem, Pa. Mrs. Lentz was born in Schuylkill County, and is a daughter of Daniel Koch, a retired merchant, who is residing with his daughter in Fleetwood. In politics our subject is a stanch Demo- crat, and served as school director from 1873 to 1896, and at one time was president of the board. He is an active worker in the Reformed Church and Sunday School of Fleetwood, and has served as superintendent of the latter. He isa member of the Ameri- can Institute of Homeopathy Society of Pennsylvania; and the Homeopathic Medi- cal Society of Pennsylvania. Socially, Dr. Lentz is a member of the blue lodge, F. & A. M.; Reading Chapter; De Molay Comman- dery, No. 9, of Reading ; and Rajah Temple of the Mystic Shrine of Reading. He is a Scottish Rite Mason of the Thirty-second Degree. BERKS COUNTY 153 sturdy tillers of the soil in this county, who have been successful XN in life and who are enabled to en- joy the fruits of a laborious past, is the gen- tleman whose name heads this notice, and who is pleasantly located in Clayton, Wash- ington township, Berks County, Pa. He is a son of Jeremiah and Mary (Schultz) Schultz, and was born on the old Schultz homestead, June 16, 1821. The Schultz family traces its ancestral his- tory back to Melchior Schultz, who, with the wife and three sons, George, Melchior and Christopher, were, with their co-religionists, forced to flee from their native land in Lower Harpersdorf, Dukedom of Liegnitz, Silesia, in the spring of 1726, on account of religious persecutions. With Schwenkfeld, who was the leader of the religion which was so un- popular with the government, they moved on May 1, 1726, to Saxony, where they re- mained eight years. During that period both the father and mother died. Soon the ques- tion again arose as to whether they should leave their country, many of whom being in favor of emigrating to America; with forty other families the three brothers came to this country, and after a five months’ voyage upon the water, they landed in Philadelphia, September 22, 1734. Rev. Christopher Schultz, the youngest of the three brothers, and great-grandfather of of our subject, was born on the old home- stead in Silesia, March 26, 1718, and while in Saxony he engaged as a shepherd boy; hav- ing a desire for books, he induced his em- ployer to give him time for study, and being allowed two days in the week, he began to study with Rev. George Weiss, and at the age of ten years he acquired a fair education in Latin, Greek and Hebrew. Soon after coming to America, the three brothers pur- chased a home two miles west of the present site of East Greenville, Upper Hanover township, Montgomery County, Pa. At this time the forests were full of Indiansand wild animals, and upon the site which the brothers had picked for a suitable home, there was a spring, over which bears and deer would dis- pute the ownership. As the land was rough and covered with a dense forest, it required an outlay of incessant labor and energy to 8 AU: S. SCHULTZ. Among the fit it for becoming productive of the com- modities necessary for consumption and the markets. They felled trees, and by the aid of a large saw, built a rude house in which they lived in harmony for several years; they engaged in farming and stock raising, and as the stock multiplied so fast, they were required to buy more land, so Rev. Christopher Schultz bought the home upon which our subject now resides, which is one of the most pro- ductive farms in Berks County. He spent the rest of his active days there, and entered the world of rest May 9, 1789. He was early recognized as a leader among the Schwenk- felders and was chosen their pastor, in which capacity he remained faithfully, until his death. He organized the congregation, and furnished them with a 600 page octavo book which contains the present catechism, a col- lection of hymns, and the articles of faith, which he wrote himself. He married Rosina Yeakel, daughter of Balthasar Yeakel, by whom he had four children, namely: Regina, Andrew, David, and Susanna. David Schultz, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was born on the old homestead April 10, 1757, and died there August 4, 1833. He was one of the progressive farmers of his day, and took an active part in the Schwenk- feld Church, of which he was a member. He married Anna Kriebel, daughter of Chris- topher Kriebel, who bore him the following children: Susanna, Andrew, William, Rosina, Christopher, Philip, Maria, Jeremiah, Chris- tina, and Regina. Jeremiah Sule the father of our sub- ject, was burn on the old homestead June 7, 1797, and died there February 3, 1874. He chose the vocation of an agriculturist for his life’s work, and followed that independent calling all his life. He married Mary Schultz, daughter of Rev. John Schultz, a minister of the Schwenkfeld Church. As a result of this union the following children were born: Henry S., the subject of this biography ; Ed- ward, late a farmer and minister of the Evangelical Church; John, late a farmer and teacher of Washington township; and Solo- mon, deceased. The last named was edu- cated in the medical schools of Europe, and was a surgeon in the Civil War. He was ap- pointed by the State Legislature of Pennsyl- vania to draw plans and find a suitable site 154 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES in Dansville, Pa., for a State Insane Asylum. He was also appointed as the first superin- tendent of the institution, which position he held until the date of his death, September 27, 1891. Henry S. Schultz was reared and brought up on the old homestead, and from his early boyhood days he has been successfully en- gaged in the cultivation of the soil. Heis a member and was deacon for six years of the Schwenkfeld Church, and has also been sexton for many years. Politically, he is a Republican. Our subject was married May 23, 1850. to Barbara Kriebel, daughter of David Kriebel, and they reared a family of ten children, namely: Franklin, proprietor of the Clayton Hotel; Solomon; Jeremiah, a graduate of the Keystone State Normal School, is now engaged in the manufacture of hosiery; Wesley; Horace, a farmer of Montgomery County; Ambrose, manager of the Berachah Orphanage of College Point, N. Y.; Mary, wife of Philip Schultz, of Montgomery County; Elizabeth, wife of Henry Schultz, who operates the homestead property ; Amanda married Charles Frey, a blacksmith of Montgomery County; and Annie. Mr. Schultz mourned the loss of his life companion, who passed to the unknown beyond January 10, 1895, at the age of sixty- seven years, four months and seven days. The Schultz family is well known and highly respected throughout the county, and has contributed its full quota toward the building up of the section of which its founders may be classed as the early pioneers. or LEWELLYN M. KAUFMAN, who on account of ill health has lived in retirement in the village of Kutz- town for the past several years, was in business life the well known manager of the Leesport Iron Works, and a man of more than ordinary business capacities. He is a son of John Glass and Mary (Merkle) Kaufman, and was born in Richmond town- ship, April 21, 1841. His great-grandfather, Jacob Kaufman, was ason of Jacob Kaufman, who was born in Switzerland in 1727, and had three sisters and one brother, namely: Annie; Maria; Susanna; and Jonathan. He was the pro- genitor of the following children: Susan; Jacob; Catherine; Zebilla; and Jonathan. Jacob Kaufman, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born March io, 1757, and was engaged in agricultural pursuits all of his life. He was the father of two sons,—Daniel and Samuel, the grandfather of our subject, who was born in Richmond township, Berks County, in 1784. He became a very pro- gressive farmer of that community and dur- ing his many years of activity accumulated a handsome competency. He was united in the holy bonds of wedlock with Magdalena Glass, and they were the happy parents of three children: Catherine: John Glass; and Samuel. Mrs. Kaufman passed into the world of rest at an early age, and her. hus- band formed a second union with Mary Barnett, which resulted in the following issue: Daniel, born in 1818; Caroline, in 1819; Esther, in 1821 ; David, in 1822; Maria, in 1824; Amos, in 1825; and Susanna, in 1827. John Glass Kaufman, the father of our subject, was born in Richmond township in 1811, and was reared on the farm. He re- ceived a good education and became one of the largest stockholders in the Leesport Iron Works, following iron manufacturing all of his life. He was a good business man in every respect, and attained very great suc- cess. He was of a kind and loving dispo- sition, and had many friends throughout Berks County, who respected him as a man of great worth to the community. His first marriage was with Mary Merkle, and the following children blessed their home: William M.; John M.; Zachariah M.; Llewel- lyn M., in whom the interest of this sketch centers; Mary Ann; Lydema; Rebecca; Norman; Oscar; and Sarah. He was mar- ried a second time to Sarah Forney. Llewellyn M. Kaufman received his edu- cation in the common schools and in the Polytechnic College of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., after which he became manager of the Lees- port Iron Works. He is a man of shrewd- ness and good general business ability, and served in that capacity for a period of over twenty-five years, but was finally obliged to give up work entirely on account of poor health. He was always very attentive to his business, and won the confidence of his em- BERKS COUNTY 155 ployers and the esteem and goodwill of his fellow workmen. He is now an invalid, and his absence from society is mourned by a large circle of acquaintances in whose esti- mation he stood high. He was united in Hymeneal bonds with Mary Kaufman, a daughter of Daniel B. and Susan (Hoch) Kaufman, and granddaughter of Samuel and Mary (Barnett) Kaufman. Daniel B. Kaufman was born in Maiden Creek township, Berks County, in 1818, and was one of the most progressive farmers and citizens of that township. He was a man ot more than ordinary intelligence, well edu- cated and well informed on all of the current topics of the day. He was a member of the state militia, having been commissioned Cap- tain.of the Maiden Creek Artillery in 1848 by Governor A. L. Russell. In 1854, he was commissioned Major of the Maiden Creek Battalion, and on October 8, 1855, he was made Lieutenant-Colonel by Governor James Paddock, but died shortly after. At the time of his demise he was but thirty-nine years of age, but he was firmly established in the affections of the people, and made a name for himself which time cannot shake. He was brought up under Quaker influences and was a man of high principles. In 1889, after our subject’s health had failed, Mr. and Mrs. Kaufman moved to Kutztown, in order that their children might be better educated, and located on Main street opposite the Keystone State Normal School. They have a large family, the mem- bers of which have received good educations and have bright futures before them. Their names are as follows: John Glass, who was born April 7, 1875, is a graduate of Harvard in the Class of 1895, and for the past three years has been principal of the Sidney High School of Sidney, Ohio; Robert L., who was born in 1877, died in infancy; Ned L., who was born March 21, 1878, is a graduate of the Keystone State Normal School of Kutz- town, and is now studying law with Judge Brewster ot Philadelphia,—he enlisted in the late war with Spain in Co. C, 1st Pa. Vol. Inf., and was stationed at Camp Thomas and Knoxville; Frank L., a student of the Normal School, was born October 15, 1879; Susan, born February 27, 1881, is a student of the Normal School; Helen was born July 28, 1882, and attends Normal School; Llewellyn M. was born October 4, 1883, and is attend- ing school; William M., who was born April 20, 1885, is a student at the Normal School; and Paul, who was born May 9, 1887, is also a student of the Keystone State Normal School. Mr. Kaufman served as corporal in Co. G, 42d Regiment State Defenders, which were dismissed after the battle of Gettysburg. EV. D. K. HUMBERT, pastor of the De Long Lutheran Church of Bower’s Station, Maxatawny town- ship, lives in a beautiful residence on Main street. Heis a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Kidling) Humbert, and was born in Greenwich township, Berks County, March 11, 1835. He traces his ancestry back to one, the first bearing the name of Humbert to come to this country, who emigrated from Switzer- land and located in Berks County, Pa. George Humbert, the grandfather of our subject, settled in Kutztown at an early day, and followed the occupation of a carpenter all of his life. Jacob Humbert, our subject’s father, was a farmer by vocation, and during his early life lived in Greenwich township. Later he moved to Topton village, where he lived re- tired until the time of his death, at the age of eighty-two years. He was united in mar- riage with Elizabeth Kidling, and they reared twelve children, namely: William, who is a resident of Carey, Ohio; Jacob, a traveling salesman ; Sarah, who died at the age of nine- teen years; Daniel, who gave up his life in defense of the Union at the battle of Gettys- burg; Rev. D. K., the subject of this per- sonal history ; Charles Henry, who also lost his life in the battle of Gettysburg ; Frank- lin, deceased ; Catherine, the wife of Anthony Wagner, lives in Ohio; Mary, the wife of Abner Sage, is also a resident of Ohio; George Alfred, who died in intancy; and Amelia, who married Ephraim Wise, who lives in the village of Topton, this county. Jacob Humbert and family were Lutherans in their religious beliefs, and he was choir 156 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES leader for many years in the Grinswell Church. Rev. D. K. Humbert was reared on his father’s farm until he was eight years of age, when he began to shift for himself. He hired out on a farm, and until he was twenty- two years of age he worked upon different farms in Greenwich and Albany townships. He was very poor in pocket, but rich in de- termination, and by working hard and saving what he could in the summer, he was enabled to attend the public schools during the win- ter. At the age of twenty-two, he began clerking ina country store in Albany town- ship, where he remained for one year. He then went to New Ringgold, Pa., where he was employed as currier ina aig at but at the expiration of a year and a half, he was taken sick and spent the several subsequent months in travel. His next occupation was that of teacher in the public schools of Klinesville and Federalsville, Pa., after which he attended Freeland Seminary for three years. About this time the Civil War broke out, and, in 1863, he enlisted in Co. I, 167th Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf., under Col. Charles Kno- ery and Capt. Jonas M. Schollenberger. His company was a reserve force and took part in no engagements, although it was ready to be called upon. He remained in the ser- vice until the close of the war, and received his discharge at Rappahannock River. After the war he decided to enter the ministry, and accordingly went to Philadelphia, where he was prepared in a theological seminary. After taking a three years’ course, he was ordained to preach, his first pastorate bein at Robinson, Pa. He subsequently filled the pulpit in Lutheran Churches of the follow- ing places before accepting his present charge: Plowville, Pa.; Dyerstown, Pa.; St. John’s, Pa.; Allegheny, Pa.; and Wymasic. In 1872 he came to Bower’s Station, and took charge of the De Long Lutheran Church, and also the Lutheran Churches at Long Swamp, Huff's Church, New Jeru- salem, and Hill Church, besides St. Paul’s at Lobachsville, and St. Peter’s of Lehigh County. The membership of the De Long Lutheran Church has increased wonder- fully under his skillful guidance and now numbers 200, and the other churches are “ also in a prosperous condition. Our subject is a man of true and noble traits of character, kind and sympathetic, and is loved by every member of his parish. He has a high ideal of manhood, which he lives up to in every respect. He is aman of strong convictions, which he expresses freely and in a forcible manner, making a deep impression upon all who hear him. He formed a matrimonial alliance with Maria De Long, a daughter of Francis and Ester (Schaeffer) De Long, both of whom are now deceased. Their union was blessed by the birth of three children, namely: Essie Catherine, the wife of Dr. Schaeffer of Read- ing; Mary Elizabeth, a school teacher at Royersford, Pa.; and Anna Susanna, who is living at home with her parents. Soe HARLES G. ZEHM is one of the self-made men of Berks County, Pa., and is indebted for what he posses- ses of this world’s goods to his own energy, good judgment and economy. He has succeeded in accumulating a handsome competency, and is now passing the latter years of his life in quiet and peace at his home in Kutztown. Our subject was born in Hertzberg, Saxony, Germany, June 5, 1832, and isa son of Charles G. Zehm, who was a born mechanic and followed the trade ns a machinist in his native country all his ife. Our subject received a good education in the schools of his native country, and many of his early years were spent in a machine shop, learning the trade of a machinist. In 1854 he left Hertzberg, Germany, and came to the United States, locating in the city of Reading, Pa. where he remained twelve years, and then, in company with his broth- er, Frederick S. Zehm, moved to Kutztown. They bought out the old Kutztown foundry and started a machine shop, meeting with such success that they were obliged to en- large their establishment. They accordingly purchased 3 acres of land near the city depot and built a large machine shop. They turn out boiler maker's supplies, and the Keystone Turbine Water Wheels. Their shop is run by a 45 horse power engine; they have a large room in which they do their moulding, COL. DAVID C. KELLER. BERKS COUNTY and in this room is a swinging deat in hes center and the rail pressing and cutting machines. Our subject was manager of the mechanical department, and much of the progress of the firm was due to his efforts. April 1, 1896, Mr. Zehm retired from active work, and is now enjoying a well-earned com- petency. In 1871 he purchased a lot opposite the depot, 170 by 270 feet, on which he built a handsome residence, set out shrubbery and made a beautiful lawn ; the general appear- ance of this most valuable residence property is all that can be desired. fine residence in Reading, and a well im- proved farm of 102 acres in Maxatawny township. Mr. Zehm chose for his life companion Elizabeth Fry, a native of Germany. This union was not blessed by the birth of any children, but their love tor children prompted them to adopt and rear two daughters, who are now attending the Keystone State Nor- mal School of Kutztown. Their daughters, Mary and Amelia, have returned the parental care by giving them their most devoted at- tention, and helping to make home bright and cheerful. Our subject, in politics, is in- dependent in his views; religiously, he isa devoted member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Zehm is well known for his excellent judgment and unswerving integrity in busi- ness transactions, and is held in high esteem by his acquaintances, who know him to bea good neighbor and valued citizen. -———_—__-+<>+______ OLONEL DAVID C. KELLER, the veteran hotel man of Reading, whose portrait is shown on the op- posite page, is well known through- out the county. He was a soldier of the Civil War, and carries the scar of many a wound received in the defense of his coun- try. He was born in Rockland township, this county, July 25, 1839, his parents being John and Esther (Clauser) Keller. His grandfather, Conrad Keller, was a farmer of Rockland township, and there de- parted this life. In Rockland township, also, our subject’s father was born. He was a man of education and refinement, and _ re- ceived a training that fitted him well for the BF He also owns a_ “27, 1865. bck duties of a teachers which was is chosen vocation. He was also a very able and effi- cient teacher of music. He was united in marriage with Esther Clauser, a daughter of William Clauser, who was a farmer by occu- pation, and also an iron worker. Their mar- riage resulted in the birth of a number of children, a number of whom died in infancy. Those living at the present date, are: Wil- liam, a marble dealer of Alsace township; Sallie, wife of William Yous, a prosperous farmer of Berks County, Pa.; Daniel, a car- penter, builder and joiner, who lives in IHinois; Caroline, the widow of Alfred Brumbaugh; David C.; Jeremiah, a farmer of Rockland township; Amanda, widow of Daniel A. Yoder of Reading; and Jacob, su- perintendent of the iron mills at Springfield, Ohio. ‘Col. David C. Keller was educated in the common schools of Rockland township, and in Oley Academy. He then accepted a posi- tion as clerk in a store in Fredericksburg, where he stayed until the breaking out of the Civil War. He enlisted for three months in Co. C, 7th Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf., in 1861, and at the expiration of his term of enlistment, he again enlisted as first lieutenant in Co. K, 93d Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf. He was never taken prisoner, but received seven wounds in the engagements in which he took part. At the battle of. Fair Oaks he received two wounds, at Gettysburg one, at Spottsylvania two, at Cedar Creek one, and at Petersburg one. On March 25, 1865, Col. Keller received the wound in front of Petersburg; he was then transferred to City Point Hospital, where he remained until he joined his regiment at the close of the war, when he was mustered out with the regiment on General Orders, June These scars are mementoes of bloody engagements in which he rendered such valiant service, and where’ he was al- ways found in the thickest of the fight. After leaving the army he entered the hotel busi- ness, and has been catering to the public taste ever since at different points, He has built up a fine record in his business, and en- joys the best class of patronage. ‘Col. Keller was married to Rosa Krebs. Of the children who were born to them, all died young except one son, Daniel Franklin, who is now serving as second lieutenant of 160 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES the 24th Reg. U. S. Inf. Col. Keller is an ardent Republican and takes a lively part in all of the local work of the organization. He served two terms as county commissioner, and when the Reading Legislative district was established, he was one of the two first candidates for the legislature from the dis- trict. At that time temperance fanaticism was at its height in the country, and on that account alone Col. Keller was defeated. He is a popular man in his party, and has re- peatedly served as delegate to state and county conventions. He is a member of General William H. Keim Post No. 76, G. A. R., and one of the most prominent work- ers. He belongs to the Union Veteran Le- gion, and is also a prominent Mason, belong ing to the blue lodge, Chapter, Commandery, and Mystic Shrine. He isa pleasant talker, and is often to be found in the midst of a group of interested hearers. He is witty and genial, and has made hosts of friends all over the county, while his honesty and indus- try cause him to be regarded with the high- est respect by all who know him. SSS Oo YJ ENRY A. MUHLENBERG, a lead- ing attorney of high standing in the city of Reading, whose connection XN with the bar dates from the year 1875, is a member of one of the most distin- guished families in the Keystone State. A history of Pennsylvania could not be written without frequent mention of the Muhlen- bergs, who have contributed unstintedly to the good of the commonwealth and the nation, as clergymen, soldiers, public officials, doctors and lawyers. There are, indeed, few families who have produced so many promi- nent men, or who have taken so leading a part in the development of this part of the state for so long a time. Our subject was born in the city of Reading, October 27, 1848, and isa son of Hon. Henry A. and Annie Hall (Muhlenberg) Muhlenberg, both branchés of the family being of German extraction, and uniting in Rev. Henry Ernestus Muhlenberg, who is our subject’s great-grandfather on both the paternal and maternal sides of the house. The founder of the Muhlenberg fam- ily was Rev. Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, who came from the Elbe district in Germany to this country, in 1742, and located in East- ern Pennsylvania, later making his home and dying at The Trappe, Montgomery County. He had been educated for the ministry at Halle, Saxony, and came to this country in the capacity of a missionary of the Lutheran faith ; to him is usually ascribed the found- ing of the Lutheran Church in this country, and at least he was one of the first workers in that cause. He was very active in organ- izing churches among the Germans in the counties of the eastern part of the state, then the only part much settled. He was a very learned man, and as a preacher there were few of that day more eloquent and forceful than he. His wife, Maria, was a daughter of Conrad Weiser, who was one of the most prominent historical characters of this dis- trict prior to 1760. This pioneer was born in Germany in 1696, and came to this country in 1710 with the parental family; the Weis- ers finally located near Schoharie, N. Y. Conrad lived with the Mohawk Indians for a year, of his own accord, in order to learn the language. In 1729 he, with his wife, a young woman of Schoharie, and five children, came to Berks County, settling in Tulpehocken, near Womelsdorf. As an Indian interpreter his ability was known and much appreciated; for nearly thirty years, from 1731 until his death in 1760, he was almost constantly en- gaged in this line of work, assisting in the preparation of many important treaties. He was one of the commissioners who disposed of the town lots when the town of Reading was laid out by the Penns in 1748. He as- sisted in the erection of the county, and was a prominent figure in the French and Indian War. When the county was erected, in 1752, he was appointed one of the first judges, and acted as president judge until his death. The last years of his life were spent in Read- ing. Three sons and a number of daughters were born to Rev. Henry M. Muhlenberg and his good wife Maria. The eldest son, John Peter Gabriel Muhlenberg, usually known as General Peter Muhlenberg, was educated for the Lutheran ministry at Halle, Saxony. He first had charge of a congregation in New Jersey, and then was engaged in preach- ing in Virginia, when the Revolutionary War BERKS COUNTY 161 broke out. He ascended the pulpit one Sun- day morning, not long after the battle of Lexington, and delivered a sermon on the live issues of the day, closing the sermon with these words: “There is a time to pray, and a time to preach, and a time to fight,” and that “the trme to fight has come.” He suited the declaration with action, by throw- ing back his ministerial gown and disclosing himself clad in regimentals, ready to go out and fight in behalf of his country. There was no more preaching that day, the remainder of the time being taken in recruiting a com- pany from among his parishioners, which company comprised a part of the 8th Vir- ginia, of which he was commissioned chief officer. He rose to the rank of major-general, and served throughout the war, distinguish- ing himself at Brandywine and at German- town; he commanded the reserve in the storming of the redoubts at Yorktown. He was appointed by one of the first Presidents, Collector of the Port at Philadelphia. He was a member of the First and Third Con- gress, and was appointed U. S. Senator from Pennsylvania. By an Act of the State Legis- lature, passed in 1877, Gen. Muhlenberg was selected as a prominent Pennsylvanian to be represented by a statue, contributed by the State of Pennsylvania to Statuary Hall of the National Capitol. The second son of the or- iginal pioneer was Frederick Augustus Muh- lenberg, who was also educated for the ministry at Halle, Saxony, but left the min- istry at the outbreak of the Revolutionary War. He was an ardent patriot, and he and his brother, the general, greatly influenced the Pennsylvania Committee that ratified the Constitution of the United States. He was in Congress a number of terms, and served as Speaker of the First and Third Congresses, casting the deciding vote when John Jay’s Treaty with England was ratified. He died at the age of fifty-one years. The third son, Rev. Henry Ernestus Muh- lenburg, the great-grandfather of our subject, was educated at Halle, Saxony, for the min- istry, being sent there at the age of twelve years. He continued in the ministry in Philadelphia up to the Revolutionary War; when the British forces took that city, being an ardent Whig, he was obliged to fly in dis- guise. He then became pastor of a congre- gation in Lancaster, which remained his charge until his death in 1814, at the age of sixty-two years. He was a profound scholar and theologian, a celebrated mineralogist and botanist, and an author of such repute in the latter science as to be termed the ‘“ Linnaeus of our country.” He was the author of sev- eral works on botany, and corresponded with the most celebrated scientific men of Europe, with whom he had become acquainted through college associations in Germany. He mar- ried a Miss Hall, and their union was blessed with several daughters and four sons, the latter named as follows: Henry Augustus; Philip; Peter; and Frederick Augustus. Hon. Henry Augustus Muhlenberg, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was born in Lancaster, Pa., May 13, 1782, and was given personal instruction by his learned father in all the common as well as advanced and classical branches of study; at the age of sixteen years he had completed the usual collegiate course, though he had never been to college. Responsive to the wishes of his father, he proceeded to New York, where he studied theology and prepared himself for the ministry under the direction of Rev. Dr. Kunze; in 1802, at twenty years of age, being duly licensed to preach, he took charge of the congregation of German Lutherans—- Trinity Lutheran Church—in Reading, and was the longest settled pastor the church ever had, continuing in his ministry until 1829, a period of twenty-six years. His call pro- vided for English preaching every fourth Sunday, the services having been entirely in the German language previously, but this occasional English preaching did not con- tinue long, as the worshippers preferred ser- vices in German. He was president of the Synod on a number of occasions, and was very influential in the church, because of his eminent talents and high social position. He was justly celebrated as a pulpit orator, and his great learning, splendid rhetoric, and pro- found logic, combined to make him one of the finest preachers of the church. His health failing in 1828, he suggested retiring, but no sooner did he signify his intention of taking up the charge of a farm as an agree- able change of occupation, than his fellow- citizens solicited him to represent them in Congress. In June, 1829, he resigned his 162 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES ministerial office, and assumed his seat in the National House of Representatives. There he continued to serve his constituents and the nation with his best talents until 1838, distinguishing himself by his warm support of President Andrew Jackson in the attack upon the United States Bank. He was the one who after a long and bitter fight moved the previous question, on February 18, 1834, and by the vote then taken settled forever the destiny of the Bank. He also supported President Jackson, in 1832, in that able execu- tive’s stand against Calhoun and the Nullifi- ers of South Carolina. In 1835 he was a can- didate for Governor in the triangular fight between Ritner, Wolfe and Muhlenberg; on account of the division in the Democratic party, Ritner was elected. In 1838 he was sent by President Martin Van Buren as first minister to Austria, and remained at Vienna until the close of 1840. In 1844 he was success- fulin obtaining the Democratic. nomination for Governor, his competitor being Francis R. Shunk. Unfortunately Mr. Muhlenberg died on August 11, 1844, two months before election; Mr. Shunk was nominated to fill the vacant place on the ticket, and was elected Governor. Mr. Muhlenberg was twice married, both times to daughters of Gov. Joseph Hiester. His first wife, Eliza- beth, bore him one daughter, Mary Elizabeth, who married E, Jonathan Deininger. His second wife, Rebecca, made him the father of six children, namely: Emma Elizabeth; Hiester H., now deceased, long a prominent physician of Reading, and cashier of the. Farmers’ Bank for forty-three years; Henry A., deceased; Emma Elizabeth; Rose Cath- erine; and Henry A., the father of our sub- ject, now deceased. Dr. Frederick Augustus Muhlenberg, youngest brother of the foregoing, and ma- ternal grandfather of our subject, was born in Lancaster, Pa., in 1793, and died in 1867. He was a very successful physician, as well as a prominent public man. He studied his profession under Dr. Benjamin Rush of Philadelphia, and practiced medicine in Lan- caster almost sixty years. He was elected to various county offices, and was a candidate for Congress in his district several times, but as the Whigs were in the majority he was never so fortunate as to be elected. Henry A. Muhlenberg, the father of our subject, was born in Reading, Pa., July 21, 1823, and was educated in the common branches and prepared for college by his father. At the age of fourteen years he became a student in Jefferson College, at Canonsburg, Pa., where he’ continued one year, passing thence to Dickinson College at Carlisle, from which he graduated in 1841, at the age of eighteen years. He was admit- ted to the Berks County Bar July 5, 1844, having spent the three years following upon his graduation from college in legal studies, in the office of his preceptor, Hon. J. Pringle Jones of Reading. For ten years thereafter, until 1854, when he was removed from life's scenes of activity, he was engaged in the practice of his profession to a great extent. However, a great part of this period was taken up with public service, to which he devoted every energy and every power of mind. In the gubernatorial campaign of 1844, when his father was the Democratic candi- date for chief executive, he displayed marked ability as a private secretary, and conducted all his father’s correspondence. He raised a company of volunteers for the Mexican War, but his personal tender of them was declined, as the state’s quota had been filled. He took an active interest in politics, and from the time when he began his legal carer until his death, he was always a prominent figure in county politics. In 1847 and 1848 he occu- pied himself in writing a “Lite of Gen- eral Peter Muhlenberg,” of Revolutionary fame, which was published in 1849, b Cary & Hart, Philadelphia, and was well received. In 1849 Mr. Muhlenberg was elected, on the Democratic ticket, to the State Senate for a term of three years, and although he was the youngest member of that house, he became, in the latter part of his term, the Democratic candidate for Speaker. Such was his firm stand against government aid to such enterprises as railroad building, that he was characterized by Hon. C. R. Buckalew as being “The bulwark of the treasury against the assaults of outside interested parties.” He was slightly opposed to real Democratic sentiment, in being out- spoken in his advocacy of a tariff that would protect the great manufacturing industries of the country. Especially was he in favor of a protective duty on iron, so that the iron in- dustry might be developed proportionately with our growth as a nation. He was de- voted, mind, heart and soul, to the Union, and unalterably opposed to the institution of slavery. lt he had lived several years longer than he did, it is very certain that he would have been one of the first in helping to form the new party that elevated Abraham Lin- coln to the Presidency. He was elected to Congress from Berks County in 1852, and was present at the opening of the Thirty- fourth Congress, but had scarcely taken his seat when he was stricken with illness, which endured but a few days, and resulted in his death by hemorrhage and congestion of the lungs, on January 9, 1854. Interment was had in the “Charles Evans’ Cemetery” of Reading. Though cut off when not thirty- one years of age, his life had been filled to the utmost with important public services, and he had performed as much real service to the community as most men would be oc- cupied a lifetime in doing. He was eloquent in debate, and very strong in executive abil- ity. Had he lived, there is scarcely a doubt but that he would have made his mark in national politics and legislation. He was true to Reading and its interests, and was fore- most in advancing beneficial projects. He never shunned the responsibility of his acts, and did what he considered to be his duty, regardless of what the consequences on his career might be. He was a man of unswerv- ing integrity and unblemished honor, and would never do anything that would lower himself in his own esteem or in that.of others. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. His marriage with his cousin, Annie Hall Muhlenberg, daughter of Dr. F. A. Muhlenberg of Lancaster, resulted in the birth of one child, Henry A., in whom the interest of this biographical history centers. Henry A. Muhlenberg received a thorough home training, and, after a one year’s attend- ance at Gettysburg College, spent six months in preparing for Harvard College. He gradu- ated from the latter institution in 1872, taking honors in history, and spent the ensuing year in Europe. He then read law in the othce of George F. Baer, Esq., of Reading, and was admitted to the bar Nov. 8, 1875. He has been engaged in very successful practice BERKS COUNTY 163 ever since. In politics he is a Republican, for the family became Republican upon the issues of the Civil War. He has taken an active and important part in political work and organization, and was the Republican candidate for Congress in 1892, but failed of an election, because of the Democratic char- acter of the district. He has discharged his duties in every walk of life with fidelity, and he is most highly regarded by his fellow- citizens. In his religious affiliations he is faithful to family traditions, as well as to his own inclinations, and attends the Trinity Lutheran Church, of which he is a mem- ber. ++ R. MILTON S. RICHARDS, who has been engaged in the practice of E J his profession in Rotherocksville, Maxatawny township, since 1867, is also quite an extensive dealer in real estate. He is a son of Michael and Adda (Becker) Richards, and was born September 26, 1843, in Lehigh County, Pa. Michael Richards, the father of our sub- ject, was born in Lehigh County, where he conducted a country store and followed his trade, that of a harnessmaker. In 1856 he moved to the village of Rotherocksville, where he engaged in the same line of busi- ness for many years, but the latter years of his life were spent in retirement. He was united in matrimonial bonds with Adda Becker, a native of Lehigh County, and they became the parents of seven children: Allen B., a harnessmaker of Geneva, N. Y.; Aquil- la, the wife of Jonas Ziegler, a resident of Rotherocksville; Mary, the relict of Nathan Hertzog, lives in Lehigh County; Lewis, who follows the harnessmaker’s trade in Geneva, N. Y.; Walter F., a harnessmaker of Rotherocksville; Dr. Milton S., the subject of this sketch; and William, a harnessmaker, residing at Albertus, Pa. In December, 1881, Mr. Richards passed into the world of rest, and his beloved wife still survives him. She is now passed eighty-nine years of age, and enjoys exceptionally good health. Dr. Milton S. Richards attended the com- mon schools of his native village for some time, after which he entered the high school 164 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES at Geneva, N. Y., where he took a two years’ course. He then returned to Rothe- rocksville and taught for five years in the public schools, and attended Allentown Sem- inary during the summer months. In 1865, he took up the study of medicine in the Jef- ferson Medical College of Philadelphia, Pa., and after two years of hard study he gradu- ated from that institution. Immediately thereafter he returned to Rotherocksville, where he hung out his shingle and has been engaged in practice since. He was successful from the start, and has had an ever increasing practice. He has a complete mastery of the details of his profession, which fact, com- bined with the honest and frank manner manifested toward his patients, has won their confidence and good will. He is also a deal- er in real estate, in which line of business he has also established a large and paying pat- ronage. Besides his property in the village, he owns two farms in Lehigh County, one of 160 acres and the other of 55. In 1868, Dr. Richards was united in mar- riage with Louisa Fritch, who is a native of Long Swamp township, Berks County, and a daughter of Horatio and Lovina (Geist) Fritch. Mr. Fritch, who was a clerk in a store in Lehigh County, is now deceased, and his wife, who survives him, lives in New Texas, Lehigh County. Dr. and Mrs. Rich- ards have reared six children, all of whom received good educations and are credits to the various communities in which they live. They are as follows: Rev. George, pastor of the Reformed Church of Allentown, married Mary Mosser; Mary, a graduate of the Key- stone State Normal School of Kutztown, is the wife of Dr. J. Smith of Topton, Pa.; Milton J., died at an early age; William died at the age of four years; Cora, a graduate of the Keystone State Normal School, is a teacher in the public schools in Maxatawny township; and Frederick Michael, a student at the Keystone State Normal School. Our subject and his wife are members of the Re- formed Church of Rotherocksville, of which he is an elder. In politics he is an unswerv- ing Democrat, and has been justice of the peace for fifteen years, besides holding many minor offices. He is a public-spirited man, and takes an active interest in the welfare of the village of his present residence. practice in the community, and is one of its valuable citizens. He was born in Reading October 31, 1870, and is a son of George and Mary (Levan) East. The East Family is of English extraction. The great-grandfather of our subject, like many another Englishman, in the hope of benefitting his condition, left his native coun- try and emigrated to the United States; he located in the state of Pennsylvania, where he spent his remaining days. He was the father of a family of children, one of whom was George, the father of our subject, who was born in Reading, Berks County, Pa., in 1831, and where he has resided to the present day. His wife is Mary Levan, a descendant of the old and highly respected Levan family of Berks County, of French Huguenot stock, that located in this county in the early colon- ial days. Dr. East was educated in the public schools of Reading, graduating from the high school with the class of 1889. Having decided upon a medical career as a means of obtain- ing a livelihood. he immediately entered the office of Dr. J. B. Sterley, a prominent phy- sician of Reading, and there pursued the studies of his chosen profession. Later he entered Jefferson Medical College of Phila- delphia, and was graduated from that institu- tion in 1893. Returning to his native city he formed a partnership with his former precep- tor for one year, and at the expiration of that time, he entered upon a practice of his own. Besides having a large general prac- tice, he makes a specialty of the treatment of diseases of women and children. The Doctor is well read and keeps abreast with the advancement of medical sciences. He is clinical assistant of Dr. Frankhouser, an eye, ear, nose and throat specialist; he is also medical examiner for the Prudential Life In- surance Company, and has been for the last five years. Dr. East was married November 8, 1896, to Emma Savage of Reading. The Doctor is a member of the Reading, Berks County, and Pennsylvania State Medical Societies: has served as treasurer of the Reading Med- ical Association two years, and as corres ponding secretary of the Berks County R. ALBERT FRANKLIN EAST of Reading has established a good E } - BERKS COUNTY 165 Medical Society one year. He is on the dis- pensary staff of the Reading Hospital, and is a dispensary physician of the Tenth Ward of the city. Dr. and Mrs. East are in the prime of life, prosperous, and surrounded by friends, and the outlook for a pleasant and useful future for them is encouraging in the extreme. - 3 +o EORGE L. SMITH, who is engaged in general farming, stock raising and dairying in Maxatawny township, is ason of George and Lydia (Leibensperger) Smith, and was born June 26, 1833, on the old Smith homestead. George Smith, Sr., the grandfather of our subject, was born in Lehigh County, and came with his father, George Smith, to Maxatawny township, where he located on the farm now owned by our subject, and there followed farming until his death. George Smith, Jr., the father of our subject, was born on the old homestead farm, and was one of the leading farmers in the community. He was a very prominent man, and was called upon to serve in several public offices. He was united in the holy bonds of wedlock with Lydia Leibensperger, a native of Lehigh County, and they became the parents of seven children, whose names are as follows: Stephen, deceased ; Caroline, who died at the age of seven years; David, who married Catherine Adams and resides in Lehigh County, where he is engaged in agricultural pursuits; George L., whose name heads these lines; Alfred, who died at the age of six years; James, deceased; and Rebecca, who married John Kemp of Long Swamp town- ship. Mrs. Smith passed into the world of rest in 1864, and her husband survived her many years, dying September 1, 1890. George L. Smith was reared on the farm and received his education in the common schools of his native town. After leaving school, he worked upon the home farm until 1854, when he moved to Lehigh County, and for three years clerked in a general merchan- dise store. He then returned to Maxatawny township, and has since had charge of the homestead. He has made many improve- ments both upon the land and_ buildings, makes use of the latest types of machinery, and is an up-to-date farmer in every respect. He is a general farmer and stock raiser, and is very successful. He is a man of high prin- ciples, honest and upright in all of his busi- ness transactions, and is well thought of by his friends and neighbors. Our subject formed a matrimonial alliance with Louisa Dutt, a daughter of Thomas and Henrietta (Strauss) Dutt, the former agricul- turist of Maxatawny township. This union was blessed by the birth of five children, whose names are as follows: Lizzie, who was born August 2, 1865, is the wife of Edwin Boyer, and both reside with our subject ; Rev. George, a minister of Maxatawny town- ship; Dr. James, a practicing physician of Topton, Pa., married Mary Richards; Anna, who married George Stump, a farmer of Allentown, Pa.; and William, who is residing at home. Mr. Smith and his family are all members of the Union Church of Maxatawny township, of which he is a trustee and an active worker. Politically, he has always been a stanch Republican, and has held several offices of public trust. 08 0 R. JOHN W. BROWN, a physi- cian who stands high in public es- \S) timation, and enjoys a large prac- tice in and about the city of Read- ing, isa son of Henry and Margaret (Wert) Brown, and was born July 18, 1834, at Har- risburg, Pa. His grandfather, Philip Brown, a native of Scotland, upon coming to America, located at Womelsdort, Berks County, where he was one of the early settlers. He later moved to a farm near Mechanicsville, Dau- phin County, where he followed farming the remainder of his life. Henry Brown, the father of our subject, was born in Dauphin County, Pa., in 1812, and his entire life was spent in agricultural pursuits in the vicinity of Harrisburg. He folded his hands in final rest in May, 1875. In political belief he was an old line Whig and Republican. He was united in the holy bonds of wedlock with Margaret Wert, by whom he had five children: Dr. John W.,, in whom the interest of this sketch centers; 166 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES Elizabeth, deceased; Mary, the wife of John Lingle of Philadelphia; Lucinda, who mar- ried Jacob Eshanour, who lives near Harris- burg; and Harry, deceased. Dr. John W. Brown, after taking a thor- ough course of study in Harrisburg Acad- emy, began the study of his chosen profes- sion under the tutelage of Dr. J. B. Marshall of Annville, Lebanon County. He then entered the University of Pennsylvania, from which institution he graduated in 1870. He at first located at Freeburg, Snyder County, where he engaged in practice until 1888, when he moved to Tower City, Schuylkill County, Pa. At the expiration of five years of practice in that community, he. located in Northern Alabama for about four years, when he moved to Reading, where he has been located since, and where by honest and conscientious labor he has established a good, paying general practice. He is of a genial and good natured disposition, and has be- come very popular with his fellow citizens. Dr. Brown was united in hymeneal bonds with Katie Shirk, and they have one daugh- ter, Ella, who is the wife of Levi Goy of Freeburg. He formed a second alliance with Mrs. Mary (Rewalt) Wilson, the relict of the late Thomas Wilson. Dr. Brown was be- reaved of his beloved wife’s companionship by death, February 2, 1898. Socially, he is a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle; Knights of the Mystic Chain; and Muhlen- berg Lodge, I. O. O. F. of Reading. ++ AWSON G. DIETRICH, justice of the peace anda farmer of Richmond township, was born in Greenwich township, Berks County, Pa., May 2, 1864, and is a son of James H. and Mary (Behler) Dietrich. George Dietrich, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Greenwich township, and followed the trade of a carpenter and farmer all the days of his active life. James H. Dietrich, the father of our subject, was born in Greenwich township, and from his father he learned the trade of a carpenter, which he followed, with farming, all his life. He was joined in wedlock with Mary Behler, and they reared two sons—Lawson G., the subject of this personal history, and Calvin J., who married Eavada Trexler, and now resides in Greenwich township, where he is engaged in tilling the soil. Mr. Dietrich passed from earth August 26, 1893. Mrs. Dietrich in her old age is being cared tor with filial tenderness by our subject. Lawson G. Dietrich received a good edu- cation: He first attended the common schools and then entered the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown. Leaving school he taught ten years in Greenwich, Long Swamp, Rockland and Richmond townships. After clerking in a store one year in Reading, he again taught school for a short time, and then was elected justice of the peace. In 1886 he took charge of a farm owned by his aunt, Maria H. Dietrich, which consists of 24 acres ot highly cultivated land. Mr. Dietrich chose for his life companion Mary Alice Shollenberger, a native of Rich- mond township, and they were happily mar- ried May 20, 1893. Her tather was Capt. Shollenberger, who was killed in a runaway accident, May 22, 1893. Politically, our sub- ject is a firm supporter of the Democratic party, and is now serving as treasurer of his school district and as justice of the peace. Socially, he is a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle of Kutztown, and Cove- nant Commandery, Knights of Malta of Al- burtis, Lehigh County. He is a member of the Lutheran Church of Moselem, while his wife is a member of the Reformed Church of Fleetwood. Mr. and Mrs. Die- trich are highly esteemed by their neighbors and acquaintances, and are amply filling their stations as good citizens and valuable mem- bers of society. proprietor of the Monterey Hotel and a dealer in general merchandise in Monterey, Maxatawny township, is one of the most enterprising and progressive citizens of that village. He is a son of Henry and Sally Ann (Bauer) Fisher, and was born December 2, 1854, in Maxatawny township, Berks County. Henry Fisher, the father of our subject, was born in Maxatawny township, and Jr B. FISHER, the well known S Ss SS “a HUNTZINGER. REEVE Be Ks .. Siding in Maxatawny township. BERKS COUNTY 169 through most of his life was engaged in farming near the village of Monterey, where he closed his eyes in final sleep in 1876. His companion in the pathways of life was Sally Ann Bauer, a native of Long Swamp town- ship, and they reared three children, namely : James B., in whom the interest of this sketch centers; Sarah, who was united in marriage with Alvin Moyer, a carpenter by trade, who resides in Allentown, Pa.: and Emma, the relict of William Wesco, who also makes her home in Allentown. Mrs. Fisher is now sixty-four years of age, and is residing with her son in the village of Monterey, where she is in the midst of a large circle of triends, with whom she has been associated almost her entire life. James B. Fisher received his education in the common schools and in the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown, After leaving school, he worked upon the farm for about two years. In 1878 he started a tavern in the village of Monterey, where he has since been located. After a period of four years he also established a large general mer- chandise store and made many improvements upon his hotel business. He was very pros- perous and had a large patronage, which steadily increased from the first. In 1895 his hotel property burned to the ground, and in the following year he erected a handsome brick building, in which he has since con- ducted his hotel. large, well arranged and comfortably fur- nished rooms, which are made as pleasant and homelike as possible for his guests. He also sets a good table, and as the prices are reasonable, his establishment is one of the most popular in his section of the county. July 22, 1876, our subject and Kate Smith took upon themselves marriage vows, and their union has been blessed by the birth of four children, namely: Clayton, deceased ; Willie S., who is living at home with his parents; Lilly C., deceased; and Frederick, who also resides with his parents. Mrs. Fisher is a woman of excellent virtues, and comes from a well known family. She is a daughter of Stephen and Caroline (Smoyer) Smith, the former of whom was a farmer re- Mr. and Mrs. Fisher are faithful members of the Lutheran Church. Our subject is a Demo- He has about twenty crat in his political belief, and has served as postmaster since 1884, performing the duties of that office to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. Socially, he is amember of the Knights of the Golden Eagle. ++ EV. F. K. HUNTZINGER, a faith- ful servant of his Master, has been engaged in Divine teaching in St. Luke’s Lutheran Church on Ninth street near Buttonwood, Reading, since the first Sunday in October, 1869. He is a son of Jared and Leah (Krick) Huntzinger, and was born in West Cocalico township, Lancaster County, Pa., June 18, 1844. Our subject traces his ancestral history back to two brothers, George and Bernhard Huntzinger, who were born in Germany, and who departed from their native country and emigrated to America during the colonial period. Bernhard settled in Sullivan County, Pa., where he engaged in farming, while George, the great-grandfather of our sub- ject, located in Schuylkill County, Pa., and also engaged in the cultivation of the soil. George was the father of a family of chil- dren, one of whom was Michael, the grand- father of our subject, born March 30, 1789, who moved to Berks County, Pa., and located near the village of Brownsville about the beginning of the present century. His life vocation was that of a farmer, in which occu- pation he was very successful. He passed from this life on June 10, 1845. He married Eva Freiberger, and was the progenitor of a family of seven children,—three sons and four daughters. Jared Huntzinger, son of Michael and the tather of our subject, was born near Browns- ville, Berks County, in 1812, and his youthful days were spent in attending the common schools of Brownsville. He was reared to manhood upon his father’s farm, and then moved to West Cocalico township, Lancas- ter County, and resided there some three years, engaged in the undertaking and build- ing business. In 1846 he removed to Lower Heidelberg township, Berks County, where he purchased a farm of 180 acres of well im- proved. land; in addition to carrying on 170 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES agricultural pursuits he continued his former occupation. In 1861, he sold the farm and purchased another of 110 acres, located in the same township; upon this farm still stands a saw and grist mill, which our sub- ject’s father operated in connection with farming until death claimed him. Relig- iously, he was a member and consistent worker of the Lutheran Church, and filled various church offices. He took a great in- terest in educational institutions, and was a school director of Lower Heidelberg town- ship a number of years. Jared Huntzinger chose for his life com- panion Leah Krick, the two being joined in marriage January 13, 1840. She comes from an old and well known family of this county, her great-grandfather, Francis Krick, having come from Europe September 11, 1731. Francis Krick had five sons, among them being Francis, who had seven sons, the youngest being Peter, the maternal grand- father of our subject. Twelve children blessed the union of Jared Huntzinger and wife, ten of whom still live and are prosper- ous and well-to-do citizens of the localities in which they reside. They were named as tol- lows: Eva, wife of Reuben T. Landis of Robesonia, this county ; Elizabeth, widow of the late Richard Brossman; Amelia, who died in the state of Illinois; our subject was next in order; Benjamin K., a prominent in- surance man residing at Harrisburg, Pa.; Mary was united in marriage with Daniel Hertzog; William isa prominent merchant of Williamsport, Indiana; Amanda was wed- ded to Daniel Stover of Lancaster County, Pa.; John, deceased, was a miller by trade; Adam, a resident of Blainsport, Lancaster County, is the proprietor of a general mer- cantile store; Henry is a painter by trade and resides at Reinhold’s Station, Pa.; and Emma, wife of William S. Fisher of Lower Heidelberg township, this county. Jared Huntzinger entered the world of rest De- cember 27, 1892, his demise being mourned by a large circle of friends and acquaint- ances, who knew him to be an honest, up- right and Christian gentleman. The mother ot our subject, born May 23, 1814, is now on the sunny slope of life, having attained the advanced age of eighty-four years; she was a good wife, is a kind and loving mother, and is surrounded by a large circle of friends, who hold her in dear esteem. Rev. F. K. Huntzinger was reared and educated in Lower Heidelberg township, his father having moved there when our subject was but two years of age. Upon leaving the district school he further prosecuted his preparatory training in different institutions of the Lutheran Church, and in 1866 entered the Theological Seminary of the Lutheran Church at Philadelphia, was graduated from that institution May 19, 1869, and was or- dained to the holy office of the ministry in Trinity Lutheran Church, Reading, May 26, 1869. He immediately accepted a call to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, which then had a membership of 40 people. Rev. Huntzinger is now serving his thirtieth year in the pul- pit of that church, and his success and pros- perity of the congregation is remarkable, as the membership has now reached the large total of 1,500. Two sermons are preached every Sunday by Rev. Huntzinger, one in German in the morning and the other in English in the evening, and this large new church, which has a seating capacity for 1,200, is much too small to accommodate the large congregation which attend his services. He is a very agreeable and pleasant speaker, commands the closest of attention, and is most highly regarded by both the ministers of his denomination and by the members of his congregation. Rev. Huntzinger also preached at Kissinger’s from 1869 to 1881; at Lenhartsville and St. Paul’s from 1870 to 1876; at Alsace from 1873 to October 27, 1897, and at Becker’s St. Peter’s since 1874. He is preaching at present at St. Luke’s, Reading, and at Becker's St. Peter’s, in Richmond township, having in care about 1,700 confirmed members. Our subject isa member of The Board of Trustees of The Lutheran Orphans’ Home of Topton, Berks County, Pa. Rev. F. K. Huntzinger on September 16, 1869, was united in marriage with Mary M. Hassinger, and they were the parents of one son and one daughter, namely: Charles Henry died at the age of fifteen years; and Ida Catherine died at the age of twelve years. In 1887, when our subject’s health failed him, he decided to take a trip through- out Europe, and in company with George BERKS COUNTY 171 Eltz went abroad, visiting Ireland, Wales, England, Holland, Belgium, Germany, Aus- tria, and the Tyrol, crossing over into Italy by the Brenner Pass, and after visiting a number ot places in Italy, recrossed the Alps by the St. Gothard Pass into Switzerland, in which country our subject and Mr. Eltz spent two weeks visiting places of interest. About 12 days were spent in France, nine of which were in Paris. Atter which they took a trip to London, England, where they spent g days. From there they visited Liverpool, from which place they sailed for home, with our subject’s health fully restored. He again took up his work in the pulpit and in 1897 he took a second trip abroad, spending much of his time in northern and central Germany. His life has been an active one, having during his pastorate to date baptized nearly 5,000 children, officiated at about 3,000 funerals, solemnized almost 2,000 marriage ceremonies. Our subject’s portrait, appearing on a preceding page, adds a decided inter- est to the above record of a well-spent life. +o ILTON TAYLOR DONMOYER, a representative and influential business man of Kutztown, anda man widely known throughout Berks County, who is held in high esteem by his acquaintances as a man of strict integrity and sound principles, is the proprietor of a harness shop in the above town, and is also successfully engaged in buying and selling stock. Our subject was born in Union town- ship, Lebanon County, Pa., August 8, 1848, and is a son of Benjamin and Hannah (Ger- nert) Donmoyer. Benjamin Donmoyer was born in Long Swamp township, Berks County, August 28, 1799; Benjamin’s father died during his early manhood days, and his mother was married to Mr. Kiefer, who left a large estate in Max- atawny township, this county, to our sub- ject’s father and his sister Hannah. Mr. Donmoyer resided upon this farm in Maxa- tawny a number of years, and was busily en- gaged in the cultivation of the soil. He at length sold this farm, and in 1845 moved to Lebanon County, where he purchased two farms and carried on general farming until 1859, when he moved to Cornwall, Lebanon County, and spent the remainder of his life in quiet and happiness, enjoying a_ well earned competency. He was united in wed- lock with Hannah Gernert, and they were the parents of the following children: Cath- erine; William; Lewis was killed at the bat- tle of Cold Harbor, Va., in the Civil War; Maria; Franklin is a veteran of the late Re- bellion; Susan; Rodolph also took part in the Civil War; Milton T., our subject: and Isaac, who died in childhood. Mr. Don- moyer died in Union township, Lebanon County, March 15, 1864; his wife passed from this earth March 20, 1864, at the age of fifty-nine years. Our subject attended the public schools of his native town, and when his parents passed from this life, he was obliged to leave school and battle for himself. He started as a farm hand, laboring at agricultural pursuits for one year, during which time he found farm- ing unsuited to his tastes, and also worked as a cigarmaker forsome time. He then moved to Trexlertown, Lehigh County, where he was engaged in Samuel Nagle’s harness shop for two years; he then spent one year in the West, working as a journeyman. Returning to Lehigh County, he located in Newtown, and conducted a harness shop on his own ac- count until 1869, when he sold his shop and moved to Kutztown, where he thought he would be able to meet with greater success in business. He accordingly started a har- ness-making shop, and, as his trade increased so rapidly, in 1875 he purchased the Colonel Daniel Levan property on the corner of Main and Greenwich streets, where he built an ad- ditional salesroom and workshop, and there carried a complete line of double and single harness, trunks, bags, etc.; he finally sold out to J. M. Wolf, a former employee. Mr. Don- moyer has been engaged in buying and sell- ing cattle since 1893; he travels through the northern and western part of the state buy- ing up cattle, and then ships them to Berks County, where they are easily disposed of. Our subject is manager and a stockholder of the Pleasant View Stock Farm, which is lo- cated near Kutztown, and consists of 208 acres of land. Mr. Donmoyer was wedded to Hannah Springer, a daughter of Augustus Springer 172 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES of Kutztown, and they are the parents of the following children: Jennie, the wife of Charles Messersmith, and the mother of one child, John Milton; William Augustus is foreman of the knitting mills of Kutztown, and was united in marriage with Lillie Diet- rich, who bore him three children, Helen, Florence, and Milton, now an infant; and Charles Benjamin, who died aged thirteen months. Politically, our subject is an un- wavering Republican, and in 1882 was elect- ed on the board of prison inspectors of this county for a term of three years; under President Harrison’s administration he was appointed postmaster of Kutztown. Socially, he is a member of the Huguenot Lodge, No. 377, F. & A. M.,‘and is past master of the same; he is a charter member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle; and is past chief and grand master of the Knights of Pythias. Our subject purchased the O. Boile property on Main street, which he remodeled, and later sold to Dr. A. B. Johnson. ——__- +s DWIN T. BROWN, the well-known manager of the cigar box factory of Brown Bros., of which firm he is one of the members, is an enterprising citi- zen of Reading. He isason of Daniel and Anna (Bush) Brown, and was born in Price- town, Berks County, September 1, 1848. His paternal grandlather was George Brown, a native and life-long resident of Berks County. Daniel Brown, the father of our subject, was born near Pricetown and at an early age became an apprentice to a Mr. Hughes, a tailor of Reading, the papers of indenture now being in the possession of our subject. He followed tailoring in his native town all of his active life, dying in 1890 at the age of eighty-four years. He was united in marriage with Anna Bush, and they reared a family of six children: Levi, deceased, who was a general merchant of Lobachsville, Berks County, upon his death in 1875 lett a wife and three children; Amelia, deceased, was the wife of Augustus Hope, and had one child; Catherine is the wife of Daniel Rauenzahn of Pricetown; Sallie is the wife of Abraham Breil of Reading: Caro- line is the wife of Jacob Rauenzahn of Read- ing; and Edwin T., whose biographical sketch is here given. Mrs.-Brown passed to the home beyond the grave in 1888, aged seventy-six years. Mr. Brown was an ardent Whig until the advent of the Republican party, when he joined its ranks because of his opposition to the institution of slavery. He was an active worker in the Lutheran Church, of which he was deacon for many years, Edwin T. Brown was reared at Price- town, and obtained his intellectual training in the public schools, after which, at the age of fifteen years, he entered the store of his brother in Lobachsville, where he was em- ployed for a period of three years. He then entered the employ of B. A. Glase of Friedens- burg, Berks County, for two years, after which, at the age of twenty years, he em- barked in the mercantile and hotel business at Monterey. He continued in that line for four years, or until 1872, when he moved to Reading, and was engaged for fifteen years as traveling salesman for different liquor houses. In 1887, he began the manufacture of cigar boxes with Nathan Y. Brown & Co., at Seventh and Court streets, after which they moved to Sixth and Cherry streets and re- mained there for four years, when they moved to their present location on Eighth and Spring streets. The firm has since been: changed into Brown Bros., and our subject was made manager of the works. They have a large and successful business and employ on an average 35 men the year through. He is a man of more than ordinary business propen- sities, honest and straightforward, and is held in high estimation by his fellow-citizens and all with whom he is acquainted. Mr. Brown chose as his companion in the pathways of life Esther A. Yoder, in 1868, and they became the parents of ten children, six of whom are living: W. Warren of Read- ing, a member of the firm of Brown Bros.; Nathan, deceased; Charles O.,a member of the firm of Brown Bros.; Edwin;also a mem- ber of the same firm; Lillie; Hettie: and Daniel, a graduate of the high school, at present studying architecture. In political belief Mr. Brown is an unswerving Republi- can, and takes an active part in the councils of his party. He has frequently been sent as delegate to the county and state conven- OWEN K. SCHULTZ. BERKS COUNTY tions, and in 1895, upon the death of Harry Hull, he was appointed Clerk of Quarter Sessions by Gov. Hastings to serve out the unexpired term, which he did in a satisfac- tory manner. Religiously, he is a member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. Socially, he is a member of Huguenot Lodge, No. 377, F.& A.M., of Kutztown ; Serious Castle, No. 163, Knights of the Golden Eagle; Lodge No. 552. P.O. S. of A.; and Lodge No. 72, P.O. of T. A. ++ WEN K. SCHULTZ, one of the rep- resentative agriculturists of Wash- ington township, whose portrait we show on the opposite page, is a resi- dent of Bally, where he has been engaged in farming all his life. He is a son of Amos and Elizabeth (Kriebel) Schultz, and was born in Douglass, Montgomery County, Pa., | March 23, 1851. His great - great - grandfather, George Schultz, a son of Melchior Schultz, early in life moved to Montgomery County and settled on a tarm which has remained in possession of the family since, and is now owned by Abraham Schultz. In religious belief, he was a member of the Schwenkfeld Church. He passed into the world of rest October 30, 1776, at the age of sixty-five years. He was joined in the bonds of wed- lock on January 31,1744, with Maria Yeakel, a daughter of Abraham Yeakel, and two children blessed their union, namely: Abra- ham and Melchior. Abraham Schultz, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born March 23, 1747, and devoted his life to tilling the soil on the old family homestead. He was united in mar- riage with Regina Yeakel, a daughter of Christopher Yeakel, and they reared a family of seven children, whose names were as fol- lows: Benjamin; Adam; Isaac; Abraham ; Frederick; Joseph; Melchior. Mr. Schultz folded his hands in final rest December 25, 1822, at the age of seventy-six years. Isaac Schultz, our subject’s grandfather, first saw the light of day March 4, 1777. During his younger days he taught school some, but his main vocation was that of a farmer, which he followed in Upper Hanover 9 township, Montgomery County. He was a faithful member of the Schwenkfeld Church, which he generously supported. He reared a family of eight children, as follows: Amos, the Hees of our subject; Isaac; Abraham ; Daniel S.; Christina; Joel; Philip; and Joseph. Amos Schultz was born May 11, 1809, in Upper Hanover township, Montgomery County, and became a very prominent man of his section. He was engaged in farming for about twenty-three years, then moved to Washington township, Berks County, where he purchased the farm and mill site, upon which he built the mill now operated by Joseph K. Schultz, a brother of our subject. He operated the mill until 1882, when he re- tired from active business life. He was an earnest worker in the Schwenkfeld Church, and for many years was treasurer of the charity fund. Politically, he firmly sup- ported the principles of the Republican party, and while a resident of Douglass town- ship, Montgomery County, he was called upon to accept the nomination for member of the State Legislature, but respecttully de- clined the honor. He formed a matrimonial alliance on April 16, 1833, with Elizabeth Kriebel, a daughter of Samuel Kriebel, a resident of Worcester township, Montgomery County, by whom he had three sons and five daughters: Sarah, the wife of Joel Schultz; Susan, deceased, who married A. T. D. John- son of New Berlinville; Joseph K.; who op- erates a flour and feed mill in Niantic, Wash- ington township ; Anna, deceased ; Edwin, a farmer ot Douglass township; Owen K., in whom the interest of this sketch centers; Lucina; and Elizabeth, the wife of Josephus Gerhard of Hereford township, Berks County. Mr. Schultz died upon his farm in the month of May, 1895, at the advanced age of eighty-six years. Owen K. Schultz received his education in the common schools of Washington town- ship, after which he took up the occupation of a farmer, and has followed it since. In 1880, he bought his father’s farm of 93 acres of as good farm land as Washington town- ship affords. He has furnished it with good grades of stock, made great improvements on the barn and out-buildings, and made other needed changes that have made it one 176 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES of the most desirable farms in that vicinity. He is industrious and energetic, shrewd in business transactions, and is a successful man- ager. He is honest and fair in all of his dealings, and has many friends, who respect and esteem him for his true worth. Our subject is also agent for the Page Wire Fence Co. of Adrian, Mich. He is treasurer of the Niantic Creamery Association, which oper- ates a creamery at Niantic. It is one of the largest creameries in that section of the county, and has a capacity of 20,000 pounds of milk per day. They make a specialty of good butter and cheese. In the month of February, 1880, Mr. Schultz was united in marriage with Lena Kriebel, a daughter of Ephraim Kriebel, a tarmer of Worcester township, Montgomery County, by whom he had two children: Chester and Mabel, both of whom live at home. Mrs. Schultz died April 5, 1887. His second union was on September 21, 18809, with Mary Schultz, a daughter of Adonia Schultz, a farmer of Worcester township, Montgomery County. Our subject and wife are active members of the Schwenkfeld Church. Mr. Schultz actively supports the principles advocated by the Republican party. ——__+e+—____ EV. JACOB MILLER, D. D., a prominent divine of the Lutheran Church in Eastern Pennsylvania, was born in Goshenhoppen, Mont- gomery County, December 11, 1788, and was the son of John Jacob and Hannah Miller, both members of the Lutheran church of that place. At an early age he was inclined to take up the medical profession, but the pastor of the church to which he belonged, the Rev. Dr. Frederick W. Geissenhainer, recognizing his superior mental gifts, pre- vailed upon him to prepare for the ministry, promising to afford him all needful assist- ance. He accordingly pursued his studies under the supervision of that gentleman for five years, afterwards completing his theolog- ical education in a private seminary in Phila- delphia, conducted by the Rev. Drs. Helmuth and Schmidt. While thus engaged he was called to the pastoral charge of the church of his native place, to fill the vacancy occa- sioned by Dr. Geissenhainer’s removal to New York City. Doubting his own qualifi- cations to serve acceptably a congregation which was one of the oldest and most impor- tant in the synod to which it belonged, after much hesitation and consultation with his tutors, he agreed to officiate at Goshenhop- pen temporarily, and until the completion of his studies, then within a few weeks of their termination. His ministrations gave entire satisfaction, and upon receiving his license to preach from the Ministerium, he accepted the call which was then renewed, and en- tered fully upon his pastoral duties. He made his home at Falkner’s Swamp, serving the venerable congregation at that place, in addition to that at Goshenhoppen, and also Boyer’s charge, located.in what is now the borough of Boyertown, Berks County. After laboring with great success in this field for twenty years, he, in 1829, accepted a call to become the pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church of Reading, Pennsylvania, as the successor of the Rev. Henry A. Muhlenberg, D. D., who had resigned in the previous year, prior to his election as Member of Con- gress from the Berks district. As the spirit- ual head of this large and influential congre- gation, Dr. Miller officiated with great zeal and success for the period of twenty-one years, and until his death, which occurred on May 16, 1850, in the sixty-second year of his age. In connection with his regular pastoral duties he also served statedly sev- eral country charges in Berks County. He strongly championed the retention of the German language in all the services of the church, but a movement in the congregation for the holding in part of English services prevailing, the Rev. F. A. M. Keller was, in 1842, chosen assistant pastor of Trinity Church, to preach in the English language at stated times. The Rev. Dr. Miller stood high in the councils of his church, and was several times honored with the presidency of the Ministe- rium of Pennsylvania and Adjacent States. He was a learned theologian and a most effective preacher of the Word of God, unre- mitting in his zeal for the advancement of Lutheran principles and interests, and a vigi- lant and faithful overseer of the spiritual BERKS COUNTY 177 welfare of the people to whom he was called to minister. Extremely tenacious of opin- ions which he had maturely formed, he assert- ed his convictions with equal sincerity and de- termination. He was a speaker of extraordi- nary power and eloquence, and possessed a combination of qualities and attainments which made him at once a strong champion of his faith and a successful leader of men. In personal appearance he was said to bear a striking resemblance to the distinguished statesman, his cotemporary, Daniel Webster. His pulpit efforts always attracted large con- gregations, and his influence over his own people was unbounded. In recognition of his scholarship and abilities the University of Pennsylvania, in 1838, conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Divinity, but such was the simplicity of. his pretensions that he could not be persuaded to make personal use of the title. Dr. Miller married, in 1813, Anna Maria, daughter of his first preceptor and pastor, the Rev. Dr. Geissenhainer, and they had issue four children, three sons and one daugh- ter. The sons diedin early manhood, and the daughter, Emma N., became the wife of the Hon. John Endlich of Reading, reference to whom is made in the sketch of his son, Judge G. A. Endlich, published elsewhere in this volume. The widow of Dr. Miller survived him thirty-one years, her decease occurring July 2, 1881, at the age of a little upwards of eighty-six years. A younger brother of the subject of this sketch, the Rev. Conrad Miller, was a promi- nent and influential Lutheran pastor in Mont- gomery County, Pennsylvania, serving vari- ous charges during an active ministry covering a period of over thirty years. He died in 1852, in the fifty-fifth year ot his age. ++ HARLES W. YARNELL, alderman in the city council from the Fifth Ward of Reading, and one of the city’s largest contractors, was born in Bern township, this county, March 8, 1869, and is a son of Jared G. and Catherine (Adams) Yarnell, and grandson of George Yarnell. George Yarnell, the grandfather of our subject, was a well-to-do farmer of Bern township, this county, where he resided all his active days. He was a Quaker in his religious views. Jared G. Yarnell, the father of our subject, was born on his father’s farm in Bern township, and received his primary education in the public schools of that town- ship, which was later supplemented by a course ina private school in Reading. Dur- ing his early manhood, he learned the trade of a stone mason, which he followed a very short time, during the winter seasons teach- ing school; later he engaged in general con- tracting. He has been a resident of the city of Reading for the past thirty-one years, and is recognized as one of the valued citizens of his community. Politically, he has always been a conscientious Republican, and, al- though he has never held any political office, he has represented his party in many city and county conventions. When the late Rebel- lion broke out, our subject’s father enlisted and remained until the close. Religiously, he isa member of Grace Lutheran Church. He was united in marriage with Catherine Adams, a daughter of Amos Adams, a resi- dent of Bern township, this county, and to this union one child was born, Charles W., our subject. Charles W. Yarnell received his intellec- tual training in the public schools of Reading, graduated from Stewart Academy, and later from Carroll Institute. He then took up civil engineering under A. Harvey Tyson, a prominent civil engineer of Reading, and worked at that line of business a short time, finally entering into partnership with his father in the contracting business, and has followed that occupation up to the present time. Our subject is one of the progressive business men of his community, and is greatly respected as a gentleman, neighbor and citizen, Mr. Yarnell has been a life-long Republi- can, and always casts his vote in behalf of that party. He has contributed much toward the success of his party in his community ; has been a delegate to city conventions; served as judge of elections of the first pre- cinct, Fitth Ward, two terms; as secretary of the Republican organization of his ward two years; and May 2, 1898, he was elected alder- man from the Fifth Ward. He is a member 178 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES of the Patriotic Order Sons of America, Camp No. 678; and in religious views, he is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Mr. Yarnell formed a matrimonial alliance with Sallie E. Franks, and they were happily wed- ded October 18, 1890. The home of our subject and wife has been blessed by two children, Myrta May ; and Jared G. SSO DWIN D. KISTLER, agent for the De Laval Separator Co., and proprietor of a general merchandise store in Wessnersville, Albany township, Berks County, was born in the above township February 18, 1848, and is a son of Nathan and Catherine (Dietrich) Kistler. Nathan Kistler was born in Lynn town- ship, Lehigh County, Pa., and spent his entire life there, with the exception of three years that he lived in Albany township, Berks County, being engaged in farming for the entire period. He married Catherine Dietrich, who was born in Greenwich township, Berks County. They were the parents of eleven children, eight of whom are still living. The record is as tollows: Caroline, deceased, was the wife of William Smith; Elizabeth is the wife of Samuel Hawerter of Lynn township, Lehigh County, Pa.; Catherine, widow of the late Daniel Denoreville of Mertztown, this county; Lydia is the wife-of James Fetherolf, and they reside in Albany township; Samuel is a ‘prominent lumberman of Rosette, Kansas; Edwin D. is the subject of this sketch; Nathan is proprietor of a meat market in the’ town of Atchison, Kansas; William is a farmer residing near Atchison, Kansas; Mary married A. B. Urick, and they are residents of Baxter Springs, Kan.; and the others died in infancy. Mr. Kistler died on his farm in Lynn township in September, 1878. The mother passed from this life in March, 1877. Edwin D. Kistler first attended the prim- ary schools, and then entered the Military Academy at Allentown, now Muhlenberg College; later he attended the Keystone State Normal School, at Kutztown. Upon leaving school he taught five terms in Lynn township. Lehigh County, and in 1872 located in Wessnersville, and engaged as a clerk in a mercantile store. One year later he bought his proprietor out and conducted the busi- ness on his own account. He runs the store to suit the people, and by his honesty and straightforwardness, he has succeeded in establishing a large and enviable trade. He is also agent for the De Laval Separator Co., and has many of his machines in use by the farmers throughout Berks County. He also owns a fine and productive farm located near the village. Mr. Kistler was married in 1872 to Elmira Levan, daughter of Benjamin and Anna (Lutz) Levan. Her father was a well-to-do farmer and county commissioner of Berks County. Ten children have blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Kistler. They are: Edwin L., who graduated from the Allentown Col- lege in June, 1898; Harry Nathan, deceased ; Anna C.; Mabel is attending the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown, and will graduate in 1899; Albert Eugene is clerking in his father’s store; Robert, deceased; George and William, twins, both remain at home with their parents; Clara Belle, Maude, Edith, John, and Hiram Paul are all at home. Politically, our subject is an active Republican, and for the past twenty years he has served as postmaster of the town. Mr. Kistler is a member of the Lutheran Church, and his wife belongs to the Reformed Church. —_————_+e_____ a AVID M. LEIBENSPERGER, one of the representative farmers of : J Maxatawny township, is a descend- ant of an old and well known fam- ily that has resided in this section of the state for many years. He is a son of David and Lydia (Smoyer) Leibensperger, and was born in the house where he now lives, October 30, 1836. The great-grandfather of our subject, George Adams Leibensperger, came from Germany about 1730, and settled in Lehigh County. Our subject’s grandfather, Mathias Leibens- perger, was a native of Maxatawny town- ship, and was engaged in farming there all his life, residing on the farm now owned by our subject. David Leibensperger, our sub- ject’s father, was born and reared on the homestead farm, where he was always en- gaged in cultivating the soil. In 1830, he built a fine farm dwelling, which is still standing and in good condition. He was a prosperous man, and was well and favorably known in the community. He was united in marriage with Lydia Smoyer, and they rear- ed eleven children, whose names are as fol- lows: Reuben S., deceased; Caroline, the wife of Thomas Brinige, a resident of Le- high County, Pa.; David M., whose name appears at the head of this biography; Lydia, who married Isaac Fegely and re- sides in Schuylkill County ; Susan, the wife of James Fegely, a resident of Reading ; Mary, who married Nathan Wolbert, and resides in Bethlehem, Pa.; Edwin Benjamin, deceased; A. Alfred, a farmer living in Schuylkill County, married a Mrs. Bolich; Rebecca, who graduated from the Keystone State Normal School of Kutztown, and ten years later took another course of study at Philadelphia, is now a teacher in the common schools of Meyersville, Pa.; Ellen, the wife of Benjamin Seip of Lehigh County; and Oscar P., a tavern keeper, merchant and butcher of Schuylkill County, who married Ida Garnard. Mr. Leibensperger died Sep- tember 20, 1878, and was survived a little more than one year by his wife. David M. Leibensperger received his in- tellectual training in the common schools of his native town, after which he became a drover. He bought horses and cattle about Buffalo, N. Y., and brought them to this county, where they were disposed of. He also bought horses as far West as Iowa and Illinois, which he shipped to Reading and Allentown, where he sold them at good prices and realized handsome profits. He contin- ued in that line of business until his father’s death, when he succeeded to the ownership of the homestead farm, and has since lived upon it and followed general farming. It consists of g1 acres of well improved land, upon which he raises stock and chickens, and conducts a dairy. He is also engaged in huckstering and marketing, and altogether does a good, profitable business. He is hon- est and straightforward in all his business dealings, for which he has the respect and esteem of all with whom he comes in con- tact in both business and social relations. ge BERKS COUNTY Politically, he has always been an active Republican, and has served as inspector and judge of election in his township, and has held a number of minor offices. Religiously, Mr. Leibensperger is a loyal member of the Lutheran Church. $$. EORGE B. YODER, proprietor of the hotel at Dryville, Berks County, and who is also engaged in farming, was born in Richmond township, March 30, 1830, and is a son of John and Magdalene (Breyfogle) Yoder, and grandson of John Yoder. John Yoder was born in Rockland town- ship, and when he grew to manhood moved to Maxatawny township, still later removing to Richmond township, where he spent the rest of his active days. He was a life-long farmer, and was one of the leading agricul- turists of his day. His son John Yoder, the father of our subject, was born in Rockland township, and reared in Maxatawny town- ship, his father having moved there when he was but a boy; later he moved to Rich- mond township. He inherited his father’s aptitude for farming, and always fol- lowed that occupation. He was married to Magdalene Breyfogle, and they were the parents of the following children: Solomon, deceased, was twice married, his first wife was Polly Rothermel, and upon her death, he married Mrs. Medler, both of whom are living in Muhlenberg township; Elizabeth, deceased, wedded David Sitler; Esther is the wife of Amos Weidenheimer, a prosper- ous farmer of Richmond township; John married Sally Ann Sitler of Lyons, Berks County; George B., our subject; Obadiah died in infancy; Mary, deceased, was the wife of David Berg, also deceased; Hannah, deceased, was the wife of John Swope; Charity, widow of the late James Goss of Warrensville, Pa.; and three that died in in- fancy. Mr. Yoder died on his farm in Rich- mond township in June, 1854. The mother of our subject joined her husband in the bet- ter world in 1878. George B. Yoder received his schooling in his native township, and when he attained his majority he engaged in farming; and 180 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES later on he moved to Dryville and dealt-in horses until 1892, when he purchased his present hotel. and has since been engaged in that business. He also owns a farm of 36 acres, which he operates in a successful man- ner. Our subject always casts his vote in support of the Democratic party. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias of Fleet- wood. In 1852 he married Catherine Delp, a native of Richmond township, and a daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Haines) Delp. Her father and mother are both de- ceased, of whom the former was a farmer by vocation. Mr. and Mrs. Yoder are the par- ents of twelve children. This is the record: Daniel married Almira Faust, and is now conducting a hotel in Schuylkill Haven, Schuylkill County ; Charity, the wife of Wil- liam Tenplin, a resident of Reading; Amanda married James Leed, a farmer of Long Swamp township; Kate wedded Freeman Barton, a hotel keeper of Lyons, Berks County; William married Annie Barton, and is the proprietor of a hotel in Topton, Pa.; Elmira, deceased, married Henry Rushow, a hotel keeper of Maxatawny village; Alice is the wife of Charles Creckmile, a resident of Wilkesbarre, Pa.; Mary, the wife of Edward Holmes, a bookkeeper and clerk, residing in Philadelphia; Clara married Jerome Trexler, a merchant of Lyons; John married Jennie Weida, and is a hotel keeper; Anna resides at home; and Cyrus, who is deceased. Our subject and wife are members of the Re- formed Church. Mr. Yoder is one of the leading citizens of Dryville, and is highly respected and esteemed by all who know him. io ANIEL B. SCHAEFFER, a lead- | ing agriculturist of Richmond township, is a son of Isaac and Rachael (Peter) Schaeffer, and was born in the above named township, January 13, 1839. Our subject's great-grandfather, George Schaeffer, was born in Germany, and came to this country when a young man, settling on the farm now occupied by George S. ‘Schaeffer, and where our subject’s grand- father, Philip, was born. Isaac Schaeffer, the father of our subject, was born in Richmond township, where he lived all of his life and followed the calling of a farmer. His union with Miss Rachael Peter, a native of Maiden Creek township, resulted in the birth of eight children, whose names are as tollows: Daniel B., whose name appears at the head of this biograph- ical sketch; James, a farmer residing in Rockland township, Berks County; Eliza- beth, deceased ; Joel, who lives in Richmond township; Charles, a resident of Ruscomb- manor township; Isaac, an artist of Phila- delphia; Peter, who followed the trade of a saddler in Richmond township, is now liv- ing a retired life; and Susan, the wite of Alexander Miller of South Easton, Pa. Mr. Schaeffer passed into the unknown beyond in the year 1850, at an advanced age. Daniel B. Schaeffer received his intel- lectual training for the duties of life in the common schools and in an academy in Northumberland County, Pa., after which he turned his attention to farming on his pres. ent farm. He carries on general farming and owns a farm of 110 acres, all well im- proved land and under a high state of culti- vation. It is well supplied with neat and substantial out-buildings, which are so neces- sary for successful farming, and only modern improved machinery is used. In business affairs our subject is shrewd and calculating, upright and honest, and is deserving of the success with which he is meeting. He is a kind neighbor and a true friend, and is a credit to the community in which he lives. December 1, 1866, he was joined in Hy- men’s bonds with Lydia Merkel, a native of Richmond township, and a daughter of Ben- jamin and Catherine (Sharadin) Merkel, both of whom are now deceased. This union was blessed by the birth of seven children, namely: Rev. Isaac, a minister in the Re- formed Church, married Margaret Berthler and lives. at Ashland, Pa.; Oscar, who is a clerk in a store, resides in Allentown, Pa.; Lizzie, who lives at home; Alice; Jerry, who is a student in Franklin and Marshall Col- lege in Lancaster, Pa.; Daniel, who died at the age of ten years: and Horace, who is living at home with his parents. Mrs. Schaeffer is a member of the Fleetwood Lutheran Church, while our subject is an CAPT. WILLIAM A. SCHALL. BERKS COUNTY 183 adherent of the Reformed Church of Fleet- wood. In politics he is a firm Democrat, and has served as school director for nine years, and has been committeeman of the town. ++. ---—__ APT. WILLIAM A. SCHALL, a vet- eran of the late Civil War, is one of the energetic and enterprising busi- ness men of Barto, and deals in lumber, coal, feed, etc. He is ason of David and Catherine (Endy) Schall, and was born at Dale Forge, Washington township, Jan. 23, 1840. The ancestors of Capt. Schall were natives of Germany, and the first to come to this country was George Schall, who was accom- panied by his wife and son, George, the great-grandfather of our subject. They landed in South Carolina in 1740. George Schall was born in Pflatz, Middle Shefflentz, Moshbower Ampt, Germany, in 1735, and was but five years of age when he with his father left the French Borderland and sought a home in America. He was baptized in Under Shefflentz Evangelical Church, but was confirmed in the Reformed Church of Middle Shefflentz. In 1757, he was united in marriage with Catherine Newhard, who was born in White Hall, Lehigh County, Pa., in 1740. After his marriage, he settled in Pike township, Berks County, where he fol- lowed farming until the Revolutionary War broke out. He then enlisted and became a lieutenant in Col. Daniel Hunter's regiment, serving faithfully throughout the war. He then returned to his home in Pike township and followed farming until his death in 1802. His wife survived him one year, dying May 5, 1803, and they both lie buried in the Hill Church graveyard. George Schall, Jr., the grandfather of our subject, was born in Pike township, Decem- ber 26, 1768. He was an agriculturist by occupation, but also operated a grist mill on the old Schall homestead. Politically, he was a Democrat and represented his district in the State Senate, in 1825. In religious belief, he was an earnest member of the Reformed Church. His companion in life was Cath- erine Oyster, who was born August 7, 1768, and passed from this life July 10, 1846, at the age of seventy-eight years. David Schall, our subject’s father, was born and reared on the old Schall homestead in Pike township. In early manhood he was engaged in the iron business, and in 1828 be- gan to operate Dale Forge in Washington township. He manufactured bar iron and blooms, and continued in this line of business for over fifty years. In connection with the forge, he owned and operated a large farm, and demonstrated his ability to successfully engage in more than one line of business at the same time. He was an industrious and energetic man, and by careful management he accumulated considerable wealth and re- tired from active life in 1870. Politically, he was an unswerving Democrat, and served as associate judge of Berks County from 1856 to 1866, and was county auditor from 1842 to 1845. He wasa captain in the old state militia. He formed a matrimonial alliance- with Catherine Endy, by whom he had four daughters and five sons, namely: George, deceased, was a farmer on the Dale Forge farm and died in the sixty-fifth year of his age; Amelia, deceased, was the wife of Col. William Trexler of Long Swamp, Berks County; Emeline, who is a resident of Phila- delphia; Gen. John W. was a colonel of the 87th Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf., in the Civil War, and is now general of the Pennsylvania State Guards—for seven years he served as post- master of Norristown, and also as recorder ot Montgomery County for some years; Hannah, who died in 1896; Capt. William A. , whose name heads these lines; David H., a customs officer of Philadelphia ; and Alfred, who also resides in Philadelphia. Religiously, they were members of the Re- formed Church. In January of 1877, Mr. Schall passed into the unknown beyond, aged seventy-seven years. Capt. Schall received his intellectual train- ing in the Elmwood Institute of Norristown, and also at private schools at Reading. When the call for troops was made in the be- ginning of the Civil War, he organized and was made captain of Co. G. 167th Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf., which was mustered in for nine months’ service. The regiment was at first attached to the Eighth Corps of the Army of the Potomac, and later to the First Corps. 184 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES It saw hard service and was in several en- gagements. Our subject was a brave and valiant soldier, always eager to discharge his full duty, and during the service made a record of which he may feel proud. After receiving his discharge, he returned home and was employed as clerk in a store for some years. In 1872 he began farming on the Dale Forge farm, and also dealt in ime for about two years. He then moved to Pennburg, where he conducted a coal and lumber yard for some years. He next en- gaged in the same line of business in Barto, and in connection with coal and lumber he also handled grain. He has since resided there, and enjoys a large and paying patron- age. Pin 1881, he was joined in the bonds of mat- rimony with Mary B. High, a daughter of Ezra High, a farmer of Reading, and they are the happy parents of one daughter, Emily May. In politics, he is a Democrat, and has held several offices. Socially, he is a member of the General William H. Keim Post, No. 76, G. A. R. of Reading. Our subject and family are members of the Re- formed Church of Barto. Capt. Schall is one of the leading citizens of the commu- nity, and is respected and esteemed by a large number of friends. The publishers of this volume take pleasure in presenting his portrait, which appears on a preceding page in proximity to this. a ness enterprises in the city of Read- ing, is general bookkeeper of the National Union Bank of that city, where he has always been among the foremost of the leading citizens. He isa son of Hon. Amos B. and Clementine C. (Zieber) Wanner, and was born in Reading on July 11, 1864. Wis grandfather was John Wanner. who was born in Berks County, near Fleetwood, where he spent most of his lite in agri- cultural pursuits, being one of the good, sub- stantial citizens of that community. Hon. Amos B. Wanner, who was a prom- inent attorney-at-law of Reading, was born in Maxatawny township, Berks County, Pa., +e EDWARD WANNER, who is close- ly identified with a number of busi- December 25, 1831, and was intellectually equipped for the battles of life in the public schools of Berks County, and in an academy in the vicinity of Philadelphia. He then took up the study of law under the direction of his brother, Joel B. Wanner, and was ad- mitted to the bar of Berks County at Read- ing. He was aman ot sagacity, good judg- ment, and public spirit, which combined to make him one of the leading and most suc- cessful lawyers of Reading. He hada very large clientage, and continued in practice there until his demise, October 30, 1892. In political affairs he was an enthusiastic sup- porter of the Democratic party, and was called upon to accept many public offices. He served as president of the town council for many years, and in 1875 and 1876 he represented the city of Reading in the State Legislature, being one of the first two to represent the city after it became a separate legislative district. He served his constitu- ents faithfully and well, and added greatly to the number of his friends while in that office. In his religious affiliations, he was an active worker for many years in the Second Re- formed Church of Reading, of which he was at one time elder. Fraternally, he was a member of Chandler Lodge, No. 227, F. & A. M.; Excelsior Chapter, No. 237, R. A. M.; and Reading Commandery, No. 42, Knights Templar. He was united in matrimonial bonds with Clementine C. Zieber, whose death occurred on April 17, 1893, and they were the parents of the following children: Howard Philip, J. Edward, and George A. Howard Philip, who was a graduate ot the Palatinate College of Myerstown and of Franklin & Marshall College of Lancaster, studied law and entered into partnership with his father. The son and father prac- ticed together very successfully until the lat- ter’s death, after which the son continued alone until December 17, 1895, when he too passed into the unknown beyond. George A. was born August 10, 1867, and, after his graduation from the Reading High School, in the class of 1885, entered the Inter-State Commercial College of Reading. He grad- uated from the latter institution in 1886, and upon the organization of the Reading Paper Box Company in 1892, became treasurer of the concern, in which capacity he has since BERKS COUNTY 185 served. He was also made treasurer of the Reading Braid Company in 1894, which otfice he still retains. Politically, he is a Democrat, whilst in religious faith and tel- lowship he is a member of the Reformed Church. J. Edward Wanner, after completing the required course in the public schools of his native town, entered Eastman’s Business Col- lege of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., from which he was graduated in November, 1882. He then returned to Reading and accepted a position with the National Union Bank, with which he has been identified from that day to this, at present holding the responsible position of general bookkeeper. He was also one of the organizers of the Reading Paper Box Com- pany, which was incorporated in 1893, and has served as president since the demise of his brother, Howard P. He isalso president of the Progressive Building & Loan Associ- ation. He takes an active interest in matters of a political nature, and is an unswerving supporter of the Democratic party. He is vice-president of the Americus Club, a Democratic organization whose chief aim is to further the interests of the party. He is also president of the Reading School Dis- trict. Socially, he is a memberof Reading Lodge, No. 549, F. & A. M.; Excelsior Chap- ter, No. 237; Reading Commandery, No. 42, Knights Templar; and Rajah Temple, A. A. O.N. M.S. Mr. Wanner possesses many excellent traits of character, and is highly es- teemed by a large circle of friends through- out the county. SS IO APT. PHILLIP BISSINGER, who for many years conducted the Bis- singer Cafe, the finest in the city of Reading, and one of the best in this section of the state, is now living in retire- ment, but is still the owner of that popular house. He isa public-spirited man, and has always taken an interest in enterprises, which have not only proved remunerative to him- self, but were also of benefit to the city. Ile is a son of George and Elizabeth (Blaul) Bis- singer, and was born January 24, 1842, in Duerkheim, Germany. George Bissinger, the father of our subject, was born in Germany, and located in Balti- more, Md., upon coming to America. He was a musician of exceptional talents, and was a music instructor in Baltimore until his death in 1866. He was united in marriage with Elizabeth Blaul, and became the father of alarge family of children, one of whom was Phillip, the subject of this biographical sketch. Capt. Phillip Bissinger received a good primary education in the public schools of Germany, and, after coming to America in 1855, he completed it in the public and priv- ate schools of Lancaster, Pa. Upon leaving school he accepted a clerical position in Lan- caster, which he held until the outbreak of the Civil War, when he enlisted in the 79th Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf. He is a man of spirit, and made an enviable record as a soldier, being promoted from time to time, and when he left the service he bore the rank of captain, the title by which he has since been known. In 1866, after the close of the war, he took up his residence in Reading, where he took charge of a saloon on Penn street, and soon after erected a fine building which he con- verted into a fine cafe, which soon became known far and wide as the best in this section of the state. Mr. Bissinger catered only to the best class of patrons, and his establish- ment soon became a popular resort for the fashionable and higher class trade. He was successful beyond his fondest expectations, and in 1896 retired to enjoy a well-earned rest, although he is still the owner of the cafe. He has also been interested in many of the principal industries of Reading, and was instrumental in establishing the Reading Brewing Co., in 1886. He was the leader of the Germania Orchestra of Reading, being a musician of ability, and continued as such for many years. Mr. Bissinger was united in matrimonial bonds with Ida Rosenthal, a daughter of William Rosenthal of Reading, January 28, 1880. In political belief he is a member of the Democratic party, and has served asa member of the park board. Socially, he belongs to the Masonic Order of Reading, Post No. 43, G. A. R., Union Veteran Legion and Loyal Legion. Capt. Bissinger has given due attention to the cultivation of his finer tastes, although he has been an exceedingly 186 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES busy man most of his life. Being extremely fond of travel, he has visited many of the leading cities of Europe and America; he is very partial to the state of California. He possesses a genial and good natured disposi- tion, is a pleasant conversationalist, and has scores of friends throughout this section. —____+2+____ YE ENRY SEIVARD, a stockholder and director of the Reading Radi- ator Co., and superintendent of patterns and machinery of the Mt. Penn Stove Works of Reading, is one of the hustling and progressive business men of that city. He was born at Birdsboro, Berks County, Pa., November 12, 1839, and is a son of Abraham and Catherine (Keinard) Seivard, and grandson of Jacob and Catherine (Wolf) Seivard. Jacob Seivard was a native of Plowville, Berks County, where he resided all his life, engaged in the pursuits of an agriculturist. He was united in the bonds of wedlock with Catherine Wolf, and they were the parents of seven children—three sons and four daugh- ters. Abraham Seivard, the father of our subject, was born in Plowville, this county, and when he grew to manhood engaged in teaming around the Iron Works. He enter- ed the world of rest in 1879, at the age of seventy-two years. He chose for his life companion Catherine Keinard, and to this union a family of seven children was born— three sons and four daughters. Henry Seivard was reared principally at Hopewell Furnace, Chester County, Pa., his father having moved there when our subject was but six years of age. Our subject pos- sesses a good education, which he acquired in the public schools of Hopewell Furnace ; upon attaining his majority, he began learn- ing the trade of a carpenter, and followed that occupation five years in Knauertown, Chester County, Pa. In 1868 he engaged in foundry pattern making for Orr, Painter & Co. of Reading, and remained in their em- ploy thirteen years. In 1881, in company with the following gentlemen, he organized the Mt. Penn Stove Works of Reading: William M. Stauffer, John McKnight, Silas H. La Rue and Zeddock Boone. The Mt. Penn Stove Works manufactured stoves, ranges and furnaces, and it now ranks among the first-class stove works in Berks County. It was originally a partnership company, but has since been changed to a_ stock com- pany, having been reorganized June 13, 1882, with the following officers: Samuel H. Kutz, president; J. Allison Orr, general superin- tendent; and.M. B. McKnight, secretary and treasurer. Mr. Seivard is also a stockholder and a director of the Reading Radiator Co., formerly the Adams Radiator Co., which es- tablishment also does a large business. Mr. Seivard has a number of men under his di- rect supervision, and fills his position as su- perintendent with great credit to himself and satisfaction to all concerned. He is a gentle- man of more than ordinary ability and rare intelligence. On January 15, 1865, Mr. Seivard was united in the bonds of matrimony with Eliz- abeth M. Shick of Chester County, Pa. They both hold memberships in the United Evangelical Church of Reading. ———_+2+_____ SAAC W. HULL. This worthy and influential citizen of the city of Read- ing, Pa., who has been a life-long resi- dent of Berks County, has contributed his share toward the prosperity and growth of the city. This gentleman, whose biogra- phy we write, is now serving his third term in the select council, representing the Four- teenth Ward in that body, having been elected on the Democratic ticket. Since becoming a resident of Reading, our subject has been in the employ of the Reading Hard- ware Works, and since the year 1879 he has been serving in the capacity of foreman of the foundries. He was born in Heidelberg township, Berks County, Pa., August 15, 1854, and is a son of Aaron and Ellen (Bowers) Hull, and grandson of George Hull. George Hull was of German extraction, and was born and reared in Oley township, this county, but in early life” moved to Heidelberg township, where he pursued the vocation of an agriculturist until death claimed him. He was joined in the bonds of matrimony with Elizabeth Steffy, and they DR. THEODORE PACHALI. BERKS COUNTY 189 became the proud parents of a family of children, one of whom was Aaron, the father of our subject, who was born in Heidelberg township in 1831. Aaron remained on his father’s farm during his boyhood days, and was educated to agricultural pursuits, but, upon attaining his manhood, he adopted as his occupation school teaching and surveying. Upon the breaking out of the Civil War, Mr. Hull was among the first to offer his services in defence of the Union, and enlisted in Co. K, 1sist Reg,, Pa. Vol. Inf., receiving an appointment as corporal; in the year 1862 our subject’s father was granted a furlough, and while on his leave of absence he was taken sick and died near Wernersville, Pa. Mr. Hull was an intelligent man and a valu- able member of his community, and _per- formed all the obligations of a dutiful citizen. In his political views, he firmly upheld the principles of the Democratic party, and serv- ed his fellow-citizens as justice of the peace, and as a school director. Isaac Hull received his intellectual train- ing at the Mt. Joy Orphan School, spending three years in that institute; his first business engagement was that of a clerk, being em- ployed in a Penn street store, where he remained but a short time, when he entered the employ of the Reading Hardware Works; he served an apprenticeship to the moulder’s trade, which he followed until 1879, when he was promoted to his present position, that of foreman. Our subject has proven himself worthy of his present position, commanding both the respect of his superior officers and the men under him. Mr. Hull has always been a strong Demo- crat, and has contributed much toward the success of his chosen party in his commu- nity ; he served two years as a school direc- tor and then resigned that position, as he moved to another ward in the city; in 1893 he was elected asa select councilman for a term of one year, receiving a majority of 48 votes over the opposing candidates; in 1894 our subject was again elected to the same position for a term of four years, in¢reasing his majority over the other candidate to sixty-eight votes; and in 1898, he was again honored with a seat in that body, receiving a majority of ninety-nine votes in a Republican ward. In 1897 our subject was president of the council and in 1898 he served as a dele- gate to the county convention; he has also served as secretary of the Sixth Ward Dem- ocratic Club, of which he is an enthusiastic leader. Fraternally, Mr. Hull is a member and past officer of Perseverance Council, No. 19, Jr. O. U. A. M.; a charter member and one of the first officers of General George G. Meade Camp, No. 16, S. of V.; the Reading Hardware Beneficial Associ- ation, of which he is a charter member ; and a member and financial secretary of Camp No. 691, P. O. S. of A. 'Religiously, our subject and family are prominent members of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church. Mr. Hull formed a matrimonial alliance with Julia Britton, and they became the happy parents of a family of eight children, who were named as follows: Ida; Richard, de- ceased; John; George; Frank, deceased; Ellen, deceased; Florence ; and Walter, also deceased. Our subject is now in the prime of life, and his record is an honorable one, and he has, as he deserves, the respect, esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens. He is interested in every good work for the benefit of the community in which he lives, and any project to enhance its welfare finds in him an active helper. 1 R. THEODORE PACHALI, who has been engaged in the practice of his profession in the city of Reading since 1869, is a son of August and Florentina (Radeck) Pachali. He is a native of Germany, and was born in Lissa, Kingdom of Prussia, April 10, 1846. Dr. Pachali received his primary educa- tion in the public schools of Germany, which far surpass those of any other country in efficiency. After completing the elementary and gymnasium course, he entered the Medi- cal Department of the University of Kiel, graduating from that institution in 1865. He then entered the German Navy and practiced his profession for three years, dur- ing which time excellent opportunities were presented to him to perfect his knowledge and become an experienced physician and surgeon. He was also employed for one year on the North German Lloyd Line, run- Igo BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES ning between Bremen, Germany, and Balti- more, one of the most important of emigrant lines. He came to Reading during the holi- days in 1869, where he has since been engaged in practice. His many years of study in an excellent medical college and practice in the navy have well fitted him to care for his large practice, and he is thoroughly capable of handling the most complicated cases. He has a true sense of professional honor, and is always fair and honorable in his treatment of his fellow practitioners, who respect him as a credit to the medical fraternity. Dr. Pachali formed a matrimonial alliance with Sallie E. Moyer, a woman of many virtues, who possesses the love and friendship of all with whom she is acquainted. Our subject is a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle; and of the Ancient and IIlus- trious Order of the Knights of Malta, of which lodge he is the Past Commander. A portrait of the Doctor appears on a near-by page. S| +o EV. LEWIS SMITH, who has been engaged in Divine teaching in vari- ous communities since 1877, is at present without a charge, although he is frequently called upon to fill the pulpit in the different churches of this locality and to aid ministers in keeping their appoint- ments. He is a man of high principles, has an exalted ideal as a standard of true man- hood, and makes it his chief aim to endeavor to live up to it and to exemplify his teach- ings to the people. He has resided at No. 708 North Ninth street, Reading, since 1896, and by the kind and Christianly demeanor which he manifests toward all, and by his simple and unostentatious manner of living, he has many well-wishers. Rev. Mr. Smith was born in Pomerania, Germany, November 5, 1845, and is a son of Charles and Mary Smith, both of whom were natives of Germany. He obtained his intellectual equipment for the great battle with life in the private and public schools of his native country, which in efficiency prob- ably surpass those of any other country in the world. After his confirmation by Rev. Lengerich in the fall of 1858, and his admission as a member to the Lutheran Church, he emigrated to America and landed in New York City, in December, 1858, after a voyage of sixty-seven days. He soon after moved to Muhlenberg township, Berks County, where he attended the public schools in the winter, and in the summer months en- gaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1864, the gravest period of the Civil War, when the country was overspread by a deep gloom, he enlisted in Co. H, 205th Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf., under the command of Gen. Hartranft in the Ninth Army Corps, stationed before Petersburg, Va. He took an active part in the battle of Fort Steadman, and the taking of Petersburg, April 2, 1865. After the ex- piration of his term of enlistment, he entered the Keystone State Normal School of Kutz- town, where he was in attendance for two years, and then was a student in Prof. Brun- ner’s Academy in Reading. From 1867 to 1873 he was engaged as a teacher in the public schools, and proved himself an able instructor. During that period he managed to save enough money to enable him to take a course in the Evangelical Lutheran Theo- logical Seminary in the fall of 1874. There he was fully prepared to do battle with sin, and was ordained to the ministry at Allen- town in 1877. Immediately thereafter he was installed as minister of the church of that denomination at Dushore, Sullivan County, where he continued for a period of two years. He was then given a charge at Cogan Station, from whence he was called to Weatherly in 1883, and remained for a period of six years. From 1889 to 1896 he was located at Ellenville, N. Y., after which he came to Reading, where he has since resided. As a minister, Rev. Smith stands among the first; although in his enthusiasm he fre- quently soars into the realms of eloquence, he states the truths of the Bible in their simplest and most comprehensible form, always leaving a deep impression upon the minds of the hearers. Mr. Smith was united in hymeneal bonds with Catherine D. Hoch, a mémber of one of the most prominent families of Oley town- ship, Berks County, where she was born on the old family homestead, which has been in the possession of the family for many genera- tions. Her grandfather was Daniel Hoch, who was prominent among the early settlers of the township. He lived upon the old family homestead, where Jacob Hoch, the father of Mrs. Smith, was born in 1798, and became one of the good, substantial agricul- turists of the community. He was joined in marriage with Catherine DeTurck, who came of old French-Huguenot stock and a well- known family of Oley township. Mr. Hoch was called to his rest beyond the river of death in 1878. Rev. Mr. Smith's father and ‘mother moved to Chicago, IIl., where the former died in 1882, and where the latter still resides. +e = ILLIAM SCHMICK, deceased, was one of the leading agriculturists of Maxatawny township, where he was engaged in farming all of his life. He was a son of Henry and Anna (Hager) Schmick, and was born in Maxatawny town- ship, Dec. 13, 1838. Henry Schmick, the father of our subject, was born in Maxatawny township, and dur- ing his entire life was engaged in tilling the soil. He was an active church worker, and an adherent of the faith of the Reformed Church. He was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Anna Hager, a native of Greenwich township, and they became the parents of one son, William, the subject of this personal history. Mr. Schmick was called Home June 24, 1897, and his wife pre- ceded him nineteen years, dying March 20, 1878. William Schmick received a good common school education, after which he attended the State Normal School at Bloomsburg, Pa. After completing his schooling, he re- turned home, and after his marriage settled down on the old homestead farm and lived there until the time of his death, August 29, 1888. He was a shrewd and successful busi- ness man, honest and upright in all his deal- ings, and had many friends who loved him for his many beautiful traits of character, and after his departure to a better world, they mourned him as they would a brother. - He formed a matrimonial alliance with Elizabeth Zimmer, August 4, 1867, and they became the happy parents of two children, BERKS COUNTY Ig! who were reared under religious influences and received good educations. They are as follows: Anna, who was born October 29, 1871, and now resides with her mother in Kutztown, was educated at the Keystone State Normal School of Kutztown; and Henry, born September 12, 1875, who also resides at home. Mrs. Schmick was born in Greenwich township, May 1, 1841, and is a daughter of Daniel and Caro- line (Wright) Zimmer. Daniel Zimmer was born in Greenwich township, where he al- ways lived and followed the trade of a shoe- maker. The latter years of his life were spent in retirement, and he passed to his eternal rest in 1896. Our subject was a Democrat in his political belief, but took only the interest of the ordinary citizen. He and his beloved wife were members of the Reformed Church, but now Mrs. Schmick is a member of the Lutheran Church of Kutz- town, in which place she has resided since 1896. She still owns the homestead, which consists of 130 acres of valuable farm land. Mrs. Schmick is a true, virtuous woman, and since her residence in Kutztown has made many friends, numbering them almost by her acquaintances. $+ ETER TEXTER, one of the Jeading cigar manufacturers of Reading, and an esteemed citizen of that city, was born in Lower Heidelberg township, this county, August 28, 1847, and is a son of Peter and Mary (Showers) Texter, and grandson of Martin Texter, who was born in Lower Heidelberg township, where he spent his entire life following the pursuits of an agriculturist. Peter Texter, the father of our subject, was born in Lower Heidelberg township, January 1, 1815, and was brought up on his father’s farm. In 1860 he moved to Reading, and for three years he conducted a hotel; he finally disposed of the hotel business, and for the subsequent ten years he followed the vo- cation of a stonemason. At the expiration of that time he purchased a tract of land and engaged in farming, and was one of the progressive farmers of his community, suc- ceeding in accumulating an ample compe- 192 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES tency, and is now leading a retired life in Reading. Politically, he was a stanch Demo- crat up to 1860, when the Civil War broke out; the antagonism of his views on the ques- tion of slavery to the principles declared by the Democratic party forced him to join the ranks of the Republican party. He was united in marriage with Mary Showers, and they are the parents of the following children, namely: John, who resides in Reading, is a hatmaker by trade; Amelia, wife of Philip Fisher, a carpenter; Annie, who married Isaac Mourer, a resident of this city, anda contractor and builder, whose sketch is pub- lished on another page of this work; Cather- ine, wife of Joseph Harok, a laborer; Peter, the subject of this brief history; and Henry, a laborer of Reading. Our subject received his education in the public schools of Reading, and then learned the trade of a cigarmaker, which he followed for ten years, and then entered the Reading Hardware Works, where for four years he was engaged in brass turning. In 1878 he engaged in business for himself, as a manu- facturer of cigars, and puts on the market a first class cigar and commands a large and enviable trade. Politically, he adheres to the principles of the Republican party, and has been active in politics ever since he became of age. He has represented his fellow- citizens in the city councils, and in county and state conventions. He has also served as assessor for aterm of four years. He was nominated for the State Legislature at the city convention held in Reading, September 6, 1898, by the Republican party. Socially, he has been a member of Liberty Fire Com- pany for the last twenty-three years. Mr. Texter was joined in the bonds of matrimony with Harrietta Wesley, daughter of Samuel Wesley, a resident of Robeson township, this county. Asa result of this happy union one child was given them, William, born April 14, 1871. or —__—_— R. PERRY K. DREIBELBIS, a veterinary surgeon, and a valued [3 citizen of Greenwich township, was born in that township Febru- ary 7, 1858, and is a son of Mannassir and Christiana (Kline) Dreibelbis, and grandson of John Dreibelbis. John Dreibelbis, the grandfather of our subject, was the first of the Dreibelbis family to locate in Greenwich township. He was engaged in tilling the soil on a farm next to the one owned by our subject. The father of our subject was born in Greenwich town- ship, this county, and when but a boy he learned the trade of a millwright, which he followed in the same township all his life, with the exception of one year, when he lived in the state of Ohio. He was joined in the bonds of matrimony with Christiana Kline, and they reared a family of ten chil- dren, namely: Solomon, a notary public and surveyor of Hamburg township; Elizabeth, widow of the late Amos Heinly of Windsor township ; John died in 1880; Jacob died at the age of sixteen years; Hannah, deceased ; two that died in infancy; Thomas died in 1891; Perry K., the subject of this brief notice; and Catherine, the wife of George Deitrich, a carpenter residing in Lenharts- ville, this county. Mr. Dreibelbis died on his farm December 15, 1896. The mother of our subject now resides on the old home- stead, and is past her eightieth year. Dr. Perry K. Dreibelbis received a liberal education in the common schools of his native town; having determined upon the profession of a veterinary surgeon, he accord- ingly went to Toronto, Canada, and entered the Ontario Veterinary College, and was graduated March 27, 1885. Returning home he purchased 3 acres of the old homestead, and built a neat home and office, and there began to follow his chosen profession. He carries a full line of drugs tor horses and cattle, and has succeeded in building up a large practice. Dr. Dreibelbis was united in Hymen’s bonds December 28, 1878, with Louisa Seip, who was born in Greenwich township Feb- ruary 10, 1861. Her parents were John B. and Maria (Riegelman) Seip, and they both reside in Greenwich township. Our subject is a member of the Veterinary Medical Asso- ciation of Philadelphia. Both he and _ his wife are members of the New Jerusalem Reformed Church of Dreibelbis. “Dr. Drei- belbis is a full-blooded Democrat, and earn- estly supports his party and its measures on BERKS COUNTY 193 all occasions. In 1887, when the station Dreibelbis was named, he was appointed postmaster, which position he holds at the present time. He has labored diligently and industriously to perfect himself in his pro- fession, and has been remarkably successful. ee leading undertakers and embalmers of Reading, and has been success- XN fully engaged in that line of busi- ness all his life, having learned it from his father. Heisason of John R. and Marion (Hunter) Henninger, and was born in the above city April 26, 1863. The grandfather of our subject was one of the early settlers of Kutztown, where he followed the calling of a farmer. John R. Henninger was born near Kutztown August 18, 1824, and his younger days were spent learning the trade of a shoemaker, which he followed at Kutztown and later at Milton, this state. In 1857 he became a resident of Reading, and after following his former trade a short time, he embarked in the undertaking business; in 1870 he engaged in the business on his own account, and his establishment was located on Fifth, between Penn and Court streets; one year later he removed his establishment to No. 1025 Penn street, where he successfully carried on that line of busi- ness the rest of his life. His strict attention to business and his honest methods soon won for him the confidence and esteem of the entire city. Religiously, he was a member of the Second Reformed Church of Reading. He was united in marriage with Marion Hunter, who was born August 13, 1823, and died January 18, 1892. She was a daughter of John Hunter, a native of Londonderry, Ireland, who came to the United States when but twelve years of age; he located in Milton, Northumberland County, Pa., where he pur- sued the vocation of a farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Henninger were the parents of the following children: Sarah J., the wife of Granville D. Hangen of Reading; William R. is engaged in the furniture business in Reading; Mary E., the wife of William H. Swartz, is also a resident of the above-mentioned city; Na- thaniel C. is a prominent undertaker and -E T-UNTER HENNINGER is one of the furniture dealer of New Holland, Lancaster County, Pa.; Ida C.; Annie E. was united in the bonds of matrimony with Charles Levois, and they reside in Reading; Hunter, whose name heads this biographical sketch; and Clara A. Our subject’s father passed trom this life December 26, 1890. Hunter Henninger received his primary education in the public schools of Reading, and then took up the undertaking business with his father. Later he entered the Mas- sachusetts School of Embalming, and upon his graduation he entered Clark’s School, and then a school under the direction of Prof. F, A. Sullivan. In June, 1895, he became a partner in his father’s establishment, and the new firm was known as J. R. Henninger & Son; the business was conducted under that name until the death of our subject’s father. Our subject became sole proprietor on Jan- uary 1, 1891. He has built up the largest patronage of any undertaker of Berks County by his untiring energy and close application to business. Mr. Henninger is recognized as one of the valued citizens of Reading, and is held in high esteem by his fellowmen. Mr. Henninger formed a matrimonial alli- ance with Rebecca Boyer, and they were united in marriage October 2, 1890; she was a step-daughter of Edward W. Alexander, a prominent resident of Reading. Our sub- ject’s wife died September 24, 1893, aged twenty-eight years. Mr. Henninger is a member of Reading Lodge, No. 549, F. & A. M.; is past master of Reading Chapter No. 152; De Molay Commandery, No. g, K. T.; Philadelphia Consistory, Thirty-second Degree, A. A. S. R.; Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.; Knights of the Golden Eagle; Knights of Friendship ; and Royal Arcanum. SS O88 UGENE P. DETURK, one of the bright, young, energetic business men of Kutztown, and proprietor of the leading hardware store, was born in Maxa- tawny township, this county, December 11, 1865. Heisasonof William and Elizabeth (Butz) De Turk, and grandson of John and Susanna (Knabb) De Turk. John De Turk located in Oley township, Berks County, Pa., where he purchased a 194 large tract of land, and became one of the prosperous agriculturists of his community. He was united in the bonds of wedlock with Susanna Knabb, and a family of five children were born to them, namely: Amos, Nathan, Susanna, William and Sarah. Mr. De Turk died at the age of seventy-two years, and his wife was about sixty years when she was called to her reward. William De Turk, the father of our sub- ject, was born in Oley township, Berks County, March 18,1829. He was reared to agricultural pursuits and followed farming until 1861, and then moved to Maxatawny township, where he purchased the Egidius Butz farm. There he carried on general farming until 1882, when he moved to Kutz- town and practically retired from active life. Mr. De Turk has always been a prominent man in his community, and is held in high esteem by his acquaintances, who know him as an honest and upright business man. He was united in the bonds of matrimony with Elizabeth Butz, a daughter of Egidius Butz, who is a resident of Maxatawny township. Three sons resulted from this union, who were named as follows: Alvin J.; Lewis B.,; and Eugene P. Alvin J., who is a saddler by trade, residing at Friedensburg, Oley township, was wedded to Mary Kobhler. Lewis B. has for many years conducted the largest meat market and slaughter yards in the township. He was married to Elizabeth A. Rahn, who bore him two children, namely: Annie and William. Mr. De Turk is an avowed Democrat in politics; and in religious views, he is a member of the Re- formed Church. Our subject was educated in the public schools and in the Keystone State Normal School of Kutztown, and engaged as a clerk in his brother’s meat market upon leaving school ; he then worked for Walter B. Bieber until 1892, and then purchased the hardware stock of Zachariah T. Miller. Our subject has doubled the stock, and now carries a complete line of hardware furnishings. He is one of the hustling business men of Kutz- town, and has won an excellent reputation for honesty ; he not only has a large trade from the village, but also from the surround. ing country. Politically, Mr. De Turk is a Democrat, BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES endorsing the principles of that party with all the conscientiousness and energy which has characterized his convictions upon all questions of the day. He is a member of the board of health, and is also serving as audi- tor. He was joined in the bonds of matri- mony with Lizzie A. Deisher, and they are the parents of four children, namely: John W., born March 5, 1889; Lawrence A., born July 11, 1891; Lloyd E., born May 5, 1893: and Harry C., born March 17, 1895. Our subject is a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle of Kutztown. He is a mem- ber of the Reformed Church, while his wife is a member of the Lutheran Church of Kutztown. D. A. KELLY, a popular young patent attorney, residing and practicing in Reading, was born September 22, 1870, in that city. Heisason of Daniel M. and Caroline (Greth) Kelly, and a grandson of John Kelly. : John Kelly, a native of County Donegal, Ireland, came to America about 1785, locating in Orwigsburg, in the northwestern corner ot Schuylkill County. He took up a large tract of land, and is said to have been the first white settler in what is now Schuylkill County, but which -was then included in Berks County. A portion of this tract of land is still known as Kelly Meadow. He was a contractor, and erected and conducted a large hotel for many years thereafter. He did many large jobs of work in his vicinity, and a large portion of the old Union Canal was constructed by him. He was the progenitor of a large family of children, one of whom was Daniel M., the father of our subject. Of Daniel M. Kelly, it may truly be said, he is the architect of his own fortune. He was born in Pottsville, Schuylkill County, in 1837, and received only such an education as could be acquired in the common schools of his day. He began life poor in pocket, but rich in determination, and by his untiring energy and habits of thrift he has step by step worked his way from the lowly appren- tice to the enviable position of master me- chanic of the Reading Hardware Co. After WILLIAM F. MARKS, M. D. BERKS COUNTY learning his trade in Pottsville he moved to Reading, and accepted his first position with the Philadelphia & Reading R. R., then in its infancy. He assisted in the construction of the first locomotives built for that road. He remained in the employ of that company for twenty-four years, during which time he ac- quired great skill, and his services and advice were much sought for. At the expiration of that time, he accepted the position of master mechanic with the Reading. Hardware Co., which he has held ever since. At the time of the breaking out of the Civil War, he was a corporal in the Reading Artillery. When Lincoln issued his first call for troops, the company of which he was a member imme- diately went to Harrisburg where they were sworn in, April 17, 1861, just one day before any other company. He was a member otf Co. G, 1st Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., and was first enlisted for a period of three months. He formed a matrimonial alliance with Caroline Greth, who was born in 1841, a daughter of David Greth, an iron ore operator of Cole- brookdale township. Ed. A. Kelly received his intellectual training in the public schools of Reading. From his father he inherited an aptitude for mechanical work, and his first position was in the drawing department of the Philadelphia & Reading shops, where he remained for about four years. He then became a patent attorney, and his early training stands him in good stead in performing the duties of that office. He is an efficient draughtsman and his other natural abilities have given him an advantage over his brother workers, and he has established a good business in the city of Reading and vicinity. He is a young man, twenty-eight years of age, well known and very popular, and his future career will be watched with interest. —_—_—+a@o—___— ILLIAM F. MARKS, M. D., who has been successfully engaged in the practice of medicine in the city of Reading since January, 1871, has made a thorough study of his profession, making a specialty of obstetrics and diseases of women, and easily ranks among the first 10 practitioners of the county. He is a son of Elias and Catharine (Fink) Marks, and was born at Leesport, Berks County, April 6, 1846. Elias Marks, the father of our subject, was an honored resident of West Leesport, where he was employed by the Schuylkill Canal Company until he entered the army in 1861, at the outbreak of the Civil War. He served during the first year of action, but finally contracted a disease and departed this life in Memphis, Tenn. He formed a matrimonial alliance with Catharine Fink, and seven chil- dren blessed their union: Mary; Caroline; ‘Nellie; Jonathan; Kate, the.wife of John Bossler; Sarah (Speicker); and Dr. William F., the subject of this biographical sketch. In 1850, when the Schuylkill River overran its banks, Mrs. Marks and the four first named of her offspring met their death by drowning. Dr. William F. Marks, thus being deprived of a mother’s loving care at the early age of four years, was adopted by Jacob Rieser, who conducted a farm near Leesport. This kind hearted gentleman treated him with the greatest consideration and lavished upon him the kindness of a loving father. He at- tended the public schools in the vicinity when not engaged in assisting in the duties on the farm, until he was eighteen years of age, when he became a student at Freeland Seminary, Collegeville, Pa. Upon leaving school, he taught school for three years dur- ing the winter months, and in summer turned his attention to agricultural pursuits., Later he attended the Keystone State Normal School of Kutztown, after which he took up the study of his chosen profession, medicine, under the directions of Dr. A. J. Dundore of West Leesport. Atter attending one course of lectures in the Hahnemann Medical Col- lege of Philadelphia, he entered the office of Prof. Koch of that institution, and besides his work on the dispensary staff, he took a special course in obstetrics at the Philadel- phia School of Practical Obstetrics and Dis- eases of Women. After his graduation from the Hahnemann Medical College, March 3, 1869, he entered upon his first practice at Leesport. Although he was decidedly suc- cessful, he came to Reading in January, 1871, thinking it afforded better opportunities for 198 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES advancement, and his subsequent career has proved the wisdom of this decision. Heim- mediately sprang into public favor and was soon established in a large practice. Dr. Marks, wishing to keep himself abreast of the advances and progress in medical scien- ces, took a course of instruction in 1879, un. der Prof. Ludlam at the Hahnemann Medical College in Chicago, and became thoroughly familiarized with the treatment of the diseas- es of women as taught in that institution. Again, in 4890, he furthered his knowledge upon this branch of medical science by a post-graduate course in the Post-Graduate Medical School of New York, and later in the Chicago Homeopathic College of Chica- go. Careful and conscientious in his prac- tice, accurate and skillful in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, he is firmly estab- lished in the confidence of the people and has the respect and esteem of his fellow-practi- tioners. He is a member of the board of health of Reading, and in point of service is the oldest physician now serving in that ca- pacity. He is the gynecologist of the Ho- meopathic Hospital at Reading, and is a member of the following medical fraterni- ties: The Practitioners Society and the Hospital and Dispensary Association; State Medical Society ; American Institute of Ho- meopathy ; International Medical Congress ; and the American Association of Orificial Surgeons. He was united in the holy bonds of wed- lock with Rebecca S. Althouse, a daughter of Henry Althouse, and they became the happy parents of one daughter, Minnie. Mrs. Marks’ demise occurred November io, 1879, and he formed a second alliance with Clara B. Regan, a daughter of Solomon Re- gan of Reading, which resulted in the fol- lowing issue: Edith C. and Bessie. Politi- cally, he is an unswerving Democrat, whilst in religious attachments he is a member of the Reformed Church. Socially, he is a member of Oley Lodge, No. 218, I. O.O. F.; Knights of the Golden Eagle; Fidelia Cham- ber, No. 5, Knights of Friendship ; Washing- ton Camp, No. 505, Patriotic Order Sons of America; and Mt. Penn Council, Royal Ar- canum. We take pleasure in announcing that Dr. Marks’ portrait is shown on a pre- ceding page. ATHAN S. KEMP. Mr. Kemp of this notice may justly be considered one of the pioneers of Berks County, for he has continued to reside within its boundaries from his birth until the present time, and has been to no in. considerable extent connected with agricul- tural development, especially in Maxatawny township, where he lives. Having attained the age of three score and eleven years, he is now living in peace and quiet retirement from active labor, and in the enjoyment of a competency obtained through years of honest toil and economy. He is a son of George W. and Elizabeth (Sharadin) Kemp, grandson of Daniel and Rachel (Wink) Kemp, great- grandson of George Kemp, and great-great- grandson of Theobaldt Kemp. Theobaldt Kemp was a native of Strasburg, France, and crossed the water to America sometime between 1730 and 1735. Tradition gives it that he came to Maxatawny, Pa., in the strength of his young manhood, when his heart and hands were well calculated to begin the battle of life with prospects of at- taining success. The country was very thinl settled upon his arrival there, and its solitude was seldom broken, except by Indians and wild animals that sought shelter among the primitive forests. Hs rented a tract of land consisting of 135 acres, paying five shil- lings a year for rent; which lease gave him the privilege to hunt, fish and to cut the timber. After his lease had expired he purchased the land for 500 pounds, and immediately set about clearing a part of his purchase, built a log cabin, and carried on farming the rest of his active days. He passed from this life in 1762, and he and his wife were buried on his farm, just outside of the present burying grounds. When Theobaldt Kemp came to this country his two brothers accompanied him; they were Joseph and Thomas. One settled in the state of Virginia, and was a large slaveholder; and the other located in Berks County, and was buried in Lehigh County. George Kemp, a son of Theobaldt Kemp, and great-grandfather of our subject, was born on the old homestead in Maxatawny township, and upon his father’s death inher- ited the farm. He built the Stone Tavern, which is now conducted by John Kemp, a descendant, and is known as the Kemp Hotel. He also engaged in tilling the soil, and was one of the prominent members of his com- munity. He was the progenitor of six chil- dren, who were named as follows: Daniel, the grandfather of our subject; George; Jacob: Susannah; Mrs. Seighford; and Mrs. Reiber. Daniel Kemp, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was born on the old homestead in Max- atawny township, and when he attained his majority he took charge of the same, and was one of the foremost agriculturists of the township; in 1809 he erected the house now standing, and in 1820 he built the present barn. At the time of his death he owned some 300 acres of land. He was joined in wedlock with Rachel Wink, and they were the parents of the following children: Daniel; George W.; Jacob; Leobaldt; Isaac; William: and Sally. George W. Kemp, the father of our sub- ject, was born on the old homestead, and commenced life there as a farmer; later he moved to Richmond township, and for thirty years he was engaged in the hotel business. As he had fallen heir to the old homestead, he returned to it and successfully engaged in farming the rest of his days. He formed a matrimonial alliance with Elizabeth Sharadin, and a family of three children blessed their home, namely: Nathan S.; Matilda married Joshua Merkel, who is now deceased; and William, who died at the age of fifty-four years. The father of our subject was a mem- ber of the Reformed Church of Maxatawny. Nathan S. Kemp, the subject of this per- sonal history, was born in Maxatawny town- ship April 30, 1827, where he received his primary education in the common schools; later he attended Franklin Academy at Kutz- town, and then taught two years. He then went to Richmond township and settled on 145 acres ot land; he built a brick house and improved and enlarged the old buildings, and from 1854 to 1882 he pursued the voca- tion of a farmer; at the expiration of that time he moved to Kutztown, and at No. 138 Main street he built a large three-story brick and marble mansion, and has since lived there, spending his latter days in peace and happiness. Mr. Kemp chose for his life companion BERKS COUNTY 199 Harriett Knabb of Oley township, this county, and they have adopted five children, namely: Sarah Ann Layerous is the wife of Henry Stein, and they reside on the homestead ; Annie was wedded to L. Angstadt; Elias Kline; Harriett Kline; and Ida Bear, the wife of Dr. Klopp of Reading. Politically, our subject is a stanch Republican, and has served as school director ten years; he was a trustee of the Keystone State Normal School for fourteen years. Mr. and Mrs. Kemp are faithful members of the Reformed Church of Kutztown. Mr. Kemp, to whom old age has come, and yet who lives with as bright an eye and with faculties as clear and unimpaired as in the days of yore, is one of the most widely known and highly esteemed residents of his community. SSS ACOB DREIBELBIS. Among the stanch and well-to-do citizens of Berks County, the subject of our notice oc- cupies a prominent position as an esteemed and worthy member of the com- munity toward which he has done his part in establishing and maintaining. He is liv- ing in his home in Virginville, and is sur- rounded by everything calculated to make his passage down the hill of life one of great comfort and satisfaction. Mr. Dreibelbis was born in Greenwich township March 4, 1832, and isa son of William and Susanna (Miller) Dreibelbis, the former a native of Richmond township, and the latter a native of Windsor township, this county. Jacob Dreibelbis, the grandfather of our subject, was born near Fleetwood, this county, and was among the first to settle in Virginville. He married Mary M. Merkel and they reared a large family of children. Mr. Dreibelbis has the credit of building the first store in the village. William Dreibelbis, the father of our subject, operated the farm and hotel in Virginville, which is now owned by our subject. During his younger days he conducted a mercantile establishment and was very successful; he also owned at one time all the land in and about Virginville, and was one of the wealthiest men in the township. He married Susanna Miller, and they raised a family of twelve children, who 200 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES were as follows: Stephen, deceased ; Sarah died in her infancy; Susanna is the wife of William Seidel, a retired farmer living in Richmond township; William, a farmer of Greenwich township, married for his first wife Esther Stoudt, and after her death he wedded Catherine Keim ; Hannah is the wife of John Warner of Perry township; George, deceased ; Jacob, the subject of this sketch ; Mary M., wife of William Merkel of Wind- sor township; Charles John married Emma Hartinger, and they live in Pierce City, Mo.; Elizabeth is the wife of William Hottenstein of Maiden Creek township; Gustavus mar- ried Mary Merkel, and conducts a hotel known as the Virginville House; and one that died in infancy. Jacob Dreibelbis was educated in the schools of his native township, and when yet a young man he took charge of his father’s store, which he operated for some time. In April, 1883, he sold his store, and has since been engaged in the tilling of the soil; he owns a farm of 46 acres in Richmond town- ship and one of 160 acres in Windsor town- ship. Mr. Dreibelbis is also proprietor of most all of the business property in the village of Virginville, and has done more towards its improvement than any other man in the township. He has made all the im- provements in the village, and has built houses and business blocks, creameries, coal and lumber yards and grain houses. He is also proprietor of a blacksmith shop, shoe- maker shop, butcher shop and wheelwright shop. For six years he was ticket and ex- press agent at the depot in Virginville. Politically, he isa stanch Republican.and has served as postmaster of the town from 1853 to the present time. Our subject was married April 24, 1858, to Elizabeth Fisher, a native of Windsor township, and a daughter of Henry Fisher, a farmer of Windsor town- ship, and_ afterwards a miller in Lycoming County, Pa. Six children resulted from this union, namely: Walter, born May 7, 1860, married Sarah Wesner, and is engaged in the coal and lumber business at Royersford, Pa.; Logan, born December, 1861, married Mary Ann Smith, and is now a farmer of Newton County, Mo.: Francis, born March 6, 1864, married Sarah Luckenbill. and is engaged in the coal, lumber and grain business in Vir- ginville; Mary, born in November, 1866, is the wife of M.C. Heinly, formerly a mer- chant of Virginville, but now a resident of Philadelphia; Oscar, born in August, 1868, married Rosa Werh, and he is engaged in farming in Montgomery County ; and Susan, born in January, 1873, the wite of David Smith, a resident of Windsor township. Mrs. Dreibelbis died August 18, 1882. Our subject formed a second matrimonial alliance April 12, 1884, with Magdalene Reeser, a native of Maiden Creek township, and a daughter of Jacob Reeser, who was a farmer of Maiden Creek township. + @-___ tial citizen and prominent and highly successful physician of Reading, was born Noy. 11, 1836, in Berks County, his parents being George and Juliana (Span- gler) Ammon. The grandfather of our sub- ject was John Ammon, who was born near the line between Berks and Lancaster Coun- ties, and who in the early part of his life was a distiller. When death overtook him he was laid beside his father in the cemetery at Geigerstown. George Ammon, the father, was born near Robesonia, in Heidelberg township, this county, in 1813. His entire life has been passed in the counties of Lancaster and Berks, where he has followed his trade, which is that of a miller. He moved to Reading in 1870, and still resides in that city, having retired from active work. He is a member of the Re- formed Church, and is a zealous, earnest worker in the cause. He was united to Juli- ana Spangler, now deceased, a daughter of Jacob Spangler, a native of Jefferson, this county. This marriage resulted in the birth of twelve children, as follows: Jacob S:: Mary Ann; Margaret; Charles; Amelia; Emma; Ella; James; Elijah; George; and William and Fannie, who were twins. Dr. Jacob S. Ammon received his educa- tion in Womelsdorf Academy, and then entered his father’s mill, where he was em- ployed for a time, but this work he did not find congenial, as his heart was set on becom- Ing a physician. Accordingly he entered the hotel business at Stouchsburg, in this a S. AMMON, M. D., an influen- BERKS COUNTY 201 manner working his way to the study of his chosen profession. He studied medicine under Dr. Swinehart of Palmyra, Lebanon County, and entered the University of Penn-’ sylvania, graduating from that institution in the spring of 1868. He first located at Robe- sonia, where he practiced until 1870, when he removed to Reading, where he has secured for himself a large patronage. He has a general practice of no small dimensions, and is especially successful in obstetrics, having been considered the best physician in that line in the city for many years. In 1881 he opened a drug store, of which his son has charge, and which is doing a good business. He has been a member of the Berks County Medical Society, and has served as its vice- president. During the Civil War he served in the hospital tor two years, thereby getting much valuable practice. Dr. Ammon was united in wedlock with Catherine Reed, a daughter of John Reed of Stouchsburg, Berks County. They became the parents of three children,—Isora, George W., and Jerome. George W. is the only one living. Dr. Ammon is a member of Conti- nental Lodge, I. O. O. F., and the Knights of the Golden Eagle. He is a member of the Lutheran Church and an earnest and consci- entious worker in the denomination. For two years he was physician of the Berks County Alms House, and physician at the station house .at Reading. He is a man who enjoys a wide popularity, and a worthy cause is sure of his sympathy and help. He has most engaging manners, and numbers his friends by the score. GEORGE W. AMMON, M. D., the only son of Dr. Jacob S. Ammon, whose sketch appears above, was born July 30, 1862, in Marion township, this county. His early education was received in the Keystone State Normal School of Kutztown, and the Westchester State Normal School; when eighteen years of age, he accepted a position as clerk in the drug store of Frank Baum of Reading. He remained in the store until he was twenty years old, when he entered his father’s drug store in Reading. He applied himself to the study of medicine under the direction of his father, and entered the Jef- ferson Medical College at Philadelphia in 1885, from which he graduated in 1888. He 10* then returned to Reading and resumed his position in the drug store, at the same time making a specialty of diseases of the eye, in which he has met with merited success. He was united in marriage with Katie Barto, a daughter of Tobias Barto of Reading. SS SS AMES A. KLEES. It is interesting to peruse the record of the life of the gentleman named above, and follow him in his steady ascent from a black- smith, who, when entering into the business world, found himself without means and bor- rowed fifty dollars with which to embark in business, to his present position at the head of one of the largest manufacturing firms of Reading, The Keystone Wagon Co. The rise to his present height, however, was not accomplished without the practice of the greatest industry and frugality. Husband- ing his resources, he bettered his condition from time to time, and after a period of twenty years we find him a successful busi- ness financier, holding the controlling interest in an investment figuring almosta half million of dollars. Mr. Klees is a son of Isaac and Ann (Stevens) Klees, and was born in Gor- don, Schuylkill County, Pa., March to, 1851. His paternal ancestors were of French ex- traction, whilst on the maternal side they originally came from England. The family was established in this country by one who came prior to the Revolutionary War and took an active part in that struggle, after which he located in the state of Penn- sylvania, where the family has since resided. Isaac Klees, the father of our subject, moved to Schuylkill County at an early age, and there learned the trade of a blacksmith, and followed it throughout his entire life. He was aman of many good qualities, and was considered one of the good, substantial citi- zens of Gordon. ; ‘James A. Klees, although a man of high intellectual ability, enjoyed but few educa- tional advantages, attending only the com- mon schools until he was twelve years of age, when he was apprenticed to the trade of a machinist and blacksmith. After serv- ing his apprenticeship he worked as a journ- eyman until he was twenty-four years of age, 202 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES when he decided to enter the wagon-black- smith business on his own account in Gerard- ville, having had some experience in that line when he was fifteen years of age. He managed to borrow the sum of fifty dollars, with which he rented a small shop, 12x 12 feet, and purchased a bellows, anvil, and other necessary tools. He set about his work with a vim and energy which could not but result in success, and in a short time he acquired the services of a helper to aid him in his rapidly increasing business. The busi- ness grew to such an extent that larger quarters became a necessity and he moved to Shenandoah, where he continued to labor with untiring energy. He displayed the best ot judgment in the use of his means, and from time to time he expanded and increased his business until he employed a force of 25 men. After many years of unceasing toil, having become a man of means, he took a much needed rest, although it was not his purpose to retire permanently from business life. In 1886, he moved to Reading and at once erected a plant at a cost of $11,000.00, which he named The Keystone Wagon Works and began the manufacture of wagons, which were widely sold throughout the country. He invented a coal chute or dump wagon, which is universally recognized by coal dealers as the most ingenious time and labor saving device ever invented, and orders came rapidly from all sections of the United States and Canada. In 1890, being importuned by several commercial friends of high financial standing, he merged The Keystone Wagon Works into The Keystone Wagon Company, and a large factory, covering almost an entire block, was erected on Third street and the Lebanon Valley R. R. The wagons were widely advertised, largely through their merits, and during the two succeeding years the demand for them greatly increased, and the factory was not large enough to furnish the required supply. Therefore they erected an additional wing, five stories high, with dimensions 42x 110 feet on the west side of the plant, and a wing four stories high, 50x 75 feet, on the south side, making a floor space of 75,000 square feet, in addition to 200,000 previously existing. This has been equipped with the latest improved machinery throughout, and a force of 100 hands is con- stantly employed to meet the increasing demands for the output, which come from England, Australia, South Africa and South America, as well as from all points within our native land. Mr. Klees is a man of high principles, in whom there is much to admire, being honest, charitable and ever ready to help a friend who has been unfortunate in the battle of life. Although his business duties have been many and of considerable confinement, he has always spent much time in the company of his family, in whose midst the happiest hours of his life have been realized. Novem- ber 14, 1875, he was joined in wedlock with Kate Spanig, a daughter of Peter Spanig of Reading, by whom he has the following chil- dren: Clifford F., who is now attending the Drexel Institute at Philadelphia; E. Spanig, who works in his father’s office, married Anna Boone, a daughter of Edward Boone, the cashier of the Union National Bank of Read- ing; J. Guy, who is now in attendance at the Reading High School; Bessie E.; Eleanora; Elsie; Lou; Russel, deceased; and Ernest, also deceased. Politically, our subject is a Republican and stanchly supports the prin- ciples of Protection, upon which he believes the future prosperity of our country rests. Fraternally, he is a member of Reading Lodge, No. 549, F. & A. M.; Reading Chap- ter, R. A. M.; Reading Commandery, K. T.; and is at the present time taking the Thirty- second Degree, Scottish Rites; he is also a member of the A. A. O. N. M.S.; and the Patriotic Order Sons of America. In relig- ious faith and fellowship, he isa member of the Memorial M. E. Church, in which he is an elder. —\!—— > io—__— ILTON L. FRITCH, M. D., is a highly esteemed citizen of Vir- ginville, and a successful practi- tioner of Berks County. He came to this county in 1871, commencing his business career among strangers and with lit- tle means. He had nothing to recommend him but his gentlemanly bearing, his indus- trious habits, and his resolution to succeed in his chosen profession. But these became a rapid transport to success; he found friends TILGHMAN DeLONG. BERKS COUNTY 205 at once among those who had experienced, probably, the difficulties which beset him. He is now enjoying a successful practice, and has accumulated a good property, and is one of the leading citizens of his community. He was born in Long Swamp township July 9, 1845, and is a son of Horatio and Lavina (Geist) Fritch. Horatio Fritch was born in Long Swamp township, and when he attained his majority engaged in operating a general mercantile store; in 1853, he moved to Reading, where he conducted a store for three years, and then sold his business and moved to the state of California, where he spent the remainder of his days. He wedded Lavina Geist, and a family of seven children was born to them, as follows: Amanda, deceased; Louisa, the wife of Dr. Milton S. Richards, whose sketch may also be found in this Book of Biogra- phies; Samuel is a traveling salesman for a furniture store of Philadelphia; Horatio, a clerk in a store at Allentown, Pa.; Phoebe, the wite of Milton Smoyer, a farmer of Le- high County; and James, a tanner by trade, residing in Reading. Mrs. Fritch is passing her old age at the home of her eldest daugh- ter. Milton L. Fritch received his primary edu- cation in the common schools of Lon Swamp township, afterwards attended the Reading Academy and Keystone State Nor- mal School at Kutztown. After graduating from the Normal he taught school three terms, and also served as clerk in the office of the clerk of the Orphans’ Court one year, and one year for the City of Reading. He then commenced the study of medicine, and, in 1869, entered the Jefferson Medical Col- lege of Philadelphia, and after attending two terms he read medicine with Dr. Richards of Rotherocksville ; returning to college he was graduated with the class of 1871. He then moved to Virginville and hung out his shin- gle when there was but one store in the vil- lage, and not a single house. His practice extends throughout Richmond, Perry, Wind- sor, Greenwich, and Maiden Creek town- ships. February 24, 1876, our subject was joined in the bonds of matrimony with Mary Lesh- er, a native of Ontelaunee township, and a daughter of Samuel Lesher, a farmer of On- . telaunee township. To Dr. and Mrs. Fritch four children have been born, namely: George W., now attending college at Allen- town, Pa.; William Lesher; Samuel Jones; and Florence, who died in infancy. In poli- tics, Dr. Fritch is an unwavering Democrat, ‘and has held the office of school director for several years. He is a member of the P. O. S. of A. of Virginville, and the I. O. O. F., Perry Lodge. Our subject and wife are members of the Lutheran Church, and for the past fourteen years the Doctor has held the different offices of the church, and at present is elder. Dr. Fritch owns a large, handsome residence on Main street, in which his office is located. The Doctor is a man of prominence in his profession, and has attained a high standing. As a citizen he is highly valued, and is assisting materially in main- taining the existing system of good order and progress. + ear———_ ILGHMAN DELONG, a prominent and highly respected citizen of Top- ton, is engaged in the undertaking business and in the manufacture of furniture and bar-room fixtures. He is carrying on his business in an intelligent, straightforward and highly creditable manner; he ships furn- iture all over the state of Pennsylvania, and has furnished over fifty of the leading bar- rooms in Reading and Allentown. He was born in Long Swamp township August 2, 1849, and is a son of David D. and Catherine (Haas) DeLong. David D. DeLong was born in Upper Macungie township, Lehigh County; when he grew to manhood he moved to Long Swamp township, Berks County, where he carried on farming until his death, which oc- curred September 6, 1893, when he was aged eighty years and two months. He married Catherine Haas, and they were the parents of six children, namely: David died at the age of twenty-eight years; Henry, born De- cember 18, 1838, married Adeline Fenster- macker; Milton H. died February 20, 1892; Tilghman, the subject of this sketch; Alvin H., proprietor of a hotel in Long Swamp township, wedded Catherine Zondt; and Sally Ann, who died when two years old. 206 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES The mother of our subject passed from this life on November 28, 1877, aged sixty-four years, five months and eleven days. The subject of this sketch received his pri- mary education in the common schools of his native town, and learned the trade of a cab- inetmaker, which he followed in Topton for some years. After his marriage he started his present furniture manufacturing business, which was the first one in Topton, and has since added his undertaking establishment. He employs twenty-two men the year around, and ships his goods all over the state. In 1874 Mr. DeLong was joined in wed- lock with Angeline Fenstermacker, a native of Long Swamp township, and a daughter of Reuben and Polly (Mensch) Fenstermacker. Her father, who was identified with agricul- tural pursuits, is now deceased. Her mother now resides with our subject. Eight chil- dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. DeLong. They are as follows: Irwin: Elwood is at- tending school in Philadelphia; Ada; Vic- tor; Eva; Lulu; Minnie; and Charles, de- ceased. Our subject adheres to sound Dem- ocratic principles, has served as overseer of the poor of Berks County for three years, and is now a member of the town council. He is a member of the P. O. S. of A. of Top- ton; I. O. O. F., Long Swamp Lodge; K. of P. of Lyon's Station; Knights of the Golden Eagle of Kutztown. His religious attach- ments are with the German Reformed Church of the township, of which he is a member. Mr. DeLong bears an excellent reputation as a business man and citizen, and holds a high place in the affection of his neighbors. It is, therefore, with great pleas- ure that we present his portrait on a preced- ing page. SSO EV. GEORGE C. HECKMAN, D.D., LL. D., whose term of service in the Presbyterian ministry extends over a period of half a century, is at present the beloved pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Reading, and is still young at heart and vigorous in the pursu- ance of his pastoral duties. During his many years of activity in the ministerial field he has resided in several different cities and states, and the vast amount of good he has accomplished is beyond reckoning. He is a son of John and Mary (Schneider) Heck- man, and was born in Easton, Pa., January 26, 1825. He is of German descent on both paternal and maternal sides of the family, his ances- tors being among the first of the German immigrants to locate in Eastern Pennsylva- nia. Maternally, he traces his ancestry to William Diltz, who located in Huntingdon County, N. J.,as early as the year 1725. The family is scattered over a wide range of ter- ritory, and has been faithful in performing its part in the civil, religious and military affairs of our country. One in particular who attained prominence in civil and _ mili- tary offices was Peter Kichlein, a noted off- cer of the Revolutionary War, who won fame in the battle of Long Island, in which he was the colonel of a regiment of Pennsyl- vania Germans. He settled in Northampton County, Pa., and was closely connected with the development of that section. Another ancestor in that section was Conrad Kreider, who founded the village of Kreidersville, of which he was one of the leading and substan- tial citizens. John Heckman, the father of our subject, was born in Moore's township, Northampton County, and was reared there until he was eighteen years of age, when he moved to Easton, Pa., and accepted a position in a bank. He was connected with bank organiza- tions until the advanced age of seventy-six years, dying in his eightieth year, being one of the good, solid citizens of that borough. For many years he was also engaged in mer- cantile pursuits, but finally relinquished that line of business and devoted his undivided attention to banking. Religiously, he was an elder in the Lutheran Church, in which he was an active and conscientious worker. He was united in wedlock with Mary Schneider, and six daughters and the following sons bless- ed their union: Herman, who wasa prominent merchant and manufacturer of Easton; Gen. Charles A., who entered the Mexican War as adjutant under General Bernard, and later enlisted as a captain in the Civil War, where he rose rapidly in the regular order, and when mustered out at the close of the war was a brigadier-general, having rendered BERKS valuable aid to the cause of the Union,—he was offered a colonelcy to continue in the service, but he declined and returned to Phil- lipsburg, N. J., where he engaged in business; John P. was a soldier of the Civil War and held the rank of lieutenant; Conrad Kreider, a young man of high character and much promise, died at an early age; and George C., the subject of this biographical sketch. Rev. Dr. George C. Heckman obtained his early training in the school taught by Rev. Dr. Vandever at Easton, Pa., from which institution many distinguished men have been sent forth. He next entered Latay- ette College in 1841, at the early age of six- teen years, and was graduated in 1845, after completing a full four years’ course. Imme- diately thereafter, he entered Princeton Theological Seminary, and graduated in 1848, but was licensed to preach on Au- gust 4th of the preceding year. His first charge was at Port Byron, N. Y., upon the duties of which he entered in September, 1848, and continued for eight and a_ half years. In January, 1857, he accepted a call to a missionary field in Wisconsin, remaining at Portage and Janesville for a period of four and a half years, when in 1861, he removed to Indianapolis, Ind., and became pastor of the Third Presbyterian Church, now known as the Tabernacle Church. At that time the Civil War was being waged and upon the invitation of Col. King of the 19th Reg. U. S. Regulars, he acted as volunteer chaplain of the regiment. Later he became sergeant of a company of Indiana Minute Men, an or- ganization formed wholly of clergymen, but they were not mustered into active service. Rev. Dr. Heckman being a man of pleasing address and much personal magnetism, and a deep thinker and versatile writer, his ser- mons attracted much attention, and he re- ceived numerous calls from different parts of the country. Being well fitted for such a position, he was tendered the presidency of Hanover College, also a charge in Easton, Pa., the church which he had attended in youth, but he declined both to accept a call to the State Street Church of Albany, N. Y., in 1867. Three years later, he was persuaded to act as president of Hanover College, at the same time receiving urgent calls to accept a protessorship in the Western The- COUNTY 207 ological Seminary at Allegheny, and to be- come pastor of a church in Baltimore, Md. He continued as president of the former in- stitution for nine years, although the under- standing when he entered upon those duties was that it should be but three. In 1879 he accepted the pastorate of the Avondale Presbyterian Church of Cincinnati, Ohio, and continued until 1887, when he was in- vited by the General Assembly of the Church to serve for one year as secretary of the Centennary Fund, in connection with the Centennial Anniversary held in 1888. Con- cluding the duties of that office, he accepted a call to the First Presbyterian Church of Reading in 1889, in which capacity he has worked faithfully and well from that time to this. He rapidly won his way to the affec- tions of his congregation and the citizens of Reading, and regardless of religious belief, no man Is held in higher esteem by the com- munity as a whole. April 17, 1898, the fiftieth anniversary of his ordination as a minister was celebrated with appropriate ceremonies, and the entire populace of Read- ing paid a tribute to one, who had spent his entire life in doing for others and had been an important factor in elevating the moral standing of their thriving city. All speak in glowing terms of the beautiful and self-sacri- ficing life he has led, and endorse the senti- ment of the Presbyterian Encyclopedia, where it says: “Dr. Heckman is a fine scholar, an able, popular and_ successful preacher, a useful member of the Church Courts, and is highly esteemed for his fidelity in every good work.” He has served for many years as a trustee of Hanover College, for which he has ever been a faithful and active worker. During the time he was in- stalled as president of that institution, he cleared it of long standing debts, and secured an increase of $100,000.00 in the endow- ment fund. He is also a trustee of Lafay- ette College of Easton, Pa. For many years he has served on the Board of Home Mis- sions and the Board of Publication of the Church, and has sat in the General Assembly of the Church twelve times. He is a very fluent writer and has contributed a number of articles to newspapers, and published many addresses and sermons which are now highly prized in many libraries in this sec- 208 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES tion of the state. They include Semi-Cen- tennial Addresses of Hanover and Lafayette Colleges, and others of a high literary character. Dr. Heckman was united in marriage with Josephine A. Davis, a daughter of Josiah Davis of Easton, Pa., June 11, 1850, and they are the happy parents of the following chil- dren, who are highly respected citizens of the various communities in which they re- side: Mary Snyder, the wife of Rev. D. B. Banta, a minister of Indiana; George Clar- ence, who is now deceased; William C., an assistant superintendent of the Railway Postal Service; Charles C., a well-known attorney-at-law of Indianapolis, Ind.; Anna F., who lives at home with her parents; John Claude, who is connected with the Standard Oil Co. at Evansville, Ind.; Josephine D., deceased; and Fred C., who is a salesman of Reading. Socially, our subject is a member of the Society of the Sons of the Revolu- tion; and of the German Pennsylvania Society, of which he was one of the original members and served as its president for a time. ——_+e+—___ R. GEORGE HETRICH is a lead- ing physician of the village of E } Birdsboro, where he has been very successfully engaged in the duties that pertain to his profession since 1891. He is ‘a son of Jonas and Mary (Anlenbach) Het- rich, and was born in Bernville, Berks County, Pa., June 7, 1862. The Hetrich family is of German descent, and is one of the oldest families of Berks County; the great-grandfather of our sub- ject being one of the first settlers. Jonas Hetrich, the father of our subject, was born in Bern township, January 21, 1821, and fol- lowed the trade of a carpenter in that town for over fifty years. He was also a contractor and builder, and undertook many large con- tracts in that district, always filling them to the letter and in a satisfactory manner. In 1887 he retired from active business, and is now enjoying the fruits of his early years of labor. He was a member of the old state militia; in religious belief he was a member of the German Reformed Church. He was united in marriage with Mary Anlenbach, a daughter of John Anlenbach, deceased, a cabinet maker and undertaker of Rehrers- burg, Berks County. Three children blessed this union, two of whom died in infancy. Dr. George Hetrich spent his boyhood days in the village of Bernville, attending school and leading the usual life of a young lad full of youthful spirit. After completing the required course in the public school, he took a course in Oley Academy. After spend- ing the following two years in teaching school, he took up the study of medicine. Having acquired a liking for the medical pro- fession in his younger days, and_ having directed his studies in that direction, it seemed the natural thing to our subject's friends that he should have fully decided up- on a physician’s career. He studied with Dr. W. G. Beyerle, an experienced practi- tioner of Bernville, and by close application to his studies he was able to graduate from Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, in 1885. Later he took a special course on skin diseases, under Dr. Shoemaker of the Philadelphia Skin Hospital. After complet- ing this course he was qualified to take up a practice, which he did at Monocacy, Berks County, and built up a good practice, estab- lishing a reputation as a skilled physician. He remained there until 1891, when he moved to Birdsboro, where he established a general practice, that is highly creditable to one whose years of professional activity have been comparatively few. He is thoroughly prepared to handle all cases that may come up in general practice, and has won the con- fidence of his patrons and fellow-workers in the profession. He numbers among his patients some of the very best families of the village, but nevertheless he is always ready to answer the call of the poor, who find in him a ready sympathizer. Dr. Hetrich is a member of the Berks County Medical Society. In political belief he unswervingly supports the principles of the Democratic party. December 10, 1891, he was united in marriage with Laura Turner, a daughter of Lewis Turner of Douglassville, and they became the happy parents of one son, George Roberts. Religiously, he is a faithful member of the Reformed Church. He is very prominent in social circles, and is YE iy “ey JACOB SHAABER. BERKS COUNTY 211 a member of the following lodges: Union Lodge, No. 479, F.& A. M.; Reading Chapter, No. 152; DeMolay Commandery, No. 9, K. T.; Harrisburg Caner, Thirty-second Degree; and Rajah Temple, A. A.O.N.M.S. Our subject was called upon to mourn the death of his beautiful young wife, just four short years after their union, the date of her decease being August 18, 1895. It was a severe blow to her husband and to her many devoted friends. who were never tired of praising her charming traits of character. ++ -—___ the progressive citizens of the city of Reading is the gentleman whose name heads this brief notice, and who isa member of the firm known as the Johnston Foundry & Machine Co. He was born in the above city December 19, 1832, and is a son of John and Mary (Callwell) Shaaber. John Shaaber was a hat manufacturer, and was one of the highly respected citizens of Reading. He formed a matrimonial alliance with Mary Callwell, and a family of twelve children were born to them, as follows: Katherine (Seyfert); Elizabeth Coon; Mar- garet F. (Dease); Mary (Adams); John; George; Sarah; Peter; Rebecca (Shearman); Daniel; Jacob, the subject of this biographi- cal sketch; and Henry. The father and mother of our subject both passed from this life at the age of fifty years. In religious views, Mr. Shaaber and family favored the Lutheran Church. Politically, he firmly supported the principles of the Democratic party. Jacob Shaaber acquired a liberal education in the public schools of Reading, and in his younger days learned the trade of a moulder; he then served an apprenticeship to that trade in the Franklin Iron Works, now known as the Johnston Foundry & Machine Co. In 1852 he moved to Virginia, where he was successfully engaged in following his trade for thirteen years; at the expiration of that time he returned to Reading, where he has since resided. In 1895, in partnership with H. J. Herb, our subject purchased the old Franklin Iron Works, and they now con- duct the business under the name of the Je SHAABER. Prominent among Johnston Foundry & Machine Co. Mr. Shaaber is the practical and mechanical manager, and Mr. Herb acts as business manager. In December, 1853, Mr. Shaaber and Martha J. Rider, a daughter of Elisha Rider of Lynchburg, Va, were united in the bonds of matrimony, and as a result of this happy union, the following children were born: Margaret V. (Hangen); Annie E.; Charles; Ida, deceased; George; and Rob- ert, deceased. Mr. Shaaber is a member of Friendship Lodge, No. 5, Knights of Pythias ; and Veteran Castle, No. 481, Knights of the Golden Eagle. Our subject, politically, is a conscientious Republican, and by every means in his power assists'in promoting the principles of the party which he believes to be a true exponent of liberty and justice. He enjoys the well merited confidence of his community, and is doing his share toward the building up of the business portion of it. Mr. Shaaber’s portrait appears on a page in proximity to this, in connection with the above biography. —____++____-- RANK BROBST, an enterprising and influential citizen of Reading, who is now a traveling salesman for a large wholesale liquor firm of Reading, is the pop- ular candidate of the Democratic party for the office of sheriff of Berks County. His success seems assured, as he is not only a man with many friends throughout this sec- tion in which he was born and has spent most of his life, but is supported by many men of influence in different parts of the county. He is a son of Henry and Catherine (Al- bright) Brobst, and was born in Bethel town- ship, Berks County, October 4, 1847. His paternal grandfather was Michael Brobst, who was a native of Berks County, where he always lived, and dealt largely in real estate. Henry Brobst, the father of our subject, was born in 1821, in this county, and during most of his life lived at Rehrersburg, Bethel township, where he conducted a hos- telry with much success. He was an active worker in political affairs, and was an un- swerving supporter of the Democratic party ; he frequently served as a delegate to both the county and state conventions, and tor a pe- 212 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES riod of fitty years never failed to attend a convention. In 1867, 1868 and 1869, he’ rep- resented his party in the State Legislature, and served his constituents in a faithful man- ner. Religiously, he was a consistent mem- ber of the Lutheran Church. He was joined in hymeneal bonds with Catherine Albright, who came of a prominent family of this county, being a daughter of Solomon AI- bright and a sister of the Hon. Charles Al- bright. The latter was born in this county and obtained his intellectual training in Dick- inson College, after which he studied law and was admitted to the bar at Mauch Chunk. During the Civil War he organized a regi- ment for nine months’ service and upon the expiration of that term he organized another for one year’s service in 1864, which was kept in the army until the close of the war. He was mustered into service asa colonel, but was subsequently promoted to the rank of brigadier-general for distinguished servi- ces. After the war was over he was elected to Congress, serving for one term. Mr. and Mrs. Brobst became the parents of the fol- lowing offspring: James, a resident of Le- highton, Carbon County; Frank, the subject of this biographical record; Mary, the wife of William P. Snyder of Reading; Charles A., who makes his home at Canton, Ohio; Martha, who was the wife of Dr. Asapa Stapp, who died in Michigan, where they lived; Harry, who succeeded his uncle Val- entine as justice of the peace of Tulpehocken township, the latter having served in that ca- pacity for a period of thirty years; John A., who isa liquor dealer and manufacturer of Canton, Ohio; and Albert, who died young. Frank Brobst received a common school training, and at the age of fourteen years be- gan the battle of life for himself, being pos- sessed of an unusual degree of energy and ambition. He learned the trade of a moulder at Mauch Chunk and followed that occupa- tion for one year, when at the age of sixteen years he enlisted in the Civil War in the 202d Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf, and served bravely throughout the remainder of the. war in the Army of the Potomac. Returning home from the service, he again engaged in the work of a moulder at Mauch Chunk for some time, and then moved to Reading, where he was employed in a like capacity in the shops of the P.& R. R. R. A few years later he went to Ft. Wayne, Ind., thence to Lafayette, Ind., and other western cities, combining business with pleasure and remain- ing in the West until 1876, when he returned to Reading, and during the Centennial year clerked in the Merchant’s Hotel in that city. He next entered the employ of Mr. Herb, a wholesale liquor dealer, and remained with him until 1878, when he went West, spending some months in Denver and Leadville, Colo. Upon returning home in 1879, he accepted a position with George W. MHughs, who was alsu a wholesale liquor dealer of Read- ing, and one year later, he, in partnership with Milton Rentschler, purchased the whole- sale business of Mr. Herb. After successful- ly conducting the business for a period of fif- teen years, the partnership was dissolved and our subject has since been employed as a traveling salesman in the same line of busi- ness. He is a man of sterling worth and strict integrity, a thorough business man, and enjoys the confidence and respect of all with whom he is acquainted. In the month of June, 1878, he was united in marriage with Alice B. Dengler, and two children have blessed their union, namely: Bessie D., the wife of Thomas B. Milligan of Reading; and Frances E., who was born in Reading May 28, 1886. Politically, Mr. Brobst has always been a firm Democrat, and has frequently served as delegate to county and state conventions. In 1898, he received the nomination of the party for sheriff of Berks County, an office for which he is eminently qualified. Socially, he is a member of Williamson Lodge, No. 307, F. & A. M.; Lodge, No. 194, I. O. O. F.; St. Law- rence Camp, No. 230, P. O. S.of A.; Harlem Castle, Knights of the Golden Eagle; Gen. William H. Keim Post, No. 76, G. A. R.; Royal Arcanum; and the Improved Order of Heptasophs. ———__+e+____ ENJAMIN M. YOST of Bover- town, a dealer in coal, iron, hard- ware, flour, feed, etc., is established on Philadelphia avenue, where he has one of the largest and best paying trades in his section of the county. He is a son of * Judge Isaac F. and Rosina (Miller) Yost, and was born in Pott’s Grove township, Mont- gomery County, March 24, 1842. Philip Yost, or Jost as it was then spelled, the great great-grandfather of our subject, was born in Nassau, West Germany, in 1718, and was twenty-two years of age when he came to America and located in Montgomery County. His companion along the pathways of life was Vervinca Dotterer, a native of Limerick township, Montgomery County, and they were the parents of three sons: John, Harmon, and Philip, the great-grand- father of our subject. Philip Yost, Jr., was born in Limerick township, Montgomery County, August 24, 1757, and in 1768 moved with his father to Pott’s Grove township, where they purchased a piece of property which has remained in the possession of the Yost family for over 100 years. His trade was that of a wheelwright, but he spent most of his life in agricultural pursuits. At the age of nineteen years, he joined the ranks of Gen. Washington's Army at Pottstown, and served through all the remain- ing years of the struggle for independence. He took part in the engagements at Bran- dywine, Germantown, Monmouth, and many others of less importance. At the close of the war he returned home, and, in 1783, mar- ried Rosina Benninger, by whom he had the following children: Mary Magdalene, who married Henry Shetffey; Tobial; Jacob; Benjamin; Salome, who married Frederick Linderman; Rosina, who married Jacob Schlicter; Herman; Jonas; Sarah, who be- came the wife of Samuel Gilham ; and Philip. Mr. Yost died August 28, 1832, at the age of seventy-five years. Benjamin Yost, the .grandfather of our subject, was born in Pott’s Grove township, Montgomery County, in 1787, and was reared on the farm. His entire life was devoted to tilling the soil, and he was one of the pros- perous farmers of the community in which he lived. Politically, he was a Democrat, and was a man of considerable influence in his party. Heserved in an official capacity as county commissioner, county treasurer, and register of wills. During the War of 1812 he was fife major at Markshook for a period of three months, returning home on Christ- mas Day in 1814. His long and useful life BERKS COUNTY 213 came to an end September 30, 1857. He formed a matrimonial alliance with Sarah Feather, a daughter of Isaac Feather, who conducted the Black Bear Hotel near Read- ing. This union was blessed with the birth of the following children: Isaac F., our sub- ject’s father ; Sarah, deceased, was twice mar- ried—first to John Swenk, and after his death to Levi Gilbert; Benjamin, deceased, was a hotel keeper, and erected the Colonade Hotel at Pottstown, Pa.; Herman, deceased; and Elizabeth, deceased, who was the wife of Frederick Knoll. Judge Isaac F. Yost was born in the town of Pott’s Grove, March 2, 1815, and was reared on the old homestead farm. After re- ceiving a good education in the schools of his childhood, he began teaching in the winter months and farming during the summer. He continued in this manner for some twelve years, when, in 1844, he purchased a farm in Pott's Grove township and tarmed there until 1868. He then bought the farm and hotel property at Swamp from his grandfather, Isaac Feather, and engaged in the hotel busi- ness for a few years. He then disposed of that property and purchased a farm near by, upon which he lived until 1886, when he moved to Boyertown, and lived in retirement up to the time of his death. Politically, he ~was always a stanch supporter of the princi- ples of the Democratic party, and was called upon to fill many offices of trust. He was school director in Pott’s Grove for twelve years; auditor of Montgomery County for one term; county committeeman in 1854; and was elected associate judge in 1871. He served in that capacity for five years, and was the last incumbent of that office in Mont- gomery County, under the law providing as- sociate judges. These otfices were all filled to the entire satisfaction of all concerned, and Judge Yost sustained his reputation as an honest and upright man. He was an ac- tive worker in the Reformed Church of Boy- ertown, and a regular attendant upon divine worship until within a very short time of his death, holding the office of elder during the last years of his life. Judge Yost passed away on September 15, 1898, aged eighty- three years, six months and thirteen days. He was joined in Hymen’s bonds Novem- ber 1, 1838, with Rosina Miller, a daughter 214 of the late Daniel Miller of Pott’s Grove, by whom he had fourteen children, ten of whom are now living. They are as follows: Daniel was colonel of the 165th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., during the Civil War, and is now a dry goods merchant of Norristown, Pa.; Louise died at the age of thirteen years; Benjamin M., in whom the interest of this sketch centers; Amelia, the widow of Tobias Shelley, is now a resident of Pott’s Grove, Pa.; Salome, who is the wife of William Bliem of Pottstown, Pa.; Isaac, an extensive miller and farmer of Hays City, Kan.; Mary, the wife of James B. Stauffer of Boyertown; Jonah, who died in intancy; Philip, a resident of Philadelphia; Emma is living at the Yost home in Boyertown; Re- becca, the wife of Frank Binder, who is em- ployed at the United States Mint in Philadel- phia; Hannah, who died in childhood: Eliz- abeth, who also died young; and John R., who is in the railroad business at Springfield, Mo. Benjamin M. Yost was reared on the farm and received his intellectual training in the common schools of his native town. He then turned his attention toward agricultural pursuits, which he followed in New Hanover township until 1888. In that year he moved to Boyertown and engaged in the hardware business, and handled also coal, iron, pumps, flour, feed, grain, etc., and has continued in that line of business since. He has invested $15,000 in building, stock, etc., and does a large and paying business, amounting to about $16,000 per annum. The farm in Montgom- ery County is still in his possession and is a valuable piece of property, consisting of 77 acres. During the excitement caused by the invasion of the Confederates into the state of Pennsylvania, our subject hastened to the aid of the Union, and enlisted September 12, 1862, as corporal under Captain Grist of Co. G., 11th Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf., for ninety days. He took part in the battle of Antietam and in many minor skirmishes, always displaying great bravery and being ever willing to dis- charge his full duty and more. He was mus- tered out the same month, and returned to his home. Mr. Yost was united in marriage October 17, 1871, with Katie Bliem, a daughter of Jacob Bliem, a late farmer of Pott’s Grove township, and they are the parents of four BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES children, namely: Mary, the wife of William Sloane, a resident of Philadelphia; Rosa; Isaac; and Katie. The latter three are now living at home with their parents. Mr. Yost is a member of Gen. Crook Post, No. 597, G. A. R. of Boyertown; and also of the Mystic Shrine. Religiously, he is an earnest member of the Reformed Church of Boyertown, of which he is an elder. In political belief he is a firmbeliever in the principles promul- gated by the Democratic party. He is a dutiful citizen, and is much respected for his sterling worth and integrity of character. ——__—___+<-—_____ AMUEL 5S. BAGENSTOSE, who resides in a comfortable home in the village of West Leesport, Bern township, owns and operates a large fruit farm of 127 acres one mile from the village. He is a son of William and Rebecca (Snyder) Bagenstose, and was born April 3, 1841, in Center township, Berks County. His paternal grandfather was John Bagen- stose, who was born in Center township, and resided near Garfield P. O. all of his life. He learned the trade of a blacksmith, which he followed in connection with farming. He owned two farms, one of 150 acres and the other of 160. His political affiliations were with the Democratic party. Religiously, he was an earnest member of the Lutheran Church. He was united in the holy bonds of wedlock with Elizabeth Himmelberger, and became the father of the following chil- dren: John; Jacob; Samuel; Jonah; Re- becca; Kate; John, the second member of the family by that name; Sallie; William, the father of our subject; and Benneville. William Bagenstose, the father of our sub- ject, is now in his eighty-fifth year, and is an extensive farmer and land owner of Center township. He isa man of sound judgment, excellent business principles and a successful manager, and during his life has managed to accumulate considerable wealth. He owns a farm of 155 acres in Center township, upon which he now resides; one in Bern township, one of 135 acres and another of 125 in Center township; and 16 acres of woodland BERKS COUNTY 215 in the Blue Mountains in Tilton township. Politically, he is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Democratic party. Relig- iously, he is a member of the Belleman’s Lutheran and Reformed Church, which or- ganization he generously supports. As a result of his union with Rebecca Snyder, ten children were born, namely: Sarah (Spade); Keziah; Samuel S., the subject of this per- sonal history; Catherine (Speicher) ; Isaac; Jacob; Ellen (Davis); Emma (Kauffman); Mary (Deitrich); and William. Mrs. Bagen- stose is also in her eighty-fifth year, and is remarkably well preserved for her years. Mr. Bagenstose also enjoys good health and physical condition, and can do a day’s work that would put to shame many a man years his junior. He astonished all recently by showing the manner in which an old man, bearing the weight of eighty-five years on his shoulders, could feed a threshing machine. Our subject received his education in the public schools of Center township, and added to his stock of knowledge by reading after he had left school. He was reared on the farm, and lived with his father and taught school until he was twenty-three years of age. He then moved to Bern township, where he has since been engaged in farming. He located upon the farm which he now owns and upon which he lived until 1896, when he took up his residence in Leesport and built the handsome residence in which he now resides. Besides the lot upon which his house is situated, he owns another very valuable lot. He still operates his farm of 127 acres, which is mainly a fruit farm. His orchards consist of 1,050 apple trees, 600 peach trees, 250 pear trees, 100 quince, 200 plum trees and 100 cherry trees. He has the agencies for different phosphate companies, chiefly for the Great Eastern Co. Business affairs have occupied the greater part of Mr. Bagenstose’s time, but he has given due at- tention to the culture of his finer nature and tastes. He is a fine singer, and when he was eighteen years of age gave singing lessons, and has been leader of the Mohrsville Church choir for many years. At present he is organist in the Lutheran Church of Mobhrsville, and also has been a member of that organization for forty-two years. Our subject is agent for the Excelsior and Shon- ‘buildings in the place. inger pianos and organs, and also for other good firms. Mr. Bagenstose was united in marriage to Diana Loose, a daughter of Joseph Loose, May 3, 1862, and they are the happy parents of ten children: Clara, the wife of Jacob Wagner, a tailor of West Leesport; Ida, who married James Bucks and resides at Mohrsville; Saloma, the wife of Harvey Royer, who resides at Leesport; Morris, a shoe cutter, who lives at Orwigsburg, Pa.; Samuel, who is attending college at Myers- town, Lebanon County; and five others, who died in infancy. In political belief, he is a stanch Prohibitionist and strongly advocates the cause of that party. He is a public spirited man, and has done much to elevate the social and moral tone of the community. —___+<+____ HARLES D. HERMAN, one of the leading merchant tailors of Berks County, who is located in the vil- lage of Kutztown, at 209 Main street, where he carries on hand the largest stock of suitings kept by any firm in Berks County, with the exception of several in the city of Reading, was born in Greenwich township, April 11, 1855, and is a son of James and Catherine (Herring) Herman, and grandson of Henry and Lydia (Henninger) Herman. Henry Herman was born in Lehigh County, Pa., and settled in Greenwich township, Berks County, where he engaged in weaving linen and woolen goods. He was also a skill- ful mechanic. He was united in marriage with Lydia Henninger, and they reared the following children: Catherine, Louisa, Joseph, and James. Mr. Herman died aged seventy- five years; his wife passed from this life aged sixty-eight years. James Herman was born in Maxatawny township, February 29, 1829, and at the age of eighteen years he learned the trade of a carpenter, which he followed as a journey- man all his life. In 1868 he took up his abode in Kutztown, and occupied himself in the erection of many of the most prominent In 1891 he built a fine residence at No. 54 White Oak street, and has since lived in retirement, enjoying a 216 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES well-earned competency. He was wedded to Catherine Herring, a daughter of Peter Her- ring, Jr., who was a son of Peter and Cather- ine Herring; the former a tarmer of Green- wich township all his life. Peter Herring, Sr., was the father of the following children: Peter, John, Elizabeth, Catherine, Molly, and Han- nah. Peter Herring, Jr., was born in Green- wich township, and was a blacksmith by trade, which he followed in connection with farming. He married Rebecca Stoyer, and eight children resulted from this union, name- ly: Rufena; Annie; Catherine, the mother of our subject; Peter; Polly; Amanda; Charles; and Elizabeth. Mr. Herring died at the advanced age of ninety-one years. Mrs. Herring entered the world of rest when aged eighty years. Mr. and Mrs. Herman are the parents of the following children: Henry Alfred, deceased; Emiline Louise, their only daughter, resides at home with her parents; Charles D., whose name heads the above lines; James Oliver, a tailor of Kutztown; Austin M., a merchant of Kutztown; Syl- vester Cyrus, a carpenter residing in Read- ing; Peter Allen, deceased; Walter Edwin, a tailor residing in Kutztown; and Eugene, deceased. The father of our subject was a strong Democrat, and served as school director and in the town council; in religious views he was a member of the Lutheran Church. In 1862 he enlisted in the Union Army, as a member of Co. I, 167th Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf., and for eleven months he rendered gallant service toward maintaining the integ- rity of the Union. He died December 16, 1897. Charles D. Herman attended the public schools of Kutztown until he was seventeen years of age, and then learned the trade of a tailor. He worked for Henry Williams of Kutztown, and later was employed by Philip B. Kline of the same place. In 1874 he opened up a tailor shop in Kutztown, and carried on that line of business for twelve years. His business grew so rapidly that in order to supply the demand of his patrons he opened a merchant tailoring establishment, purchasing for this purpose the J. L. Eck Block, at No. 209 Main street, where he car- ries a complete line of suitings. He employs some 20 skilled workmen, who are constantly kept busy in order to supply the large num- ber of orders, some of which come from out- side the state. He purchased the residence of J. R. Gouser, located at No. 340 Main street, which he has remodeled and rebuilt into a handsome residence. Our subject formed a matrimonial alliance with Clara M. Gross, a daughter of David Gross, a resident of Newtown, Lehigh County, Pa. Seven children were born to our sub- ject and wife, and were named as follows: Gertrude, deceased; Richard J. is a cutter and bookkeeper in his father’s store: Quin- ton D. is now attending the Keystone State Normal School; Louisa, deceased; Paul A. is also a student; Bessie A., deceased; and Margaret R. Our subject is an ardent Demo- crat, and has served as inspector of elections two terms; judge of elections; school direc- tor two terms; and has been president of the borough council for two terms. Socially, he is a member and past chief of the Knights of the Golden Eagle; and is a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Herman has led an active and energetic life, and his enterprising” spirit has been felt in all the movements to advance the business and social interests of the borough. He is one of the self-made men of Kutztown, and has succeeded in life by his own energy and perseverance. or _ RANK G. LEIDY, the proprietor of the leading livery and exchange stable of the village of Boyertown, Berks County, is a son of Daniel and Hannah (Gabel) Leidy, and was born in the above village, February 15, 1862. The Leidy family has lived in Berks Coun- ty for many years. Samuel Leidy, the grand- father of our subject, was a resident of Fred- ericksville, Berks County. where his entire life was devoted to agricultural pursuits. He was the progenitor ofthe following children: Henry is a native of Boyertown, where he still resides; Daniel, the father of our: sub- ject; Philip, deceased; Peter, deceased; Jesse, a marble cutter of Hatboro, Pa.; Mrs. Rush- ong of Schwenkville, Pa.; and Mrs. Harberger, deceased. Daniel Leidy was born in Fredericksville, this county, where he remained until he had reached maturity. He then moved to Cole- SS x HON. W. OSCAR MILLER. BERKS COUNTY 219 brookdale, where he was engaged in tilling the soil until 1864, and for the following ten years owned and operated the Leidy paper mills. His next business venture was in the village of Boyertown, where he embarked in the livery business. He was honest and straightforward in all of his dealings, and as he kept a good class of horses, he quickly acquired a large patronage, and had the larg- est business of any liveryman.in the vicinity. He followed that line of business until his death, which occurred March 4 1880, after reaching the ripe old age of seventy-two years. He was bound in the holy bonds of matrimony three times, his first wife being Miss Stetler, by whom he had three children, whose names are as follows: MHenry, a butcher, of Allentown, Pa.; Joseph, deceased; and Chester, who is engaged in clerking in the city of Philadelphia. His second union was with Rebecca Daub. He was again mar- ried, his third union being with Hannah Gabel, a daughter of David and Mary (Gabel) Gabel, and a sister of Daniel Gabel, whose personal history is recorded elsewhere in this Book of Biographies. As a result of this union four children were born, namely: Frank G., whose name heads this sketch; Annie, who resides at home with her mother; Emma, the wife of Lewis P. G. Fegley, whose sketch also appears in this book; and Han- nah, who married Harry E. Graffen of Boyer- town. Mrs. Leidy still survives her husband and is living in Boyertown, where she is spending her declining years in the midst of her children and friends. Frank G. Leidy, after completing the required course in the common schools, at- tended Mount Pleasant Seminary, an institu- tion which is now defunct. Upon attaining man’s estate, he engaged in the livery busi- ness with his father, and since the latter's death he has conducted the establishment alone. He is energetic and enterprising, and his stable is first-class in every respect. He inherited his father’s shrewd business ability, and every transaction is characterized by rare good judgment and honesty. That he is a good judge of horse flesh is shown by the stable he keeps. He has about twenty horses, all of which are excellent travelers. He also has vehicles of all descriptions, about twenty in all, and is prepared to send out an 11 experienced driver at any time. Our sub- ject is a courteous and agreeable companion, highly esteemed in business circles as a man of strict integrity, and fully deserves the suc- cess with which he is meeting. October 20, 1882, he was united in marriage with Kate Ellis, a daughter of James Ellis of Reading, and they are the parents of the fol- lowing children: Charles; Ralph; Bessie ; and Franklin. Politically, he 1s a stanch Republican. In social circles he is a member of Salah Castle, No. 46, A. O. K. of M.C.; and of Washington Camp, No. 104, P.O. S. of A. of Boyertown. YEON. W OSCAR MILLER, one of the most prominent citizens of Read- ing, whose portrait is shown on XN the opposite page, is a conspicu- ous figure in the Democratic party of this section, being well-known and having great influence throughout the county. He is a son of Joseph and Mary (Ziegler) Miller, and was born August 28, 1857, in Maxatawny township, Berks County. His paternal grandfather was John Miller, who was born near Fogelsville, Lehigh County, but came to Maxatawny township, Berks County, at an early day, where he fol- lowed agricultural pursuits the remainder of his life. Politically, he was a Democrat, whilst in religious views he affiliated with the Reformed Church. He passed to his re- ward in 1846, and was survived by five boys and one girl. Joseph Miller was born in Maxatawny township, January 21, 1819, and obtained his education in the common schools and the old subscription school, attending the latter for two winters. He was also engaged in tilling the soil his entire life, and was a prosperous farmer of his time. Politically, he was a firm supporter of the principles of the Demo- cratic party, and served as school director for several terms. It has been a character- istic of this family, that the male members have all attained an advanced age before sub- mitting to the inevitable. Mr. Miller was well advanced in years when he sustained internal injuries by a fall from an apple tree, which resulted in his death. As a result of 220 his union with Mary Ziegler the following children were born: W. Oscar, our subject; Mary, the wife of A. S. Heffner, a large coal and lumber merchant of Topton, this county ; Sally I., whose husband is L. A. Stein; Alvin J.; Fianna, wife of Rev. James O. Liebens- perger; and George F. W. Oscar Miller, after completing the required course in the common schools, took a course in the Keystone State Nor- mal School of Kutztown, graduating in 1875. He then entered Lafayette College, and later took a course in the Law Depart- ment of the University of Michigan, from which he graduated in 1879, and was admit- ted to the bar in 1880. He thereupon took up a practice in Reading, and, being a man of unusual energy, he soon established a large acquaintanceship. He became active in poli- tics as soon as he had attained his majority, and in 1887 was elected a delegate to the Democratic State Convention. It was but a short time until he was one of the leaders of the party in Reading, and his advice and sup- port was always sought by candidates for nomination. In 1889 he was elected district attorney, and served in that capacity with general satisfaction. In November, 1896, his popularity with his fellow-citizens was shown by their electing him to the State Senate by the handsome plurality of 2,400 votes against a field of six other candidates, and in that capacity he served his constitu- ents faithfully and well. In 1892 and 1894 he was chairman of the Democratic County Committee, and in 1896 was sent as a dele- gate to the National Convention at Chicago, when William Jennings Bryan received the nomination for President of the United States. Mr. Miller also edits the Reading Democrat, the leading organ of the Demo- cratic party in the city. He formed a matri- monial alliance with Emma L. Reider, and their union has been blessed by the birth of one daughter, Frances E. ++ HARLES REINOEHL HAMAN, M. D., is a son of Christian Samuel and Catherine (Reinoehl) Haman, and was born March 15, 1868, at 517 Chestnut street, Reading, Pa. While still a BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES young man of little more than thirty years, he has built up a practice more extended than that of many an old practitioner, and the out- look for a brilliant future is very flattering. His great-grandfather was a native of Den- mark, and spelled his name Hahman. He was a Moravian in religious belief, and was sent as a Moravian Missionary to the Bar- badoes, a group of islands in the West Indies. While there two children were born to him, two sons, one being the grandfather of our subject. Both of these sons were sent to the Moravian Seminary at Nazareth, Northamp- ton County, Pa. The brother moved to Ohio; and the grandfather of our subject settled near Nazareth, where he became en- gaged in the hotel business and also dealt extensively in cattle. Among the children born to him was the father of our subject, Christian Samuel. Christian Samuel Haman was born March 14, 1832, at Nazareth, in one of his father’s hotels, and there grew to manhood. He was educated at that place in the Moravian faith, and remained in that church for a number of years, but finally became identified with the Evangelical Association, and was a minister in that denomination until 1891. At that time a disagreement arose, which caused the formation of two factions, one of which with- drew from the Association. In 1893 the seceding faction held their first General Con- ference at Naperville, and our subject's father was one of three bishops elected in the United Evangelical Church, the other two being Bishop Rudolph Dubbs of Chicago, and Bishop Stanford of Harrisburg, Pa. Bishop Haman held this office for four years. The East Pennsylvania Conference then elected him Presiding Elder and assigned him to the Reading district—the position he now holds. He has ever been a most ener- getic worker in all matters which pertained to his church, and was the leader of the movement which resulted in the founding of the United Evangelical Church. To show that the dissension was justifiable, it is only necessary to mention that the new church had about an equal membership with the old one. He was kindly by nature, treasured few resentments, and was ever ready to lend a helping hand or do a favor, and he now lives surrounded by life-long friends, who hold him in high esteem. He was united in marriage with Catherine Reinoehl and raised a family of five children, one daughter and four sons, viz: John and Irwin both died young; William A., born October 31, 1861, 1S a prominent physician of the Homeo- pathic school; Charles R.; and Ella Cecelia, born November 13, 1872, living at home. Dr. Charles Reinoehl Haman obtained his primary education in the public schools of Reading, and entered Schuylkill Seminary at the age of thirteen. This seminary was then situated at Reading, but was later removed to Fredericksburg, Lebanon County, and still later moved to Myerstown, Lebanon County, and is now known as Albright College. He graduated from this school in 1885 when but seventeen years of age, and from Brun- ner’s Business College the year following. The following two years he employed in work, first with the Philadelphia & Reading R. R.as clerk, with headquarters at Read- ing. He remained with this company and then accepted a position with the Reading Iron Co. as time-keeper in their tube works department. He was with this company for one year, when he took up the study of medi- cine under his brother, William A. Haman. After a year devoted to hard study he entered the Hahnemann Homeopathic Medical Col- lege in 1888,and graduated April 7, 1891. He at once located at 430 North Ninth street, Reading, which for five years was his office, but in April, 1896, he moved to 213 North Ninth street, where he may now be found. By close application and attention to detail, and the careful consideration given to each case entrusted to his care, and more by the success attending his efforts, he has built up a large and desirable class of patrons. He is making a specialty of surgery, and, young as he is, has gained the reputation of being among the most skillful in the city, while his services are in frequent demand. He is a member of the Practitioners’ Associ- ation of Reading, and the Hahnemann Alumni Association, and is on the Homeo- pathic Hospital and Dispensary staff. Dr. Haman led to the altar Susan C. Baker on April 28, 1891. Two children were the fruits of this union, both dying in infancy. He served as school director during the un- expired term of Thomas Harper of the BERKS COUNTY 221 Eleventh Ward. He is a strong Republican, and has often been importuned by his party to allow his name to be used for office, but has declined, feeling that the position of petty office holder holds but small induce- ments to a man who wishes to achieve dis- tinction or become. of real value in the world. Heisa member of Reading Castle, Knights of the Golden Eagle, No. 49, and Royal Arcanum, Wyomissing Council, No. 1584. Heis also a member of Grace United Evangelical Church, located at Sixth and Elm streets, and is a liberal supporter to the cause. SSS eo AHBERY K. SPATZ, the propri- etor of a popular hostelry, situ- ated on the corner of Ninth and Robeson streets in Reading, is one of the progressive and enterprising citi- zens of the city. He is a son ot Jonathan and Rebecca (Clay) Spatz, and was born in Center township, December 13, 1861. Jonathan Spatz, the father of our subject, was born in Center township, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits and lived all of his life. Mahbery K. Spatz was intellectually pre- pared for life’s battles in the common schools and in the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown, where he took a one year’s course. He then learned the trade of a moulder in the shops of the Reading Hardware Co., where he worked for over fifteen years. At the end of that period, or in the month of April, 1895, he purchased the hotel stand, where he is now engaged in business, and has since conducted a first-class hotel. He has made some important improvements, keeps the rooms neat and orderly, and does every- thing possible to make it a comfortable home for the traveling public. Our subject was united in the bonds of matrimony with Elizabeth Bibbus, August 29, 1885, and their union was blessed by the birth of one son, Walter, who was born February 27, 1892, and died June 28, 1894. Mr. Spatz’s political affiliations are cast with the Republican party, whose principles he strongly advocates. He has often been chosen to represent the party at county con- 222 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES ventions, and for two years he served as chairman of the Thirteenth Ward. He was also elected as councilman for two terms. He is a prominent member of a number of secret societies, all of which he has repre- sented at state conventions. He is a mem- ber of-and has been master of the following orders: Camp No. 61, P.O. S. of A.; Marion Castle, No. 183, Knights of the Mystic Chain; Wyonett Tribe, No. 301, I. O. R. M.; and Fidelia Chamber, No. 5, Knights of Friend- ship. He became a member of the Marion Hose Company shortly after its organization, to which he still belongs. He has repre- sented that company in the Firemen’s Union and the Firemen’s Relief for the past ten years, and is one of the active workers. He is also a prominent member of the Wood- vale Athletic Association. Mr. Spatz is a public-spirited man, and his influence is felt in all enterprises which have for their end the advancement of the interests of the city of Reading. ++ ILLIAM K. GRIM, Boyertown’s leading business man, is a son of Gideon and Esther (Knouse) Grim, and was born in Exeter township, this county, May 28, 1825. He is one of the substantial and representative men of the county, and is quick to identify himself with any interest that promises well from a business standpoint either to himself or the community. His judgment is discriminating and sound, and his advice is much sought after. His accom- plishments took the direction of efficient executive ability, not so much in adroit management of party, as the more solid and enduring operations which cause the phys- ical development and advancement of com- merce and business enterprise. Johan Egidius Grim, the great-great- grandfather, came trom Germany to this country about 1728, settling in Maxatawny township, Berks County. Hesecured a large tract of land, on which he erected a substan- tial house, to which his neighbors were in the habit of congregating when fearing an Indian outbreak. He was a member of the Luth- eran Church, to which nearly all his descend- ants belonged. He reared a large family, and two of his sons were soldiers of the Revo- lution. Henry Grim, the great-grandfather, was born in Maxatawny township, in 1733, and died in 1804. Gideon Grim, the grandfather, was a na- tive of Maxatawny township, where he became an extensive and prosperous farmer. He died in 1823, aged sixty-three years. He married Elizabeth Kirby, who was of English origin, and reared a family of five sons and two daughters, namely: David, unmarried; Na- than, a farmer of Columbia County, this state; Gideon, the father of our subject; Benjamin, a miller of Weisenburg, Lehigh County; Joshua, a farmer on the homestead; Mrs. Hannah Seigfried; and Mrs. Dinah Dresher. Gideon Grim, the father, was born on the old homestead in Maxatawny township, August 31, 1792, and died in Colebrookdale township, April 27, 1848, and is buried in the Boyertown Cemetery. He was a miller by trade, and conducted the business of milling with that of farming for many years on the homestead of his wife’s father, Henry Knouse, in Exeter township. In 1830 he purchased the property in Colebrookdale township, now owned by the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. This property consisted of two farms of about go acres each, and a tanyard, which he was successtully operating at the time of his death. He was accidentally killed, while repairing his tannery, by a piece of lumber falling on him. He was ‘an ener- getic and successful business man, and found sale for the products of his farm and tanyard in the city of Philadelphia, drawing his goods to market with a team of horses. He was an active member, and for many years an official of the Lutheran Church. He was well and favorably known throughout this section, and established a good reputation for his fair and upright dealing in all business affairs. He was married to Esther Knouse, by whom he had two children, William K. our subject, and Levi, who died at the age of eighteen years. William K. Grim learned the trade of a tanner in his father’s yard, and at an early age began to accompany his father when he went to Philadelphia to dispose of his produce. At the age of sixteen he was placed in charge of the team and made the regular trips to the city unaccompanied. After the death of the BERKS COUNTY father, our subject continued to conduct the business to which he succeeded. The tan- yard he operated until 1874, when he had to abandon it on account of the scarcity of tan- bark. He then built a grist mill on the property, which is stillin operation. In 1872, he moved into the town of Boyertown, where he still resides. His enterprise next took shape in organizing the National Bank of Boyertown, of which he was director for some years, and he also was one of the or- ganizers of the Farmers’ National Bank, of which he is still vice-president. Probably the most important enterprise with which he is connected is the Colebrookdale Iron Co., established in 1835, and incorporated in 1886, located at Pottstown. For many years he has been a heavy stockholder in this organ- ization, and has proved a power for good to the company since pening. the office of president. They have an office at No. go Chambers street, New York, and ship goods to all parts of the country. They handle an immense line of standard goods, and their catalogue, which they issue annually, is a credit to their business foresight, being tull, concise and neat. , Mr. Grim was married January 11, 1853, to Loretta B. Rhoads, a daughter of John and Catherine (Boyer) Rhoads, and to them were born four children, viz: Mahala, at home; Sallie, wife of Frank Sabold, manager of the N. Y. Telephone Co. at Yonkers, N. Y.; William R., cashier of the Texarkana Na- tional Bank at Texarkana, Texas: and Kate, who lives at home. Our subjectisa stalwart Democrat, and was elected by his party as burgess of Boyertown for thirteen years; he was also postmaster of the village, serving under the administration of President Cleve- land. He is a prominent member of the Lutheran Church, and aims to be just and liberal in all his views; both in public and private life he stands untainted and free from blemish. ——— + e- ORRIS M. MATHIAS, a prosper- ous farmer of Earl township, Berks County, is successfully engaged in the cultivation of seventy acres of land, and is also justice of the peace of the 11* 223 township, having been elected to that office four diflerent times,—in 1882, 1887, 1892 and 1897. He was born in Amity township, Berks County, September 15, 1853, and is a son of Philip and Mary (Mathias) Mathias. Philip Mathias, the great-grandfather of our subject,a Welshman by birth, was one of the representative farmers of Amity town- ship. He married Miss Swavely, by whom he reared three children: Daniel, the grand- father of our subject; Abraham, late a farmer of Colebrookdale township; and Jacob, who was an invalid all his life. Daniel Mathias was born in Amity township, and when he grew to manhood moved to Earl township. He was one of that class of men who make life a success, and at the time of his death he left a large estate to be divided among his children. He not only carried on farming, but was engaged in buying large tracts of timber land, which he cleared, and sold the wood to the different forges located in Earl township. He was a member and an official of the Reformed Church. He married Eliz- abeth Spohn, daughter of Casper Spohn, and they reared the following children: Anna, deceased, was the wife of George Drumhel- ler; Philip, the father of our subject ; Enoch, deceased, formerly a farmer and later a mer- chant of Gilbertsville; Mary, widow of the late Elam Guldin, a veteran of the Civil War; Jacob, a clerk residing in Conshohocken, Montgomery. County, Pa.; Hiram deceased, was a merchant of Earlville, Amity township ; and Mahlon, who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Mathias both died aged eighty-two years. Philip Mathias, the father of our subject, was born in Earl township, and was a teacher and justice of the peace of that township for many years. In political views he was a strong advocate of the Democratic party. He was a member of the I.O.O0.F. In re. ligious views he was a deacon and elder of the Reformed Church. He passed from this earth in Earl township February 26, 1869, aged forty-four years. He was joined in wedlock with Mary Mathias, daughter of Jacob Mathias, who was a carpenter and un- dertaker of Earl township. This union was fruitful of one son and three daughters, namely: Sarah Elizabeth, who resides in Shanesville, this county; Ada, the wife of 224 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES Edward H. Weller, a farmer and auditor of Earl township; Hannah, wife of Edward Clemens of Fort Washington, Montgomery County ; and our subject. Morris M. Mathias was educated in the common schools and at Boyertown Academy, and at the age of nineteen years he engaged as a teacher and taught nine terms in Berks County. He then gave up teaching and pur- chased seventy acres of farming land, which he has since improved and otherwise put in a fine state of cultivation. He is also agent for the Boyertown Fire Insurance Co., and does considerable business in the way of set- tling estates. Our subject is an avowed Democrat, and has served in the capacity of justice of the peace since 1882, and has been secretary of the cemetery board for twelve years. On September 25, 1875, he was wed- ded to Mary Ann D. Weller, daughter of Aaron Weller, a farmer of Earl township. To Mr. and Mrs. Mathias have been born six children, namely: Sarah, who died in infan- cy; Olivia; Warren W.; Morris: J. Monroe; and Lawrence. Mr. Mathias and family are attached to the Reformed Church, and our subject has been deacon four years and elder three years of the local church of that de- nomination. BRAHAM S. RAUDENBUSH, M. D., is one of the most familiar figures on the streets of Reading, and represents a class of its most substantial and influential citizens. He was born at Salfordville, Montgomery County, July 24, 1841. and came to Reading while yet a young man, becoming closely identified with the best interests of the place, and a credit to the profession and the entire county. His immediate ancestors are Abraham and Mary (Scholl) Raudenbush. George Raudenbush, the grandfather, was of German descent, and carried on farming near Sellersville, Bucks County, at which place he died. He married a lady whose maiden name was Gearhard, and raised a family of ten children, as follows: Jacob; George; Jesse; Enos; Samuel; Abraham: Matilda (Mrs. John Clymer); Sally (Mrs. Cressman):; Harriet (Mrs. Thomas Althause); and (Mrs. Leidy). Abraham Raudenbush was introduced to the world July 22, 1801, near Sellersville, and was educated and grew to manhood in Bucks County. His educational training was ob- tained in the public schools; after leaving school he took up the work of farming, for which he was fitted by previous training. About 1828, he removed his farming opera- tions to the adjoining county of Montgomery, locating first at Tyler’s Port, and later at Salfordville. There he engaged in farming, and, in connection, dealt considerably in cat- tle. He was a Democrat, and felt interested in the success of his party. He was a man ot religious convictions, and early united with the Reformed Church, of which he be- came, in course of time, deacon and elder. He was united in marriage with Mary Scholl, and raised the following family: James, deceased, who served through the Civil War in the sth Reg. Pa. Vol. Cav., and was a farmer of Montgomery County; Charles, at one time a hotel man of Salfordville, later a retired farmer at Harleysville; Elizabeth (Mrs. Enos H. Rosenberger); Mary, the wife of Jacob Trucksess, a shoemaker and mer- chant of Evansburg ; Louisa died in infancy; and Abraham S., the subject of this biog- raphy. Dr. Raudenbush was educated in the pub- lic schools of Salfordville, and later attended Freeland Seminary of Collegeville, Pa. Af- ter this he studied medicine under Drs. Kee- lor and Groff of Harleysville, and entered Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia in 1861, graduating two years later. His first field of practice was Adamstown, Lancaster County, where he remained for eighteen years, building up a large practice and mak- ing many friends by his careful and painstak- ing attention to the duty in hand, as well as by his genial, hearty manner. It was with sincere regret that they heard of his contem- plated move to Reading, and they tried to induce him to remain where he was so well and favorably known, though wishing him well if he had to leave them. However, his decision had been made after mature deliber- ation, and it was deemed advisable to adhere to the resolution. The year 1882 found him settled in Reading, where he has since been SAMUEL S. HOFF. BERKS COUNTY 227 engaged in the practice of his profession, and meeting with a reception that would be a credit to any physician. He keeps well in- formed on all the newest discoveries in the world of medicine, and is a member of all the important medical societies, belonging to the Reading Medical Association ; the Berks County Medical Society; and the Pennsyl- vania State Medical Society. He was presi- dent of the county association in 1875, and has filled the office of treasurer for the past ten years. He is also a member of the American Medical Association, and has been on the staff of the Reading Hospital ever since its organization. He was elected to represent the Reading Medical Association on its board of managers at the last election in 1897, and he represented the county organ- ization at the meeting of the State Medical Society. He stands high in medical circles, and is popular with everybody. Dr. Raudenbush was united in matrimony October 31, 1865, with Sarah Ann Stauffer. Their family consists of one son, Charles H., born October 7, 1866, a bright, energetic young man who has already secured a good start In life. He is a graduate of the Col- lege of Pharmacy of Philadelphia, of the class of 1891, and for a time was employed with Dr. J. H. Stein. In 1895 he severed his connection with the Doctor and openeda drug store of his own, which he is still run- ning. Dr. Raudenbush is an earnest Chris- tian and a member of the Second Reformed Church of Reading,in which he has been an elder, as was his father. SO AMUEL S. HOFF. One of the most important offices in a city is that of its civil engineer, when that office is discharged faithfully and conscientiously. On the proper discharge of these duties the health of the entire city in a great measure depends. Mr. Hoff, the city engineer of Reading, whose portrait the publishers present on the opposite page, .is not only a conscientious servant of the pub- lic, but a skillful and efficient one as well, being a graduate from the best schools of engineering, and supplementing theoretical knowledge with several years’ active prac- tice. He was born in Philadelphia March 1, 1851, his parents being Henry L. and Eliza- beth (Siple) Hoff. About 1680 the ancestors of the Hoff fam- ily came from Germany to Philadelphia, where they settled, and where descendants of the family are still living. The grand- father, George Hoff, was born and reared in that city. He was one of the finest stone masons of his day, and many of the public buildings of the city bear witness to his su- perior workmanship. The Eastern Peniten- tiary and a number of other buildings of public character were erected under his su- pervision. Henry L. Hoff was also born in Philadel- phia June 20, 1821, and learned the trade of a_ machinist with I. P. Morris of that city. He was at the head of the firm of Hoff, Fon- taine & Abbott, general machinists and build- ers of engines, boilers, etc. He remained at the head of that establishment until 1895, when he engaged in a general commission business. He was a Democrat, and for a number of years held the office of controller of schools from the Fifth Ward in Phila- delphia. He was a strong and cons'stent member of the Episcopal Church, serving as vestryman for a number of years. He was united in marriage with Elizabeth Siple, who was born September 21, 1827. in Lancaster County, this state, but the greater part of whose life has been spent in Philadelphia. Three of the children born to them are still living, four sons and three daughters having died in childhood. Of those living, Samuel S. is the subject of this sketch; Elizabeth is the wife of Charles E. Small of Philadelphia ; and Mary, who is also a resident of that city. Samuel S. Hoff was educated in the public schools of Philadelphia, and left the high school to attend the Polytechnic College, from which he was graduated in June, 1869, as civil engineer, and took the master’s de- gree in June, 1872. In April, 1870, he ac- cepted a position as civil engineer with the Pennsylvania R. R., with headquarters at Hollidaysburg, where he was engaged upon construction. He was employed by this company on construction work in different localities for about seven years, when he went to South America with the ‘Collins Expedition.” The object of this expedition 228 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES was to construct a railway that would con- nect the head waters of the Madeira River in Brazil with the Mamore River in Bolivia. This road was called the Madeira and Ma- mosa R. R., and a year was spent in its con- struction. In 1878 he returned to the United States and again entered the employ of the Pennsylvania R. R. to attend to its construc- tion. His headquarters this time were at Connellsville and Altoona. He remained with the company until 1880, when he went to Manzanillo, Mexico, the western terminus of the Mexican National Railway Co., by whom he was employed. He remained one year, when he returned and once more en- tered the employ of the Pennsylvania R. R., doing construction work at Nanticoke, Pa. In January, 1883, he removed to Reading and accepted a position with the Reading Iron Co., having charge of the manufactur- ing department of the wrought lopweld pipe, continuing in that capacity until March, 1889. The following month he was elected to the office of city engineer of Reading, and held the position until 1894. At the expiration of his term of office he worked at his profession in a private capacity until 1897, when he was re-elected to the position of city engineer, which he still holds. All the modern public improvements made in that line in the city, with two minor exceptions, were constructed under his supervision. This work includes the installment of house sewers, sewage puri- fication and disposal, modern street paving, construction of garbage plant, and other im provements. He is also connected with the board of public works, and is chief commis- sioner of highways and sewers. The work done by him on the railroads, as well as in the city, has been most important and partic- ular work, intricate and difficult. He is a man who thoroughly understands his busi- ness, and, from his masterly way of accom- plishing his work, leaves no doubt in the minds of those educated to engineering pur- suits that “he is the right man in the right place.” Samuel S. Hoff was united in marriage with Florence A. Gruver, daughter of John «A. Gruver, deceased, of Luzerne County.. Their marriage was solemnized October 19, 1882, and has resulted in the birth of four sons,—John H., born February 7, 1885; Rob- ert G., born December 19, 1886, and died the following April; Ralph F., born October 7, 1888; and Samuel G., born November 9, 1890. Mr. Hoff has always been identified with the interests of the Democratic party, and has worked in a quiet way for its success. He is industrious and energetic, and deserves the confidence and esteem reposed in him. Mr. and Mrs. Hoff are members otf St. Bar- nabas Episcopal Church of Reading, Pa. a ESSE MATZ, a retired farmer of Cumru township, now a resident of Shillington, this county, who was em- inently successful in the prosecution of his vocation, was born in Cumru township, December 14, 1819, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Schoup) Matz. Lawrence Matz, the grandfather of our subject, the founder of the Matz family in this county, was one of the early pioneer settlers of Cumru township. He owned a large tract of land, and was engaged in farm- ing throughout his entire life. John Matz, the father of our subject, was born on the old Matz homestead, and resided there all his life, pursuing the calling of a farmer. He was married to Elizabeth Schoup, also a native of Cumru township, and to this union seven children were born, namely: Daniel, deceased; Hannah, the wife of Joseph Grill ; Elizabeth, deceased, was the wife of Henry Rollman, who is also deceased: Catherine, who passed from this life December 14, 1897, was married to John Kurtz; Jesse, our sub- ject; Sarah was united in wedlock to Adam Gaul, both of whom are now deceased; and Abram, deceased. Mr. Matz died in April, 1870, and his wife passed away in May, 1849. Jesse Matz received his elementary train- ing in the common schools of Cumru town- ship, and after his marriage, which occurred in 1852, he took charge of the old homestead, which he farmed some eighteen years, when he purchased another farm in Cumru township, which he operated for quite a while. In 1883 our subject moved to Shillington, where he purchased a handsome dwelling on Lancaster avenue, and has lived in retirement ever since. He now owns three farms in the town- ship, comprising 200 acres in all. Mr. Matz is one of the oldest and most highly respected citizens in Cumru township, and is well-known and honored throughout Berks County. Mr. Matz, on January 25, 1852, was wedded to Susanna Yost, a daughter of Nicholas and Susanna (Seidel) Yost, both of whom are now deceased. After nearly forty-three years of happy married life, our subject mourned the loss of his beloved companion, who passed from earth November 7, 1894, leaving two children, Franklin P. and John Y. Franklin P. Matz was born October 21, 1856, and is now a professor in Irving College, Mechan- icsburg, Pa.; March 29, 1884, he married Ellen Helman of Allentown, Pa., and two children have been reared by them, namely: Urania, born April 29, 1885, is a student in music; and Grace, born March 29, 1891, who attends school. John Y. Matz was born July 22, 1866, and now resides at home. He isa traveling salesman for Reed & Co. of Phila- delphia. Our subject has always voted the Democratic ticket, has served three years on the school board, and has held other minor township offices. He is a member and elder of the Reformed Church, and his son, John Y. Matz, is a member and deacon of the same church. RANKLIN R. WARNER, the pro- prietor of a large planing mill, anda valued citizen of the village of Mohns- ville, Berks County, Pa., was born in Cumru township, this county, July 15, 1852, and isa son of Levi and Mary (Reicht) Warner. Joseph Warner, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born in England November 29, 1745, and wasa resident of Gloucester- shire, where he owned a large estate. He came to’ America in 1768, and on March 1, 1774, he was united in marriage with Barbara Grove, the Rev. David Fober officiating. She was born in Montgomery County, Pa., November 1, 1743. Five children resulted from this union, namely: Mary; John; Elizabeth; Joseph; ne Jacob. Joseph Warner, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Cumru township, this county, Janu- ary 27, 1784, and remained there all his life, engaged in weaving cloth and farming. He BERKS COUNTY 229 was wedded to Susan Wilt, and they reared a family of children, one of whom was Levi, the father of our subject, who was born December 24, 1818. He was a gunsmith during the early part of his life, but followed farming in Cumru and in Birdsboro, and later in Bern township, this county; he then returned to Cumru township, where he ac- cepted the office of supervisor, He was married to Mary Reicht, who was born in Cumru township, this county, in September, 1818, and they were the parents of six chil- dren, namely: Sarah, born September 1o, 1844, is the wife of Henry Myers of Birds- boro, Pa.; Catherine, born September 2, 1845, was married to David Schlichter; Mary, born in 1848, died aged twenty-seven years,— she was wedded to Samuel Fiterling ; Aaron, born in October, 1854, is a hat manufacturer, and was married to Annie Spatz; Rebecca, born in 1859, is the wife of John Marks; and Franklin R., the subject of this sketch. Mr. Warner died January 22, 1891; our subject’s mother passed from this life in February, 1878. Franklin R. Warner is mainly self-edu- cated, having attended the common schools but a short time; his early days were spent working on his father’s farm, and at the age of twenty-five years he began learning the hat making trade, which he continued a short time, when he ran the engine at the J. K. Ruth Hat Co. plant at Mohnsville. One year later he went to Reading, where he re- mained but four months, when he returned to his former position as engineer of the hat works at Mohnsville. After our subject’s marriage he became a resident of Reading, where he followed carpentering and building one year; returning to Mohnsville, he erect ed his present planing mill, and started the manufacture of hats and tobacco boxes, con- tinuing that business seven years, when he sold his box machines to E.G. Werner. Our subject again started a planing mill and the manufacture of boxes; he also makes build- ing material, and has furnished most of the material for all the houses erected in Mohns- ville and for the Evangelical Church. He employs a force of five hands. He also owns a large and well improved farm. Mr. Warner is a strong Democrat. Relig- iously, he is a member, trustee and steward of the Evangelical Church. November 9, 230 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES 1878, our subject was married to Agnes H. Marks, a daughter of Richard and Catherine Marks, and three children blessed their home: Mary died, aged eight months; Tyson; and Milton. Or LRICH J. MILLER, a prominent boot, shoe, hat and cap merchant of Kutztown, and a large land owner, was born December 16, 1862, in the village of his present residence. Heisa son of Ulrich and Cresance (Stempfle) Miller, and grandson of John Miller. John Miller, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Krumbach, Kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, where he worked as a seamster ; he also engaged in farming to some extent. Among his children was Ulrich, the father of our subject, who was born in Krumbach, Kingdom of Bavaria, Germany. He was engaged in mercantile business until 1854, when he emigrated to America and settled in Philadelphia. After working in that city for about one year, he came to Berks County and located in Kutztown, where he spent the rest of his active days. He first engaged as a hostler, and a few years later he purchased a hotel, known as the Washington Hotel, and carried on that business the remainder of his life. Upon taking possession of the property he enlarged and remodeled the building, and made of it a first class hotel; he was very successful and gained the reputation of being one of the most hospitable landlords in his section of the county. He passed from this life at the age of sixty-five years. He was a stanch Democrat, and served as judge of elections, and in the town council. He chose for his life companion Cresance Stempfle. She was born in Ichenhausen, Kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, August 30, 1830, and isa daughter of Joseph and Victoria (Walter) Stempfle, and granddaughter of Joseph Stempfle, Sr., who was married three times, and was the progenitor of forty-two children, the most of whom grewto maturity. Joseph Stempfle, Jr.. was a dyer by trade and spent his entire life in Ichenhausen, Germany. He was the father of the following children: Anna, Victoria, Josephine, Hannah, Rosa, Catherine, and Joseph. The mother of our subject came to this country in 1856, and was soon afterwards married to Mr. Miller, and they reared a family of five children, namely : Mary; Pauline; Ulrich J., the subject of this sketch; Idna is the wife of Joseph Ruf of Philadelphia, and the mother of four chil- dren,—Edna, Joseph, John, and Leonard; and Josephine, who died aged two years. The mother of our subject has bought the old Franklin Academy on Walnut Street, and has remodeled the same into a handsome resi- dence. Ulrich J. Miller first attended the primary schools of Kutztown, and later attended the Keystone State Normal school of Kutztown. He then assisted his father until the latter’s death, and then took possession of the Wash- ington Hotel, which he conducted from 1884 until 1893. He then leased the property, and, purchasing the entire stock of George Heffner, dealer in merchandise, he engaged in business, continuing to the present date, and has one of the most flourishing patron- ages in the village of Kutztown. Our sub- ject also owns a large tenement house and two lots on White Oak street. Mr. Miller has served thirteen years as a trustee of the Keystone State Normal School, and has been a member of the borough council. He is a member and past master of the F. & A. M. Lodge No. 377; and the Knights of the Golden Eagle. He formed a matrimonial alliance with Lizzie Humbert, a daughter of John Humbert, and a family of two children has blessed their home as fol- lows: Carl H., born October 5, 1892, and John U., born November 15, 1894. Mr. Mil- ler is one of the hustling business men of Kutztown, and is held in high esteem by his fellow-citizens, who know him to be honest and straightforward in all his business trans- actions. In religious belief he and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church. ioe ———__ DWARD C. KIRSCHMAN, the genial alderman of the Ninth Ward of Reading, is a son of Henry F. and Freder- icka Mary (Ream) Kirschman. He made his first appearance on this mundane sphere, March 4, 1861, in the Ninth Ward of the city Yy yyy Uf MMU We PROF. EDWARD A. BERG. BERKS COUNTY 233 of Reading, where he continues to live. His grandfather Kirschman was a native of Wur- temberg, Germany, where he died at the age of eighty-four years, a remarkably well- preserved old gentleman. He had a family of ten children, seven of them boys, as fol- lows: Andrew, George, Christian, Michael, Paul, John, and Henry F. Four of these sons, Christian, Paul, John, and Henry F., came to America, and have since died. Henry F. Kirschman was born in 1832, and came to this country about 1850. He at once located in Reading, where he found employ- ment on the Philadelphia & Reading R. R., and was a foreman for that company for thirty years. He was a Democrat in his political affiliations, but was never an aspirant for office. He was united in marriage with Fredericka Mary Ream, and nine children were born to them, eight sons and one daughter. Three of these children died young; of the remaining six, William is in Texas; Edward C. is our subject; Henry C. of Reading; Charles, deceased; George of Reading ; and Samuel, a machinist. Edward C. Kirschman attended the public schools of Reading, and then entered St. John’s Parochial School, where he received his instruction in German, learning to read and write that language. His parents were worthy but poor people, and it was left solely with him whether he would succeed or not. At the age of thirteen, when most boys are thinking of marbles and ball, our subject quit school and began work in a brickyard in the city. There he worked two seasons, and then entered the Philadelphia & Reading R. R. car shops, with the view of learning the trade of an upholsterer. As the place did not prove to be what he anticipated, he left and went to work for the Mellert Foundry Co., intending to learn the foundry business, but he found nothing congenial in this occupation, and soon turned his attention to the mercantile business, traveling over several adjoining counties. At the age of sixteen he learned to manufacture brooms, and engaged in this work for twenty years, until the last week of December, 1896. Dur- ing this time he had built up the largest trade in that article in the city, and was the leading manufacturer. Mr. Kirschman was married May 5, 1890, to Lizzie Nitchman, and has one child, Harry, born March 17, 1891. He has always been a Democrat, and an active worker in the party. In 1890 he was elected to the office of alder- man from the Ninth Ward, and at the expira- tion of his term was re-elected, receiving at both elections a handsome majority. He isa capable official, and has served the city faith- fully and well. He had a hard struggle with poverty in his boyhood, and his sympathies are always with those who have to struggle with their hands rather than their brains. He is a well-known person in the city, and everybody is his friend. ++ ROF. EDWARD A, BERG, whose portrait is shown on the opposite page, is one of the most prominent musical instructorsin Berks County, and one of the leading citizens of the city of Reading; he is a son of Daniel and Anna Marie (Rodemich) Berg, and was born in Pittsburg, Pa., May 3, 1846. .The family is of German origin. His fath- er was born in Oberamstadt, Hessen, Ger- many, and his mother in the village of Hahn, Germany; their union occurred June 15, 1834. Daniel Berg was a son of John Valen- tine and Anna Margaret (Grohin) Berg, and was reared in his native country until he was about twenty-one years of age, when, having learned the trade of a miller, he came to America in 1834, shortly after his marriage. With his wife he landed in Baltimore, Md., whence he removed to Chambersburg, Pa., where he followed his trade for some time, but later worked in an ax factory. Prior to 1840 he moved to Pittsburg, where he con- ducted a hardware store and resided until the spring of 1864, when he came to Reading and built a sheet mill, which was conducted under the firm name of Lauth, Berg & Co. He later sold out to the Reading Iron Co. and returned to Pittsburg, where his death occurred in 1877. Politically, he was a stanch Democrat, and served as postmaster of the South-Side of Pittsburg. After returning to Pittsburg he was elected alderman, and held that office until his demise, although his ward had always formerly been Republican 234 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES in its political complexion. In religious at- tachments he was a member of the Lutheran Church, in which he was an active worker. He was the father of six daughters and three sons, five of whom are at present living, namely: Elizabeth, the relict of John P. Beech, formerly cashier of the First National Bank of Birmingham, Pa.; Mary, the wife of August Blockinger; Mrs. B.C. Lauth; Dan- iel P., cashier of the Manufacturers’ Bank of the South-Side of Pittsburg; and Edward A., the subject of this personal history. Prof. Edward A. Berg, who was the filth child born to his parents, at an early age gave evidence of superior musical talents. Upon leaving school at the age of fourteen years, his father determined to send him to Germany, where he might receive the bene- fit of a th rough education under the masters of that country. He studied in the conserv- atories at Darmstadt and Leipsic, and upon returning to this country came to Reading in February, 1864, and began teaching music. He met with much success and gave entire satisfaction, and as a result he has continued to make Reading his home. He was the con- ductor of music for the Sesqui-Centennial Celebration, and was the organizer of the Reading Chorus, which won the prize at the Eisteddfod at Allentown in 1897, and carried away many other prizes, amounting, in the aggregate, to $700.00, out of $1,000.00 of- fered, which is an enviable record, and speaks well for Mr. Berg’s instruction and methods of teaching. He is one of the leading teach- ers of the state, and in 1892 was president of the Pennsylvania State Music Teachers’ As- sociation, and is vice-president from Pennsyl- vania of the National Music Teachers’ Asso- ciation, in which each state has a vice-presi- dent. He has also been organist in different churches in the city for the past thirty-one years, but is a faithful member of the Luther. an Church. August 22, 1865, Prof. Berg was united in matrimonial bonds with Sarah A. Brobst, and two sons have blessed their union: Ed- ward C., born December 22, 1866, was called to his eternal resting place in 1897; and Dan- iel E., born March 12, 1868, who is living in Reading and is a stock broker by vocation,— he was married to Jessie M. Grimly of Phila- delphia. AVID C. BOYER, alderman of the Thirteenth Ward of the city of Reading, is a man who has passed through many of the vicissitudes of life, and has risen superior to circum- stances, being at the present time among the most respected and esteemed of Reading’s citizens. Heisa son of Henry C. and Mar- garet (Riehl) Boyer, and was born May 14, 1846, in what is now Snyder, but was then Union County, this state. The grandfather, Christian Boyer, was one of the early settlers in the part of the state now known as Snyder County, and after serving in the Revolution died there. November 18, 1839. Among the children born to him was Henry C. Boyer, the father of our subject, who was born in Washington township, Snyder County, April 10, 1818. He was a great lover of nature, and an admirer of the beautiful. He was kind hearted and generous to a fault, and universally liked. He was a devout Lutheran, and an untiring worker in the church, being confirmed by Rev. Father Elenmyer, March 21, 1860. He was married to Margaret Riehl, March 21, 1843, and to them were born six children, two sons and four daughters, all living except one daughter. These children are as follows: Ellen is the wife of Jacob Moyer of Colorado; David C.; Lydia is the wife ot William Spoward of Youngstown, Ohio, Esther is the wife of John Hendrickson of Philadelphia; William L. served in the U.S. Regular Army for a time, and at this writing his residence is unknown, and one daughter, who died in in- fancy. Mr. Boyer passed to life eternal January 13, 1878. Mrs. Boyer is still living. Her father was William Riehl, who carried on a mill at Rehrersburg, this county, at which place he was born, and also breathed his last. David C. Boyer attended the free schools of his township when a lad, but had to assist his father in supporting the family, as they were in poor circumstances. He secured the position of janitor in the Freeburg Academy to pay his tuition in that institution. At the age of thirteen he was bound out to a farmer, with the understanding that he was to be permitted to attend the schools for a period during the winter. He was to receive as compensation for his labor three bushels of BERKS COUNTY 235 wheat a month. This arrangement lasted two years. He then worked upon a farm for two years longer, receiving $6.00 a month for his wages. Becoming dissatisfied with this arrangement he ran away from home and enlisted in the Union Army in 1863, entering Co. F. 184th Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf. for three years, and served as corporal. He continued with his regiment until June 3, 1864, when he received two gunshot wounds at the battle of Cold Harbor. He was taken to the hos- pital at York, Pa., where he remained nine months, until his wounds were healed. He was even then in no condition to enter his regiment at the front, but was put ina Vet- eran Reserve Corps, and served as a member of such organization until the close of the war, doing garrison duty. After the war he returned home and remained about a year, when he went to Akron, Ohio, and worked in a hardware store for a year, and then entered the Buckeye Mower & Reaper Works. From there he went to La Porte, Ind, and took a position on the Lake Shore R. R., as fireman, for over two years. He then came back to Pennsylvania and made his home with his parents, while he traveled over the state as a tobacco salesman. Not lik- ing this employment, he went to Duncannon and worked as helper inthe Duncannon Roll- ing Mills until he obtained a position on the P.& R. R. R., at Harrisburg. He kept a restaurant in that city for two years, and then came to Berks County, locating in Tulpe- hocken township in 1879. The following year he was appointed postmaster of Mt. Etna, and held the office until 1885, when he moved to Reading and became a pension attorney, in which business he is still engaged. In 1890 he was census enumerator for the Thir- teenth Ward of the city. Mr. Boyer was married to Rebecca J. Sheetz, daughter of George and Sarah Sheetz, of Duncannon, Perry County., Pa. Their family consists of three children: Harry S., deceased; Sadie E.; and Howard K. Mr. Boy- er is a Republican, and in 1891 was a candi- date for the select council, making a good run. In 1892 he was appointed by Gov. Pattison to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Peter T. Phillippi, alderman, and at the next elec- tion was voted into the office for a term of five years. Ina ward that was strongly Demo- cratic he received a majority of 137, and in 1897 he was re-elected by a majority of 199. His official life has been unsullied, and meets with hearty endorsement from members of both parties. He is a member of McLean Post, G. A. R., and an active figure around the camp fires. He is a kindly, pleasant man, a good neighbor, and an honorable, upright citizen. SSS Se SS ILLIAM BEHM, proprietor of the Mineral Springs Hotel, which is one of the most popular resorts situated near the city of Reading, is a man noted in Berks County for his excellent traits of character, and is held in high esteem by his many acquaintances. He was born in District township, Berks County, Pa., February 29, 1820, and isa son of Abra- ham and Mary (Brensinger) Behm. The father and mother of our subject, both natives of Berks County, came to Reading in 1833, and conducted a hotel, meeting with more than ordinary success. Abraham Behm was a stanch Democrat in his political views, took an active part in local politics, and served his fellow-citizens as justice of the peace and as supervisor while living in District township. He was the father of four sons, who were named as _ follows: Daniel, Thomas, Marcus and William, who is the only son that is living, the others having passed away before attaining manhood. William Behm received his intellectual training in the public schools of Reading, and when he grew to manhood he embarked in the hotel business and made that his sole occupation throughout his life. In 1850 he conducted the old Eagle Hotel in Reading; in about 1852 or 53, in partnership with Benja- man Tyson,,he operated a livery and did a large and successtul business. They also ran three stages, which drove between Harris- burg, Lancaster and Easton; they also had hacks which met the going and coming trains. The stage business was discontinued when the railroads were built between these towns, and our subject again engaged in the hotel business. His hotel was first located on Penn street. In 1864 he had charge of the Mansion House; in 1869 he conducted the 236 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES hotel on Sixth and Court streets; in 1871 he became proprietor of the American Hotel; in 1874 he opened the Bigley House, and later the Flying Hill Hotel in Cumru town- ship, Berks County, was opened by our sub- ject. It was a landing place for the boat on the canal, and he conducted that hotel until 1886, when he took charge of his present hotel, which is the Mineral Springs Hotel. It isa very popular summer resort for tray- elers, and is surrounded by a beautiful park, with splendid groves of trees and a dimpled little lake. Mr. Behm is an unwavering Democrat, and although he takes an active interest in politics, he has never sought office. He was twice united in marriage, his first wife being Joanna Graul, and to this union the following children were born: Emma. widow of the late Harry Weaver; Rosa, widow of Thomas Luther of Reading, who was a clerk in the First National Bank of Reading; Daniel and Charles are both residents of Reading ; and Harry. deceased. His second marriage was with Ellen Tolroth, and two children blessed this union, namely: Bessie and Frederick. Our subject is a man of excellent judgment; his unswerving integrity in business transac- tions and his generous liberality cannot help but win for him the confidence and highest praise of his fellow-citizens. He has taken a leading part in the material development of his township and county, and is still first and foremost in all the good works. SSO RANK S. MERTZ. Asa splendid ex- ample of what may be accomplished by an energetic, determined, econom- ical man, we point to the subject of this notice, who is a large land owner, successful farmer and stock raiser, and respected citizen of Berks County, residing in Richmond town- ship, one and one-half miles from the village of Fleetwood. He was born in Muhlenberg township November 6, 1854, and is a son of John H. and Sarah (Sailer) Mertz. John H. Mertz was born in Oley township, and his father, Abraham Mertz, moved to Maiden Creek township trom Oley township, and there engaged in farming until his death. Our subject’s father resided in Maiden Creek township a short time, and then went to Rich- mond township, and thence to Maxatawny township, where he operated a farm until death claimed him, which was in 1865. He married Sarah Sailer, a native of Muhlenberg town- ship, and they reared five children, namely : John S., who married Lydia Keiffer, is a farmer residing near the town of Lyons, this county: Frank S., the subject of this sketch; Ellen, the wife of Owen Koller, a resident of Richmond township; Sarah married Philip R. Hoch, a farmer of Maiden Creek town- ship; and one that died in infancy. The mother of our subject died in 1890. Mr. Mertz married for his first wife Anna Warner of Kutztown, and they reared three children, Annie and William, both deceased, and Joel, a resident of Richmond township. Frank S. Mertz received his intellectual education in the common schools of his native town, and when he grew to manhood he took possession of the old homestead in Lyons, where he engaged in farming until 1881, and then came to his present farm in Richmond township. This farm consists of 128 acres of rich and highly cultivated land; it is’ well stocked with cattle—stock raising being his main occupation. In political views our sub- ject is an adherent of Democratic principles, and has served on the school board, and is now serving his second term as township auditor. He is a member of the Reformed Church, and has been deacon and a trustee for many years. June 12, 1880, he was married to Sarah Kutz, who was born November 4, 1855, and is a daughter of Nathan and Judith (Mertz) Kutz. Three children was the result of this union, as follows: Hettie, Clayton, and Neda, deceased. Mrs. Mertz died December 13, 1892. Our subject stands high in the esti- mation of everyone who knows him as a prosperous farmer, a good citizen and an excellent neighbor. ——_— + io ___\_ MOS GABLE. A gentleman, who by indomitable energy in the culti- vation of an innate talent has achieved a high standing as an art- ist, is the one whose name heads this sketch. After much importuning we were enabled to get the following few meager facts: con- cerning his career: He was born February 2, 1840, in the city of Reading, and is a son of Joseph and Wilhelmina (Porr) Gable. His ancestors are of good old Berks County stock. His father was born in this . county in i805, and died in the city of Read- ing in 1868. He was a man whose mind turned naturally to mechanical pursuits, along which lines he showed more than ordinary genius, and was the inventor of a number of mechanicalappliances. His career in Reading asa skilled curb setter and paver will be remembered. Although not an active politician, he was a man who took an intelli- gent part in the cause of good government. He was a strong opponent of the institution of slavery, and, when the crisis of the Civil War was upon us, volunteered his services for the defence of the flag and the perpetuity of the Nation. He enlisted in Co. E, 195th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., and served one year, or until the end of the war. His marriage re- sulted in the birth of the following twelve children: Elizabeth, who is yet living and has been twice married,—her first union was with George Kershner and the second with Elhanan Speicher; William, deceased, who entered the war with his father in Co. E, 195th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., and served until its close; Amos, the subject of this record ; Joseph, deceased, served for nine months in the 128th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf; Emma, de- ceased, was the wife of Louis Schabner ; Frank, who enlisted in the 128th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., in the Civil War, and after serving his time, re-enlisted in Durrell’s Battery, with which he remained until the close of the war,—he is a resident of Reading and a paver by occupation; Louis, deceased, en- listed in the 128th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., and as the result of a wound received in the battle of Antietam, received his discharge soon after; Susan, who was the wife of Joel Ang- stadt, died in 1898, at the age of sixty-three years, as a result of injuries sustained by a tall; James, who is a cigar manufacturer in the city of Philadelphia; and Charles, a barber of Philadelphia. The others died in infancy. Amos Gable, when a boy, attended the public schools of Reading, and instead of his brain worrying over the knotty questions of mensuration and trigonometry, it dwelt upon BERKS COUNTY 237 chalk and drawing, showing at that early age those faculties in an embryo state, which have since brought to its possessor both fame and fortune. At the age of twelve years he went to Philadelphia, where he was appren- ticed to the barber’s trade, after which he fol- lowed it in that city for six years. He then came to Reading and pursued the same voca- tion for six years. During all of these years his heart yearned for an opportunity to cul- tivate his artistic tastes, and he spent his leisure moments in sketching and drawing, in the meantime taking lessons under the artist, F. D. Devlin. Later he went to Eu- rope and studied the masterpieces in the celebrated galleries of Dresden, Munich, Dusseldorf, and other places of prominence. Returning to his native country, he resolved to make art his life work. In this commend- able resolve he was urged on by the precept and example of an aunt, an artist of much talent, Mary Jane Porr of Germany. At first he did some fine work in still lite and landscape painting, but finally determined to devote his time to portrait work, in which branch he has achieved an enviable reputa- tion, that is not confined to the limits of his own city or state, but one that brings him patronage from many of the states of the Union, as far west as California, as far south as Alabama, while many of his patrons come from the New England States. That biblical expression, that a prophet is without honor in his own country, finds a strong refutation in the career of Mr. Gable, for although his patronage is large in other states and cities, his merit receives a just recognition in his own city and among those most intimately acquainted with Reading. Among our self- made artists of America, we believe there are none who surpass Mr. Gable in true ex- pression, life-like tone in portraiture work, and in the presentation of facial features. He isa very busy man, being far behind in his orders. Among his most noted works may be mentioned a life-size portrait of Mr. Thomas Beaver, which adorns the wall of the public library, founded by that gentleman in Danville, Pa. This splendid masterpiece is much admired by all who see it. At the present time he has in process of execution a magnificent piece of work for John H. Noble, a capitalist of Anniston, Alabama, 238 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES who has placed orders in Mr. Gable’s hands, whose aggregate cost will be several thou- sand dollars. Mr. Gable has been twice married; his first marital union was with Ellen Louisa Hotem, which resulted in the birth of six children, namely: Rosa J.; George; Ellen, the wife of John Ganzle, a manufacturer of Reading; Amos, deceased; Lily Jane, de- ceased; and Luther E. His second matri- monial alliance was with Sarah J. Fleming, a woman of many excellent traits of character. Fraternally, no less than as an artist and citi- zen, Mr. Gable stands high. He is a mem- ber of the following orders: Lodge No. 62, F.& A. M.; Reading Chapter, No. 152, R. A. M.; De Molay Commandery, No. 49, Knights Templar; Rajah Temple, No. 50, A. A.O.N.M.S.; Reading Lodge, No. 348, I. O. O. F.; Reading Encampment, No. 43; and Mt. Penn Lodge, No. 65, Knights of Pythias. | ; . Reading from the Fifteenth Ward, and one of the leaders of the Dem- ocratic party in the city, was born in the Sixth Ward, January 19, 1866. He was for many years a resident of the Sixth Ward, but when that ward was divided, and the Fifteenth Ward made from part of it, our subject became a voter of the latter ward, where he has resided to the present date. P. Monroe Krick received his intellectual train- ing in the public schools of the Sixth Ward, and at the age of fifteen he decided to learn the trade of a tanner. He accordingly en- tered the employ of Winter & Goetz, who owned and operated a large tannery in Read- ing. After working for the above firm for eighteen months, he engaged to work in J. H. Sternbergh’s Nut & Bolt Works, and re- mained at that employment two years. Be- ing dissatished with his work, he learned the trade of a bricklayer, and worked for the Borkert Bros. for a short time. His next position was with his father, under whom he —_—___+-—____- MONROE KRICK, a member of the select council of the city of remained until April 10, 1893, when he came: to his present location on the corner of Schuylkill avenue and Oley street. He built the present building, which is a large sub- stantial brick block, and has remained in this location ever since. In politics, Mr. Krick is proud to class himself as one of the solid Democracy, and votes conscientiously with the party as op- portunity affords. He has represented his people in many unpaid public and private labors, and has always labored zealously in behalf of his chosen party. He is well adapt- ed for political office, and the people appre- ciated the fact by electing him as inspector in the third precinct of the Sixth Ward for six years, and in 1896 he was elected to the select council of Reading, the duties of which of- fice have been faithfully and honestly dis- charged. He has also represented his party in city and county conventions. In social circles, he is a member of the Oley Lodge, No. 218, I. O. O. F.; Washington Camp, No. 89, P. O. S. of A.; Resolute Council, No. 27, Jr. O. U. A. M.; the Schuylkill Fire Co.; In- dependent Gun Club; and is one of the old- est members of the Nursery Literary Socie- ty. Heisamember of the Reformed Church of Reading. April 13, 1889, our subject was united in marriage to Lena. Weand, a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Weand of Reading, both of whom are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Krick were born two children, namely: Helen D., born December 3, 1890: and Minnie, born August 23, 1892. Mr. Krick is an excellent type of the wide-awake business man ; is possessed of good judgment, keen foresight and enterprise, and is ever ready to assist in all matters that have for their object the advancement of the people and city of which he is so good a represent- ative. —_—_ io Ooty UGUSTUS SCHAEFFER, a well-to- do farmer and stock raiser of this county and a self-made manin every respect the word implies, as welt as a respected and honored citizen, is resid- ing in Richmond township, where he owns a good and productive farm. He was born in Fleetwood June 27, 1844, and is a son of William and Anna (Stein) Schaeffer. William Schaeffer was anativeof Richmond township, and was a miller by trade, which ALBERT GREEN. BERKS COUNTY 241 he followed in addition to farming on the farm adjoining the one owned by our sub- ject. Later he moved to Fleetwood, where he resided until his death occurred, which was in August, 1895. He was joined in wed- lock with Anna Stein, who bore him two children: Henry, deceased, and Augustus, the subject of this personal history. Mrs. Schaeffer has passed her seventy-fifth birth- day, and is residing with our subject. Augustus Schaeffer was educated in the common schools of his native town, and when a young man accepted a position at Bower's Station as depot agent. Six months later he moved on the old homestead, where he engaged in general farming and stock raising. The farm consists of 106 acres, and is in a fine state of cultivation; he also ownsa farm of 132 acres, which he rents. Mr. Schaeffer is considered one of the prominent farmers of Richmond township, and works toward the betterment of his community. Our subject was united in the bonds of matrimony May 20, 1866, with Amanda Lei- bensperger, a native of Richmond township and a daughter of Jacob and Annie (Merkel) Leibensperger. As a result of this union eleven children were reared. They are as follows: Amos, a civil engineer residing in New York City; Jacob married Amanda Mertz, and is now living in Richmond town- ship; Annie is the wife of Maurice Leinbach of Reading ; William married Annie Merkel, and resides in Maxatawny township; Hannah; Morris; Thomas; Nicholas; Sally; Andora, deceased; and Ambrose, also deceased. Mr. Schaeffer takes an active part in local poli- tics, supporting the Democratic party, and has been township auditor, and is now serv- ing his fourth year as school director. He is a member of the Reformed Church, and his wife is a member of Becker’s Lutheran Church of Richmond township. SSS LBERT G. GREEN, whose portrait we take pleasure in presenting on the opposite page, an old and highly respected lawyer of the city of Reading, who for nearly half a century has been identified with the legal profession, practicing continuously in the city of his 12 birth, was born in Reading, Berks County, December 6, 1828, and isa son of John and Catherine H. (Bright) Green. Our subject traces his ancestry back to William Green, his great-grandfather, a resi- dent of the Quaker settlement at Cork, [re- land. This ancestor came to America in 1760, at the age of eighteen years; eight years later, he is known to have located in Maxa- tawny township, Berks County, in the vicin- ity of the present borough of Kutztown. He was a merchant by vocation, and was en- gaged in business in Maxatawny township until 1777, when he moved to Maiden Creek township, and in 1779 removed to Reading, where he set up a store, and continued to follow merchandising on Penn Square until 1806. His death occurred in 1828. Through- out his long life he led a consistent, Christian life, as an adherent of the Quaker faith. William Green, second of that name, the grandfather of Albert G., was born in Maiden Creek township, this county, in 1777, and was brought to Reading with the family when two years of age. There he was edu- cated and grew to manhood. In 1799 he went to Manheim township, then in Berks, but now included in Schuylkill County, where he very soon rose to prominence and became an important factor in making the political history of that section. He was a stanch and _ dyed-in-the-wool Jeffersonian Democrat. He held the office of justice of the peace for many years, and became the first sheriff of Schuylkill County after its erec- tion. When his term of office as sheriff had expired, he removed to Reading, where he for some years conducted an excellent hotel, and later engaged in mercantile pur- suits. His marriage with Elizabeth Shomo of Hamburg, Berks County, in 1799, resulted in the birth of ten children, as follows: John, the father of our subject, born in 1800, and died in 1875; Maria, born in 1802, mar- ried Henry Stichter, and died in 1846; Joseph, born in 1803, died in the prime of life, in 1837; Witman, born in 1805, died in 1868; Charles, born in 1807, died in 1833; Sarah, born in 1809, died in 1864; Esther, born in 1810, and died in 1846, was the wife of Philip Haffa; William S., born in 1813, died in 1864; Daniel, born in 1815, departed this life in 1857; and Elizabeth, who was 242 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES born in 1817, and died in 1884, became the wife of John R. Deim of Pottsville, Schuyl- kill County, Pa. William Green married his second wife, Catherine Roehr of Harrisburg, in 1818; to them was given one son, Uriah, who went to California in 1848, and since 1860 was never heard from. John Green, the father of the subject of these lines, was born in Manheim township, now included in Schuylkill County, in the vicinity of Orwigsburg, where he was brought up and continued to live until 1814, when he removed to Reading. In 1816 he went to Philadelphia, and was engaged in a wholesale grocery store until 1824, when he returned to Reading, opened a store, and continued in mercantile pursuits until 1865, when he retired to enjoy the fruits of his suc- cessful career. He was a Democrat in his political affiliations, and as a man of promi- nence and ability held various offices in the early history of the county. Although a Democrat, he was appointed, in 1839, county recorder by Gov. Ritner, a Whig official; this appointment was without doubt made through the influence of Mr. Green’s father- in-law, David Bright, a very prominent and influential Whig of Berks County and the city of Reading. In 1842, Mr. Green was the regular nominee of his party for the county office of register, and, being elected, served a full term of three years, with credit to himself. His marriage with Catherine Bright resulted in the birth of the following children: Albert G., whose name heads this sketch, and of whom we will make further mention; Erastus, born May 7, 1830, now resides in Chicago, IIl., was formerly an at- torney-at-law ; David B., born December 22, 1831, and died in 1893, was judge of the courts of Schuylkill County for two terms, and had just been elected to his third term when death came and ended his life of use- fulness ; Emily E., born November 30, 1833 ; Nathaniel, born January 12, 1836, and died in 1873, was a commander in the United States Navy, serving with distinction through the War of 1861-65 ; George W., born Novem- ber 18, 1839, served through the Civil War, and died in 1866 at Hart’s Island in New York Harbor, when stationed there with the 17th Reg., U. S. Inf., as captain of a com. pany of that regiment ; Francis M., who is a clerk by vocation, was born March 23, 1841, and lives at St. Louis. Mo.; Annie B., born September 27 1844, died in 1873. Albert G. Green was graduated from Yale College in 1849, his preliminary education and preparation for college having been re- ceived in Reading. He read law under the preceptorship of Judge David F. Gordon, and was admitted to the Bar on November 11,1851. He has been engaged in very suc- cessful practice ever since, and is most highly thought of as a gentleman of integ- rity, good common sense, and high profes- sional honor. In his politics he is a Demo- crat of decided views, and formerly took a very prominent part as a party worker. In 1876 he was a candidate tor nomination for the office of president judge of this county. He has always been a strong partisan. He is a member of the Masonic Order, Lodge No. 66. The Universalist Church he attends reg- ularly. Mr. Green was married in 1856 to Rebecca Dickinson, a daughter of William P. Dickinson of Reading, and to our subject and wite have been born the following chil- dren: Henry D., an account of whose life is given farther along in this sketch; Ella E., born October 29, 1859, who lives at home; Emily, born in 1861, died in 1864; Herbert, born January 28, 1864; George, born March 15, 1867, lives in Reading, where his interests are centered in the tobacco business; Eliza- beth, born February 11, 1869, lives at home with her parents; Anna B., born September 4, 1874, married Mr. Roberdau, cashier of the Frostburg National Bank of Frostburg, Md.; Julia, born October 7, 1877, lives at home. During the past year (1898), Mr. Green was instrumental in reorganizing the Historical Society ot Berks County, and was elected as its president. HON. HENRY DICKINSON GREEN, eldest son of the preceding, was born May 3, 1857, in Reading, where his home has always been. He was graduated from the Reading High School in 1872, and soon after matric- ulated at Yale College, attending that stan- dard school for four years, graduating in the class of 1877. He then studied law with his father, and was admitted to practice on November 10, 1879. His legal practice, although large and yielding very satisfactory returns, has been in a measure subordinated and sacrificed to a political career, in which he has achieved distinction, and contributed to the best interests of this section. From the time when he took up his life-work as an attorney he actively identified himself with the Democratic party, and proved himself a willing and able worker. Recognition of his services and abilities was secured in Novem- ber, 1882, by his election to the General Assembly of Pennsylvania; his earnest ef- forts in behalf of Reading were heartily appreciated, and at the conclusion of his two years’ term, he was again elected in 1884. In 1888 he was honored with an election to the State Senate; at the conclusion of his term of office, in 1892, his eminent services received _ an endorsement by his being again elected to the Senate, in which he held his seat until the conclusion of his term in 1896. In the year just named he was a candidate for the Democratic nomination of congressman from this district, and came very near receiving the nomination, which in itself was equiva- lent to an election. Mr. Green is a gentle- man of marked social habits, and possesses a large number of intimate and devoted friends. He is a member of Chandler Lodge, No. 227, and Excelsior Chapter, No. 237. He is likewise affiliated with Washington Camp, No. 89, Patriotic Order Sons of America. While a member of the State Assembly Mr. Green gave substantial aid to the Read- ing Hospital, securing in 1883 an appropria- tion of $30,000.00, with which and with $25,- 000.00 raised by subscriptions among the citizens of Reading, the present structure was erected, filling a long-felt want. The building is a two-story brick structure, situ- ated on a tract of three acres, located ona commanding, high position one mile north of Penn street. All the modern improvements were incorporated into the building. From time to time Mr. Green secured additional appropriations, by which additional equip- ment was secured and the hospital main- tained. He also aided in securing material assistance from the state for the Homeo- pathic Hospital. He secured the location of the Hospital for the Chronic Insane at South Mountain, near Wernersville; this asylum is one of the finest and most modern in the United. States, and now has upwards of 600 inmates. Over a half million of dol- BERKS COUNTY 243 lars has been expended in the erection of buildings, and making needed improvements, and large sums are now appropriated yearly for the maintenance of the institution. Through his personal efforts Mr. Green ob- tained the necessary legislation establishing a separate Orphan’s Court in Berks County, the only court of its kind in the state, in a county whose population is less than 150,000. The law provides that in counties of less than 150,000 population, the Legislature may establish such courts, which are the right of counties having over 150,000. He made the fight that resulted in the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown receiving equally with the other normal schools of the state its fair proportion of the money dis- tributed for their maintenance. Since then (1883) the school has been steadily added to, a number of buildings being erected through state aid secured by Mr. Green. Other salu- tary legislation found a champion in him. His record as a legislator was spotless, and there has never arisen a question as to his sincerity. His services in behalf of Berks County surely entitle him to still farther recognition at the hands of his fellow-citizens, and there is scarcely a doubt but that in coming years he will again be called to high offices of trust and responsibility, for which he is so well fitted by education, legal train- ing and legislative experience. On June 25, 1898, he was commissioned as captain of Co. G, gth Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf., and immediately took the company of 106 men raised by him to Camp George H. Thomas, Chickamauga Park, Georgia, and afterward to Lexington, Ky. His was the first of the volunteer companies called into service with- out having belonged to the State Guard Association. ir ——_ AMES F. DUMN, the senior proprie- tor of the Triumph Roller Mills, is one of the most prominent and enter- prising citizens of the village of Fleet- wood. He is a son of Samuel and Mary (Madeira) Dumn, and was born in Richmond township, June 20, 1849. His grandfather was Michael Dumn, a na- tive and resident of Richmond township, 244 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES who was engaged in agricultural pursuits and conducted a tavern. Samuel Dumn, the father of our subject, was born in Richmond township, where he always lived. His occu- pation was that of a general farmer and drover, but he was also engaged in several other lines of business. He conducted a general mercantile store in the village of Fleetwood for many years, and was also en- gaged in mining iron ore, having discovered the rich mine near Fleetwood, now owned by our subject. Mr. Dumn is now passed seventy-four years of age, and is confined to his bed as the result of an injury received some time ago. He was joined in wedlock with Mary Madeira, by whom he is the father of eight children, namely: Emma, the wife of Monroe Weaver, who resides in Reading ; James F., the subject of this personal his- tory; Samuel, who died in infancy; Louisa, who also died in childhood; Wilson M., a merchant of Reading, handling shoes, hats and gent’s furnishings; Mary, the wife of Jacob M. Keim, who resides in Fleetwood; Amos M., a partner in the milling business with our subject, married Clara Adams of Muhlenberg, this county; and Louisa, de- ceased. James F. Dumn, after completing the re- quired course in the common schools, attend- ed the Keystone State Normal School of Kutztown for three years. He afterwards went to Reading, where he studied law tor a period of three years, and then upon his re- turn to Fleetwood, he engaged in the mining business. The mine is the best in his section of the county, and he has mined iron ore, ochre and rolling mill sand. The ochre, which was of the finest quality, was ground and put in barrels, and was the only ochre ever discovered in the neighborhood. He finally disposed of that business and taught school for seven terms, after which he began operating a roller mill at Fleetwood, contin- uing ever since. He manufactures several brands of wheat flour, which is made of 25% spring wheat and 75% winter. Healso makes rye flour, of which he has a very large sale. He has been found honest and upright in all his dealings, and the people realize that when trading with him they get the very best, and just what it is represented in every respect. He has been closely identified with the inter- ests of the village for many years, and the citizens recognize him as one of the leading spirits, and a man of great worth to the community. On April 27, 1875, Mr. Dumn was joined in matrimonial bonds with Mary A. Dewees, born January 31, 1853, a daughter of George and Catherine (Bushey) Dewees, the former of whom was a blacksmith and hotel keeper. Our subject is a Democrat in his political affiliations, and has served as justice of the peace since 1875. He was recorder of deeds at Reading from 1888 to 1891, and has also held a number of township offices. When he was recorder of deeds, Mr. Dumn re-in- dexed all the records in the office according to the Schlicht system, dating from the estab- lishment of the county in 1752 up to the present time, giving employment to thirteen clerks for a period of two and a halt years. This indexing work was the second largest ever done in the county. As they had no children of their own, Mr. and Mrs. Dumn reared an adopted son, Harry J., who was given a fine education, and acted as one of ‘his father’s clerks when Mr. Dumn was in office. He is now residing in Reading, where he is clerk of the Court of Sessions. Social- ly, our subject is a member of the P. O. S. of A.; Knights of Pythias Lodge of Fleet- wood; the O. U. A. M. of Fleetwood; Royal Arcanum ; and Knights of the Mystic Chain of Fleetwood. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dumn are members of the Reformed Church. or EWIS FISHER. This highly respected and esteemed citizen of Maxatawny township, after a life of active in- dustry, is now living in retirement in the village of Kutztown. He feels that he has performed his part well in life, and that he is now rightfully entitled to the peace and satisfaction which a well-spent life and a good conscience is sure to bring. He was born in Lower Salford township, Montgomery Coun- ty, Pa. October 29, 1830, and is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Swartz) Fisher, and grandson of Michael Fisher. Michael Fisher, who was born in Europe, emigrated to this country in his early man- hood, and located in Maxatawny township, BERKS COUNTY 245 on a farm now known as the Albright farm, which is now being used for mining ore. He built the old stone house which still stands upon the place. He was married to a Miss Leiby, and they reared a family of five sons, who were as follows: John L.; Daniel; Solo- mon; Jacob; and Samuel. Jacob Fisher, the father of our subject, was born in Maxatawny township, and after he attained his majority, he engaged in farming for four years, and then moved to Montgom- ery County and conducted a hotel for three years; at the expiration of that time he moved to the village of Kutztown, and in 1845 retired upon a well-earned competency. He led an active and energetic life, and was held in high esteem by his fellow-citizens, who knew him as an honest and upright citizen. He passed from this life at the ad- vanced age of ninety-nine years, two months and sixteen days. He was wedded to Eliza- beth Swartz, and their children were as fol- lows: Caroline; Eliza; Sarah; Lewis; Fran- cis; and Isaac and Mary, who died in infancy. The mother of our subject entered the unknown beyond at the age of sixty-six years. Mr. Fisher adhered to the Democratic views in politics, and held offices in the borough council, and was a school director for several years. He and his devoted were members of the Lutheran Church. Lewis Fisher was educated in the old Franklin Academy; leaving school at the age of eighteen years, he taught two terms, and then began clerking in a store. Four years later he became a partner in the general mercantile firm of Fisher, Hinterleiter & Co.; this firm established a very fine patronage. In the hope of benefitting his finances he moved to Topton, and conducted the Top- ton House for about two years; he then ac- cepted a position as station agent at Bower’s Station, for the Reading & Allentown R. R.; some eighteen months later he was promoted to be agent at Kutztown, where he remained twenty-six years, and filled the position to the entire satisfaction of the railroad com- pany and the public. In 1896 he resigned the position, and has since lived in retirement. He purchased a house and lot at No. 218 Main street, which he has remodeled and rebuilt into a handsome, three-story brick residence. 12* He chose for his life companion Esther F. Hinterleiter, a daughter of Daniel Hinter- leiter. To our subject and wife were born nine children, who were named as follows: Elwood D., who succeeded his father as sta- tion agent at Kutztown, was married to Ellen Wenner, who bore him two children, Warren and Lillie; Ellen is the wife of William H. Rex of Philadelphia; William is traveling accountant for the Union Pacific R. R., at St. Louis; Lizzie; Annie; Charles, deceased, married Gertrude Deppen, and they reared ‘two children, Myraand May; Harry, aclerk, residing in Kansas City, Mo.; and Jacob G. and Lillie, both of whom are deceased. The wife of our subject died in 1891, at the age of fifty-four years. Mr. Fisher is astrong Demo- crat, and has served as school director, and has been a member of the borough council. In social circles he is a member and past master of the F. & A. M. Lodge, No. 377, of Kutztown. He is a member of the Lutheran Church. ——————SS Oo ACOB P. KUTZ. Among the farmers of Berks County who have succeeded in life mainly on account of their en- ergy, perseverance and economy, acting on the maxim that success in life depends upon attending to one’s own business, and not mixing in the affairs of his neighbors, is the gentleman whose brief biographical sketch is here presented to the reader. He was born in Greenwich township March 22, 1829, and is a son of Jacob Joseph and Eliza- beth (Mertz) Kutz, and grandson of Jacob Kutz. Jacob Kutz, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Germany, and came to the United States when he had attained manhood’s years, and located in Maxatawny township, Berks County, Pa. He purchased a large tract of land which he cleared and farmed ; this farm was later sold to the state and be- came the site of the Keystone State Normal School. Jacob Kutz was one of the first to locate in the township, and it was after him that Kutztown took its name. He passed from this life in 1836, and was buried upon his farm. Jacob Joseph Kutz, the father of our 246 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES subject, was born on the old homestead in Maxatawny township, where he was reared and educated. In 1862 he moved to Greenwich township, and settled upon the farm now owned by our subject. He built a grist mill, which he operated in connection with farming the rest of his active life. He married Elizabeth Mertz, and they reareda family of fourteen children, who were as fol- lows: Judith, deceased; Sally, deceased ; Jacob, the subject of this sketch; Charles, deceased; Susanna, widow of the late John Hoch, resides in Kutztown; Hettie, de- ceased ; Leo resides on the old homestead ; Kate, the wife of Reuben Schlegl of Fleet- wood; Caroline; Elizabeth wedded John Sitler of Greenwich township; two that died in infancy ; Jacob, deceased ; and Diana, also deceased. Mr. Kutz died January 2, 1890. The mother of our subject passed from this life April 20, 1862. Jacob P. Kutz was educated in the com- mon schools of his native town, and remained under the parental roof throughout his boy- hood days, assisting his father in the labors about the farm. After his marriage he took possession of the old homestead, where he has followed agricultural pursuits to the present date. He also carries on stock- raising to a large extent. His farm consists of 160 acres of the best improved land in Greenwich township; it has a large and handsome house, and its out-buildings are in the best of condition. Mr. Kutz was united in marriage Novem- ber 30, 1856, with Diana Sunday, who was born in Windsor township, December 12, 1836. She is a daughter of Jacob Sunday, who was a farmer in that township all his life. Eight children resulted from this union, namely: Charles Augustus married Elizabeth Swoyer, and upon her death he married Su- sanna Michael, and they now reside in Kutz- town; Amelia Elizabeth, deceased; Jacob, deceased ; George William married Floranda Dietrich, and is a farmer of Greenwich town- ship; William Philip married Emma Kohler, and heoperatesa grist millin Greenwich town- ship; Louisa is the wife of Charles Dietrich, proprietor of the flouring mills at Kutztown; Ella Amanda wedded John Siegfred, a farmer of Maxatawny township; and Hettie, who resides with our subject. Mrs. Kutz was called to her well earned rest April 21, 1878. Our subject, on June 3, 1882, formed a second matrimonial alliance with Esther Wanner, who was born in Richmond town- ship August 1, 1840. She is a daughter of Jacob and Barbara (Schlegl) Wanner, the former was a farmer of Richmond township. Our subject has always upheld the principles of the Democratic party, and has served as school director of his district for about twenty-four years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kutz are members and consistent workers of the Lutheran Church of Kutztown, and our sub- ject has been deacon of that church for about twenty years. He is highly respected in a community of people possessing more than ordinary intelligence, and is one of the pil- lars of his church. —____++______ DWARD EVANS, who has been en- gaged in the cultivation of the soil in Berks County since 1854, is one of the representative and highly esteemed farmers of Robeson township, and is located on his fine farm near the village of Joanna. Our subject is a son of Lott and Sarah (Hawk) Evans, and was born in the above township November 17, 1833. Lott Evans, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born in Wales, and came to America prior to the Revolutionary War. He first located in Chester County, Pa., later moving to Berks County, where he pur- chased a farm in Robeson township, and fol- lowed agricultural pursuits the rest of his life. Evan Evans, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Chester County, Pa., November 9, 1781, and died on the home- stead in Robeson township, May 23, 1857. He was engaged some years in the iron works at the old Spring forges in Chester County, and later he became clerk for Dar- lington & Smith, proprietors of the Joanna furnaces ; he then became engaged in farm- ing on the old homestead the remainder of his active days. For more than twenty-five years he was surveyor, conveyancer and jus- tice of the peace of Robeson’ township, and was one of the foremost business men of his community. In politics, he was an old time ROBERT WALTER, M. D. BERKS COUNTY 249 Whig, and later was one of the chief or- ganizers of the Republican party in his town- ship. Religiously, he was a member of the Harmony Methodist Church of Caernarvon township, and was an official for many years. He was joined in wedlock with Mary Gabriel, and they were the parents of two children, namely: Lott, the father of our subject ; and Harriet, who died in childhood days. Lott Evans was born in Joanna, this county, April 17, 1803, and died there August 11, 1877. He was reared to follow agricultural pursuits, and when he attained his majority he farmed on property adjoining the old homestead; after the death of his father, he took possession of the old homestead, and carried on general farming until the date of his death. He was also engaged in hauling for the old forges of the neighborhood, and he helped haul the first stone for the laying of the Pennsylvania & Reading R. R., which ran between Philadelphia and Lancaster. Stone was then used instead of cross ties. Mr. Evans was an active member of the Methodist Church; in politics, he adhered to the principles of the Republican party. He formed a matrimonial alliance with Sarah Hawk, a daughter of Edward Hawk, who was formerly a boss collier in the Darlington & Smith iron works at Joanna, and later a farmer of Chester County. Two sons and four daughters blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Evans. They were named as follows: Harriet, deceased; Evan, a farmer residing ou the old homestead; Edward, whose name heads this brief notice; Rebecca, who died in infancy; Mary, deceased, was the wife of Levi Shirey; Sarah, deceased, was the wife of Michael J. Bitler; and Amanda, who wed- ded Edward W. De Haven, and now resides in Reading. Edward Evans received a liberal education in the public schools of his native township, and then turned his attention toward tilling the soil, which he has made his life vocation. In 1854 he came to his present farm, where he has since been engaged in the independent calling of an agriculturist. He owns one of the best farms in Robeson township, the soil is rich and productive, and the improvements are among the best in his section of the coun- ty. Our subject stands high in business cir- cles, and is held in high esteem by his fellow- citizens, who know him to be an_ honest neighbor and citizen. Mr. Evans is a strong Republican in his political views, and has served as school di- rector for a number of years; as supervisor: and as township auditor. October 28, 1858, our subject was united in the bonds of matri- mony with Catherine Kurtz, a daughter of Jacob and Anna (Shingle) Kurtz. Jacob Kurtz was formerly a miller of Robeson township. Five children were born to our subject and wife; they are as follows: An- nie S.; Frank, a resident of Birdsboro, this county, is a track foreman of the Wilmington & Northern R. R.; Harry is a telegraph op- erator on the Wilmington & Northern R. R. at Giegerstown Station; Lott D., a farmer residing in Robeson township; and James S., a telegraph operator at Brandymore Station, for the Wilmington & Northern R. R. ——_____+»-_____ OBERT WALTER, M. D. One of the most admirably adapted institu- tions in America in which to spend a season of recuperation is Wal- ter’s Sanitarium, situated on South Mountain, a spur of the Blue Mountains, 500 feet above Lebanon Valley, in which lies the beautiful village of Wernersville. Its beauty of land- scape, extent of view, quiet seclusion, com- fortable surroundings, along with the purity of air and water, its ease of access from New York City, Philadelphia, Washington and other large cities, makes it a location hard to surpass or even to equal. It isin every sense of the word a health resort, one of a group in which those who are well may spend a season of delightful rest and recreation, free from the restraints and taxations of fashion, and where the ailing or positively sick will find all the conditions for health and comfort, with medical attendance especially skilled in the care and treatment of chronic invalids. The aim of this institution is not to cure the sick, alone, but to build up the strength of the body and guard against future illness. This is not done by the means of stimulants or medicine, which give the appearance of strength for a time, but by proper exercise and diet, and the use of many new electrical and other appliances. Massage, which has 250 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES proven such an effective remedy for many af- flictions, and is now in universal use, was ad- vocated and used by Dr. Walter as far back as twenty years ago, and, in fact, the success with which he met did much toward estab- lishing the reputation that system enjoys to- day. As opposed to stimulation, these modes of treatment are known as nutritive processes, whose work is the production of power in the living organism. By the latter process we obtain recuperation and permanent health, and by the former the appearance of strength, which is always followed by reaction and de- pletion. Hundreds of patients and pleasure seekers are guests of Walter’s Sanitarium yearly, many of them being men and women of prominence, who generally return the fol- lowing year. Dr. Robert Walter, who, for more than thirty years has conducted a sanitarium on South Mountain, is a son of George and Betsey (Vodden) Walter, and was born in Acton, Halton County, Ontario, Canada, February 14, 1841. George Walter, the father of our subject, was born in Devonshire, England, and in 1838 emigrated to Canada, where he was a prosperous farmer during the remainder of his life. He was united in marriage with Betsey Vodden, a native of Devonshire, Eng., and their happy union was blessed by the birth of ten children, namely : William ; John; Robert, the subject of this biographical record; Sarah; Mary Hannah; Albert L., deceased; Elizabeth; Frances; Augusta; and Emma M. Mrs. Walter was called Home in 1885, and her husband joined her beyond the river of Death in 1894. Robert Walter was fourteen years old when he left his home to clerk in a grocery store at Brampton, where he remained for one year and then returned to Acton and was employed as a bookkeeper in a tannery for a period of two years. Owing to ill bealth he gave up that position and moved to Danville, N. Y., where for years he sought health, and studied medicine, and later grad- uated from the Hygieo-therapeutic College of New York, and afterward from the Hahn- emann Medical College of Philadelphia. In 1874 he moved to Wernersville, Pa., where he became the proprietor of the Mountain Home, a well known summer resort of that time, which has since been merged into the Grand View Sanitarium. He conducted the Mountain Home until 1877, when he pur- chased the old furnace in the vicinity, an his- toric property where shot and shells were cast for Washington’s Army in 1776. At that time the estate, consisting of nearly 500 acres of land, was only a cow pasture, with all of the elements of sanitary living, it is true, with springs and brooks, forest and field, gentle slope and steep acclivity, but without building or road. The accomplishments of art have been added to those of nature, and over twenty years of earnest labor have wrought a wonderful transformation. Wal- ter's Park is studded with evergreens, and thickly interspersed with chestnut, dogwood, pine and cedar trees, whose delightful shade in the summer months affords excellent op- portunities for picnic parties. The Sani- tarium, which was erected, is semi-circular in form, five stories in height, 300 feet in front, and is made of mountain granite, the dryest of rock, and is well lined to prevent the possibility of dampness. It is equipped throughout with all modern conveniences and finely furnished. A large stone barn was also built, and is well stocked with Shetland ponies and thoroughbred horses for the ac- commodation of the guests. These almost marvelous changes have not been accom- plished, however, without many trials and much hard work, and the fame which the Doctor has won is richly merited. During all these years he has kept thoroughly abreast with the advances made in all branches of medical science. Much credit is also due his excellent corps of assistants, namely: his worthy wife, who is a graduate of a New York Medical College; his son, Robert L.; his daughter, Dr. Maud M.: and Dr. Thomas C. Fanning of Farrington, N. Y. Dr. Wal- ter is also a member of many medical socie- ties, and is a man who possesses the admira- tion and esteem of all with whom he is ac- quainted. In 1872 he was united in wedlock with Eunice C. Lippincott, a native of Augusta, Me., and a daughter of John and Sarah Lip- pincott, the former of whom was a tanner by trade. This union resulted in the following issue: Maud M., who is a graduate from the Women’s Medical College of Philadelphia; Robert L., a student of Hahnemann Medical BERKS COUNTY College, Philadelphia; Mabel Helen, who is living at home; Stella Maria; and Ernest. Religiously, they are faithful members of the Society of Friends. In connection with this account of Dr. Walter’s lite and labors, we are pleased to present his portrait, which ap- pears on a page in proximity. SS SOO UDOLPH H. ANGSTADT, the pro- prietor of a general merchandise store in the village of Dryville, Rockland township, is a son of Jacob K. and Anna (Kercher) Angstadt, and was born in Long Swamp township, Decem- ber 16, 1846. His grandfather was Jacob Angstadt, who was born in Rockland township, where he always lived and followed the trade of a gunsmith. Jacob K. Angstadt, the father of our subject, was born in Rockland township, where he received a common school educa- tion, and learned the trade of a blacksmith, which he followed in connection with farm- ing until his death. He was. joined in wed- lock with Anna Kercher, by whom he had eight children, whose names were: William F., a shoemaker residing in Dryville ; Oba- diah D., a farmer of Rockland township, who married Susan Fenstermacher; Eliza, the wife of Daniel Gerhart, a farmer and carpen- ter of Henningsville, Berks County ; Rudolph H., in whom the interest of this sketch cen- ters; Leanda, the wife of Samuel K. Dry, a farmer of Colebrookdale township; James B., a farmer and mason residing in Rockland township, who married Hannah Mochley ; Torinda, who died at an early age; and Amanda, who also died in childhood. Rudolph H. Angstadt ‘attended the public schools of his native town, after which he took a two years’ course in the Keystone State Normal School of Kutztown. For the following eight years he was engaged in teaching in the public schools in Rockland, Maxatawny and Richmond townships, dur- ing the latter years of that time working in a store in the summer season. On Novem- ber 24, 1876, he purchased the store, which he now owns, and entered upon a merchant’s career. In 1892 he disposed of his store in Dryville and purchased a farm of 100 acres 251 in Lobachsville, Pike township, which con- tained a hotel, store, several houses, and other buildings, where he remained for a period of three years. He then returned to Dryville and again bought the store he form- erly owned, and has conducted it since. He is one of the most enterprising and progres- sive citizens of the village, and enjoys a large and lucrative patronage. His store is neat in appearance, and he carries a full line of general merchandise of the best quality. He is genial and good natured, and it is a pleas- ure to trade with him. Our subject was united in marriage with Esther Stimmel, a daughter of Isaac and Saloma (Gunther) Stimmel, the former of whom was a farmer and a wheelwright by trade. They are the happy parents of six children: Allen was born December 10, 1878, and is now living at home; Robert; Walter; Luther, deceased; and twins that died in infancy. In political belief, he is an unswerv- ing Democrat and has served as justice of the peace for eleven years, and as auditor for three years. His wife is a member of the Reformed Church, and he belongs to the Lu- theran Church of New Jerusalem. He is a public-spirited man and takes an interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the village. He is a director of the Kutztown Bank, and of a fire insurance company of Reading. He has been postmaster of the village of Dryville for many years. a gO ILSON SWEITZER, an influential and much respected citizen of the village of Shillington, Cumru town- ship, Berks County, was for many years the proprietor of various hotels, and during the last fifteen years of his active life was en- gaged in the iron ore business. Since 1880 he has lived a quiet and retired life, residing in a fine modern home in Shillington. He is ason of Peter and Mary (Wagner) Sweitzer, and was born in Brecknock township, Berks County, January 21, 1833. His grandfather on the paternal side was Frederick Sweitzer, who was one of the good substantial farmers of Brecknock township. Peter Sweitzer, the father of our subject, was born in Brecknock township, where he 252 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES was engaged in farming, and followed the cooper’s trade for many years. He then moved to Plowville, obeson township, where he conducted the Plow Hotel, and later moved to Lancaster County, where he remained until his removal to Reading. He married Mary Wagner, and they became the happy parents of four children: Wilson, the subject of this biographical record; Abram, who married Elizabeth Schaeffer of Reading, is now in the limestone business, but for- merly was in the ore business; Bentley, who married Hannah Heffner, is now prospecting in the gold fields of Klondike; and Elbina, deceased, was the wife of Peter Steyer of Lancaster County. Mrs. Sweitzer was called to her final rest in 1887. Wilson Sweitzer obtained his intellectual training in the public schools of his native town, and at the age of twenty-eight years went to Beckersville, Pa., where he conducted a hotel for seven years, and then spent one year in agricultural pursuits. He then, in 1867, moved to Shillington, where he pur- chased the hotel called the Three Mile House and successfully conducted it for two years, after which he became engaged in the iron ore business in Cumru and Spring townships, continuing until his retirement in 1880, a period of thirteen years. He then returned to Shillington, and purchased the property upon which he erected his present fine resi- dence, made many improvements and now has a modern, well-appointed home in every respect. He also owns a tract of wooded land in his part ot the county, which is valu- able property. Mr. Sweitzer and his worthy wife are very fond of travel and have often taken journeys into Cuba, Florida and Califor- nia, also visiting other well-known resorts in the United States. In political belief, he has always been an enthusiastic Democrat and for two terms served as prison inspector. October 27, 1857, he was united in wedlock with Rosa Eschelman, who was born in Robe- son township, October 16, 1835, and is a daughter of Absalom and Sarah (Berchart) Eschelman, the former of whom was a tavern keeper in Robeson township. He was also a farmer and an extensive drover. He and his wife were the parents of seven children: Au- gustus, the present proprietor of the Plow Ho. tel, of Plowville ; Sarah, the wife of Jacob Frey of Birdsboro; Elizabeth, who married Frank- lin Becker, a farmer of Chester County, Pa.; Rosa, our subject’s wife; Moses, deceased ; Christina, deceased; and Diana, who died young. In religious attachments, Mr. and Mrs. Sweitzer are members of Christ Church, commonly known as Yocum’s Church, Re- formed and Lutheran. —_____++____ AMUEL DRESHER, an extensive farmer and stock raiser, living on the old Dresher homestead in Long Swamp township, Berks County, was born August 4, 1831. He is a son of John and Dinah (Grim) Dresher, and a grand- son of Samuel Dresher. The first of the family to come to this country was Lawrence Dresher, the great- grandfather of our subject, who settled in Long Swamp township on the farm which has since remained in the family, and is now owned by our subject. The grandfather of our subject was Samuel Dresher, who was born on the home farm in 1777, where he always lived and followed the calling of a farmer. He was a good type of the sturdy farmers of that day, and lived to reach the age of seventy-three years, dying April 13, 1852. John Dresher, the father of our subject, was born on the homestead farm in 1804, where he lived until his death, which occur- red March 12, 1852. He was one of the leading agriculturists of the township, and was well known throughout the county. He was joined in matrimonial bonds with Dinah Grim, a native of Maxatawny township, and they reared the following five children: Samuel, whose name appears at the head of this sketch; John, who resides on the home farm with our subject; Nathan, who works in a foundry in the city of Reading; Eliza- beth, the wife of Walter Grim, who is a retired merchant of Allentown; and Charles, who resides in Hanover, Lehigh County, Pa. Mrs. Dresher survived her husband many years, dying in February, 1884. Samuel Dresher was intellectually pre- pared for the battle of life in the common schools of Long Swamp township, after which he worked for his father on the farm. GROSS. DAVID G. BERKS COUNTY * 255 At the age of twenty-one years, upon the death of his father, he succeeded to the ownership of the farm, which he has since conducted. When it first came into the pos- session of the Dresher family, this tract of 150 acres was a perfect wilderness, but by the untiring energy and industry of those who have gone before and of our subject, it has been transformed into as fertile and pro- ductive a farm as can be found in the county. Mr. Dresher is engaged in general farming, stock raising and dairying, and the general appearance of the farm indicates the success- ful manner in which he has managed his affairs. He is aman possessed of more than ordinary intelligence, shrewdness and energy, and is.deserving of the success with which he is meeting. Honest and straightforward with every one, he is loved and respected as a true neighbor and a kind triend. October 28, 1856, he was united in mar- riage with Sarah Ann Leibensperger, a daughter of Daniel and Annie (Butz) Lei- bensperger, both of whom are now deceased. This union was blessed by the birth of two children, namely: Alfred, who was born in 1858, is a clothing merchant of Allentown, and married Amanda Culver; and John, who died in infancy. Our subject and wife are earnest members of the Lutheran Church of Mertztown, of which our subject has held many of the offices. In political belief, he is a Democrat, and takes merely the interest in politics that should be taken by every dutiful citizen. ++ ____ influential farmer and stock raiser of Maxatawny township, was born on his present farm October 18, 1844, and is a son of John and Annie (Bieber) Bieber, both of whom were natives of the above township. Isaac Bieber, the grandfather of our sub- ject, resided upon the farm now owned by our subject, and was engaged in farming all his life. He reared a family of children, one of whom was John, the father ot our subject, who was born on the old homestead, and died there in 1865. He was engaged in the tilling of the soil, in which he was very suc- cessful, and was prominent in all movements Pate BIEBER, a representative and which tended to better the conditions of his fellow countrymen. He was joined in wed- lock with Annie Bieber, and a family of six children was born to them, namely: William A. married Sophia Bobst, and they reside in Philadelphia, where Mr. Bieber is engaged as a baker; Isaac, the subject of this sketch ; Mary is the wite of David Sharadin of Kutz- town; Katherine, deceased, was the wife of Dr. Johnson, also of Kutztown; Nathan, deceased; and Edwin, deceased. The mother of our subject passed from this life in 1864. Isaac Bieber received his education, in the common schools of Maxatawny township, and was reared to follow agricultural pursuits, and after his marriage he took possession of the old homestead, where he has remained to the present. The farm consists of 110 acres of well improved land, and is well stocked with cattle, with which Mr. Bieber is engaged in dairying. Our subject was united in marriage with Louisa Christman, daughter of lsaac Christman, deceased, who was a prominent farmer of this county. Twelve children have blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Bieber, who are as follows: John, a tanner by trade, but a farmer of Maxatawny township, was married to Lizzie Fisher ; Thomas, also a farmer of Maxatawny townhip; Annie; Hattie; Katherine; George; Jennie; Valley; Eleanora; Charlotta; Charles; and Stella, who has been adopted by Charles Deisher. Mr. Bieber is a strong Democrat in politics; religiously, he is a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. ++. AVID G. GROSS, dealer in lum- ber, coal, phosphate, agricultural . } implements, wind engines, force pumps, wagons, carriages, bicycles, etc., is one of the enterprising and hustling business men of Monocacy Station, Berks County. He was born in Exeter township, this county, September 12, 1862, and is a son of Alfred and Sophia H. (Guldin) Gross. The great-grandfather of our subject, a native of England, upon emigrating to this country settled in Earl township, this county, where he followed the trade of a shoemaker the rest of his life. He also conducted a farm in which he was very successful. He was 256 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES twice united in marriage, and by his first wife was presented with three sons and two daughters, who were as follows: Samuel; Jacob; John; Mrs. Bear and Mrs. Paul. By his second wife he had one daughter, who married a Mr. Conrad. John Gross, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was born in Earl township February Io, 1801, and died October 15, 1836. He was a successful tiller of the soil, and owned a small farm ; he also followed the shoemaking busi- ness in connection with his farming. In re- ligious views he was a member of the Luth- eran Church. He married Catherine Clauser, daughter of David Clauser, and to them were born the following children: Judith, who married William Boone; William, deceased, was a shoemaker, carpenter and machinist by trade; Nathan; David, a machinist of Reading, Pa.; Catherine, who married a Mr. Griffith of Reading, Pa.; Wellington, who is living a retired life in Amityville, this county ; and Annie, widow of the late P. Thompson, of Monocacy, Berks County. Alfred Gross, the father of our subject, was born in Earl township, in August, 1828, and was a blacksmith by trade, which he fol- lowed during his early manhood days; later he moved to Exeter township, where he engaged in farming and in buying and selling horses and cattle. Religiously, he attached himself to the Lutheran Church. Politically, he was an old time Whig, but upon the disruption of that party he joined the ranks of the Republican organization, and was one of the leaders in his section. He was called to his well earned rest Febru- ary 24,1896. He was joined in wedlock with Sophia Guldin, daughter of Samuel Guldin, an extensive farmer and miller of Amity township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Gross were the parents of the following children: John, a butcher of Exeter township; Samuel, James, Elizabeth and Sarah, all died in their infancy; David G., whose name heads the above lines; Charles G., a leading butcher of Morgantown, this county; Simon Peter, a clerk in the store owned by our subject ; and Guldin, a prominent farmer of Exeter town- ship. Our subject remained under the parental roof until he grew to manhood, and received his primary education in the common schools of his native town, and then entered the Scientific Academy at Reading. Upon leavy- ing school, he began to clerk in a store, where he remained nine months, when he entered Eastman’s Business College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., from which institution he was gradu- ated in 1882. He then engaged as traveling salesman for a Zanesville, Ohio, Queensware Co., and was assigned to work Philadelphia and the surrounding cities. After remaining on the road for eleven months, he returned home and carried on farming for two years. In 1885 he started in the coal business at Monocacy Station on the P. & R. R. R., and in 1888 he added to his former business a com- plete line of farming implements. Through his honest ways of dealing with his custom- ers he built up an enviable trade, and in 1894 commenced to deal in lumber. Mr. Gross’ business requires a capital of $15,000.co, and. the yearly sales amount to $35,000.00. Our subject has distinguished himself by constant attention to the needs of his enterprise and by honorable dealings with his patrons. Our subject adheres to the principles of the Republican party, and is one of the lead- ers in his community; he was appointed post- master of Monocacy Station under Harri- son’s administration, which position he held until 1898. Socially, he isa member of Union Lodge, F. & A. M. of Birdsboro, Pa.; Read- ing Chapter ; and the Commandery of Read- ing. In religious views he is a member and elder of the Lutheran Church. He formed a matrimonial alliance with Miss Mary A. Bartolet, daughter of Jeremiah Bartolet, a farmer of Oley township, and they were hap- pily married in March, 1888. To Mr. and Mrs. Gross were born four children, of whom Anna is the only one living. The progress which Mr. Gross has made from humble circumstances to comparative at- fluence marks him as a man of no ordinary ability. Beginning with but $35.00 and a horse and buggy, and with willing hands and a strong will, he is in the enjoyment of a well earned competency. His business qual- ities, no less than his fidelity to all his obliga- tions in life, have contributed to give him a wide influence in the community in which he lives, and itis with feelings of interest and pleasure that his friends will view his por- trait that appears on a preceding page. BERKS COUNTY 257 R. JACOB S. RITTENHOUSE is a resident of Reading, where he \S) enjoys a large and lucrative prac- tice. He has spent many years in study, his chief aim being to attain the high- est state of perfection possible. He has made a special and careful preparation in the treatment of diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat, of which he makes a specialty. He isa son of Dr. Samuel R. and Anna M. (Shaffer) Rittenhouse, and was born in Macungie, Lehigh County, June 3, 1861. On the paternal side, his ancestors were natives of Holland, and established the fam- ily in America in 1690, erecting in that year the first paper mill in the United States at Germantown, Pa. Dr. Samuel R. Rittenhouse, the father of our subject, was born near The Trappe, Montgomery County, Pa., January 16, 1832, and was a son of Jacob D. Rittenhouse. Jacob D. Rittenhouse was one of the good substantial agriculturists of that section, and lived a useful life of sixty-one years, his death resulting from apoplexy April 17,1843. Our subject’s father attended the public schools of his native town during his younger days, after which he took a medical course in the University of Pennsylvania, from which he graduated in 1853, receiving a certificate to practice medicine. Immediately thereafter he entered upon practice as an allopathic physician near The Trappe. Not being sat- isfied, however, until he had received the best education obtainable, he returned to the University the following fall and attended another course of lectures, also taking advan- tage of the clinics at the University Hospital. In the following year he formed a partner- ship with Dr. Lesher Trexler at Long Swamp, Berks County, and they acquired a large and remunerative practice, which they held until 1855. At the time he had no faith in the Homeopathic School of Medicine, having been led to believe that it was nothing more than a delusion. But the wonderful ac- complishments of that year opened his eyes, as it did those of every other man who was deeply interested in the advances of medical science. He decided to make a careful in- vestigation, and at once read the Organon and studied the Homeopathic Materia Med- ica. With the coming of faith in the new school, faith in the old school began to wane, and finally made its departure, when upon testing the medicine in actual practice he be- came thoroughly satished with the principle of Hahnemann—Srmilia stmilibus curantur. In 1857 he removed to Millerstown, Lehigh County, where for twenty years he had charge of a large practice. Indeed, it grew to such an extent that it required his entire attention, and his health became greatly im- paired. Fearing that it would be necessary to relinquish his practice entirely, he moved to Reading in October, 1868, where he hoped to better the condition of his health. He soon after took up practice again, and contin- ued with much success until his death, which occurred June 26, 1895. He was a member of the Homeopathic Medical Societies of Berks and Schuylkill Counties, the Homeo- pathic Medical Society of the State of Penn- sylvania,and the Reading Society of Natural Sciences. He frequently contributed papers to medical journals of both schools, and was a writer of merit. During the Civil War he was an enthusiastic advocate of the Union cause, and contributed numerous articles to local papers intended to stimulate patriotism in the people and to continue the support of the Union. He was a consistent Republican, and in 1863 was the popular candidate of his party for the State Legislature, but was de- teated at the election. At the time of his de- mise he was acting as consulting physician of the medical staff of the Homeopathic Hos- pital. He was also the first president of the Hahnemann Medical Society of Reading. Asa result of his union with Anna M. Shaf- fer, he became the father of two sons and two daughters, namely: Jacob S., the subject of this biographical record; Anna; Hannah; and a son who died in childhood. Dr. Jacob S. Rittenhouse was but seven years of age when his father moved the fam- ily to Reading, and there he obtained his ele- mentary training in the public schools. He then took a course in languages and the nat- ural sciences at the academy under the pre- ceptorship of the Hon. D. B. Brunner, alter which he matriculated in the Hahnemann Medical College of Philadelphia in 1882. On the third day of April, 1885, he was gradu- ated and the degree of Doctor of Medicine was conferred upon him. During the last 258 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES year in college he was elected by the class to “quizz” them on the subject of pathology and the practice of medicine. After his grad- uation he became associated in practice with his father in Reading, and during the winter of 1887-88 he attended the New York Poly- clinic and other well-known hospitals, devot- ing particular attention to diseases of the ear, eye, nose and throat. He has since made a specialty of these subjects, and is at present the Special United States Pension Examiner for the district of Berks County on ailments of the ear and eye. He has been successful in practice beyond his fondest expectations, and numbers among his patients many of the leading citizens of the county. Fraternally, he is a member of the Reading and the State Homeopathic Societies, and is president of the Hahnemann Medical Society of Reading. Dr. Rittenhouse is a man of high character, and is greatly respected by his fellow-citizens and practitioners. June 12, 1888, he was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Emma K. Griese- mer, a daughter of Benneville D. and Han- nah K. Griesemer, and four children were born to them, namely: Roger G., who, al- though a vigorous boy, was called home at the age of eleven months after a severe ill- ness of a few weeks; Mary Esther, who was born January 18, 1892; Samuel B., whose birth occurred October 14, 1893; and Ruth Helen, born December 14, 1897. Fraternally, the Doctor is a member of Vigilant Lodge, I. O. O. F.; the Encampment, I. O. O. F., and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. ————__+o+_____ A LEVAN, who for many years was engaged in agricultural pursuits in Exeter township, has lived in retire. ment, since 1883, in the village of Jack- sonwald, where he is enjoying the peace and quiet of home life after many years spent in fruitful labor. He is a son of Joseph and Caroline (Bechtel) Levan, and was born on the old Levan homestead near Jacksonwald, September 5, 1843. The Levan family originally came from France, and is of French Huguenot stock. Four brothers by that name left their native home and sought a home in America, but one of them never lived to reach his destination. The other three located in Berks County,— one in Oley township, another in Maxatawny township near Kutztown, and the other, Isaac Levan, the great-great-grandfather of our subject, settled on a farm in Exeter township, which has remained in the family since, a period of over 100 years, and is now owned by the heirs of Silas Levan, deceased, a brother of our subject. On this large tract of land the pioneer spent the remainder of his life in clearing and cultivating the soil, during which time he experienced many of the hardships incident to pioneer life. His son, Jacob Levan, the great-grandfather of our subject, succeeded to the ownership of the homestead, and during his entire life was en- gaged in farming. He was the father of Abraham Levan, the grandfather of our sub- ject, who was born on the old home farm, and became one of the prominent men of the township, and a very prosperous farmer of his day. Abraham Levan was united in the holy bonds of wedlock with a Miss Bechtel, by whom he had three sons and two daugh- ters, one of whom was Joseph, the father of our subject. Joseph Levan was born on the old home- stead in 1803, and like his forefathers became one of the representative agriculturists of the county, and was also engaged in other business enterprises which yielded good re- turns. He wasa man of more than ordinary business qualifications, honest and upright in his transactions, and during life accumulated a handsome competency. He had a large number of friends and was everywhere known and respected as a man of great worth and influence in the community. He was an unswerving supporter of the principles of the Democratic party, but never held office. In religious attachment he was a consistent member of the Reformed Church, of which he held many of the church offices. He formed a matrimonial alliance with Caroline Matilda Bechtel, a daughter of John Tetter Bechtel, by whom he had five sons and one daughter, namely: Joseph, who died at an early age; Abraham, a retired farmer of Exeter town- ship ; Jacob, whose name appears at the head of these lines; Cyrus, deceased, who was a farmer on the homestead ; Nathan, a retired farmer of Exeter Township; David, an at- BERKS COUNTY 259 torney of Reading, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this Book of Biographies; and a daughter, who died in infancy. Jacob Levan was intellectually trained for the battles of life in the common schools of his native town, and was reared on the farm. He was actively engaged in following the calling of a farmer until he was forty years of age, and was eminently successful, laying by enough wealth to enable him to retire at that age. He owns a fine farm of 180 acres, upon which he lived for many years, but now rents. He now resides in the village of Jacksonwald, where he has a large number of friends, who are numbered almost by his ac- quaintances. On September 23, 1882, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Kerper, a daughter of John Kerper, a farmer of Exeter town- ship, and they are the parents of the follow- ing three children: Caroline Amelia; Jacob; and David Paul. Religiously, they are all faithful members of the Reformed Church of Jacksonwald. Politically, our subject is a stanch Democrat, and has twice been a dele- gate to county conventions. or ARCUS LONG. Prominent among the leading farmers of Berks County is the gentleman whose name heads this brief narrative, and who is located on one of the oldest farms in Long Swamp township, which consists of 110 acres of rich and productive land. He was born on the farm he now tills, May 11, 1836, and is a son of Aaron and Esther (Fritch) Long, both natives of Long Swamp township. The great-grandfather, Jacob Long, came to this country from Saxony, Prussia, and settled on a portion of land now owned by his great-grandson. He was one of the founders of the Reformed Church of the township, and a leading citizen. Daniel Long, the grandfather of our sub- ject, born August 10, 1815, also resided upon the farm now owned by our subject, and fol- lowed the vocation of a farmer all his life. Aaron Long, the father, was born on the old homestead, and was a tinsmith by trade, but followed farming most of the time until his death, which occurred October 30, 1883, at the age of sixty-eight years. He was joined in wedlock with Esther Fritch, who was born January 30, 1816, and three children were born to them, namely: Marcus, the subject of this biographical notice; Jonas F., born September 28, 1837, was married to Eliza Wagenhorst, and they now reside in Napa County, California; and Daniel George, a physician of Reading, this county. The mother of our subject died January 20, 1884. Marcus Long was educated in the public schools of his native township, and during his boyhood days he assisted his father in the cultivation of the farm. Attaining his major- ity, he took charge of part of the old home- stead, and has successfully carried on farm- ing until the present. He also operates a grist mill, and carries on stock raising and dairying to a large extent. Mr. Long was joined in the bonds of matrimony June 4, 1863, with Eliza Trexler, a native of Long Swamp township, and a daughter of Ben- jamin and Susanna (Leininger) Trexler, both of whom are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Long have reared a family of six children, namely : Jennie E. is the wife of Dr. I. J. Weida, and they are residents of Cambria County, Pa.; Emma H. married Charles Long, and resides near our subject; Lilly E. resides at home with her parents; Carrie S. also remains at home; Sarah E. is the wife of Charles B. Folk, a farmer of Long Swamp township ; and Morris A. B. is a student in Jetterson Medical College at Philadelphia. Our sub- ject has always supported the Republican party, and has served as school director in all the districts of Long Swamp township for eighteen years, and during this time he has built fifteen new school houses. He is a member of Masonic Lodge, No. 358, of Trex- lertown, Pa.; K. ot P. of Mertztown; and a member of Long Swamp Grange, No. 1069. Mr. Long and family are devoted members of the Reformed and Lutheran Churches. [SS SSS SS MOS WEILER is a prominent citizen and honored pioneer of Berks County. He has been living in this county all his life, and has assisted ma- terially in its development and progress. He s 260 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES is residing in Long Swamp township, and is about to retire from the more active duties of life. He has acted well his part, and is receiving the honor due to those who have labored and struggled and accomplished a large part of what their ambition stimulated them to attempt. He was born on his pres- ent farm in Long Swamp township, Novem- ber 20, 1817, and is a son of George and Saloma (Schaeffer) Weiler, and grandson of John Weiler. John Weiler came from Oley township to Long Swamp township, and took up a tract of land, the farm now owned by our subject. In addition to farming he operated a distillery. George Weiler, the father of our subject, was born on the old homestead, where he fol- lowed the pursuits of an agriculturist all his life. He married Saloma Schaeffer, and a family of eleven children was reared. They are as follows: Aaron died one year after birth ; Amos, our subject; Sarah, the wife of Levi Swartz of Hancock, this county; Mari- etta, wife of A. Gouse, a resident of Macungie, Pa.; Saloma Ann, deceased, was the wife of Elias Titlow; Eliza Ann, widow of the late Thomas Will, a resident of Reading; Mary Emelina, widow of the late Peter Haas; Mannoah, proprietor of Hotel Weiler of Reading; Hannah Louisa, deceased; Mar- garet wedded Edwin Fegley of Upper Ma- cungie township, Lehigh County; and one that died in infancy. Mr. Weiler died in 1851. Amos Weiler first attended the common school and then entered the college at Col- legeville, Pa., where he remained two terms. Returning home, he took charge of the old Trexler homestead, where he has since been engaged in tilling the soil. His farm consists of 100 acres of highly improved land, upon which he has toiled for nearly a half century, and is now about to retire from active work. In 1851 our subject was married to Susanna Schantz, a native of Milford township, Lehigh County. She is a daughter of Daniel and Rebecca (Geisenger) Schantz, both of whom are now deceased. Our subject and wife reared two children, Ellaand Hiram S. Ella, born Apri] 28, 1852, is the wife of David S. Trexler, and they have three children, namely: Jacob A.; Howard C.; and Nettie Grace. He formerly lived in Long Swamp township, but now resides in Adirondack village, where he is engaged in dealing in grain, coal and lumber. Hiram S., born January Io, 1856, married Mary Trexler and now resides in Reading, where he conducts the Mansion House. Our subject’s wife departed from this life April 15, 1888. Mr. Weiler strongly advocates the principles of the Democratic party, and has served as school director, rep- resented his district in the State Legislature in 1858, and in 1879-80-and 81 he served as prothonotary; he has also been prison in- spector of Berks County; and has served as a juryman in the courts of Pennsylvania. Mr. Weiler is an active member of the Re- formed Church. He stands high in the esti- mation of the people, and is one of the prom- inent citizens of the community in which he resides. ——_____+-—____ and highly respected citizens of West Leesport, who has been a resident of Bern township for the last thirty years, and who is now serving as justice of the peace, having been elected at every election since 1871, was born in Ontelaunee township January 9, 1840, and is a son of Adam and Sarah (Herbst) Rahn. Adém Rahn, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was born in Berks County, received a common school education, and learned the trade of a paper maker, and then engaged in the manufacture of paper all his life, also fol- lowing the pursuits of farming. He was a life-long Democrat. His grandfather, Adam Rahn, a native of Germany, in 1752, in com- pany with his three brothers, emigrated to this country and located in Montgomery County; his other brothers located in Berks County; one of his sons, the great grand- father of our subject, was in the Revolution- 7 War, and was at Valley Forge when Gen. ashington rested his troops there during the winter. Adam Rahn, the grandfather of our subject, died at the age of seventy-seven years. Adam Rahn, the father of our subject, was born in Ontelaunee township in 1809, and was educated in itsschools. In his early boy- hood days he accepted a position as boatman Pi. H. RAHN, one of the honored DR. CALVIN K. CHRISTMAN. BERKS COUNTY 263 on the Schuylkill Canal, and finally he pur- chased three boats, and carried on a large business until the time of his death. e was a member of the German Reformed Church of West Leesport; politically, he was a strong Democrat. He was a member of the I. O. O. F. of Leesport. He married Sarah Herbst, and they reared the following children, who grew to maturity, namely: William ; Isaac H., the subject of this sketch; Sarah; Lewis; and Adam. Mr. Rahn passed from this life at the age of seventy-three years. Mrs. Rahn died aged seventy-seven years. Isaac H. Rahn received his intellectual training in the common schools of Ontelau- nee township, and from his father he learned to work on the boats on the Schuylkill Canal ; in the beginning he was driver boy, and later he was captain, which position he held for seventeen years. In 1855 he attended Tremont Seminary at Norristown, Pa., un- der Rev. Samuel Aaron; after leaving that school he taught seven terms in Pike town- ship and one term in Ontelaunee township. He then conducted a general mercantile store in Leesport village until 1880. In 1871 he was elected as justice of the peace, and in 1880 he sold out his store and devoted his entire time to his office and legal business. In 1883 he engaged in the lime business at Tuckerton, Leesport and West Leesport; he soon abandoned his quarry at Tuckerton, and now has in his employ some thirty men, who are kept constantly at work in the other two quarries. Mr. Rahn is an unwavering Republican, and always does what he can toward the ad- vancement of his chosen party. In 1878,’79, 80, he served as prison inspector of Berks County; he has represented his fellow-citi- zens in the state council for twenty-two years ; and has served on various committees on law, appeal and credentials. He is a devoted member of the Reformed Church, and has served as elder and deacon for several years, and is frequently a delegate to the church synods. He is a member of the Washington National B. & L.; Fidelity B.& L.; Home ie L.; and the Central B. & L.of Reading. For thirty years he has beena member and superin- tendent of the Sunday School, which com- prisessome 400 members. Heisalso leader ot 18 the German Bible Class, which is composed of eighteen members, whose ages ey from forty to eighty years. He is a stockholder and a director of the Leesport Knitting Co. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge No. 141 of Leesport; Leesport Council, No. 141, O. U. A. M.; Daughters of Rebecca; Daughters of Liberty; and was state coun- cilor of the O. U. A. M. in 1892. August 24, 1861, he was joined in marriage with Eliza- beth H. Haag, a daughter of George K. Haag, a justice of the peace of Center town- ship, this county. As a result of this union, the following children were born to them, namely: E. Newton is a telegraph operator ; John M. is a fireman of the Philadelphia & Reading R. R.; George Adam, foreman of the packing department for J. H. Sternbergh of Reading ; Clara E., deceased, the wife of Francis B. Kauffman, who is a butcher and dealer in lime of Leesport ; and Sallie, who died at the age of four years. —————+@ar——_ R. CALVIN K. CHRISTMAN, de- ceased, a physician of skill and 5) ability of Reading, was widely known throughout Berks County, which was his field of labor throughout life. He labored hard and earnestly to achieve proficiency in his profession, and the large and lucrative practice which he enjoyed speaks well for the success of his efforts. He was ever a dutiful citizen, and his death on February 7, 1898, resulting from spinal hem- orrhage caused by a fall on January 2, 1898, cast a gloom of sadness over his many friends and fellow-citizens. Dr. Christman was born September 8, 1847,in Washington township, Berks County, and was a son of Thomas and Lydia (Kline) Christman. His grandfather, Daniel Christ- man, was a son of Philip Christman, who was a native of Germany, and came to this country in 1777, and located in Berks County, where he purchased a farm of 113 acres, and there passed the remainder of his life. Daniel purchased the farm of his father and cultivated it until 1845, when he removed to Montgomery County. Thomas Christman, the father of our sub- ject, was born and reared upon this old 264 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES homestead. He was born March 21, 1822, and developed an unusual capacity for busi- ness, which led to a very prosperous career. He dealt extensively in stock in connection with his farming interests. While he was a shrewd man of business, his integrity was without question, and his services were in frequent demand in the settlement of estates. He was a deacon and elder in Huber’s Re- formed Church of Niantic, Pa., of which he was one of the founders. In politics he was a Democrat, but never an office-seeker. He was united in marriage with Lydia Kline, by whom he had three children, two of whom died in their infancy. Dr. Calvin K. Christman, the subject of this biographical record, was educated in the academies of Boyertown, Quakertown and Mercersburg, after which he entered the University of Pennsylvania in 1867, and graduated therefrom in March, 1869, in the twenty-second year of his age. His first location was at Bally, Berks County, where he was a general practitioner until 1891, the year in which he opened his office in Read- ing. In 1889 he returned to the University of Pennsylvania and took a special course in catarrh and chronic diseases, and upon re- turning to his practice made a specialty of catarrh, ruptures and kindred ailments, meet- ing with merited success. In the treatment of rupture he used what is known as the Fidelity Method, a much more satisfactory and successful mode of treatment than the old or radical method in which the knife was used. He confined himself entirely to office work, and built up a large and desirable practice, one of the best in the city of Read- ing. The old Christman homestead, pur- chased in 1777 by his great-grandfather, was in the possession of the Doctor, who prized it highly for the many associations with which it was connected. Upon his demise he was buried in the Fairview Cemetery, which ad- joins the old church at Niantic, which his father aided in establishing. Dr. Christman was married December 7, 1878, to Elleanor Evans, a member of two of the oldest families of Chester and Delaware Counties. Her father, Thomas Evans, was a prominent and influential citizen of Chester County, whose ancestors took an active part in the American Revolution. Her mother, Martha Jane (Cheyney) Evans, was a descen- dant of Col. Cheyney of Revolutionary fame, and was reared on the Cheyney homestead in Delaware County, on land deeded to the Cheyneys by the Penns. It is still in posses- sion of their heirs, and is noted in history for a family burial ground in which repose the remains of Col. Cheyney. This happy union resulted in the birth of three children: Daniel E., born May 26, 1880; Mary E., born August 3, 1881; and Thomas C. K., born April 17, 1887. Socially, our sub- ject was a member of Mt. Penn Council, Royal Arcanum, and Imperial Order of Heptasophs. Religiously, he was an active member of St. Paul's Memorial Reformed Church, and was a teacher in the Sunday School. He was superintendent of Christ’s German Retormed Sunday School at Nian- tic for seventeen years. Although Dr. Christman enjoyed a lucra- tive practice and was surrounded with every luxury, yet he was of a quiet and unassum- ing nature, easily moved to pity, and, as a result, he was often sought after and as fre- quently gave of his means and services to the poor and needy, and his generous Christian spirit was in the van in the fostering of every worthy charitable enterprise; in his zeal for doing good to others he gave truly as the Bible enjoineth us, “ Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth.” An eminent divine, in speaking of his demise, said: ‘This city and community never lost a citizen that was more universally missed, for the Doctor was indeed a healer of the sick and a helper of the poor.’”’ Dr. Christman’s portrait appears on page 262, in connection with the above account of his life. SS DWIN BUTZ,a representative business man of Berks County, and a highly re- spected and esteemed citizen of Seisholtzville, is one of the largest dealers in grain, coal and lumber in Long Swamp town- ship. He was born in the above township June 26, 1840, and is a son of James and eo (Butz) Butz, and grandson of John utz. John Butz was born in Lehigh County, Pa., and was a son of Samuel Butz, a native BERKS of Germany, who emigrated to the United States and located in Pennsylvania. The father of our subject was born in Upper Macungie township, Lehigh County, and when he attained his munhood he moved to Long Swamp township, Berks County, and purchased a farm near Topton and spent the rest of his life there, with the exception of one year, when he conducted a store in Reading. His latter years were spent in re- tirement on his farm in Long Swamp town- ship, where he died aged sixty-nine years. He married Miss Mary Butz, a native of Long Swamp township, and they reared twelve children, namely: One that died in infancy ; Lewis, deceased ; Charles, who lives with his brother Ephraim in Topton; Eliza, a resident of Maxatawny township; Edwin, our subject; Caroline, the wife of Martin Bailey of Hereford township; Sarah, de- ceased ; Katie, a resident of Alburtis, Lehigh County; Henry, deceased; James, deceased ; Ephraim, a farmer of Topton; and William, a merchant of Alburtis, Lehigh County. Edwin Butz attended the primary schools of his native town, and at the age of twenty- eight years he moved to Red Lion village and embarked in the grain, coal and lumber business, in which business he has met with great success. Prior to his removal to Red Lion he managed the farm owned by his father. In 1869 he formed a matrimonial al- liance with Miss Fienna Miller, a native of Red Lion, and a daughter of Harry and Sarah (Hunsperger) Miller. Her father, who is deceased, was a farmer all his life; her mother is still living, and resides in Red Lion. Our subject and wife are the parents of five children, who are as follows: James, a farmer, married Kate Moll; Mary is the wife of James Levan, a laborer residing at Albur- tis, Lehigh County; Agnes, deceased; Annie wedded Clinton Snyder, a butcher of Albur- tis; and Harry, who remains at home assist- ing his father. Mr. Butz and family are members and earnest workers of the Re- formed Church of Long Swamp. He ad- heres to Republican views in politics, and is not a seeker of office. Our subject, in all his dealings, has been honest and upright, indus- trious and frugal, and enjoys the esteem and respect of the community, which are so justly his due. 265 COUNTY yPARRY H. GRING, an enterprising young business man of Mohnsville, Cumru township, and the well- \— known proprietor of the Wyomis- sing Roller Mills of that place, is a son of Reuben T. and Harriet (Hornberger) Gring, and was born in Cumru township, Berks County, July 13, 1867. Reuben T. Gring was born in Bern town- ship, and during his entire life followed the occupations of a farmer and miller. In 1870 he purchased the mill now owned by our subject, which was then known as the Mohnsville Grist Mill, and successfully op- erated it until his death, which occurred in 1896. He was a Republican, but was not very active in politics. He was always an active worker in church affairs, and was a member of the Reformed Church, of which he was deacon for many years. August 27, 1849, he formed a matrimonial alliance with Bromelia Allenbach, a daughter of Daniel and Mary Allenbach of Reading, Pa. Her death occurred January 25, 1855, and he was again married to Harriet Hornberger, by whom he had the following children: Nathan E. B., who was born September 29, 1861, died October 25, 1866; Emma E. was born January 17, 1866, and died on the 14th of October following; William H. and Harry H., the subject of this biographical sketch, were twins; and Ellen, the wile of Isaac S. Spatz, a record of whose life appears else- where in this book. Harry H. Gring obtained his intellectual training in the public schools of his native town, the D. B. Brunner Business College, and in the Keystone State Normal School of Kutztown, Pa. In 1888 he learned the trade of a miller in the mill of his father, and has followed that line of work ever since. He continued in his father’s mill, and two years betore the latter’s death assumed complete charge of the affairs. He has a very large patronage, and disposes of all of his output in his home district. He does all kinds of grinding, and turns out several high grades of flour. The property is now known as the Wyomissing Roller Mills of Mohnsville. Mr. Gring has always been straightforward and honest in business transactions, and stands high in the estimation of his fellow- citizens. 266 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES On November 29, 1894, he was united in marriage with Mary Ann Schweitzer, a daughter of Edward and Kate Schweitzer, and they have one bright young son, Ed- ward B., who was born April 16, 1895, and a daughter, Carrie May, born Mav 13, 1898. Politically, he is a Republican, whilst in re- ligious belief he isa member of the Reformed Church. Socially, he is a member of the Mohnsville Lodge, No. 485, Knights of Pyth- ias; Camp, No. 211, P. O. S. of A.; Castle, No. 137, Knights of the Golden Eagle. SO SSS APT. P. R. STETSON, a prominent and valued citizen of Reading, is en- gaged in the coal business in that city, and is agent of the Pennsyl- vania & Reading Coal Co. Our subject traces his ancestral history back to Robert Stetson, who was the first of the Stetson family to locate in America, and was cornet of the first troop of horse raised in Plymouth County, Mass. He was a deputy in the Gen- eral Courts of England from 1654 until 1678. His son Benjamin was born in Situate, Mass., in 1641, and was the father of Prince, and grandfather of Charles A. Stetson, who was the father of Capt. Prince R. Stetson, our subject. Prince Stetson served throughout the Rev- olutionary War, and was a captain under General Washington, in the 22d Foot. Charles A. Stetson, the father of our subject, was born in 1810, and received his schooling in the common schools of his native town. Attaining his majority, he embarked in the hotel business, which business he made his life-long occupation. For forty years he con- ducted the Astor House of New York City, which was the finest hotel in the Metropolis. In politics he was formerly a Whig, but upon the formation of the Republican party, he became identified with that organization. Mr. Stetson was a warm friend of Daniel Webster. He was Quarter-Master General ot the State of New York under Governor Hunt. Capt. P. R. Stetson possesses a good high school education, which he received in his native city. In 1861 he was appointed first lieutenant in the 15th Reg. U.S. Reg. Inf., and resigned as captain in 1865. He partic- ipated in most of the battles that occurred in the march from Chattanooga to Atlanta, and was on Gen. Hooker’s staff in the March to the Sea. At the close of the war our sub- ject moved to Reading, Pa., where he became treasurer of the Leesport Iron Co., in which capacity he served until three years ago, when he embarked in the coal business; he is agent for the Pennsylvania & Reading Coal Co. Mr. Stetson was postmaster of Reading during President Harrison’s administration. In social circles he is a member of General William H. Keim . Post, No. 76, G. A. R.; Veteran Encampment, No. 43, Loyal Legion; and treasurer of Diocese of Central Pennsyl- vania. In November, 1863, our subject was joined in the bonds of matrimony with Re- becca Eckert, a daughter of Isaac Eckert, and two children have blessed their happy home, namely: Edward; and Alice, the wife of Charles B. Knapp. Mr. Stetson enjoys the well-merited confidence of the com- munity, and is doing his share toward the building up of the business portion of it. R. EDWARD BROBST, the oldest medical practitioner of Bern town- ship, is a gentleman whose trained abilities and skilled resources have brought him into public notice and have won for him the regard, esteem and respect that are justly due a man of his usefulness in the life of the community. The work ofa phy- sician, from its innate nature, is of the kind that brings him into the closest relationship with the people. The way in which he car- ries his heavy responsibilities is ever to the public a matter of the most vital importance. That Dr. Brobst fully knows the ethics of his profession, as well as the teachings, and every day of his life lives up to them, admits of no discussion. His high standing every- where proves his fidelity to his patients’ in- terests, and his success proves his talents. He was born at Rehrersburg, Berks County, Pa., September 15, 1833, and is a son of Val. entine and Mary (Miller) Brobst. Christian Brobst, the grandfather of our subject, was an early tavern keeper in Rehr- ersburg, this county. He was the father of BERKS COUNTY 207 the following children, namely: Valentine, the father of our subject, Michael, Wiliam, Henry, and Elizabeth. Christian Brobst died at the age of forty years. Valentine Brobst was bornin Albany town- ship, this county, and was educated in a private school; attaining his majority, he fol- lowed the trade of a hatter in Rehrersburg, Berks County. He was the progenitor of three sons and two daughters, namely: Dr. Edward, our subject; John A.; James C,; Sarah, deceased: and Mary, wife of Frank Buch. The father of our subject passed from this life in the spring of 1897, at the age of eighty-nine years. Dr. Edward Brobst remained under the parental roof during his early days, and at- tended the private schools of Orwigsburg, Schuylkill County, Pa.. and then entered the office of Dr. Schoener of Rehrersburg, to pursue the study of medicine, and later graduated from the University of Pennsyl- vania, at Philadelphia, Pa. In the spring of 1854 he began to practice his profession at Danville, Luzerne County, Pa. where he remained but one year, when he came to West Leesport, where he has since continued his practice with great success. Dr. Brobst enlisted, in 1863, as a physician and surgeon in the Union Army, but soon after his enlist- ment he contracted typhoid fever, while at Hagerstown, Md., was given a sick leave and returned to his home. In December, 1864, he re-enlisted as a surgeon in the 143d Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf., under the command of Col. Dana, and continued in the service until the close of the war, when he was mustered out at Hart Island, New York Harbor, in June, 1865. Dr. Brobst is a member of the Berks County Medical Society ; Huguenot Lodge, No. 377, F. & A. M. of Kutztown; anda member of Leesport Lodge, No. 141, 1.0.0. F. He was twice married. To his first wife, Louisa Zacharias, he was married in 1854, and they reared two children: Henrietta, the wife of George Filbert; and John, who died at the age of one year. After the death of his first wife he wedded Sarah Groff, in 1866, and as a result of this union one child was born, Carrie, the wife of Harry G. Lenhart, who is a junior member of the firm S. H. Lenhart & Sons, dealers in general merchan- 13 dise at West Leesport. Mr. Lenhart is one of the popular and rising young business men of the town. Our subject served under Harrison’s administration as pension examin- er. Mr.and Mrs. Brobst are both members of the Lutheran Church of West Leesport. +24 DAM H. SAILER, who was one ol the most prosperous farmers of Berks County, where he was actively en- gaged in farming for so many years, has been living in retirement on the home farm in Exeter township since 1890, in the quiet and peace of home life, enjoying the fruits of a laborious past. He is a son of Henry and Sarah (Hahn) Sailer, and was born in what is now Muhlenberg township, then Alsace township, December 4, 1826. He comes of French Huguenot stock, and his great-grandfather was Philip Sailer, who was born in Alsace, France, and came to America in the early part of the eighteenth century, on account of religious persecution. He located at Sixth and Franklin streets, Reading, Pa., where he conducted a meat market. He was accompanied to this coun- try by two brothers, who located west of the Susquehanna River, and all traces of them and their descendants have been obliterated. His companion in life was a native of Alsace, France, and their union was blessed by the birth of three sons, namely: Philip, who lost his life in the Revolutionary War; Frederick, who followed farming on a farm in Alsace, now Muhlenberg township; and Henry, the grandfather of our subject. Henry Sailer was born in Reading, February 29, 1764, and through all his life was engaged in agricul- tural pursuits on a farm owned by Governor Hiester. He was united in marriage with Anna Maria Magdalena Rothenberger, who was born December 12, 1770, and they reared two sons: Henry, the father of our subject; and John. Henry Sailer, the father of our subject, was born in Alsace, now Muhlenberg town- ship, Berks County, December 16, 1796, and worked on the farm with his father, who died before middle life. Governor Hiester asked him to take charge of the farm made vacant by the death of his father, but he was a 268 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES young man without means, and so informed the Governor. The latter, in his usual brusque manner, replied that he had money to loan him to go on with the farming, which he did. Mr. Sailer was a hard and industri- ous worker, and proved that the Governor's confidence in him was not misplaced. He returned the money advanced him, from time to time, and became a very prosperous man. The Governor was so pleased with his work, that a few years later, when the farm on which the Charles Evans’ Cemetery is now located, was offered at sheriff sale, he insisted upon loaning him the money with which to buy the place. After buying the farm he still lived upon the Governor’s place until the lat- ter’s death, and cultivated both farms. He then moved upon his own property, and be- came one of the representative farmers of the county. He remained there for a number of years, and, after selling the property to Charles Evans, moved to Reading, where he lived in retirement until his death, which oc- curred March 20, 1880. He was a very wealthy man, and at the time of his death owned eight farms, leaving one to each of his eight children. Religiously, he was a con- sistent member of the Reformed Church. He formed a matrimonial alliance with Sarah - Hahn, a daughter of Adam Hahn, a farmer of what is now Muhlenberg township, and they becamé the parents of six sons and two daughters, namely: Sarah, deceased, who married the late John H. Mertz, a farmer of Richmond township; Adam H., whose name appears at the head of these lines; Henry, a retired farmer of Muhlenberg township; Samuel, a retired farmer, formerly of Spring township, but: now of Reading; William, a farmer of Oley township; Franklin, a farmer of Amity township; Solomon,. deceased, a farmer of Muhlenberg township; and Cath- erine, who was twice married, her first hus. band being the late William Lauer—her second union was with Jeremiah Guldin, a retired farmer of Muhlenberg township. Adam H. Sailer was reared on the farm, and obtained his education in the common schools of Reading and at Reading Academy, after which he took up that most honorable of callings, farming. He was located on the home farm until 1864, when his father sold it and bought our subject’s present farm in Exeter township, which consists of 131 acres of excellent farm land. Upon his father’s death he fell heir to the place, and has since resided there. He also bought a fine farm in Spring township, which he still owns. He inherited his father’s excellent business quali- fications, and during his active period accu- mulated a handsome competency, which enabled him to retire in 1890. He isa man of strict integrity and honesty, and has a large number of friends throughout the county who can testify to his sterling quali- ties. , August 27, 1854, he was united in marriage with Mary Ann Gring, a daughter of William Gring, a miller of Spring township, by whom he had one son and one daughter, namely: Amelia, the wife of James B. Linebach, a farmer of Oley township, and they have two children who attend Franklin & Marshall College of Lancaster, Pa.; and Henry, who died in infancy. In religious belief he is a member of the Alsace Reformed Church, of which he has been deacon and elder. Politi- cally, he is a stanch Democrat, and was school director of Muhlenberg township for nine years, and of Exeter township for six years. He was the only one of his family who ever sought office, and one of a few who ever was elected on his first canvass. He was elected clerk of quarter session, and served from 1869 to 1872. or —_—_ R. MILTON A. HENGST, whose reputation as a physician extends (6) far and wide over the county, has _ been engaged in the practice of his profession at Birdsboro since 1878. He is a son of Benjamin and Susan (Keller) Hengst, and. was born on a farm near East gaa York County, Pa., February 24, 1844. The great-grandfather of our subject was a native of Germany, and was an early set- tler and farmer of York County. Benjamin Hengst, the father of our subject, was born in York County, and was engaged in agricul- tural pursuits near East Prospect, where he also erected and operated a grist and woolen mill. He was an industrious, energetic man and was decidedly successful in business, GEORGE W. WERTZ. BERKS COUNTY 271 accumulating considerable wealth in early life. However, by his willingness to befriend and help others who were in financial straits, he lost a large portion of it. In religious belief, he was a Methodist, and generously supported that organization. In politics, he was in former years a Whig, but during the latter years of his life he was a Republican. He was past eighty-one years of age when his life came to a peaceful end in 1886. He was joined in the bonds of matrimony with Susan Keller, a daughter of the late Peter Keller, who was a farmer and distiller of apple brandy, residing near East Prospect, Pa. This union was blessed with the birth of four sons and three daughters, namely: Benjamin, who moved to Freeport, Ill., when a young man, and died a few years later; Henrietta, wife of Henry Schrantz, a resi- dent of East Prospect, Pa.; George, a farmer living in the vicinity of Wrightsville, York County, Pa.; Anna Maria, who married James C. Prall of Freeport, Ill; Susan, a resident of Freeport, Ill, the relict of the Rev. U. H. Hershey; Dr. Milton A., whose name heads these lines; and Dr. David A., a practicing physician of Pittsburg, Pa. Our subject was reared on the farm and attended York County Academy, from which he graduated in 1868. He then taught school for seven terms, first in York County, Pa., and later in Clinton County, Ohio. In 1873, he took up the study of medicine with his brother, Dr. David A. Hengst of Pittsburg, where he remained until his brother received an appointment as assistant resident physi- cian at the Dixmont Insane Asylum near Pittsburg. He then discontinued his studies for one year, but in 1875 he resumed the work of preparing for the medical profession under the tutelage of Dr. J. B. Potteiger of Hamburg, Berks County. In 1878 he was graduated from Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, and at once began the practice of his profession at Birdsboro, where he has since remained. His education in medicine has been thorough, and he is eminently quali- fied to handle all cases that come up in gen: eral practice. He is frank and _ straightfor- ward with his patients, who place great con- fidence in his ability. Among his patients are some of the best citizens in the commu- nity, but being sympathetic and charitable he is often called upon to treat the poor without hope of returns. He was joined in the bonds of matrimony with Agnes C. Shollenberger, a daughter of the late Joseph Shollenberger, who was a constable of Hamburg for thirty years and also a fashionable tailor, and they became the parents of one son and one daughter: Leroy Norwood, a telegraph operator resid- ing at home; and Shirley Bell. The Doctor is a member of the Berks County Medical Society, and has done much to elevate the standing of the organization. Socially, he is a member of Neversink Lodge, No. 514, I. O. O. F. of Birdsboro. In political belief, he is a Republican, and votes uniformly and con- scientiously in behalf of the principles and candidates of the party. For two years he has filled the office of president of the board of health, and has performed his duties faith- fully and satisfactorily. ——__++____ EORGE W. WERTZ. _ The beauti- ful stretch of land lying between the Susquehanna and Schuylkill Rivers is the richest and most fertile in the state of Pennsylvania. This section is suitably adapt- ed for the flouring industry, as wheat, rye, and other grains are raised in abundance, and unlike mills in ‘other parts of the state, they are not obliged to depend upon the Western shipments. Nor are there mills more conven- iently located, or more ably managed, than the Lebanon Valley Roller Flour Mills of Wernersville, which are owned and operated by George W. Wertz, the gentleman whose name appears at the head of these lines, and whose portrait is shown in connection with this sketch. He is a son of Samuel and Maria (Sweigert) Wertz, and was born in Harrisburg, Pa., February 25, 1846. Samuel Wertz, the father of our subject, was born in the Canton of Argua, Switzer- land, and there lived until 1834, when he sought a home in America. His trade was that of a silk weaver, but he did not follow it in this country. In 1836 he located in Har- risburg, Pa. His first business venture there was in the manufacture of cotton laps and wadding, and later he operated a flour and feed mill. He then turned his attention to 272 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES ae agricultural pursuits, which, in connection with conducting a hotel, he followed for many years. He again was engaged in the manufacture of cotton laps, and finally con- ducted a flour and feed store in the city of Reading. In 1874 he retired from active business life to spend his declining days in the quiet of home life. He was a man of rare breadth of mind, and manifested a deep in- terest in public affairs. He folded his hands in final rest in 1884, at the advanced age of seventy-five years. He took the marriage vows twice, his first wife being Maria Sweig- ert, a native of Lancaster County, by whom he had six children, namely: Louisa, the wife of Amos Price, who is proprietor of a sandstone quarry in Berks County; Eliza- beth, the wife of Herman Strohecker, both of whom are deceased; George W., the subject of this sketch; Samuel, who was killed at a railroad crossing near Reading when he was eighteen years of age; Edward S., who mar- ried Sarah E. Kercher, owns a flour and feed mill in Spring township; and Jacob Henry,a miller of Pennville, Ind. Mr. Wertz’s second union was with Catherine Waldenmeyer, and they were the parents of two children: Au- gustus C., who married Ellen Heilig, is a cracker manufacturer and a dealer in flour and feed in Reading; and Franklin S., who married Emma Weldy, and is a cracker and cake manufacturer of Reading. George W. Wertz was educated in the common schools of his native town, after which he learned the trade of a miller in his father’s mill, and also the trade of a mill- wright, which he followed for some years. In 1870 he rented his father’s mill on the Tulpehocken, which he operated until 1876, when he gave it up in favor of his brother, Edward S., and moved to Wernersville. He purchased the old Hain Mill, which he con- ducted successfully until 1891, when the property was sold to the state. He immedi- ately purchased a 6 acre tract in the center of the village, upon which he erected one of the best mills in the county, and also a very fine residence. The mill is 45 x 65 ft. in ground dimensions, three stories and an attic high, and is fitted with the very latest and best of machinery, which Mr. Wertz consid- ers indispensable for turning out a real high class grade of flour. It is located ona switch of the Philadelphia & Reading R. R.., placing it in touch with remote markets, and is situ- ated on the main roads which lead to the highly productive farming districts which surround it on all sides. The mill is under the efficient management of Robert W. Wertz, a son of our subject, and the favorite brands manufactured are Wertz’s Best, Diamond Dust, White Satin, Cream of Wheat and Economy, all of which find a ready sale in the markets. Mr. Wertz conducts a flour and feed store in Reading, and also a coal yard. He is a man of more than ordinary business ability, honest and upright in all his dealings, and is well known and highly re- spected all over the county. He is deeply interested in the progress of the village of Wernersville, and is connected with many public enterprises. He is vice-president of the Wernersville Water Co., and vice-presi- dent of the Lower Heidelberg Live Stock & Theft Association. He formed a matrimonial alliance with Amanda Krick, a native of Berks County, and a daughter of Levi and Christian (Hill) Krick, and they are the proud parents of three children, namely: Robert W., a prom- inent young man and manager of his father’s mill; Mary D.; and Emma. In religious at- tachments, he is a member of the Lutheran Church of Wernersville, and at one time was an elder. In political belief, he unswervingly supports the principles of the Democratic party, and has served as justice of the peace for six years, and as notary public for two years. Socially, he isa member of Teutonia Lodge, No. 367, F.& A. M.; Reading Com- mandery, K. T., No. 42; Excelsior Chapter ; Rajah Temple of the Mystic Shrine; and holds a membership in Lodge No. 835, I. O. O. F. of Wernersville. —_—_——_—_+-——____ R. NATHANIEL Z. DUNKEL- BERGER, a gentleman of schol- \S) arly attainments, who is thoroughly abreast of the times in the advances made by medical science, stands in the fore- most ranks of the leading physicians and surgeons of Berks County, and has a large and lucrative practice in Kutztown, and the immediate vicinity. He isason of John L. BERKS COUNTY and Mary (Zimmerman) Dunkelberger, and was born in Bethel township, Berks County, Pa., August 16, 1864. The great-grandfather of our subject was Abraham Dunkelberger, who was born in Center township, this county, where he was a life-long resident; he was a farmer by occu- pation. John Dunkelberger, our subject’s grandfather, was born in Bern township, Berks County, Pa., and upon attaining his manhood became a resident of Upper Bern township, where he spent the remainder of his active days; his vocation also was that of a farmer. He married Elizabeth Linderman, who bore him a family of twelve children, namely: Levi; John L.; William; James; Franklin; Samuel; Maria; Fietta; Mary A.; Lovina: Katy; and Anna. John L. Dunkelberger, the father of our subject, was born in Upper Bern township, Berks County, Pa., July 2, 1835, and is now a resident of Reading, where he is living in retirement. Although reared to agricultural pursuits, he began life as a shoemaker, and followed that occupation for four years at Bernville, this county; he then purchased a farm in Center township, one mile north of Centerport, and began the life of an agricul- turist, which occupation he successfully fol- lowed until the year 1890, when he retired from the more active duties of life. In 1893, he became a resident of Reading, where he is now spending his latter days in peace and comfort. Mr. Dunkelberger is widely known throughout the county. In politics he is a firm supporter of the Democratic party, and has served as school director, judge of elec- tions, and in other township offices. Relig- iously, he is a member of the Evangelical Church. His wife, before her marriage, was Mary Zimmerman, a daughter of Daniel Z. Zimmerman, deceased, who was a farmer of Center township; her mother was Mary Keller, also a native of Center township, Berks County. Dr. Dunkelberger, after completing the course prescribed in the common schools of Center township, took such advanced studies as Latin, Greek, algebra, geometry, German, English, literature, etc., under a private tutor, and his study was marked by such progress that the instructor advised him to take an examination before the county superintend- 273 ent, which he declined to do owing to his extreme youth, being but fourteen years of age at the time. Two years later, however, he passed a creditable examination tor teach- ers, ranking among the foremost: at seven- teen he began teaching, and continued for two successive years, when he entered the employ of Kline & Pautsch, general mer- chants of Centerport. However, preferring the school-room to a clerkship, he remained at the latter occupation but six months and then began to teach in Spring, and subse- quently in Center, Bern and Ontelaunee townships, Berks County, and at West Earl, Lancaster County, a period of six years in all. He met with much success and was frequently importuned to accept another term by the directors, but always refused, as he wished to locate in as many places as pos- sible and establish a large acquaintanceship in Berks and adjoining counties. Having decided upon a medical career, he then assiduously devoted himself to study with that end in view. He read medicine in the office of Dr. A. A. Stamm of Centerport, now of Mohnsville, after which he took a course of one year in the University of Ver- mont, and still later a two years’ course in the Medico-Chirurgical College of Philadel- phia, from which he was graduated April Io, 1890. In addition to the ordinary course, he took a special course in diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat and diseases of women. ' Upon examination, he received a prize of $50.00 for standing first in the class, and a special diploma in surgery. He took natu- rally to the profession and became thoroughly competent to handle the most complicated of cases. April 9, 1890, out of 300 applicants, he was one of the sixteen to successfully pass the examination before the State Board of Examiners, and received an appointment to the staff of physicians in the Philadelphia Hospital. He was assigned the duties of that position on August 1, 1890, but declined, in order to locate at Kutztown. He has since demonstrated his wisdom in choice of fields, for although that town was well sup- plied with skilled physicians, our subject immediately sprang into favor and acquired a good practice, which has increased with such rapidity that he finds few moments of his own. Soon after locating there, he be- 274 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES came correspondent of the Reading Eagle, but owing to lack of time he was obliged tu give it up. Although he makes a specialty of diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat, his general practice is enormous, and it is doubtful if any other physician in the county of his years occupies as high a position in the confidence and esteem of the people. He has a true sense of professional honor, always treating his contemporaries with fair- ness, thereby gaining their highest regard and best wishes, He has ever discharged the obligations of a dutiful citizen, and is a true friend and good neighbor. Dr. Dunkelberger was united in marriage with Anna Laura Dunkle, a daughter of Sol- omon G. and Sarah Dunkle of Ontelaunee, Berks County, and they are the proud par- ents of three bright and interesting children: May Bright; LeRoy; and Anna Laila. Re- ligiously, they are faithful members of the Lutheran Church. He is a Democrat in his political affiliations, and is a school director, being secretary of the board. He was also a member of the board of health for five years and served as its president. Socially, he is a member of Huguenot Lodge, No. 377, F. & A. M.; has been treasurer for the last six years of Adonai Castle, No. 70, Knights of the Golden Eagle; has been treasurer of Chas. A. Gerasch Council, No. 1004, Junior Order of the United American Mechanics for four years; and is a member of Camp No. 128, Patriotic Order Sons of America. +e EORGE J. KLOPP, who, in partner- ship with his brother-in-law, J. U. Hain, is proprietor of the Spring Creek Woolen Mills in Lower Heidelberg township, is a son of William A. and Sarah (Ulrich) Klopp, and was born in Stouchsburg, Berks County, September 13, 1860. The great-grandfather of our subject was John Klopp, who lived in North Heidelberg township, and married Sarah Kintzer. She died April 9, 1843, and her husband survived her many years, dying July 4, 1864. They were the parents of Jonathan Klopp, the grandfather of our subject, who was born in Marion township. He lived there nearly all his life and followed the trade of a tailor for many years, but during his latter years was a merchant and farmer. He wasa man of high principles, and was well known all over the county. He married Hannah Mayberry, a native of Pine Grove, Pa., by whom he had the following children: William A., the father of our subject; Mary Louise, de- ceased, was the wife of David Matthew; Benneval, who died at the age of forty-nine years, married Sallie Williams, and they reared one son, George, an artist of the city of Philadelphia ; Sarah, who married Frank- lin J. Wenrich of Marion township; Rebec- ca, who died January 29, 1882, at the age of forty-two years, was the wife of John Lape; Samuel, a cigar manufacturer of Richland, Pa., married Elizabeth Seibert ; Hannah P., married Samuel Hanley, and lives in Lebanon, Pa.; and Clara W., who died in 1893. Mr. Klopp was called Home in 1866, at the age of fifty-six years, and his wife joined him in 1883, aged sixty-seven years. William A. Klopp, the father of our sub- ject, was born at Millersburg, Pa., December 25, 1830, but when he was about two years of age he moved to Stouchsburg with his pa- rents. He learned the trade of a tailor from his father and followed it all his life. He bought the first sewing machine used in this section of the county, for which he paid the sum of $125.00. It was a Singer, and for that make, in connection with the Domestic, he was agent in the county. He followed the trade of a tailor for fifty-two years, or until November 11, 1897, when he retired from active business and moved to Werners- ville, where he still resides. Religiously, he isa member of the Reformed Church. He was united in marriage with Sarah Ulrich, who was born in North Heidelberg town- ship, October 9, 1830, by whom he had four children, namely: one who died in intancy ; Lillie, the wife of Rev. George W. Gerhard of Hamburg, this county, by whom she is the mother of one son, Earl Klopp; Mary M., who died August 20, 1890, at the age of twenty-eight years, was the wife of J. U. Hain of Lower Heidelberg; and George J., in whom the interest of this sketch centers. George J. Klopp, after taking the required course in the common schools of Stouchs- burg, attended the West Chester State Nor- mal School, and later attended the Inter- WILLIAM J. ROURKE. BERKS COUNTY 277 State Commercial College at Reading, grad- uating from the latter institution January 11, 1889. He then remained at home for a period of eight months, after which he accepted a position as clerk for the Pennsylvania Brown Stone Company in Hummelstown, Pa. At the expiration of ten months he became asso- ciated with his brother-in-law as proprietor of the Spring Creek Woolen Mills, and he has followed that line of business since. The firm was organized in October, 1890, and has had an ever increasing trade. They manufacture all kinds of woolen goods, blank- ets, and stocking yarn, which are shipped to Philadelphia and New York City. It com- pares favorably with any like industry in the county, and they employ about eleven men the year around. He is a young man in bus- iness circles, but has been decidedly success- ful, and owns a fine residence in the village of Wernersville. He is public-spirited and has done all within his power to aid in the advancement of the interests of the village. In 1895, he was one of the main organizers of the Citizen’s Hose Co. of Wernersville, of which he is president, and a member of the building committee. He is also secretary and treasurer of the Wernersville Water Co. On June 7, 1893, he formed a matrimonial alliance with Bessie Ann Webber, a daughter of George L. Webber, a coal and lumber deal- er of Sinking Springs, Pa. Religiously, our subject is a member of the Tulpehocken Re- formed Church, and his wife is a member of Wernersville Lutheran Church. In his po- litical belief, he is a member of the Republi- can party. Socially, he isa member of Camp No. 237, P.O. S. of A. of Stouchsburg; Lex- ington Commandery, No. 2, of Reading; I. O. O. F. Lodge, No. 835, of Wernersville ; and Mt. Penn Commandery of Reading. —___ ++ —____ ILLIAM J. ROURKE. Prominent among the leading attorneys of the city of Reading stands the gentle- man whose name heads these lines, and who has for many years served efficiently in the capacity of city solicitor. He comes from a family of lrish descent, and was born to John and Grace (McAnulty) Rourke, September II, 1850. John Rourke, the father of our subject, was born in Ireland, and after his marriage came to the United States, in 1851, to seek a home and fortune in a new country. He at once located in Reading, where he has ever since followed the trade of a mill worker. Asa result of his union with Grace McAnulty, a family of children was born, of whom Wil- liam J. is the only one now living. William J. Rourke was intellectually equip- ped for the battles of life in the public schools of Reading, graduating from the high school department June 24, 1876, after which he was employed in a drug store a short time. On May 8, 1877, he began the study of his chosen profession, that of law, under the preceptor- ship of Peter D. Wanner, a well-known lawyer of the city of Reading, and was admitted to the Berks County Bar, November 22, 1880. His successful career began in that city im- mediately after, and he has remained there since. He has made a specialty of municipal practice for the past fourteen years, and his success has been greater than his fondest ex- pectations. In his political affiliations he is a firm supporter of the principles of the Demo- cratic party, and on February 23, 1885, he was elected city solicitor, and his great popu- larity and ability to perform the duties of that office are demonstrated by the fact that he held it continuously until June 4, 1895. At that time the city councils became Repub- lican, and remained such until May 3, 1897, when the Democrats again came into power, and our subject was called back to his former position, which he has since faithfully held. He has frequently served as a delegate to city, county and state conventions, always creditably and in a manner satisfactory to his constituents. From 1890 to 1893 he was as- sistant to W. Oscar Miller, who was at that time district attorney. In shrewdness and general business ability he has few superiors in this county, and his honesty and frankness have made him a favorite with his fellow- citizens and fellow-members of the bar. On October 25, 1884, Mr. Rourke was united in hymeneal bonds with Lizzie Yocom, a woman of many estimable traits of charac- ter, and a daughter of N. S. Yocom of Berks County, by whom he became the father of three children, namely: Grace, who was born July 27, 1885; William, born January 278 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES 27, 1888; and Helen, born March 14, 1893. Fraternally, Mr. Rourke is a member of the Mt. Penn Council, Royal Arcanum. As a well-known and able attorney of Read- ing, whose life has been a marked success, it gives us pleasure to present Mr. Rourke’s portrait on a preceding page, in connection with the above outline of his life. —+@ar—__—__ DWARD GANTER. A representative of a family that has been distinctively typical of the thrift, push, and frugality of the German people, to whom the progress and prosperity of the great Keystone State owes so much, is the subject of this biographical record, who is the popu- lar proprietor of the Lafayette Hotel on Franklin street, Reading. He is a son of Joseph A. and Theresa A. (Bucher) Ganter, and was born in Reading, February 17, 1868. The founder of the Ganter family in America and the father of our subject was Joseph A. Ganter, who was born in Baden- Baden, Germany, and there resided until he had attained manhood. When he realized that America furnished better advantages for a young man to make a success of life than did the thickly populated German Empire with its inferior economic conditions, he came to this country in 1848 and located in Reading, Berks County, Pa. Shortly after he secured employment with the Mcllvain Company as an ordinary laborer, tor he did not have the advantages of a trade. He continued in that capacity for a period of eight years, during which time by his faithfulness to every task entrusted to him he so won the confidence and respect of his employers as to secure the position of driver, which was considered a better position. The company’s faith in him was unbounded and they persuaded him to pur- chase a home from them on the installment plan. The property was one of the old land marks of the city, and was located on North Eighth street, near the junction. He con. tinued faithfully in their employ until failing health compelled him to seek lighter work, and he removed to that portion of the city known as Ricktown, where he was one ot the first to locate, and for a time it was a controverted question whether it should be called Ricktown or Gantertown. He located on Hamilton street, where he founded and conducted the first hotel in that section, and the only one for many years. He remained at that location until his business had so ex- panded as to require more commodious quarters, when he moved to the corner of Schuylkill avenue, Front and Hamilton streets, and there conducted the Hamilton House until his retirement. He then moved to No. 213 North Ninth street, Reading, where he lived in the midst of a devoted family and a large circle of friends until his demise. He was a man possessed of great enterprise and energy, and was successful in whatever business ventures he undertook. Not content with his success in the hotel business, he looked about for other fields of activity. Perceiving a good opening for building speculations, he entered vigorously upon ventures along that line, aiding greatly in developing his section of the city. His success as a business man is amply evidenced by the fact that when he came to this coun- try his only stock in hand was industry, pluck and tenacity, and by the exercise of these powers he accumulated a handsome fortune, and gave each of his children a very liberal start in life. One ot his strongest traits,—and he had many strong ones,—was his love and interest in his family. His greatest ambition was to see the members of his family set up in business and on the high- way to success, and his aid was not confined toa good example and encouraging words, for he gave them liberal financial support as well. Unlike most men, he did not believe in waiting until after death for his estate to be devised, for he would be deprived of the pleasure of its appreciation and giving advice as to how it should be used; hence at dif- ferent times he would call his children to- gether and give them richly of his accumu- lations, and upon the last occasion of the kind he presented each with a check of $1,000 on the First National Bank of Read- ing. Mr. Ganter was joined in wedlock with Theresa A. Bucher, and they became the happy parents of six sons and three daugh- ters, namely, in order of age: Benjamin; Lena; Francis X.; Franklin; Rosa; Joseph B.; Theresa; Edward; and Charles. A re- BERKS COUNTY 279 markable incident which has seldom been recorded in any family is that the two oldest children, Benjamin and Lena, were married upon the same day, and the three youngest, Theresa, Edward and Charles, were likewise married at the same hour of the same day. Edward Ganter, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the public schools of Read- ing, after which he learned the trade of a cigar maker under the direction of his brother, Franklin, it being his intention to engage in the manufacture of cigars in part- nership with him. After serving four years of apprenticeship, however, he entered the employ of other factories as superintendent and was thus engaged until May 15, 1892, when he embarked in the hotel business. He purchased the Lafayette Hotel on Frank- lin street, one of the oldest and most reliable hostelries in the city, and has since been located there. His success was immediate, and he now has one of the best patronized houses in Reading; the property he has renovated and improved from time to time to keep apace with his ever increasing busi- ness, and in point of neatness and efficiency of service the hotel is unsurpassed. Mr. Ganter is an ideal landlord, kind and considerate of the comfort of his guests, and is a genial and pleasant companion. In addition to his hotel business, he is largely interested in real estate and building enterprises of Reading. On May 5, 1892, Mr. Ganter was united in hymeneal bonds with Emma Shade, a woman of true, virtuous character, and a daughter of Ignatius Shade of Reading. ++ ILLIAM SHAFFNER, who is ex- ' tensively engaged in the manufac- ture of cigars in the village of Womelsdorf, Heidelberg township, is one of the progressive and enterprising men of the village, andis well known throughout the county. Heis a son of Jacob and Amelia (Leiss) Shaffner, and was born in the village of Host, this county, July 21, 1863. Jacob Shaffner, the father of our subject, was born in New Holland, Pa. January 23, 1831, and lived there until he was thirteen years of age, when he came to Berks County with his brother. He received employment as clerk in a store until 1851, when he went to Calitornia, Pa., and later to Marysville, where he was engaged in mining for some time, after which he conducted a dairy. He followed that line of business until 1855, when he became a partner with his brother in a mercantile business at Host, and later he purchased his brother’s interest ; he has since conducted that establishment, and is one of the leading business men of Tulpehocken township. He also operates a lime kiln at Host. In his political beliet, he is a stanch Democrat and an active worker in the inter- ests of the party. He has been postmaster of Host ever since that office was first started. He was one of the organizers and is now a director of the Reading Fire Insurance Co. August 30, 1855, he was united in the holy bonds of wedlock with Amelia Leiss, who was born in Host, and they became the parents of five children, William, the subject of this biographical sketch, being the only one now living. William Shaffner attended school at Mil- lersville and at Media, after which he re- ceived an appointment as secretary of the committee for the election of the president, vice-president, and members of congress, in 1887. Four years later, he moved to Wom- elsdorf and purchased the Smith property, which he remodeled and improved, and began the manufacture of cigars. He makes the Le Panto, Straightforward, La Espremia, the Daughter of Cuba, and many other popular brands, which have had such large sales that it has been necessary to increase the force of workmen from time to time, and he now em- ploys about fifty men the year around. He has an output of about two-million cigars per year, and although he has a large local trade, the most of themare shipped Southand West. He is honest and upright, shrewd and calcu- lating in all his transactions, and he is richly deserving of the success with which he is meeting. March 27, 1896, he was united in marriage with Julia Fidler, a native of Womelsdorf, and a daughter of Harry S. and Fanny (Smith) Fidler, the former of whom is a coal and grain dealer of Womelsdorf. Our sub- ject and his estimable wife are the parents of one daughter, who was born May 29, 1897. Mr. Shaffner is a frm supporter of the prin- 280 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES ciples of the Democratic party in his political affiliations, and served as register of wills and clerk of the Orphan’s Court for three years. He had many influential opponents for that position, but was elected by a large majority. He has also been a delegate to county and state conventions a number of times. He and his wife are attendants of the Reformed Church. He is a member ot the Patriotic Order Sons of America; and of the Knights of the Golden Eagle. OS MANUEL BERGER, whose family has been connected with the agricultural interests of Berks County for a century and a half, is now living in retire- ment on his farm of 152 acres, located in Upper Tulpehocken township, Berks County, Pa. He was born in the house in which he now lives, Jan. 27, 1836, and is a son of George and Catherine (Boltz) Berger. Herbert Berger, the great-grandfather of our subject, a native of Germany, upon emi- grating to America settled on the farm now owned by our subject; in 1867 he built the house in which our subject resides, and car- ried on farming all his life. Christian Ber- ger, the grandfather of our subject, was born in our subject’s present house, and remained there all his life, following the pursuits of an agriculturist. George Berger, our subject’s father, was born September 24, 1810, on the old homestead, where he remained through- out his entire life, engaged in farming. He was united in marriage three times. His first wife was Catherine Boltz, who bore him two children, who were named as follows: Sarah Ann, who died in 1889, the wife of Benjamin Himmelberger, who is also de- ceased; and Emanuel, the subject of this bi- ographical sketch. THis second wife was the widow of a Mr. Feick, and upon her death he formed a third marriage with Mrs. Mary Sunday. The father of our subject passed from this life August 24, 1890. Emanuel Berger received his education in the common schools of his native township, and, in 1859, went West and located in Mc- Lean County, Ill., where he engaged in the cultivation of the soil until 1862, when he re- turned to the old homestead in Berks County, where he is classed among the leading farm- ers of his vicinity. He is now about to retire from the active duties of life, and the old homestead is in charge of his son Benjamin. On December 10, 1864, Mr. Berger was married to Christina Sunday, a daughter of Benjamin and Mary (Balthaser) Sunday, both of whom are now deceased. Seven children resulted from this union, as follows: George, a resident of this county, was wedded to Lillie Mangel; Kate is the wife of Jerome Rutter of Upper Tulpehocken township ; Benjamin was united in wedlock with Mary Potteiger; Henry is a miller of Jefferson township; Mary, deceased; Amos is also a miller of Jefferson township: and Sally, the wife of Samuel Feick, both of whom now re- side with our subject. In politics Mr. Ber- ger is a stanch Democrat, and has served as judge of elections, school director, and in several minor township offices. In religious views he is an active member of the Re- formed Church: his wife is a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Berger is an honor to his vocation, and is held in high esteem by his neighbors and many acquaintances. ++ —____ EV. MORIS H. BRENSINGER, who has been pastor of the German Reformed Church of Fleetwood since 1889, is a son of William and Catherine (Adam) Brensinger, and was born a Lehigh County, September Io, 1864. William Brensinger, the father of our sub- ject, was born in Weisenburg, Pa., but moved to Alburtis, where he was engaged in farm- ing for many years. He is now living a re- tired life at the home of our subject at Fleetwood. He was united in marriage with Catherine Adams, and they reared five chil- dren, namely: Oscar, a painter by trade, who married Ellen Nuss, and makes his home at Allentown, Pa.; Rev. Moris H., in whom the interest of this sketch centers; Lizzie, the wife of George Kocher, a painter by trade and a resident of Allentown; Howard, who married Kate Newmoyer, is a silk weaver of Allentown; and Ella, the wife of Oswen Bit- BERKS COUNTY 281 tenbender, who is employed in the wire mills at Allentown. Rev. Moris H. Brensinger attended the common schools of Alburtis, after which he took a course in the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown, where he was prepared for college. He then entered the sophomore class at Heidelberg University, in Tiffin, Ohio, and graduated from that institution in the class of 1887. He then took a course of two years at the theological school at Col- legeville, and after graduation located at Fleetwood, where he has since had charge of the German Reformed Church. He also has charge of the Reformed Churches at Blan- don, Mertztown and Trexlertown, all of which are in good condition, financially. On Sabbath mornings and afternoons he delivers his sermons in the German language, but in the evenings he speaks in English. Under his skillful guidance, the membership of the churches have increased greatly, and there are 225 members now enrolled inthe German Reformed Church at Fleetwood. He is a true Christian gentleman, alike in his treat- ment of rich and poor, and is dearly loved by every member of his congregation and others whom he has befriended in their troubles, for he does not confine his charity to the bounds of his own parish. Our subject owns a fine home on Main street, which he pur- chased of Daniel Schaeffer, and is one of the most prominent citizens of Fleetwood. May Ig, 1888, he married Ellen J. Butz, a daughter of William Butz, deceased, who was a farmer of Alburtis, Lehigh County. This union was blessed by the birth of three children, whose names are as follows: Ger- trude, who was born March 19, 1889; Ruth, February, 1893; and Naomi, February Io, 1895. Socially, he isa member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle of Fleetwood. —____+»+____ DWARD K. BOHN. Asa representa- tive of that class of worthy citizens who have followed with success the pursuits of agriculture in Berks County, en- during toil and hardships without complaint, and are now able to pass the sunset of life in peace and quiet, enjoying the accumulations of a laborious and honorable past, is the gen- tleman whose name heads this notice, and who is at present residing in Heidelberg township. He was born in Spring township, Berks Connty: Pa., May 4, 1835, and is a son of Adam and Hannah (Krick) Bohn. Adam Bohn was born in Bern township, and lived there until 1840, and then moved to North Heidelberg township, where he en- gaged in farming the rest of his life. He was joined in wedlock with Hannah Krick, a na- tive of Spring township, and they reared a family of eight children. They are as fol- lows: one that died in infancy; Edward K., the subject of this sketch; Matilda died be- fore reaching maturity; Mary Ann; Amelia, deceased; Sarah C.; Rebecca, the wife ot Frank Moyer, who is in the cold storage business at Philadelphia; and Adam, who married Otillia Lengel, and now lives on the old Bohn homestead in Heidelberg town- ship,—they have one son, Nathaniel, who is at present assisting his father in the work about the farm. Mr. Bohn passed from life on his farm March 17, 1893. Mrs. Bohn died June 16, 1892. Edward K. Bohn received his primary education in the common schools of Heidel- berg township, and then spent one year at Washington Hall, in Trappe, Montgomery County. He then returned to the old home- stead, where he remained twenty-three years, when, in 1882, he purchased his present farm, which consists of 187 acres of highly im- proved land. He successfully carried on farming until a few years ago, when he re- tired from active work. March Io, 1858, our subject and Catherine Warnes were happily united in marriage. She was born in Wayne County, Ohio, April 15, 1845, and is a daughter of George and Mary (Wincklepleck) Warnes. Her father, who was a farmer all his life in Holmes County, Ohio, died in 1847, and his widow then wedded William Zeitler, and both are now deceased. Asa result of the first union two children were born, namely: Catherine, our subject’s wife; and Angeline, the wife of Henry Briel. To her second husband she bore two children: Clara I., who married Levi Fightner, an ex-postmaster and a grocer residing in Wayne County, Ohio; and David, who is also a resident of the state of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Bohn reared a family of nine 282 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES children, whose records are given below: George W., who was born May 23, 1859, died September 8, 1873. Milton, born September 7, 1860, married Charlotte Ake, and they now reside in Norfolk, Va., where he is engaged in mining and slate roofing. He is a gradu- ate from Muhlenberg College in the class of 1883, and afterwards taught seven years in the Pennsylvania State College; he is the father of three children,—Catherine Mary, Richard Ake and Edward Howe. Daniel was born October 25, 1861, and graduated from the Reading Business College in 1882, and then attended the Keystone State Nor- mal School at Kutztown; he wedded Lizzie Lamm, and they are the parents of two chil- dren,—Bertha C. and Henry E. Henry, D. D.S., was born September 25, 1865, and was educated at Trappe College and the University of Pennsylvania; he is now prac- ticing his profession in Reading, his office being located at No. 34 North Ninth street; he married Jennie Wartman. Mary was born February 24, 1867, and wedded Frank Hill of Chester County, Pa.; one child blessed their home,—Milton. Wellington, born Sep- tember 1, 1863, graduated from the Pennsyl- vania State College in 1892 as an electrical engineer; he resides at home, and makes a specialty of raising fine chickens. Elizabeth, born November 1g, 1872, is a dressmaker, and resides at home. Edward, born Septem- ber 18, 1875, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania June 9, 1897, and also prac- tices dentistry with his brother in Reading. Amelia, the youngest child of our subject, was born October 8. 1876, was educated in the Keystone State Normal School at Kutz- town, and resides at home with her parents. Mr. Bohn takes an unusual amount of in- terest in local and general politics, and, al- though he is a strong Democrat, he always votes for the best man. He was elected as school director, and held that office for aterm of ten years. Our subject has organized every Grange in Berks County except one, and is a member of Grange No. 551, Welcome Home of Robesonia, and has been past master since 1876. He and his wife are members of the Reformed Church; and our subject was deacon in the church for many years, and also served in the capacity of elder. spected citizens of Strausstown, have a large and lucrative practice, which will compare favorably with that of any other physicians in Upper Tulpehocken township. Dr. Isaac S. Herbein, who has been engaged in practice there for about thirty-five years, was born in Bern township, Berks County, December 24, 1835, and isa son of John and Maria Herbein. During his early life he learned the trade of a carpenter, which he followed in many of the states in the South and West. In 1857 he removed to Philadelphia from the West, and embarked in the grocery business, in which he continued until 1862. He subse. quently took up the study of medicine at Jefferson Medical College, from which he graduated in 1865, and received his certificate to practice. He immediately after entered upon a practice at Strausstown, where he has since been an important member of the com- munity. In 1863 he was united in hymeneal bonds with Kate Batteiger, a daughter of Jacob and Charlotte Batteiger, of Upper Tulpehocken, both of whom are now deceased, and two children have blessed this happy union, namely: Deborah, whose bright young life came to a close at the age of twenty-three years, was married to George J. Kerr, a postal clerk on the Lebanon Valley R. R., who was again married to Sallie Weber; and Oscar B., one of the gentlemen whose names head this sketch. In his political affiliations he isa Democrat, and has served as justice of the peace for ten years, and also as school director for a period of nine years. Relig- iously, he is a member of the Reformed Church. Dr. Herbein has a beautiful resi- dence on Main street in Strausstown, and his office is situated close by, where he or his son may be found at all times. DR. OSCAR B. HERBEIN was born in Strausstown, February 7, 1869, and obtained his intellectual training in the public schools. Beginning with the year 1886 he taught school for three terms, and proved himself an able instructor. In 1893 he decided upon a medical career, and became a student at the Jefferson Medical College ot Philadel- phia, from which he was graduated in 1896, \ RS. ISAAC S. AND OSCAR B. HERBEIN, who are highly re- .) EDWARD YEAGER. BERKS COUNTY 285 immediately tnereafter entering into partner- ship with his father. For one of his years, he has been remarkably successful in the treatment of different diseases, and has a good practice. He is a congenial and sociable young man, and is very popular with his fellow-citizens. May 24, 1891, he was united in marriage with Vaaie Keim, a daughter of Abraham and Sarah (Mengel) Keim, the former of whom was formerly a farmer of Maiden Creek township, but now resides in Upper Tulpehocken. Politically, Dr. Herbein takes an active interest in the success of the Demo- cratic party. Socially, he is president of Camp No. 664, P.O. S. of A., of Strausstown ; a member of Strausstown Lodge, No. 77, I. O. O. F., of which he is assistant secretary; and a member of the Protective Association of Worcester, Mass. Religiously, he adheres to the faith of the Reformed Church, as did all of the Herbein family except his mother, who is a faithful member of the Lutheran Church. ——S SSO AMES D. WENZ, a stone cutter and sculptor, residing in Centerport, Berks County, Pa., was born in Kutz- town, this county, December 17, 1864, and isa son of Philip and Malinda (Dieter) Wenz. The grandfather of our subject was born in Baden, Germany, and was a stone cutter by trade. He was a member of the Lutheran Church. Upon his death his wife emigrated to the United States. They were the parents of a family of children, one of whom was Philip, the father of our subject, who was born in Baden, Germany, December 11, 1828. He is a man possessed of a fine education, and is very fond of reading, especially the Bible, and is a close observer of human nature. He is perhaps the best Bible scholar in Berks County, and has read the Bible through many times. By trade he is a stone cutter and sculptor, which trades he learned in Germany. He came to the United States when a young man and located in Easton, Pa., and after remaining there a short time he moved to Catasauqua, Lehigh County, where he took up his old trade as a stone 14 cutter. Being dissatisfied with his surround- ings, he moved to Kutztown, where he fol- lowed his trade for some forty years; he is now over seventy years old, and is passing life’s twilight in ease. He is a firm sup- porter of the Democratic party; and in religious views, he isa member and regular attendant of St. John’s Lutheran Church. He married Malinda Dieter, and a family of eight children blessed their home, namely: Rufus, deceased; Annie; Emma; Malinda; Louisa; William; John E.; and James D., our subject. James D. Wenz received his primary edu- cation in the common schools of Kutztown, and later attended the Keystone State Nor- mal School. He worked with his father until 1890, and became quite proficient in stone cutting and sculpturing. He then moved to Centerport, where he is now en- gaged in all kinds of marble and granite monument work. Mr. Wenz is a member of the K. of G. E., Adonia Castle, No. 70, of Kutztown, and is a member of the Grange. Our subject casts his vote in favor of the Democratic party, and has represented his fellow-citizens in county and city conven- tions. He has served as judge of election two terms; school director; and as auditor two terms. In 1889 he was wedded to Lillie E. Boger, daughter of Frank and Theresa Boger, and they are the parents of six chil- dren, as follows: Bessie; Anna; Carrie; Millie; Harvey; and Charles. Mr. and Mrs. Wenz are members of St. Michael's Lutheran Church of Upper Bern. SSO SS DWARD YEAGER, the popular and efficient court crier in all of the courts in the city of Reading except the Orphans’ Court, is one of the leading and representative men of the city. He was in the select council for several terms, during which time he worked faithfully for the best inter- ests of the city, which valuable services have established him firmly in the goodwill of the people. He is a son of Abraham and Har- riet (Dickinson) Yeager, and was born in Reading July 6, 1859. His paternal grandfather was Abraham Yeager, who was a native of Wales, and came 286 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES to America at an early day, locating in Phil- adelphia. After spending some years in that city he came to Reading, where he spent the remainder of his life. He reared a large family of children, one of whom was Abra- ham, the father of our subject. Abraham Yeager was born in Philadelphia, but came to this city with his parents. He learned the confectionery trade, and conduct- ed a store on the corner of Fifth and Penn streets for many years. He then learned the trade of a plumber, which line of business he followed with good results until his death, June 20, 1870. Politically, he unswervingly supported the principles of the Democratic party, taking an active part in local affairs. He represented the Fifth Ward of the city as a delegate to the county convention in 1862, and favored Daniel Ermentrout, who was nominated and afterwards elected district attorney. He was united in marriage with Harriet Dickinson, who was born in Myers- town, Lebanon County, and is a daughter of Henry and Phoebe Dickinson. Their happy union was blessed by the birth of five boys and three girls, namely: Clara E.; William B, who conducts a tinsmithing, galvanizing and copper cornice establishment in Reading ; Alice, the wife of Henry Heckman, a tin- smith and a manufacturer of incubators of Oakland, Cal.; Henry P., who is employed in the establishment of Glase & Lichtenthaeler, carpet dealers, of Reading; Edward, the gentleman whose name heads these lines; Pearson N., who for the past twelve years has been employed in the office of the pas- senger agent of the P. & R. R. R.; Albert, deceased; and Phoebe, the wife of Harry Krug, who is a clerk in the employ of the P. & R. R. R. at Reading. Edward Yeager was intellectually equipped for the battles of life in the public schools. of Reading, after which he began work in the japanning department of the Jones & Oaks Lock Works in Reading. He remained in their employ fora period of two years, when he went on the canal boat Yubadam, under the command of Capt. John W. Ringler. It was a coal boat, and ran from the coal regions of the Susquehanna to tide-water, returning with. cargoes of watermelons. He was then in the employ of Enoch Raezor as a rivet heater in the boiler works for six months, after which he entered the law office of Dan- iel & James N. Ermentrout, prominent law- yers of Reading. In January, 1880, he was appointed court crier ot all of the courts but the Orphans’ Court of Reading, and has since served in that capacity. He is aman of high principles, and is held in high esteem by his fellow citizens, who regard him as a man of great worth and influence in the com- munity. He has been interested in many public enterprises in the city, and supports all measures which have for their end the ad- vancement of the city’s interests. April 19, 1882, Mr. Yeager formed a matri- monial alliance with Kate Irene Gross, a woman whose excellent traits of character have won the love and admiration of all with whom she is acquainted. Politically, Mr. Yeager is a strong Democrat, the principles of which party he has always advocated ina vigorous manner. His first office was that of common councilman of the Sixth Ward, which he also represented in the Select Coun- cil later. He served on the committees on fire, law and city property. While he was serving in the Select Council, two newly or- ganized companies of the fire department were recognized through his influence. He has been an active fireman since February, 1878, and a greater portion of the time has been president of the Keystone Hook & Lad- der Co., never missing a meeting unless his official duties prevent. He has frequently been a delegate to the State Fireman’s Asso- ciation, and is known far and wide as a lead- ing member of that body. After his removal from the Sixth Ward to the Fifth, which was Republican by about 285 votes, he was elect- ed to the council first by a majority of 96 votes. His popularity increased greatly during that term of otfice, at the expiration of which he was again elected, his majority having increased to 116 votes. The present quarters of the Keystone Truck & Chemical Co. were built ata cost of $16,000, and through our subject’s clever manipulations the city paid for it the year following its erection. In 1896 he was a candidate for the nomination of mayor, but was defeated by one vote. Socially, Mr. Yeager is president of the In- dependent Gun Club of Reading: has been president of the West End Club for eleven years; president of the Commercial Club for BERKS COUNTY 287 the past two years; and is a member of Reading Lodge, No. 549, F. & A. M.; Read- ing Chapter, No. 152, R. A. M.; De Molay Commandery, No. 9, Knights Templar: Ra- jah Temple, A. A.O. N. M.S.; Foresters of America; Wigwam, No. 89, I. O. R. M.; and is‘a charter member of Castle No. 8, Knights ot the Golden Eagle. Religiously, he and his worthy wife are devout members of the Baptist Church. The publishers of this vol- ume take pleasure in presenting, on a pre- ceding page, a portrait of Mr. Yeager, who, as a worthy and well-esteemed citizen of Reading, is entitled to such prominence. Oo ex-member of the Pennsylvania Leg- islature, and a prominent and XN popular teacher of Perry town- ship, is among the most influential and well- known men of the county. His power for good has been far-reaching, extending, as it does, to all parts of the state through men and women who were once under his guid- ance in the school room. He is a son of Joseph and Mary (Rothermel) Reber, and was born December 15, 1846, in Perry town- ship, this county. His grandfather, Jacob Reber, was also a native of that township, and received his education in the public schools of that section. He was a farmer and owned 160 acres of land near Shoe- makersville. He was a prominent Demo- crat, and an active politician. He was a reg- ular attendant of the Lutheran Church of which he was a member, and in which he was an earnest worker and highly esteemed oficer. He_was at one time connected with a military training company under Brigade Inspector Shappell. His wife was a Miss Baer, by whom he had nine children: Samuel; Jacob; William; Joseph; Sophia (Mrs. Heiter); (Mrs. —____ HARLES A. Z. GRIESEMER, a prominent real estate man of Read- ing, and one of the energetic busi- ness men of that city, was born in Oley township, Berks County, Pa., February 19, 1841, and is a son of Jacob and Susan (Zacharias) Griesemer. Casper Griesemer, the great-grandfather ot our subject, was born in Alsace, Germany, and emigrated to America about 1750. A part of his family located in Montgomery County, Pa., but he located in Berks County, where Griesemersville is now. He taught school for a time, and later engaged in farm- ing. Jacob Griesemer, the father of our subject, was born in Oley township, this county; he received a common school educa- tion, and when he attained his majority he came into possession of a large tract of land near Griesemersville, and engaged in the cul- tivation of the soil. He built a flouring mill in Exeter township, near the Black Bear Inn, on a tract of land he had purchased, and owned the same the rest of his life, his son, James Z., operating it during the last forty years of his father’s lite. Mr. Griesemer was a strong Democrat in his political views. Religiously, he was a member of the Re- formed Church of Griesemersville, of which he was one of the founders and builders. He was united in the bonds of wedlock with Su- san Zacharias, who was born in this county, near Reading, August 17, 1805. They were the parents of the following children: Ezra Z.,; James Z.; Ephraim Z.; and Charles A. Z., the subject of this personal history. Mr. Griesemer passed from this lite in May, 1845.. The mother of our subject died in February, 1889. By a previous marriage Jacob Griese- mer had two children: Emma, the wife of John Lorah, both deceased; Mrs. John Leize, who is the mother of two children, all now deceased. 304 Charles A. Z. Griesemer first attended the public schools of his native township, then entered the Boyertown Academy, and later graduated from the Freeland Seminary, now Ursinus College. Upon leaving school he taught several years in Bern, Oley and Rich- mond townships, and later embarked in the milling business in Reading; he followed that line of business some nine years, and then began the study of law. He has since given his entire attention toward real estate and insurance business, and is meeting with great success. Our subject is possessed of great energy and will power, commands the respect and affection of his associates, and is one of the foremost men in business circles. Our subject was united in marriage De- cember 24, 1867, with Mary Bitting, daugh- ter of ex-Sheriff Bitting, deceased, of Berks County. As results of this union two chil- dren were born, namely: Anna L.; and Ma- mie A. In 1884, Mr. Griesemer was elected alderman of his ward, and has since filled that office for eleven years. He upholds Democratic principles both by voice and bal- lot, and is now serving as notary public; he also served nine years as oil inspector, having entered upon the duties of that office in 1878. He is a member of Salome Lodge, No. 105, 1. O. O. F.; Mt. Penn Lodge, No. 65, K. of P.; Knights of the Golden Eagle, No. 312; and Camp 329, Patriotic Order Sons of Amer- ica. Our subject and his devoted wife are members and consistent workers of the Sec- ond Reformed Church of Reading, and he was a teacher in the Sunday School for a number of years. SS Oo LBERT D. KUNKEL, a thrifty and energetic business man of Klinesville, and proprietor of a creamery near the village, was born in Albany township December 28, 1858, and is a son of Benjamin and Sarah (Hartman) Kunkel. Benjamin Kunkel was born in Albany township, where he has lived all his life, fol- lowing the vocation of an agriculturist. He was united in wedlock with Sarah Hartman, and a familv of twelve children was reared, who are as follows: James, who died in BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES infancy; Ellen was united in marriage to Benjamin Levan, and they reside in Lehigh County; our subject was next in order; Matilda, deceased; Frances, also deceased; Rose was married to Jairus Trexler, a resi- dent of Lehigh County; Benjamin is a well- to-do and prosperous farmer of Maxatawny township; Sally, deceased, was the wife of Dr. D. Kistler; Lourena is the wife of George Lutz, and they reside in Albany township; Amanda remains at home with her parents; William also remains at home; and one that died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Kunkel still reside on their farm in Albany township, and are both popular and well-to-do neighbors and citizens. They are members of the Luth- eran Church. Mr. Kunkel is a stanch Demo- crat. Albert D. Kunkel acquired a liberal educa- tion in the public schools of his native town, and during his boyhood days remained under the parental roof, assisting his father in the labors about the farm. After his marriage he moved to Klinesville, Greenwich township, and purchased a farm and began farming on his own account. In January, 1897, he bought a creamery, which he has since operated in connection with farming. He uses some 44,000 pounds of milk during the summer months, and 20,000 pounds during the winter months, and ships large quantities of butter to the coal regions in the neighboring coun- ties, where it is always in demand. Our subject chose for his life companion Lydia K. Kistler, a native of Lynn township, Lehigh County, and they were married in 1879. She was a daughter of Jacob M. and Lydia (Kistler) Kistler, both of whom are now deceased. Her father was a tanner, and followed that trade in connection with farm- ing until his death, which occurred in 1895. Three children was the result of this happy union, who were as follows: Oscar, who is attending the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown; and Mamie and Ada, who both remain at home with their parents. Our subject is a strong Democrat in politics, and earnestly labors for the success of his chosen party. He is now justice of the peace, hav- ing been elected in 1895. Socially, he is a member of the P. O. S. of A. Camp at Len. hartsville. He and his devoted wife are members of the Lutheran Church of Klines- SRE TRAE EDWIN SASSAMAN. BERKS COUNTY 397 ville. Mr. Kunkel is in all points one of the best citizens of Berks County, and has mater- ially aided in the building up of his county and community. Oo EO. H. NAGLE, a man of consid- erable prominence in the political circles of Reading, has served as president of the board of inspectors of prisons in Berks County with efficiency and to the entire satisfaction of all who are in any wise concerned. He isa son of Alexan- der and Geneva (Dilker) Nagle, and was born in Reading July 28, 1856. Alexander Nagle, the father of our sub- ject, was born in Germany and emigrated to America in 1848, becoming a naturalized citi- zen in 1854 or 1855. He located in Reading, and for twenty-five years was a prosperous follower of the boilermaker’s trade, being employed in the shops of the Philadelphia & Reading R. R. He next went into the butcher business, which he followed with good results in Reading for twenty years, but he is now spending his declining years in the peace and quiet of a retired life. He formed a matrimonial alliance with Geneva Dilker, and they reared a family of ten chil- dren, five of whom are deceased. Two sons and three daughters are still living, namely: Charles W., who is in the employ of the Pennsylvania R. R.; Mary, the wife of George Ritner, an ice dealer of Reading ; Geneva, who married Augustus Arnold, a bookbin- der of Reading; Anna, the wife of John Fredericks, a grocer;,and George H., a record of whose life is here given. George H. Nagel was intellectually equip- ped for life’s battle in the public schools of Reading, after which he learned the trade of a butcher, and entered that line of business in his native city. He was but fifteen years of age when he learned the'trade, and he has fol- lowed it since with good results. He has always been found honest and obliging in all dealings, and is heldin high esteem by a large circle of acquaintances. Politically, he is an unswerving member of the Democratic party, and has attained considerable distinc- tion in party affairs. He has frequently been a delegate to county conventions, many of 15 them having a very important bearing in the county history. e has been a committee- man a number of times in the Tenth, Second and Sixteenth Wards, the different wards in which he has lived. In November, 1894, his services to the party were rewarded by his being elected to the board of prison inspec- tors, of which he was also made president. At the expiration of his term of three years, he was again elected to that office, receiving the support of many who opposed him in the first election. Mr. Nagle was married to Christina Orth, a daughter of William Orth of Reading, July 27, 1881, and they became the proud parents of nine children: Minnie May; Alex- ander G.; William H.; Prudy Elizabeth ; Christian; John C.; Lesta; Albert Augustus, deceased ; and Charles, deceased. Socially, our subject isa member of Mt. Penn Coun- cil, No. 495, Royal Arcanum. ++. DWIN SASSAMAN, ESQ., of whom we publish a portrait on the opposite page, has made a record a much older man might well be proud of. He is a rising and influential lawyer of Reading, and possesses more than the ordinary amount of business sagacity. Heisa son of Augustus S. and Sophia (De Turk) Sassaman, and was born March 19, 1864, in Amity township, this county. The Sassamans trace their ancestry to Au- gust Sassaman of Witgenstein, a province of Westphalia, Germany. This ancestor emi- grated to America in 1775, and located in On- telaunee township, where he took up a large tract of land with a family named Gernands. In 1787 he sold his interest to the Gernands, and with his son John, great-grandfather of our subject, located at Clayton, Hereford township, this county. John Sassaman, the son, was a well known farmer and blacksmith on the old state road leading from Philadel- phia to Tamaqua. There the grandfather of our subject, Christian Sassaman, was born December 25, 1809, and remained on the farm with his father until 1819, when, having dis- posed of the farm, they moved to Douglass township, this county, and bought another farm. In 1859 the father died, and Christian 308 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES bought the farm and lived upon it until the 17th of March, 1890, when he died. He learned the trade of a blacksmith, but only worked at it a short time, when he took up farming, to which he afterwards devoted his entire time. He was a Jeffersonian Demo- crat and took a very active part in the early politics of his section. He was an instructor in the schools for a number of years, and was a great friend of the public school, doing much to keep alive the interest in and ad- vance the cause of education. He was a good and true man, and his death was wide- ly mourned. Augustus Sassaman, the father of our sub- ject, was born February 7, 1834, in Douglass township, and was there reared and received his education. At the age of seventeen years he became one of the instructors in the Mt. Pleasant Seminary at Boyertown. and later became its principal. This position he con- tinued to hold until 1854, when he entered Dickinson College, from which he was grad- uated in 1856. He then became principal of the Union Seminary at New Berlin, Union County, this state, and was admitted to the bar in that county in December, 1861. He practiced there two years and then removed to Reading, where he continued to practice until his death, September 17, 1895. He was a Democrat in politics, but was not an aggressive partisan. The only time he ever consented to run for office was in 1875, when he was elected to the office of judge of the Court of Common Pleas. He served one term and declined a re-election. He pos- sessed a mind of keen penetration, and rare analytical power; his learning and impartiality commanded respect; his own dignified man- ner inspired decorum in others; and_ his term on the bench only strengthened the re- gard in which he was formerly héld. He was a man of strong will, and as a judge was very popular, his rulings giving the highest satisfaction. He wasa member of the Ger- man Reformed Church, and was a liberal contributor to that organization, and a trus- tee for over twenty years. He was a mem- ber of the Masonic Order. He was twice married ; his first wife, Sophia De Turk, the mother of our subject, bore him the follow- ing family: Margaret, the wife of Henry G. Moser, a nephew of Judge Moser of Cum- berland County, and a justice of the peace in Amity township, this county ; Jacob C., who is a farmer of Amity township; Blanche S., wife of Dr. Ambrose Peffer of Dillsburg, York County, and a nephew of the celebrat- ed Kansas senator of the same name; and Edwin, our subject. He was again united in matrimony, after his first wife’s decease, the bride being Louisa De Turk, a sister of his former wife. But one child was born to them, Louis A., an attorney of Reading. Edwin Sassaman graduated from the Palat- inate College at Myerstown, Lebanon County, in 1883, and in 1884 from Franklin and Mar- shall College. He then took up the study of law with Judge James N. Ermentrout, being the only student ever taken by that able jur- ist. He was deputy prothonotary the first year of his studying. He was admitted to the bar on March 20, 1887, and has practiced in Reading since with the best success. He is a Democrat, but is not tied down to party views, being an independent thinker, and in- clined to form his own opinions on political as on all other matters. He is a member of the Patriotic Order Sons of America, and holds fellowship in a number of other organi- zations. Mr. Sassaman was united in wedlock with Ella C. Kauffman, a daughter of Ephraim K. Kauffman of Oley township, whose portrait and biography appear elsewhere in_ this work. Mr. and Mrs. Sassaman have but one child, a bright little girl, Mabel, who came as a Christmas present in 1890. Mr. Sassaman is a shrewd business man, and is president of the Sallade Lumber Co., of which he was one of the organizers. He and A. G. Sallade are virtually the owners and controllers of this company, and are extensive manufacturers of lumber, having mills in operation in Ches- ter and York Counties, handling about 500 cars annually. He is interested in various enterprises in the city, and is a liberal, public spirited citizen. He isa very popular man, and is well and favorably known throughout the county. The De Turks, from which family his mother came, were of French Huguenot stock, and were among the first settlers of Oley township. They were quiet and unas- suming people, but popular in the neighbor- hood, and among the best citizens the section BERKS COUNTY ever knew. Their connections, by intermar- riage and descent, now include the greater portion of the township, and they are a very prosperous, thrifty class of people. They have the original title papers to the homestead south of Friedensburg, dated in 1720, and entered by Isaac De Turk, and part of the land, which then contained 312 acres, is still in possession of the family. From him descended Jacob, John and Philip De Turk, in a direct line to the grandfather of Edwin Sassaman. SSS ao Schofer Hotel and a prominent mer- chant of Maxatawny township, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, Feb- ruary 8, 1825, and is a son of John George and Regina Dorothea (Baeder) Schofer, both natives of Wurtemberg, Germany. John George Schofer was a rope maker by trade, which he followed in Germany until 1832, when he emigrated to the United States and located in Oley township, Berks County, Pa.; there he again took up his former occupation, and in addition he fol- lowed brush making. Later he moved to District township, where he spent the rest of his active days. He married Regina Doro- thea Baeder, and they reared a large family of children, namely: Jacob Frederick, who died in Rock Island, II.; John G., the subject of this sketch; Fredericka Caroline, deceased ; Christopher Henry, a baker residing in Reading; Salome, the wife of Benneville Adams and a resident of St. Lawrence, Pa.; ason that died in infancy; William, a wid- ower and a resident of Reading; James, a retired farmer and capitalist living in Mont- gomery County; and Elizabeth, the wife of David Deiner of Pike township. Mr. Schofer died August 21, 1872. The mother of our subject passed from this life January 3, 1855. John Gottlieb Schofer was educated in the public schools of his native town, and at the age of twenty-one years learned the trade of a miller, which he followed in Pike township, Berks County, two years. He then went to Bower’s Station, and for three years was engaged with Daniel Grim; at the expiration of that time he removed to Greenwich town- qs G. SCHOFER, proprietor of the ship, where he purchased a grist mill, which he successfully operated for a period of twenty-two years. Selling his mill, he moved to Maxatawny township, where he bought his present property, known as the Schofer Hotel and Tavern, which is considered a first-class hotel by transients, all of- whom make it their headquarters when stopping in the place. Our subject also conducts a gen- eral merchandise store, in which he carries a full line of groceries and dry goods, and has the patronage of the village and the sur- rounding country. Mr. Schofer was joined in marriage with Susanna Bieber, a native of Maxatawny township, and to them was born a family of three children: John H.; Louisiana Elizabeth; and Cyrus J., who died in infancy. John H. was born December 17, 1851, and has been twice married. His first wife was Lucinda Leibensperger, by whom he had six children, namely: Jacob; Susan P.; Cyrus A.; Frank J. Mary J.; and Andrew C. Upon her death, he married Hattie Trollinger, who bore him two children: Victoria E.; and Eva A. Louisiana Elizabeth is the wife of Will- iam D. Fisher, a resident of Rotherocksville, this county. Mr. Schofer and son, John H., are firm supporters of the Democratic party, and his son has held the office of post- master of Schofer since 1882. Our subject and family are popular and consistent work- ers of the Lutheran Church, and Mr. Schofer is at present an elder of that church. John H. Schofer is also associate editor for the Reading Daily Eagle and Kutstown Patriot. ———+@ar——— MIL L. NUEBLING, superintendent and engineer of the Reading Water Works, is one of the ablest and most proficient civil engineers to be found in this part of the state. Especial attention was given this branch of learning in his educa- tion, when it was discovered, at an early age, that he had a remarkable aptitude forit. He is a son of George and Agatha (Obert) Nueb- ling, and was born in Reading May 11, 1868. The grandfather of Mr. Nuebling was a native of Germany, and died in that country, having been for many years burgess of his native town. George Nuebling, his son and 310 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES the father of our subject, was born in Dentz- lingen, in the province of Baden, Germany. He was educated in that country, and served the usual term as a soldier, being in what was known as the pioneers of the regular army. When he came to America, he locat- ed in Reading, where he worked at the trade of a machinist for various firms, and then opened a machine shop of his own. Heis a Democrat, and served as councilman one term. He was married to Agatha Obert, and among his family was the subject of this biography. Emil L. Nuebling was educated in the pub- lic schools of Reading, and graduated from the Reading High School in June, 1885. He made such rapid progress in mathematics, and showed such marked ability for that study, it was decided that he should take up the study of civil engineering, which he did, first under A. Harvey Tyson. He then worked in the city engineering department, under the city engineers, Daniel Housum and J. Gearhart Young, and there obtained much practical information. He next worked with C. Ph. Bassett of Newark, New Jersey, and after that engaged in business with How- ard E. Ahrens at engineering and contract- ing, for two years, when he received an ap- pointment under E. F. Smith, engineer and superintendent of the Schuylkill Navigation Co., in which connection he remained about a year. He then accepted a position with the engineering department of the P. & R. R. R., at Reading, for a short time, when he once more entered the service of his old em- ployer, Mr. Bassett, with whom he remained for three years, at Orange and Summit, New Jersey. In 1895 he returned to Reading and accepted the position he now holds, as en- gineer and superintendent of the Reading Water Works. This office he has filled ina most acceptable manner, showing his skill and ability in everything accomplished. Mr. Nuebling was married March 11, 1891, to Mary Doerrmann, and has a family of bright, interesting children, viz: Walter John; Dorotha Mary; George Emil; Mar- guerite Lena; Marks Ernst; and Paul Ed. ward. These children are all living. Mr. Nuebling is a member of the New England and the American Water Works Associa- tions, and the Engineers’ Club of Philadel- phia, and takes a deep interest in anything that pertains to his work in any way. He is an agreeable, sociable gentleman, and has many friends. +--+ —____ firm of Moll & Richardson, dealers in general merchandise and farming imple- ments, is one of the energetic and pro- gressive business men of Strausstown, Berks County, Pa. He is a son of George and Susanna (Unger) Moll, and was born in Perry township, Berks County, May 10, 1851. George Moll, the father of our subject, was born in Maiden Creek township, Berks County, but moved to Perry township, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1857. In that year he moved to Upper Tul- pehocken township and located upon a farm, upon which he lived until his death in 1876. Besides following the occupation of a farmer, he was a stone mason by trade, and followed it to a certain extent throughout life. He was joined in wedlock with Susanna Unger, a native of Perry township, and they became the happy parents of seven children, four of whom are still living: Alfred, who resides in Jefferson township, is an agriculturist and was a soldier of the Civil War; Isaac, the gentleman whose name heads this sketch; George, a farmer residing in Penn township, Berks County; Ellen, the wife of S. W. Lesher, who conducts a general merchandise store at Shortlesville, Berks County ; Rich- ard, who gave up his life in defense of his country during the Civil War; Daniel, de- ceased; and John, also deceased. Isaac Moll obtained a good English educa- tion in the common schools, and worked upon the home farm until 1870, when he engaged in the milling business in Penn township for one year. He then purchased a grist mill at Bernville, and operated it for two years, when he returned home and remained until after his father’s demise. He was then engaged in the cultivation of the soil for eleven years, or until 1888, when he moved to Strausstown and formed a partner- ship with Thomas M. Richardson. The firm name is Moll & Richardson, and they con- duct a large general store, also having a large Pe MOLL, who is a member of the BERKS COUNTY 311 farming implement warehouse, in which they carry a complete line of binders, mowers, plows, drills, rakes, harrows and grinders. They are energetic and wide-awake business men, and have the patronage of the leading citizens of Tulpehocken township. In 1874 Mr. Moll was united in hymeneal bonds with Hannah Christman, a daughter of Levi Christman, who was a farmer of Tulpe- hocken township, and they are the proud parents of eight children: Emma; Ellen; Richard; Roger; Homer; Kate Elizabeth, deceased; Mary, deceased; and Sallie, de- ceased. In religious belief, he is a member of the Reformed Church, of which he is also a trustee. Politically, he is a stanch sup- porter of the principles of the Republican party. ++. - HARLES M. HECKMAN, a progres- sive and successful farmer residing in Earl township, Berks County, Pa., was born in Maiden Creek town- ship, April 20, 1859, and is a son of Joseph and Louisa (Masser) Heckman. Daniel Heckman, the grandfather of our subject, was a farmer by vocation, which he followed all his life in Alsace township, this county, until his death, which occurred at the age of fifty-one years. He was a member of the Lutheran Church. He married Esther Noll, who bore him a family of twelve chil- dren. Joseph Heckman was his father’s third child, and was born in Alsace township November 8, 1827. He was _ successfully engaged in tilling the soil until 1884, when he retired from active work and is passing life’s twilight in ease. Politically, Mr. Heck- man is a Democrat; in religious views he is a member of the Lutheran Church. He wedded Louisa Masser, daughter of Daniel Masser, a wheelwright and farmer of Alsace township. To Mr. and Mrs. Heckman were born eight children, who were as follows: Sarah, the wite of Jacob Hahn, a retired farmer living in Muhlenberg, this county; Emma married Daniel Ritter, a farmer of Exeter township; Charles M., the subject of this sketch; Adam, a farmer residing in Douglass township; Kate, the wife of John Moore, a florist of Alsace township; John, a 15* laborer living in Exeter township; Ellen, the wife of Nicholas Flickinger, a blacksmith of Union township; and Louisa, a resident of Reading. Charles M. Heckman was born in Maiden Creek township and resided with his father until eighteen years of age, when he left home and took a two years’ course in the Scientific Academy at Reading. After com- pleting his studies he returned to Exeter township, where his father was at that time residing. The succeeding four years were spent at farming, mostly in Oley township. In 1884 his father purchased the farm in Earl township, consisting of 118 acres of finely improved land, upon which he and his son are now residing. Our subject has made many improvements upon it since it came into their possession, has opened up a lime- stone quarry, and has put in a Boomer & Boshert cider press, manufactured in Syra- cuse, N. Y., which press has a daily capacity of 5,000 gallons. He not only makes very fine cider, but makes a superior quality of apple butter, which is made in two large wooden tanks, which are heated by copper coiled steam pipes. Our subject is also en- gaged in huckstering, which he finds very profitable. Mr. Heckman is a member of the P.O. S. of A. In political views, he takes an active interest in the success of the Democratic party, and has been elected on that ticket as a school director for a term of three years. Mr. and Mrs. Heckman are both popular and devoted members of the Lutheran Church. April 21, 1883, Mr. Heckman was joined in Hymen’s bonds with Mary Flickinger, daugh- ter of Joseph Flickinger, a blacksmith resid- ing in Douglass township. SSS EORGE W. HARRISON, the well- known treasurer of the E. and G. Brooke Iron Co. of Birdsboro, Berks County, comes of a family which is of Eng- lish extraction, and has long been connected with the growth and development of Berks County. He is a son of Caleb and Mary Boone (Maurer) Harrison, and was born on the old Harrison homestead in Union town- ship, Berks County, Pa., June 8, 1833. 312 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES He traces his ancestry back to Gen. John Harrison, who had charge of the execution of King Charles I, and for which offence against his father he was beheaded by Charles II on his accession to the throne. The three sons of Gen. Harrison were either banished from their native country, or fled to America, locating in Virginia, where two of them re- mained until their death. Tradition says that one of these two brothers is the ancestor of ex-President Benjamin Harrison, and the other was John Harrison, the great-grand- father of our subject, who was employed by William Penn as a surveyor in this section of Pennsylvania. In 1732 he was given a patent toa large tract of land on the south bank of the Schuylkill River, extending from Hay Creek, which now passes directly through the village of Birdsboro, to Mount Airy, a distance of two miles; it also extended back one mile. This tract of land is in the most fertile section of the state, and was a very valuable piece of property. Upon it he erected a home, and spent the remainder of his days as a gentleman farmer. He was a prominent member of the Society of Friends. His son, John Harrison, the grandfather of our subject, who succeeded to the ownership of the homestead, followed the life of a gentle- man farmer. He was also a member of the Society of Friends. He reared a large fam- ily of children, one of whom was Caleb Har- rison, the father of our subject, who was born in Robeson township, on the old homestead, in 1799. He succeeded to part of the home estate, and like his forefathers, might be termed a gentleman farmer. For thirty years he filled the office of justice of the peace, receiving his first commission from Governor Snyder. He took an active interest in all public enterprises which had for an end the advancement of the social, moral and educa- tional interests of the town. He was especi- ally prominent in educational matters, and for many years served on the school board, and materially assisted in establishing the free schoo] system. He also assisted in establish- ‘ing a select school in Birdsboro, known as the Philomathian Academy. Although his ancestors were all members of the Society of Friends, and he was brought up under similar influences, during his latter years he was identified with St. Michael’s Episcopal Church of Birdsboro. He was twice united in the holy bonds of wedlock, his first wife being Hannah Todd, by whom he had three chil- dren. His second union was with Mary Boone Maurer, a daughter of Isaac and Mary (Boone) Maurer. She was reared by her grandfather, Joseph Boone, who was one of the pioneer Friends and farmers of the county. He was a brother of Daniel Boone, whose name was quite famous in Kentucky. He married Mary Lincoln, a member of an old Quaker family, and a near relative of President Abraham Lincoln. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison reared a family of six children, the second: born being George W., whose name appears at the head of this personal history. George W. Harrison was brought up on the farm, and obtained his education in the public schools. At the age of fifteen years he left school and became a clerk in the store conducted by his brother-in-law, John Bland, in the village of Mount Airy. He remained there one year, and when Mr. Bland pur- chased a store in Birdsboro, he was sent there to open the establishment. Although but a youth of sixteen years, he had the con- fidence of his employer, and the entire store. was turned over to his management. After conducting the store for sixteen years he was taken into partnership, and the firm name for: the following five years was Bland & Harri- son. At the expiration of that time our sub- ject bought the entire business and conducted it for a period of two years, or until 1862, when he became chief clerk to Major Henry S. Kupp, commissioner of drafting for military service for the District of Berks County, under a law then in force. He retained that position un- til the government passed a draft law and Major Kupp became provost-marshal, and our subject continued as his chief clerk. In 1865 he was made commissioner of drafts by Edwin M. Stanton, who was then Secre- tary of War, and he held that position until the close of the war. During the war his wife gradually disposed of his stock of mer- chandise, and at its close he became freight agent and assistant ticket agent on the P. & R. R. R. ‘at Birdsboro, which position he held until 1869. He then became cashier and bookkeeper for E. & G. Brooke, iron manufacturers of Birdsboro, serving in that capacity until 1880, when the firm was merg- M. D. JOHN MARSHALL BERTOLET, BERKS COUNTY 315 ed into the E.& G. Brooke Iron Co., and Mr. Harrison was made treasurer of the organiza- tion. He is a man of more than ordinary business ability, shrewd and calculating, honest and upright, and in performing the duties of his present office, he has not only won the favor and respect of those associated in business with him, but has made friends of all with whom he has dealt. Being ofa kind and genial disposition, earnest and sin- cere in his friendships, he is firmly established in the affections of his fellow-citizens, who respect him as a dutiful citizen and esteem him as a true neighbor and friend. January 31, 1858, he was joined in hymen- eal bonds with Hannah Amelia Knabb, a daughter of Daniel Y. Knabb, a late farmer of Union township, and they are the happy parents of two sons, namely: Ward of Birds- boro; and Henry K.,a resident of Birdsboro and teller of the Reading National Bank. The members of the family are members of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church of Birdsboro, of which our subject is a vestryman. He is also superintendent, secretary and treasurer of St. Michael’s Cemetery. Politically, he firmly supports the principles of the Repub- lican party. He was one of the organizers of the borough of Birdsboro, and one of the first councilmen. He has always been identi- fied with enterprises which tended toward the advancement of the condition of the com- munity, and is vice-president of the First National Bank of Birdsboro: director of the Pennsylvania Diamond Drill & Ma- chine Co. of Birdsboro; and a director of the Reading Foundry. Socially, he is a member of Chandler Lodge, No. 227, F. & A. M., of Reading. S08 D., of Reading, whose portrait we present on the opposite page, is a man of varied resources, intelligent and accomplished. He was born in Reading, July 16, 1857, and early developed a love for learning and a thirst for information that led him to apply himself assiduously at work on some unexplained subject, while other boys at his age were engaged at their play. In this manner he learned theart of photog- a) ®: MARSHALL BERTOLET, M. raphy, following it as a pastime and entirely for his own gratification. In a like manner he took up telegraphy, and became an ac- complished telegrapher. Not content with these researches, he is still continually delv- ing in, to him, unexplored fields, and adding to his stock of knowledge much that is not only a pleasure to him, but oftimes a help to others. The family is of French Hugue- not stock, his eda ancestors, Horace T. D. and Adaline (Miller) Bertolet, how- ever, being natives of this country. The maternal grandfather of our subject, John Harner Miller, was a son of Philip Miller of Berks County, and was born near Baumstown, in that county, dying in 1876 at the ripe old age of eighty-two years. He learned the trade of a millwright, which he followed during the early part of his life, but afterwards engaged in the work of an agri- culturist. He moved to Warwick, Chester County, where he married Martha Thomas, who attained the advanced age of almost ninety-five years before passing into the un- known beyond. She was a daughter of Edward Thomas, and a granddaughter of Ezekiel Thomas, who came from Wales and settled in what is now Warwick township, Chester County, where he entered upon a thousand acres of land in the vicinity of St. Mary’s. Adaline (Miller) Bertolet was born May 20, 1832. Horace T. D. Bertolet was born in Oley township, and during his childhood and early boyhood lived in Friedensburg, Berks County. When yet a lad of probably sixteen or eighteen years, he entered the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Rail- road. Here his mechanical genius was so apparent that it attracted great attention and was a matter of surprise to his employers. He soon developed great skill, and was the best mechanic inthe employ of the company, and so considered by them. One of his in- ventions now in use by all of the railroads in the United States is a cylinder cock appara- tus for exhausting the water from the cylin- ders of locomotives, in place of the ordinary stop cock. He afterwards entered the draught- ing department of the Philadelphia & Read- ing Railroad, and many of the best machin- ists of the city to-day were students under him in mechanical drawing. He was a natu- 316 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES ral genius in mechanics, and was widely known for his skill. His future looked most promising, and his friends predicted for him a brilliant career in that field, but most un- fortunately their prediction was never ful- filled. His untimely death at the age of thirty- four years cut off the life that had begun with such a promise of usefulness, and was the cause of universal sorrow to all those who knew or had heard of him. His union with Adaline Miller was blessed with the following children, who were born to _per- petuate his name and memory: Dr. John Marshall; Ida E., the wife of Dr. D. Heber Plank of Morgantown; William G., manager of the Postal Telegraph Office in Reading, who died in 1889; Kate, the wife of Dr. E. E. Bower, a dentist of Camden, N. J.; and Ella S., the wife of Edward F. Mehary of Philadelphia. Dr. John Marshall Bertolet received a good education; he first attended the com- mon schools, and subsequently graduated from the Keystone State Normal School of Kutztown. He learned photography, and made that his occupation for a while, at the same time learning telegraphy, and upon be- coming an able operator he was employed by the Reading Railroad Company at vari- ous points for a period of fifteen years, the last position in that capacity being in the dispatcher’s office in Reading. He then ac- cepted a position as manager of the Lehigh Telegraph Company, in connection with the American Union lines, one of Jay Gould’s monopolies, and later was manager of the Postal Telegraph and Cable Company in Reading for a number of years. He was the first operator employed by the Pennsyl- vania & Schuylkill Valley Railroad when it was completed to Reading. He was then elected teller of the Second National Bank of Reading, a position he held for four years, after which he organized the Reading Na- tional Bank and was elected its cashier and served a short time, relinquishing the posi- tion to accept that of city treasurer of Read- ing. Inthe meantime he had taken up the study of medicine, and while serving as city treasurer, he attended the Jeflerson Medical College of Philadelphia, completing the course in May, 1896. Since that time he has been practicing his profession in Reading with gratifying results. He is also a skilled short- hand reporter and typewriter, and is the Associated Press representative in that city and special correspondent of Chicago, New York, Cincinnati and other papers. In addi- tion to this he is an accomplished mechanic, and would have no difhculty in making his knowledge in this particular industry bring him a neat income if he so desired. Dr. Bertolet was married November 16, 1882, to Miss Louisa T. Deeter, a daughter of Abraham M. and Anna (Trehr) Deeter, of Baumstown, Berks County, and a_ grand- daughter, on the maternal side, of Daniel and Julia Trehr. Mr. Trehr, a resident of Baumstown, died in 1876, at the age of sixty- nine years, and his wife still survives him, andis living on the old homestead in the eighty-sixth year of her age. Two children blessed the home of our subject, namely: Horace T., deceased; and John Allan, who was born May 26, 1889. He was at one time the nominee of the Republican party for city treasurer, and was elected by a large majority, although the city was strongly Democratic. His term of office lasted until April, 1896, a period of three years; he was a candidate for re-election, but met defeat with the entire Republican ticket. He is a member of the Reading Medical Associa- tion, the Berks County Medical Society ; the Pennsylvania State Medical Society, and the American Medical Association, and is devoting his time to his profession in such a manner that augurs well for his future. In private life he is invariably pleasant and in- dulgent, while his public life will stand the closest scrutiny, and he is honored and re- spected by all. es ILLIAM D. SUNDAY, a leading farmer and stock raiser of Green- wich township, is a son of Jacob and Leah (Dunkel) Sunday, and was born in Greenwich township, August 20, 1839. His grandfather was Martin Sunday, who came to Greenwich township at an early day and settled on the farm which is now owned by our subject. He lived there until his death, and was a well known agriculturist. Jacob Sunday the tather of our subject, was born in Greenwich township, where he fol- lowed farming on the homestead farm all of his life. He was a public-spirited man and took an active interest in the welfare of his fellow workers along the line of agriculture, with whom he was very popular. He was uni- ted in marriage with Leah Dunkel, a native of Perry township, and they reared nine children, whose names are as follows: Christiana, de- ceased; William D., whose name appears at the head of these lines; Henry, who died at the age of sixteen years; Jacob, a miller and farmer who lives in Jefferson township, this county; Simon, a retired merchant of Lees- port, Pa.; John, a brickmaker of Shoemakers- ville; Joel, who is farming on the old home- stead, near our subject; Hettie, the wife of Joel Balthaser of Windsor township; and Amelia, who died at an early age. Mr. Sun- day folded his hands in final rest in the year 1886, and his beloved wife survived him two years. William D. Sunday received his intellect- ual training in the common schools and was reared on his father’s farm. After his first marriage, he settled down on 38 acres of the homestead farm, which he has since been en- gaged in cultivating. He has made many improvements, both on the soil and buildings, and carries on general farming, making a specialty of stock raising. To his being an energetic and industrious worker may be at- tributed much of his success. Honest and fair in all business dealings, he has won the respect and good will of his neighbors and fellow citizens. October 27, 1860, he was united in the holy bonds of wedlock with Sophia Dreibelbis, a daughter of Ephraim Dreibelbis, a farmer and mill owner of Perry township, and they became the proud parents of the following children: George E., who died young; the second child was unnamed and died in infan- cy; Elwood, who married Alice Dietrich, and after her death married Ellen Levan, is a miller and farmer in Maxatawny township ; and Mary L., who is now residing at home. Mrs. Sunday passed into the unknown be- yond January 4, 1868. Our subject formed a second matrimonial alliance April 5, 1878, his wife being Annie Juria, who was born August 24, 1863, in Windsor township, a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Heinly) BERKS COUNTY 317 Juria, both of whom are now living on a farm in Windsor township. This union was blessed by the birth of two children, namely: William R.; and Curtis Jacob. They are members of the Lutheran Church, of which our subject was deacon and elder at one time. In political belief he is a stanch Democrat, and has served as auditor for one term. Sa OSS SSS ETH A. BROWN, justice of the peace at Lobachsville, and one of the enterprising farmers of Pike township, is a son of Levi and Mary (Barndt) Brown, and was born in Lees- port, January 29, 1861. Daniel Brown, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was a tailor by trade, and a resident of Pricetown, Berks County, where he died in 1884. He was an active member of the Luth- eran Church of Pricetown. He married a Miss Bush, who bore him six children: Levi, the father of our subject; Edwin, a box man- ufacturer of Reading; Mrs. Amelia (Hoch), deceased; Mrs. Kate (Rahnzahn) of Price- town; Mrs. Sarah (Briel) of Reading; and Mrs. Caroline (Rahnzahn) of Reading. Levi Brown, the father of our subject, was born in Pricetown, and died in Lobachsville February 14, 1872, at the age of forty-two years. Upon leaving school he clerked in a store, and later embarked in the mercantile business for a period of ten years. Relig- iously, he was a member of the Lutheran Church of Lobachsville, and was treasurer of St. Paul’s Church of Lobachsville. He was wedded to Mary Barndt, and they reared three sons and one daughter, who were as follows: Seth A., whose name heads the above lines; George, a machinist in the Colebrook- dale Iron Works; Howard, a respected far- mer of Pike township, this county ; and Mary, who died in infancy. Seth A. Brown received his education in the common schools and at the Reading Grammar School, and then clerked in a store for seven years. He conducted a hotel at Lobachsville for two years; was postmaster of that town for two years, and later moved on a small farm near Lobachsville, which he managed for two years, and then purchased a small one, and, in addition to farming, car- 318 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES ried the mail from Lobachsville to Reinert. Mr. Brown takes a great interest in valuable old relics, and is the owner of many curiosi- ties, among which is a paper published by Benjamin Franklin and a calendar of 1721, and a piece of roofing tile taken from a house in Pike township that was built about 1746. In 1895 our subject was elected justice of the peace, a position to which heis well fitted. He was married August 13, 1881, to Savan- nah Haas, daughter of Joel Haas, a black- smith by trade, but now a farmer of Price- town. Two sons and two daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Brown. They are as follows: Daniel, Sallie, Wellington and Mary. ———___+--—__—_—__ OLONEL WILLIAM HEINS is a retired merchant and farmer of Esh- bach, and one of the most promi- nent men inthat community. He is a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Hearring) Heins, and was born July 21, 1823, in Ger- mantown, Philadelphia County, Pa. The Heins family was one of the oldest and best known German families of Philadel- phia County. The grandfather of our sub- ject was an agriculturist, and lived near the village of Mt. Airy, now a part of German- town, on what was at that time known as the township-line road. He was very successful in his business ventures, and bore the reputa- tion of being an exceptionally prosperous farmer. He was the father of the following children: Peter; Charles; Abraham; Daniel, the father of our subject; Hettie, who married John Siner; Sally, the wife of a Mr. Beecher; Sarah, deceased; and Mrs. Jacob Bechtel. They were members of the Lutheran Church. Daniel Heins was born in 1779 in the vil- lage of Germantown. He was reared on his father’s farm, and after arriving at manhood became proprietor of a hotel in Germantown. He conducted the Washington House, and in such a manner as to gain the favor of his patrons and make it one of the most popular hotels in the place. He later took charge of the Dove Hotel at Mt, Airy, and also did some farming. Religiously, he was a faithful member of the Lutheran Church. He was united in marriage with Elizabeth Hearring, in March, 1816, and the following children blessed their union: John, who was born February 10, 1817, was a farmer of Norris- town, Pa., and owned part of the farm upon which the Norristown Asylum now stands; Hannah, deceased, was born November 18, 1819; Susan, deceased, was born February 2, 1821; Anna Margaret, deceased, was born March 2, 1825; Elizabeth, the wife of John Guisen of Philadelphia, was born January 20, 1827; Daniel, who was born September 20, 1829, and died May 25, 1858, was a clerk and lived in Montgomery County; and William, the subject of this biography. Mrs. Heins died May 25, 1833, and her husband survived her nine years, dying February 23, 1842. Colonel William Heins was reared on a farm, and was mentally prepared for lite’s duties in the common schools. After leaving school he began clerking in a store in Sassa- mansville, Montgomery County, continuing for two years. He then moved to New Berlinville, Berks County, where he was engaged as clerk and huckster for a year, after which he moved to Limestone, Douglass township, and engaged in the same line of business, in the employ of Peter K. Lugwick. Mr. Lugwick sold the business, and together they went to Amity township, where Mr. Lugwick engaged in the manufacture of gunpowder. Our subject acted as teamster, and hauled the powder to Philadelphia, Lan- caster, Carlisle and Chambersburg. After remaining in that business some years, he moved to Bechtelsville, and for the following five years was employed as clerk and huck- ster by Isaac Bechtel. He then engaged in the huckstering business on his own account, and after a period of five years’ time, he pur- chased a farm of sixty-two acres at Eshbach. He carried on general farming, and also fitted up a store in his house and carried on general merchandising. He enjoyed the patronage of most of the people in the commu- nity, and did a large and paying business. In December, 1894, he was succeeded in the ownership of the store by his son, Daniel, who still conducts the business. Colonel Heins has since lived in retirement, and is now enjoying the fruits of many years spent in hard labor. _On January 16, 1859, he was united in mar- riage with Anna Dysher, a daughter of Peter Dysher, a late farmer of Eshbach, and the LOUIS RICHARDS. BERKS COUNTY 321 following children have blessed their union: Daniel, a merchant of Eshbach; Horace, a baggage master on the P.& R. R. R.; Amelia, who died in infancy; Katie, who died at an early age; William, an employee of the United States Mint of Philadelphia; Mary, who is a school teacher of Washington town- ship; James and Alvin both died young; Emma, who married Daniel Eshbach, a ticket agent of the P. & R. R. R., at Barto; and Warren, a farmer residing at home. Mrs. Heins was a kind and loving mother and wife, and her death, which occurred July 18, 1894, was a sad loss to her husband. Politi- cally, our subject is a Democrat, and has taken a prominent part in the political affairs of the community. He was a member of the Legislature in 1856, and was placed on the Committee of Military Affairs. It was while serving on this committee that he was given the title of Colonel, which he still bears. He was on the Banking Committee, and was chairman of the Committee on Roads. He materially aided in passing the bill charter- ing the Reading & Lehigh R. R., now the East Pennsylvania R. R., running from Read- ing to Allentown. He also served in a num- ber of local offices, He was license commis- sioner for four years, and during the Civil War he filled the quota for Washington township. In religious belief he is a consis- tent member of the Lutheran Church. Sa OUIS RICHARDS, law writer and member of the Bar of Berks County, Pennsylvania, was born May 6, 1842, at Gloucester Furnace, At- lantic County, New Jersey, of which his father, John Richards, was proprietor. The latter, a native of Berks County, came of a vigorous stock, of Welsh descent, his ances- tors having settled in Amity township as early as 1718. He was for many years of his long and active life engaged in the iron manufac- turing business, principally in the State of New Jersey, representing also Gloucester County in the Assembly in 1836 and 1837. From 1848 to 1854 he resided at Mauch Chunk, Pennsylvania, as proprietor of the Carbon Iron Works at that place, and in the latter year retired to a handsome country ’ seat known as “Stowe,” in the vicinity of Pottstown, Montgomery County, where he died November 29, 1871, at the patriarchal age of eighty-eight. The subject of this sketch was his youngest son, and only child by his second wife, Louisa (Silvers) Richards, a native of Monmouth County, New Jersey, descended upon the maternal side from the wellknown Rogers family of that section, and, in the third generation, from Henry Lawes Luttrell, Second Earl of Carhampton. Employed in early life as an instructor of youth, she was distinguished for her mental culture, strong individuality of character, and social tastes and accomplishments. Her decease occurred January 26, 1880, when well advanced in her eighty-first year. Mr. Richards received his preliminary edu- cation in the public schools of Mauch Chunk, and subsequently took an academical course, attending the West Jersey Collegiate School at Mount Holly, New Jersey, the Hill School at Pottstown, and the Upland Normal Insti- tute at Chester, Pennsylvania. In November, 1861, he came to reside at Reading, com- menced the study of the law under the direc- tion of his cousin, John S. Richards, Esq., a highly talented and well-known practitioner at the Berks County Bar, and was admitted to practice January 16, 1865. While a student he served in the Pennsylvania Militia during the invasions of the State by the Confederate armies in 1862 and 1863. Having an early inclination to write, he contributed largely to the press, both before and after hisadmission to the Bar, furnishing incidentally accurate reports of all the cases tried in the county courts during the greater part of the period in which they were pre- sided over by the Hon. Warren J]. Woodward. In 1869 he married, and engaged in journal- ism, becoming a partner of the firm of J. Knabb & Co. in the publication of the “Reading Times and Dispatch,” and the “Berks and Schuylkill Journal,” the daily and weekly organs of the Republican party in Berks. In 1871 he resold his interest to the firm, and resumed the practice of the law. In 1875 he purchased his father’s estate at “Stowe,” which he occasionally occupied until 1882, when he disposed of it to the Pottstown Iron Company, which erected thereon a very large manufacturing plant. 322 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES For many years Mr. Richards devoted much attention to municipal law, and the municipal affairs of his adopted city. While serving as a member of its councils in 1875-76, he personally revised, amended and codified its local laws, and published in the latter year the first Digest of the Statutes and Ordinances of Reading. Of this work he subsequently issued, in 1886 and 1897, respectively, two other and more elaborate editions, contain- ing many valuable notes and citations of judicial decisions. In December, 1876, he was selected as Secretary of the State Munic- ipal Commission, appointed by Governor Hartranft to devise a uniform plan for the better government of the cities of Pennsyl- vania. Of this body, which was composed of eleven eminent lawyers and citizens of the State, the Hon. Butler B. Strang was Chair- man. The Commission presented its final report to the Legislature in January, 1878, and the principal features of the code which it submitted were subsequently incorporated in the Act of June 1, 1885, for the govern- ment of the City of Philadelphia, known as the “ Bullitt Bill.’ As a member of Com- mittees appointed by the Inter-Municipal Conventions of 1886, 1887 and 1888, Mr. Richards was deputed to prepare the original drafts of the Acts of May 24, 1887, and May 23, 1889, the latter constituting the present frame of government of cities of the third class in Pennsylvania. In these several ca- pacities he rendered much valuable service to the people of the State, and acquired a wide reputation as a skillful draftsman of municipal statutes. In the interests of law reform he devised and secured the passage by the Legislature of the Act of July 9, 1897, “declaring the construction of words in a deed, will or other instrument, importing a failure of issue.” In 1889, in association with the Hon. G. A. Endlich, Additional Law Judge of the Berks district, then also a practitioner at the Bar, he was the author of a treatise upon the “Rights and Liabilities of Married Women in Pennsylvania,” devoted principally to the exposition of the Married Persons’ Property Act of 1887, which greatly enlarged the con- tractual powers of femmes covert. In 1895 he issued, in two volumes, the “ Pennsylvania Form Book,” containing precedents in the var- ious branches of law practice—a work in gen- eral use by the profession throughout the State—and, in 1898, a ‘Digest of Acts of Assembly for the Government of Cities of the Third Class.” His other published produc- tions include numerous law pamphlets, his- torical and genealogical sketches, and reports and addresses upon various subjects of pro- fessional or general interest. ; Distinguished for his public spirit, he has employed his time and talents in the promo- tion of every movement in the line of prog- ress, good government and reform. In poli- tics Mr. Richards is a Republican, and in the Presidential campaign of 1884 was the can- didate of the minority party in the Berks District for Congress, against Daniel Ermen- trout, the sitting member, receiving 9,405 votes. His political views are, however, strongly tempered with the spirit of inde- pendence, which inclines to subordinate mere partisan considerations to the superior obli- gations of individual good citizenship. Asa member of the Bar he is recognized as a highly reputable, accurate and painstaking practitioner, though it is in the capacity of a writer, of marked vigor and skill, that he is best known to the public. His literary tastes are cultured and absorbing, and it is in the companionship of his books that he finds his chief entertainment and solace. Practical and thorough in all his methods and under- takings, he devotes to the performance of every duty in which he may engage his best abilities and most conscientious efforts. Mr. Richards has four children—three sons and a daughter—all rapidly approaching maturity. We take pleasure in presenting his portrait on a preceding page. ——__——-+>e SAAC MOURER, a respected citizen of Reading, is a son of Daniel and Hannah (Eisenman) Mourer, and was born May 31, 1835, in Spring township, Berks County. His grandfather, John Mourer, was for many years a resident of Spring township, where he spent his last days. Daniel Mourer, the father, was’ born in Spring township and died in Lower Heidel- berg, where he had been engaged in the pur- suits of husbandry. He was married to the BERKS COUNTY 323 mother of our subject, Hannah Eisenman, by whom he had four children: Amanda, the wife of Adam Becker of Reading; Hannah, wife of John Texter of Reading; Maria, the wife of Michael Kech, a farmer of Heidel- berg township; and the subject of this biog- raphy. Isaac Mourer was educated in Spring township, and learned the trade of a carpen- ter. Then for a time he worked at mill- wright work, and later operated a planing mill. He then returned to the work of his trade, and has been engaged in that for a number of years, being at present superin- tendent of a gang of carpenters. He is a good workman, and very careful and pains- taking in the work entrusted to him. Mr. Mourer was united in matrimony with Annie Texter, and to them were born the fol- lowing children: Hannah, wife of Harry Houck of Reading; Valley, the wife of George Seybert; Anna, the wife of William Smeck; Abbie, the wife of Henry Warren; Mamie; Gertrude; Alice; and Harry. The entire family lives in Reading. In politics Mr. Mourer is inclined to be independent, voting for the men best suited to give the people clean administrations. He is a good, honorable man, one who is to be implicitly relied upon in all things, and his ‘quiet, unas- suming manners and conscientious, upright life have made him one of the representative men of the county. ooo RANK H. SCHMECK, the present popular sheriff of Berks County, and a highly respected citizen of Reading, was born in this county November 18, 1849, and isason of Henry and Mary (Hartman) Schmeck. Henry Schmeck, the father of our subject, was also a native of Berks County, and after receiving a liberal education in the public schools of his native town, he engaged in farming and stock-raising until his death, which occurred at the age of eighty-two years. In his political views he was a Dem- ocrat; religiously, he was a member of the Lutheran Church. He was united in mar- riage with Mary Hartman, who bore him a family of ten children, named as follows: John; Harvey; Mary; Rebecca; Amelia; Susanna; Katherine; Valentine; Washing- ton; and Frank H., the subject of this bio- graphical sketch. Frank H.Schmeck acquired his elementary training in the common schools of his native township, and during his younger days as- sisted his father in his labors about the farm. He then purchased a farm in Exeter town- ship, this county, where he remained twenty years, engaged in the tilling of the soil, and was one of the leading farmers of his com- munity. He then removed to Reading, where he found employment in the iron mills, and followed that line of business until 1895, when he ran for sheriff of Berks County on the Democratic ticket, and was elected by a very large majority. Mr. Schmeck is a member of Lodge No. 62, F. & A. M.; Patriotic Order Sons of America; and the I.O.0O.F. In 1869 he was joined in the bonds of matrimony with Katherine Heckman, a daughter of Jacob Heckman, and to this union the following children were born: Henry; Oscar, de- ceased; Franklin; Grover; Agnes; Kate; Mabel; Sadie; Minerva; Tillie; Anna; and Alice. Mr. Schmeck is a wide-awake and energetic business man, and as a neighbor and a citizen is held in high esteem by his townsmen. = Oo OHN D. WANNER. This esteemed citizen is a retired farmer, now enjoy- ing the fruits of his early toil, and living quietly in his comfortable home in Kutztown. He is ason of John Wanner, grandson of Peter and Magdalene (Dreibelbis) Wanner, and great-grandson of Martin Wan- ner. Among the pioneers who settled in Berks County. when the country was new, and took up a tract of land in the wilderness, was Martin Wanner, the great-grandfather of our subject. He was born in Palestine Pfals, near Rotterdam, Germany, and was the first of the Wanner tamily to locate in America. He left his native country August 17, 1732, and settled upon coming to this country in Colebrookdale township, Berks County, Pa., where he successfully carried 324 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES on general farming all his life. His children were: Christian; Jacob; and Peter. Peter Wanner, the grandfather of our subject, purchased a large tract of land near Fleet- wood, this county, and in addition to carry- ing on farming, he operated the mills at that place and conducted a tavern. Peter Wan- ner was one of the progressive and prosper- ous men of his community, and by the exercise of economy succeeded in accumu- lating a fortune, which he left to his children upon his-death. Mr. Wanner was united in wedlock three times, his first wife being Annie M. Swartz, and they reared four sons and two daughters, namely; Daniel; Jacob ; Peter; Thomas; Cibilla; and Esther. By his second wife, Esther Rothermel, three children were born to them, all of whom died in infancy. His third wife was Magda- lene Dreibelbis, and asa result of this union one child was reared, John, the father of our subject. John Wanner was born on the old home- stead near Fleetwood, October 10, 1788, and when he attained his majority, he inherited a part of his father’s farm, and followed the pursuits of an agriculturist all his life. He also operated the same mill which his father had labored in for so many years. Our sub- ject’s father succeeded in amassing a fortune and moved to Kutztown, where he spent his latter days in happiness and comfort. Mr. Wanner occupied an enviable position in his community, and was held in high esteem by his neighbors and acquaintances. He wasa leader in politics, and represented his fellow- citizens in the State Legislature from 1836 to 1839, and was justice of the peace for many years. He was the progenitor of a family of twelve children, who were named as follows: Annie; Ephraim; William; John D., the subject of this sketch; Joel; Peter C.; John C.; Charles H.; Elizabeth; Amos; and Henry. John D. Wanner was reared on his father’s farm and acquired a liberal education in the public schools of his native town. At the age of sixteen years he began his battle in the arena of life, commencing as a school teacher, and taught several years in the public schools. He then learned to be a surveyor, and followed that occupation un- til recently; he was also engaged in the mercantile business, and was the proprietor of a store in Fleetwood, which he conducted for many years. He sold his store and returned to Kutztown to look after the cares of his beloved parents. Our subject is re- spected for his sterling worth and integrity as a man, neighbor and citizen, and holds the good-will of all who know him. John D. Wanner chose for his life com- panion Elizabeth Bower, a daughter of Jonas Bower, and to this union were born the fol- lowing children: Llewellyn was united in wedlock with Catherine M. Deck, and they are the parents of four children,—Kate L., Lenora E., William R., and Gertrude; Clara E. is the wife of William R. Merkel; and Solon A., who was wedded to Mary A. Leiby, and three children blessed their home,— Lee, Vernon, and Clara M. Mr. Wanner has taken an active part in politics, and has served as justice of the peace fifteen years; as councilman; chief burgess of Kutztown; and district register of the county three years. Socially, he is a member of the Masonic Order, and the I. O. O. F. of Kutz- town. Religiously, his wife is a member of the Lutheran Church, and he is a member of the Reformed Church of Kutztown. SOS d= A. RAUEN, inspector of the Hartford Insurance Co., whose terri- tory extends throughout the central and eastern part of the state of Penn- sylvania, is one of the prominent business men of Reading, Berks County, Pa., and is a select councilman of that city, representing the Tenth Ward. This worthy and esteemed citizen has been a life-long resident of Read- ing, where he was born September 28, 1863, and is a son of Jacob and Margaret (Buch) Rauen. Jacob Rauen was born in Alsace-Lorraine, France, January 1, 1800, and was reared and educated in his native village. In 1848 he bade farewell to his native country and emi- grated to the United States, locating in New York City, where he followed his trade as a cabinetmaker and piano manufacturer; later he became employed in a commercial house ; after remaining in that city a number of years he became a resident of Reading, Pa., BERKS COUNTY 325 where he continued his former occupation. At the time of his death, which was June 14, 1876, he was working for the Reading R. R. He was joined in marriage with Margaret Buch, who was born in Germany in 1810, and died in this city in October, 1879. A fam- ily of two daughters and two sons blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs Rauen, namely: Kate, deceased; Edna, the wife of Eugene Riley ot Reading ; Jacob died in 1895; and John A., the subject of this biographical sketch. John A. Rauen remained with his parents during his younger days and received an elementary education in the public schools of Reading ; at an early age he began to learn the trade of a boilermaker, working for the Union Boiler Works of Reading; he con- tinued to work at his trade and with the above company until April 1, 1897, when he became inspector of the Hartford Insurance Co., with a territory extending throughout the central and eastern part of Pennsylvania. Mr. Rauen performs his work in such a man- ner as to win the respect and confidence of his superior officers; as a citizen, he is con- sidered one of the valued members of his community, and is highly esteemed by his fellow-townsmen. Politically, Mr. Rauen has always given his entire support to the Democratic party, and has contributed much toward the suc- cess of that party in hiscommunity. He has served his fellow-citizens in the Common Council, representing the Tenth Ward, and is now a select councilman of the same ward; he also presided over the city executive com- mittee one term. Mr. Rauen is a member of Washington Hook and Ladder Co. of Read- ing. Our subject chose for his life companion Theresa Gruber, and they were united in marriage April 11, 1892; four children re- sulted from this union, as follows: Hilda; Clara; Isa; and John. ++ —___ AMUEL G. BOONE, a prosperous merchant of Reading, is a veteran of the Civil War, having been one of the first to leave a happy home and a good paying business and enlist in the army, when President Lincoln made his first call for troops. He made an enviable record in the service, one of which his family and descendants for many generations to come may rightfully be proud. He is a son of William and Catherine (Good) Boone, and was born January 28, 1838, at Stonersville, Berks County, Pa. The family is of English extraction, and was established in this country by George Boone, who left the country of his nativity in the fall of 1716, and settled in America. In the spring of 1717, he moved to Oley town- ship, Berks County, where he spent the re- mainder of his days, and now lies buried in the graveyard of the Friends’ Meeting House in Amity township. He was the progenitor of seven sons, among them being Squire Boone, the youngest, who was the father of Daniel Boone, the famous Kentucky pioneer, who was born in Amity township. Our sub- ject is a descendant of one of these seven sons, but which one it is not definitely known. His ancestry is only traced as far back as the grandfather, Edward Boone, who was born in Amity township, where he followed the trade of a blacksmith for many years. He later followed that trade in Stonersville, where he lived the remainder of his life. William Boone, the father of our subject, was born in Amity township, and followed farming as a means of earning a livelihood. He was united in marriage with Catherine Good, and their union was blessed by the birth of one son, Samuel G., the subject of this biographical sketch. Samuel G. Boone was born in an old log house in the vicinity of Stonersville, and ob- tained as good an education as the schools of his boyhood days afforded. His parents were in poor and humble circumstances, and he had to make his own way in the world, as they could afford to give him neither a trade nor a profession. At an early age he began working in a blast furnace, after which he accepted a clerical position in Reading, and later worked at various occupations, among which was that of a wool weaver. He was engaged in that line of work until the Civil War broke out. He had been a member of the Reading Artilleryists, being a private until the war, when, on account of his thor- ough knowledge of military tactics, he was promoted to duty as first sergeant. The or- ganization was mustered into service April 326 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES 17, 1861, one day before the “ First Detend- ers,” enlisting under Lincoln’s first call for 75,000 men for thirty days. After being mus- tered out after three months ot service, he re-enlisted as duty sergeant in Co. B., 88th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., September 12, 1861. After serving for three years in that capacity, he was promoted to be orderly sergeant, and later to sergeant major of the regiment, and finally was made second lieutenant of Co. B., being transferred to his old company. He took part in the battles in which his regiment participated until the battle of Gettysburg, when he was captured on the evening of the first day of fighting by the famous “ Louisiana Tigers.’’ He was marched to Staunton, Va., a distance of almost 200 miles, and was then transferred to Richmond, Va., where he was incarcerated in the famous Libby Prison and subjected for a period of ten months to the indignities and hardships which were forced upon the prisoners there. In May, 1864, he was removed to Danville, whence, after a short term of imprisonment, he was transferred to Macon, Ga. 600 of the prisoners, all officers, were placed in the line of fire when the Fed- eral troops were bombarding the city of Charleston, S. C. The prisoners were then removed to Columbia, where, on the 17th of February, 1865, our subject effected his es- cape and travelled with Sherman’s forces to Fayettesville, N. C. He then went to Wil mington, N. C., and thence to Fortress Mon- roe, and finally to Washington, where he drew his pay and received an order to return to his company, which was returning to Washington, as the war was virtually ended. The order was with the permission to delay thirty days at his home, but at the end of that time he was sick with chills and fever con- tracted from his long term of imprisonment, and on presenting a surgeon’s certificate the time was extended two weeks. He then re- turned to Washington, where he rejoined his regiment, and received his discharge May 16, 1865, after which he returned home and entered the shoe business in Reading. A short time after, he entered the service of the P.& R. R. R. asa brakeman 9n a passenger train, and after serving for one and one half years in that capacity, was promoted to the position of conductor, which he held for nearly a quarter of a century on the main line between Philadelphia and Pottsville. He resigned March 28, 1890, and has since suc- cessfully engaged in the general mercantile business, having a first class store in every respect. He is a man of high principles, and is held in high esteem by his fellow-citizens. Mr. Boone was united in marriage with Emma M. Harp on June 15, 1865, and unto them have been born the following children: Clarence S., deceased; Minerva, the wife of H. A. Gable, a printer of Reading; Lotta Alberta, the wife of William Felix of Read- ing; Huizinga M.; Samuel; Laura M.; Grace E.; Annetta Irene; Ralph E., deceased; and Edgar, deceased. Socially, Mr. Boone is quartermaster of Encampment, No. 43, Union Veteran Legion of Reading. ——+@ar——_ PHRAIM WITMAN, SR., a dealer in flour, feed, grain, coal, lumber, etc., is one of the leading business men of Wernersville, and was born January 11, 1840, in the village of Bernville, Penn township. He is a son of Henry and Mary (Schell) Witman, and a grandson of Jonathan and Catherine (Yerger) Witman. Jonathan Witman, the grandfather of our subject, was a coppersmith, and later a tin- smith of Reading. He married Catherine Yerger, and they reared a large family of children, one of whom was Henry, the father of our subject. Henry Witman was born in Reading, where he lived until 1832, when he moved to Bernville, where he remained the rest of his life. He was a tinsmith by trade, but after following it for several years, he gave it up and began to deal in coal, grain and lumber. He was avery prominent man in his section of the county, and continued in that line of business until his retirement in 1862, when his son succeeded him. Prior to 1860, he was a Democrat, but after that date he unswervingly supported the princi- ples of the Republican party. He took an active part in political affairs, and was called upon to serve in many public offices of trust. He was burgess of the village for a number of years, and was also a councilman. Relig- iously, he was an earnest member of the Lutheran Church. He formeda matrimonial alliance with Mary Schell of Bern township, DR. FRANKLIN H. GOOD. BERKS COUNTY 329 and they became the parents of ten children, namely: Maria, the wife of Joseph B. Con- rad, a retired merchant of Bernville; Ellen, who was the wife of Samuel K. Dundor, de- ceased, a merchant of Reading; Rebecca, the relict of John Shirk, a late saddler, is now a resident of Myerstown: Ephraim, whose name appears at the head of these lines; Catherine married John Messermen, and both are now deceased ; and five others, who died in infancy. Mrs. Witman closed her eyes in final sleep in 1854. Mr. Witman was again married, his second union being with Mrs. John Erich, widow of John Erich, and a na- tive of Reading. Our subject’s father. was called Home in 1881, at an advanced age. Ephraim Witman, Sr., received his intel- lectual training in the common schools, and left home at the age of fifteen years. He learned the trade of a tinsmith at Bernville, at which he worked for three years. He then clerked in his father’s store and lumber yard until 1862, when he took charge of the concern. Later his brother-in-law became a partner in the business, and they conducted it under the firm name of Conrad & Witman until 1874, when Mr. Conrad retired, and our subject again assumed absolute charge. Af- ter a period of ten years he disposed of the business and moved to Wernersville, where he has since resided. He is a man of more than ordinary capacity for business, and the manner in which he conducts his affairs has not only made for him an ample competency, but has gained him many friends. Our subject has twice taken marriage vows, his first wife, to whom he was united in June, 1861, being Catherine Ann Andrews. She was the widow of Joseph Seyfert, deceased, of Bernville, and a daughter of Abraham and Mary Ann Andrews. This union was blessed by the birth of nine children, of whom seven are now living, namely: Harry, who married Annie Auman, and is now living in Chicago, Ill.; Annie, the wife of Harry Walker, a blacksmith of Philadelphia: Mary, who con- ductsa boarding house at Newark, N. J.; Mor- ton, who married Sue Sweimer of Reading, and has three children, namely—Edith, Har- ry and Irene—he assists our subject in his business; Ella, a milliner of Philadelphia ; Catherine, a milliner of Philadelphia; Eph- raim, Jr., who married Laura Bohn, and 16 works for his father; Rachel, deceased; and Charles, who died in infancy. Mrs. Witman died in 1882, and our subject formed a second alliance in February, 1884, with Mrs. Isaac Dietrich, nee Boyer, widow of the late Isaac Dietrich of Maxatawny township. They are members of the Evangelical Church of Wernersville, In political belief, Mr. Wit- man is a stanch Republican. +2 R. FRANKLIN H. GOOD, whose | portrait is shown on the opposite page, is engaged in the practice of medicine in Reading, Berks County, Pa. He was born in Union township, Lebanon County, Pa., September 26, 1855, and is a son of Benneville and Catherine (Hass) Good, and grandson of Peter Good. Peter Good, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was born in Berks County, Pa., and when he grew to manhood moved to Lebanon County, Pa., where he conducted a hotel and carried on general farming to a considerable extent. He reared a tamily of children, among whom was Benneville, the father of our subject, who was born in Berks County, and died in Lebanon County in 1871, at the age of sixty-two years. Benneville Good carried on butchering pursuits in Berks County until 1854, when he moved to Leba- non County, where he took up farming, which he continued until his death. He married Catherine Hass, and they raised ten children, as follows: Sarah; Amanda; Mary; Josiah, who entered the Civil War, and was taken prisoner and died in Andersonville Prison; Amelia; Rebecca; John; Franklin H.; and two that died in infancy. Dr. Franklin H. Good received his primary education in the common schools, and then was a Student in the Jonestown and Palatinate Academies, after which he taught school one term in Berks County. Entering the office of Dr. J. C. Cooper, he began the study of medicine, and matriculated at the University of Pennsylvania, from which he was gradu- ated in 1878; he at once located in Reading, where he has succeeded in building up a large and successful practice. He makes a specialty of rheumatism and dyspepsia, in the treatment of which diseases he has met with 339° BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES the best of results. He has served as a phy- sician in St. Joseph’s Hospital, and was prison physician for three years. Our subject is a firm Democrat, and takes an active part in local politics, but is not an aspirant to office. He chose for his life companion Mary K. Rocktaschel; they were happily married October 3, 1881, and are the parents of three children: Benjamin F., Sadie Q., and Robert G. of Berks County who have won their way in the world through their own efforts, and he now occupies a promi- nent position among the agriculturists of the county. He was born in Marion township, this county, April 1, 1830, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Leiss) Moyer. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Daniel Moyer, a leading farmer of Robeson township. He married Catherine Bellman, and they reared the following chil- dren: John, the father of our subject; Daniel was united in wedlock to Miss Earnst of Heidelberg township; Isaac wedded a Miss Moore; Elizabeth ; Catherine ; Sarah was the wife of Daniel Miller; and Susan married George Fornwaldt. Adam Leiss, the mater- nal grandtather of our subject, was engaged in farming throughout his entire life in Marion township. He married Eva Kintzer, who bore him six children, namely: Isaac, Hannah, Sarah, Catherine, Elizabeth and Polly. John Moyer, the father of our subject, who was born in Heidelberg township, moved in his early manhood to Marion township, this county, and there he was engaged in tilling the soil. He was very prominent among his fellow-countrymen and always worked for the advancement of his commu- nity and county. In his political views, he firmly upheld the principles ot the Demo- cratic party, and served as judge of elections and in several other minor township offices. He took an active interest in church work, and was attached to the Lutheran Church. He married Elizabeth Leiss, a native of Tul- pehocken township, and their family con- Ali L. MOYER is one of the men sisted of seven children, who were named as follows; John L., the subject of this bio- ‘graphical sketch; Adam, a retired miller residing in Reading, married Kate Kinser, and they are the parents of four children, namely,—Wellington, Lawrence, John, and Amanda; Levi followed the trade of a car- penter in Marion township, and by his wife, Sarah Schoner, has one son, Oscar; Belinda, who died at the age of forty-six years, was the wife of John Keiser, a farmer of Jefferson township; Josiah, a miller of Bernville, was united in the bonds of wedlock with Emma Richards, and three children were born to them; Isaac, a hotel proprietor of Stouchs- burg, formed a matrimonial alliance with Sarah Gerhart, who bore him five children, namely,—Ada, who married W. B. Zeller, Margaret, Lizzie, Charles, and Lottie; and Maria was wedded to W. Deck, a real estate dealer of Reading, and three children were the result of this union, who were named as follows,—Anna, Cora and Elmer. John L. Moyer received his education in the public schools, and remained under the parental roof until he became of age; he then began farming on the old homestead on his own account. In 1862 he sold his farm and purchased the one he now owns, which farm was formerly the property of his uncle, John Read. He is one of the progressive farmers of Berks County, and is highly esteemed throughout the township for his many sterling qualities. He is agent for the Sinking Springs Insurance Co., and has been connected with it since 1884. Our subject was married in 1861 to Almira Hoffman of Center township, a daughter of Peter and Margaret (Mogel) Hoffman; her father was a prominent farmer of that county. His wife died July, 1892, leaving one child, Annie Margaret, the wife of Michael Fisher, who resides upon the farm owned by our subject. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher have reared two children, namely: John and Ella. Politi- cally, our subject has always supported the Democratic ticket, and has served as judge of election several years; assessor two years; and county commissioner from 1869 to 1872. He is a member of the Good Fellows Lodge of Stouchsburg. He is a consistent worker for religion and morals, and is a member of the Lutheran Church. BERKS COUNTY 331 who has much promise of a brill- iant future in the medical profes- sion, was born October 26, 1868, in Earl town- ship, this county, and is a son of Charles and Susan (Yahn) Lechner. The Lechner family is of that sturdy Ger- man race, whose settlement in this section dates far back into the early history of Penn- sylvania. Our subject's grandfather was reared and educated in Earl township, Berks County, and reared to manhood a large fam- ily of children. Charles Lechner, the father of our subject, was born in Berks County June 25, 1831, and received his education in the district schools of his native township. He was successful in his farming operations, which was his main occupation throughout life. He also was ex- tensively engaged in the buying and selling of cattle. Religiously, he attached himself R. R. Y. LECHNER, a prospering | young physician of Boyertown, to the Lutheran Church, and was one of its - most active workers. Mr. Lechner has al- ways been an active supporter of the Repub- lican party. He was married to Susan Yahn, daughter of Samuel Yahn, who was a mem- ber of one of the oldest families ot the Key- stone State. Three sons and one daughter were born to Mr. and Mrs. Lechner, as fol- lows: Hamilton; Dr. R. Y., whose name heads the above lines; Hattie, the wife of Daniel Darrah of Reading, Pa.; and Dr. Le- roy, one of the leading physicians of Bech- telsville, Berks County, this state. Dr. R. Y. Lechner was brought up on the old homestead, received his early mental training in the district schools, and at the age of seventeen years taught school two terms. At eighteen years he commenced the study of medicine, reading under the direc- tion of Thomas J. B. Rhoads of Boyertown. In the fall of 1888, he entered Jefferson Med- ical College at Philadelphia, and was gradu- ated in 1890. He at once located in Here- fordsville, this county, and soon built up a splendid practice. January, 1891, he removed to Bechtelsville, where he remained seven years. In March, 1898, he took up his resi- dence in Boyertown, and is located on Phil- adelphia avenue. He is an exceptionally bright and intelligent young man, and has borne and still bears the reputation of a hard student, whom no obstacles of whatever mag- nitude can deter from the path of patient and continued research in lines peculiar to his profession. He has won many friends and established quite a large clientele since his location in Boyertown as one of the lead- ing physicians. With the prestige of suc- cessful results that he has already gained, his future looks particularly bright, and our best wishes go with him in his noblest of profes- sions. May 8, 1890, he was joined in the bonds of matrimony with Alice Gilbert, daughter of Isaac Gilbert, a retired farmer of Boyertown. Two children blessed the happy home of Mr. and Mrs. Lechner: Charles and Ernest. So- cially, he is past officer of Camp No. 324, P. O. S. of A. of Boyertown. Religiously, he is a devoted member of the Lutheran Church. In politics he stanchly supports, to the best of his ability, the Republican party. a M. F. RICK, who is now spending . his declining years in retirement, was for many years a prosperous merchant of Millersburg, Berks County, and conducted the store of which his son, John G. Rick, is now the proprietor. He is a son of John Rick, and was born in Penn town- ship, Berks County, June 15, 1831. John Rick, the father of our subject, was born in Penn township, where he always lived. He was engaged in merchandising at Centerville tor many years, and also operated a tannery with good results. Hesuccumbed to the inevitable January 31, 1839; his wife, however, surviving him many years, dying in 1872. They were the parents of the fol- lowing children: Louisa, the widow of Will- iam Schaffner, a merchant of Rehrersburg, Pa., who was.a member of the Legislature at one time; Fyetta was the wife of the late John Heighold, and now resides in Brook- ville, Jefferson County, Pa; G. M. F., in whom the interest of this sketch centers: Emma, the wife of Cornelius Stamm of Read- ing; Lydia, the wite of the late Amos Huyett, is a resident of the city of Reading; John, deceased; Sidney, deceased; and George, also deceased. After the death of her hus- band, Mrs. Rick formed a second alliance 332 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES with Benjamin L. Kershner, whose occupa- tion was that of a mechanic, and he, too, has passed into the world of rest. G. M. F. Rick, after attending the public schools of his native town for some years, was employed as a farm hand in Penn town- ship, and continued as such until after his marriage, in 1856. In that year he embarked in the mercantile business in Rehrersburg, conducting a store there until his removal to Millersburg, in 1860, where he has since lived and operated a general merchandise store until 1884, when he retired from the duties of active business life. He was succeeded to the ownership of the store by his son, George Rick, who has one of the best stocked stores in that section of the county, and enjoys the patronage of the leading citizens of the com- munity. Our subject still owns considerable valuable property in Millersburg, which is the result of his industrious and well-directed efforts in early life. He is aman of honor, and is held in high esteem by a large circle of acquaintances, with whom he has been as- sociated in business and social lite for so many years. His wife’s maiden name was Beyerle, and she is a daughter of Dr. George Beyerle, a well-known physician of Bernville. Their happy union has been blessed by the birth of three children: George, who married Clara Kline, is a merchant of Millersburg; Mary married H. A. Reinoehl, a lumberman of Leb- anon, Pa., and they have one son,—Garrick ; and William, an attorney of Reading, who is a graduate of Yale University and Muhlen- berg College. Religiously, they are mem- bers of the Lutheran Church. In political affiliations, Mr. Rick is a stanch Republican, and served as postmaster of Millersburg for a period of twenty-five years. ear —___ REDERICK LAUER, deceased, whose name, which stands synonymous of all that is good, will be held in grateful remembrance for many generations to come by the citizens of Reading, in whose growth and development he was an important and influential factor, was the owner and propri- etor of one of the largest breweries in the state of Pennsylvania. He was president of the United States Brewers’ Association, and in recognition of his championship of their cause, a handsome, large, bronze monument was erected to his memory in the City Park of Reading, the location having been granted by the city councils of Reading as a token of their appreciation of his work. Mr. Lauer was a son of George and Ka- trina Lauer, and was born October 14, 1810, in the province of Palatine, now Rhenish Bavaria, Germany, and attended the public schools of his native land until he was twelve years of age, becoming a fluent speakerin the French tongue. His father was an extensive land owner, and, being a man of strong con- victions and courageous in his expression of them, he raised the first liberty pole on the French borders. For this unwise but patri- otic expression of his sentiments. he could not gather any crops for nine seasons because of the presence of the army. Receiving favorable reports of America from his mar- ried daughter, a resident of Reading, Pa., he came to this country with his family, landing in Baltimore, Md., in August, 1823, thence moving to the home of his daughter, in Reading. There for some time, Frederick Lauer was employed in a meat market con- ducted by his brother-in-law, but upon the removal of his father to Womelsdort, Berks County, where he embarked in the brewing business, he went with his parent as an assistant. Being possessed of a studious turn of mind and an aptitude for learning, he devoted his leisure moments to study, also attending school for four months, three of. which were at night school. In 1826, he returned to Reading with his father, where the latter established a small brewery in a small log hut built by one of the founders of the town. Although at the time but sixteen years of age, Frederick Lauer was far ad- vanced in the knowledge of the world and was chosen as his father’s foreman and clerk, with one assistant doing the entire work. He built up his first kettle with a capacity of five barrels, which owing to their immediate success was increased to ten barrels within two months’ time. He would arise at two o'clock in the morning, have his beer brewed by daylight, and after an early breakfast would deliver it to his local customers. It was due to his energy and enterprise that BERKS COUNTY 333 the business flourished, and upon succeeding his father in the ownership of the plant in 1835, he enlarged the brewery and extended the business by the aid of more assistants, sending beer to different sections of the county. Prior to 1831, nothing but strong beer was made, but in that year they Btgan brewing ale and porter, and in 1844 lager beer was first made by them and sprang into public favor. So great was the increase in business that new quarters soon became a necessity, and, in 1849, our subject bought up vacant lots, and in the limestone formation quarried extensive vaults in which to store up his lager, and in 1866 erected a large brewery in the same locality. This he fully equipped with the latest conveniences and the most im- proved machinery, making it the most com- plete brewery in the state, and his product had an extensive sale and became the favorite beverage in the vicinity of Reading. He strongly advocated the use of lighter beer, or lager beer, strong beer, in his opinion, being the sole cause of the many evils, which brought the condemnation of many people upon that drink. He had an eye for nature and beauty, and surrounding his establish- ment he laid out a fine park, with shade trees and other beautiful adornments. His career was characterized at all times by the exercise of shrewdness and a rare good judgment, and his business flourished and became one of the most successful of that line in the United States. In political affiliations, he actively sup- ported the principles of the Democratic party, but his many business cares would not permit him to accept office, although he was often importuned to do so and at one time declined a proffered nomination to Congress. He was a delegate to the National Conven- tion at Charleston, S. C., in 1860, which is undoubtedly the stormiest convention re- corded in the annals of the Democratic party. The main point at issue in the formation of the platform was the Slavery Question, and it was openly stated that a decision on this issue unfavorable to the cause of the South would result in the secession of the Southern States and the death of the Union. Mr. Lauer, loyal to the heart’s core, labored with might and main to secure the adoption of a platform and the nomination of a candidate 16* for the Presidency that would guarantee the success of the party and the preservation of the Union. His efforts were of no avail, and when the crisis came, true to his patriotic instincts, he equipped, at his own expense, a whole company of men, which fought throughout the war in the 1o4th Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf. He was ever popular with his fel- low-citizens, and represented his ward in the Town Council, being active in securing the incorporation of Reading as a city in 1847. He was also sent to the Select Council, of which he was president in 1867. He was a public-spirited man and aside from his private business interests was energetic in the organ- ization and support of various societies and corporations, of which he was a leading spirit. He was an organizer,and up to the time of his death was an active worker in the Berks County Agricultural Society, of which he was president for several years; he was also. a member of the board of directors of the Reading & Columbia R. R.; the Reading Dispensary Board; the Reading Benevolent Society; the Reading Relief Society; a trustee of the Keystone State Normal School of Kutztown; and a member of the United States Brewers’ Association. As president of the latter body, he rendered invaluable service to his trade especially in connection with the internal revenue tax on fermented liquors. On May g, 1838, he was joined in matri- monial bonds with Mary Guldin, a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Guldin, and their happy union resulted in the following issue: George Frederick, born November 2, 1850; Franklin Pierce, born November 2, 1852; and one child that died in infancy. Frater- nally, Mr. Lauer wasa past master of Lodge No. 62, F. & A. M.; and a companion of De Molay Commandery, Knights Templar. Re- ligiously, he was a devout Christian and was a consistent member of the Lutheran Church, of which he was a vestryman and a trustee for many years. Socially, he moved in circles of education and refinement, and was an intimate friend of the celebrated Dr. Hebbe, the Swedish revolutionist, who was deprived of citizenship in his native land. He was well informed on the affairs of foreign nations, and among his friends numbered United States consuls abroad, with whom he carried 334 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES on a regular correspondence. This bright and useful life departed this land on Septem- ber 5, 1883, and his death was universally mourned. Appropriate resolutions were passed by the Lager Bier Braur Verein, the Ale and Porter Association of Pennsylvania; and the United States Brewers’ Association erected a monument to his memory. which was unveiled May 23, 1885. —_____. -++____- County Bar includes many attorneys of prominence, whose abilities place them in the front ranks of the profession, but there are few whose at- tainments in the knowledge of the law, and in successful practice, can vie with those of the subject of this biographical notice. In the preparation of cases that have come to him, he has ever been diligent and thorough, with a remarkable singleness of mind in re- gard to his clients’ interests; this thorough- ness and fidelity early in his professional career attracted to him favorable notice, and contributed largely to the success that has attended his efforts in building up a practice, that in size and importance is second to none in the county. For many years past Mr. Reber has been prominently identified with the most weighty litigation that has arisen in the courts of the county, and well has he sustained his reputation as a gentleman of strong intellect and clear judgment, whose legal learning is at once accurate and pro- found. His extended practice in all the courts has given him an intimate acquaintance with the working details of his profession. that makes him an antagonist to be feared. Mr. Reber was born in Penn township, Berks County, Pa., December 18, 1846. His youth was spent in his native township, at- tending the common schools and laying the foundation for what has proved a very suc- cessful career. At the age of twenty years he graduated from Franklin and Marshall College at Lancaster, Pa ; subsequently he received the advanced degree of Master of Arts from his Alma Mater. His literary tastes and inclinations early directed his thoughts toward a legal career, and with this purpose in view, after leaving college halls, Ac C. G. REBER. The Berks he became a student in the office of Jeremiah Hagenman, a prominent lawyer of Reading in that day, and afterwards president judge of the Berks County courts. Under the tu- telage of this excellent instructor, our sub- ject rapidly progressed in his studies, and became a member of the bar, entitled to practice, on April 12, 1869. After a number of years of active work in the Berks County courts, he was admitted to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and to the U.S. Dis- trict Court. He rose rapidly in the profes- sion, and within a few years after his admit- tance to the bar had built up a large practice, quite general in its character. In 1878, when a warrant in bankruptcy proceedings was issued against the Reading Savings Bank, which had suspended in No- vember, 1877, he became counsel for William A. Arnold, the assignee of the institution, and assisted in winding up the bank’s affairs, the amounts involved amounting in the ag- gregate to over a million of dollars. The legal business of the bankrupt estate, which was conducted in the District Court in Phil- adelphia, required years of work before the affairs could be settled; it finally resulted in the payment of 5234 cents on the dollar, an arrangement that proved very satisfactory to the creditors, who hardly expected to be paid so large a percentage of their claims. Mr. Reber’s practice in the Orphans’ Court has brought him in a large amount of lucrative business in the settlement of numerous es- tates. Our subject has been most faithful in attending to his legal practice, and merits well the great confidence reposed in him by clients and fellow practitioners. He has been frequently appointed master in equity, by agreement of counsel in important cases in- volving difficult and intricate questions of law, and as such has conducted himself with fidelity and ability. Mr. Reber has ever been prominent in local Democratic councils, and has worked earnest- ly and zealously for party success. In 1874, he was elected district attorney by an excep- tionally large majority, and served in that office from 1875 to 1877, three years. Heex- hibited great force of character, and it is the well-grounded opinion of those who should best know, that he was the strongest district attorney Berks County has ever had. It was PETER D. WANNER. BERKS COUNTY 337 in 1877, during his term of office, in the month of July, that the great riot prevailed in Reading, arising out of the strike of rail- road employees, the strike being general throughout many of the Northern States. This riot resulted in the deaths of a number of persons, who were shot by militia brought to the city to suppress the riot, in the wound- ing of a great many others, and in great dep- redations on property, among which the most notable deed was the burning of the Lebanon Valley railroad bridge. The riot was finally suppressed by the militia, aided by a detach- ment of U. S. Regular soldiers, and many men were indicted by the district attorney, Mr. Reber, for alleged implication in the riot, of whom several were sentenced to five years’ imprisonment. As district attorney, Mr. Reber was ex-officio a member of the board of license commissioners by virtue of an Act of Assembly. When he retired from the district attorneyship, he left behind him a record of having filled the functions and duties of the office with ability, honesty and integrity, his record being a credit both to himself and to the party which placed him in office. Upon the creation of the Orphans’ Court in 1883, Mr. Reber’s name was prominently mentioned as a very suitable candidate for the judgeship thereof. The appointment by the Governor of Hiram H. Schwartz, as judge, in June, 1883, to serve until January, 1884, when a regularly elected judge should assume the duties of the position, was unpop- ular, and aroused considerable opposition. In the Democratic Convention of 1883. which met to nominate a candidate for the full ten years’ term, Mr. Reber would have met with success had not his opponents resorted to trickery, and would have been triumphantly elected at the polls, for his popularity is gen- eral and extends to all classes. His oppo- nents even admitted his superior qualifica- tions for the office, while they were resorting to every political expedient to defeat him. Mr. Reber has a number of important in- terests outside of what relates directly to his legal practice. He is a member of the board of directors of the Farmer’s National Bank of Reading, and is the solicitor of that most solid financial institution. He owns consid- erable property, and is largely interested in real estate and coal operations at Shenan- doah. As a public-spirited citizen, he has nobly acquitted himself of every duty that has devolved upon him from time to time, and from every consideration is entitled to rank with the most representative men of Berks County. a= me ETER D. WANNER. Local prom- inence and a high position in manu- facturing circles have come to the subject of this biography as the just reward of an almost phenomenal activity that began in his school days and has ever since been among his most marked traits. En- dowed by nature with conspicuous talents, he has never failed to take advantage of an opportunity either to advance himself, or to procure the prosperity of the community in which he resided, and in whose affairs he has long held a foremost position, winning uni- versal recognition as one of the city’s most enterprising citizens. He was born near Kutztown, Berks County, on the first day of December, 1840, and is a son of William W. Wanner, a prominent farmer of that locality, and Elizabeth (Deysher) Wanner, both of French-German extraction. The early years of Mr. Wanner’s life were spent upon the farm, where he performed such duties as usually fall to the lot of a far- mer boy. He only attended school for a short period during the winter months; how- ever, so thoroughly did he improve every opportunity, that during the winter of 1857.58 he was able to secure a position as teacher. This was of inestimable value to him as a means of furthering his education, as he was enabled to review the fundamental principles of the branches taught in the district schools, and also gave him ample time in which to read and study. So well did he avail himself of these opportunities that in 1859 he was far enough advanced to enter Union Seminary, at New Berlin, Union County, in which in- stitution he spent a year or two of earnest study, after which he took a course in Fair- view Seminary of Kutztown, where he was prepared for entrance to the Franklin and Marshall College at Lancaster, Pa. His re- markable aptitude and diligence cannot be 338 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES better illustrated than by a statement of his achievements as a student in that institution of learning. He entered Franklin and Mar- shall College in September, 1862, as a sopho- more, and was graduated in July, 1865, hav- ing not only completed a full four years’ course in three years, but also a two years’ course in law under the direction of Isaac E. Heister of Lancaster. Two months after graduation he was admitted to the bar upon motion of his preceptor, Mr. Heister, but as he considered the city of Reading a richer field for his endeavors, he moved to the lat- ter place, where he was admitted to practice in the courts, upon motion of Hon. J. Glancy Jones, November 4, 1865. Mr. Wanner has since remained a resident of this flourishing city, taking an active part in politics and all public and semi-public enterprises, and is widely known as one of its most progressive men. He has always allied himself with the Democratic party, and has risen to high standing in its councils. His political prom- inence, coupled with the public recognition of his eminent legal talents, led to his elec- tion to the office of district attorney of Berks County, in 1871, and so capable was his ad- ministration of the duties of that position that he was selected as county solicitor in 1877. In the year following he was a candi- date for Democratic nomination for Con- gress, and after a bitter struggle with the Hon. Heister Clymer, was defeated by a small margin at the primaries. It was in 1879 that Mr. Wanner turned his attention to manufacturing and mercantile pursuits, first becoming identified with the Mellert Foundry & Machine Company, Limited, and in 1885 with the Reading Foundry Company, Limited, of which he is now chairman, and in which his chief interests are at present cen- tered. He is also identified with the man- agement of a number of water ‘works plants in different sections of the state, being presi- dent of the Pennsylvania Water Works Asso- ciation, the Foundry Association of Phila- delphia, and of private companies at Steel- ton, Bridgeport, Hamburg, Newport, and elsewhere. While actively engaged in legal pursuits, our subject was eminently success- ful almost from the very start, being em- ployed on one side or the other in most of the important cases that came before the courts of his county from the time of his ad- mission until his partial withdrawal from the bar in the early ’80s. Since that time, by strictly honest, straightforward dealing, hard work and indefatigable energy, he has be- come prominent in the political, business and social circles of Reading. On September 5, 1872, Mr. Wanner was joined in hymeneal bonds with Kate Mellert, a daughter of the late Arnold Mellert of Reading, and their happy union has been blessed by the birth of three sons and two daughters, namely: Mary; Elsie; William; John; and Clarence. Mr. Wanner resides at his beautiful suburban residence, called Mount Penn Home, located at the head of Walnut street. We take pleasure in present- ing Mr. Wanner’s portrait on a preceding page. NDREW J. KLOPP. Among the rep- resentative farmers of Berks County our subject stands prominently as a good citizen, enterprising busi- ness man, and a farmer of the first class. He resides in Marion township, and is located on the Sheets farm, which consists of 126 acres of well improved and highly cultivated land. Our subject was born near Mt. Etna, Berks County, Pa., July 7, 1846, andisa son of Elias and Evaline (Walborn) Klopp. John Klopp, the grandfather of our subject, was one of the well-to-do farmers of Mt. Etna, Pa. He wedded Miss Bucks, and they reared a family of children, one of whom was Elias, the father of our subject. Elias Klopp was engaged in the pursuits of an agriculturist throughout his life ; during his early manhood days he farmed in Berks County, and later moved to North Heidelberg township, Berks County, and remained there the rest of his active days. He was united in marriage with Evaline Walborn, a native of Mt. Etna, Pa., and as a result of this happy union two chil- dren were born, namely : Andrew J., the sub- ject of this sketch ; and Isaac P., a prominent and successful farmer of Marion township, this county, who was twice married,—his first wife was Miss Phieffer, and after her death he formed a second marriage with Miss Seibert. BERKS COUNTY The mother and father of our subject both died in Tulpehocken township in 1855. Andrew J. Klopp is mainly self-educated, having been compelled to leave school at the age of eight years, when his parents died ; at that young age he was thrown upon the world to seek a living. He went to New Brownsville, and worked for his uncle, David Klopp, for eight years. At the age of sixteen years, he went to Ohio, where he remained three years, and then returned to his native county, and_ settled in North Heidelberg township. For seven years he worked for different farmers, and in April, 1873, he moved to Marion township, where he purchased his present farm. He has since made many im- provements, and the farm ranks among the best farms in Berks County. Mr. Klopp chose for his life companion Kate Fisher, and they were happily united October 11, 1873. Sheisadaughter of Adam L. Fisher, whose sketch may also be found in this Book of Biographies. Three sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Klopp, who were named as follows: I. Webster, born March 5, 1875, is engaged as a clerk and stenographer for a shoe manufacturer of Philadelphia; David Adam, born September 6, 1879, lives at home assisting his father in the work about the farm; and Warren Elias, who was born Sep- tember 22, 1891. Mr. Klopp and wife are members of the Reformed Church. Our subject adheres to Republican views in _poli- tics; in social circles he isa member of Gold- en Rule Lodge, No. 42, Ancient Order Good- fellows of Stouchsburg. ++ _____ EREMIAH BEARD, one of the hon- ored and highly esteemed citizens of Birdsboro, and a man respected for his sterling worth and integrity, who is now living a retired life, is a son of Mark and Mary (Glass) Beard, and was born in Robeson township, this county, August 20, 1819. Mark Beard, the father of our subject, was born in Robeson township, and after he grew to maturity engaged in teaming, hauling goods from Philadelphia to Pittsburg. While making one of his trips he stopped to water his horses at Morristown, Pa., where he was 339 taken ill very suddenly, and before medical assistance could arrive he closed his eyes and entered the world of rest. His wife, Mary Glass, bore him four sons and three daugh- ters that lived to mature years. They were as follows: Samuel, deceased, was a black- smith at Middletown, Pa.; Hannah, deceased, was the wife of Henry Huyette, who resided near Birdsboro; Annie, deceased, was the wife of the late Jacob Wicklein of Reading; Isaac, deceased, was a hammerman of the forge in Lebanon, Pa.; Elisha, a retired black- smith, now residing near Fritztown, this county; Mary, widow of the late Jacob Hawke of Reading ; and Jeremiah, the sub- ject of this sketch. Two children died in infancy. Our subject was but a small child when his father and mother passed from this earth, and he was taken and reared by his uncle, Ezekiel Beard, who was a well-to-do farmer in Union township. Our subject is mainly selfeducated, having attended very few terms in the common schools. When he attained his manhood he learned the trade of a carpenter, which he followed as a journey- man for twenty-five years; he then acted in the capacity of foreman tor the woodworks of the Schuylkill Canal for two years, and for some twenty years he was outside fore- man of the E. & G. Brooke Iron Works at Birdsboro, which position he resigned in 1894 on account of advanced years. During the Civil War Mr. Beard was assistant revenue assessor of Union and Exeter town- ships, and was a committeeman to provide the soldiers ways and means. Our subject was united in marriage Octo- ber 8, 1846, to Rebecca Searls, daughter of the late John Searls, a hammerman of the old Birdsboro forge. As a result of this union five children were born, namely: Ellen, the wife of John S. Lloyd, a stonemason of Birdsboro; Alice, who married L. H. Focht, a contractor and builder of Birdsboro; Emma, widow of the late William Haws of Birdsboro; Harry, a carpenter by trade; and Sydney L.,a bricklayer and contractor residing in Reading. In politics Mr. Beard takes an active part toward the advance- ment of Republicanism, and was justice of the peace for twenty-five years, which office he has lately resigned on account of his years 340 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES and the failing of his eyesight. He began to serve as justice of the peace in Union town- ship in 1855,and continued for three terms of five years each, and was ten years in the otice at Birdsboro. Socially, he isa mem- ber of Mt. Pleasant Lodge, No. 37, Jr. O. U. A.M., of which he has been treasurer for the last twenty years, and was recording and financial secretary for the last thirty years of Neversink Lodge, No. 514, I. O. 0. F. of Birdsboro. He has been a member of the Methodist Church for fifty years, and was a trustee during all that time and treasurer for forty years, and has been class leader and steward. He has also been superintendent and treasurer of the Sunday School many years. Mr. Beard is an esteemed and sub- stantial citizen, and has greatly aided in building up and maintaining the reputation of his community, and to men like him it is indebted for the position it holds among the thriving boroughs of the state. He was chief burgess of Birdsboro two years, and treasurer two terms. SO EUBEN BROSSMAN, whose repu- tation as a skilled workman at the carpenter's trade extends through- out the county, resides on the old Samuel Greath place in Heidelberg town- ship, Berks County, and was born July 11, 1843, in North Heidelberg township. He is a son of John L. and Catherine (Hettinger) Brossman, and a grandson. of John Adams Brossman. John Adams Brossman, the grandfather of our subject, was a farmer by occupation and was the first of the family to come to this county. He was one of the good substantial men of this district, and lived a useful life of sixty-seven years. He was united in mar- riage with Catherine Leiss, and they reared the following children: John L., the father of our subject; Adam; Daniel; Benjamin; and Eva. John L. Brossman was born in North Heidelberg township in 1803, and followed the occupation of a farmer and miller all of his life. In politics he was a Democrat, and served in an official capacity as assessor, col- lector, and in many other township offices. Religiously, he was a member of the Lutheran Church. He was united in matrimonial bonds with Catherine Hettinger, a daughter of Mathias Hettinger, a native of Germany, and they became the parents of ten children, who are as follows: John, who married Philena Brown, and lives in Columbus, Ohio, where he is engaged in merchandising and farming; Nathan who conducts a market in Reading, married Mary Hoffert; Reuben, whose name appears at the head of these lines; Henry, whose sketch also appears in this Book of Biographies; Mary, who mar- ried Isaac Bohn, a farmer of Lower Heidel- berg township; Catherine, who married Jeremiah Cone of Columbus, Ohio; Elizabeth married John Bortz, a hotel keeper and tailor of New Jerusalem, Berks County; Rebecca, deceased, married Henry Spangler; Ellen married George Hoffman, a farmer and tailor living in Lancaster County; and one child, who died in infancy, Mrs. Brossman passed into the world of rest in 1862, at the age of forty-six years. Mr. Brossman’s second union was with Lydia (Fidler) Ohmachat, a widow of Samuel Ohmachat. He died in 1887, at the advanced age of eighty-three years. Reuben Brossman received his intellectual training in the common schools and lived upon the farm until he was twenty-five years of age. He then learned the trade of a car- penter, which he has followed since, a period of over twenty-five years. He early devel- oped into an industrious and skillful worker, and a great many buildings are the results of his labor. In 1889 he purchased the Samuel Greath place, on which he has a carpenter shop. In 1891 he received an ugly cut in the knee, which compelled him to quit work for a time, but he now does all kinds of fine wood and iron work, at which he is very skillful. He is a man of high principles, and possesses the respect and esteem of the entire community in which he lives. Our subject was joined in wedlock with Rebecca Stricker, a native of Lower Heidel- berg township, and a daughter of William and Mary Stricker, by whom he had the fol- lowing children: Jefferson, a coach maker of Brownsville, who married Maggie Wantz; Eva, who married Adam Spotz, a carpenter of Lower Heidelberg township; Thomas, who is living at home; Irene, the wife of HERBST. EDWIN M. DR. BERKS COUNTY 343 Martin Gruber of Lower Heidelberg town- ship; Irving, a painter and coach maker of Brownsville; Mary, who lives at home; John; Rufus; and Lillie. In his political belief, he is a stanch Democrat, and takes an active interest in political affairs. He has been assessor of the town since 1892, per- forming the duties of that office in a satisfac- tory manner. In religious attachments, he and his worthy wife are Lutherans. —_--+_+e a R. EDWIN M. HERBST, a physi- cian of many years of experience, |: } who is now successfully engaged in the practice of his profession in the village of Friedensburg, Oley township, Berks County, Pa., isa son of Capt. George S. and Violetta (Maurer) Herbst, and was born in Pikesville, Berks County, September 10, 1857. His grandfather was Dr. William Herbst, who was a native of Germany, having been born in Altenberg, Mueselwitz, Saxony, on February 3, 1804. At the age of sixteen years he emigrated to this country, locating at Philadelphia, where he immediately took up the study of his chosen profession, medi- cine, in the office of an eminent physician of that city, under whose tutelage he remained until his graduation from Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia. He located in the upper section of Oley, now Pike township, and was successfully engaged in practice there the remainder of his life, a period of some forty years. He was a prominent poli- tician, being an unswerving Democrat, and in 1861 was elected to the office of county treasurer for a term of two years. The latter years of this remarkably industrious life were spent in retirement. He was sur- vived at his death by three children, namely : Dr. William; Mrs. G. A. Hinterleiter; and Mrs. Edmund W. Gilbert. He was also sur- vived by a grandson, Dr. Edwin M., the gentleman whose name heads these lines. Capt. George S. Herbst, the father of our subject, was born in Pikesville, and after reaching maturity was employed as manager of the Rockland Iron Forge, owned by his father. He continued to serve in that capacity until the Civil War broke out, when he was one of the first to answer President Lincoln’s call for troops and enlisted, and was mustered into the service as captain of Co. D, 7th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf. He was sta- tioned at Camp Canton, Harrisburg, Pa., with his company April 22, 1862, but after three months of service with Patterson, nis health was completely broken down and he was sent home to recuperate. He never recovered, and after a lingering illness of several years, he passed into the unknown beyond, December 26, 1865, at the age of thirty-five years. He formed a matrimonial alliance with Violetta Maurer, and their happy union was blessed by the birth of one son, Dr. Edwin M., the subject of this bio- graphical sketch. Politically, he was a Dem- ocrat, and voted uniformly and conscien- tiously for that party. In religious beliet, he was an adherent to the faith of the Lutheran Church. Socially, he was a member of the I. O. O. F., and the O. U. A. M. Dr. Edwin M. Herbst received his educa- tion in the Keystone State Normal School of Kutztown, and in the Pennsylvania College at Gettysburg, from which institution he was graduated in 1875, delivering on that occasion the Latin Salutatory Oration. He is a mem- ber of the Sigma Chi fraternity. He chose the profession of medicine as his life work, and by way of preparation he took a course in Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia of three years’ duration, graduating in 1878, and had honorable mention in the contest for the Henry C. Lea prize. Immediately there- after he entered upon a practice at Pikesville, Berks County, where he remained until 1881, when he moved to Friedensburg, and has since held a large and successful practice. He numbers among his patients some of the best citizens of the community, and by his honest and frank manner has won their con- fidence and esteem. He has been a member of the pension examining board since 1893, and was lazaretto physician of the Port of Philadelphia from 1891 to 1893: October 28, 1880, Dr. Herbst was united in matrimonial bonds with Lottie Stettler of Kutztown, who is a woman of many excellent traits of character. Religiously, Dr. Herbst is a Lutheran. He is a stanch and active Democrat, and was chairman of the standing committee of Berks County for three years, 344 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES 1890, 1891, 1892. Socially, he is connected with the following secret orders: Minnehaha Lodge, No. 154, K. P; past officer of Oley Castle, No. 119, K. G. E., of Friedensburg ; past master of Huguenot Lodge, No. 337, F. & A. M., of Kutztown; and is a member of the Chapter, Consistory, and Knights Tem- plar Commandery of Reading. He has also been a director of the Farmer’s National Bank of Boyertown since 1893. Dr. Herbst’s portrait is shown on a preceding page in proximity to this. +> ETER L. GLASE, an enterprising merchant of Oley, Berks County, was born in the above town March 15, 1846, and is a son of William and Hannah (Leinbach) Glase. Peter Glase, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was at first a resident of Alsace town- ship, Berks County, and later of Oley town- ship. He was a shoemaker by trade, which he followed a short time, and then became proprietor of the Friedensburg Hotel, which he conducted for many years. Later he en- gaged in the huckstering business, buying produce of the farmers and shipping it to Philadelphia. He was a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Glase first married Miss Adams, and upon her death he wedded Miss Weasner, by whom he had four chil- dren. William Glase, the father of our subject and the oldest of his father’s children, was a huckster all his life, and was a very success- ful man in that line of business. He was a strong Democrat in political views, and served as school director for several years; he was an active member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Glase passed from this life in 1886, at the age of sixty-six years. He mar- ried Hannah Leinbach, daughter of Daniel Leinbach, late a farmer and tailor of Oley township. To Mr. and Mrs. Glase were born the following children, namely: Peter L., whose name heads the above lines; Sally; James, a dry goods salesman of Philadelphia; and Hannah, the wife of Calvin Manwiller, a farmer residing in Oley township on the old homestead. Peter L. Glase was brought up on his fath- er’s farm, and was educated in the common schools of his native town and at Oley Acad- emy. At the age of twenty years he began clerking in the store of C. F. Reyer, and after remaining there seven months, he engaged in the store of B. A. Glase, his uncle, where he remained twelve years, and then purchased an interest in the store, and the firm was known as B. A. Glase, Son & Co. Four years later he decided to conduct a store by himself, and selling his interest in the B. A. Glase, Son & Co.’s store, he bought out the mercantile store owned by E. S. Bear, and now has one of the best stores in Oley town- ship. He carries a complete line of dry goods, notions, groceries, hardware, queens- ware, boots, shoes, etc., and has a reputation for honesty and straightforward dealings, which has been instrumental in building up a large and extensive patronage for him. Mr. Glase is also a member of the firm of Henry H. Fry & Co., dealers in lumber in Oley township. Our subject is a member of Minnehaha Lodge, No. 154, K. of P. of Oley; past off- cer of Oley Castle, No. 119, K. of G. E.; Huguenot Lodge, No. 377, F. & A. M. of Kutztown; and Reading Commandery, No. 42, Knights Templar. He is treasurer and a member of Frieden’s Reformed and Lutheran Church of Oley, and in politics he holds to Republican views, and was appointed postmaster of Oley in 1897. Mr. Glase has also served as trustee of Oley Academy and of the church of which he is a member. September 14, 1875, he was joined in the bonds of matrimony with Anna Hill, daughter of Abraham Hill, a farmer of Pricetown, Pa. As a result of this union, three children were born to them, as follows: Mamie; Ella; and Charles. i —__ and well-to-do farmer of Greenwich township, is pleasantly located on his farm near Kutztown, where he is meeting with more than ordinary success in the prosecution of a vocation he has followed thus far in life. His parents were Benjamin qe W. DIETRICH, a successful and Elizabeth Anna (Willtrout) Dietrich, and BERKS COUNTY 345 his grandparents on his father’s side were Christian and Elizabeth (George) Dietrich. Christian Dietrich was born in Greenwich township, where he was engaged in farming up to the time of his death. He also operat- ed a distillery. He was united in wedlock with Elizabeth George, who bore him a large family of children, one of whom was Benja- min, the father of our subject, who was born on his father’s farm in Greenwich township. When he grew to manhood, he learned the trade of a blacksmith, which he followed in connection with farming. He formed a mat- rimonial alliance with Elizabeth Anna Will- trout, and they reared twelve children, all of whom are deceased but our subject. Their children were as follows: Magdalene died in infancy; Levi; Daniel; Henry; one that died in infancy; James W., the subject of this biography; Benjamin; Lewis; Samuel Adam; Susanna; one that died in infancy ; and Eve Elizabeth. Mr. Dietrich departed from this life on the old homestead March 8, 1877. The mother of our subject entered the world ot rest October 30, 1890. James W. Dietrich was born on the old . homestead in Greenwich township, Novem- ber 10, 1842, and during his boyhood days attended the common schools of his native town and assisted his father in the cultivation of the farm. When he attained his majority, he farmed on the old Dietrich homestead for some years, and then moved to Schofer Mills, where he continued farming. He lived there a short time, when he purchased his present farm, which consists of 112 acres of rich and productive land. He has made many improvements upon it since he has taken possession, such as building new barns and out-houses. He also carries on dairying, and has his farm well stocked with cattle. Mr. Dietrich, on January 30, 1864, was united in marriage with Elizabeth Fetherolf, who was born in Schuylkill County Febru- ary 2, 1842. She is a daughter of John and Catherine (Kistler) Fetherolf, both of whom are deceased. Her father was a dealer in merchandise all his life. To Mr. and Mrs. Dietrich were born five children, as follows: Louisa Catherine, born August 31, 1864, died in infancy; Emma Elizabeth, born May 28, 1866, is the wife of Charles Sitler, a farmer of Greenwich township; Levi Franklin, born May 3, 1868, died September 19, 1868; Alice Malera, born February 24, 1872, became the wife of Elwood Sunday, and died April 25, 1893; and Rosa Ellen, born January 4, 1877, and died January 11, 1894. Our subject is an unwavering Democrat, and has served his fellow-citizens as school director. He and his wife are members and regular attendants of the Lutheran Church. —____+-+______ i R. ALBERT W. GERNERT, a popular young physician, who has \S) been engaged in the practice of his profession in the village of Stouchsburg since 1895, is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Mohn) Gernert, and was born in Cornwall township, Lebanon County, Pa., February 27, 1871. His paternal grandfather was Solomon Gernert, a farmer by occupation, who mar- ried, and reared the following children: Joseph, the father of our subject; Hiram; Francis; Sylvester; Milton; Jeremiah; Su- san; and Helen. Joseph Gernert was born in Lehigh County, near Allentown, where he carried on farming for many years. He then moved to Myerstown, Pa., where he now lives, and is engaged in agricultural pursuits. In religious belief he is a member of the Lutheran Church. He was united in mar- riage -with Elizabeth Mohn, a native of Lebanon County, and they reared eight chil- dren, whose names are as follows: Harrison, a farmer of Marion township, Berks County, married Emma Pfantz; Ellen. who married Amos Roubel, and lives in North Lebanon township, Lebanon County; Dr. Albert W., the subject of this personal history ; Cora J.; Harvey; Joseph, who is attending college at the present; William; and John. Mrs. Ger- nert was a daughter of John Mohn, a farmer of Lebanon County, who formed a matri- monial alliance with Mary Seaman, and reared the tollowing children: Elizabeth, the mother of our subject; Benjamin; John; Lucretia; Mary; Judith; and Amanda. Dr. Albert W. Gernert took a course in the public schools, and in 1887 attended Kutztown Academy, Myerstown in 1888, and the two following terms were spent at Fred- 346 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES ericksburg and Millersburg, respectively. He then taught school for two terms in Tul- pehocken township, after which he took a three years’ course in the Hahnemann Medi- cal College of Philadelphia, graduating from that institution May 2, 1895. Shortly after his graduation he located in Stouchsburg, where he has since been engaged in practic- ing medicine. He has a complete mastery over his profession, and is competent to handle all cases that may come up in general practice. He has established a large and paying practice in the village, and numbers among his patients some of the leading citi- zens in the vicinity. He is of a genial and good natured disposition, a bright and inter- esting conversationalist, and numbers his friends by the score. June 6, 1895, Dr. Gernert was joined in hymeneal bonds with Lizzie T. Brown, who is a native of Mt. Etna, Blair County, and a daughter of Jacob J. and Priscilla (Bordner) Brown. Our subject and his estimable wife are earnest members of the Lutheran Church. Socially, he is a member of Camp No. 237, Patriotic Order Sons of America. ne have contributed largely toward the prosperity .of Berks County is the subject of this narrative, who is suc- cessfully conducting farming operations on the old Weiser property, which consists of 40 acres of productive land near the village of Bowers, Berks County. He was born in Maxatawny township, January 8, 1841, and is a son of Francis and Esther (Schaeffer) DeLong. Francis DeLong was born in Maxatawny township, where he was engaged in the culti- vation of the soil; his last years were spent in retirement in the village of Bowers. He was married to Esther Schaeffer, a native of Richmond township, and they reared nine children, who were as follows: two that were unnamed died in infancy ; Susan, the wife of Isaac Kutz, a retired farmer residing at Fleet- wood; Joseph. our subject ; Maria, the wife of Rev. D. K. Humbert, whose sketch also appears in this Book ot Biographies ; James also has his personal history published in this al =: DELONG. Among those who volume; Rev. John F., a minister of the Reformed Church at West Bethlehem ; Win- field married Andora Sharadin, and is farm- ing in Long Swamp township; and Esther, a resident of Bowers. Joseph DeLong possesses a good educa- tion, having first attended the common school and later Kingston Seminary. Upon leaving school, our subject returned to Maxatawny township, where he engaged in farming, and for thirteen years his entire attention was given toward the cultivation of his property. Later, he moved on to the Weiser farm near Bowers, which he inherited from his father, and has since engaged in carrying on general farming and stock raising. He has his farm well stocked with Holstein cattle, and is also engaged in dairying. Mr. DeLong, on April 5, 1866, wedded Catherine L. Siegfried, who was born in Maxatawny township, July 8, 1847. Sheisa daughter of John and Susan (Lichtenwallner) Siegtried, and her father, who is deceased, was a farmer of Maxatawny township; her mother now resides in Topton, this county. Our subject and wite have reared four chil- dren, as follows: John; Hettie S,; Joseph Winfield, died in infancy ; and George James, a dentist residing in the town of Allentown. Mr. DeLong strongly advocates Republican principles, and has held the office of school director. He isa director of the Fire Insur- ance Co. at Trexlertown, Pa. Our subject is a member of the Reformed Church, and his wife isa member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. DeLong has now in his possession a number of valuable relics. among which is an old Family Bible that was printed in 1768, and which has been handed down in the De- Long family for many years. Or —_§_|__ OHN A. HIESTER, the well known proprietor of one of the leading livery stables in the city of Reading and director on the board of poor for Berks County, is a man of great popularity and possesses the goodwill and esteem of his fellow citizens. He is a son of Bennevelle and Sarah (Brown) Hiester, and was born in Spring, at that time Cumru township, Sep- tember 21, 1846. BERKS COUNTY 347 His grandfather was John Hiester, who was born and lived all of his life in Berks County, bringing into the world a large family of children, one of whom was Benne- velle, the father of our subject. Bennevelle Hiester was born in Berks County, Pa., and was reared ona farm. His calling was that of a farmer, which he followed in Bern town- ship most of his life. He was joined in mat- rimonial bonds with Sarah Brown, a daugh- ter of Daniel Brown, by whom he had the following children: Amanda, who married Isaac Miller, a farmer of Ruscombmanor township, this county; Daniel F., a veteran of the Civil War and a carpenter of Reading, who resides at No. 102 Douglass street; Sarah, who married a Mr. Yoder and after his death formed a matrimonial alliance with James Keller, her present husband; John A., whose name appears at the head of these lines; Henry A., deceased; and Emma, the wife of Joshua Schlegel of Topeka, Kansas. John A. Hiester lived upon the farm and attended the common schools until he was eleven years of age, when his father died, leaving the family in poor circumstances, financially. Thus our subject, being thrown upon the world at that young age, worked ona farm till seventeen years of age, when he received emplovment in a butcher shop, which served as the means of his support until 1873. He then went to Monroe County, where he was superintendent of a lumber company for some three years, after which he again entered the butcher business, con- ducting a market in the village of Bernville for a period of five years. At the expiration of that time, he moved to North Heidelberg township, where he tollowed agricultural pursuits for five years. He made Reading his permanent location in 1882, and has since been engaged in the livery business, having one of the best livery services in the city. As Mr. Hiester started in life without means, he owes his present position in life to his un- tiring energy, his ambition, and the honest and friendly manner, which he has ever manifested toward every one. Our subject was united in marriage with Catherine Weber, and they have reared the following children: Mary M., who is em- ployed in the. Philadelphia Mint; Martha; John C.; Charles, deceased; Vernon Scott; James D.; Herbert H.; Eleanore G.; Arthur; and Catherine. He isa member of the Re- formed Church of Reading. Socially, he is a member of the following lodges: Lodge No. 65, K. of P.; Castle No. 49, Knights of the Golden Eagle; Reading Circle, No. 227, Protected Home Circle; and K. A. E. O. He takes a prominent part in the political affairs of Reading and vicinity, and is at- tached to the principles of the Democratic party. He has served as judge of election and school director. In 1876 he was elected burgess of Bernville, which goes to prove his popularity, when the fact is considered that he ran against one of the most influential citizens of that community. In 1893 he was elected to the board of the poor for Berks County, the duties of which office he per- formed in a highly satisfactory manner. At the expiration of that term, his party again nominated him for that office, receiving in the convention 108 out of 144 votes cast. He was duly elected by a handsome majority and is now serving in that capacity. He has been a delegate to county conventions sev- eral times. — +" +e EORGE H. FELIX, a popular citizen of Reading, Berks County, Pa., was born in Elizabethtown, a borough in Lancaster County, Pa., December 29, 1853. He is a son of Jacob and Mary E. (Gross) Felix, natives of Dauphin County, Pa. The father is still living and in good health at the age of eighty-five years; the mother passed to eternal rest in July, 1883. George H., Mary R., Annie M., and Helen, who died at the age of eight years, comprised the family. George H. Felix secured a common school education in the borough schools of Eliza- bethtown, at the same time completing his trade as a cabinetmaker in his father’s furni- ture manufacturing establishment. In 1872, he made his start as a journeyman cabinet- maker; he left home and was employed _ in the Middletown Furniture Factory in Mid- dletown, Pa., after which he secured a posi- tion in the cabinet department of the Penn- sylvania R. R. Shops in Philadelphia, where he assisted in the construction of all the office furniture for the General Offices of the Com- 348 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES pany in its large new building on South Fourth street, Philadelphia. During his stay in that city his leisure time and winter even- ings were spent in acquiring a business edu- cation in Bryant & Stratton’s Business Col- lege, in this way thoroughly mastering book- keeping in all of its branches. In 1874 his father took up his residence in Reading, and admitted George H. into partnership with him under the firm name of J. Felix & Son; they engaged in the retail furniture and un- dertaking business on Ninth street, between Washington and Walnut streets. In April, 1877, the furniture department of the estab- lishment was discontinued, and the firm con- tinued as undertakers until January, 1897, al- though George H. was engaged in other enterprises during this period. Jacob Felix is an ardent Democrat, and while in Elizabethtown was at various times honored with the positions of chief burgess, borough councilman and school director. Likewise, his son, our subject, has always been a loyal Democrat. When George H. Felix came to Reading, his interest and atten- tion in municipal affairs soon attracted: the favor of the city councils, and in April, 1880, he was elected clerk of the Common Council, receiving a re-election for three successive terms thereafter. In 1884 he was chosen city clerk, and ex-officio secretary to the Board of Water Commissioners, and was the incum- bent of this office for five consecutive terms, when, owing to a change in the political com- plexion of the Select Council in 1889, a Re- publican clerk was elected to the position. Mr. Felix, in April, 1889, was again elected as clerk of the Common Council. In July, 1889, George H. Felix erected a factory, and engaged in the manufacture of cabinet work at 137-139 Cedar street, devot- ing his energies to special work, such as office, store, bank, and saloon fixtures, and fine architectural interior finishings. He attained quite a reputation as a designer and manufac- turer of this class of work. In December, 1896, finding the business not sufficiently re- munerative, he discontinued it. The Water Department of the City Gov- ernment has always been one of interest to our subject, and any matter affecting its good ever received his earnest consideration. In February, 1891, the City Councils elected him a member of the Board of Water Com. missioners from the Fourth District, and in the tollowing year he was elected president of that body, in which position he has since been retained. his present term expiringin February, 1899. Through his untiring efforts many im- portant improvements have been effected in the water supply, so that the people of Read. ing have the advantage of an adequate sup- ply of water to an extent never before en- joyed. While he was city clerk, it was largely due to his persuasions that the Coun- cils authorized the adoption of the Maiden Creek as an additional source of water sup- ply. When he entered the Board, his first effort was to secure better distribution ser- vice by laying larger mains and trunk lines; this was seconded by the people voting a loan of $150,000.00 for the purpose. He next ad- vocated larger and more economical pump- ing engines for the Maiden Creek Pumping Station, so as to obtain the full benefit of the pumping main to the city and. less cost of operation. This was accomplished in 1895. The business methods of the Water De- partment also received his attention, and many improvements have been introduced in the system of keeping accounts. The very complete and excellent annual reports of the department are the result of his labors in that direction. His persistent agitation re- sulted in securing, in 1896, for the Department a civil engineer as Superintendent of the Water Works System, instead of a layman, as had before been the custom. A great deal of benefit has been received from this move. For the past few years the purification of the water supply by filtration has received his serious consideration, and a vast amount ol time and labor expended in a study of the subject and the preparation of plans to ac- complish his purpose; today the subject is in shape to be passed upon by the people by voting at the November election for a loan to pay the cost of the installation of the necessary filtration plants. On February 6, 1884, Mr. Felix was mar- ried to Katherine V. Obert, daughter of the late Francis Joseph Obert and Catherine P. Obert (nee Winter), a family long and favor- ably known to the people of Reading. Two children are the fruits of this union, viz: Gertrude Loyola, aged thirteen years; and PETER BARBEY. BERKS COUNTY Mary Katherine, aged eleven years. Our subject is esteemed by the people of Read- ing as an honorable and upright citizen and public official Honest and fearless in his actions, he has courted favor of no one. He is a wide-awake, energetic man of business, and was a director in the Second National Bank for a number of years. His connection with other business enterprises has been of material benefit to the community. At this time his management of the estate of his father-in-law, Mr. Obert, occupies a consider- able portion of his time. Mr. Felix is a re- spected member of the Catholic Church and a loyal American citizen, and is connected with several of the societies of that church. on ETER BARBEY, deceased, who founded the Barbey Brewery in 1860, an extensive establishment now located on the corner of River and Hockley streets, and now owned by his son John, attained the highest degree of effi- ciency in the brewing of beer, and his brand for many years has commanded a wonderful sale. This gentleman was of German birth, having been born November 9g, 1825, in Dierbach, Canton of Borgzabern, Rhinepfalz, Bavaria, and was a son of Christopher and Katharina Barbey. He obtained a good intellectual training in the public schools of his native land, which are widely known and recognized as the most efficient in the world, and at the age of four- teen years entered the brewing establishment of his uncle, Peter Barbey. He remained in the latter’s employ for some three years, at the expiration of which he had a thorough understanding of the principles of brewing, which he put to a practical test during the following four years in France and Switzer- land, also adding largely to his store of knowl- edge in the meantime. He returned home upon attaining his majority and entered the army, serving in a German cavalry regi- ment for four years. He then emigrated to America and located in Philadelphia, where he worked at his trade for two and one-half years, after which he moved to Reading and entered the employ of Frederick Lauer, one of the largest brewers of Pennsylvania. 17 351 After one year in his employ, he successfully conducted a saloon in that city, continuing until 1860, when he established the Barbey Brewery. By his connection with the many prominent breweries in America and foreign countries, he acquired a knowledge of the different methods, and when he entered busi- ness on his own account was without a peer as a brewer. From the very first he was successful beyond his fondest hopes, and the establishment has grown to a place among the foremost plants of Reading, covering an area of three acres and consisting of a four- story brewery, a six story brick malt house, two refrigerators and an ice plant. In 1880 he admitted his son, John Barbey, into the partnership, and the business was conducted under the firm name of Peter Barbey & Son until the death of our subject, when his son became sole owner and proprietor. The establishment has since sustained the reputa- tion by Mr. Barbey and is now running to its fullest extent, having a capacity for brewing of sixty-five thousand barrels, and a malting capacity of seventy-five thousand bushels of barley malt. He was joined in wedlock with Miss Rosina Kuntz, a daughter of Philip Kuntz, of Rhenish Bavaria, and two children were born to bless their union, namely: Mar- guerita, deceased; and John, one of the leading business men of Reading at the present time, whose portrait and biography are presented elsewhere in this work. Mr. Barbey was man of scholarly attainments, widely read, and always evinced an active interest in public events. In politics he un- swervingly supported the principles of the Democratic party but never aspired to political distinction. He was a director of the Keystone National Bank. Socially, he was a member of the Teutonic Lodge, No. 368, F. & A. M.; and Germania Lodge, Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows. He was a man of financial integrity and ability, as well as of personal popularity. He was in every sense a manly character, and as such com- manded the respect of scores of friends throughout the county. Warm- hearted, gentle in manner, kind, charitable and gener- ous, he was ever ready to assist the poor and unfortunate, and any project which appealed to his sympathy never failed to receive sub- 352 stantial aid at his hands. A portrait of Mr. Barbey, as he appeared a few years before his death, is shown on a preceding page, and adds a decided interest to the above account of his life and labors. ++ ETER W. NAGLE, a gentleman of prominence about the city of Read- ing, in connection with John R. Painter and William Grander, con- ceived the idea of establishing a stove manu- facturing plant in the city of Reading, which was to be known as the Reading Stove Works. In order to increase the capital of the company, six other gentlemen of means and influence were taken into the firm, name- ly: Jesse Orr, William H. Shick, Henry C. Posey, Jasper Sheeler, Elijah Bull and Charles Egolf. Our subject was chosen as superintendent of the plant, and acted as such from the time of its organization, when it employed but 14 men, until 1895, when it was necessary to employ as many as 450 hands to meet the demand for the stoves, which were largely sold throughout the United States Mr. Nagle is a man of unsurpassed business ability, and great credit for the success of the enterprise is due to his efficient services. In 1895, owing to his advanced years, he resigned his position and a directorship in the com- pany, and has since been living in happy retirement, and in the enjoyment of a well- earned rest. Mr. Nagle is a son of Philip and Margaret (Hart) Nagle, and was born in Reading, Berks County, August 16, 1829. His grandfather was Philip Nagle, who was born in Reading, and whose parents originally came from Isenberg, near Coblentz, Germany. Our subject’s grandfather, upon coming to Amer- ica, located in Reading, Pa., where he became one of the pioneer hat manufacturers of the city ; he was a hatter by trade, and followed that occupation until his death in 1840, aged eighty-four years. During the struggle for independence, he went to the front as a pri- vate, Pennsylvania Line, and continued until the close of the war. Philip Nagle, the father of the gentleman whose name heads these lines, was born and reared in Reading, where he was engaged in the manufacture BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES of hats up to 1830. In that year he moved to Knauertown, Chester County, and made hats for a few years, after which he moved to Hopewell Furnace, Berks County, where he was employed in a furnace until his retire- ment in 1860. Three years later he died, in the seventy-fifth year of his age. Religious- ly, he was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Reading. He was joined in wed- lock with Margaret Hart, by whom he had a family of ten children—six sons and four daughters. Peter W. Nagle, the subject of this per- sonal history, although a native of Reading, spent most of his early days in Chester County, where his father had moved. In 1848, at the age of nineteen years, he went to Lawrenceville, Chester County, where he learned the trade of stove moulding, and remained for a period of three years. In 1853 he moved to Philadelphia, and after plying his trade in that city for ten years, moved to Quincy, Ill., where he worked for one year. In 1864 he located in Pottstown, Pa., where he became a contractor in the moulding business and employed a number of men, being quite successful. He returned to Reading in 1866, where he has since re- sided. In that year the Reading Stove Works was established, as stated above, and continued until 1886, when it was merged into a stock company with the following othcers: Jesse Orr, president ; Cyrus Shick, secretary and treasurer. Upon the death of the latter, Grant Nagle succeeded to the office of treasurer. Mr. Nagle served as one of the seven directors and as superin- tendent until 1895, when he severed his offi- cial connection with the company owing to his age. He is a man of strict integrity, of charitable disposition, and is held in the highest esteem by the employees, with whom he was associated in business, and by his fel- low citizens in general. December 3, 1862, he was united in hy- meneal bonds with Phoebe E. Duffield, ‘a daughter of Jacob Duffield of Philadelphia, and a descendant of distinguished Quaker ancestors. Maternally, she is descended from Dr. Thomas Wynne, an eminent physi- cian of London, Eng., who came to America on the good ship Welcome with William Penn, and took up a very large tract of land BERKS COUNTY 353 in Merion township, near Philadelphia. On the paternal side, she traces her ancestry back to Benjamin Duffield, a native of Eng- land, who settled upon the Delaware River, in Bucks County, Pa. On both sides, her grandfathers took active parts in the Revolu- tionary War, and were men of education and refinement. Her paternal great-great-grand- father was a prominent man in Pennsylvania, and an intimate friend of the immortal Frank- lin. Mr. and Mrs. Nagle became the parents of six children, four of whom are living, namely: Grant, who, after graduating from the Reading High School, entered the office of the Reading Stove Works, and seven years later became treasurer, then secretary, filling that office until 1896, when he with- drew from the business, and is now the treas- urer of the Reading Radiator Co.; Charles T., who is secretary and treasurer of The Schnader—Nagle Co. of Reading ; Elizabeth, who lives at home; and Edward D., who is a salesman in the store of The Schnader—Nagle Co. In political affiliations, Mr. Nagle is a Republican, and served as school director for four years. Socially, he has been an Odd Fellow for forty-six years, being a member ot Welcome Lodge, No. 229, I. O. O. F.; and Palestine Encampment, |. O. O. F. ++ ICHARD LECHNER is a prosper- ous farmer occupying a fine home- stead in Marion township; it com- prises 113 acres ot well cultivated land, supplied with a good dwelling-house and excellent barn and out-buildings. He is one of the substantial business men of his community, and a good representative of that solid and industrious German element which has been so instrumental in bringing the Keystone State to its present condition. He was born on his present farm December 9, 1834. The first of the Lechner family to emigrate to this country was John George Lechner, a son of Peter Lechner and his wife Sibilla, who lived in Anspach, Germany, where he was born March 28, 1704 (old time). He sailed from Rotterdam, Holland, on the good ship Adventurer, and landed in New York in 1732. From there he journeyed to the set- tlement on the Tulpehocken and Millbach Creeks, and located himself near Reed’s Church, where he purchased a large tract of land and occupied himself in farming the rest of his life, dying in 1784. He married Margaretta Wechlein, and they reared two children, namely: John, who died in infancy ; and George, who with his father bought 235% acres of land situated on the banks of the Tulpehocken and Millbach Creeks, in Marion township, Berks County. George Lechner’s wife, Mary Elizabeth, bore him three children, who were as _ follows: George Nicholas; John; and Christopher. Christopher married Catherine Werheim, who bore him four children, namely: David, who married Elizabeth Eckhert; Elizabeth, the wife of Michael Reed; Catherine, who wedded David Himmelberger; and John George. The last named, the father of our subject, wedded Catherine Reed, daugh- ter of Stoffel Reed, and his wife Catherine (lig) Reed of Marion township, Berks County, and they were the parents of six children, who were as follows: Elizabeth; John; George W.; Richard; Mary Ann; and Franklin C. Elizabeth married Samuel D. Gockley, a farmer of Marion township, and they reared one child, Nora, a school teacher of Marion township. John moved to the state of California when a young man, during the gold excitement of 1850, and died soon after arriving there. George W. was wedded to Miss McLaughlin, now deceased, and at present resides in Denver Colo., where he is engaged as a civil and mining engineer and attorney; he is the father of four chil- dren,—Laura; Richard; Kate; and Dolly. Mary Ann died in infancy. Franklin C. re- sides in South Carolina, where he is teller in a bank, and a large tobacco and grape raiser. Our subject’s father always evinced a lively interest in all local affairs, and was a firm supporter of the Republican party, and held several minor ofthces in the township. Richard Lechner was educated in the Stouchsburg Academy. After leaving school he taught twelve winter terms in Lebanon and Berks Counties, and then took to farm- ing on the old homestead. Our subject also owns a large cider press, does custom work, and has frequently made over too barrels ot cider in a single day. His farm, which 354 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES consists of 113 acres of the old homestead, bought originally by John George and George Lechner, was formerly the prop- erty of Thomas and Richard Penn; it has been in the Lechner family since 1776, and has passed through five generations of this fam- ily, namely: (1) John George, the emigrant from Germany ; (2) George; (3) Christopher ; (4) John George; (5) Richard. They built the first mill, ever erected in Marion town- ship, a woolen carding mill. They also built an oil mill, where linseed oil was manufac- tured. The first Sunday School, ever held in Marion township, was held in this latter mill in 1834. Mr. Lechner was united in wedlock with Lizzie Deppen, who was born in Womels- dorf, Pa., January 22, 1842. Her father was Adam Deppen, a shoemaker and farmer, who was born in Womelsdorf January 20, 1817, and died in 1845. To Mr. and Mrs. Lechner were born six children, namely: George, born December 14, 1865, is a photographer and farmer of Marion township; Harvey, born October 26, 1870, died March 20, 1871 ; Maud, born March 27, 1874, resides with her parents; Paul, born October 27, 1875, died March 6, 1876; Charles was born April 26, 1877; and Ella, who was born August 7, 1883, and died February 25, 1892. Our sub- ject isa strong Republican, and has served as inspector of elections, and has been chair- man of the Republican township committee for many years. He was second lieutenant of Co. H, 31st Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., during the War of the Rebellion; he was also a mem- ber of Capt. Samuel L. Young's cavalry company of Reading. He is a past master of the Masonic Order, and a member ot Williamson Lodge, No. 307, F. & A. M. of Womelsdorf, Pa., and is past grand master of the I. O. O. F. Golden Rule Lodge, No. 1509, also of Womelsdortf. Or —__—_ OHN H. SNELL, who has been a prominent figure before the public for some years, is a gentleman of wide experience in the mechanical sciences, and isa member of the well-known firm of Snell & Meharg of Hamburg, manu- facturers of vertical and horizontal steam engines, which are in common use through- out the Keystone State. He is a son of Jacob and Matilda (Glase) Snell, and was born in Earl township, Berks County, Pa., July 2, 1849. The family is of German extraction, and our subject’s great-grandfather was the first to come from his native land and locate in America. Jacob Snell, the father of our sub- ject, was born in New Hanover township, Montgomery County, Pa., May 3, 1816, and was educated in the common schools in that vicinity. He moved to Friedensburg, Oley township, Berks County, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits for some time, but later went to Earlville in that township, where he conducted a hotel and a general merchandise store. He then operated the Spring Forge on Manatawny Creek until 1851, when he was elected register of Berks County, and moved to Reading, where he resided until the time of his death. In that year he also formed a partnership with a Mr. Sneider, the firm name being Snell & Sneider, and built the old Keystone Forge in Reading for the manufacture of car axles and hooks. He continued with good results for several years, after which he became associated as part owner with John H. Craig in operating the Keystone Rolling Mill, with which he was connected until his demise. It was an extensive enterprise, employing 200 hands the year around, and became one of the largest industries in Reading. Jacob Snell possessed extraordinary business capacities and became a man of influence and wealth, and one of the most prominent dealers in iron in the city. He was also identified with other enterprises, and served for a time as president of the Schuylkill Valley Building & Loan Association. The Snell family had always been firm in their adherence to the Democratic pa but being opposed to the institution of slavery, Jacob Snell became a member of the Republican party during the Civil War. He served several terms as school director of Reading, and always sup- ported every measure tending to elevate the educational standing of the community. Warm-hearted, gentle in manner, kind and charitable, he was ever ready to assist the poor and unfortunate. He was a faithful member of St. Peter’s Methodist Episcopal BERKS COUNTY 355 Church of Reading, and was a regular at- tendant on Divine worship. Fraternally, he was a member of Reading Lodge, F. & A. M.; and of the I. O. O. F. His union with Matilda Glase resulted in the following issue: Annie M., the wife of Dr. William Blakeslee, a practicing physician of Coatesville, Pa.; Louisa, the wife of Daniel Heffelfinger, a tailor of Reading; Peter, a liveryman of Hamburg; Caroline, the wife of Lemon Buch, a wholesale liquor merchant of Read- ing; John H., the subject of this biographical record ; and Sallie A., the wife of George F. Meharg, a record of whose life appears else- where in this book. Mrs. Snell, who was born June 6, 1822, died September 7, 1892, and her husband joined her in the land of rest on December 7, 1893, at the age of seventy-seven years. John H. Snell attended the Southwest Ward Grammar School of Reading until he was fourteen years of age, acquiring a good education in the English language and the common school branches, after which he learned the trade of a machinist and draughts- man, with the old and well-known firm of Clark & Hunter of Reading, with whom he continued for a period of six years, acquir- ing great skill in that work. He did the first draughting for J. H. Sternbergh, when the latter established his business in Reading, and four years later became associated with the firm of Mellert & Kinsey, machinists and foundrymen of Reading. Some years later, he became a draughtsman with the Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia, but sub- sequently relinquished that position owing to ill health. His next position was as a draughtsman for the Harrisburg Foundry & Machine Company, with whom he remained for two years and then took a short trip to the West. Upon returning to Reading, he handled machines for Rick Bros., and later for T. A. Wilson, manufacturer of spectacles, until 1874, when he went to California by boat. He left New York City and went to California by way of the Isthmus of Panama. thence up to Tacoma, on Puget Sound, where he had charge of the machinery for a large saw millup to1877. Hethen returned to Reading and became foreman of the Mellert Foundry & Machine Co for one year, when his love for travel and adventure again be- 17 sieged him, and he returned to California, this time remaining but one year. He re- turned home, and in partnership with Mr. Meharg established his present business, which his many years of wide experience throughout the United States justified him in doing. He was the most skilled of his trade, as his subsequent success has proven. His efficiency as a draughtsman and machinist was turned to good account, and the vertical and horizontal steam engines which were manufactured have always had a good sale. In 1889 Snell & Meharg removed their plant to Hamburg, where they built a fine factory and have since been located. In 1894 mis- fortune in the form of fire overtook them, and their building was badly damaged. This they rebuilt, making it one of the handsomest foundry structures in the state. Its dimen- sions were originally 200x 4o feet, but two wings have been added, one 60x 80 feet, and another 35 x 60, and the building was again ready for occupancy by July following the disaster. It is fitted throughout with the latest facilities for carrying on the work, and when running to its fullest extent turns out as high as 500 engines per year, and employs 50 men. Mr. Snell has charge of the mechan- ical affairs of the plant, while the business duties fall upon the shoulders of his partner. They have invented anew gas or gasoline engine, with power ranging from 5 to 200 horse power, which they will soon begin to manufacture in large numbers, as there is already a demand for them. $30,000.00 will be invested in the enterprise, and once under headway will employ as many as 200 hands. Being a large concern, it will materially benefit the village of Hamburg, and in fact the entire county. Our subject has done much to promote the interests of the village, and it was through his energetic efforts that the Hamburg Electric Light Co. was organized. From the first he has served as president, and also as superintendent, his efficiency in that capacity being highly ap- preciated by the residents. The plant con- sists of engine and boiler of 150 horse power, 1,500 incandescent lights and 60 arc lights. He is also chairman of the manufacturing committee of the Hamburg Board of Trade. Mr. Snell was joined in the holy bonds of wedlock in 1878 with Anna F. Siemon, a 356 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES daughter of Herman Siemon, the proprietor of a meat market in Reading, and seven chil- dren were born to bless their union, namely : Edison Jacob; Clarence Herman; George Siemon; John Glase; Marie Matilda; Anna Josephine; and an infant. Politically, he is a member of the Republican party, which he ardently supports on local, state and national issues. He has served in various official capacities, but has never aspired to office, although he accepts when called upon and he feels it his duty todo so. At present he is a delegate to the State Republican Con- vention, being one of the three chosen from Berks County. The careful and attentive habits which characterized his youth have attended his maturer years and have secured for him.a comfortable fortune and a pleasant home. His instinctive uprightness in his dealings with his fellow-men, charity for the worthy poor, and generous support of all measures tending to promote the interests of Church and State, mark him as a man worthy of the esteem and confidence in which he is held by his friends and neighbors. a. OSEPH H. MOYER, wholesale and retail dealer in coal, flour, grain, and all kinds of feed, at Bechtelsville, Berks County, Pa., is also proprietor of the Oberholtzer Lime Kiln of that village. He is a son of Charles and Anna (Henrick) Moyer, and was born in Colebrookdale town- ship, Berks County, Pa., March 4, 1840. The great-grandfather of our subject was for many years a resident of Berks County, but later in life moved West, taking his family, with the exception of his son Joseph, with him. He reared a large family of chil- dren, one of whom was Joel, the grandfather of our subject, who was a saddler by trade, which occupation he followed all of his life in connection with farming. In religious attachments, he was a member of the Re. formed Church. He was united in matri- monial bonds with Elizabeth Reitnauer, a daughter of Mr. Reitnauer, a merchant of Pike township, and two sons blessed their union, namely: Daniel, who was a farmer and saddler of New Hanover township, Montgomery County; and Charles, the father of our subject. Mr. Moyer passed into the world of rest in 1862, at the age of sixty-seven years. Charles Moyer, our ’subject’s father, was born in Colebrookdale township, April 2, 1826, and followed farming the greater part of his life on the farm formerly owned by his father. In 1882 he moved to Bechtelsville, where he is now living in retirement, and during his declining days is enjoying the fruits of a laborious past. In his religious belief Mr. Moyer is a faithful member of the -Reformed Church, and has held many of the church offices. Politically, he stanchly supports the principles of the Democratic party, and has served as school director and held numerous other township | offices. He was united in marriage with Anna Henrick, and they are the parents of the following children: Ephraim H., whose sketch also appears in this Book of Biog- raphies; Joseph H., the subject of this per- sonal history; Elizabeth, the wife of Alfred Brumbach, a farmer of Washington town- ship; William, who is a dealer in butter, eggs and poultry, and is proprietor of the Landis Creamery at Landis’ Store; Tobias, a butcher of Bechtelsville and the owner of the old homestead ; Jeremiah, a horse dealer residing in Bechtelsville, Frank, a dealer in produce at New Berlinville; Olivia, the wife of Frank Minner, who is also a produce merchant of Philadelphia; and two who died in infancy. Joseph H. Moyer was reared on the farm and received his education in the common schools of the neighborhood. After reaching his majority, he engaged in the huckstering business, buying butter, eggs and poultry and shipping them to the city of Philadel- phia. He continued in that business for seven years, and at the expiration of that time he bought the Bechtelsville Flour Mill, in connection with a Mr. Oberholtzer, which business they conducted for two years, and for three years our subject had charge of the business. At the end of that time they disposed of the property. He then pur- chased the coal, Hour and feed. business of H. H. Stauffer of Bechtelsville, and has since continued in that line of business, only on a much larger scale. He is also proprietor of a large lime kiln of Bechtelsville, which he SIMON KLINE. BERKS COUNTY 359 has operated with good results. He is a public spirited man, and has always been identified with every enterprise which would be of benefit to the village in any way. He has also been interested in many enterprises in Philadelphia and other parts of the state. He is a stockholder and director of the Ken- sington Hygiene Ice Co. of Philadelphia; is a stockholder of the second active Building and Loan Association of Philadelphia; and was one of the originators and a director of the Farmer’s National Bank of Boyertown, until January, 1897, when he resigned on account of moving to Philadelphia in order to give his children the benefit of an educa- tion in that city. / In January, 1873, he was united in matri- mony with Anna Oberholtzer, a daughter of John Oberholtzer, who was a farmer and was engaged in the lime business in Washington township. This happy union was blessed with the birth of three children, namely: Wardilia, who died in childhood; Annie and Orphia. Mr. Moyer was treasurer of the borough of Bechtelsville from the time of its organization until his removal to Philadel- phia, in January, 1897 Religiously, he is a member of the Trinity Union Church of Bechtelsville, of which he is also trustee. SS tes IMON KLINE. This careful, con- scientious business man, whose por- trait the publishers of this work present on the opposite page, is known to be a man of undoubted integrity and substantial business ability, and has been connected with the thriving city of Reading for two score years, during which time he has greatly aided in building up and main- taining the reputation of his community, and to him, as to many others of its best men, it is indebted for the position it holds among the wealthy and prosperous cities of the state. He has been successfully engaged in the manufacture of building and paving bricks since the year 1858. Mr. Kline was born in Alsace township, Berks County, Pa., May 14. 1830, and is a son of Henry and Magdalena (Schmehl) Kline. Our subject’s father was born and reared in Alsace township, this county, and resided there all his life. His occupation throughout life was that of a weaver, which trade he had learned during his early manhood. Mr. Kline was classed among the progressive and enterprising business men of his commu- nity, and was held in high esteem by his neighbors and acquaintances. He passed to the silent land at the age of eighty-one years. His life companion was Magdalena Schmehl, by whom he had a family of ten children, all of whom grew to maturitv and became popu- lar and well-to-do citizens in the various local- ities in which they took up their residences. They were named as tollows: John; Cather- ine; Henry; Abraham; Sarah; Daniel; Eliz- abeth ; Mary; Sophia; and Simon, our sub- ject. All are deceased except Sophia and Simon. Simon Kline in early life enjoyed but few advantages; his school days were lim- ited, having attended the district school of Alsace township, which stood two miles from his home, about two months in a year for about four years. At an early age he learned the trade of a cooper, which occu- pation he continued but a short time, when in 1855 he moved to Reading, where he has since been engaged in the manufacture of bricks, and it may be truthfully said that nearly all the brick manufacturers of the city have at one time or other been employed in our subject’s plant, where they learned the trade. Our subject manufactures a fine quality of building and paving bricks, and gives employment to about twenty hands throughout the year. In addition to this property, Mr. Kline also owns considerable real estate in the city. Mr. Kline was united in the bonds of mat- rimony with Catherine Noll, a daughter of Henry Noll, a prominent citizen of Ruscomb Manor township, this county. A family of six children bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Kline, namely : Ezra, who is employed in his father’s brick manufacturing plant, was wed- ded to Martha Yeager, who is now deceased ; Mary is the wife of Edmund Sleger, and they reside in Cumru township, this county ; Kate was united in marriage with William N. Fulton, also of Reading; Simon S., a brick manufacturer of Perry township, this county, was joined in marriage with Ella De Long; George O., who is employed by 360 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES his father, was married to Rosa Lutz; and D. Milton, a prominent builder and contrac- tor of Reading. Mr. Kline is recognized as one of the leading business men of Reading, and is held in high esteem by his fellow citi- zens for his many sterling qualities. SS +o RANCIS B. LEVAN, who is a leading business man of Greenwich township, | is proprietor of a general merchan- dise store in Lenhartsville, where he makes his home. He is also engaged in several other lines of business, was until recently operating a store in Grimville, and is a most wide-awake and progressive man of affairs. He is a son of Harrison and Malia (Beel) Levan, and was born in Greenwich township, January 20, 1850. His father, Harrison Levan, was born in Maxatawny township, where he resided until 1855, when he moved to Greenwich town- ship and located on a farm, which he culti- vated until his retirement in 1892. He is now living in the village of Lenhartsville, where he is spending his declining days in peace and quiet. He was united in matri- monial bonds with Malia Beel, a native of Maxatawny township, by whom he had ten children, nine of whom are now living. Their records are as follows: James, a farmer, residing in Greenwich township ; John, also a farmer of Greenwich township ; Jacob, a huckster, residing in the village otf Lenhartsville; William, a drover of Len- hartsville; Fred, who resides on the old homestead in this county; Daniel, who was killed in Trenley, Ohio, December 8, 1897 ; Francis B., the subject of this personal his- tory; Mary, the wife of John Reitz, a resi- dent of Reading, Pa.; Esther, relict of James Kraham, who lives in Lenhartsville with her father; and Alvin, a grocer in the village of Hamburg, this county. Francis B. Levan received a common school education, after which he still re- mained upon the home farm until his mar- riage, when he moved to Lenhartsville, and has since been largely engaged in the huck- stering business. He buys eggs, butter, etc., and has his market in the village of Potts- ville, Schuylkill County. In 1881 he em. barked in the mercantile business in Len. hartsville, and has since conducted a general merchandise store. It is heavily stocked with a most comprehensive line of goods, and his thorough understanding of the wants of his many customers and his advantages in buying the goods in his different lines makes his establishment a desirable one at which to make a purchase. He also conducted a general merchandise store in Grimville, but not long ago soldit. In June, 1891. he started a creamery in Lenhartsville, which he has since operated with good results. Our subject was united in marriage with Miss Missouri Billig, who was born in Greenwich township, February 12, 1851, and is a daughter of Samuel and Jane (Schneider) Billig, the former of whom is an agriculturist of Greenwich township. This union was blessed by the birth of three children, namely : Benjamin, who was born February 25, 1880; George, June 25, 1885; and Eddie, January 21, 1895. In political belief, Mr. Levan is a stanch Democrat, and though he has never sought a public office, he has been called upon to serve in several public posts of responsibility. Religiously, he and his wife are members of the Reformed Church of Lenhartsville. A the proprietor of a mercantile estab- lishment in Lobachsville, was born in Pikesville, Berks County, Pa., October 27, 1865, and is a son of Jacob F. and Catherine (Leiss) Drumheller, and grandson of Daniel Drumheller. Daniel Drumheller was one of the early settlers of Pike township, and was engaged in farming there all his life. dying at the ad- vanced age of eighty years. He was a mem- ber of the Lutheran Church. He married Elizabeth Frey, by whom he had ten children, the youngest of whom, Jacob F., the father of our subject, was born December 8, 1812, on his father’s farm. During his early days he followed the trade of a millwright, and later became a farmer in Pike township, and was considered by all as one of the most pro- +e L. DRUMHELLER, an enterprising merchant of Topton, until recently BERKS COUNTY 361 gressive men in that township. He wasa member of the Lutheran Church. He was wedded to Catherine Leiss, daughter of Peter Leiss, a farmer residing in Rockland town- ship, this county, and they were the parents of four sons and seven. daughters, as follows: Lucinda, wife of James Stauffer, a farmer of Royersford, Pa.; Catherine married Elias Angstadt of Pottstown, Berks County ; Ches- ter, an iron worker, residing in Pottstown ; Sallie A., deceased ; Elizabeth was joined in wedlock with Amos Moyer, who is farming the old homestead; Hettie, deceased ; Ring- gold, a resident of Alsace township, this county; Augustus, deceased; Priscilla, the wife of Jonathan Kepner of Royersford, Pa. ; Ellen, the wife of Henry Herb of Bechtels- ville, Pa.; and J. L.,oursubject. Mr. Drum- heller died at Pikesville in 1890. J. L. Drumheller was educated in the com- mon schools and at the Kutztown State Nor- mal School; upon attaining his majority he taught school one term, and then clerked in a store near New Jerusalem, Berks County, Pa., remaining there four years; he then clerked at Fleetwood one year; and for the subsequent five and a half. years was in the employ of Dives, Pomeroy & Stewart of Reading. In 1893 he succeeded George Hess in the mercantile business in Lobachs- ville, and carried on a general mercantile store, and not only had he the patronage of the citizens of the village, but also that of the surrounding farmers. Our subject is also correspondent for the Reading Eagle, one of the largest papers in Berks County. Heisa member of Fleetwood Camp, No. 103, P. O. S. of A.; Maxatawny Castle, No. 461; andis district grand chief of the Ninth District of Berks County Knights of the Golden Eagle. Politically, he. is a stanch Democrat. In re- ligious views, he is a member and treasurer of St. Paul’s Church of Lobachsville. He has also been postmaster of Lobachsville for the last four years. September 26, 1886, Mr. Drumheller and Miss Missouri Boyer, daugh- ter of Daniel Boyer, late a farmer of New Jerusalem, were married, and to them were born five children: Estella; Anson; Beulah, who died in childhood; Hattie Ethel; and Hallie Effa. At present Mr. Drumheller is engaged in the mercantile business at Topton, this county, successor to M. R. Miller. citizens of Kutztown and the proprie- tor and publisher of the Kutztown Fatriot, an English paper, and the Lvutstown Fournal, which is printed in the German language, was born in Kutztown January 5, 1863, and is a son of Charles W. and Mary (Bieber) Esser. His grandfather was Jacob Esser, one of the progressive farmers of Maxatawny town- ship, who died at an early age, leaving a family of children, one of whom was Charles qe B. ESSER, one ot the leading 'W., the father of our subject. Charles W. Esser was born in Maxatawny township, and in early life learned the trade of a hatter. He conducted a store in Kutz- town, in the back of which he manufactured hats, and the front was used as a salesroom. He died in 1863 at the age of fifty years. Politically, he was a stanch Democrat, and served as justice of the peace, and at the time of his death wasa candidate for sheriff, with indications favorable for his election. He was a member of the old Order of Odd Fellows, which is now extinct. He was united in marriage with Mary Bieber, and they were the happy parents of two children, Sally Ann and Jacob B. Jacob B. Esser, the subject proper of this sketch, attended the Keystone State Normal School of Kutztown, after which he served an apprenticeship to the printer’s trade under A. B. Urick. He then followed that occupation in the city of Philadelphia for two years, and the succeeding three years in New York City. Returning to Kutztown in 1887, he purchased the two leading weekly papers, the Kutztown Fournal and Kutztown Patriot, which he has since carried on in such manner as to admit no doubt of his enterprise and general business ability. The Journal was established February 3, 1870, a German sheet, which was published by J. F. Christ, and edited and managed by Charles Kolb. It was originally 24x36 inches in size, but has since been enlarged to 28x 42 inches. These two papers are the best weekly papers in Eastern Pennsylvania, with a circulation of 1,600 copies per week, and much of their success is due to the able editor, Conrad Gehring, who is small in stat- ure, but the possessor of a large and well balanced brain. 362 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES Conrad Gehring, who is a popular and much respected citizen of Kutztown, was born in Buchburg, Switzerland, January 5, 1851, and is ason of Jacob and Barbara (Matzin- ger) Gehring. He was reared and received ' a good education in his native country, and at the early age of sixteen years came to America with an ambition to grow up and become a worthy citizen of his adopted country. At Lebanon, Pa., he became an apprentice to the trade of a printer in the office of the Pennsy/vaner, and has since con- tinued in that line of work, being at the present time one of the wittiest and most versatile writers in this section of the state. November 4, 1871, he moved to Kutztown and assumed the editorial and mechanical control of the Ku/zfown Fournal, serving in that capacity for two years. In 1873 he became the publisher of the Volks Freund ot Middlesburg, Pa., continuing until the fol- lowing November, when he again became editor and manager of the Kutztown Fournal, \n 1874 the paper was published half in English and one-half in German, which proved a very wise move, as the paper greatly increased in circulation and became one of great influence in the community. In March, 1875, the firm became Gehring & Urick, and continued as such until Septem- ber of the same year, when Mr. J. B. Esser succeeded to the ownership. Mr. Gehring has since been connected with the paper as editor, and has proven that he is the right man in the right place. He has always been closely identifed with the advancement of Kutztown, and efficiently served four terms as chief burgess. He has a handsome and pleasant home in Kutztown, and lives in the midst of a large circle of friends. He was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Annie M. Lenich, a daughter of John Lenich of Lebanon County, Pa., by whom he is the father of four children: Laura E., the leading milliner of Kutztown; Charles E., a type- setter on the Mew York Tribune, who married Minnie Kaelin, and has one son, William C.: Gertrude, a teacher; and Joseph, who died at the age of four years. Socially, he is a member of the Masonic Order, and of the Knights of the Golden Eagle. Jacob B. Esser is a very enterprising citi- zen, and has been connected with many ‘fifty-six years. public enterprises which have been of mate- rial assistance in building up the borough. He owns a fine residence in Kutztown, in which he ‘has resided for the past few years. He formed a matrimonial alliance with Mary L. Hillegass of Pennsburg, Pa., and they are the proud parents of three children, namely: Florence O.; Charles H.; and Helen M Politically, he isa firm supporter of the prin- ciples of the Democratic party. In social circles he is also very popular and belongs to the following orders: Huguenot Lodge, F. & A. M.; Excelsior Chapter of Reading ; Read- ing Commandery, Knights Templar; Rajah Temple of the Mytic Shrine; Knights of the Golden Eagle; P.O.S. of A.; and the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. He is a member of the Reading Press Club, and of the Pennsylvania State Editorial Associ- ation. —+2@e-_—__ R. C. C. G. SCHOMO, the leading dentist and a highly respected citi- E J zen of Hamburg, was born in the above place September 19, 1867, and is a son of Charles M. and Phoebe (George) Schomo. The father of our subject was born in Hamburg January 2, 1821, and lived there all his life, dying September 23, 1877, aged 1 He was a merchant for many years, and later organized the Hamburg Sav- ings Bank, in which he held the position of cashier until the date of his death. Polliti- cally, Mr. Schomo was an avowed Republi- can; in religious views he was a member of the Reformed Church. He was united in marriage with Phoebe George, and five chil- dren were born to them, namely: Emma; Rosetta; Cosmus and Cornelius, twins; and C. C. G., the subject of this sketch. The mother of our subject died September 1, 1897, aged sixty-six years. Dr. Schomo received his elementary edu- cation in the public schools of Hamburg and Ashland, graduated from the Ashland High School May 26, 1887, and then took a two years’ course in the Pennsylvania Dental College at Philadelphia, and was graduated, with the degree of D. D. S., in 1889. Hav- ing completed the study of his profession, he WILLIAM HERFLICKER. BERKS COUNTY 365 returned to his native town, where he has since been engaged in the duties pertaining to dental practice. Dr. Schomo has the instincts of an artist; and as the result of his ability and inborn habit of doing everything well, he has gained a large practice. Many of his best customers come trom the neighboring county,—Schuyl- kill. He is ambitious and energetic, and keeps abreast with all the improvements of the day relative to his particular business, and among his patrons are included the best people of northern Berks. Dr. Schomo po- litically is strongly Republican, and uniform- ly casts his vote in support of the principles of that party. He is a charter member of Hamburg Castle, No. 477, K. of G. E.; of Burkey’s Band; and is a member of St. John’s Reformed Church. SS aa ILLIAM HERFLICKER, one of the oldest and most reliable engin- eers on the Wilmington & North- ern R. R., is a son of Samuel and Mary (Zetelmoyer) Herflicker, and was born in Exeter township, this county, August 18, 1848. Samuel Herflicker, the father of our sub- ject, was a native of Switzerland, where he was engaged in operating a distillery. His brother John, who was older than he, and also a distiller, emigrated to America, and some years later Samuel, our subject’s father, also came to the United States, and, while looking for his brother John, he heard that a distiller in Reading wanted a man to operate his distillery; upon going there, he found, to his great surprise, the young man to be no other than his brother John. After a few weeks’ visit with his brother, John went west and located in Springfield, lll., where he en- gaged in the tilling of the soil. Some years after, his younger brother, Rudolph, and his mother, who was a widow, came to the United States, and Rudolph located in Exe- ter township, and later moved to Springfield and joined his brother John. Samuel Her- flicker moved to Reading, Pa. thence to Blue Mountain, three miles north of Ham- burg, where he labored as a farmer and op- erated a small distillery for a few years. Later he moved to Exeter township, Berks County, and with his hard-earned money, which he had saved, he bought a farm and carried on general farming until his death, which was in 1886, when aged eighty-eight. He was a member of the German Reformed Church. He was twice married; to his first wife one child was born, Samuel, now a re- tired farmer of Joanna Heights, this county. His second wife was Mrs. Catherine Hindu- sholtz, a widow with one daughter, Cather- ine, now deceased. As a result of this union, the following children were born, namely: John, a retired railroad man and farmer of Exeter township, now deceased; Mary, de- ceased, was the wife of Amos Deeter; Eliza- beth, the wife of Reuben Brown, a farmer of Robeson township; Rudolph, who was at first a railroad man, but later a farmer of Robeson township; Amelia; Joseph, who was also a railroad man, but later a farmer of Exeter township; Sarah, the wife of Henry Huyett, a farmer on the old Herflicker home- stead; and William, our subject. William Herflicker was brought up on the old homestead, and received his education in the common schools, and at the age of eigh- teen years he became a brakeman on the P. & R. R. R., with which company he re- mained for four months, when he became a fireman on the Wilmington & Northern R. R. After firing thirteen months, he was pro- moted to be engineer, and twelve years later he was given charge of a passenger train on the Philadelphia & Reading R. R., running between Reading and Slatington, for three years. In 1887, while off duty, he was sun- struck, and for three years was unable to do any kind of work. After regaining his health he ran a stationary engine at the Brooke Furnace Works for eighteen months; later he returned to the employ of the Wilmington & Northern R. R.as a freight conductor and conducting extra passenger trains for some three years. While making a visit to one of his sick relatives, he was forced into running an engine by one of his brother engineers, and when the company found out that he was able to run an engine, he was given charge of one, much against his will. He is now handling one of the largest engines ever used by any railroad. Our subject is a member of the P. O. S. of 366 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES A. Lodge of Birdsboro, and a member of the K. of G. E. of Birdsboro. In religious views he is a member of the Methodist Church. Politically, he is an avowed Republican. November 20, 1869, he was wedded to Lenna Millard, daughter of Jonathan Millard of Birdsboro. They are the parents of four daughters: and one son, namely: Annie, de- ceased; Irene, who was a teacher, died at the age of nineteen years; Bertha and Bessie, twins, both of whom died in infancy; and Charles, a machinist by trade, and now a brakeman on the Philadelphia & Reading R. R. We take pleasure in announcing that a portrait of Mr. Herflicker appears on a pre- ceding page, in connection with the above sketch of his life. —_—_——_+2a+-—____ ARRETT BARCELOW STEVENS. Occasionally we find a man who has begun at the foot of the ladder and worked his way, unaided, to the very sum- mit, where honor and distinction await those who are plucky and persevering enough to endure the hardships and trials that beset the way. The really ambitious youth finds no obstacle too great to be overcome, no danger that cannot be safely encountered, and no foes too strong to vanquish. Berks County has such a citizen in the person of one ot Reading’s able lawyers—Garrett Barcelow Stevens. Mr. Stevens was ushered into this life in Bucks County, Pa., near The Buck, on September 29, 1848, his parents being Ben- jamin and Elizabeth (Barcelow) Stevens. Both parents trace their ancestry to Hol- land stock, the Hoaglands of the Nether- lands, and Abraham Stuyvesant, who is sup- posed to have erected the first brick house on Manhattan Island. From Manhattan, after the conquest of the Dutch by the English, quite a colony of disgruntled Dutch- men drifted into New Jersey and later into Bucks County, Pa. In Bucks County they founded the Church of Southampton, at a time prior to the landing of William Penn, their titles to lands in that locality being afterwards recognized by the Penns. (See History of Bucks County by Col. W. W. H. Davis.) The maiden name of both the paternal and maternal grandmother of the subject of this sketch was Hoagland, though slightly differing in spelling. Benjamin Stevens, father of Garrett B., was born in Bucks County September 13, 1808, a son of Abraham and Maria (Hoge- land) Stevens, and was educated and grew to manhood on the farm in Southampton town- ship. He was a farmer by occupation, and an honorable, upright man. He was a Dem- ocrat, but was never an aspirant for office. He was a member of the Retormed Church, and the organizer of the local Sabbath School, of which he was superintendent until his death in 1894, a period of over fifty ears. He was united in marriage with lizabeth Barcelow, a daughter of Garrett and Eleanor (Hoagland) Barcelow. She was born October 14, 1811, and is now a remark- ably active lady of eighty-seven years, hale and hearty. This marriage resulted in the birth ot a family of seven children, as fol- lows: Maria, wife of Isaac Bennett of Bucks County, with whom the mother of our sub- ject now resides; Abraham, a tarmer of Angola, Steuben County, Ind., state delegate to county conventions, and a candidate for state senator from that county; Hoagland, who died in 1896, was a resident of Doyles. ton, county clerk of Bucks County, and once the nominee of the Democratic party for sheriff of the county; James Van Zandt is a citizen of St. Paul, Minn., and senior part- ner in the firm of Stevens & Brownell; Gar- rett B.; Elwood, a veterinary surgeon of Fox Chase, Montgomery County; and Ben- jamin Franklin, a prominent builder and con- tractor of Oak Lane, Montgomery County. Garrett Barcelow Stevens was born on his father’s farm, and spent there the early years of his life. He was an attendant of the com- mon schools of his township, and at an early period in life determined upon a professional career. He knew that whatever success he achieved must depend entirely on his own efforts, yet he was in no way discour- aged, but set bravely to work unaided to accomplish his purpose. First it was neces- sary to have money to pursue his studies, and, as hundreds of other self-made men have done, refusing to accept assistance or to bor- row, he began teaching in his native county when but seventeen years old. This work was continued for three years, working upon BERKS COUNTY 367 the farm during the summer vacations, when he came to Reading in 1870 and was regis- tered and examined as a student-at-law in the office of John S. Richards, Esq., and two years later, on August 12, 1872, was admit- ted to the bar in Berks County, and has been a general practitioner in Reading ever since. He is a lawyer of force, unquestioned ability, and is the senior member of the firm of Stevens & Stevens, which stands in the front ranks of the legal profession, an honor to American pluck and industry. Mr. Stevens has always taken a prominent part in all movements that promised good to the city, and has been instrumental in form- ing and organizing several local industries. He enjoys the confidence and esteem of a remarkably large clientage, who are opposed to litigation unless absolutely unavoidable. He was the editor of the Spirit of Berks, a newspaper established in Reading in 1872, and to which the Hera/d traces its origin. His writings commanded much attention, and newspaper men regretted that his chosen profession prevented his continuance in the field of journalism. Mr. Stevens was united in matrimony on November g, 1876, to Kate Zeller, a daughter of John Zeller of Berks County. Five chil- dren have blessed their union, three sons and two daughters, Elizabeth and Catharine. Of his sons, Garrett was educated at Phillips Academy, Andover, and at Yale, and is now a student of Dickinson Law School; Wallace is at Harvard University; John B. is now a member of the Sophomore Class of the University of Pennsylvania. In _ politics Mr. Stevens has always been a Democrat, but is never regarded as a politician, but is an earnest worker in any campaign for his friends. ++ LDRIDGE ZIMMERMAN. Among the industrious and enterprising farm- ers of Berks County is the above- named gentleman, who is successfully en- gaged in the cultivation of 106 acres, located in Maxatawny township. He was born in Maxatawny township April 13, 1852, and is a son of Daniel and Susanna Caroline (Fisher) Zimmerman, the former born on the farm now resided upon by our subject, September 19, 1818, and the latter born in Montgomery County, January 2, 1826. ’ The grandfather of our subject, Isaac Zim- merman, was also a farmer by vocation, and his father was one of the pioneer settlers of Berks County. Daniel Zimmerman, the father of our subject, received a common school education, and then engaged in the pursuits of an agriculturist, which he fol- lowed until April, 1858, when he took charge of the Black Horse Hotel. He was also en- gaged in the grain, coal and lumber trade, and did a large and successful business. In 1878 the father of our subject was elected recorder of Berks County; he also served as school director of Kutztown, and was a mem- ber of the council. He was joined in wed- lock with Susanna Caroline Fisher, and three children blessed their home, namely: Mary E., deceased, was the wife of A. S. Hotten- stein of Milton, Pa.; Eldridge, the subject of the biography; and Jacob F., a resident of Kutztown, who married Ellen Kline. Mr. Zimmerman passed from this life March to, 1888. The mother of our subject was called to her well-earned rest January 20, 1887. The subject of this sketch received his pri- mary training in the public schools of his native town, and later completed his educa- tion in the Kutztown State Normal School. Leaving school, he taught one term at Hol- lenstein and one term at Brooklyn, near Kutz- town; he then worked for his father in the grain store at Kutztown for one year, which job he gave up to accept a position as dep- uty county recorder of Berks County. In 1880 he went back to the homestead, where he has since been engaged asa farmer. This farm, which consists of 106 acres, has been in the hands of the Zimmerman family since 1768, and it is not only well cultivated, but contains the best improvements of any farm in its part of the township. In addition to carrying on general farming, our subject has his farm well stocked with a fine herd of cat- tle, and conducts a dairy. Mr. Zimmerman and Miss Louisa A. Miller ot Maxatawny were united in marriage No- vember 30, 1876, and they are the parents of one child,—Charles D., born December 25, 1880, who is a graduate of the Keystone State Normal School of Kutztown, and is a 368 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES teacher at Rotherocksville, this county. Mrs. Zimmerman is a daughter of Charles Miller, who resides in Maxatawny township, near our subject. Mr. Zimmerman is a member of the Lutheran Church, while his wife at- tends the Reformed Church. He is a mem- ber of the Masonic Order, Huguenot Lodge, No. 377, of Kutztown, and has been a mem- ber since he became of age. He is a Demo- crat in politics, the principles of which party he earnestly advocates and supports. Mr. Zimmerman is a good man and a valued citi- zen, and has represented his people in many unpaying public labors; he has served six years as school director, is now representing his district in the village council, and is also serving his twelfth year as justice of the peace. ++ yy ORACE ARCHIBALD YUNDT is not only a lawyer of prominence in Berks County, but is a traveler bee who has visited most of the Euro- pean countries, which of itself is a most liberal education, and one not to be obtained by the most careful study. He was born June 15, 1839, in East Earl township, Lan- caster County, Pa., his parents being Henry and Maria M. Yundt. George Yundt, the great grandfather, came to Lancaster County, Pa., from Switzerland, his native land, in 1749, and located near the village of Ephrata, where he purchased land and engaged in husbandry. He was a Luth- eran in religion, and at his death was buried at Bergstrasse, in the Lutheran Cemetery. The grandfather, Andrew Yundt, was born in Lancaster County and passed his life there. He was a large land owner and prosperous farmer. He was married to Barbara Diet- rich, and among the children were Allen; Archibald ; George; and Henry, the father of our subject. Henry Yundt was born December 1, 1708, on the old homestead. He was reared and educated there, making it his home until he was thirty-eight years old, when he moved to East Earl township, where he died No- vember 30, 1878, at the age of eighty years. He was a cattle dealer and quite extensively engaged in the business, when the only way of getting the stock to market was by driv- ing them. He was engaged in this work for about forty years, and for a great number of years furnished the entire supply for the Pottsville market. For about thirty years he was proprietor of the “ Blue Ball” Hotel, one of the oldest hotels on the Lancaster Pike, which was at that time a very lively thoroughfare. He was a Whig, and went with that party into the Republican ranks when the new party was formed. He was postmaster of Blue Ball for over thirty years. He was united in marriage with Maria M. Kinzer, by whom he had a family of fifteen children, five dying when quite young The ten who grew to adult years were as follows: Anna Margaret, widow of M. R. Witwer; Maria Louisa, widow of Reuben B. Seidel; Henrietta C., wife of B. F. Kinzer; Eliza- beth L., widow of Dr. Samuel Welchens; Harriet C., unmarried; Emma, deceased, who was the wife of Bodo Otto; Edwin Henry, a retired lawyer of Lancaster County ; Horace Archibald; Clarissa A., at home; and Winfield S., deceased, who was a phy- sician of New Holland, Lancaster County. Horace Archibald Yundt was educated in the common schools of his township and the New Holland Academy. This learning was supplemented by a preparatory course at Westchester Academy, Chester County, after which he entered Franklin and Marshall Col- lege at Lancaster in September, 1855, and graduated from that institution in July, 1859. The two and a half years following his grad- uation were spent in Mt. Joy and Paradise Academies as instructor in the languages and higher mathematics. He left this work to enlist for service in the Civil War, going in as a private in 2d Pennsylvania Regiment of emergency men, when the state was invaded in 1862. He afterwards raised, in Lancaster County, Co. B, 178th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., which he took to Virginia and remained there doing service on garrison duty at Yorktown and Williamsburg, Va., and in the campaign against Richmond in June, 1863. Part of this time he was brigade inspector on the staff of Gen. West, and also served ona general court martial. The company was mustered out in July, 1863, and he at once located in Reading and began the study of law. He entered the office of Judge John Banks, who had formerly been president judge of the Berks County courts, and read law under his direction for one year, when he was admitted to the Berks County Bar August 8, 1864. He has practiced in Read- ing ever since and has also been admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Penn- sylvania. He was formerly engaged in gen- eral practice, but he now limits his 1S to cases in the Orphans’ Court and to office business. He is a forcible speaker, and a remarkably able and successful lawyer. He is a shrewd judge of character, and of a determined disposition, yielding to no ob- stacle when engaged in the service of a client. Mr. Yundt is a Republican, and when a younger man took an active part in politics. In 1878 he was the candidate of his party for president judge, but owing to the county being strongly Democratic, he was not elected. He has traveled extensively through Europe, having visited England, Scotland, Ireland, Holland, France, Austria, Germany and Italy, and has brought with him from his journeys much valuable and interesting infor- mation regarding the manners and customs of the people among whom he visited. He has a charming and irresistible manner of relating his observations and experiences which make his stories most enjoyable and entertaining. He is a most affable and agree- able gentleman, and commands the respect and esteem of all who know him. Seo AMES W. SPONAGLE. One of the most prominent and influential citi- zens of the county is the gentleman, whose name heads this sketch. He was handicapped in his early life by contin- ued ill health, but close application has en- abled him to overcome this disadvantage, and to-day he is a most intelligent and pros- perous citizen. He is a son of George and Margaret (Wilson) Sponagle, and was born February 12, 1843, in Chester County, Pa. George Sponagle, the father, was of Ger- man origin, and removed to Berks from Chester County when the subject of this sketch was a small boy. He settled in Robe- son township, where he lived for about fifty BERKS COUNTY years, when he moved to Union township, this county, where he died in'1895, at the age of eighty-five years. He was a plasterer by trade. e was a Democrat in politics, of the Andrew Jackson type. His first presi- dential vote was cast for that candidate, and he voted with the party at every election until his death. He was elected to a number of local offices, and had the confidence and re- spect of the entire community. He was a member and zealous worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was married to Mar- garet Wilson, daughter of Andrew Wilson, who was of Irish descent, and a miller b trade. He lived the greater part of his life in the southern part of Berks County and the northern part of Chester. The union of our subject’s parents resulted in nine children,— six boys and three girls, as follows: Susan Jane, deceased, was the wife of Henry Um- stead; Samuel, deceased, of Reading; Ann, wife of Jacob Geiger, now living on the old Geiger homestead in Union township; John, who resides in Robeson township, this county; James W.; Joseph, a plasterer of Geigerstown; Mary Elizabeth, wife of A. J. Westley of Pottstown; George Howard, de- ceased; and Harry B.,a plasterer of Birds- boro. James W. Sponagle suffered with ill health until he was twelve years old, and was un- able to join in the sports and duties of his more robust brothers. It was not until he had reached his twelfth year that he was able to attend school. and he then entered as a student of the common schools. He applied himself diligently to his books, with such good results that at the end of six terms of four months each he had qualified himself for the work of a teacher, and began that oc- cupation at the age of eighteen. He taught fitteen terms in the public schools of Berks County, and was called a most efficient in- structor. He had learned the trade of a plasterer with his father, and worked at that in the summers, when his school was not in session. He afterwards assumed manage- ment of the firm of Sponagle Brothers at Geiger’s Mills,in which position he remained until 1894, when he accepted the office of recorder of deeds of the county. Mr. Sponagle was married to Harriet V. Geiger November 14, 1867, and one child has 370 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES blessed their union, John H., born April 6, 1870. Our subject has taken a very promi- nent part in politics, and has filled many off- ces of trust in the gift of the Democratic party. He was justice of the peace in his township for eight years, and resigned this office in 1882 to be elected member of the Pennsylvania Legislature, representing Berks County in the sessions of 1883 and 1885. The next few years he devoted to the interest of Sponagle Brothers as their manager, but in 1894 he once more entered the political field, this time as candidate for the office of re- corder of deeds of Berks County, to which office he was elected with a flattering major- ity; he continued in office until January,” 1898, when his term expired. He has be- longed to a number of social orders, formerly belonging to the Knights of Pythias; the Brotherhood of the Union; and the Odd Fellows. He is a consistent and earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and one of the most prominent members of that organization at Geiger’s Mills. He is of a genial, happy disposition, and a great favorite with all with whom he comes in contact. SSO ARON SNYDER, the leading citizen. of Mt. Aetna, Tulpehocken town- ship, Berks County, where he has resided since 1861, is an astute lawyer and justice of the peace, and has more clients than any other lawyer in that vicinity. He is a son of Peter and Eve (Reith) Snyder, and was born in Stouchs- burg, Berks County, March 22, 1835. He is of German descent, his grandfather on the paternal side, George Snyder, being a native of Germany and an early settler in Tulpehocken township, where he engaged in farming. Peter Snyder, the father of our subject, was born in Tulpehocken townshi and was reared ona farm. Early in life he learned the trade of a chairmaker, which he always followed in connection with farming. During the latter years of his life he was a resident of Stouchsburg, Marion township, dying in 1859. He chose as his companion in life Eve Reith, who came from an old and well-known family of Schoharie County, N.Y. Her father was John Reith, who with his family helped to form a colony, which purchased hundreds of acres of land in Marion township, Berks County, Pa., and located there in 1823. In 1827 a church was built, which also answered the purpose of a fort, and the table which was used as an altar is now in the possession of our subject. He prizes it very highly, as it is very valuable as a relic, time and again refusing large offers for its purchase. Mrs. Snyder survived her husband a number of years, passing to her eternal rest in 1868. Their happy union was blessed by the birth of the following chil- dren: Sophia, deceased, was the wife of John Weber of Millersburg, Berks County; Aaron, the subject of this personal history ; George, whose death occurred while in the service during the Civil War; Rebecca, who resides in Reading; and Augustus, William and Peter, all of whom died in childhood. Aaron Snyder obtained a good intellectual training inthe commonschoolsand at Stouchs- burg Academy, and at the age of thirteen left the parental roof to work as a farm laborer. He continued at that until he was eighteen years old, when he learned the trade of a blacksmith, at which he worked until 1860. In that year his home was struck by light- ning and he was partially paralyzed by the shock, confining him to his bed for three years. Being of an industrious and ambitious nature, he was not content to spend this ‘period in idleness, and as a result took up the study of law. Upon recovering his health he became a teacher in the public schools of Mt. Aetna, at which he continued for five years, when he received an appointment as United States Revenue Collector in 1868. He served faithfully and well in that position until the fall of 1869, when he was relieved of his office because he had made a Demo- cratic speech in Millersburg. He then be- came a candidate for justice of the peace and was elected by a handsome majority. In 1872 he was appointed mercantile appraiser for Berks County, and after the expiration of his term took up the practice of law, at which he has since continued with more than ordinary success, having his office back of the Brown House in Mt. Aetna. Mr. Snyder has a large and paying practice, and hardly a day passes but what he has one or more A é DR. ELIAS CAREY KITCHIN. BERKS COUNTY 373 cases, of which he wins more than his share. He is also serving as justice of the peace, and many cases are tried before him. Polit- ically, he is a stanch Democrat, and was for- merly one of the leaders of that party, but in recent years has devoted his entire time to his practice. In 1858 he was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Lavina Lebo, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Pfeifer) Lebo, and they became the happy parents of thirteen chil- dren: Emma, the wife of Adam Pfeifer of Stouchsburg; Robert, who is engaged in the milling business at Stouchsburg; Katura, a seamstress of Philadelphia; George, a shoe manufacturer residing in Bluffton, Indiana; J. Laura, a traveling salesman tor a Boston shoe house; William P., a butcher of Coates- ville, Chester County, Pa.; Kate, wife of Francis Rollman, is the principal of the Mt. Aetna High School; Cario, a clerk in a cloth- ing store at Bluffton, Ind.; Oscar, deceased ; Matthew S., a cigar maker at Stouchsburg ; Lester, who is residing at home; and three who are deceased, namely,—Augustus, J. Ross and Howard. In religious attachments Mr. Snyder is a member of the Lutheran Church, and his worthy wife isa member of the U. B. Church. ++ a R. ELIAS CAREY KITCHIN, who resides in a pleasant home about half way between Brumfield. ville and Amityville, is now past seventy-one years of age, but is still hale and hearty and actively engaged in the practice of his profession. Ever since his residence in Berks County, beginning in 1851, he has been a prominent figure before the public, and there are few in the county who are not acquainted with him. He is good-natured and frank, and his friends are numbered by his acquaintances. His success is the result of tenacity of purpose, well directed. Shortly after taking the degree of Doctor of Medi- cine, when pursuing his post-graduate course, he heard a party of students talking of the death of an old physician, who had made a fortune from his practice in the village of Yellow House, Berks County. After think- ing the matter over carefully, he wisely 1° decided that village afforded a grand oppor- tunity for a young man to enter practice. The path to fame and wealth is never as easy as it looks, however, and the Doctor passed some seemingly unsurmountable obstacles before he attained his present enviable posi- tion in the medical world. At one time he was asked, “ To what do you attribute your success?” He drew himself up proudly and in his bluff and frank manner replied with emphasis, ‘To doing my duty and minding my own business.” Dr. Kitchin was born November 27, 1827, in Solebury township, Bucks County, Pa., and is a son of William and Eleanor (Carey) Kitchin. His paternal ancestors were of English extraction, some of whom were off- cers under Henry VIII, and were of the Quaker faith. William Kitchin, the grand- father of our subject, was a native of Bucks County, and resided in the town of Solebury, where he was engaged in tailoring. He was avery young man when his career came to a close. His wife was Ann Paxson, who came of an old Quaker family, whose sons and daughters have figured conspicuously in the business and social world of that section of the state for several generations. One son, William, blessed their union. William Kitchin, the father of our subject, was born in Solebury township, Bucks County, on the twenty-sixth day, seventh month, 1792, according to the old Quaker style of expressing it. He engaged in tilling the soil, and during his lifetime accumulated a handsome competency. He was a great student all his life, and was not only posted on all current topics, but was also well read on different scientific subjects. He was an enterprising man and interested in the ad- vancement of his native town. He was president of the Bucks County Fire Insur- ance Co. for over seventeen years. He was united in the holy bonds of wedlock with Eleanor Carey, by whom he had eight chil- dren, namely: John; Ann; Thomas; Wil- liam is a retired merchant of Bucks County ; Dr. Elias Carey, whose name heads these lines; Paxson, a resident of Northampton County, Pa.; Samuel, deceased, was a well known coffin inspector of New York City; and one that died in infancy. Mrs. Kitchin was born in Plumstead township, Bucks 374 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES County, August 28, 1794, and was a daughter of Elias Carey, alter whom our subject was named. Mr. Carey was justice of the peace of Plumstead for many years, and his son, Samuel, was a member of the convention that ratified the State Pennsylvania Constitu- tion in 1836. Dr. Samuel C. Bradshaw, a nephew of Mrs. Kitchin, represented the Bucks County District in the U. S. Congress one term in the ’sos. Our subject was a very precocious child, and it is said that he was able to read when three years of age. At the age of five years, he was sent to the school supported by the Quakers, but upon the introduction of the public schools some three years later, he attended those schools. He entered the em- ploy of the Bucks County Intelligencer, pub- lished at Doylestown, in 1844, but being of delicate health the work proved too hard for him, and he was taken ill and had to be taken to his home. He was very fond of reading, and the long spell of sickness that followed gave him ample opportunity to gratify that taste. Through his reading and studying the idea came to him to be’a physician, and immediately after his recovery he took up the study of medicine under the preceptor- ship of a neighbor, Dr. Livezey, a graduate of Princeton College, who later became a professor in the Female Medical College of Philadelphia. Upon leaving Dr. Livezey’s office, he entered Jefferson Medical College, where he took a two year’s course. Taking the advice of his friends he went to Castle- ton, Vt., where he completed his education and received the degree of Doctor of Medi- cine, later taking a one year’s course at Jef- ferson Medical College at Philadelphia. His first field of practice was at Yellow House, where he soon acquired a large and lucrative business. In 1857, he bought the property upon which he now lives, and dur- ing the two following years was busy in erecting his present homestead. It is built with unusually massive walls, and contains the most careful provisions for ventilation, sanitation and comfort. Not the least pleas- ant feature of the place is the beautiful lawn and trees that surround the house, and the ivy and other climbing vines which cover its sides. It is a scene beautiful to behold, and bespeaks the comfort and refine- ment within. It was in 1859 that he took up his residence in his new home, and he has lived there ever since. When the Civil War broke out, he did not at first enlist, as he thought it was his duty to stay at home and care for his patients, but as the war went on and the Rebcllion was not crushed, he has- tened to the aid of the Union. It was in 1863, when the Confederates were pushing their way up into the state of Pennsylvania and assuming the aggressive in the fight, that Dr. Kitchin went to Harrisburg and was made assistant surgeon, by Surgeon- General King, and assigned with the rank of | first lieutenant to the 21st Reg. Pa. Vol. Cav., remaining with the regiment until its term of service expired. By the orders of Major-General Stahl, he then proceeded to Reading, and after considerable difficulty recruited Company H, of the 21st Reg. Pa. Cav., for three years’ service, which organi- zation made a good record in the battles in which it participated. January 19, 1865, he was promoted to the position of surgeon of the 155th Regiment, with rank of major of volunteers, and acted in that capacity until the close of the war. He was under the command of Gen Meade and later under Gen. Sheridan, and took part in the following battles: Bethesda Church; Petersburg; Jerusalem Plank Road; Peeble’s Farm; Squirrel Level; Stony Creek; Boydtown Plank Road. With the 155th Regiment he was at Hatcher’s Run, Five Forks and Ap- pomattox. After receiving his discharge, June 2, 1865, he returned home and again took up his practice. Among his patients he numbers some of the best citizens in his community, who respect and love him not only as a physician who treats them when sick, but as a friend to whom they look for advice. In 1856 our subject was joined in matri- mony with Ellen E. Filbert, a daughter of the late Samuel Filbert of Yellow House, and they are the parents of two children, namely : William F.; and Charlotte. Socially, he is a member of the McLean Post, No. 16, G. A. R., of Reading. He is also a member of the F. & A. M.; Knights Templar; Knights of the Red Cross; and the Knights of Malta. He was one of the first Republicans, and helped place that party on its feet in this BERKS COUNTY 375 state, being one of a committee of twenty calling for the first State Republican Con- vention at Reading. He has since been a firm supporter of that party, and believes its principles to be the basis of our country’s prosperity. The publishers of this volume take great pleasure in presenting on a page in proximity a portrait of Dr. Kitchin. Oo ILLIAM D. KLOPP, a retired and honored pioneer farmer of Berks County, is now passing the sunset of life on his farm in North Heidelberg town- ship, where he was born July 2, 1837. He is ason of John Peter and Margaret (Kalbach) Klopp. John Peter Klopp, the great-great-grand- father of our subject, had three children, John, John Peter and Elizabeth. John Peter Klopp, the great-grand father of our subject, was born in that part of Hei- delberg township which is now North Hei- delberg, May 13, 1757, and died February 24, 1835. He was twice married ; his first wife was Elizabeth Hain, and they reared four children. His second wife was Elizabeth Fidler, who bore him fifteen children, the following of whom grew to maturity: John married Sarah Buchs, who bore him eight children; Benjamin married Elizabeth Ernst, and they were the parents of five children; Margaret was the wife of Jacob Wagner, and they reared eight children; Elizabeth wed- ded Jacob Dundor, and eleven children was the result of this union; Anna wedded John Gerhart, and seven children were reared; Catherine was joined in wedlock to John Lamm, and they raised eight children; Su- sanna wedded Jacob Ernst, and a family of ten children was the result of this union; Daniel married Susan Brossman, and they reared eleven children; Joseph married Cath- erine Stein, who bore him ten children—his second marriage was with Catherine Ready ; Sarah married John Foust, and four children was the result of this happy union; and Isaac married Henrietta Leiss for his first wife, and they reared eight children—his second wife was Mrs. Stamm, who bore him one child. John Peter Klopp, the grandfather of our subject, on the paternal side, was born Sep- tember 11, 1775. He was a life-long farmer, and at one time owned the property now owned by our subject. He married Miss Maria Eva Ulrich, and they reared three children, namely: John Peter, the father of our subject ; Daniel; and Catherine, the wife of Adam Leiss of Reading. Mr. Klopp passed from this lite March 13, 1850. John Peter Klopp was born on the home- stead in North Heidelberg township, April 4, 1801. He was engaged in farming all his life on the old homestead. He wasa Repub- lican in politics, and was a leader in his com- munity. He was a member and consistent worker of the Reformed Church. He mar- ried Margaret Kalbach, who was born No- vember 5, 1806. She was a daughter of John Kalbach, who was born January 11, 1785; and died October 5, 1853. He married Su- sanna Ruth, who was born February 26, 1786, and died February 2, 1844. Asa result of this union the following children were born: John married Sarah Bright; Isaac wedded Elizabeth Bright; Adam was married to Amanda Cherington ; Catherine was the wife of Samuel Filbert; Mary was the wife of Daniel Urich; Eliza married Henry Smith; and Margaret is our subject’s mother. Mr. and Mrs. Klopp were the parents of seven children, who were as follows: a daughter, born February 13, 1830, died in infancy ; Amelia S., born February 18, 1835, and died in March, 1860; a daughter that died in in- fancy ; William D., the subject of this sketch ; Rebecca, born December 21. 1839, died De- cember Ig, 1853; Adam Peter, born August 25, 1842, died November 27, 1845; Emma E., born May 26, 1845, married Levi Ludwig, a tailor of Bernville, this county, and they are the parents of five children—Jerome, Mary, Frank, Kate and John; Sarah Jane married John A. Kurr, and they reared three chil- dren—Thomas, Mary and Jennie; and Clara Ann died in her infancy. Mr. Klopp died on his farm July 19, 1866. The mother of our subject died November 18, 1853. William D. Klopp was educated in the common schools and at Trappe Seminary; and, when he attained his maturity, took pos- session of the old homestead, which consists of 175 acres of well cultivated land. He was married December tg, 1857, to Sarah Wen- rich of Jefferson township, this county. She 376 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES is a daughter of Paul and Saloma (Leiss) Wenrich. Our subject and wife raised four children, namely: Lewis C., born September 7, 1860, is a druggist residing in Philadelphia; a son, born July 16, 1862, died in infancy ; Kate M., born September 15, 1863, is the wife of James Henne of Reading, and they are the parents of one child, William John; and Peter Paul, born May 9, 1867, who married Miss Tacy Hunt of Philadelphia, and one child, Peter Paul, blessed their home—he is a druggist and physician of Philadelphia, and his store is located on Sixth and Indiana streets. Our subject is a firm supporter of the Re- publican party, and, in 1883, he was elected prison inspector of Berks County. He is a member of the Reformed Church of North Heidelberg. Mr. Klopp has been a resident of Berks County all his life, and has sustained the character of an honest, upright neighbor and citizen. ++ ALEB H. BLAND, the proprietor of a general merchandise store in the village of Monocacy, and a veteran of the late Civil War, was born in Union township, Berks County, Pa., Feb- ruary 28, 1845. His grandfather was William Bland, a native of Blandon, Berks County, who was a blacksmith by trade and made a wide rep- utation as a manufacturer of axes. Whena young man, and prior to the year 1800, he moved to Mt. Airy, Berks County, where he plied his trade until his death occurred at the age of fifty-two years. He was an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He formed a matrimonial alliance with Ann Beard, by whom he had the following chil- dren: Nancy, who married George Maxton, now deceased, of Monocacy ; Katie married Jacob Wamsher, a late resident of Monocacy; Mary, who married Edward Bland of Mon- ocacy; Robert, deceased, was a teacher and later a merchant of Monocacy, and was a soldier of the Civil War—he enlisted in Co. C, 18th Reg. Pa. Vol. Cav., but later was transferred to Co. H, 88th Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf., and was appointed secretary to the captain and colonel of the regiment; John was the father of our subject; Margaret married Isaac Knapp, a farmer and resident of Union- ville, Union township: and William, who was a butcher residing in Monocacy. John Bland was born at Mt. Airy, Berks County, January 12, 1816, and began life’s work on his own account as a clerk in a store at Shoemakersville. However, he soon re- turned to Mt. Airy, where he was engaged in general merchandising until his death, a period of over forty years. He was a shrewd business man, a successful manager, and during life accumulated considerable wealth. Politically, he was an old time Whig, then a Know-Nothing, and later was a Republican. He served as justice of the peace for thirty-five years, and as pension attorney trom the year 1869 until his death, January 22, 1895. During the Rebellion he assisted in filling the quota for his township. Socially, he was a member of the Knights of the Maccabees. In religious belief he was a Methodist. He was united in marriage with Rachel Harrison, a daughter of Caleb Har- rison of Birdsboro, and they became the parents of the following children: Caleb H., the subject of this personal history ; Martha, the wife of John B. Lacy, foreman of the puddling department of the Birdsboro Roll- ing Mills; Hannah, who married Dr. Harry B. Brusstar, whose sketch appears on Page 295 of this Book of Biographies; Annie, de- ceased, married Isaac Huyett, a merchant of Birdsboro ; Mary, who married John Lynch, fireman of the Sinking Springs Vitrified Brick Co.; George, a traveling salesman, representing a Reading shoe firm; Margaret, the wife of Harry Church of Monocacy ; Valley, the wife of Harry Yohn, a farmer of Union township; and John, a farmer of Monocacy. Caleb H. Bland, the subject of this per- sonal history, after taking the required course in the public schools, attended the Philomathian Institute of Birdsboro, taught by Prof. B. F. Barge, until it was closed on account of the war. Prof. Barge returned to his home in Charleston, S. C., and be- came commander of the 2nd South Carolina Regiment. Our subject ran from home and enlisted as drummer in Co. B, 53rd Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf., on October 1, 1861. " His regi- ment was assigned to the Army of the Poto- BERKS COUNTY 377 mac, with whom he remained until his discharge, August 8, 1865, the last nine months of the time serving asa private in his company. He participated in thirty two battles, some of which were among the most important fought during the war. Many of his company lost their lives while fighting for their country, but our subject was more fortunate, and although he was always found in the thickest of the fight, he returned home at the close of the war unscathed. He took part in the following battles; Fair Oaks; Seven Days Fighting before Richmond ; James River Retreat; Malvern Hill; South Mountain; Antietam; Fredericksburg; Brandy Station; Chancellorsville; Harper’s Ferry ; Gettysburg; Spottsylvania; Spottsylvania C. H.; Wilderness: Cold Harbor; North Ann River; Second Bull Run; Petersburg ; Hatch’s Run; Mine Run; Stony Creek; Farmersville ; Five Forks, and was present at the surrender of Gen. Lee at Appomattox C. H., April 9, 1865. He also took part in the Grand Review at Washington, and then proceeded to Harrisburg, where he received his discharge. Of the 1,000 brave soldiers in his regiment who had left home, but a paltry three hundred ever returned to the families anxiously awaiting them. Our sub- ject was engaged in canal boating for five or six years after his return, and then became foreman in Col. L. L. Bush’s stone-quarry furnishing store for one year. He next went to Monocacy, where he accepted a clerical position in the Monocacy Furnace, which he held for four years. In 1874 he embarked in the mercantile business at Monocacy, which line of business he has since followed. He has a good, large store, well stocked, and everything systematically arranged and in the neatest of order, making it a very desirable place in which to trade. He enjoys the pat- ronage of the leading citizens in the commu- nity, and his business is steadily increas- ing. He is honest and straightforward in all his dealings, and has the respect of all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance. He is also extensively engaged in breaking up old cannons and other large pieces of metal with dynamite, preparatory to being taken to the smiths. May 9g, 1873, he was joined in hymeneal bonds with Harriet Amelia Filman, a daugh- 18* ter of John B. Filman of Pottstown, and they became the parents of eight children, namely ; Brook, a student attending Jeffer- son Medical College: Rachel, who is en- gaged in teaching school; Carrie, who attends the Birdsboro High School; Garfield, de- ceased; Chester; Harry; Earl; and Flossie. Religiously, he is a member and trustee of the Monocacy M. E. Church, and is superin- tendent of the Sunday School. In social circles, he is a member of the Graham Post, G. A. R. of Pottstown, and of Camp No. 417, P. O.S. of A. of Birdsboro. Politically, he is a stanch supporter of the Republican party, and since 1895 has served as justice of the peace and pension attorney. ++ EV. A. JOHNSON LONG, A. M., who for almost a quarter of a cen- tury has labored faithfully and well as a minister of Christ Evan- gelical Lutheran Church on the Tulpehocken, near Stouchsburg, Marion township, Berks County, also has the following pastorates: Attalaha Lutheran Church of Rehrersburg ; the St. Elias Church of Newmanstown; St. Paul Union Church, Millbach; the Little Tulpehocken Church in Jefferson township ; and St. Paul’s Church at Schaefferstown. His religious enthusiasm knows no bounds, and his entire time is taken up with the duties of his charges, the vast amount of good accomplished by him being beyond the power of reckoning. He is a son of Ephraim and Hannah (Kline) Long, and was born in Claussville, Lowhill township, Lehigh County. His grandfather was John Long, a resident of Lowhill township, and a millwright by trade. He married Elizabeth Heilman, and among their children was one, Ephraim, the father of our subject, who was born in Low- hill township, and there grew to manhood, after which he moved to Allentown, Pa., and later to Schnecksville, Pa. He resided in the latter place until 1850, when he moved to Egypt, Lehigh County, of which he is now one of the leading and highly respected citi- zens. He conducts a general merchandise store and a hotel, and also is engaged in the real estate business to a certain extent, being 378 quite prominent and well known throughout that section. Religiously, he is a consistent member of the Lutheran Church. He was joined in wedlock with Hannah Kline, who was a native of Lehigh County and died there in 1893. The following issue resulted from their marriage: A. Johnson, the subject of this personal history; Alice, the wife of the Rey. S. H. Fegley, who resides in Lehigh County; Josephine, who was called to her final rest in 1895; Agnes, the wife of Samuel Black ot Ashley, Pa.; Alfred, a coach manu- facturer of Blooming Glen, Bucks County ; Eugene, who is in his father’s store in Egypt, married a Miss Marks; Harvey is unmarried and resides at home with his father; and Walter, who conducts a music store in Allen- town, Pa. Rev. A. Johnson Long in his boyhood days attended the common schools of his native town, after which he took a course in Washington Hall Institute, at The Trappe, Montgomery County, Pa., in 1865, and at the Ft. Edward Institute, New York City, in 1866. He then entered the Academic De- partment of Muhlenberg College in 1867, and the following year entered the Collegiate Department, graduating in 1871. Having a natural inclination to enter the ministry, he directed his studies toward that end, entering the Theological Seminary of Philadelphia, from which he was graduated in May, 1874. He was ordained at a meeting of the Minis- terium of Pennsylvania at Lancaster, on Wednesday, June 2, 1874, and immediately thereafter received a call to Christ Evan- gelical Lutheran Church on the Tulpehocken to succeed Rev. Frederick P. Mayser upon the latter's resignation. On the morning of Sunday, June 13, 1874, he was installed as pastor of the Rehrersburg Church, and in the afternoon as pastor of the Tulpehocken Church, by Rev. Dr. Hinterleitner, president of the Third Conference, and Rev. Dr. Horne, principal of the Keystone State Nor- mal School of Kutztown, Pa. When enter- ing upon his career as a minister, he was for- tunate in being called to a charge of such importance, but the wisdom of the choice made by the church has since been demon- strated in many ways. The Christ Church is one of the oldest in the state and is the out- growth of Reith’s Church, established in BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES 1727. Owing to dissension among the mem- bers of the congregation, the Christ Church was established in 1743, and has since flour- ished, celebrating its Sesqui-Centennidl, in 1893, with appropriate ceremonies, during which the good work done by our subject was highly praised. During his ministry the. church has prospered and improved its con- dition in many ways, but not without en- countering many difficulties and reverses. On November 6, 1884, it was badly damaged by a terrible dynamite explosion in the vicin- ity, which caused much sorrow among the members of the church, as the structure was erected in 1786, and as a house of worship had grown very dear to them. Taking courage, Rev. Mr. Long and his congregation worked hand in hand toward repairing the loss. The walls were all that could again be used, but as a result of the minister’s untiring energy and the liberality of the people, it was rebuilt and appropriate services held in the Sunday School room in the basement, August 30, 1885. On Second Christmas Day of that year, the main audience room was conse- crated to the great joy of the congregation. It was beautifully frescoed and finished throughout, the expenses incurred as a result of the disaster being some $6,500. Again, however, was the church doomed to misfor- tune, for on Monday, August 1, 1887, the beautiful edifice was struck by lightning and completely destroyed by fire, the four walls being all that remained. Although greatly disheartened, they again took measures to rebuild it, and in time it was as good as before its destruction, the loss, however, being very heavy. The church structure at Reh- rersburg has also been renovated during the pastorate of Rev. Long, and the society is now in a flourishing condition, as are all of his charges. He has ever faithfully dis- charged his duties, and it may safely be said that no pastor ever stood higher in the esteem and affections of the people than does he. He is a man of noble character, kind, sympathetic and true, being a loving husband and father. January 4, 1876, he was united in matri- monial bonds with. Deborah I. Minnich, who was born in North Heidelberg township, Berks County, and is the only daughter of Adam and Isabella (Klopp) Minnich. Mr. JAMES B. McLEAN. BERKS COUNTY 381 Minnich was a school teacher in early life, and is now a farmer in North Heidelberg township. Three daughters blessed this union, namely: Laura E., Anna L., and Mabel M., all of whom attend Irving College at Mechanicsburg, Pa. +++ OSMOS D. KUTZ, a successful mer- chant residing at Bower’s Station, Berks County, Pa., was born in Maxatawny township, this county, in 1850, and is a son of David F. and Caro- line (Haas) Kutz, and grandson of Daniel Kutz. The village of Kutztown is named after George Kutz, one of the ancestors, who settled there at an early period. Daniel Kutz, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was born in Maxatawny township, where he lived all his life, following the vocation of anagriculturist. In his religious belief he was a member and regular attendant of the Re- formed Church. He was the father of three sons and three daughters, and lived to the ripe old age of ninety-three years. David F. Kutz, the father of our subject, was born in Richmond township, Berks County. He re- ceived a good education in the common schools, and when he grew to manhood pur- chased a farm; he has prosecuted the voca- tion of a farmer all his life, and is one of the progressive farmers of his township. Politi- cally, he is an adherent of the principles of the Democratic party. He is an attendant of the Reformed Church. He was united in marriage with Caroline Haas, and a family of seven children was reared. Cosmos D. Kutz, after receiving a liberal education in the public schools, commenced to learn the trade of a carpenter, which he followed a short time, when he embarked in the mercantile business at Bower’s Station, this county. In 1896 he ran for the office of treasurer of Berks County on the Democrat- ic ticket, and his election by a large majority over the opposing candidate shows his popu- larity and the esteem in which he is held by his fellow citizens. He also served as justice of the peace of Maxatawny township a num- ber of years; he was a member of the school board of Rockland township, and was a jus- tice of the peace in Rockland several years. ‘Reformed Church of Bower’s Station. Religiously, our subject isa member of the June 16, 1872, Cosmos D. Kutz and Mary Barto, a daughter of William Barto, were happily united in marriage. They are the parents of five children, namely: Minnie, George, Eliza- beth, Luma A., and Frederick. Socially, Mr. Kutz is a member of Lodge No. 172, F.& A. M.; Lodge No. 575, I. O. O. F.; Lodge No. 102, K. of P.; and P.O. S. of A., Camp No. 575: +e AMES B. McLEAN. Among the self- made men of Berks County, farmers by vocation, men who have succeeded through their own energy and perse- verance, and to-day are proprietors of fine and productive farms, men who are able to pass the sunset of life in the enjoyment of a competency obtained through years of hon- est toil and economy, is the subject of this notice, whose portrait is presented on the opposite page. He is a son of Daniel and Mary Ann (Brewster) McLean, and was born near Mauch Chunk, Pa., September 9, 1843. The McLeans are descendants of the old Scotch McLean clan of the highlands of Scot- land, and were driven out of that country owing to their religious belief. They then moved to North Ireland, where they pur- chased a small tract of land and engaged in farming. James McLean, the uncle of our subject, hearing of the wonderful opportuni- ties in America, where new settlers could in a short time become prosperous and wealthy citizens, emigrated in 1832,and located in the coal fields of Carbon and Schuylkill Coun- ties, Pa. He at once engaged in mining, and later became’a mine contractor, and by the exercise of economy he succeeded in accum- ulating a fortune. After being a resident in this country for two years, he sent money to his brother Daniel, who was living in Ire- land, and had him come to this country. He, too, engaged in coal mining, and in 1857 moved to Brumfieldville, Berks County, and purchased the farm of 116 acres now owned by his son, Samuel B. He prosecuted the calling of a farmer until his death, which oc- curred about 1876, at the age of sixty-five years. In religious views he was a member 382 of the Reformed Church. Socially, he was a member of the I. 0.0. F. He was mar- ried to Mary Ann Brewster, daughter of a Mr. Brewster, a native of Scotland, who also emigrated to the United States and located in the coal fields of Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. McLean were born four children, as follows: James B., the subject of this sketch; Samuel B.,a farmer on the old home. stead; Dr. Daniel B., whose biography may also be found in this book; and John B., who died aged twenty-five years, a graduate of the Business College of Philadelphia. James B. McLean received his intellectual training in the Mt. Pleasant Academy of Boyertown and the Pottstown Hill School. He taught school one term, and then en- gaged in farming on the old homestead, where he remained until his marriage, when he moved on the farm owned by his father- in-law. In 1892 he became the owner of this fine farm, which is located near Brumfield- ville, and consisted of 131 acres of the best improved land in Amity township. The honesty of our subject has never been doubt- ed, and he has been called: upon to settle many estates. He served in the capacity as secretary of the Oley Mutual Fire Insurance Co. for a number of years, and is now a di- rector of the Manatawny Mutual Fire Insur- ance Company. May 21, 1866, our subject and Mary Lorah were united in marriage. She is a daughter of John Lorah, late. a far- mer where our subject now resides. Two sons blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Mc- Lean: William, who died in infancy; and Rev. Eugene L., a minister of the Reformed Church of Everett, Bedford County, Pa., who was a graduate of the Keystone State Normal School and Franklin “ Theological Seminary. Mr. McLean is a stanch Demo. crat, and upholds the principles of his party both by ballot and voice. He has been a member of the county committee and a dele- gate to the state convention when both Pat- tison and Black were nominated for govern- or. At the close of the war he was assistant revenue assessor for a term of two years. Mr. McLean and his family are prominent members of the Reformed Church, of which our subject has been elder for a number of years. He is held in high esteem by his neighbors and acquaintances, and is honora- BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES ble and upright in his business transactions. He is considered one of the valued members of his community, whose opinion is always solicited upon matters of importance, and whose judgment is held in the highest re- spect. —_— —*a>—____ EV. ISAAC S. STAHR, the beloved pastor of the Friedensburg, Oley, Pricetown and New Jerusalem Re- formed Churches, is a resident of Oley. He isason of John and Sarah (Sum- mers) Stahr, and was born near Quakertown, Bucks County, May 23, 1845. The Stahrs’ were originally residents of Germany, and John Stoehr, as the name was then spelled, came over with 400 Palatines and settled in America in 1737. He located at Germantown, Pa., and from there his fam- ily moved to Springfield township, Bucks County, and were prominently identified with the growth and development of that section. John Stahr, the grandfather of our subject, was a native of Milford township, and later settled in Haycock township, Bucks County, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was united in marriage with Catherine Beidler, by whom he reared a large family of children. John Stahr, Jr., the father of our subject, was born in Milford township, Bucks County, in the month of October, 1798. His early days were devoted to teaching school, which he did for some thirty years, afterwards fol- lowing the occupation of a farmer. In relig- ious belief he was a member of the Reformed Church, although his ancestors were all of the Lutheran persuasion. He formed a mat- rimonial alliance with Sarah Summers, a daughter of Lewis Summers of Bucks Coun- ty. by whom he had a family of five sons and one daughter, of whom only two are now living: Dr. John S., the president of Frank- lin and Marshall College of Lancaster, Pa.; and Rey. Isaac S., the subject of this person- al history. Rev. Isaac S. Stahr was reared on the farm and received a good common school educa- tion. He was prepared for the ministry at the Theological Seminary of the Reformed Church at Lancaster, Pa., from which institu- tion he graduated in 1877. In October, 1877, he received a call to the Reformed Church of Lock Haven, Pa., where he had charge of the pastorate for six years, and demonstrated his ability to promulgate the doctrines of his church, and asa winner of souls to the Stand- ard of Christ. He then came to Oley, and accepted his present charge as pastor of the Reformed Churches of Oley, Friedensburg, Pricetown and New Jerusalem. The Oley congregation dates back to 1731, and is prob- ably one of the oldest in this section of the state, and has a membership of 350. During his pastorate the Friedensburg Union Church, a union of the Reformed and Lutheran Churches, was erected, with an enrollment of 250 members. The churches, under his skill- ful guidance, have all prospered, and great strides have been made in benevolent works. Rev. Stahr is an untiring worker, a pleasant and forcible speaker, firm in his convictions, and fearless’in the expression of them. He was joined in the holy bonds of wed- lock with Hannah Camilla Applebach, a daughter of Henry Applebach, and they are the happy parents of five children, four of whom are living, namely: Henry Irwin, a student of Franklin and Marshall College of Lancaster; Sadie J.; Mary Cornelia; and Camilla Belle. —____++____-- R. ABRAHAM B. JOHNSON, the | leading dentist of Kutztown, and one of the most enterprising and progressive citizens of that bor- ough, is a son of Jacob B. and Anna (Bechtel) Johnson, and was born in Montgomery County in 1854. Jacob B. Johnson, the father of our sub- ject, was also born in that county, and was one of the leading farmers of his community. He was united in matrimonial bonds with Anna Bechtel, and they reared a family of children, one of whom was Abraham B., the subject of this biographical sketch. Abraham B. Johnson was reared on his father’s farm, and for a time attended the common schools of that vicinity. He then moved to Kutztown and began studying for the profession of a dentist, and at the same time engaged in practice with his brother, BERKS COUNTY 383 H.L. Johnson. After receiving his diploma, he bought out his brother's business in Kutz- town, and practiced dentistry there until 1880, when he moved to Reading, but still held his first office. He was successfully engaged in practice in these two cities for three years, when he returned to Kutz- town, where he took up his permanent resi- dence, and purchased a handsome three-story brick building on Main street, which he later sold to Dr. E. L. Hottenstein. He then pur- chased the Dunymore Block, which he remodeled and in which he now resides and has his office and dental parlors, which are the neatest and best furnished in his section of the county. He is a natural student and has a complete mastery of his profession, doing his work by the latest improved methods. His workmanship is highly satis- factory, and draws for him the patronage of the leading people of Kutztown and the sur- rounding districts. He is genial and good natured, and is very popular with his fellow- citizens, who esteem and respect him as a kind neighbor and a dutiful citizen. He is also actively interested in the advancement of the interests of the village, and is closely identified with all enterprises tending to that end. Besides owning property in Berks County, he has considerable valuable real estate in Kansas. Dr. Johnson was united in hymeneal bonds with Catherine O. Bieber, and they became the parents of one son, Edgar B., who was born in Kutztown, February 1, 1891. In the same year he was bereaved of his wife, who died at the age of thirty-seven years. On May 11, 1898, he married Minnie J. Mannon, of Schuylkill Haven, Pa., daughter of the late John W. and Sally Mannon of that place. In religious belief he is a Lutheran. Politi- cally, he is a stanch Republican, and although he is a leading politician of the community, he has only held local otfices and served as judge of elections. ++. al H. EGOLF, dealer in general merchandise and coal, and one of the progressive business men of Douglass- ville, was born in Pottsville, Pa., Sep- tember 8, 1843, and is a son of Hezekiah B. 384 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES and Lovina (Potts) Egolf, and grandson of Adam Egolf. Adam Egolf was a native of Rockland township, Berks County, and was a shoe- maker by trade. From Rockland township he went to Earl township, where he engaged in the pursuits of an agriculturist; later he moved to Amity township and engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in 1873, aged eighty-three years. He married Elizabeth Bunn, who came from an old Schuylkill family, her father being one of the prominent men in Schuylkill Valley. They were the parents of five children,—two sons and three daughters. Hezekiah B. Egolf, the father of our sub- ject, started in life as a farmer, farming on the old homestead for a number of years, and then engaged in milling at the Six-penny Mills, Union township, for twenty years. He then moved to Chester Springs, Chester County, Pa. where he operated a mill for one year and six months, when, in 1867, he moved to Douglassville, this county, and _be- came station agent for the P.& R. R. R., which position he held for eleven years. During that time he also.owned and operated a coal yard, and when he resigned his posi- tion with the railroad, he added to his coal business a lumber yard, and carried on these lines of business until his death, which took place in November, 1887. During his early manhood days he taught school for a short time, and then operated a_horse-power thresher, which was the first thresher ever in use in his section of the county. Mr. Egolt was an untiring Democrat, and a leader ‘in his community, and served as a school di- rector and in several other township offices. He was an active member of the Lutheran Church. Socially, he was a member of the LO. @. F. He married Lovina Potts daughter of John Potts, who was a well-to- do farmer of Amity township. They were the parents of eight children, who were as follows: John H., the subject of this sketch ; Abigail, deceased; Emily Frances, widow of the late Walter M. Young, a coal dealer in Douglassville ; Annie, deceased; Franklin P., who died in his boyhood days; Ellen and Elizabeth, both of whom died in infancy ; and Bertha Kate. John H. Egolf was educated in the public schools and at the Philomathean Institute at Birdsboro. Leaving school, he entered the mill owned by his father and learned the trade of a miller, which he followed until 1867, when he took charge of the station at Douglassville for the P.& R.R.R. Healso kept books for his father in his coal business until June, 1877, when he purchased the store of Charles H. Hine, and has since conducted a general mercantile establishment. Mr. Egolf carries a large variety of goods, such as are required in a country store, and by his honest and straightforward ways of dealing he has built up a large patronage. Upon the death of his brother-in-law, Mr. Young, he took charge of-the coal yard he operated, and carries on this line of business with great success. He was one of the organizers of the Douglassville Iron Co., which was organ- ized in January, 1887, with a capital stock of $30,000.00, and has been treasurer ever since it was formed. He is a director and treas- urer of the Douglassville & Yellow House Turn Pike Co.; director of the Reading & Perkiomen Turn Pike Co.; and was a direct- or for fifteen years and president for ten years of the Phoenixville Mutual Fire Insur- ance Co. Our subject is a stanch Democrat in political views, and served as postmaster of Douglassville during Cleveland's adminis- tration. He has represented his fellow-citi- zens in county and state conventions, and has also served as a school director and assistant assessor. He and his family hold member- ships in the Lutheran Church. He was joined in marriage, March 8, 1878, with Liz- zie J. Conard, daughter of the late Adam Conard, who was formerly ot Montgomery County, and later of Lewisburg, Union County, Pa. Mr.and Mrs. Egolf have reared the following children: Nellie ; Mabel; John; pu Frances Elizabeth, all of whom reside at ome. served as stamp deputy in the First Revenue District of Pennsylvania since _, October 16, 1897, is a highly respected citizen of Shoemakersville, but is a portion of the time located in the city of Reading, Te G. BECKER, who has efficiently REV. HENRY MOSSER, D. D. BERKS COUNTY 387 where the duties of his position call him. He is a son of Israel M. and Elizabeth (Gruber) Becker, and was born September 11, 1859, in Shoemakersville, Perry township, Berks County. His paternal great-grandfather was John Becker, who was of German birth, and re- sided in the vicinity of Shoemakersville, where he was engaged in tilling the soil until his death. His son, David Z. Becker, was the grandfather of our subject, and was born on the old homestead. He lived in that sec- tion of the county for many years, and, like his father, was engaged in agricultural pur- suits. In his political affiliations he was a member of the Democratic party. He was joined in wedlock with Hannah Mengel, and they reared three children, namely: Israel M., our subject’s father; Sophia, who _ be- came the wife of Edwin Luckenbill, a farmer of Perry township; and David, who still lives on the homestead farm. Israel M. Becker was born on the old homestead October 27, 1837, where he was also reared and followed the occupation of a farmer tor many years. In 1885 he moved to the village of Shoemakersville, where he has since resided with our subject, and is still engaged in farming to a small degree. Formerly he was a Democrat in his political views, but in recent years has been identified with the Republican party. Religiously, he isa member of the Reformed Church. He was united in marriage with Elizabeth Gruber, who was born in Perry township June 9, 1838, and their union was blessed by the birth of one son,—Irvin G. Mrs. Becker is a daughter of John Gruber, and grand- daughter of George Gruber, who was a resi- dent of Perry township. John Gruber was born in that township, where he was also a life-long resident, being one of the good sub- stantial citizens of the community. Irvin G. Becker was reared on the farm, and obtained his education in the public schools of Shoemakersville, after which he be- came interested in the manufacture of farm- ing implements upon his father’s farm. He remained in that business for two years, when he became associated with six other gentlemen, and, organizing the Keystone Dynamite & Powder Co., manufactured dy- namite and blasting powder for a period of ten years. He was then engaged in conduct- ing the Mansion House in Shoemakersville until October 16, 1897, when he received his appointment to his present position, that of stamp deputy for the First Revenue District of Pennsylvania, in which capacity he has since continued. To the position is attached considerable importance and responsibility, for his is the only stamp office in the district outside of Philadelphia, and an average of $70,000.00 per month passes through his hands. He has proven that he is eminently the right man in the right place. Decemher 21, 1878, Mr. Becker and Caro- line Baer, a daughter of David Baer of Perry township, took upon themselves marriage vows, and they are the proud parents of one son, Israel C., who was born August 25, 1883. Politically, our subject is a Republican, and has always taken an active interest in the weltare of his party. He has served fre- quently as delegate to county conventions, and in 1896 was delegate to the state conven- tion at Harrisburg. He has served as com- mitteeman in his township for many years, and is now serving in that capacity. Social- ly, he isa member of Vaux Lodge, No. 406, F. & A. M.; Excelsior Chapter, No. 237, R. A. M. of Reading; Reading Commandery, No. 42, Knights Templar; Rajah Temple, A. A.O.N. M.S. In religious attachments he is a member of the Reformed Church. ++ EV. HENRY MOSSER, D. D., who for the past twenty-five years has faithfully officiated as pastor of the First Baptist Church of Read- ing, is a God-fearing man, who by the Christian bearing which he manifests toward everyone has endeared himself to the mem- bers of his parish. He is a son of Daniel and Magdalene (Holstein) Mosser, and was born in Myerstown, Lebanon County, Pa., August 1, 1837. He is of sturdy Germany ancestry, as his great-great-grandfather, John Adam Mosser, was born at Strasburg-on-the-Rhine, and in 1728 came to America with his wife, locating at Myerstown, where he purchased a tract of 300 acres of land, a portion of which still re- mains in the possession of the family. His 388 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES son, Nicholas Mosser, the great-grandfather of our subject, was one of the early citizens of that community, and passed through the vicissitudes which characterized the life of a pioneer farmer. Much trouble was experi- enced with hostile Indians, as a result of which a number of his family met their death. Nicholas Mosser, our subject’s grand- father, also pursued agricultural pursuits, and passed safely through the many trials to which his father and his family had been sub- jected during those early days. They were eminently respectable people and reared their children under religious influences. A characteristic of this family is that the male members were all large of stature and of excellent physique. Daniel Mosser, the father of our subject, was a native of Myerstown, Lebanon County, where he was engaged in tilling the soil dur- ing his entire life. Like his forefathers, he was an active worker in the Reformed Church, and was a member of Tulpehocken Trinity Church, which his ancestors aided in estab- lishing. He assisted in organizing a branch church at Myerstown, in which he and his family were active workers. He passed into the world of rest in 1877, his wife having preceded him three years. As a result of his union with Magdalene Holstein, one son and three daughters were born. Our subject obtained his intellectual train- ing in Myerstown Academy, and at Franklin and Marshall College, from which institution he graduated in 1858. He then took a course in the Mercersburg Theological Seminary, by way of preparation for the ministry, and was ordained to preach August 12, 1860. Im- mediately, thereafter, he accepted the Lan- disburg charge, filling the pulpits of four churches. His next pastorate was in St. Paul’s Church of Lancaster, which he re- tained until 1868, when he moved to North- umberland County, serving three congrega- tions until January 11, 1873. He then located at Reading and became pastor of the First Baptist Church, immediately springing into tavor with the congregation. Under his skillful guidance, the church has prospered and the membership has increased wonder- fully. The church was rebuilt in 1806 at a cost of $40,000, and is now one of the hand- somest edifices in the city. Dr. Mosser is an earnest and eloquent speaker, and _ fearlessly lays his convictions before his hearers in such a manner as to leave lasting impressions upon their minds. His sermons were for- merly in the German and English languages, but since September, 1891, they have all been delivered in English. Dr. Mosser has twice taken marriage vows; his first union, occurring in 1860, was with Catherine Schock, and seven children blessed their home: Lizzie I.; Maggie H.; Clara; Samuel S.; Dorothea; Rachel; and Charles. Mrs. Mosser folded her hands in final rest in 1874, and he formed a second alliance with Sarah E. Powers of Lancaster, Pa., October 3, 1877, and one daughter, Mary W., has been born to them. It gives us pleasure to present on another page an excellent portrait of Dr. Mosser, who is most highly regarded by all good citizens of Reading for his valuable services in the cause of morals and law. 8S EV. GEORGE B. SMITH, of Kutz- town, Maxatawny township, is en- gaged in the blessed work of the Master, preaching and ministering to the spiritual needs of his flock in the Re- formed Church of Maxatawny township. His faithful service to his community is wor- thy of special notice, and we therefore take pleasure in presenting the salient points of his life, adding to such an account whatever other facts of interest present themselves to us, which will enlist the attention and consid- eration of those who chance to read this vol- ume. He was born in Maxatawny township July 8, 1867, and is a son of George L. and Louise (Dutt) Smith. George Smith, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born in Lehigh County, Pa., and accompanied his father, George Smith, to Berks County, where they located on the farm in Maxatawny township, which is now owned by the father ot our subject. George Smith, the grandfather of our subject, was born on the homestead, and followed the pursuits of an agriculturist all his life. He was one of the progressive farmers of his community, was honest and upright in all his dealings, and was called upon to hold public BERKS COUNTY 389 office, the duties of which he faithfully dis- charged. He was wedded to Lydia Leiben- sperger, a native of Lehigh County, and they reared the following children: Stephen, deceased ; Caroline, who passed from this life at the age of seven years; David, a farmer of Lehigh County, was united in wedlock with Catherine Adams; George L., the father of our subject; Alfred died. aged six years: James, deceased; and Rebecca, the wife of John Kemp of Long Swamp township, this county. George L. Smith received his education in the common schools, and then worked on the old homestead until 1854, when he moved to Lehigh County and engaged as a clerk in a store. Three years later he returned to Maxatawny township and took charge of the old homestead. Hehas made many improve- ments since taking possession of the farm, and is one of the enterprising farmers of his community. Beside carrying on general farming, he also has much to do with stock raising. He was joined in Hymen’s bonds with Louise Dutt, a daughter of Thomasand Henrietta (Strauss) Dutt; her father wasa farmer of Maxatawny township. Five chil- dren blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and were named as follows: Lizzie, born August 2, 1865, is the wife of Edwin Moyer, a resident of Maxatawny township ; our subject was next in order of birth; Dr. James, a physician of Topton, this county, was united in marriage with Mary Richards; Anna was married to George Stump, a car- penter of Allentown, Pa.; and William, who resides with his parents. Mr. Smith has been a trustee for many years of the Reformed Church of Maxatawny township, of which he and his family are members. In politics he is a strong Republican, and has held sev- eral local offices. Rev. George B. Smith received his intel- lectual training in the Keystone State Nor- mal School, and was graduated in 1889 from Franklin and Marshall College of Lancaster, Pa. Hethenentered the theological seminary. at Lancaster, and graduated with the class of 1892. Upon being ordained to preach, he was sent to Maxatawny township to take charge of two congregations, and a short time later he was given charge of two more in Kutztown. Rev. Smith is a very fluent and convincing speaker, and brings home the blessed truths to be found in the life of Christ to the hearts of his hearers, outlining their duties to God forcibly and distinctly; not alone in the pulpit does his ability show forth in the best light, but also in bringing before each repentant sinner the plan of a personal salvation, free to all who will accept of it. Rev. George B. Smith chose tor his life companion Mary L. Reynolds, a daughter of Stephen Cromwell and Mary L. (Capwell) Reynolds, the former a farmer living near Factoryville, Pa. Mr. Reynolds died at the age of seventy-two years, and Mrs. Reynolds when forty-nine years of age; their family consisted of five children, namely: Sevelle Laura; Napolecn Bonaparte: Stephen Marion: Harry C.; and Mary L., the wife of our sub- ject. Our subject and wife are the parents of one child, Arline Augusta Reynolds, born September 4, 1896. Rev. Smith is a Repub- lican in politics; in social circles he is a member of Huguenot Lodge, No. 377, F. & A.M. of Kutztown. ——_—_—+2o—____ OHN L. D. KOHLER, who is a suc- cessful farmer and stock raiser of Maxatawny township, was born in the house in which he now lives April 2, 1867, and is a son of Henry and Susanna (De Turk) Kohler; the ‘former a native of Greenwich township and the latter a native of Oley township. Adam Kohler, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was born in Greenwich township, and was there engaged in agricultural pursuits all his life. One of his children was Henry Kohler, the father of our subject, who has been a life-long farmer and stock raiser, and is now residing in Greenwich township. He has been twice married. His first wife was Sarah Butz, who bore him two children, both of whom are deceased. He formed a second matrimonial alliance with Susanna De Turk, and they reared nine children, as follows: Sarah; Adam; John L. D., our subject; Charles, who married Salina Heffner ; Susan, the wife of Charles Heffner, a farmer of Greenwich township; Emma married Wil- liam Kutz, who operates a mill in Greenwich township; Alice was wedded to Jonathan 39° Greenawald, a teacher residing in Greenwich township; Moses, deceased ; and Elmer. The mother of our subject died in May, 1894. John L. D. Kohler received his early men- tal training in the common schools of his native township, and from his boyhood days he has always had a liking for the farm; when he grew to maturity, he took charge of the old homestead, and has remained upon the same until the present time. The farm consists of 128 productive acres, on which most of the improvements have been made by our subject and his father; when our sub- ject’s father took possession of the farm, there stood upon it a log cabin, in which he lived for many years; to-day on the’ site of that primitive structure there stands a large and commodious brick house, in which our subject now resides. Our subject carries on general farming, but his main business is stock raising and dairying, in which he is most successful. In December, 1888, Mr. Kohler and Ella Moyer were happily mar- ried. Mrs. Kohler was born in Greenwich township October 6, 1865, and is a daughter of John and Hettie (Dietrich) Moyer. Their union was blessed with the following chil- dren: Hattie, born August 24, 1889, and George Washington, born February 22, 1893. Mr. and Mrs. Kohler are both church mem- bers—he is a member of the Lutheran Church, while she is a member of the Re- formed Church. In political views, our sub- ject is an unwavering Democrat. He is respected and esteemed for his sterling worth and integrity as a man, neighbor and a citi- zen, and holds the good will of all who know him. $+ 2e____—__ prominent citizen of the city of Read- ing is a familiar one in the business circles of Berks County, where he is a leading figure. He is without exception the largest manufacturer of red building and ornamental brick in the county, and is inti- mately connected with many of the most im- portant commercial and financial interests of this section. As an organizer and promoter of new enterprises, his ability is unques- tioned, and has given him the business pres- J H. PRINTZ. The name of this BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES tige he now enjoys to so fulla degree. Mr. Printz is a son of John and Rosanna (Hill) Printz, and was born in the city of Reading March 31, 1831. The Printz family is of German origin, and holds a place among the oldest families of the county. Our subject’s great-grandfather came to America prior to the American Rev- olution, and settled in Reading on Ninth street below Franklin, where he followed his calling, that of a stocking-weaver. His son, Frederick, was born in Berks County, in all probability in Reading, and lived to be sev- enty-five years old. Frederick Printz was a carpenter and builder, a pioneer of his trade, and was skilled in all the lines of work that are employed in building houses, except plastering. The father of our subject, John Printz, was born in Reading August 18, 1801, and lived there all his life, engaged in carpentry work, dying in August, 1880. He was a Democrat in politics, and filled many of the local offices, being a member of the council for a number of years. He was a member of the German Reformed Church. His wife was Rosanna Hill of Spring township, who died in 1866, aged sixty-six years. Of their family of five boys and two girls, three sons and one daugh- ter are now living. Following is the record: Henry, deceased; William, deceased; Susan Ann, the wife of William Orth, both now de- ceased; Christina, wife of George Bickley of Reading; John H., our subject: Levi H., whose life history appears on page 118. of this work; and Frederick, a respected citi- zen of Reading. John H. Printz was educated in the com- mon schools of Reading, and at the early age of eleven years he was apprenticed to the brickmaking trade under John Darrah, who was an extensive manufacturer of bricks, having his brick-yard on the present site of the Reading Hardware Works. After complet- ing his apprenticeship, Mr. Printz worked as a journeyman under various manufacturers un- til he married, when he was employed in a rolling mill fora time. At the age of twen- ty-three years he went into business as a brick manufacturer. Having been foreman of a yard on North Tenth street and Pricetown road, he knew its capabilities, and purchased it, with Michael Sands as a partner. To- BERKS COUNTY 391 gether they operated the plant until 1865, when Mr. Printz bought his partner’s inter. est and disposed of it to a cousin, Daniel D. Graul, who with him constituted the firm until 1877, when J. L. Moyer was admitted as a partner to the firm, which then became known as Printz, Graul & Co. The firm was dissolved in 1880, our subject continuing in the business alone until 1883, when he asso- ciated with him his son, John Thomas Printz, and his son-in-law, George B. Clouser. Mr. Printz’s brick-yard has figured for many years past, and still does, as the largest pro- ducer in the county. As high an average as 60,000 bricks per day has been kept up for long periods, and over a hundred hands have been employed at a single time. He is one of the very few manufacturers of ornamental red brick in the country, and therefore his product meets with a ready sale. Mr. Printz was one of the prime movers in bringing about the founding of the Reading National Bank, and has been a director of the same since its organization. He was one of the promoters of the East Reading Elec- tric R. R., whose line extends from Ninth and Penn streets to the Black Bear Inn in Exeter township; he became a director of the com- pany, and still holds this position. The scheme for building a public cold storage building in Reading tound in him one of its strongest supporters, and his valued backing assisted in the organization of the Reading Cold Storage Co., in 1884, with a capital stock of $150,000.00, he becoming a director of the same. The company erected a spa- cious cold storage building at Elm and Reed streets, which they were forced to enlarge in 1895 to accommodate the increased demands for space. He is a director of the Reading Brewing Co., having aided in its organiza- tion. He is also a director of the Reading & Southwestern R. R.,and a stockholder in the Adamstown R. R., which extends from Mohnsville to Adamstown, the road being an extension of the Reading & Southwestern R. R. He was one of the promoters of the Neversink Mt. R. R. and the Penn Gravity R. R., and owns many shares of stock in both companies. Politics, especially local politics, have -claimed much of our subject’s attention, and he has been a Republican ever since he has had a vote. A high protective tariff has in him a stanch supporter. He has served in the Common Council of Reading three terms,- twice being elected from the Third Ward and once from the Fourth. He is a member of the Junior Order of United American Me- chanics. In fraternal relations he is a mem- ber of the following Masonic societies: Chandler Lodge, No. 227, F. & A. M.; Chap- ter, No. 152, R. A. M.; DeMolay Command- ery, No. 9, Knights Templar; and Rajah Temple, A. A.O. N. M.S. He was a mem- ber of the company of twelve men who built the Masonic Temple in Reading, which com- pany still owns it. The St. Andrew’s Re- formed Church includes him among its mem- bers. Mr. Printz has been twice united in mar- riage. His first wife, Matilda Totton, who died in 1877, bore him three children, name- ly: Alice C., wife of George B. Clouser, our subject's partner in the brick business ; Harry C., a conductor on the Philadelphia & Read- ing R. R.; and John Thomas. John Thomas Printz, the eldest of the family, died July 12, 1896, when aged forty-three years, his birth having occurred June 2, 1853; he had been associated in the brick business with his father. Mr. Printz married, as his second wife. Catharine Bulles, by whom he has four daughters: Anna; Laura; Bessie; and Cath- arine, deceased; and one son, Wellington Phillip John. a ——— AVID G. GABEL, one of the en- terprising citizens of Boyertown, Berks County, Pa., and proprietor of the Morysville Mills and Coal Yards, is a son of David and Mary (Gabel) Gabel, and was born on the old Gabel home- stead, in Gabelsville, Colebrookdale town- ship, April 5, 1848. Our subject received a good education in the public schools of his native town, and started out in life as a clerk in a store at Ga- belsville; from there he went to Philadelphia, and-clerked for Samuel L. Gabel, a dealer in produce. After remaining with Mr. Gabel about one year, our subject went into the store of Amos Dottrer. He next engaged in business for himself, opening a flour stall 392 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES and farmers’ market on Market street, be- tween Eleventh and Twelfth streets, and there conducted his store in a successful manner until 1870, when he and his brother, Ephraim G., engaged in the coal business in Boyertown. From 1874 to 1881 our subject was successfully engaged in tilling the soil in Colebrookdale township, and in 1886 he pur- chased a farm and the mill property at Kim- berton, Chester County, Pa.; later he moved his family to Boyertown, Berks County, and he himself went to Gabel Colony, Virginia, and managed his Uncle Henry’s farm for the succeeding nine months. Disliking the farm- ing methods of the South, he returned, in 1887, to his family at Boyertown, and with his brother, Daniel, operated the Morysville Mills and Coal Yards until 1894, when he purchased the interests of his brother and has carried on the business in a progressive manner to the present day. He carries a large stock of flour, coal of all kinds, and makes mill feed a specialty. In 1870 he was united in marriage with Emma Smith, daughter of Hillery Smith, of Perkiomenville, Montgomery County, Pa. Asa result of. this happy union six children were born to them, namely: Laura, the wife of William H. Christ of Tamaqua, Schuylkill County, Pa.; Mamie, who married Henry Kauffman, a photographer; Thomas, a teach- er in Colebrookdale township; Ella, who re- sides at home; Emma, deceased; and Eddie Chester, who attends school in Boyertown. Mr. Gabel is a charter member of Camp No. 104, P.O. S. of A., of Boyertown. Relig- iously, he is an active member of the Luther- an Church. The great-grandfather of Mr. Gabel, with his young wife and a son Henry, a year old, bade adieu to his native place in Alsace, Ger- many, in 1735, and started for America; but he never reached this country, for he died at sea soon after the journey commenced. Up.- on Mrs. Gabel’s arrival, she was met at the wharf by Jacob Latchaw, a widower and farmer of Colebrookdale township, this coun- ty, who was looking for a housekeeper. Mrs. Gabel was welcomed to the home of Mr. Latchaw, and they were happily married a short time afterwards. Later they moved to Chester Springs, where they spent their re- maining days. Henry Gabel was reared and brought up on the homestead of his step-father, which contained 500 acres, and was a part of the 1,000 acres which the Potts had purchased from the Penns’ estate. There stood an old grist mill upon the farm, which was operated by Mr. Gabel, who also carried on general farming the rest of his life. He went to his reward at the age of ninety-four years. He was wedded to Miss Buckwalter, by whom he was made the father of two sons and six daughters. Jacob Gabel, the maternal grandfather of our subject, inherited part of the old home- stead and the mill property, and successfully carried on general farming and milling. He was joined in wedlock with Catherine Hoch, who was born in Chester County, this state, and they reared a large family of children. John Gabel, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was reared upon the old home- stead and followed the trade of a miller, working in the mill that stood upon the es- tate. Later he farmed part of his father’s estate and. was one of the progressive farmers of his district. He was a man of great physical strength and undoubted courage, was over six feet in height, and tipped the scales at 425 pounds. He married Elizabeth Schantz, and they became the parents of the following children: Jacob and John both moved to Canada; Frank, who lived in Indiana: Abra- ham, who operated a part of the old home- stead and conducted a grist and saw-mill; Henry was one of the successful farmers of Pottstown, Montgomery County, Pa.; David, the father of our subject; and four sisters, on of whom married into respectable fami- ies. David Gabel was born on the old home- stead in August, 1808, and died in 1880. He was one of the foremost agriculturists of Berks County, and was a gentleman respect- ed for his sterling qualities. He was a farm- er by calling, and was engaged in the prose- cution of his vocation all his life. He also operated the grist mill which he built on the old Gabel estate in Gabelsville, this county, and which is now owned by his son Henry. In his religious views he was a member of the Mennonite Church. He was united in marriage with Mary Gabel, his cousin, and daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Hoch) WALTER B. BIEBER. BERKS COUNTY Gabel. To Mr. and Mrs. Gabel were born six sons and four daughters: Hannah, widow of the late Daniel Leidy of Boyertown; Ephraim G., whose biography also appears in this book; William, who died aged twen- ty-eight years; Lavina, deceased; Elizabeth, the wife of John H. Boyer of Amity town- ship, this county; Catherine married Harris Harbold of Amity township; Henry, who runs the mill on the old homestead; David G., the subject of this sketch; Jacob, one of the enterprising farmers of Colebrookdale township; and Daniel, who is successfully engaged in farming on the old homestead. SSO ALTER B. BIEBER isa native of Kutztown, Pa., and one of its lead- ing and most popular merchants. He is the second son ot Joshua S. Bieber, who enjoyed the reputation of being one of the most successful and sagacious business men of the community. The Biebers were among the early settlers of the East Penn Valley, and their descendants to day com- prise numerous families in Maxatawny and adjoining townships of Berks County. They have been among the progressive, conserva- tive and substantial citizens of Eastern Berks, having largely contributed to the develop- ment of its natural resources, while being at the same time prominently identified: with the advancement of its educational and relig- ious interests. The Bieber family is of Ger- man extraction, the original progenitors in this country having been Johannes, Dewalt and George Bieber, three brothers, who to- gether emigrated from Germany on the ship “Friendship,” arriving in port at Philadel- phia, Pa., November 2, 1744. Of this trio of brothers, Johannes Bieber was the great- great-grandfather of Walter B.. Bieber, the subject of this biographical sketch, and the direct ancestor of this branch of the family in Berks County. Johannes Bieber was born in Germany about the year 1725. Before he had attained his majority he left his native country for America, and upon his arrival at Philadel- phia, in 1744, he located in Chester County, Pa. During the Revolutionary War he en- 19 395 listed in the Continental Army, serving un- der General George Washington. He suf- fered the hardships and endured the priva- tions of Washington’s Army at Valley Forge during the winter of 1777-78. The untold suffering of the soldiers, many of whom were barefooted, and with little food or clothing, inevitably brought death in its wake. Under these adverse conditions, Johannes Bieber contracted camp fever and died at Valley Forge, in the service of the American Army, at the age of fifty-two years. He lies buried on a farm near Eagle, Chester County, Pa. Among the children of Johannes Bieber was a son, John, born May 1, 1748. At an early age John Bieber emigrated from Ches- ter County into Berks County, locating in Maxatawny township, where he purchased the tract of land now occupied by Isaac Bieber, about two miles east of Kutztown. There John Bieber carried on farming suc- cessfully for a number of years. Subse- quently he purchased the farm now owned by Rev. B. E. Kramlich, just beyond the northern limits of Kutstown, and there, in 1844, he died at the ripe old age of ninety-six years. John Bieber was united in marriage with Elizabeth Schaeffer, daughter of George Schaeffer of Richmond township. The chil- dren of this union were: Isaac; Dewalt; John S.; Capt. Daniel; George; Elizabeth ; Polly ; and Catharine. Of this issue, Dewalt Bieber was the grand- father of our subject, and a prominent mer- chant of Kutztown in the early part of the present century. He lived in an age when railroads were as yet unknown. In those days the only means of transportation was over rough country roads, large four-horse teams being generally used to carry goods from the centers of trade to the country mer- chant. It was in one of these four-horse teams that Dewalt Bieber frequently con- veyed produce through a wild and unsettled region to Philadelphia, a distance ot over fiitty miles, where his produce was exchanged for merchandise with which to replenish his stock. Dewalt Bieber died in 1827, aged fifty years. He was married to Elizabeth Sassaman, by whom he had the following children: Louisa, married to William Heid- enreich ; Hetty, married to Gideon Braucher; Mary, married to Stephen Balliet; Eliza, 396 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES wife of John Bechtel; Dr. William; Joshua S.; and Catharine, who died in childhood. Joshua S. Bieber was born in Kutztown August 1, 1816. The bent of his mind natur- ally led him into mercantile pursuits, and at an early age he entered the store of Heiden- reich & Kutz, where he became thoroughly acquainted with every detail of the business. The thorough training he received in the employ of this establishment eminently fitted him for a successful business career, and in 1857 he established the mercantile house of which his son, Walter B. Bieber, is the pres- ent owner. After an honorable and success- ful career in business, covering twenty-seven years, Joshua S. Bieber died in 1884. He was united in marriage with Mary Bast, daughter of Samuel and Susanna Bast. The children of this union were: Eugene D., de- ceased; Walter B., the subject of this biog- raphy; Irwin W.; Agnes E., who died in childhood; Elton S.; William J.; Henry H.; Caleb J.; and Alfred H. Walter B. Bieber, the subject of this sketch, was born in Kutztown, September 23, 1845. He received his preliminary education in the public schools of his native place, after which he matriculated as a student in Fairview Semin- ary in 1860. After pursuing his studies in this institution for an uninterrupted period of three years, he entered his father’s store as clerk, in 1863, at the age of eighteen years. In order that he might be more thoroughly equipped for an active and successful busi- ness career, he was sent to Eastman’s Business College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y.. where he took a complete course in business and bank- ing, graduating from said college in 1865. Upon his return to Kutztown, he was elected professor of bookkeeping and penmanship in Maxatawny Seminary, in which capacity he served with ability and efficiency. His even- ings were adapted to private classes, which he organized and instructed in the above-named branches. Resigning his professorship in Maxatawny Seminary, he assisted his father in the mercantile business until the latter’s death in 1884, when he personally assumed charge of the establishment, which has been greatly enlarged and improved under his su- pervision. Possessed of a temperament of untiring in- dustry, and incited by a conscientious regard for the good of others, Mr. Bieber has dili- gently devoted his energies to educational, political and religious interests. Ever since his maturity he has been prominently identi- fied with the religious affairs of his native place, serving in many useful and_honorable capacities in both Church and Sunday School. He was one of the founders of Trinity Luth- eran Church at Kutztown, and for more than a decade has been the faithful superintendent of its Sunday School. Ever since its foun- dation he has taken an active and leading part in the affairs of his Church. He is at present the chairman of the building com- mittee of the Lutheran Orphans’ Home at Topton, Pa., and is attending to the interests of the home with singular devotion. In the cause of education he has been a diligent worker, serving as school director for a num- ber of years, and being at one time president of the school directors’ convention, which re- nominated Prof. David S. Keck for the posi- tion of superintendent of schools of Berks County. Mr. Bieber has been connected with the Keystone Agricultural and Horti- cultural Society of Berks County, and at one time was president and sole manager of the Society’s affairs. Upon the organization of the Kutztown National Bank he was chosen one of its directors, and is at present serving in the capacity of secretary of the bank. In politics, Mr. Bieber has been a tamiliar figure for a number of years. Ever since he was qualified to cast a ballot, he has loyally sup- ported Democratic men and measures. He has always been an ardent and stanch Demo. crat, and in the campaign of 1896 made a number of speeches for William J. Bryan. His Democracy has never been questioned. Although no office seeker, he has held many offices of trust and honor within the gift of the people. He has several times been elected chief burgess of Kutztown, and been a dele- gate to a number of county conventions. In 1896, at the urgent request of his politi- cal admirers, he allowed his name to go before the people as a candidate for the Congres- sional nomination of the Ninth Pennsylvania District. The surprising and unexpected strength which he developed in the canvass brought forth his name as a prominent candi- date in 1898. Although he failed to secure the nomination on the latter occasion, he BERKS COUNTY 397 secured the second highest number of dele- gates, and his many political friends through- out the district predict that he will be the logical successor of the present incumbent. Walter B. Bieber was married June 1, 1876. to EllaC. Mickley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank P. Mickley of Balliettsville, Lehigh County. Their union has been blessed with one daughter, Beulah, a graduate of the Keystone State Normal School, and who lat- terly completed her education at Wilson Col- lege, and at Washington, D. C. Mr. Bieber is a man of manifold activities, and possessed of untiring habits of industry, which have made him a valuable factor in the business and religious life of the com- munity. No worthy cause, whether charit- able, religious, political or literary, ever ap- pealed to him in vain. He is ever ready to lend a willing hand in whatever pertains to the happiness and welfare of his tellowmen. Genial in disposition, sterling in his integrity, kindly in his sympathies, and unassuming in his ways, he has, in a long and active business career of more than thirty years, endeared himself to a large circle of friends. His por- trait, presented on a preceding page, will be viewed with interest by all whoare so fortu- nate as to be intimately acquainted with him. SS a) a M. HIGH, proprietor of the Amity Roller Mills, manufacturer ot choice brands of roller flour, whole- sale and retail dealer in flour, grain, mill feed, etc., and one of the respected and es- teemed citizens of Earlville, Berks County, is a son of Joel and Maria (Merkel) Hoch, and was born in Richmond township, this county, August 23, 1846. The name High, or Hoch, as it has been spelled down to the present generation, is of Swiss origin, and the first family by that name to emigrate to America settled in Oley township, this county, long before the Revo- lutionary War. David Hoch, the great-grand- father of our subject, moved to Richmond township where he spent the greater part of his life in the cultivation of the soil. Solomon Hoch, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Richmond township in 1800, and spent the early part of his life en- gaged in farming, but later moved to Kirby- ville and engaged in the hotel business for a number of years, also cultivating a small tract of land in connection with it. Selling his hotel, he continued farming some time, and then moved to Fleetwood, this county, where he remained until the time of his death, which was in June, 1874. Religiously he was a member of the Reformed Church, of which he was elder for many years. He was also a member and captain of the state militia. He was joined in matrimony with Hannah Dreibelbis, who bore him six chil- dren, of whom the following three grew to maturity: Joel, the father of our subject; Caroline, the wife of Elias Leinbach, a promi- nent hotel keeper of Bern township; and Lydia, who married Jacob V. R. Hoch, a successful farmer of Oley township. Joel Hoch, the father of our subject, was born on the old homestead, in Richmond township, January 5, 1824. He was engaged in farming, and was the owner of 130 acres of the best improved land in Richmond township. He was formerly a Whig, but when the Republican party was formed, he joined its ranks and remained identified with that political organization until his death. He served as school director for many years, and filled many other township offices. Re- ligiously, he was an’active member of the Reformed Church, and was deacon for a number of years. He was joined in wedlock with Hannah Merkel, daughter of Jacob Merkel, a prominent farmer of Richmond township. To Mr. and Mrs Hoch were born the following children: James M.,the subject of this biography; Joel, a stock dealer of Fleetwood, Pa.; A. M., a resident of Read- ing, Pa.; Jacob M., member of the firm of Hoch Brothers, dealers in coal and lumber at Lyon’s Station, Berks County, Pa.; Wil- son M., who died in infancy: Emma also died young; Solomon M., a member of the firm of Hoch Brothers; Daniel M., also a member of the firm of Hoch Brothers; Mary, deceased; Samuel is blind, and is a resident of Lyon’s Station, Pa.; and Charles M., a prominent merchant of Woodside, Del. James M. High was reared on the old homestead and was educated in the common schools, and later attended White Hall and Oley Academies, and then the Keystone 398 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES State Normal School of Kutztown. At the age of eighteen years he began to teach school, and taught five winter terms and two summer terms in the select school at Fleet- wood. September 24. 1869, he succeeded in purchasing the Amity Roller Mills, and has operated the same to the present. The prop- erty is a three story building, 42 x 56 feet in ground dimensions, the machinery is of the latest pattern, both the roller and burr processes being used, and the mills havea capacity of fifty barrels per day. His cele- brated brands are the Favorite, Sunlight and Challenge Rye Flour. Our subject also op- erates a chopping mill, and chops from eigh- teen to twenty thousand bushels of feed per annum. Mr. High chose tor his life companion Amanda Y. Dry, daughter of David Dry, late a prominent farmer of Rockland township, and they were happily married November 23, 1867, and are the parents of three children, namely: Wilson D., a miller in his father’s mills; Maria D.; and Annie D. Our subject is an adherent of the Republican party, and takes an active part in politics in his com- munity. He has served as county auditor three years; school director three years; jus- tice of the peace fifteen years; and in 1891 he was elected notary public; he is also sur- veyor, scrivener and conveyancer. He is secretary and a director of the Yellow House Creamery, and has served as director and president of the Sinking Springs Fire Insur- ance Co. With his family he holds a mem- bership in the Reformed Church, and served twelve years as elder of the same. SSS HRISTIAN HENRY RUHL. Among the most reliable and influen- tial members of the Berks County Bar, and a citizen who enjoys the respect and commendation of the community for his upright, manly bearing, is the gentle- man whose biography it is our pleasure to present here, and who is engaged in the labors of his profession in Reading. He was born August 7, 1853, at Carlisle, Cum- berland County, this state, to Jesse and Mary Ann (Gladfelter) Ruhl. The great-great- grandparents were natives of Holland, who came to America at an early day and located in Germantown, where our subject’s great- grandfather was born. The great-great-grand- father moved to Lancaster County, near Mt. Joy, and there followed the occupation of a farmer. He served in the Revolutionary War. The grandfather was born in Lancas. ter County, but took up his residence in Cumberland County in 1813, near what was North Middleton township, two and a half miles east of Carlisle. He was one of the first settlers of that region, and took up a large tract of land in what was a wilderness, and set about clearing it of the heavy growth of timber. This work was prosecuted under the most adverse circumstances, known and appreciated only by those who have passed through similar experiences. Obstacles, which to this generation would appear insurmount- able, were by them overcome as trifles, and the way opened for the high cultivation and civilization everywhere seen in the state to-day. Grandfather Ruhl was a farmer, and also engaged in lumbering, teaming and whatever work came to his hand. He also operated a still. Jesse Ruhl was born in Lancaster County, March 19, 1812, and the following year was taken with the rest of the family to Cumber- land County, where he was reared, and edu- cated in the common schools. He lived on his father’s farm, and after the death of the latter continued the work of farming, milling, and distilling. He was very prosperous in his business, and after continuing there a number of years accumulated a sufficient competency to enable him to move to Car- lisle and live in retirement. He took but a passive part in the political issues of the day, giving the best of his attention to his several business interests. He was united in matri- mony with Mary Ann Gladfelter by whom he had six children, all highly respected and well-to-do citizens of this state: Joseph re- sides on the old homestead in Cumberland County ; George is a retired business man, living in Carlisle, Pa.; Catherine is the wife of John H. Strickler of Hickorytown, Cum- berland County ; Obadiah, retired, living at Carlisle Springs; Jesse isa farmer of North Middleton township; and our subject. _ Christian Henry Ruhl received his educa- tion in Carlisle High School and Dickinson BERKS COUNTY 399 College, graduating in 1874. He then en- tered the law office of Charles G. McLaugh- lin of Carlisle to study law, and was admit- ted to the bar at that place in August, 1874, when just twenty-one years of age. He practiced there until the following April, when he moved to Reading, where he has since been located. He opened an office and built up a large practice, his clear, forcible logic and determined, energetic manner making him many friends and drawing to hima class of the most desirable clients. In 1886 his business had increased to such an extent that he deemed it advisable to have some assistance -in his work, and formed a partnership with Hon. Daniel Ermentrout, under the firm name of Ermentrout & Ruhl. He is a lawyer of ability, possessing high oratorical and literary powers, which win the sympathies of the audience, although his address is more of a logical than an emotional nature. Mr. Ruhl was married June 4, 1878, to Lizzie K. Runkle, whose father is John Runkle. They have no children. He has been actively engaged in promoting the cause of the Homeopathic Hospital ever since its organization. He was one of its charter members, and now fills the office of president, having previously served four years as secretary of the institution. In the discharge of his duties he is faithful, ener- getic and self-sacrificing. He is noble, gen- erous and charitable in disposition. In his profession he has an iron will that brooks no opposition, yields to no adverse circum- stances, and is intimidated by no danger. +2 R. HENRY BARTDORFF, a phy- sician of prominence, who has \6) been engaged in the practice of his profession in the village of Mil lersburg and vicinity since 1876, was born in that village March 31, 1852, and is a son of Dr. Daniel and Priscilla (Noecker) Bartdorff. Dr. Daniel Bartdorff, the father of our subject, was born in Lebanon County, but later moved to Millersburg, Berks County, where he was engaged in the practice of medicine until his death. As a result of his union with Priscilla Noecker, also a native of 19 Lebanon County, ten children were born, as follows: Cecilia, the wife of John A. Berger, a resident of Canton, Ohio; Dr. Henry, the gentleman whose name heads these lines ; David, whose business is that of a contractor, is a resident of New Cambria, Kansas; Wat- son, whose home is in Canton, Ohio, is em- ployed by the Berger Mfg. Co.; Sarah makes her home in Canton, Ohio; George also lives in the same place; Rebecca, John, Harriet and Mary are deceased. Dr. Henry Bartdorff obtained his intellec- tual training in the public schools and in the Keystone State Normal School of Kutztown. He then decided upon a medical career, and as a means to that end took a course in the University of Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated in 1876. Upon receiving a certificate to practice, he moved to Millers- burg, where he has since continued. He is thoroughly familiar with the intricacies of the profession, and immediately sprang into favor with the citizens of that village and acquired a large and lucrative practice. Having a true sense of professional honor, he treats his fellow members of the medical fraternity with fairness, and as a result has their good will and respect. He also carries a full line of drugs in his office, and has a large patronage in that line. In May, 1882, he was united in the holy bonds of wedlock with Kate Roehrig, who is a native of Pottsville, Pa., and a daughter of George A. and Kate Roehrig, who reside in Pottsville at the present time. Dr. and Mrs. Bartdorff are the happy parents of two children, George and Emma. Religiously, they are both faithful members of the Luth- eran Church of Rehrersburg. Politically, our subject has always been a supporter of the principles of the Democratic party. In social circles, he is a member of Bethel Lodge, No. 820, I. O. O. F. of Millersburg. or RANK Y. KAUFMAN, one of the foremost agriculturists of Oley town- ship, who has been justice of the peace since 1875, was born on the old home- stead in the above township, March 12, 1847, and isa son of Jacob and Margaret (Yoder) Kaufman. 400 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES Our subject traces his ancestry to a Swiss origin. The first definite history we have of this family is of Mary Kaufman, a widow, who with her two sons, Jacob and David, was living in Philadelphia. Jacob Kaufman died in Germantown, Pa. David, the great- great-grandfather of our subject, on Feb- ruary 5, 1733, purchased from Thomas Penn a tract of land consisting of 100 acres, pay- ing 15 pounds and to shillings for the same, and a yearly rent of a halfpenny. His son, Jacob Kaufman, the great-grandfather of our subject, inherited his father’s property, upon that worthy gentleman’s death, and carried on general farming and stock raising all his life. He was prominent in the Revolutionary War and was a warm friend of General George Washington, one of whose horses he is said to have taken care of. He furnished cattle for the Colonial Army. His son Jacob, grandfather of our subject, on May 25, 1778, took an oath of allegiance and fidelity, and became a teamster in the army commanded by Washington, but after re- maining in the service a short time, he re- turned to the old homestead and occupied himself in farming until his death. At the age of fifty years he was joined in wedlock with Miss Keim, and they reared six children. Jacob Kaufman, the father of our subject, was his father’s oldest child, and was born on the old homestead about 1813. He success- fully carried on the pursuits of an agricul- turist until 1852, when he entered the world of rest, aged thirty-nine years. He wedded Margaret Yoder, daughter of William Yoder, late a farmer of Oley township, and they reared two sons: Frank Y., the subject of this sketch ; and Hiram, an attorney-at-law in Reading, this county. Frank Y. Kaufman was brought up on his father’s farm, and was educated in Oley Academy and in the Keystone State Normal School of Kutztown, Pa. Upon leaving school he engaged in farming on part of the old homestead, having retained a portion of the original property, which was purchased from the Penns. The farm is rich and pro- ductive, and the improvements are among the best in Oley township. Our subject has a large orchard, and also is engaged in selling fruit trees. He is a director of the Maxa- tawny Fire and Storm Insurance Co.; a trustee of Oley Academy; and is a firm Democrat and has served as justice of the peace since 1875, which fact alone shows the esteem in which he is held by his fellow citi- zens. Socially, he is a member of Minne. haha Lodge, No. 154, K. of P-of Friedensburg. He is a devoted member of the Lutheran Church, of which he is an elder. July 15, 1870, he married Hannah Clauser, and they are the parents of seven children. namely ; Sallie; Emily; Lizzie, a nurse in the Uni- versity Hospital, in Philadelphia ; David, who graduated from Muhlenberg College in 1898 ; Rebecca, a nurse in the Reading Hos- pital; Rogers, a school teacher in Earl town- ship; and Mary. Sa ea at-law of considerable note in Berks County, is one of the good, substantial citizens of Reading. He is a son of Benjamin L. and Rachel (Schmehl) Snyder, and was born in Oley township, Berks County. The Snyder family is one of the oldest of Berks County, and originally came from Switzerland, John Snyder being the first of that name to cross the water and locate in America. He located in Oley township, Berks County, in 1734, where he settled upon a large tract of land and spent his life in clearing and cultivating it. In 1743 the tract became the property of his son Peter, whose son Peter fell heir to it in 1786. The last named conveyed it to Benjamin Snyder, the great-grandfather of our subject, who handed the tract down to his two sons, Peter and David. _ David Snyder, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was engaged all of his life in farming in Oley township and became a very prosper- ous man. Politically, he was a Democrat, and in his religious views a member of the Reformed Church. He was the father of five sons and three daughters, one of whom was Benjamin L., our subject’s father. David Snyder passed away in 1866, at an advanced age. Benjamin L. Snyder was born in Oley township, Berks County, and, after ob- a) et SNYDER, an attorney- BERKS taining a good public school education, taught for one year. He then engaged in the milling and mercantile business at Griese- mersville Mills, where he also conducted a saw mill. Later he moved to Exeter town- ship, where he engaged in farming and con- ducted a saw mill until his removal to Brum- bach Mills, where he conducted a store dur- ing the latter vears of his life. He passed into the unknown beyond in 1860. In relig- ious attachments, he was a member of the Reformed Church. He was united in the holy bonds of wedlock with Rachel Schmehl, and they reared the following children: Adeline, who married H. Seidel; Jefferson, the gentleman whose name heads these lines; Emma (Green); Amelia, deceased; Agnes; Mary O., the wife of Isaac De Turck; and Stockton. Jefferson Snyder, after attending the com- mon schools by way of preparation for col- lege, attended Lafayette College, graduating therefrom in 1872. He then taught school for one year, after which he read law under the preceptorship of George F. Baer, Esq., of Reading, being admitted to the bar in 1875. He has acquired a good clientage and has no reason to regret his choice of profession. He is held in high esteem by his fellow members of the bar and also by his fellow citizens. Mr. Snyder was united in marriage Octo- ber 16, 1877, with Anna L. Jaeger, a daugh- ter of Rev. Thomas L. Jaeger, and their union has been blessed by the birth of three children: Mary; Thomas; and John K. Politically, Mr. Snyder was a Republican ‘until 1884, when he became affiliated with the Democratic party. In religious belief he is a member of the Reformed Church. +24 HE ROTHERMEL FAMILY. The Rothermel family, which has been closely identified with the growth and development of Berks County for more than a century and a half, traces its ancestry back some 400 years to one Johannes Rothermel, a brave soldier who won fame and a name in the early German wars. Johannes, as the legend has it, was foremost in battle, and bathed his arm in the blood of his enemy. COUNTY His valiant deeds won foy him the title of Roth ermel (red sleeve), ard thus he became known as Johannes Roth-¢rmel. The first American ancestor of this well- known family was John Rothermel, who was born in Wachbach, Tree, in 1688. In 1708 John Rothermel formed a matrimo- nial alliance with Sybilla Zimmerman, a na- tive of the same province, and a sister of the famous General Zimmerman, of the Nether- land Army. After the birth of six children, he emigrated to America, on account of the unsettled political condition of his native country and a desire for the greater freedom of the western world. In company with a large number of other emigrants from that country, he set sail for America with his wife and children. But Providence willed that John Rothermel should never see the hospi- table shores of the new world. He became ill on the voyage, died, and was consigned to a grave in the watery deep. The remain- der of the family landed safely in Philadel- phia August 29, 1730, and in the following year they located in what is now Berks County, then Philadelphia County. The six children which blessed the union of John and Sybilla Rothermel were: Anna Maria; Law- rence; Paul; Peter; John; and Christian. Anna Maria Rothermel was born in Febru- ary, 1712, and was the eldest child and only daughter born to her parents. In 1729, prior to the emigration to this country, she was joined in wedlock with Peter Fetherolf, who was born in Wachbach, March 20, 1699, and was a sonof John Jacob Fetherolf. They did not locate with the rest of the family in Berks County, but purchased a tract of 150 acres in Macungie township, Lehigh County, where Peter Fetherolf died August 15, 1784, and where his wife died a few years later. They were both laid to rest upon their farm, which is still in the possession of their descen- dants. Lawrence Rothermel bought a tract of 150 acres in Windsor township, Berks County, in 1738, upon which he settled and became one of the leading men of that community. In. 1746 he was united in marriage with Miss Kuhns, a daughter of David Kuhns of AIL burtis, Lehigh County, by whom he had two children, as follows: Leonard; and Maria, who married John C. Romig. From this 402 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES sturdy old branch of the family are descended the many Rothermels of that section of Berks County. Paul Rothermel purchased 250 acres of land in Maiden Creek township in 1738, and re- sided upon it until the time of his death. He married Catharine Maurer in 1747, and unto them were born: Peter; Leonard; Paul; John; Jacob; and Barbara. Peter Rothermel, who was the fourth child born to his parents, was an extensive land owner in Berks County. In 1737 he became the owner of 100 acres; one year later he ac- quired 250 acres more, and in 1743 he pur- chased an additional tract of 100 acres. All of his lands lay in the fertile valley watered by Maxatawny Creek. He married and be- came the father of four children, several of whom went west and became founders of homes in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. The names of his children were: Daniel; Peter; Margaret; and Abraham. Peter Rothermel was the great-grandfather of Israel H. Roth- ermel, John H. Rothermel and Abraham H. Rothermel, attorneys, and Dr. Wilson H. Rothermel, the present coroner of Berks County, and also the great-great-grandfather of Ira P. Rothermel, attorney, Dr. John P. Rothermel and Dr. Abraham K. Wanner, all of the city of Reading. John Rothermel, the fifth child of John and Sybilla Rothermel, was born in Wachbach, January 21,1722. He purchased a tract of land consisting of 25 acres, adjoining the es- tate of his brother Lawrence, in Windsor township, Berks County, in 1747. There he resided until the time of his death, in 178s. His companion in life was Mary Sigfried, by whom he had the following children: Abra- ham; Jacob; Daniel; and John. Mrs. Roth- ermel passed away in 1809, and was laid to rest with her husband in the family burying ground upon the land now owned by Lewis Schaeffer. John Rothermel was the great- grandfather of Silas R. Rothermel, of the Reading Bar, and of Prof. A. C. Rothermel, vice-principal of the Keystone State Normal School of Kutztown. Christian Rothermel, the youngest of John and Sybilla Rothermel’s children, purchased, in 1742, a fertile tract_of land, consisting of 250 acres, in Maiden Creek township, Berks County, adjoining the property of his broth- er Paul. He married, and was the father of seven children, namely: Margaret; Sybilla; Magdalena; Amanda; Peter; and John. From this branch of the family are descend- ed Peter F. Rothermel, the famous artist, and Peter F. Rothermel, Jr., the well-known attorney of Philadelphia. Peter Rothermel, son of Peter Rothermel, and grandson of John and Sybilla Rother- mel, was born on the old Rothermel home- stead in Richmond township, Berks County, September 1,1773. He was reared upon the farm, and lived there all of his life, engaged in agricultural pursuits. He died February I, 1856, in the eighty-third year of his age, and was buried on the homestead, near Fleet- wood, which was in the possession of the Rothermel family for 165 years, and which recently became the property of Lewis Schaeffer. On February 11, 1795, he was married to Magdalena laeger, who was born January 13, 1777, and was a daughter of Frederick Iaeger. Their union was abund- antly blessed, as follows: Maria, born May 28, 1796; Catharine, October 30, 1797; Dan. iel, July 7, 1799; Susanna, January 10, 1801; Peter, November 7, 1802; Sarah, March 27, 1805; Anna, February 15, 1807; Esther, Sep- tember 15, 1808; Jacob, January 14, 1811; John, April 8, 1812; Hannah, June 17, 1814; Elizabeth, December 2, 1816; Sybilla, March * 6, 1820; and Abraham, February 11, 1822. Abraham Rothermel, the youngest of the above family, was born in Picton town- ship, Berks County, where he was reared and spent the early days of his life. He was educated in the schools of the neighborhood and in the old Pricetown Academy. Soon after his marriage he removed, with his fam- ily, to Amity township, where he reared his children. He is now spending the advanced years of his life in happy retirement in the midst of many friends, with whom he has been associated in business and socially for many years. He is a Democrat, and has always taken an active interest in political affairs, being a man ot pronounced views. In religious faith he is a member of the Re- formed Church. He was married, on Feb- ruary 7, 1848, to Magdalena Heckman, who was born June 22, 1828, and their union re- sulted in the following issue: Catharine, wife of Abraham B. Griesemer of Monocacy, . BERKS COUNTY 405 Berks County; Daniel, a well-known stock dealer, and a prominent citizen of Exeter township; Sarah A., who married Amos D. Updegrove, an enterprising business man of Philadelphia; Emeline, the wife of William Moyer of Alsace township, this county ; Har- riette, the wife of George A. Brunner of Lebanon, Pennsylvania; Rebecca, who died unmarried; Adam, engaged in farming in Amity township; William, who lives in Am- ity township, and who married Grace Lud- wig, a daughter of Lewis and Elizabeth Lud- wig of Amity, and who is also a descendant, in the fifth generation, of John and Sybilla Rothermel; and Abraham H.,a prominent attorney in the city of Reading. Magdalena Heckman, the wife of Abra- ham Rothermel, was the daughter of Adam and Katharine Heckman of Alsace township. Mrs. Rothermel was a lady of great piety and refinement, and was widely known for her benevolence and sweet womanly virtues. As a wife and mother, she was loving and beloved ; the true queen of her home, which she ruled by the law of love and noble Chris- tian example. Her sympathies and interests were not confined to her family alone, but extended over a large circle of friends and acquaintances. Her death, August 15, 1888, was a genuine sorrow to many hundreds who had come under the influence of her charity, goodness and love. She was a member of the Lutheran Church. ABRAHAM H. ROTHERMEL. Per- haps no man of his years is more widely or more favorably known in the city of Read- ing and the county of Berks than Abraham H. Rothermel, the recently elected district attorney, whose portrait is presented on the opposite page. Since his admission to the bar in 1888 he has been a prominent figure in the public eye, as one of the recognized leaders of the Democratic party, and as one of Reading’s ablest lawyers and most elo- quent advocates. Mr. Rothermel is the youngest son of Abraham and the late Magdalena Heckman Rothermel, and was born in Maiden Creek township. When he was but two years of age his parents removed to the peaceful Quaker community in Amity township, where, surrounded by the purest home influ- ences, he spent his early years. In his boy- hood he attended the schools of his township, and at the immature age of fifteen he is found as the dignified master of a village school, giving direction to the budding genius of fifty boys and girls, one-half of whom were older than their youthful teacher. After teaching several years, he entered upon a course of preparatory study at Palatinate College, Myerstown, and later at the Frank- lin and Marshall Academy. In September, 1883, he entered Franklin and Marshall Col- lege, at Lancaster, Pa., from which institu- tion he was graduated, in 1887, with the de- gree of Bachelor of Arts. The same institu- tion has since conferred upon him the honor- ary degree of Master of Arts. Immediately after his graduation from college, Mr. Roth- ermel took up the study of law under the preceptorship of the late Judge Augustus S. Sassaman. He was admitted to practice in the Courts of Berks County on November 24, 1888, and on February 26, 1893, on motion of Richmond L. Jones, Esq., was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Pennsyl- vania. In November, 1889, Mr. Rothermel entered into a partnership in the practice of law with David F. Mauger, Esq., under the firm name of Rothermel & Mauger. The partnership has continued to the present time, and has been abundantly successful. The important business interests which are represented by them, as well as the charac- ter and number of their clients, bear witness to the capacity and standing of this firm of lawyers. In politics Mr. Rothermel has always been a consistent Democrat, and he has done val- uable service for his party in many cam- paigns. He is a forceful public speaker, and his services are eagerly sought on all public occasions. In the last presidential campaign alone he delivered more than thirty public addresses in Berks and adjoining counties, His fame as an orator is not confined to his native county, nor to political circles only. He has many calls for public addresses else- where, and upon other subjects. In May, 1897, he delivered the oration at the laying of the corner stone of the Watts de Peyster Library, at Franklin and Marshall College, as the representative of the donor, General J. Watts de Peyster, of New York; and again in June, 1898, he was selected by Gen- 406 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES eral de Peyster to make the formal presenta- tion of the library to the board of trustees of the college. From 1890 to 1893 Mr. Rothermel filled the office of county solicitor of Berks. The conscientious and fearless manner in which he performed his duties in the latter office did much to procure for him the almost unanimous nomination of his party tor the office of district attorney. The handsome majorities polled for him at the recent elec tions show that he is almost as popular with the people at large as he is within his own party. Mr. Rothermel is a man of great force of character, well versed in all subjects of current interest, and is popular. with all classes of people. He is an agreeable com- panion, a pleasant conversationalist, and a true friend. He is a member of the Second Reformed Church of Reading; the Berks County Historical Society ; the Pennsylvania German Society; the Wyomissing Club; the Americus Club; and the Phi Kappa Psi fra- ternity. ++ PHRAIM G. GABEL, who is now pass. ing the sunset of life in quiet retirement from active labor in Boyertown, is a son of David and Mary (Gabel) Gabel, and was born in Colebrookdale township on the old homestead, September 10, 1835. The great-great-grandfather of our subject was bornand reared in Alsace,Germany. With his young wife, and son Henry, who was born in 1734, he left his native country, in 1735, to finda new home in America. When they were not far advanced on the ocean voyage, Mr. Gabel died. Upon arriving in’ this country, Mrs. Gabel was met at the wharf by Mr. Jacob Latchaw, a widower living in Colebrookdale township, Berks County, Pa., who was looking for a housekeeper. They were matried, and after living in Berks County a short time, they moved to Chester Springs, where they spent the rest of their happy married life. Henry Gabel was reared and brought up on the farm of his step-father, which contained 500 acres, and was one-half of the estate purchased from Potts, who bought it from the Penns’ estate. Mr. Gabel operated the old grist mill which stood upon the estate and successfully carried on farming the rest of his active days. He was united in marriage with Miss Buckwalter, and they were the parents of eight children—two sons and six daughters. Mr. Gabel passed from this life aged ninety-four years. Jacob Gabel, the grandfather of our subject on the maternal side, owned a part of the old homestead and was successfully engaged in the cultivation of the soil. He also ‘operated the grist mill which stood upon the property. He chose for his life companion Catherine Hoch, who was born in Chester County, Pa. They. reared a large family of children. John Gabel, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was reared and brought up on the old homestead, and during the early part of his manhood he worked in the grist mill which stood upon his father’s estate. Later he turned his attention toward the tilling of the soil, and was classed as one of the pro- gressive farmers of his day. He formed a matrimonial alliance with Elizabeth Schantz, and they reared a family ot ten children, who were as follows: Jacob and John, who resided in Canada ; Frank lived in Indiana; Abraham, who remained at home and operated the saw and grist mill, which stood upon his father’s farm ; Henry, who was engaged in farming in Pottstown, Montgomery County ; David, the father of our subject; and four sisters who were married and lived in Montgomery County. ; David Gabel, the father of our subject, was one of the prosperous and well-to-do farmers, who occupied an enviable position in the community in which he lived. He also oper- ated the mill which now stands upon the farm of his son Henry. Religiously, he was an active and consistent worker of the Menno- nite Church, of which he wasa member. He was joined in marriage with his cousin, Mary Gabel, a daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Hoch) Gabel. Their family consisted of the following children: Hannah, widow of the late Daniel Leidy of Boyertown; Ephraim G., the subject of this personal history ; William, who farmed on the old homestead, died at the age of twenty-eight years ; Lavina, deceased ; Elizabeth, who was joined in matri- mony to John H. Boyer of Amity township, Berks County ; Catherine, the wife of Harris Harbold of Amity township, this county ; BERKS COUNTY 407 Henry, who is successfully engaged in farm- ing on the old homestead; David G., whose narrative appears in this Book of baal dora Jacob, a successful and progressive farmer in Colebrookdale township; and Daniel, who is farming on the old homestead. Mr. Gabel entered the world of rest in 1880. Ephraim G. Gabel, whose name heads the above lines, received a common school edu- cation and spent his boyhood days working in the mill which stood upon his father’s property. In partnership with his brother Henry, he operated the mill for about seven- teen years, and in 1870, in partnership with his brother David G., he embarked in the coal business at Boyertown. In 1874 he became sole proprietor in the business, and for ten years carried it on_ successfully, finally selling his coal yards to B. M. Yost. In January, 1865, our subject was joined in the bonds of matrimony with Sarah Schaffer, daughter of John Schaffer, who was a farmer of Colebrookdale township. Mr. and Mrs. Gabel reared one child, Amanda, In relig- ious views he is a consistent member of the Mennonite Church. Like his forefathers, he is an adherent of the Republican party. Mr. Gabel has always been a resident of Berks County, and has not only labored for his own benefit, but for the moral and material welfare of the community. Honor- able, high-minded and straightforward, he has, as he deserves, the confidence and esteem of all who know him. —_— ++ —___ R. M. D. M. BARTDORFF, who | commands a large and lucrative practice in the village of Mil- lersburg and vicinity, was born in Stouchsburg, Marion township, Berks County, January 10, 1844, and is a son of Benjamin and Esther (Walborn) Bartdorff. Benjamin Bartdorff was born in Lebanon County, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits for many years. He lived a long and useful life, passing to his eternal rest in 1852, being survived. by his beloved wife ten years. Her maiden name was Esther Wal- born, and she was born in Lebanon County, where she always lived. Their happy union was blessed by the birth of eleven children, namely: Aaron, who lives at Mt: Aetna, Berks County, and is engaged in the butcher- ing business; John, a farmer of Lebanon County; Dr. M. D. M., the subject of this biographical sketch; George, a retired cab- inetmaker, who resides at Mverstown, Berks County; Lepentina, deceased; Percival, de- ceased; Peter, deceased; William, deceased: and several who died in infancy. Dr. M. D. M. Bartdorff attended the public schools and later took a course in Myerstown Academy, after which he pursued the pre- scribed course in the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated in 1867. He then moved to Millersburg, where he practiced with fair success for three years, when he moved to Schuylkill County. After a stay of three years, he returned to Millersburg, where he has since practiced. He has made a careful study of his profession and is thoroughly up- to-date and abreast of the advances of medical science. He has acquired a large practice and has many friends throughout Bethel township. His office is at his residence, and he also carries a stock of drugs for the ac- commodation of his patients. In 1867, Dr. Bartdorff was united in mar- riage with Emma Lerch, a daughter of David B. Lerch, a tanner who resided in Millersburg. The following issue resulted from this union: William, who married Agnes Holtzman, is a farmer of Bethel, Pa.; Minnie; Lizzie, de- ceased; Eva; Lillie; George; Harry, de- ceased; Charlotte, deceased; and one who died in childhood. Politically, he votes uni- formly and consistently for Democratic can- didates and principles. Socially, he is a member of Bethel Lodge. No. 820, I. O. O. F.; and of the Patriotic Order Sons of America. In religious faith and fellowship. he is a member of the Lutheran Church, and his wife of the Reformed Church. ——__—_ + Py ULYSSES S. G. BIEBER a prominent and successful veteri- 5 nary surgeon of Kutztown, was born in Maxatawny township, Berks County. Pa., April 12, 1865, and is a son of Jonathan and Bregitte (Schwoyer) Bieber, grandson of Jonathan and Catherine 408 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES (Slough) Bieber, and great-grandson of Jona- than and Catherine (Seigbert) Bieber. Jonathan Bieber owned the tarm in Maxa- tawny township now owned by our subject, and carried on general farming all his life. During the Revolutionary War, and at the battle of Germantown, when the Colonial Army was forced to retreat, they fell back and camped upon the farm now owned by our subject. Jonathan Bieber wedded Cath- erine Seigbert, who bore him eight children, namely: John; Dewalt; George; Jonathan; Catherine; Susanna; Elizabeth; and Sally. Mr. Bieber died aged seventy years; his wife died at the age of ninety years. Jonathan Bieber, the grandfather of our subject, was born on the homestead in Maxa- tawny township: not long. after reaching mature years he moved to Kutztown, and purchased the land where William Bieber now resides, and engaged in the manufacture of bricks. He married Catherine Slough, and a family of three children was the result of this union, named as follows: Daniel; Jonathan; and William. Mr. Bieber died aged seventy-three years, and his wife died aged seventy-five years. Jonathan Bieber, the father of our subject, was born on the old homestead in Maxatawny township, which he inherited upon his father’s death; it consisted of 90 acres of land, well improved, and, besides carrying on general farming, he rana milk-wagon in Kutztown. He always kept a choice herd of dairy cows, and his farm was one of the best in Maxatawny township; the barns and out-buildings were new and always in first class order. He was also a stockholder in the Keystone Agricul- ture Society, and was among the foremost leaders in any -enterprise which had for its end the advancement of the interests of his fellow citizens. He was an active Republican and represented his fellow citizens in county and state conventions, also serving as judge of elections and as a school director. He died at the age of sixty-five years. He was joined in the bonds of wedlock with Bregitte Schwoyer, and the following chil- dren blessed their home: Clara, the wife of Allen Butz; Rev. Milton J.,a Lutheran min- ister of Binghamton, N. Y.; U. S. G., the subject of this personal history; Robert, a tailor by trade; Annie, the wife of Peter Schwoyer; and Jonathan, to whom the home- stead was willed, but who sold it later to our subject. Dr. U. S. G. Bieber first attended the public schools of his native town, and then entered the Keystone State Normal School of Kutztown. Upon graduating from the latter institution, he entered Eastman’s Busi- ness College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and was graduated in 1888. He then attended the American Veterinary College at New York City, and, upon his graduation in 1892, located in Kutztown, where he has since been engaged in his chosen profession. Our subject also owns the old homestead, which he has stocked with twenty-five head of choice Jersey and Guernsey cows, and has a daily milk route in Kutztown. Dr. Bieber formed a matrimonial alliance with Maria E. Sharadin, a daughter of Henry and Abbie (Deisher) Sharadin of Kutztown. Two children have blessed the home of our subject and wife: John Henry, born in 1890; and Edgar William, born in 1894. In poli- tics, Dr. Bieber firmly adheres to Republican views, and has contributed much toward the success of his chosen party. Religiously, he isa member of the Lutheran Church; in social circles he is a member of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. In June, 1897, he was elected secretary of the Schuylkill Valley Veterinary Medical Association. SSeS ILEY L. FISHER, one of the promi- nent and honored pioneer farmers of Berks County, and a_ highly esteemed resident of Robesonia, was born in Heidelberg township, this coun- ty, November 11, 1822, and is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Lock) Fisher, and grandson of John and Rosanna (Haine) Fisher. Peter Fisher, the great-grandfather of our subject, was the first of the Fisher family to settle in Heidelberg township, where he spent his entire life engaged in the manufac- ture of paper. John Fisher was born on his father’s farm in Heidelberg township, and during his early manhood he carried on gen- eral farming, but later manufactured paper. He was united in the bonds of wedlock with Rosanna Haine, also a native of Heidelberg BERKS COUNTY 409 township, and, as a result of this union, the following children were born to them: Elea- nor; Samuel; Peter; Catherine; Elizabeth; John; Annie; Eliza; Daniel; Sarah; and Jeremiah. Samuel Fisher, the father of our subject, was born October 28, 1799, on the old homestead, where he resided the greater part of his life, successfully engaged in the tilling of the soil. In politics he was a Demo- crat. and held several township offices; relig- iously, he was a member and consistent worker of the German Reformed Church. He was united in marriage with Elizabeth Lock, who was born in 1800, and a family of five children blessed this union, namely: Mary, born March 27, 1824, was the wife of Peter Marshal, who died in 1887; Adam, born March 23, 1825, was wedded to Amelia Filbert, and they resided in Marion township, where he carried on farming; David, born April 7, 1829, and died in 1867, was wedded to Catherine Laucks, who lived near Robe- sonia; and Lizzie, born May 14, 1854, who died at the age of four years. Mr. Fisher entered the world of rest January 16, 1875; his wife joined him January 12, 1883. Our subject received his intellectual train- ing in the common schools and at College- ville, Pa, and remained under the parental roof until he attained the age of twenty-nine years, assisting his father in the labors of the farm. He then moved to Sinking Springs, this county, and for six years he conducted a general store, meeting with more than ordinary success. Selling out his store, he returned to the homestead, where he carried on farming sixteen years; he pur- chased another farm near the homestead property, and remained on that farm fifteen years, when he moved to Wernersville and farmed two years. In 1890 our subject moved to Robesonia, where he has since been living in retirement, spending his latter days in peace and happiness. He is widely known throughout the county, and is greatly respected for his many sterling qualities. Mr. Fisher, February 24, 1827, was wedded to Matilda B. Reber of Bern township, Pa, a daughter of Conrad and Matilda( Bricht) Reber. To Mr. and Mrs. Fisher seven chil- dren were given, namely: Mary, born March 13, 1852, married Albert Wenrich, a cattle dealer and farmer of Robesonia, Pa., and bore him four children—Annie, Riley, Esther, and Tillie; Samuel, born January 10, 1854, a farmer of Wernersville, Pa., wedded Ellen C. Ruth, who made him the father of one child, Riley; Annie, born September 21, 1856, died June 7, 1864; Sallie R., born March 8, 1859, was united in marriage with Dr. David Haine of Mt. Pleasant, Pa., and they have reared three children— Edna, Estella, and Raymond; Amelia Catherine, born June 9, 1861, is a fine artist; Rose Ellen, born Janu- ary 2, 1865, is a music teacher; and Matilda, born March 21, 1872, who passed from this life in March, 1873. October 5, 1890, our subject was called upon to mourn the death of his beloved companion, who was ever faithful to him, and proved to be a fond and loving mother. Politically, Mr. Fisher is a strong Democrat; in religious views, he is a member of the German Reformed Church. ++ ____- leading agriculturists of Maxatawny township, Berks County, Pa., is a man who possesses the respect and esteem of the entire community. He is a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Rahn) Heffner, and was born November 10, 1824, in Maxatawny township. Henry Heffner, the father of our subject, was a native of Richmond township, Berks County, but at an early age moved to Maxa- tawny township, where he settled on a farm near Kutztown. Inconnection with farming, he followed the trade of a shoemaker all his life, and was a very prosperous man. He was united in matrimonial bonds with Eliza- beth Rahn, a native of Maiden Creek town- ship, Berks County, and they reared four children, whose records areas follows: Anna, who died in 1894, was the wile of Francis Weidner ; Emma is a resident of Kutztown; Jacob R., who is the subject of this personal history ; and Henry, who died in 1851. Mr. Heffner folded his hands in final rest, April 20, 1855, and his beloved wife survived him nearly seventeen years, dying February 12, 1872. Toe R. Heffner, after taking the required course in the common schools, attended Franklin Academy at Kutztown. He lived Js R. HEFFNER, one of the 410 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES and worked on the home farm until after his marriage, when he purchased a grist and saw mill near Kutztown, and successfully operated it for six years. Hethen rented the mill to other parties, and finally, in 1868, disposed of it entirely. Upon leaving the mill, in 1855, he purchased the farm upon which he now resides, and turned his attention to tilling the soil and dairying. He hasa farm consisting of 168 acres of well improved land, which is well supplied with barns and out-buildings, suitable for carrying on farming in a success- ful manner. He is also quite an extensive stock raiser, and his herd is one of the finest in the vicinity, and frequently calls forth ad- miring comments, November 1, 1849, Mr. Heffner formed a matrimonial alliance with Judith Bieber, who was born in Maxatawny township, March 18, 1826. She is a daughter of John and Soloma (Featherel) Bieber, the former of whom was a farmer and resided on the farm now owned by our subject. This union was blessed by the birth of one son, William Henry, who was born August 2, 1850, and died August 3, 1889, being survived by his wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Kauffman, and two children, Robert and Mary. Our sub- ject has always conscientiously and uniformly cast his vote in behalf of the Democratic party. Mr. and Mrs. Heffner are both active members of the Lutheran Church of Kutz- town. Since 1890, Jacob R. Heffner has been president of the Berks County Agricultural Society. been connected with the iron business more or less all his life, is now secre- tary and treasurer of the Keystone Iron Works, located in Reading, Pa., and is one of the prominent and influential citizens of that city. He is a descandent of one ot the pioneer families of Somerset County, N. J., and is of Scotch-Irish extraction; his birthplace was the city of Reading, and he is a son of Jacques V. Craig, and grandson of Joseph Craig. The founder of the Craig family in America was Moses Craig, the great-great- d= HANOLD CRAIG, who has grandfather of our subject, born in 1702, who emigrated from North Ireland, some- time about 1730, with the Presbyterian Colony which formed the original church at Lamington, Bedminster township, Somerset County, N. J., where he settled and pur- chased a large tract of land, and carried on agricultural pursuits the rest of his active days; his farm is now in the possession of one of his descendants. Moses passed from this life July 31, 1777, in his seventy-fifth year, and, according to family tradition, his father was for many years Earl of Ash- burnen, Scotland. He was a member of the original Presbyterian Church of Lamington, until his death. He reared one child, Robert, who was born on the Craig homestead in Somerset County, N. J.. November 15, 1734. His life work was also that of a farmer, in which he was very successful. He was twice united in marriage and his second wife was the mother of Joseph, the grandfather of our subject. Joseph Craig was born May 2, 1780, on the homestead, which became his property when he grew to manhood, and he was engaged in the pursuits of an agricul- turist all his life. His latter days were spent in retirement in the city of Philadelphia, where he died May 13, 1860. He was the progenitor of eight children, namely: Sue; Anna (Hoffman); Sallie (Remington); Amanda (Hanold); Andrew was wedded to Caroline Miller of Reading; Jacques V., the father of our subject; John T. was joined in marriage with Ann Filbert, also of Reading; and Sims Henry was married to Kate Sebring. Jacques V. Craig was born in Lamington, Somerset County, N. J., in 1817, and although he was reared to agricultural pursuits, he learned the trade of a carpenter, which he followed during his early life in Philadel- phia, whither he had moved with his parents. Later he became a resident of Reading, Berks County, Pa., where he engaged in the iron business, operating a general rolling mill; he followed that occupation until death claimed him, which was in 1884. He was united in marriage with Fredricka Hanold, a daughter of John Hanold, a prom- inent citizen of Reading. Three sons were the result of this union, only one of whom is living, John H., whose name heads this bio- BERKS COUNTY 411 graphical sketch. Our subject’s mother en- tered the world of rest in 1881, John H. Craig received his elementary training in the public schools of Reading, and about the year 1873 became associated with his father in the manufacture of iron, and has been successfully engaged in that line of business to the present time. Upon the death of his father, he assumed charge of the iron works, and is now secretary and treasurer of the well known Keystone Iron Works of Reading. Mr. Craig is a man widely known and esteemed for his sterling worth and integrity, and is one of the fore- most in business circles of the city, Mr. Craig formed a matrimonial alliance with Louisa Stewart, a daughter of Dr. Alexander Stewart of Shippensburg, Pa. Two children bless the home of our subject and wife—Augusta S. and Helen L. The family, as far back as the records of the Craig family show, have favored the Presbyterian Church, and have been stanch Republicans in their political affiliations. ient prison’inspectors of Berks Coun- . ty,anda highly respected citizen of NN Reading, was born at Womelsdorf, Berks County, June 7, 1863. He isa son of Isaac and Elvina (Smith) Kintzer, and a grandson of John Kintzer. Adam Kintzer, the great-grandfather of our subject, was a native of Marion town- ship, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits during his entire life. He was a Whig in politics. He formed a matrimonial alliance with a Miss Leiss, and they reared a large family of children, one of whom was Jobn, the grandfather of our subject. John Kintzer was born in Marion town- ship in 1809, and later moved to Womels- dorf, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1893, at the age of eighty- four years. His calling was that of a farmer, and he was one of the good substantial repre- sentatives of that class in the community in A JOHN KINTZER, one of the effic- which he lived. Politically, his opinions dif-: fered from those of his father, and during his entire lile he voted the Democratic ticket. Religiously, he was active in his support of the Reformed Church, of which he was a member. He hada family of four children, two sons and two daughters, of whom Isaac is the father of our subject. The records of the remaining members of the family are as follows: Rebecca, the wife of William Kline, a resident of Reading, proprietor of a brass foundry; John H., who was killed as a result of an accident in 1895, was a Demo- crat and justice of the peace, and resided at Womelsdorf; and Eliza, who married Wil- liam Reeser, a resident of Reading and the proprietor of the Woodville Hotel, a well known summer resort. Isaac Kintzer, the father of our subject, after receiving a good education in the public schools of Womelsdorf, taught school for four or five years, during the winter months, and spent his summer months in tilling the soil. He then was engaged in the manufac- ture of bricks, continuing at that business for twenty years. His next business enterprise was to enter the hotel business at Womels- dorf, in which he continued for five years, but gave up the business when he received the appointment of warden of the Berks County Prison in April, 1895. He has held that position since, and has proved that he is the right man in the right place. In his political affiliations he is a Democrat, and has served as justice of the peace for seventeen years; he was deputy revenue collecter of the Fourteenth District under the first ad- ministration of Cleveland. Socially, he has been a member of the Sr. O. U. A. M. since 1859, but has never drawn any benefits. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias, and the Knights of the Golden Eagle. In religious belief he isa Lutheran. Mr. Kint- zer has twice taken marriage vows. His first wife was Elvina Smith, and to them were born six children, who are as follows: H. John, whose name heads this personal his- tory; Valeria, the wife of H. P. Keiser, an attorney-at-law of Reading; Nova D., who married George Shoup of Womelsdorf; Mary, the wife of William Kurtz of Womels- dorf; Harry, who died at the age of thirteen years; and William, private in 12th Reg., U. S. Infantry, stationed at Jefferson Barracks. His second union was with Amelia Behney, who is a woman of excellent qualities and a worthy companion. 412 H. John Kintzer received his mental train- ing in the public schools of Womelsdorf, after which he learned the trade of a moulder and followed that for three years. He then worked for one year in the employ of Jay Gould, who was then building the Inter- national R. R. of Mexico, after which he accepted a position on the Southern Pacific R. R., and was stationed at Del Rio, Texas. Later he returned to his native town and entered the employ of the P.& R.R. R. at their freight house in Reading, where he remained for five years. In 1894 he was elected prison inspector, the duties of which position he has since faithfully performed. Mr. Kintzer is a man of purpose, shrewd and energetic, and is well thought of by his fel- low citizens, who recognize his true worth. September 6, 1884, our subject was united in marriage with Adaline Keller, a daughter of Frederick Keller, a resident of Lancaster County, and their union has been blessed by the birth of one son, Earl, who was born July 2, 1885. Politically, Mr. Kintzer is an enthusiastic member of the Democratic party, and has held several municipal offices. He has frequently been called upon to serve as delegate to county and congressional con- ventions, and has always acquitted himself with credit. In social circles, he is a mem- ber of the Golden Rule Lodge, No. 157, I. O. O. F., of Womelsdorf. ++ AMUEL R. DEPPEN, a retired farmer residing in Robesonia, is held in the highest esteem by his fellow citizens, and is widely known throughout Berks County. He was born in Lower Heidelberg township November 28, 1841, and is a son of Samuel and Mary (Royer) Deppen. Joseph Deppen, the grandfather of our subject, whose name was formerly spelled Dappen, was a farmer in Berks County all his life. He was united in marriage with Miss Weigley, and they were the parents of the following children: Joseph, a veterinary surgeon of Philadelphia; Rev. Isaac, a min- ister residing at Womelsdorf, Pa; Adam married Sophia Putt,—she survives her hus- band, and resides with Richard Lechner in BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES Marion township: Mary, the wife of John Price of Reading; and Samuel, the tather of. our subject. Samuel Deppen was born in Womelsdorf, Pa., and was one of the prosperous agricul- turists of Heidelberg township. He was a very prominent man of his community and a leader in local politics. He was a Whig until that party dissolved, and then became a Republican. He was united in the bonds of wedlock with Mary Royer, a native of Leb- anon County. As a result of this marriage the following children were born: Cather- ine, the wife of -Philip Royer, a farmer of Lancaster County, Pa.; Isaac was twice mar- ried,—his first wife was Rebecca Zug, and his second matrimonial venture was with Catherine Tobias; Mary was married to William Landis of Lebanon County, both are now deceased; Susan died in her childhood; Elizabeth was united in marriage with H. B. Greybill, now deceased; Matilda, who died in 1896, was the wife of Daniel Hostetter; John R., a retired real estate broker of Mt. Morris, Ill, married Sarah J. Shellhammer > Annie married Richard A. Leinbach, a prom- inent coal, grain and lumber dealer of Robe- sonia; Sarah was the wife of Abraham Gib- ble, a farmer of this county; Lydia is the wife of L. R. Parker; and Samuel R., the subject of this sketch. Mr. Deppen entered the world of rest February 6, 1868, at the age of seventy-one years and ten months. The mother of our subject died March 1, 1862, aged sixty-four years and nine months. Samuel R. Deppen was educated in the public schools of his native township, and when he grew of age he purchased his father’s farm in Heidelberg township, and was en- gaged in tilling the soil for many years. Later he moved to Robesonia and engaged in the coal, grain and lumber business from 1866 to 1881. He also operated a stone quarry, and was agent for the Columbus Wire Fence Co. of Columbus, Ohio. Our subject has been married three times; his first wife was Sarah Ruth, with whom he was joined before the marriage altar October 1, 1863. She died October 5, 1864, and our subject was wedded to Mary Ann Neff of Womelsdorf, and she died “in 1867. He ‘formed a third marriage with Mary L. Selt- zer, a native of Womelsdorf, and daughter of JOHN A. RIGG. BERKS COUNTY 415 J. George and Priscilla (Livingood) Selt- zer of Womelsdorf. To Mr. and -Mrs. Dep- pen have been born three children, namely : May M., who graduated from the Darling- ton Seminary in the class of 1890, and is now engaged in teaching music in Robesonia; Laura G. also graduated from the Darling- ton Seminary in the class of 1890, and is an accomplished artist, having many beautiful paintings and drawings as a result of her own genius; and Ella S., who died aged eleven years. Socially, our subject is a member of the Masonic Order, Williamson Lodge, No. 307, of Womelsdorf; Reading Chapter, No 152; De Molay Commandery, No. 9, K. T. of Reading; and_ Patriotic Order Sons of America Camp at Robesonia. Mr. Deppen takes a vast amount of interest in local and general politics, and heartily supports the principles of the Republican party. He was elected a member of the school board two terms; township auditor two terms; assessor two terms; was county commissioner in 1887; and was a delegate to the National Republican Conventions of 1880 and 1884. Our subject is very highly re- garded in his community, and his opinions are sought and valued as those ot a man of delib- erate and temperate judgment and intelligent thought. He is a thorough business man, honorable and upright in his transactions, and one of the representative men of this section of the state. —_——_ +> OHN A. RIGG, president of the United Traction Co. of Reading, and a man largely interested in other in- dustrial and financial interests of the city, was born February 14, 1854. The family of which he is a member is one of the old and prosperous ones of Lancaster County, where his father, Samuel Rigg, was a successful and enterprising drover and farmer. John A. Rigg, the subject of this sketch, was reared upon his father’s farm, obtaining such an education as was afforded in the country schools of that period. Tir- ing of agricultural pursuits, for which he had but little liking, he moved to Reading when a young man, believing that the city offered better advantages than the country to 20 a young man of pluck. He secured a posi- tion and learned the trade of an iron puddler, but did not follow it long. At about this time he made a change in his line of business, taking the initial step which has since led to the position he now occupies. John A. Rigg began at the foot of the ladder in the street railway. service, taking first the position of conductor in Reading. He paid close atten- tion to every detail of the duties of his posi- tion, and so commended himself to the favor _of the company that he was on September 7, 1874, elevated to the position of superintend- ent. He remained in that capacity until June 15, 1892, . hen he was offered a still more responsible position, that of manager of the People’s Passenger Railway Co. of Philadel- phia. While in the latter city he with other capitalists organized the Reading Traction Co., a company which now controls about 75 miles of street railway. in Reading and vicin- ity. This Company leased the Reading City Passenger Railway, the East Reading Elec- tric Railway and the Reading Temple Elec- tric Railway, and Mr. Rigg has been made president of the organization. To the above mentioned railway interests, two years later was added the Reading & Womelsdorf Elec- tric Railway. April 1, 1894, he in connec- tion with two others organized, the Metro- politan Electric Co., which company leased the plant of the Reading Electric Light, Heat & Power Co., and the Neversink Elec- tric Light, Heat & Power Co. Of this Com- pany, Mr. Rigg was also made president. In addition to these interests of great magni- tude and far-reaching consequences in the growth and development of the city of Reading, he is prominently identified with other enterprises of an industrial and finan- cial nature, closely allied with the city’s ad- vancement and prosperity. Politically, Mr. Rigg isa firm believer in the principles of the Republican party, and, although evincing a lively interest in the sub- ject of politics, has never been a seeker of office except in the local government of the city, having served about ten years in the councils from the Fourth Ward. Frater- nally, he is a Thirty-second Degree Scottish Rite Mason, whilst religiously, he is a mem- ber of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Rigg and Sarah A. Baum were united in marriage on 416 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES December 27, 1872, and to this marital union have been born two sons. Walter A., the eldest, was graduated from the Medical De- partment of the University of Pennsylvania in the Class of 1895; was elected resident physician of the Reading Hospital for one year, since which time he has been actively engaged in practice on his own account in Reading. He keeps posted on the advances of medical science, and is a member of the Berks County Medical Society, the Reading Medical Association, and the Agnew Surg- ical Society. Samuel B., the second son, is a student at the University of Pennsylvania. The progress and development ot this elec- trical age has been due solely to men, who by unusual foresight and the exercise of great executive ability have been quick to perceive conditions, and to lead the way into fields heretofore untrod. A gentleman in whose career is exemplified the above qualities is the one whose name heads this sketch. Com- mencing at the foot of the ladder, he has had but one object in view, and that was to reach the top. That he has succeeded is shown by the magnitude of the enterprises of which he is the head and controlling spirit. He stands well to the front among the promoters and controllers of street railway enterprises ot the United States, and is vice-president of the National Street Railway Association. As one of the most prominent and represen- tative citizens of Reading, whose career is worthy of caretul study and emulation, it gives us pleasure to present Mr. Rigg’s por- trait on a preceding page. ——_—_2- a R. DANIEL B. McLEAN, a lead- ing physician and surgeon of ) Brumfieldville, who has. been prominently identified with his section of the county as a regular practi- tioner for the past quarter of a century, was born in Mauch Chunk, Pa., July 3, 1848, and isa son of Daniel and Mary Ann (Brewster) McLean. Our subject traces his ancestral history back to the McLean clan on the border of the highlands of Scotland ; his ancestors were forced to leave their native country because of the religious persecutions that were going on during the latter part of the eigh- teenth century. Moving to the northern part of Ireland, they engaged in the cultiva- tion of the soil. In 1832, James McLean left his home to seek a home elsewhere; emigrat- ing tothe United States, he settled in the coal regions of Carbon and Schuylkill Coun- ties in the state of Pennsylvania. He began to labor ina coal mine, where he continued to work for a short time, when he became a mine contractor and succeeded in amassing a fortune, and was one of the wealthy mine operators of that section. In the meantime he had sent money to the father of our sub- ject, who emigrated to this country and located with his brother James. He immedi- ately commenced working ina mine, where he remained until he moved to Brumfield- ville, Berks County, where he purchased a tract of land consisting of 116 acres, and fol- lowed the calling of a farmer until his death, which occurred about 1876, at the age of seventy-five years. He was a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge of Brumfieldville. Relig- iously, he was an active and consistent worker of the Reformed Church in which he held a membership. He was joined in wedlock with Mary Ann Brewster, daughter of a Mr. Brewster, who was also a native of Scot- lann, and who was among those driven from their native country during the religious per- secutions; he too came to the United States and engaged in mining in this section of the state. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. McLean, as follows: James B., a prom- inent and well-to-do farmer of Amity town- ship, whose biography and portrait are pre. sented elsewhere in this volume; Samuel B., a farmer on the old homestead; Daniel B., our subject; and John B., a graduate of the Business College of Philadelphia, who pas- sed from this earth as he was about to enter upon the active duties of life. Daniel B. McLean was brought up on the homestead and was educated in the public schools, Boyertown Academy and Pottstown Hill School. He then taught a short time, and in 1871 commenced the study of medi- cine under the instructions ot his uncle, Dr. H. D. McLean; later he entered Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia and was graduated from that institution in 1873, hav- ing taken a special course on insanity in COUNTY 417 addition to the regular work; in the same year he commenced to practice his chosen profession in Brumfieldville, this county. He has a large and extended practice in Amity township and beyond its borders, and his many years of experience have made him cool and practical in critical and important cases, causing his skill as a physician of the old school to be thoroughly relied on. For the past few years our subject has gradually given up the greater part of his practice and has turned his attention toward the calling of a farmer, as an easier and quieter life. He owns two fine and productive farms, one is the homestead of 100 acres, and the other is near Brumfieldville and consists of 70 acres.. He deals extensively in cattle, fattening them and selling them for a good price. Our subject is a Democrat in his political views, and a very pronounced and emphatic man in advocating those principles which he believes to be just and right. Religiously, he is a member of the Reformed Church. In September, 1885, he married Anna Lorah, daughter of George K. Lorah, a prominent farmer, and they are the parents of one child, Donald. J County, Pa., and was born in the above place January 6, 1860, and is a son of Edward M. and Sarah (Moyer) Miller. John Miller, the grandfather of our subject, lived in Hamburg all his life, and at the time of his death, which was in 1860, he was con- ducting a general merchandise store. He was very prominent among his fellow-citizens, and served as justice of the peace, having been elected on the Democratic ticket. He was a member of the Reformed Church. He wedded a Miss Machemer, and they had the following children: Joel, who spent the most of his life in Hamburg; Emmanuel resided in New Orleans, La.; Rebecca (Smith) is liv- ing, at the age of seventy-six years; Edward M., the father of our subject; and Caroline (Smith). The father of our subject was born in Hamburg in 1817, and was a man who pos- sessed a fine education, He was for many —_—___+<>+—______ EDWARD MILLER is an attorney- at-law, residing in Hamburg, Berks years employed as section foreman of the Schuylkill Canal and boat yards at Hamburg; after amassing considerable property, he re- tired from active work. Mr. Miller was an enthusiastic Democrat, and served as coun- cilman and burgess of Hamburg for many years; in religious views he was an active member of the Reformed Church, and served as a trustee, deacon, and held several other church offices. He was a member of the O. U. A. M. of Hamburg. He was joined in wedlock with Sarah Moyer, who bore him the following children: Clara; J. Jerome, cashier of the Hamburg Savings Bank; John R., a clerk in the Bethlehem Zinc Works; Gustavus A., a section foreman of the P., W.& B.R.R., resides in Dover, Del.; Em- ma, the wife of Dr. J. F. Isett, a well-known physician of Hamburg; Simon F., a sales- man residing in St. Paul, Minn.; and our sub- ject. Mr. Miller passed from this life May 11, 1897; the mother of our subject has passed her seventy-sixth birthday, and is en- joying her usual good health; she is sur- rounded by many warm friends, who know her to be a devoted wile, a loving mother and kind neighbor. J. Edward Miller received his intellectual training in the public schools of Hamburg, and in the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown, where he also took a special course in foreign languages, and was graduated in June, 1879, at the age of nineteen years, as the valedictorian of his class. In 1881-82 our subject taught school, and then entered upon the studies of a lawyer in the office of J. Howard Jacobs of Reading, and was admit- ted to the bar in 1883. He at once opened an office in Reading and one in Hamburg, but soon dropped the one in Reading, and gave his entire attention to his practice in Ham- burg. Mr. Miller also handles fire insurance, and represents the following insurance com- panies: Reading Fire Insurance Co.; Fire Association of Philadelphia; and the Arme- nia Fire Insurance Co. of Pittsburg. Our subject is a Democrat in politics, and has been a delegate to local, state and nation- al conventions. He isa member of the Berks County Bar Association; member and past master of Vaux Lodge, No. 406, F. & A. M.; senior ex-councilor of the O. U. A. M., and a member of Hamburg Council, No. 74, of 418 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES that order; past officer of the Knights of Friendship, Arcadia Chamber; past officer of the Reading Consistory ; was the first sitting chief and now past chief of the Knights of the Golden Eagle, Hamburg Castle, No. 477; past grand sir knight marshall of the Grand Lodge of the Knights of Friendship of Penn- sylvania and New Jersey; and the P. O. S. of A., Washington Camp, No. 78, of Ham- burg. He is alsoa member of the board of trade, and was solicitor of Hamburg for many years. February 1, 1896, he formed a matrimonial alliance with Maggie L. Romich, daughter of Lewis C. Romich, and one child has blessed their home, Mary E. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are both popular members of the Reformed Church of Hamburg. oe RANK WILDBAHN HANOLD, a prominent coal and coke dealer of Reading, and a highly respected citi- zen of that city, is a son of Lewis J. and Amanda (Craig) Hanold, and grandson of John Hanold. John Hanold, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was born in Plauen, Saxony, Germany, November 28, 1773, and emigrated to Amer- ica about 1800. He located in the city of Reading, where he successfully carried on merchandising all his active days. He passed from this earth April 27, 1847, at the age of seventy-four years. united in the bonds of wedlock with Anna Maria Wildbahn, a granddaughter of Rev. Charles Frederick Wildbahn, D. D., the first pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church of Read- ing, under whose pastorate the present church building was erected. Five children resulted from this union, and were named as follows; Lewis J.; Elizabeth W. (Kendall) ; Amelia (Muhlenberg); Fredericka (Craig); and John. Lewis J. Hanold, the father of our subject, was born in Reading, August 17, 1815, and received a good education in the private schools of that city. Attaining his majority, he went in his father’s store, where he re- mained until after his father’s death, when he closed out the business, and on July 1, 1849, he entered the Farmer’s National Bank 6f Reading, and for many years served in the October 29, 1812, he was: -family to remove to this country. capacity of receiving teller, which position he held until death claimed him, January 9, 1895. He was a valuable member of his com- munity, was held in high esteem by his fel- low-townsmen, and was a life-long member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He was joined in the bonds of matrimony April 20, 1854, with Amanda Craig, a daughter of Joseph Craig, and a great-granddaughter of Moses Craig of Lamington, Bedminster township, Somerset County, New Jersey, the first Craig to settle in America. A family of four chil- dren blessed Lewis J. Hanold’s union with Miss Craig, namely: Frank W.; Heister M. ; Amelia; and Mary; all of whom were reared and educated in the city of Reading, where they have since resided. feats W. Hanold, the subject of this bio- graphical sketch, embarked in the coal and coke business in 1891, and by his honest methods of dealing he has established a large and paying patronage. Although our sub- ject’s parents favor the Trinity Lutheran Church, he has always been a Presbyterian, and a stanch Republican in politics. ++ DWARD H. SHEARER. There are few men better known to local fame than the gentleman whose name heads this oe business man of Reading, a shrewd politician and a lawyer of merit and ability. Like Garfield and many other public men, he made his way from teaching country schools to the study of law, and from law to official life. He is ason of John and Lydia (Hertz) Shearer, and was born on January 10, 1836, in Bern township, Berks County. Christopher Shearer, the grandfather, was a native of Germany and the first one of the It is sup- posed he fought in the Revolutionary War. He located in Reading, where he was for nue time burgess, and where he afterwards ied. John Shearer, the father, was born in Reading, where he was reared and educated. He moved to Bern township and engaged in husbandry, his labor being attended with suc- cess and prosperity. He wasa strong Dem- ocrat of the Jefferson and Jackson type, and He is a prominent BERKS COUNTY 419 took an active part in the local elections, serving for a number of years as justice of the peace, in which position he was a con- stant menace to evil doers. He was twice married. The first time he was married he led to the altar a Miss Tobias, who raised him a large family of children, as follows: John Jacob; Samuel; William; George; Abram; Esther Elizabeth; Sarah; Mary; Anna; Rebecca; and Catharine, who became the wife ot a Mr. Leeds. His second mar- riage was contracted with Lydia Hertz, by whom he had but two children, Edward H. and Susan, who was killed in a railroad acci- dent. John Shearer died at the age of seventy-four years. Edward H. Shearer received his primary education in the common schools, and then took up the study of the languages, under Rev. William A. Good of Reading, who at that time was county superintendent of schools. His ambition was to become a lawyer, and in order to attain that end he began teaching school at the age of seventeen years, at the same time improving his mind by reading and hard study. Teaching was continued for about eight years in Berks County, and he then began the study of law under Charles Davis, Esq., of Reading, and was ad- mitted to the Berks County Bar in 1860. Since that time he has been actively engaged in the practice of his profession, and is one of the most prominent and prosperous law- yers of the city. In 1893 he opened a whole- sale tobacco store, which he is operating with great success, doing a large business. Mr. Shearer is one of the leading Demo- crats of the state. His entry into the politi- cal arena was made soon after taking up the practice of law, when he became city solici- tor, serving for one term. He was a per- sistent worker for the success of his party, and in 1868 he was elected district attorney for Berks County for one term. In 1880 he was sent to the State Senate of Pennsyl- vania, representing Berks County, which constituted the senatorial district. It was while Mr. Shearer was serving his term in that body that the question arose concerning the establishment of a separate Orphans’ Court for Berks County, and in this, as in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the county, he acted for the best interests of his 20* constituency, and saved the people quite a needless expense by his prompt actions. Since then he has practically retired from the field as an office seeker, although he gives freely of his time and labors to further the success of his party. In a number of campaigns he has taken the stump and rendered invaluable service to the cause, speaking either in Eng- lish or German, as the occasion demanded, and winning many voters by his clear logic and irresistible wit. He is a man of very so- ciable disposition, and has accumulated a large store of anecdotes, which are to the point, and serve a good purpose in elec- tioneering. Mr. Shearer has been twice married; his first wife was Cassandra Schoener, by whom he had one child, Elizabeth, the widow of Dr. Schultze. His second wife was Mrs. Alice L. Breneiser (nee Bingaman). He isa member of St. Paul’s Reformed Church, in which he has beenelder. He is a prominent Mason, first joining Lodge No. 62, F.& A. M., in which he remained until St. John’s Lodge, No. 435, was organized, when he became one of the charter members. He was elected the first junior warden of this lodge, and has filled all the offices in the body, finally becoming district deputy grand master, which position he held for five years. He is a member of Excelsior Chapter, No. 237, and has passed through all the chairs, and is past high priest. He is past commander of Reading Comman- dery, No. 42, and is one of those men who take a pride in the good works of their order, and whose name is an honor to the member- ship of any society ae R. AMANDUS N. FEGLEY, who is a physician located at Oley Church, in Oley township, has one of the largest and best country practices in that vicinity. He is a son of Jonas and Anna (Nyce) Fegley, and was born in Douglass township, Montgomery County, Pa., September 16, 1842. George Fegley, the grandfather of our subject, was engaged in tilling the soil in Douglass township, Montgomery County, all his life, and was one of the good substantial farmers of that vicinity. In religious belief 420 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES he was a Lutheran. He married a Miss Fox, and they reared a family of five children. _ Jonas Fegley was one of the oldest chil- dren born to his parents, and was reared on the farm. It was but natural that he should follow closely in the footsteps of his fore- fathers and choose farming as his vocation. He owned a good farm of 100 acres, and was one of the representative agriculturists of his section. Like his father, in religious belief he was a Lutheran. He was much interested in local politics, and was a sup- porter of the principles of the Democratic party. He was called upon to serve as school director for many years. Mr. Fegley’s use- ful life terminated in 1861, at the age of sixty- one years. He and Anna Nyce, a daughter of George Nyce, a late farmer and tanner of Frederick township, Montgomery County, took the mutual marriage vows, and became the parents of ten children, three sons and seven daughters, namely: Hannah, deceased ; Mary, the relict of John Dotts; Edward, deceased; Leanna, who married Levi Sassa- man; Fyetta, who is unmarried and resides in Philadelphia; William, deceased; Char- lotte, the wife of Frederick Weis; Eliza, the wife of Abner Wilt; Amandus N., whose name appears at the head of this biography ; and Sarah, a maiden lady. Dr. Amandus N. Fegley was reared on the farm, and received his primary education in the common schools of his native place. This was supplemented by a course in the academies at Frederick and Trappe. After leaving school, he was engaged in teaching for three terms. He then took up the study of his chosen profession with Dr. Francis Knipe of Frederick,:and graduated from Jefferson Medical College in the spring of 1870. His first field of practice was in the village of Balliettsville, Lehigh County, where he remained until the fall of 1870, when be returned to Jefferson Medical College, remaining there until the spring of 1871. He then located at Oley Church, where he has since been engaged in practice. He has thor- oughly mastered his profession, and is capa- ble of handling any case that may come up in general practice. He is kind and sympa- thetic, and is a friend as well as physician to his patients, among whom he numbers the leading citizens of his community. Dr. Fegley was united in marriage with Sarah Koch, a daughter of the late Tobias Koch, who was a retired farmer residing in Gilbertswille, Montgomery County. They became the parents of six children, four of whom are deceased. Those surviving are Sallie and Walton, who are living at home with their parents. Our subject is an active member of the Lutheran Church, and is serving as treasurer of the local church organization. He is trustee and ex-secretary of the Oley Cemetery. In politics he firmly supports the principles advocated by the Democratic party. Oo —___— liquor dealer and secretary of the Herb Medical Co. of Reading, is XN one of the enterprising and pro- gressive citizens of the city. He is a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Phillips) Herb, and was born in Oley township, Berks County, Pa., November 12, 1830. Henry Herb, the father of our subject, was born in Oley township, where he spent the early years of his life, and then moved to Lower Alsace. He lived there for nine years, after which he resided in Muhlenberg for twelve years. At the expiration of that time he returned to Upper Alsace, where he lived until his death. During his entire life, he was engaged in tilling the soil, and was one of the leading agriculturists of his dis- trict. In political belief he unswervingly supported the principles of the Democratic party. He was united in matrimonial bonds with Elizabeth Phillips, and they reared the following children: Maria (Worth); Josiah P.; Eliza (Bowman); Rebecca (Babb); and Henry P., whose name appears at the head of these lines. These children were all reared under the influence of a kind father and loving mother, received good school trainings, and are now a credit to the various communities in which they live. Mrs. Herb closed her eyes in final sleep at the age of fifty-five years, and her husband survived her many years, dying at the advanced age of ninety years. Henry P. Herb obtained his education in the common schools of Oley township and in Ase P. HERB, a large wholesale ALLISON A. STAMM, M. D. BERKS COUNTY 423 the public schools of Reading, after which he learned the trade of a millwright. He followed it during early life, and for a num- ber of years was employed on the railroad. He built several mills, which are still stand- ing in Berks County. He was a very skilled mechanic, and he soon acquired a wide repu- tation, and his services were very much sought for. He was even called upon to assist in building a mill in the state of Ten- nessee. After giving up his trade he was engaged in handling hard wood, and contin- ued in that line of business until 1863, when he became a wholesale liquor dealer in Read- ing. He has since engaged in that business there, and has established a custom in that line which will compare favorably with that of any other in the county. He was the originator and organizer of the Herb Medical Co., of which he was made secretary. He is a man of sterling qualities, honest and upright in all his dealings, and has the confi- dence and good wishes of his fellow-citizens. He was united in marriage with Julia Focht, a native of Windsor township, and they have reared the following children: Rose Ellen (Sayler); Sydenham; J. William ; and H. John. Socially, he is a prominent member of the following societies: Chandler Lodge, No. 227, F. & A. M.; Excelsior Chap- ter, No. 237, R. A. M.; Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; Knights of Pythias, Mt. Penn Lodge, No. 65; and Samaria Lodge, No. 32, Good Fellows. ++ LLISON A. STAMM, M. D., who is one of the most prominent physicians of Cumru township, Berks County, is a resident of the village of Mohnsville, where he lives in one of the handsomest houses of that section of the county. Heisason of William and Magda- lene (Schneider) Stamm, and was born in Bern township, Berks County, May 31, 1856. His grandfather was Frederick Stamm, who was a native of Bern and followed the vocation of a farmer throughout life. His wife’s maiden name was Garhart, and they were the happy parents of the following children: Adam; Emanuel; William, the father of our subject; Isaac; and Levi. Mr. Stamm passed into the unknown beyond at the age of sixty-five years, and his worthy wife died, in 1876, at the advanced age of eighty-four years. William Stamm was born in Bern, Berks County, and during his active life was one of the leading agriculturists of that community, but is now spending the sunset of life in retirement. MReligiously, he is a faithful member of the Reformed Church. He was joined in wedlock with Magdalene Schneider, and their union resulted in the following issue: William, a soldier of the Civil War, died in August, 1863, while in the service; Adam is a miller of Mt. Pleasant, Pa.; Albert, a miller of Centerport, Pa.; John, a farmer of Bernville; Levi, a carpenter of Reading; Frank, a farmer of Mt. Pleasant; Allison A., the subject of this biographical sketch; James, who is engaged in tarming at Mt. Pleasant; Casiah, the wife of Daniel Klein of Strausstown, Pa.; Feietta, the wife ot Jacob Shades, a farmer of Bernville; and Rebecca, who married William Lengel, a farmer of Bernville. Mrs. Stamm was called to rest in 1885. Allison A. Stamm received his primary education in the common schools of Bern- ville, and at the age of seventeen years became an instructor in the schools in Center and Penn townships, after which he clerked in a store for a year and six months. He then was engaged in teaching schoo] in Long Swamp and Topton townships, and_ later attended the Keystone State Normal School ot Kutztown, from which he was graduated in 1879. He then decided to enter the medical profession, and by way of preparation took a course in the Medical Department of the University of Vermont, graduating in 1883. In August of that year he located at Mt. Pleasant, Pa., where he entered upon his first practice, remaining there but a short period of three months, when he moved to Weath- erly, Pa. He acquired a good patronage and remained there for three years, at the end of which time he moved to Centerport, Pa. After a period of one and a half years, he located in Mohnsville in 1878, where he im- mediately sprang into favor and became established in a large and paying practice. He is a man of high principles and stands high in public estimation. Socially, he is a 424 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES member of the Berks County Medical So- ciety; Pennsylvania State Medical Society ; and American Medical Association. In 1882 Dr. Stamm was united in hymeneal bonds with Eliza Burley, a daughter of Daniel and Emma (Davis) Burley, the former of whom is a contractor of Mertztown, and their happy union has been blessed by two children: Ethel; and Allison A., Jr. Relig- iously, he is a member of the Reformed Church. In 1890 he purchased his present modern home, made many improvements, and now has one of the finest residences in that section of the county. A portrait of Dr. Stamm, executed from a very recent photograph, is shown on another page. a pe LFRED G. SMITH, an influential and progressive farmer, who has been engaged in his independent calling on the old Smith homestead since 1875, was born upon the farm where he now lives January 9, 1853, and is a son of Stephen and Caroline (Smoyer) Smith, the former a native of this county, and the latter a native of Lower Macungie township, Lehigh Coun- ty, Pa. ” tenhan Smith, the father of our subject, was a farmer and cattle drover throughout his entire life, and was a resident of Roth- rocksville, Berks County. He .wedded Caroline Smoyer, and they reared a family of ten children, who were as follows: James, deceased ; Martha, the wife of P. Kressley, a well-to-do farmer of Rothrocksville, whose sketch is also in this Book of Biographies; Alfred G., subject of this biography; Kate, the wife of James B. Fisher, a resident of Monterey, whose sketch may be found on page 166 of this work; Leanda, the wife of Milton Schaeffer, a carpenter of Allentown, this state; four died in infancy; and Carrie, who married John S. Fisher, a merchant tailor of Reading. Mr. Smith died March 27, 18096. Alfred G. Smith first attended the common schools at Moyertown and Collegeville, and later the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown. The first sixteen months after leaving school were spent in a grain store at Farmington, Pa. After his marriage he located upon the old homestead, and has carried on farming and stock raising until the present time. He also operates a dairy. Under the supervision of Mr. Smith, the farm, which consists of 107 acres, has been greatly improved, the land is ina fine state of cultivation, and its buildings are large, commodious and well kept. He is now treasurer of the Berks & Lehigh County Fire Insurance Co., and is local agent of the same. Our subject was joined in the bonds of matrimony October 14, 1875, with Emma E. Ziegler, a native of Long Swamp township, born November 7, 1855. She is a daughter of Jonathan and Aquilla (Richards) Ziegler; her father has been a farmer throughout his life, and is now living in Rothrocksville. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith were born six chil- dren, four of whom are now living; the record reads as follows: Cora, a school teacher of Maxatawny township; Harry isa clerk in a tailor shop at Reading: Charles is attending the Keystone State Normal School; Eva May died at the age of fifteen months; Amy died in infancy; and George remains at home. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are both members of the Union Reformed Church of Maxatawny township. He is a member of the Patriotic Order Sons of America Camp at Rothrocksville. In the matter of political affiliations he upholds the principles of the Republican party. +24 EV. R. S. APPEL, who has labored faithfully and well in the vineyard of the Divine Master in the vicinity ; of Hamburg for many years, is a resident of that place and is reverenced by a large circle of acquaintances. He is a son of Solomon H. and Lydia (Leiby) Appel, and was born at Weisenburg, Lehigh County, Pa., February 12, 1842. Henry Appel, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born in Germany, but emigrated to America, locating at the corner of Fifth’ and Brown streets, Philadelphia, Pa., where he conducted a dairy business. He accumu- lated money rapidly, and at one time was the owner of sixty houses and as many as fort building lots. The latter years of his life 425 were spent in caring for his real estate inter- ests. He was a shrewd business man, and had considerable influence in his time. His vast property was divided between his two chil- dren: Henry, the grandfather of our subject ; and Elizabeth, who was the wite of Richard R. Greening, who resided in Philadelphia. Henry Appel was born June 4, 1792, in Philadelphia, where he spent his boyhood days, but finally moved to Greenwich, Berks County, where he engaged in the real estate business. ‘_He was a man of excellent busi- ness propensities, and, like his father, accu- mulated a handsome fortune. Religiously, he was a member of the Reformed Church. He was united in matrimonial bonds with Louisa Linn, a daughter of Phillip Linn, who was a farmer by occupation and owned some 200 acres of land in Greenwich township. His father was John Nicholas Linn, who, upon coming to this country, settled upon the old Linn homestead in that township. John Nicholas Linn was a soldier of the Revolutionary War and made an excellent record. This happy union resulted in the birth of two sons: Daniel, and Solomon H., the father of our subject. Mr. Appel with- stood the vicissitudes of fortune for seventy long years, and his worthy wife was two. years older when called to her final rest. Solomon H. Appel was born in Greenwich township, Berks County, October 11, 1811, and after obtaining his education in the public schools and The Trappe School, a pay school of Montgomery County, he studied survey- ing. He subsequently taught school and engaged in surveying for a time, but after- wards entered Freeland Seminary, now Ur- sinus College, being one of the first students of that institution. Upon leaving school, he went to Maxatawny township, where he was engaged in surveying and teaching school for a period of fifteen years. He then moved to Weisenburg, Lehigh County, where he purchased a farm of 100 acres and cultivated the soil until his removal to Lenhartsville, Berks County, where he followed the same occupation until 1867. In that year he moved to Hamburg, where he farmed on a tract of land now within the incorporated limits of the borough. He continued in that line of work until 1894, when he retired to enjoy a well-earned rest after so many years of un- BERKS COUNTY ceasing toil. He has always been a man of excellent habits, to which may be attributed his present excellent state of health at his advanced age, being now past eighty years old. His beloved wife is also possessed of a remarkable constitution, and is enjoying life at the age of eighty-two years. Since first casting his vote, he has been a consistent Republican, and is still interested in the work of that body. Religiously, he is a firm mem- ber of the Reformed Church, of which he was at one time an elder and deacon. He was a school director for many years, while a resident of Lehigh County. His union with Lydia Leiby was blessed by the birth of the following children: Dr. Charles H., de- ceased, who was a graduate of Jefferson Medical College and for years a practitioner of medicine at Zionsville, Lehigh County ; Rev. R.S., the subject of this brief notice; Mary Louisa, the wife of John Bast, who resides at Reading; Diana, wife of William Boyer, a farmer of Windsor township; John, deceased; and W. W., a jeweler of Lancas- ter, Pa., who has one son, Percy L., who is attending business college. Rev. R.S. Appel received a good classical education, first in Allentown Seminary, at present known as Muhlenberg College, and then at the Fort Edward Institute in New York City, finally taking a course in Franklin & Marshall College of Lancaster, Pa. Decid- ing upon the ministry as his life vocation, he entered Mercersburg Seminary, where he pursued theological studies for a time, but later read in private, and was ordained to the ministry of the Reformed Church in 1871, by the Lebanon Classis at Schuylkill Haven, Pa. He was then installed into the folowing charges: Becker’s St. Peter’s Church at Lenhartsville; Red Church of Auburn, Pa.; and Zion’s Church of Windsor township, and subsequently Zion’s Church of Lehigh County, during which time he resided in Allentown. He is at present pastor of Beck- er’s St. Peter's, Zion’s Church of Lenharts- ville; the German Reformed Congregation of Frieden’s Church in Shartelsville; Kissinger’s Church in Spring township; and New Bethel’s Zion Church of Grimville. He has faithfully performed his duties and is very popular with all, including not only his con- gregations and others, but with men who do 426 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES not attend any church. He is a hard and conscientious worker in his extensive pastor- ate, and owing to the wide range over which his duties extend, they require great energy and labor to fulfill, He lives in a hand- somely appointed residence at Hamburg, where his aged father and mother reside with him. Personally, Rev. Mr. Appel is a man of kind and gentle manners, and creates a favor- able impression wherever he goes. He is practical and possesses little of the artificial- ity common to the profession. September 21, 1869, he was united in the holy bonds of wedlock with Alice M. Blumer, a daughter of William H. Blumer, a banker of Allentown, by whom he has one son, Robert S., who is now a freshman in Ursinus College. Socially, Rev. Mr. Apple is a mem- ber of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Vaux Lodge, No. 66, F. & A. M. ++ YRUS G. DERR. His remote pa- ternal ancestor came from Ireland, his name being Derry, which in the course of time in a Pennsylva- nia German community became “ Derr,” by dropping the final letter. He settled near Monocacy, Berks County, where he acquired lands and devoted himself to farming. There a number of generations afterwards, in 1800, was born George Derr, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, who when a young man moved to Reading, where he married, and where, in 1827, his eldest son, William M., father of Cyrus G. Derr, was born. In 1827, George Derr with his family moved to Lebanon, where he became one of the founders and officers of Zion’s Lutheran Church, trustee of Lebanon Seminary, and chief burgess. He also became identified with the Union Canal, aiding in its construc- tion, and for thirty vears being superintend- ent of the middle division, extending from Myerstown to the Swatara. His death oc- curred in 1880. William M. Derr, after leaving Lebanon Academy, studied successively theology, medicine, in the pursuit of which he attended Philadelphia Medical College, architecture and law, being first admitted to the Illinois Bar, and then in 1858 to the Lebanon County Bar, of which he continued to be a member, engaged in active practice, until the time of his death in 1897, a period of nearly forty years. From early boyhood he was gifted in his speech, and his vocabulary was so extensive and rich, and his use of it so apt as to excite the admiration and wonder of scholarly hearers, the late Judge ‘Pearson declaring that it was a treat to him to sit back of the jury and be charmed by the easy flow of fervent and well chosen language. William M. Derr married Caroline Hilde- brandt of Lancaster County, and Cyrus G., their only surviving child, was born at Lebanon, July 18, 1848. Cyrus G. Derr was educated in the public schools of his native place, and in the Law Department of the University of Pennsyl- vania, and was admitted to the Lebanon County Bar in August, 1869. After practic- ing with his father for a year, he moved to Reading, where he met with encouraging success. After a year’s residence in Reading, at the solicitation of his father he returned to Lebanon, but his preference for Reading was so strong that in 1872 he permanently located there. He was one of the projectors and proprietors of and writers for the old Reaa- ing Review, a newspaper that ran its course from about 1874 to 1876, and which, during its brief and entirly independent existence, assailed with absolute fearlessness every evil that presented itself. He was a member and promoter of the Reading Lyceum and Read- ing Literary Society, and delivered lectures in Reading and elsewhere upon Shakespeare’s ‘Merchant of Venice,” Scott’s “Lay of the Last Minstrel,” and the “Oratory of St. Paul.” In later years his time has been almost entirely occupied with the affairs of a large clientage, embracing such corporations as the Pennsylvania Railroad Co., and the Pennsylvania Trust Co. Mr. Derr is a Republican in politics, but has never been before the people as an aspirant for office of any description. In 1863, when less than fifteen years of age, Mr. Derr enlisted in Co. E, 26th Reg. Emer- gency Troops, and in a skirmish with Jen- kin’s Confederate Cavalry near Gettysburg, a few days before the battle, was taken prisoner and paroled. In the following year, during the invasion in which Cham- EPHRAIM K. KAUFFMAN. BERKS COUNTY 429 bersburg was burned, he enlisted in the one hundred days service as a member of Co. G, of an independent organization, commanded by Lieut-Col. Charles Stewart, the company being largely recruited from among the students of the Pennsylvania Agricultural College, Center County. Not feeling en- tirely certain that, if again taken prisoner, a Contederate court-martial would construe the parole of the preceding year as he did, limited to the period of his first term of ser- vice, he made his second enlistment under the name of Calvin Derr. On November 13, 1870, Mr. Derr married Virginia Weidman, daughter of Gen. John Weidman, and sister of Maj. Grant Weidman of Lebanon. Mr. and Mrs. Derr have but one child, Caroline, wife of John M. Archer of Reading, president of the Wilkinson Shear Co., and a member of the Common Council from the Fourth Ward. SS ao PHRAIM K. KAUFFMAN, an enter- prising and successful farmer engaged in tilling the soil in Oley township, whose portrait we show on the preceding page, is a son of Isaac and Lucy A. (Knabb) Kauffman, and was born on his father’s home- stead, where he now resides, August 9, 1838. The Kauffmans are of Swiss ancestry. The first definite knowledge our subject has of his ancestry is of Mary Kaufiman, a widow, with two sons, Jacob and David, liv- ing in Philadelphia, Jacob Kauffman died in Germantown, Pa. David, the great-great- grandfather of our subject, on February 5, 1733, purchased from Jonathan Harbin a tract of 200 acres, with an allowance of 12 acres, now known as the old Kauffman homestead. David Kauffman bought other land, for which he paid the sum of 15 pounds and 10 shillings as purchase money, and a yearly rent of a penny. This vacant land was owned by the Penns. His son, Jacob Kauffman, the great-grandfather of our subject, inherited the old homestead upon the death of his father, and car- ried on farming and stock raising all his life. He furnished cattle for the Colonial Army during the Revolutionary War, and it is said that he kept one of the horses of Gen- eral George Washington, being a personal friend of his. His son Jacob, the grandfather of our subject, took an oath of allegiance and fidelity May 25, 1778, and became a teamster in the army commanded by General Washington, but after remaining in the Colonial Army some time, he returned home and engaged in the pursuits of an agricultur- ist the rest of his active days. At the age of fifty years he married Miss Keim, who bore him six children, all of whom are dead but three: Daniel, who resides in Friedensburg, Berks County, Pa.; Esther (Griesemer) of Spangsville, Pa.; and Hannah (Levan) of Oley. Isaac Kauffman, the tather of our subject, was born February 8, 1815, on the old home- stead, which is now owned by his nephew, Frank Y. Kauffman. He was engaged all his life in the cultivation of the soil, and was one of the foremost agriculturists of Berks County. He started in life on the farm owned by our subject, but later moved to his farm in Oley township, where he died March 29, 1880. He was a member of the Reformed Church and a strong Democrat. He was married to Lucy A. Knabb, daughter of Daniel H. and Eleanor (Weaver) Knabb, and they reared three sons and four daughters, as follows: Rebecca; Susanna; Daniel K., of Amity township; Jacob, a well-to-do farmer near Yellow House, Oley township; Mary Ellen, the wife of James Rothenberger, a farmer of Oley township; and Emma A., who married James E. Snyder, a farmer of Oley township. Mrs. Kauffman, the mother of our subject, has passed her eighty-second year, and is remarkably active for a lady of her years. Ephraim K. Kauffman was brought up on the old homestead, and was educated in the common schools, and at Boyertown and Oley Academies. In 1865 he took possession of what had formerly been his father’s home- stead, which is one of the largest and most productive farms in Oley township. His wife also owns a large farm near by. For the last fifteen years Mr. Kauffman has been a direc- tor of the Keystone National Bank of Read- ing. He is a member of the Reformed Church. Politically, our subject is a Demo- crat. On September 8, 1864, he was joined in marriage with Willi L. De Turk, daughter 430 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES of the late Daniel De Turk, who was a mem- ber of the oldest family in Oley township, and a successful farmer of Berks County. Asa result of this union two children were born: Ella C., the wife of Edwin Sassaman, a prominent attorney of Reading, and the mother of one child, Mabel K.; and John N., who married Annie V. Schaeffer, who bore him one son, Joel S. K.,—he is engaged in the cultivation of the soil in Oley township: Mr. Kauffman has lived in his present loca- tion all his life, is a man well known for his strict integrity, and honest dealings in business transactions, and is held in high esteem by his fellow citizens. ——_—_- ++ ieee HE KEYSTONE STATE NORMAL SCHOOL OF KUTZTOWN. On September 10, 1866, the Keystone State Normal School was recognized by the State of Pennsylvania as the State Normal School of the Third District, which includes Lehigh, Schuylkill and Berks Counties. The corner stone, however, was laid September 17, 1865, by John S. Ermentrout, superinten- dent of the schools of Berks County. The school is located at Kutztown, Berks County. The idea of establishing a normal school in Berks County seems to have originated with County Superintendent Ermentrout. He saw the need of better training for the teachers of the county, and in devising a plan for better professional training for his teachers, the normal school idea had its birth in his brain. Professional training of teachers is the cen- tral idea of the school to-day. In this work it has been very successful. It is impossible for any potter to make the same grade of ware of different kinds of clay. The school has reached the best results for the individual pupil. In our own state, those, who at one time or another attended this school, fill posi- tions from teachers in the common schools to state superintendent of public instruction. High positions in other states are held by former pupils. A superior faculty has always been a part of the educational creed of the board of trus- tees. If you were acquainted with the teach- ers employed by the trustees, you would real- ize how closely they have lived to their creed. What about the buildings? They are large and imposing, but the best is not put on the outside, for they were planned with reference to the comfort of the student within, rather than external show. Students’ rooms are large and pleasant, and trunks do not have to be stored away in cellar or garret, for with a few possible exceptions the rooms are all supplied with two closets large enough to hold a trunk and a student’s clothing. There are two single beds with woven wire springs in each room, and people who have been through school buildings all over the state say they have nowhere found _build- ings with dormitories better adapted to the comfort and welfare of the student. The group of buildings consists of: The Central Building ; Girls’ Wing; Boys’ Wing; Chapel Building ; Steward’s Building ; and Laundry Building. The Central Building contains recitation rooms, day school rooms, reference library, apparatus room, manual training room, clay modeling room, book room, treasurer’s room, reading room, music rooms, painting room, gymnasium, dormitories for students, orni- thological collection, and a cloak room for day students. The Girls’ Wing contains the model school, recitation rooms, girls’ parlors, girls’ reading room, dormitories, society halls, and a collection of birds, minerals, and relics of various kinds and values. The Boys’ Wing contains recitation rooms, dor- mitories, a general reception room, princi- pal’s office and private quarters, lunch rooms for day students and bath rooms. The Chapel Building contains dormitories, the chapel proper, recitation rooms and the din- ing hall. The Laundry Building contains the bakery, kitchen, storage rooms, and dor- mitories for the hired help. The Steward’s Building contains the steward’s office and dormitories for boys. All departments are well equipped with the latest and best improved apparatuses, the last purchase made by the trustees being an X Ray apparatus. There are three large libraries connected with the -school, and the thousands of volumes in these libraries cover a wide range of subjects. The two literary societies have their own halls, and indeed they are fine halls : they are among the most beautiful halls of literary societies in the BERKS COUNTY state. Wherever students of the school have gone, the name of the Philomathean and Key- stone Societies are known. These societies meet every week and furnish splendid oppor- tunities along certain lines. There are ath- letic grounds on three sides of the building. In the rear are the grounds allotted to the boys, west of the building are the grounds for the girls, and, in front, grounds for both boys and girls. The religious side of the student is not neglected. Bible classes are taught by mem- bers of the faculty every Sunday morning. The Young Men’s and Young Women’s Christian Associations are very active and do a good work among the students. At 10.30 o'clock A. M, there is preaching every Sun- day by members of the faculty who are reg- ularly ordained ministers of the Gospel. No greater harm can come to any one than to drift religiously while developing intellec- tually. The school’s object is to develop the highest type of manhood and womanhood. The school offers superior advantages to those who wish to prepare tor teaching, to those who wish to prepare for college, and to those who wish to do special work in the Arts. The school offers superior ad- vantages at reasonable rates. The school has had but four principals since it was founded, namely: Rev. John S. Ermentrout, A. M., deceased; Rev. A. R. Home, D. D.; Rev. N. C. Schoeffer, D. D., L.L. D.; and Rev. George B. Hancher, A. M., Ph. D., who is at present serving in that capacity. Mr. Hancher was graduated from King College in 1877. In 1879 he entered the Lu- theran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, and three years later came to Kutztown, when he was elected vice-principal of the Normal School. He conscientiously performed the duties of that position until 1893, when the board of trustees elected him principal of the school. — or who during the latter years of his life was interested in the insurance business, and was one of the most energetic of the citizens of Reading, was, in Ao: C. L. CRECELIUS, deceased, 431 former years, an expert moulder by trade, and held prominent positions with various large plants in this locality and in Providence, R.L. Born within him was a great ambition to make his mark in the world, and by a free use of the superior qualities with which he was endowed by nature, he accomplished that end, and we may safely say that no resident of Reading ever possessed more friends and less enemies than did he. Mr. Crecelius first saw the light of day in Greenwich township, Berks County, Decem- ber 10, 1831, and at the age of ten years was brought to Reading by his mother, his father having died when he was six months of age. He was reared in Reading, and obtained his intellectual training in the public schools, after which he learned the trade of a moulder in the Reading Railroad Shops. He applied himself diligently to his work, and in 1856 was rewarded by the foremanship in the low- er shops, in which capacity he served for 28 years, when he formed a partnership with Messrs. Stolz and Keppleman, and established the Union Foundry & Manufacturing Co., in North Reading, which has since been sup- planted by the Carpenter Steel Works. He continued with that company for a few years and then moved to Providence, R. I., where he accepted a position as foreman of a loco- motive works, at which he continued for one and a half years. He then returned to Read- ing and engaged in the life insurance busi- ness with good success until his demise, June 15, 1888. He was a man of excellent busi- ness propensities, wide-awake and energetic, and by his honest and straightforward trans- actions won the respect and esteem of all with whom he came in contact, not only in business life, but in social as well. April 8, 1856, Mr. Crecelius formed a mat- rimonial alliance with Ellen J. Henry, a wo- man highly esteemed and loved for her many good traits of character, and a daughter of John Henry of Reading. Three children were born to bless their union, namely: Car- rie A., whose sad death occurred in Novem. ber, 1897; Sallie L., the wife of Joseph Wan- ner of Reading ; and Harry, who is a jeweler of Reading. Socially, he was very prom- inent, being an active worker in various se- cret orders; he was a Scottish Rite Mason, Thirty-second Degree; an Odd Fellow; a 432 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES member of the Sons of the Knights of Malta; and belonged to a number of other social or- ganizations. In religious attachments he was a member of St. James’ Lutheran Church of Reading. ++ -_ R. JOHN A. CONRAD, the oldest | practicing physician of Robesonia and one whose reputation extends throughout the county, was born in Penn township, Berks County, Pa., De- cember 25, 1842, and is a son of John and Catherine (Scholl) Conrad. John Conrad, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Penn township, and followed the occupation of a farmer. He was a shrewd and successful business man and accumulated considerable money, which enabled him to retire at an early age. He was a man of high principles, honest and up- right in all his business transactions, and was loved and esteemed by all who knew him. He was united in the holy bonds of wedlock three times. His first wife’s maiden name was Groff, and their union was blessed by the birth of two children: Maria, who mar- ried Joseph Stout, a retired farmer living in Penn township; and Mrs. John Potteiger, de. ceased. Mrs. Conrad died in 1852, and Mr. Conrad married Catherine Scholl, by whom he had one son, John A., the subject of this personal history. His third wite was a Miss Wenrich of this county. He died in the month of December, 1863, at an advanced age. Dr. John A. Conrad was educated in the common schools of Heidelberg township and in Kutztown Seminary, from which he grad- uated in 1863. He then took up the study of medicine with Dr. McDonough of Reading, under whose tutelage he remained two years, after which he took a course of study for one year in Philadelphia University. He then took a course in the Bellevue College of New York City, and spent one year at Long Island Hospital. He graduated from the lat- ter institution in 1867, and immediately lo- cated in Penn township, where he carried on farming in connection with the practice of his profession. In the spring of 1874, he moved to the village of Robesonia, where he has since remained. He is a man of many years of experience, thoroughly understands the intricacies of his profession, and has ac- quired a large village and country practice. He is of a kind and genial disposition, and he endeavors to be a friend as well as physi- cian to his patients. He was united in marriage in January, 1873, with Sallie Miller, a daughter of Jonas Mil- ler, a farmer of this county. He was be- reaved of his beloved wife by death in 1887. Dr. Conrad is a member of the German Re. formed Church. Socially, he is a member of Williamson Lodge, No. 304, F. & A. M. of Womelsdorf. In politics, our subject is a stanch Democrat, and, in 1871, was elected to the Legislature for a three years’ term. During his services at the State Capitol he served on many important committees. a R. HENRY B. HAMAKER, an old and experienced dentist of Womels- \© J dorf, where he has been engaged in practice since 1867, is a native of Mt. Joy, Lancaster County, and is a son of Christian and Catherine (Gish) Hamaker. Christian Hamaker, the father of our sub- ject, was born in Lancaster County, Pa., but moved to Dauphin County, where he lived for fourteen years, and then returned to the former county, remaining there until his death. In early life, he learned the trade of a miller and followed it for some years, but later he turned his attention to tilling the soil. He was industrious and ambitious, and although a man of some prominence in his community, he never sought public distinc- tion, preferring rather the quiet of a home life. He was married to Catherine Gish, a native of Lancaster County, by whom he had eight children: Abraham, who died in 1896, was a merchant of Freeport, Ill., and married Susan Vonderlich, who is now living in Har- risburg, Pa.; Barbara, the relict of John Teal, who was a miller by trade; John, who was engaged in the mercantile business in Kan- sas, died in 1895; Dr. David married Kate Snyder, and they are the parents of two sons; Henry B., whose name appears at the head ot this personal history; Daniel, a druggist of Harrisburg, Pa.; and Amos, a justice ot the peace of Manheim, Lancaster County. BERKS COUNTY Dr. Henry B. Hamaker received his edu- cation in the common schools of White Hall, Cumberland County, after which he attended Penn Dental College of Philadelphia for two years, graduating in 1867. In that year he opened his office in Womelsdorf, where he has established a large patronage. For many years he had offices in different vil- lages, but his business in Womelsdorf in- creased so rapidly that he was obliged to give up his out of town practice. He is the oldest dentist in the village, and by his kind and genial manner, his honesty and frankness, he has firmly established himself in the affec- tions of his patients and fellow citizens. May Ig, 1870, Dr. Hamaker was united in marriage with Maria Leisse, a native of Host, Pa., and a daughter of Augusta and Matilda (Filbert) Leisse, by whom he had two children, namely: Catherine B., who is living at home; and Raymond L., who is now attending college. They are members of the Reformed Church, and take an active interest in church work. In political belief, our subject is a stanch Republican, and for three years was a member of the school board. Dr. Hamaker is quite prominent in social circles. and is a member of a number of secret orders. —— + @aor—_— a R. C.H. HARTLINE, who has been successfully engaged in the prac- 6) tice of his profession in Oley since 1892, is a son of Josiah and Anna (Hoffman) Hartline, and was born in Oley township, Berks County, March 22, 1859. He comes of German stock, his great- grandfather, George Hartline, having been born in Saxony, Germany. Prior to the Revolutionary War, he came to America, and located in Earl township, where he took up the occupation of a farmer. George Hartline, Jr., the grandfather of our subject, was born in Earl township, where he always lived, and was engaged in agricultural pur- suits. Religiously, he believed in the doc- trines promulgated by the Lutheran Church. His wife’s maiden name was Dilliplane, and they reared a large family of children, the third of whom was Josiah, the father of our subject. 433 Josiah Hartline was born in Earl town- ship, October 13, 1814, and learned the trade of a shoemaker, which he always followed. In his religious views, he was a Lutheran. He was united in the holy bonds of wedlock with Anna Hoffman, a daughter of John Hoffman, a farmer of Earl township and later of Oley township, by whom he had seven children, three sons and four daugh- ters, namely: Deborah, the wife of Nathaniel Kusser; Morris, a shoemaker of Spangsville; Franklin, an electrician in the employ of the Long Distance Telephone Co.; Hannah, who died at an early age; Harriet, who also died in childhood; Dr. C. H., the gentleman whose name heads these lines; and Ellen, who is the wife of Charles Ohlinger of Spangsville. Dr. C. H. Hartline received his primary education in the common schools, which was supplemented by a thorough course in Oley Academy, and Amityville Seminary. Upon leaving school at the age of sixteen years, he began teaching in Oley township, and con- tinued for several terms, after which he be- came an electrician in the employ of the Philadelphia, Reading & Pottsville Tele- graph Co. He followed that occupation for some ten years until he took up the study of medicine in 1888, under the preceptorship of Drs. Hallenbach & Baker of Shamokin, Pa. He remained with them until October, 1888, and then went to Philadelphia, where he entered Jefferson Medical College, and took a full three years’ course, graduating from that institution May 2, 1892. He then took a special course in obstetrics at the Lying-in Charity Hospital of Philadelphia. June 13, 1892, he opened an office in Oley, and has since acquired a good paying practice. He is honest, straightforward and frank with ‘his patients, and possesses their entire con- fidence. He is of a genial and sociable dis- position, and has made friends rapidly wherever he has gone. He is a member of the Berks County Medical Society. Janu- ary 19, 1895, he was united in marriage with Sallie E. Price, a daughter of Adam Price of Richmond township, Berks County, by whom he is the proud parent of one daugh- ter, Esther. In political belief, he is an un- swerving Democrat. Socially, he is a prom- inent member of the following lodges: 434 Fidelia Chamber, No. 5, K. of F., of Read- ing; an Odd Fellows Lodge of Reading: the Knights of the Golden Eagle of Oley ; and of the Allamania Singing Society of Philadelphia. Religiously, Dr. and Mrs. Hartline are earnest members of the Lu- theran Church. HARLES L. GRIM, a prosperous farmer of Greenwich township, was born November 14, 1850, in Weis- enburg township, Lehigh County, and is a son of Daniel and Mary (Schumack- er) Grim. His great-grandfather was George Grim, who was born in Switzerland; upon coming to America,.he located in Weisenburg town- ship, Lehigh County, where he lived until his death. He reared a family of children, one of whom was Jacob, the grandfather of our subject. Jacob Grim was born in Lehigh County, Pa., where he always resided and followed agricultural pursuits. His wife’s maiden name was Frey. Daniel Grim was born in Weisenburg township, Lehigh County, but in 1856 he came to Berks County and located upon the farm now owned by our subject in Green- wich township. He built a good substantial house and out-buildings, and became a very successful farmer. His companion in the pathways of life was Mary Schumacker, by whom he had ten children, namely: Daniel, deceased; Mary, deceased ; Catherine, who resides in Krumsville, this county; Clara, deceased; Franklin, deceased; Amanda, the wife of Phaon Holben of Lehigh County; Emma, the wife of Charles Fisher, lives in Krumsville, Greenwich township; Sybilla is the wife of Jackson Smith, and resides in Stony Run, Pa. Elias H., deceased; and Charles L., whose name appears at the head ot these lines. Our subject received a good common school training, after which he engaged in farming on the old homestead, where he has since lived. He owns two fine farms aggre- gating 143 acres, and he carries on general farming. He is honest and upright in all of his dealings, and a highly esteemed member of the community in which he lives. (Deisher) Kohler. BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES January 16, 1875, Mr. Grim was united in marriage with Rebecca Kohler, who was born in Greenwich township, February 8, 1852, and is a daughter of William and Anna This union was blessed by the birth of four children, whose names are as follows: William Alvin, Anna Katie. Alice Rebecca and Charles Franklin, all of whom are living at home. Our subject and wife are both faithful members of the Lutheran Church of Grimville. In political belief, Mr. Grim is a stanch Democrat, and, although he takes an active interest in local affairs, has never sought an office. 2 + DWIN M. MILL. One of the enter- prising and energetic business men and a prominent and prosperous citizen of Fleetwood, is the gentleman whose name heads this briet notice, who is successfully engaged in the manufacture of furniture, and in managing an undertaking establishment and planing mill. He was born in Orwigs- burg, Pa., June 26, 1849, and is a son of Jacob and Salome (Moyer) Mill. Jacob Mill was born in Orwigsburg, Pa., was a stone mason by trade, and followed that occupation all his life. He was joined in wedlock with Salome Moyer, also a native of Orwigsburg, and they had a family of two children, namely: William, who is a dealer in coal at Pottstown; and Edwin M., the sub- ject of this sketch. Edwin M. Mill completed his education in the Orwigsburg High School, and then learned the trade of a cabinet maker, which he followed in Hamburg, Berks County, for three years. Later he moved to Tamaqua, Schuylkill County, Pa., where he followed his profession until 1871, when he moved to Reading and followed his trade until 1873. At the expiration of that time, he moved to Fleetwood, and has since been engaged in the manufacture of furniture and bar fix- tures; he also conducts an undertaking estab- ‘ lishment. As the business progressed, our subject, in 1890, built the present building in which his establishment is located. December 20, 1869, Mr. Mill and Miss Kate Seltzer of Hamburg, a daughter of Abraham Seltzer, were united in marriage, 4 JOHN BARBEY, BERKS COUNTY 437 and they are the parents of five children, as follows: Elmer Franklin; Sally, the wife of Wilson Leibensperger, a machinist residing in Fleetwood; Carrie M. was wedded to William Dengler, a painter and cigar maker living in Fleetwood; Eddie D., who remains at home; and Bertha, who died aged one year and nine months. Mr. Mill casts his vote in support of the Democratic party, and has served as councilman of his township three sessions; school director since 1890; has been notary of the public since 1889; and is a trustee and secretary of the People’s Cemetery Board. Socially, he is a member of the P. O. S. of A. Camp of Fleetwood, and the Knights of the Golden Eagle, Castle No. 376, of Fleetwood. Mr. and Mrs. Mill are both members and consistent workers of the Evangelical Church. Our subject is greatly respected by the citizens of the town for his straightforward business methods and excellent personal traits of character. = ——__+@+—____ J BARBEY, proprietor of the largest brewing establishment in the city of Reading, Pa. was born in Philadelphia, October 19, 1852, and is a son of Peter Barbey, a sketch of whose life appears elsewhere in this volume. In 1856, the subject of this article accompanied his parents to Reading, where he has since | resided. He received a thorough education for a business career in the public schools, and by a course ina business college. When a young man, he entered his father’s growing establishment, and soon mastered the various details of the art of brewing. In 1880, John Barbey was admitted into partnership with the elder Barbey, and since that time the firm has been known as Peter Barbey & Son. That he had made good use of the time spent in learning the details of beer brewing before he became a partner is shown by the success the business has become, for from the first: the management devolved upon him, as his father was getting well along in years, and did not care to have the responsibilities on his shoulders, when he knew of one who was thoroughly competent to do all that was required. From the first the business grew and improved under our a ¥ subject’s able management until the annual output is now about 50,000 barrels of beer, and a’malting capacity of 75,000 bushels of malt. In addition to the brewing business, Mr. Barbey has put in a large artificial ice plant, which has a capacity of 15,000 tons per year. This brewing enterprise of Peter Barbey & Son, while not the largest, is cer- tainly one of the leading and most substan- tial industries in the city of Reading. Since the death of the senior member of the firm, in 1897, the business has continued to be car- ried on under the same firm name as before. Our subject is connected with various other industries in the city, is a director of the Keystone National Bank, and, to sum it up in afew words, is one of the prominent and enterprising business men of Reading. Socially, Mr. Barbey is a member of various organizations, and in Masonry he has held many positions of honor. He passed various chairs in the order, and is a Thirty-second Degree Mason; and a member of the Harris- burg Consistory of the Scottish Rite. Mr. Barbey formed a matrimonial alliance with Mary Ellen Garst, daughter of George W. Garst, formerly a prominent contractor and builder of Reading. ~ Seven children have blessed this union, six daughters and one son. We take pleasure in presenting an excellent portrait of Mr. Barbey on a preceding page in proximity to this. $+. EORGE R. YORGEY, a retired farmer of Colebrookdale township, who is passing the sunset of life in the peace and quiet of a comfortable home in Morysville after many years of activity, is one of the substantial and respected citizens of the county. He was born in Douglass township, Berks County, Pa.. October 23, 1821, and isa son of Jacob and Sarah (Reif- snyder) Yorgey. His great-grandfather, Henry Yorgey, was a native of Germany, who after his marriage in that country, came to America in 1767, accompanied by his family. In 1779 he pur- chased the Yorgey homestead in Douglass township, and was engaged in agricultural pursuits all his life. The estate consisted of 157 acres of good land, and has remained in 438 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES the possession of the Yorgey family up to the present time, a period of 119 years. He was one of the founders and an active member of the Lutheran Church in the community. He was the progenitor of three sons: Henry; Christian, the grandfather of our subject; and Mathias, who was a farmer and resident of Pott’s Grove township, Montgomery County. Christian Yorgey was born in Germany in September, 1764, and came to this country with his father. In 1798 he purchased the homestead from his father and followed farm- ing until 1828, when his son, Jacob, succeeded to the ownership of the place. Like his father, he adhered to the faith of the Luther- an Church. His companion in life was Mag- dalene Hanselman, by whom he had the following children: Henry, who was a linen weaver of Pottstown; Samuel was a linen weaver and also farmed a small portion of the homestead ; Jacob, the father of our sub- ject; John was a carpenter of Reading; George was a weaver and a farmer of Douglass township; Peter was a blacksmith and farmer of Colebrookdale township; Eliz- abeth was the wife of John Spatz; Maria married Samuel Reifsnyder; Sarah was the wite of David Monday; and Lydia, who was the wife of Charles Heilig. Mr. Yorgey passed into the unknown beyond in 1834, at the age of seventy-eight years. Jacob Yorgey, our subject’s father was born on the homestead, October 12, 1797, upon which he lived all his life. Most of his life was spent in agricultural pursuits, but his latter days were devoted to weaving. He was a prominent man of his times and faith- fully performed all the duties of an upright and honest citizen. He was a Lutheran in his religious views. He was united in mar- riage with Sarah Reifsnyder, a daughter of John Reifsnyder, and they became the pa- rents of three sons and four daughters, namely: Charlotte, the wife of Frederick Neiman; George R., in whom the interest of this sketch centers; Rachel, deceased, was the wife of John Geiger ; Christian, deceased, was a stone mason; Ephraim, a farmer by occupation; Leah, deceased, was the wife of Henry Baker; and Sarah Ann, who is the wife of Henry E. Rhoades. George R. Yorgey was born on the old homestead and was educated in the common schools. In 1840 he left the farm and learned the trade of a millwright, and followed that calling for fifteen years. He then became a foreman in the employ of Levi J. Smith of Reading, and remained in that capacity for a number of years. He then accepted a posi- tion as screw man on the rolls in the Pine Iron Works in Douglass township. In 1849 he purchased a farm of 62 acres, upon which the Iron Stone station of the P. & R.R. R. is now situated, and from time to time added to this tract, until he now owns 187 acres of fine farm land, and recently purchased the old homestead of his brother Ephraim. He made many improvements on the land and built large and substantial buildings, which are so necessary for successful farming. He is a man of superior natural ability, and dur- ing his active life was an energetic and enter- prising man. Starting in life with a small capital of $50.00, he worked unceasingly for many years, and at the time of his retirement, in 1888, he was a man of considerable means, although he lost $11,000.00 by the failure of the Reading Savings Bank. Upon retiring, he moved to Morysville, where he still lives in the midst of many friends. He was united in marriage, November 5, 1843, with Elizabeth Bower, a daughter of George Bower of Amity township, and they are the parents of the following children: Malinda, the wife of Levi Davidheiser of New Hanover township, Montgomery Coun- ty, Pa; Emma, deceased; one who died in infancy ; George, a grocer of Philadelphia; Clara, the wife of Henry S. Dengler, a pat- tern maker of the Homer Mfg. Co. of Boyer- town, Pa.; Henry B., a farmer on his father’s farm at Iron Stone station; Olivia, the wife of Zephaniah H. Roshon, a carpenter of Morysville; and Annie, deceased, who was the wife of John Zuber. Mrs. Yorgey was a woman of many virtues, and was a kind, lov- ing wife and mother. November 5, 1893, they celebrated their golden wedding, it being the fiftieth anniversary of their happy union, and the following month Mr. Yorgey was bereaved of his beloved wife's com- panionship by the silent reaper, Death. Since he was fifteen years of age, he has been an earnest worker in the Lutheran Church, and although now far advanced in years, he still BERKS COUNTY 439 takes an active interest in the affairs of that organization. In political belief, he is a Democrat, and was elected county sheriff in 1874, and served for three years. His popu- larity is shown by the fact that he was the only candidate tor sheriff who was ever nominated by acclamation. In 1889 he be- came a director of the National Bank of Pottstown, Pa., which office he filled for nine years, at the end of which time, owing to poor eyesight, he was obliged to retire. He is president of the Fairview Cemetery of Boyertown, and is also a member of the committee of the Elam Rhoads Orphan Fund, which is a fund bequeathed by the late Elam Rhoads for the benefit of the nearest Orphans’ Home. Mr. Yorgey is remarkably active and vigorous for one of his years, and he is very fond of walking. In early life as a millwright, he was obliged to walk a long distance to his work, and became an excellent walker, and now, during his old age, he finds it his favorite means of recreation. Oa T. REV. SYLVANUS C. BREY- FOGEL, who is one of the tour bishops who preside over the twenty-five conferences of the Evangelical Association, is a man of high moral character, superior natural ability and refinement, and of a kind and charitable dis- position, thereby holding a high position in the confidence and affection of the people wherever he is known. He avails himself of every opportunity to reach the people, not to satisfy an ambition for personal notoriety or gain, but in order to bring them into closer touch with the great and good work which is being accomplished by the denom- ination which he so ably represents, and it is a fact conceded by all, that no one man ever rendered more valuable service to the cause than he. Bishop Breyfogel comes from a prominent old Berks County family, of Ger- man descent, that for five generations back has resided in this county. He is a son of Rey. Seneca and Sarah (Ely) Breyfogel, and was born July 20, 1851, near Pleasantville, Oley township, Berks County. His great-grandfather was Solomon B. Breyfogel, who located upon a farm in Maxa- tawny township, Berks County, where he was engaged in the cultivation of the soil the remainder of his days. Upon that estate was born George B. Breyfogel, the grandfather of our subject, but he subsequently moved to Oley township, and finally to Reading, which was his home at the time of his demise. He, too, was an agriculturist by vocation and was a prosperous man and dutiful citizen. Rev. Seneca Breyfogel, the father of our subject, was born and reared in Maxatawny township, and attended an academy at Kutz- town, where he obtained a good education. He then embarked in the coal business at Reading, which he conducted with much success for some years, but upon discovering latent talents for the ministry and having a desire in that direction, he relinquished that business and prepared himself for his new field of labor. He was identified with the Evangelical Association, his first charge being a circuit in Eastern Pennsylvania. Being a devout Christian and an earnest and convincing speaker, it was but a short time before he was called to larger fields, and dur- ing his long and active ministerial career he filed the following charges, which were among the best in the eastern section of the state: Norristown, Port Carbon, Tamaqua, and Easton. He placed a high ideal on man- hood, was a leader in his teachings, and, being a logical thinker and a fluent talker, very convincing in style. He possessed a rare gift, the ability to illustrate his arguments by fig- ures of speech, a method which always leaves an imprint upon the mind of the hearer. He continued in church work until his death, and mainly through his efforts many new churches were erected in different sections of the state, for he possessed the confidence of the people to a marked degree. He excelled as an orator, and being a man of quick wit he could hold his own in a debate with the best, his quickness of perception standing him in good stead in the answering of arguments. He was united in the holy bonds of wedlock with Sarah Ely, and their happy union resulted in the birth of four children, two of whom are living at the pres- ent time, namely: Sylvanus C., our subject; and Ellen, the wife of James H. Miller, a book dealer in Reading. Bishop Breyfogel was reared in Reading, 440 and for a time attended the common schools of that city, after which he entered the Cen- tral Pennsylvania College, and afterwards took a course of study in theology. He was given a license to preach in February, 1873, and two years later was ordained a deacon ; in February, 1877, he was elevated to the rank of elder. His first charge was at Barnes- ville and Coaldale, Schuylkill County ; thence he moved to Bath, Northampton County, thence to Easton. From the latter city he went to Philadelphia and remained until his removal to Reading, where he filled the pulpit in the Emmanuel Church of the Evan- gelical Association on Sixth street. In 1886, he was elected to the office of presiding elder, in which capacity he served the Allen- town District and also the Reading District, at the same time officiating as pastor of the Ebenezer Church on Ninth street in the city of Reading. By that time Bishop Brey- fogel’s name was of considerable prominence as a champion of Christianity and the Evan- gelical Association, and in recognition of his valued services and tor the future good of the denomination, he was elected bishop, being one of the four in the United States, Europe and Asia. He is a man of great executive ability, and his knowledge of par- liamentary law is almost unlimited. During his term of incumbency in this office he has traveled extensively throughout Japan, Ger- many, Switzerland, and other European countries. He is a good linguist, speaking both the German and English languages fluently, and often lecturing in either lan- guage. He has devoted much time to the cultivation of his mind and in keeping abreast of the times, although his duties are very confining. He is president of the Evangelical School of Theology, whose ob- ject is to give the ministers of the church information and culture, the diflerent depart- ments being under the most competent edu- cators, thus stimulating continuous study in the advanced lines of theological science. The departments of Doctrine, Church Gov- ernment, and Parliamentary Law are under the charge of our subject, who has proven himself an authority upon such subjects. He is also at the head of the Evangelical Bible School, whose design is to stimulate the study of the Bible by the laity, which is BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES largely patronized. He is a ready writer, and a number of Biblical works have been the result of his literary efforts, all of which are meritorious works and widely read. Among the most prominent may be men- tioned the following: ‘ Evangelical Land- marks,” ‘“‘ The Polity of the Evangelical As- sociation,” and “Great Sermons by Great Preachers.” For a time he was the editor of Lhe Preacher's Assistant, a publication in connection with the church, which made its appearance monthly. He is also one of a committee of three appointed by the Evan- gelical Association to control all publishing in connection with the church. May 8, 1877, Bishop Breyfogel was joined in hymeneal bonds with Kate E. Boas, a daughter of F. G. Boas of Reading, and they are the proud parents of the following off- spring: Esther C.; Emily B.; Miriam S.; Frank Seneca; and Marguerite R. Our sub- ject takes the greatest of pleasure in the so. ciety of his family, in which his greatest hap- piness has been realized. Mrs. Breyfogel is a true Christian woman of high character, a de- voted companion and help-meet, and a kind, loving mother. Bo —_|_ —_— EORGE KNOWER LINDERMAN, a prominent and industrious farmer residing in Robeson township, Berks County, Pa., was born in Union township, this county, March 27, 1848, and is a son of William and Mary A. (Lloyd) Linderman. The founder of the Linderman family in this country was Jacob Von Linderman, a native of Holland, who fled from his native country during the religious persecutions, and came to America in 1710, locating in Orange County, N. Y., where he died at an advanced age. His son, Samuel Linderman, the great-great-great-grandfather of our sub. ject, was also a native of Holland, and came in this country with his father: he remained in Orange County, N. Y., a number of years, and then moved to the state of Pennsylvania, locating in Montgomery County, where he resided until death claimed him, in 1750. John Linderman, the great-great-grandfather of our subject, was born in Montgomery . County, Pa. He was the father of a, large BERKS COUNTY 44t family of children, one of whom was Conrad Linderman, the great-grandfather of our sub- ject, who was born in Montgomery County, in 1757; Conrad Linderman came to Berks County and located in Douglass township, where he followed his trade as a weaver. John Linderman, the grandfather of our subject, was born October 14, 1782, in Doug- lass township, and followed throughout life the occupations of afarmer and weaver. He married Mary A. Ridge of Chester County, Pa., and had six children: Conrad; William, the father of our subject; Jacob; John; Martha; and Frederick. He was a member of the Reformed Church, and a Democrat. His death occurred in 1856. William Linderman, the father of our sub- ject, was born December 24, 1804, in Robe- son township; after completing his education in the common schools, he purchased a farm, which he operated the rest of his life, dying in 1889. He wasastanch supporter of the Democratic party. His ‘wife, Mary A. Lloyd, who was a native of Philadelphia. and grand-niece of Thomas Lloyd of Revolution- ary fame, made him the father of seven children, of whom two died in infancy. The remaining five were as follows: Samuel; Mary; Catherine; Elizabeth; and George K., the subject of this notice. Our subject attended the common schools of Union township until he was sixteen years of age, and then went to Reading, where he completed his education in the public schools of that city. Leaving school he was employ- ed as a salesman in the wholesale grocery store owned by Esterly & Brothers; two years later he accepted a position on the Wilmington & Northern R. R. as conductor, and remained in that capacity until January, 1872, when in making one of his usual runs, his train met with an accident, and our sub- ject lost a leg, which injury compelled him to resign from his position; later he was given charge of a freight depot at Coates- ville, Chester County, Pa., where he remain- ed one year, when he quit railroad life, and located in Robeson township, taking charge of his father’s farm. Mr. Linderman, in politics, is strongly Democratic, and has always taken part in local affairs, and has contributed much toward the success of his chosen party in his 21* community. He has served as supervisor of his township four years; in June, 1896, he was appointed by the court to fill the unexpired term of Commissioner John Wunch, and was elected commissioner for a full term in the following election. Socially, our subject is a member of the P. O. S. of A.; and the Senior Order of United American Mechanics. Mr. Linderman was united in marriage with Emma L. Swavley, a daughter of Solomon Swavley of this county, and a family of four children blessed their home, namely: Mary Anna; Clara Edna; Sarah Kate; and Luther L. ++ PON. JACOB B. HERZOG, an ex. member of the State Legislature and a talented professor of both \N— vocal and instrumental music, was born in Rockland township, Berks County, February 10, 1860. He is a son of Philip and Mary (Behm) Herzog, and a grandson of Jacob Herzog. Jacob Herzog was one of the leading mem- bers of the agricultural class of Rockland township, where his entire life was devoted to farming. In religious belief, he accepted the faith of the Lutheran Church. He reared a tamily of five children, two sons and three daughters, one of whom was Philip, the father of our subject. Jacob B. Herzog received his intellectual training in the public schools of his native town and in Oley Academy, which was taught by Prof. Hetrich and later by the Rev. D. E. Schoedler. He left school at the age of fifteen and immediately began teaching school. He taught for a period of twenty years, first in the public schools and later in Oley Academy, and is now teaching in Guldin’s district, Oley township. He is a man of superior musical talents, and is also engaged in giving lessons both in vocal and instrumental music. He is now organist in the Lutheran Church at Friedensburg. In political belief, he is a stanch Democrat, and has been called upon to accept a number of high political offices. From 1890 to 1892, he acted as secretary of the Democratic stand- ing committee. He was elected to the State Legislature in 1892, was re-elected in 1894, 442 and was undoubtedly the best man that ever represented his district in that body. He was an active worker, and made his influence felt at all times in the support of measures that met with his approval. He served ona number of committees and introduced a number of bills which became important state laws. He presented the following bills which passed the House: a bill to change the proceedings for the incorporation of boroughs; and a bill allowing the state superintendent of schools to admit children in the neighborhood into the model depart- ments of State Normal Schools. He made the principal speech against the Compulsory School Law, and opposed the payment of the expenses of sergeant-at-arms and other house officials for contested elections. He also opposed the bill granting exclusive privilege to the then existing Electric Light Co., and the bill making it unlawtul to change the list of the books used in the public schools oftener than once in five years. He served on the following com- mittees: Ways and Means, Public Buildings, and Agriculture. He has often been a dele- gate to both county and state conventions, and has been a county committeeman. Our subject is a man of high principles, well versed upon all subjects of interest to the people, of more than ordinary executive ability, and possesses the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens. December 25, 1884, our subject and Clara Hoch, a daughter of Daniel D. Hoch, a farmer of Oley township, took upon them- selves marriage vows. Their union has been blessed by the birth of seven children, four of whom are living: Randall, Maud, Paul, and Daniel. Religiously. they are members of the Lutheran Church of Frie- densburg. —_____ ++ ROF. CALVIN L. GRUBER, a respected and honored teacher ot Berks County, who is most highly esteemed for his exceptional suc- cess in matters educational, and who since 1891 has been secretary of the board of instruction of the Keystone State Normal BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES School of Kutztown, is also professor of mathematics and civil government in that institution. He was born in North Heidel- berg township, Berks County, and is a son of Richard M.and Mary Ann (Schaeffer) Gru- ber, and a grandson of Michael and Eve (Bohn) Gruber. Our subject was reared on a farm and attended public and private schools for a number of years, after which he took a course in the Keystone State Normal School of Kutztown, graduating in 1886. Prior to his graduation, he began teaching in the public schools and continued until 1889, when he moved to Kutztown and accepted his present position, as professor of mathemat- ics and civil government. He has exhibited marked qualifications for the office, and since filling that position has added much to the efficiency of the department. He is popular not only among his fellow educators and teachers, but also among the general public, which is ever ready to appreciate honest endeavor and superior work. He is a man of great force of character, decided in his opinions, and when he is convinced that he is right, he expresses his views fearlessly. He has been a great reader and a deep thinker, and his large experience, both in the field of learning and general business relations, have tended to implant in him great self-reliance and stamina, which are the most admirable qualities in man’s pos- session. He is a lover of art and nature and has made a thorough study of botany. In 1893, he began a collection of the woods of Pennsylvania, and now has a variety of 1,000 specimens, including 200 seed fruits, 400 insects, and 408 kinds of wood. He can explain in minute detail the relations of each and is steadily adding to the collection. He has made a beautiful cabinet of 1,150 pieces of wood, in the construction of which he used 178 different kinds of wood. It con- tains 327 pieces from this county, and it is a valuable work of art, which is greatly admired by all who have had the privilege of seeing it. Prof. Gruber purchased a fine residence in Kutztown, which was formerly known as Chas. D. Herman’s place, No. 407 Walnut street. He was united in marriage with Sallie G. Belleman, a daughter of Joseph P. Belleman, BHST. IRWIN T. BERKS COUNTY 445 a resident of Bern township, and they are the proud parents of one daughter, Florence May. In religious belief, they are faithful members of the Lutheran Church. Havin made for himself a place in the dithcult life- work he has undertaken, Prof. Gruber com- mands the respect of the entire community and is regarded as an authority on educa- tional matters. He was _ elected school director of the borough of Kutztown in 1896, but resigned in 1808. Prof. Gruber, in 1890, published a work entitled “ Recreation Queries in United States History with Answers,” which is a book filled to the brim with useful knowledge. Several poems from his pen have also ap- peared in print. He is at present engaged in writing an arithmetic, which will be published in about a year. In this work the professor is making “principle” instead of “rule” the main feature. He has found by practical expe- rience in the school, that this is a superior manner in which to instruct the students. It is safe to say that the educational world will look upon his new work with much interest. SSS OS located on Reading ave., Boyertown, Pa., is also a man of considerable me- chanical genius, and has _ invented several valuable labor-saving machines which are quite extensively in use. He is a son of Henry and Rachel (Tea) Ehst, and was born in Oley township, Berks County, November 19, 1860. The Ehst family is of Swiss origin, and among the earliest settlers and pioneer far- mers of the lower portion of Berks County, where at least five generations of the family have resided. Samuel Ehst, the great-grand- father of our subject, was a native of Cole- brookdale township, where he was engaged in tilling the soil all his life. He was a mem- ber of the Mennonite Church. He reared a large family of children, who became scatter- ed over Eastern Pennsylvania and were prom- inent citizens of the various communities in which they lived. John Ehst, son of the preceding, was a Ts T. EHST, a printer and stationer native of Colebrookdale township, and was one of the prosperous farmers and respected citizens of that township. Like his father, he was a member of the Mennonite Church. He was united in marriage with Magdalene Gabel, by whom he had five children, namely: William, a farmer of Amity township; Jacob, deceased; Leah, who married John Funk of Washington township, Berks County, has resided in Long Island, N. Y., since her husband's death: Henry, the father of our subject; and Levi, a tanner of New Berlin- ville, Pa. Henry Ehst was born in Colebrookdale township, July 7, 1837, and farming was his main occupation, although he was a tanner by trade and followed tanning for a few years. His life, with the exception of a few years in Montgomery County, was spent in Colebrookdale, Oley, and Washington town- ships. Religiously, he was a member of the Mennonite Church. He formed a matrimon- ial alliance with Rachel Tea, a daughter of the late James Tea, a native of England, who upon coming to this country located in the township of Oley, Berks County, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits. As a result of this union, Mr. and Mrs. Ehst became the parents of nine children, eight of whom now live, namely: Irwin T., the sub- ject of this personal history; Medora; Allen, a butcher of Bechtelsville, Pa.; Warren, a teacher of Washington township; William, who also teaches school in Washington town- ship; Ammon, a farmer in Bechtelsville, Berks County; Annie, the wife of Allen Erb of Bechtelsville, Pa.; Cora, who is living at home; and Eddie, who died in infancy. Irwin T. Ehst was reared on the farm until he was eighteen years of age, and was edu- cated in the common schools of his native town and the Scientific Academy of Reading. At the age of twenty years, he became an apprentice to the printer’s trade in the Frank- lin Printing House of Boyertown, owned by the Rev. Clinton S. Miller. After serving his apprenticeship, he worked as journeyman for some four years and then gave up his trade to accept a position as clerk for J. High Stauffer, a music dealer of Boyertown. Two years later he returned to the Franklin Printing House, which was then owned by Stauffer & Ames, and became manager. He 446 continued in that position for two and a half years, and at the end of that time he purchas- ed Mr. Stauffer’s interest in the establish- ment, which was then conducted under the firm name, Ehst & Ames, until 1889. Our subject then disposed of his interest to Mr. Ames, but in the spring of 1890 he bought the entire plant, which he still owns and operates. He has excellent facilities for handling a large trade, and is well patronized by the citizens who need anything in his line of business. He is an inventor of no mean ability, and has invented a machine for the manufacture of paper bags, such as are used in grocery stores. It is pronounced an excellent device by all competent to judge of such matters, and will turn out 325 perfect bags per minute. Another result of his inventive mind was a machine for making commercial envelopes, which was _ being tested in Philadelphia in 1889, when the plant burned down. He has just completed a machine for printing tickets, which will turn out 8,000 per hour. It has not been put to a thorough test, but Mr. Ehst has perfect confidence in its success. He is also a tele- grapher, and has been manager of the local office of the Postal Telegraph Co. for the past eight years. He is an enterprising and progressive man, who possesses the confi- dence of his fellow citizens, and has been made assignee and administrator of many estates, which have always been satistactorily settled. He is a public spirited man and supports all new enterprises which he thinks will be toward the advancement of the interest of the borough. He is financially interested in the Boyertown Casket Co., Franklin Improvement Co., of which he is secretary, and in other business ventures. He is extensively engaged in the fire insur- ance and real estate business, being a direc- tor of the Manatawny Mutual Fire & Storm Insurance Co. of Reading, Pa. Politically, our subject is an advocate of the principles advocated by the Republican party, and has been a member of the county committee for five years. In 1892, he was elected justice of the peace of Boyertown, Pa., and is now a notary public. Socially, he isa member of the Stichter Lodge, No. 254, F. & A. M. of Pottstown, Pa.; Washington Camp, No. 104, P.O. S. of A., of Boyertown; BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES Salah Castle, No. 46, A. O. K. of M.C., of Boyertown. In connection with the above sketch of his life, Mr. Ehst’s portrait is pub- lished on a preceding page. ——- +e AMUEL DEICHLEY, a veteran of the Civil War, and the well-known proprietor of the leading store of Morgantown, Berks County, Pa., is a son of John and Christiana (Dorn) Deichley, and was born near Churchtown, Lancaster County, Pa., January 29, 1847. John Deichley, the father of our subject, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, where he was united in marriage with Christiana Dorn ; later on they came to America, bring- ing their only child with them. John Deich- ley lived in Luzerne County for some years, and then moved to Lancaster County, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits the remainder of his life. He was the progenitor of a family of nine children, namely: Caro- line, deceased, who married Samuel Cox of Lancaster, Pa.; William, who is a retired carpenter of Lancaster, was a soldier of the Civil War—he served in Col. Heber Smith’s Regiment in the Army of the Potomac, and was taken prisoner and confined in Libby Prison for quite a while; John, who was in the light artillery during the war, is now a bricklayer of Lancaster; Sallie, the wife of Samuel Cox of Lancaster; Catherine, the wife of Cyrus Rissel of Coatesville, Pa.; Mary, the wife of William Way of Coatesville ; George, who was in the light artillery in the Civil War, is now working in Beartown; and Samuel, whose name appears at the head of these lines. Samuel Deichley obtained his education in the common schools, and at the age of seven- teen years, August 2, 1864, enlisted in Co. I, 53d Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf., of the Army of the Potomac, and was under the command of Col. Brook. He was in a number of skirmishes and several battles of importance, one of which was Hatche’s Run, in which engage- ment he received a bullet wound in the left leg, which made amputation necessary. He was sent to the hospital, where he remained for four months, or until the close of the war, receiving his discharge in August, 1865. As BERKS COUNTY 447 his health was completely broken down, he did not engage in business for many years. In 1880 he located in Morgantown, and for three years was engaged in carrying the mail between there and Joanna, Berks County. For the two succeeding years he was em- ployed as collector of taxes in Caernarvon township, and in 1890 he embarked in the general merchandise business at Morgantown, where he has since continued. He carries a high class of goods, is honest and upright in all transactions, and is firmly established in the favor of the citizens of the village, most of whom trade with him. He is genial, good natured, a pleasant conversationalist, and has many friends who delight in hearing him relate his war experiences. Mr. Deichley formed a matrimonial alliance with Martha J. Byler, a daughter of David Byler, a resident of Morgantown, Pa. Re- ligiously, Mr. and Mrs. Deichly are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In po- litical belief, our subject is a stanch Republi- can, and served as postmaster under Presi. dent Harrison and was reappointed by Presi- dent McKinley. ++. EORGE B. KOHLER, a retired and highly esteemed citizen of Kutz- town, was born-in Maxatawny town- ship, September 19, 1863, and is a son of John F. and Sophia (Bieber) Kohler, and grandson of Adam Kohler. Adam Kohler was a very prominent man of Greenwich township, Berks County, where he was successfully engaged in the cultivation of the soil. He married Annie Fisher, a native of Berks County, and was the father of four children, who were named as follows: Henry; Samuel; Eliza; and John F., the father of our subject. John F. Kohler was born in Greenwich township, this county, August 10, 1832. He received a common school education, and then followed the pursuits of an agriculturist throughout life. He chose tor his wife Sophia Bieber, daughter of George Bieber, who was a wealthy farmer of Berks County. After Mr. Kohler’s marriage, he settled on the George Bieber farm, which is one of the best improved farms in that section of the town- ship. Our subject’s mother also owns the old homestead, upon which stands a large stone mansion and barn, which were built by George Bieber. They are solidly and sub- stantially constructed, and will stand for gen- erations yet tocome. George Bieber retired from active life and moved to Kutztown, and in 1884 he built the handsomest home of Kutz- town. It is a large three story brick with marble foundation, and is surrounded by a beautiful lawn. In 1889, Mr. Kohler retired to Kutztown, where he is spending his latter days in peace and quiet. He built a large brick block in Kutztown, which is now occu- pied by Herman’s five and ten cent store, and also owns other property in and about the borough. In politics, he is independent; re- ligiously, he is a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. and Mrs. Kohler are the pa- rents of one child, George B., the subject of this brief narrative. George B. Kohler received his primary education in the public schools of Kutztown, and later supplemented it by a course in the Keystone State Normal School. October 20, 1884, he moved to Kutztown, and has practically retired from active life. He formed a matrimonial alliance with Lizzie K. Deisher, a daughter of Charles Deisher, a highly respected citizen of Kutztown. Our subject and wife are the parents of two chil- dren, named as follows:.Edna S., born No- vember 20, 1889: and John C., born August 19, 1892. Politically, our subject is independ- ent in his views; religiously, he is a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Kohler is held in high respect by his fellow-citizens for his probity in business affairs, his generous thoughtfulness for others, and for all those qualities which go to make up the true man. ton EV. WILLIAM WILBERFORCE KRAMLICH, a prominent Lutheran minister, residing in the borough of Womelsdorf, Heidelberg town- ship, Berks County, Pa., was born in Kutz- town, Berks County, Pa., January 22, 1866, and is a son of Rev. Benjamin E. and Sophia (nee Bieber) Kramlich, and grandson of Christian and Catherine Kramlich. Christian Kramlich was a native of Lehigh 448 County, Pa., and resided at Weisenburg all his life, engaged in the cultivation of the soil. He was united in marriage to Cath- erine Kocher, who was a native of Lowhill, Lehigh County, Pa., and to this union four children were born, namely: Levi, a promi- nent farmer of Fogelsville, Pa., and now past his eightieth mile stone in life; Mary Ann, the wife of William B. Fogel of Fogelsville, Pa.; Edwin, deceased; and Benjamin E.. the father of our subject. Benjamin E. Kramlich was born in Weisen- burg, Lehigh County, Pa., October 7, 1831, and was educated in the common schools of Fogelsville, Pa. After his father’s death he attended the academy of Rev. Dr. Vande- veer of Easton, Pa., about three years. At the age of nineteen he entered Pennsylvania College at Gettysburg, and graduated in 1856. He immediately entered the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, gradu- ating from there in 1858. He was at once licensed to preach, and was regularly or- dained by the Ministerium of Pennsylvania, 1859, at Lebanon, Pa. He was elected to become the successor of Rev. Isaac Roeller of Kutztown, Pa., and took charge of Trex- lertown, Maxatawny, Mertztown, Fleetwood, Rockland, &c. Rev. Kramlich is not only an able preacher, but is one of the most useful citizens as well. He held the position of President of the Board of Trustees of the Keystone State Normal School for 23 years. May 12, 1863, Rev. feast was wedded to Miss Sophia B. Bieber, a daughter of John S. and Hannah Bieber. The following children were reared by Rev. and Mrs. Kramlich, namely : William Wilberforce, our subject; Ella Evangeline, teacher of music in the State Normal School, Kutztown, Pa; John Frederick, student at Mt. Airy Luth- eran Theological Seminary, Philadelphia ; George Edgar, Professor of Latin and Greek in the State Normal School, Kutztown, Pa.; and Charlotte Belle, at home. Rev. William W. Kramlich was educated in the State Normal School at Kutztown, and at Muhlenberg College. He then entered the Seminary at Philadelphia, and was ordained at Pottstown, Pa., May, 18o1. He returned home and assisted his father and Rey. Zweizig of Reading until January BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES 1, 1892. April 1, 1892, he located at Womels- dort, where he has since preached. June 12, 1894, Rev. Kramlich was united in marriage with Miss Ida Ahrens of Reading, Pa. One child has been bornto them. Rev. William W. Kramlich has charge of the fol- lowing churches: Zion’s Church at Womels- dorf; St. Daniel’s Church near Robesonia; St. John’s Lutheran Church at Host; and Zion’s Church near Strausstown. + R. D. H. HAIN, the leading phy- sician of Mt. Pleasant, Penn town- ship, who has been practicing his chosen profession in that vicinity since 1882, was born in Lower Heidelberg township, this county, May 12, 1861. He is a son of Frederick and Sarah (Hain) Hain. Frederick Hain was a native of Lower Heidelberg township, where he owned a large farm, and was successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits throughout his active days. In addition to farming, he conducted a hotel at Wernersville. He took an active part in local politics, and served as post- master of Wernersville. His wife, Sarah Hain, also a native of Lower Heidelberg township, bore him six children, namely: John, a well-to-do farmer, residing near the village of Wernersville; Eva is the wife of Henry Werner of Lower Heidelberg town. ship; Henry, a retired citizen residing at Wernersville; Emma was united in wedlock with Jacob Huyett, and they reside in Lee County, Ill; Mary was wedded to William Ludwig, who isa clerk ina store at Werners- ville; and Dr. D. H., our subject. Mr. Hain died April 23, 1875; the mother of our sub- ject joined her husband April 9, 1898. Dr. D. H. Hain possesses a fine education, having attended the primary schools of his native township, Mr. Grumbine’s private school of Womelsdorf, took a two yeais’ course at the Palatinate College of Myers- town, Pa., and then attended Prof. Brunner’s Scientific Academy of Reading for one year. Entering Jefferson Medical College of Phila- delphia, he took a three years’ course and was graduated with the class of 1881. He im- mediately located in Wernersville, where he practiced his profession one year, and then JAMES HUDSON MAURER. BERKS COUNTY 451 moved to Mt. Pleasant, where he has since built up a large and lucrative practice. He is a faithful student anda skillful practitioner, and has already secured hosts of friends and many patrons throughout the surrounding country. In September, 1882, Dr. Hain was united in marriage with Sallie R. Fisher of Heidel- berg, a daughter of Riley L. Fisher, a retired farmer of Heidelberg township, now a resi- dent of Robesonia, this county. Dr. and Mrs. Hain are the parents of three children, who are named as follows: Edna: Ray- mond; and Stella. The Doctor and family are members of the Hain’s Reformed Church of Wernersville; politically, he is a stanch Democrat, and is now serving as school director of Penn township. ————!—+ao>—_—_— portrait we take pleasure in present- ing on the opposite page, is engaged in the plumbing and steam htting business in Hamburg, Windsor township, but is best known to the public as a speaker and campaigner in the interest of Populist principles. He isason of James and Sarah (Lorah) Maurer, and was born April 15, 1864, at Reading, Pa. Our subject’s educational training was limited and obtained mainly during one year of study at the Lincoln School of Lancaster, under Prof. Meyers. At an early age he be- came an apprentice to the trade of a machin- ist with Heckdom, Willhelm & Co. of Read- ing, and by paying strict attention to his duties soon acquired great skill. His ser- vices were always in demand, and he was subsequently employed by Sotter Bros., a well known firm of Pottstown, and by the Coatesville Boiler Co. and Machine Works. He then became associated in the steam fitting business at Reading, with his brother, H. E. Maurer, under the firm name of Maurer Bros., which establishment they con- ducted for some four years, and enjoyed a large and lucrative patronage. Prior to Cleveland’s second administration, Mr. Maurer supported the principles of the Democratic party, but not liking the Demo- cratic platform he became a champion of the J: HUDSON MAURER, whose People’s party. He founded a paper, known as the Reading Kicker, of which he was editor and proprietor, and in which he strongly ad- vocated Populist principles. His paper was the principal organ of that party in the county and its influence was great, and in general and public affairs most potential. Our subject proved himself a bold, fearless, and versatile writer and a deep thinker. With his contemporaries he was courteous, indulgent and forbearing with them in their attacks, but when fully aroused, he was in his retaliation like a lion attacking his prey. Truthful and conscientious on all subjects with which he treated, zealous in his devo- tion to principle, he won a place in the con- fidence of the people that time cannot shake. He was frequently found addressing large audiences on the same platform with the most eminent speakers in the county and state while he was stumping Berks County and Eastern Pennsylvania. He has always been a strong advocate of the single tax theories as advanced by Henry George, with whom he was personally acquainted. In Chicago, during the World’s Fair, he spoke upon the same platform with that celebrated champion of the labor cause. His party, recognizing his ability to be of great service to their cause, made him state secretary, and his subsequent career proved that their con- fidence in him was not misplaced. He and his brother, Charles, stumped the state, and as Maurer Bros. made enviable reputations as orators. Our subject is forceful and logi- cal in his arguments, and is of pleasing ad- dress, possessing no small degree of genuine eloquence. He made a careful and search- ing study of the financial and economic ques- tions involved in our industrial welfare, and presented the facts clearly and forcibly to the people. During the campaign of 1896 he made seventy speeches in sixty days, which was very trying and a great strain to his con- stitution, but he acquitted himself with honor and was highly complimented by the press throughout the county. He has a large per- sonal following and is deservedly popular, not only in his party, but with all who have had the pleasure of meeting him. After closing out his paper, he moved to Hamburg, where he has since conducted a plumbing, steam fitting and machinist estab- 452 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES lishment, and has a large trade. He also re- cently established a branch house at Auburn, Pa. He is an authority in his line of work, and has prepared a treatise on steam and hot- water heating, entitled ‘‘ Maurer’s Manual on Steam and Hotwater Heating.” Mr. Maurer has posed with considerable credit in the somewhat pretentious role of a Thespian in the leading characters of some of his brother’s plays. Prominent among these plays being “ Vindictive,’ “ Justice,” and “Cripple Creek Stocks,” all of which came from the pen of his brother, Charles, and were staged by our subject. They were played by James H. Maurer’s Stock Co. to large and appreciative audiences in the city of Reading and other places of importance in the county. He was united in matrimonial bonds with Mary Jane Missimer, a daughter of Huy- singa M. Missimer, and they are the proud parents of two children: Charles H., and Martha Marie. Socially, he is a member of the Jr. O. U. A. M.; and of Washington Camp, No. 89, P. O.S. of A. In religious belief, Mr. and Mrs. Maurer are faithful members of the Lutheran Church. — oe OUIS KRAEMER, who for many years has been prominently identified with the manufacturing and busi- ness interests of Reading and Berks County, is the senior member of the firm of Louis Kraemer & Co., owners and operators of Stony Creek Mills, and manu- facturers of cotton and woolen goods. He is a son of Ferdinand and Catherine (Carl) Kraemer, and was born January 2, 1828, in Berleberg, Germany. He obtained his intellectual training in the public schools of Germany, and resided in that country until he was twenty years of age, learning the trade of Indigo dyer. In 1848, he and his brother William sought a home in America, and located in Philadel- phia, where he assiduously followed his trade for six years. He became an expert at the work, and upon going to Norwich, Conn., he became the manager of a large dye works, both of the Shetucket Co., and of the Nor- wich Falls Co. For eleven years he con- tinued in that capacity and then moved to Stony Creek, Berks County, Pa., where he with Frederick Schaeffer, Louis F. Grebe and George Gelbach, purchased the site of an old paper mill, rebuilt and enlarged it, and began the manufacture of woolen goods. He was industrious and energetic, and pros: perity attended his efforts on all sides. Under his good management, unremitting energy and enterprise, he made rapid strides in the expansion and development of the business, and to-day their mills stand in the foremost rank of those in the county, and seventy men are given steady employment. The present members of the company are Louis Kraemer, Louis F. Kraemer, Louis F. Grebe, and Martin D. Hunter. He is, aside from his private business interests, active in the organization and support of various cor- porations, of which he is a direct and a lead- Ing spirit. Heisthe president of the Nazareth Manufacturing Co., a stockholder of the Reading Braid Co., and of the Reading Paper Box Co. His character can not but be admired, and he possesses the esteem and friendship of all with whom he is acquainted. He is a man of educational attainments, very fond of reading, and is well versed upon all subjects of current interest. Mr. Kraemer was joined in Hymen’s bonds with Catherine Pfeil, who bas been called to her home beyond the river of Death. In religious attachments, he and his family are consistent members of the Reformed Church, of which he has held all of the important church offices. Politically, he firmly sup- ports the principles of the Democratic party. Louis F. Kraemer, a son of our subject, was born in Norwich, Conn., July 30, 1854, and obtained his preliminary education in the public schools of that place, subsequently taking a course of study in Palatinate College at Myerstown, Pa., and at Trenton, N. J. In 1870, he became a member of the firm of Louis Kraemer & Co., and has since been identified with cotton and woolen goods man- ufacturing. Gitted with rare business capacity, unerring judgment and_ great energy, his.co-operation in various enter- prises has been sought, and he is now a director of the Reading Braid Co., and of the Reading National Bank, and is treasurer BERKS COUNTY 453 of the Nazareth Manufacturing Co. He is held in high esteem, and is popular with his fellow citizens, numbering his friends almost by his acquaintances. He was united in marriage with Ella Hall, June 21, 1877, and two children were born to them, both of whom were called Home in infancy. Politically, he is a stanch Demo- crat, and does all within his power to aid in the success of the party, although he has never sought political distinction. Being possessed of a superior education himself, he realizes the need of better educational advan- tages, and actively supports all measures tending to that end. ——_—_——_+>e—_______ the representative business men of Reading and president of the Reading Stove Co., was born in West Pikeland township, Chester County, Pa. March 29, 1839, and was a son of William and Margaret H. (White) Orr. His grandfather, Robert Orr, was a native ot Ireland, coming to this country with his parents in early childhood. They located at Yellow Springs, where Robert was reared and spent his early life, dying in 1853, after a long and useful life, at the ripe old age of seventy years. He was a prosperous farmer of his time, and was also sexton of the Yel- low Springs Church for many years. He was the progenitor of a family of five chil- dren, namely: William, the father of our subject; George; John; Jesse; and Mrs. Catherine Sturgiss. William Orr was born near Yellow Springs in 1809, and after attaining manhood learned the trade of a shoemaker, which he followed during his younger days. He did not follow that craft many years, however, as he became interested in an iron ore quarry in Chester County, which he managed with good results for many years. His latter years were spent in agricultural pursuits in that county, where he lived the remainder of his life. He was an active and consistent member of the Bap- tist Church, of which he was deacon for many years. Politically, he was a Democrat, but never sought political preferment. His marriage with Margaret H. White was ale ORR, deceased, who was one of blessed by the birth of three children, namely: John W., who is connected with the Mt. Penn Stove Works; Jesse, deceased, in whom the interest of this sketch centers; and J. Allison, the record of whose life appears elsewhere in this Book of Biogra- phies. Jesse Orr, after obtaining a fair English education in the common schools of his native township, engaged in merchandising at Parker Ford until the year 1867, when he moved to Reading, Pa., which continued to be his home and place of business until his death, which occurred June 6, 1892. Soon after his arrival in the city he became presi- dent of the Reading Stove Co., which respon- sible position he held for a quarter of a cen- tury, or until his death. It is one of the largest manufacturing concerns in the city of Reading, with an enormous annual output, and employs a large force of men the year around. Mr. Orr was the first president of the plant after it had changed from a part- nership to a stock company, and to his judi- cious management and executive ability its phenomenal success is largely due. In 1888 he was also one of the organizers and incor- porators of the Orr & Sembower Co., manu- facturers of steam engines and boilers. He evinced a deep interest in all movements whose object was the material improvement of the city, being prominently identified with many of the most substantial institutions. He was a director in the following concerns: Union National Bank of Reading; Mutual Fire Insurance Co.; and the Reading Electric Light Co. Mr. Orr was joined in hymeneal bonds with Anna Stiteler, a daughter of Henry Stiteler of Chester County, and they became the proud parents of three children, who were named as follows: W. Harry, who is treasurer of the Orr & Sembower Co.; Mrs. E. Lou Sembower of Reading; and Mrs. Ida Cora Sharman, deceased. Politically, he was a stanch Republican, and was one of the most active and influential men of the party, his advice and counsel being frequently sought when the party’s future was in immi- nent peril. He was in both the common and select councils, was a member of the school board, and was a member of the board of water commissioners at the time of his 454 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES demise. But notwithstanding his activity in business and political circles, the first to claim his attention was the church, as he was a consistent and enthusiastic worker in the cause of Christianity, and for the ameliora- tion of the general condition of mankind. He was affiliated with the First Baptist Church of Reading, and for fifteen consecu- tive years was president of the board of trustees. He was also superintendent of the Ricktown Mission Sunday School for a period of twenty years, and liberally con- tributed to the support of all church work. Socially, Mr. Orr was a member and officer in the following orders: Lodge No. 227, F.& A. M.; Reading Chapter, No. 152, R. A. M.; and the De Molay Commandery, No. 9, Knights Templar, of which he was district deputy grand master at the time of his death. J. fied Brick Co. of Hamburg, Windsor township, comes from an old and dis- tinguished English family, and was born De- cember 2, 1867, in the city of Philadelphia. He isa son of Joseph and Andora (Boyer) Stokes, and a grandson of Mahlon Stokes. Mahlon Stokes, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born in England, and came to this country with two brothers and three sisters. He located at Beaver, Pa., where he followed the trade of a tanner the rest of his life, dying at the age of ninety-six years. is companion in life was Elizabeth Doud, and they reared a large family of children, one of whom was Mahlon Stokes, Jr., the grandfather of our subject, who was born in Beaver, Pa. Early in life he moved to Phil- adelphia, where he became interested in va- rious business enterprises, and was a very prosperous man. He retired from active business several years prior to his death, which occurred in the eighty-seventh year of his age. He was the father of the following children: James I., who was a soldier in the Rebellion, but is now residing in Dakota; John, deceased, was in business in Pittsburg, and a soldier in the Civil War, in which he lost an arm and later died from the effects of the wound; Mahlon S. was at one time ac- = eo WILBUR STOKES, the well-known secretary and treasurer of the Vitri- tively engaged in the manufacturing business, and later was secretary and treasurer of the Union Trust Co. of Philadelphia—he re- signed from that position on account of his failing health, but later engaged in business in Ashville, N. C., and is now living in Phila- delphia ; Joseph, the father of our subject; and Elizabeth, who married William Lehmer, and is now a resident of Omaha, Neb. Joseph Stokes was born in Beaver, Pa., and received a liberal education. During his younger days he was engaged in teaching school, after which he manufactured shoes at Scranton, Pa., for a number of years. He prereerne | was engaged in manufacturing clothing in Philadelphia, in which line of bus. iness he continued until his retirement. In political belief he is an unswerving supporter of the Republican party. He was a charter member of the Masonic Lodge before the erection of the Masonic Temple in Philadel- phia. He was a commissary in the Civil War, and served until its close. He formed a matrimonial alliance with Andora Boyer, and they were the happy parents of four children; May; J. Wilbur, the subject of this personal history ; Maud; and one who died in infancy. J. Wilbur Stokes received his intellectual training inthe common schoolsand in Dr. Pin- gree’s Preparatory School, after which he was engaged in the lumber business in New York City for several years. He then went to Pittsburg and followed the same line of business until 1897, when he became secre- tary and treasurer of the Vitrified Brick Co. of Hamburg, which was formerly known as the Hamburg Brick Co. They make a specialty of shale brick for paving purposes, and have a capacity of 35,000 bricks per day. The business has steadily prospered, and they have frequently been obliged to enlarge and make many improvements. They have built four new kilns, increased the dry house to three times its former size, increased the boil- er capacity, and enlarged the machine room, making it one of the largest plants of its kind in this section of the state. The present offi- cers of the company are: A. W. Sewall of Pittsburg, president; James M. Mack of Philadelphia, vice-president ; and our subject, secretary and treasurer. Mr. Stokes has always been an active, industrious and ambi- BERKS COUNTY 455 tious man, and it is mainly due to these excel- lent qualities that he occupies his present en- viable position. Personally, he is affable and congenial, and is very popular with all with whom he is acquainted. Although his busi- ness compels him to spend most of his time in Hamburg, he is a resident of Philadelphia. Politically, he is a Republican, and actively interested in the success of that party. In his religious attachments he is a Presby- terian, Oo HARLES B. MILLER, deceased, who conducted Miller's Family Park, located in the suburbs of Reading, was one of the enterprising and successful business men of his community, and was born in the suburbs of Philadelphia. He was a son of Samuel and Amelia (Burns) Miller. Our subject remained under the parental roof until he was of age, attending the pub- lic schools of his native place, and assisting his father in his work. At the age of twenty- one years he began to learn the trade ot a painter. Moving to Berks County, he opened and conducted a hotel at Wrangletown, which was known as the “ Brick Tavern,” and was located on the banks of the Schuyl- kill Canal; he remained there for two years, and then moved to Birdsboro, where he con- ducted the Old Stone Hotel for some five years. His next move was to Reading, where he became proprietor of the Douglass House, which was located where the First National Bank now stands. He then took charge of the American Hotel on the corner of Fourth and Penn streets; later he moved to Potts. town, this county, and conducted a billiard hall, and in 1875 purchased the City Park Hotel property, now known as Miller’s Fam- ily Park. The hotel was then located ina dense forest, and it was generally remarked that Mr. Miller had shown poor judgment in selecting a hotel so far out from the city ; but our subject had his own views in the matter, and purchased a small tract of land, which he greatly improved, and it has since become the most popular resort of its kind in Berks County; during the summer months there is scarcely a day passes but what a picnic or a family re-union occurs at Miller’s Family Park. Our subject conducted this popular resort until his demise, which occurred on the four- teenth day of November, 1896. Mr. Miller was united in marriage with Mary Ann Thompson, a daughter of Chris- topher and Ellen (Wert) Thompson; the former was a native of Berks County, and his marriage with Ellen Wert resulted in the birth of four children. Mr. Miller and his wife were the parents of thirteen children, as follows: William G.; Amelia, deceased; Ella, deceased ; Laura; Frank C., deceased; Harry, deceased ; Howard J.; Bessie, deceased ; Blanchie; Catherine; Maude, deceased; Lillian; and Edward G. E y. having located in the city fifty years ago, when it boasted of but fifteen doctors, and has observed its growth to the present time, when it numbers its physicians at one hundred and twenty- five. He was born December 5, 1814, in Great Valley, Chester County, Pa., his parents being George and Ann (Llewellyn) Beaver. His grandfather, Devault Beaver, was one of the early settlers of Chester County, liy- ing near Valley Forge prior to the Revolu- tion. There he owned a large tract of land, consisting of 1,000 acres, and was extensively engaged in agricultural pursuits. On this land George Beaver, the father of our subject, was born and reared, living there until his marriage to Ann Llewellyn, when he moved to Great Valley, where he died. He was a farmer. His family consisted of three sons and one daughter: Robinson; John; Eliza- beth; and our subject. Elizabeth is now the widow of George Wersler, and lives on the old homestead in Chester County. Dr. D. Llewellyn Beaver was educated in the public schools of Chester County and the West Chester State Normal School. He then studied medicine with Dr. Latta and entered the Pennsylvania Medical College, from which he graduated in the spring of 1841. He first practiced at The Temple for SSO LLEWELLYN BEAVER, M. D., is a pioneer physician of Reading, 456 a year and a half, and then practiced for five years at Leesport prior to locating per- manently in Reading in 1848. He is an able and efficient physician, having a large gen- eral practice, and during his residence in Reading has assisted at the birth of 4,000 children. He still is actively engaged in the practice of his profession, and enjoys the confidence not accorded to many a younger doctor. He is a man of temperate habits, and has always enjoyed the best of health, having never been confined to the house by illness. In his younger days he belonged to all the medical societies and took an active part in their meetings, but of late years he has been compelled to drop much of this kind of work. His name is familiar through- out the entire county, and he is accorded the most profound respect and esteem for the many good deeds performed, and the honor- able, upright life that he has maintained. He has seen many and wonderful changes take place in the city, none more wonderful than the growth of the city itself. Dr. Beaver was united in matrimony with Rebecca Rothermel of Muhlenberg town- ship, and three children were born to them, viz: George Benton, deceased, was a grad- uate of Jefferson Medical College, and. a’ physician of promise; Helen, the wife of John Witman, the ticket agent for the P. & R. R. R. at Reading,—their two children, Harry and May, the former a professional musician, reside with their grandfather, Dr. Beaver: Deborah is the wite of E. R. Art. man, a merchant of Philadelphia, and has one child, a daughter, who is now attending school in Washington, D. C. Dr: Beaver was formerly a Democrat, but for the past fifteen years has been identified with the Republican party. He is a close observer in politics, and is intelligently informed on all political matters. He is a member of the German Reformed Church, and one of its most earnest and energetic workers. ——_+e-+____ R. JAMES S. SMITH, of Topton, ' Maxatawny township, is well es- : } tablished in public favor and en- joys a large and lucrative practice, BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES although he has been in that village but a short time. He is a son of George and Louisa (Dutt) Smith, and was born in Maxa- tawny township, Berks County, Pa., April 27, 1869. George Smith, the father of our subject, is a native of Maxatawny township, where he is engaged in agricultural pursuits. His wife, Louisa Dutt, also a native of Maxa- tawny township, bore him five children, whose records are as follows: Lizzie, who is the wife of Edwin Boyer, is a resident of Maxatawny township; Rev. George B. of Kutztown, whose personal history appears elsewhere in this volume; James S., whose name heads these lines; Annie, the wife of George Stump, an engineer living in Allen- town; and Willie, who is living on the home farm with his parents. Dr. James S. Smith attended the common schools of his native town, after which he received a college preparatory education in the Keystone State Normal School of Kutz- town. He then took up the study of medi- cine in Jefferson Medical College of Phila- delphia, from which institution he was grad- uated in 1895, after taking a full three years’ course. In that year he entered upon his first practice at Rotherocksville, where he remained until shortly after his marriage, in 1897, locating in Topton, Long Swamp town- ship, where he worked unceasingly until he had acquired a good country and _ village practice. His chief aim is to make friends of his patients, and he also has a true sense of professional honor, treating his fellow work- ers with respect and fairness at all times. He is genial and good natured, and is very popular with his fellow citizens. January 28, 1897, he was united in marriage with Mary Richards, who was born in Maxa- tawny township, May 13, 1877, and is a daughter of Dr. Milton H. Richards, a sketch of whose life also appears in this book. This union has been blessed by the birth of one daughter, Marion Louisa, who was born November 28, 1897. Dr. and Mrs. Smith are earnest members of the Reformed Church of Topton. Our subject is a Repub- lican in his political affiliations, and has always cast his vote in the intérest of that party. Socially, he is a member of the P. O. S. of A. Camp of Maxatawny. DR. REUBEN D. WENRICH. BERKS COUNTY 459 R. REUBEN D. WENRICH. The rugged mountains and fertile val- leys of Pennsylvania possess many well known summer and _ healt resorts, where the citizens of the large cities may spend their vacations in enjoying nature and its many resources of pleasure, without the thought of business cares or the restraints of society, or in regaining their lost health. The Grand View Sanitorium, located as it is on South Mountain, 400 feet above the village of Wernersville, 134 miles from the Lebanon Valley Railroad, a branch of the P. & R. R. R., with its incomparable climate the year around, is without doubt the most desirable and best known of these resorts. The roads leading from the depot to the Sanitorium are the finest in the section, and one would have to travel many days to find a more beautiful drive. Not only is the scenery grand beyond description, but it possesses the superior natural advantages of pure, dry, bracing air, equable temperature, pure, living spring water, and perfect drain- age. All agree with Bayard Taylor, who, after spending some time at the Sanitorium, expressed himself thus: ‘The climate here is the finest in the World.” This great institution was established in 1847 as a Water Cure or Hydropathic Insti- tute, and was popularly patronized as such for some years, but, like all other institutions of the character, it found itself lacking in much that was essential to the successful treatment of disease. When Drs. Wenrich and Deppen assumed the management in 1879, a radical change was immediately effected, and, instead of relying upon water as the only safe curative agent, they intro- duced all the more modern systems of com- bating with disease, such as massage, Swed- ish movements, electricity in its various forms, Turkish, vapor, electro-vapor, electric, electro-chemical, Roman and sulphur baths, compressed air, oxygen inhalations, general hygienic measures and medicine when re- quired. Every year the Grand View Sani- torium, which has accommodations for from 100 to 125 persons, is taxed to its fullest ex- tent, and the following diseases are skillfully treated with the greatest success: lung and throat troubles, nasal catarrh, and in fact, all diseases involving the mucous membrane, 22 rheumatism, gout, neuralgia, nervous prostra- tion, as well as diseases of debility and liver complaint. Each patient undergoing treat- ment is first given an examination, and then each case is treated strictly in accordance with the individual requirements and indica- tions, and not by common routine or on mere general principles, as is still too often the case in institutions of the kind. Each patient is given a special and liberal diet, and meats, fruits, and vegetables of all kinds are to be had in their season. The Grand View Sani- torium property embraces two highly culti- vated farms, one of which lies in the fertile valley below, where fine vegetables are raised and daily find their way to the table. Upon the estate is an excellent orchard containing all kinds of fruit trees, including 400 apple trees. Whether sick or well, an excellent repast is provided the year around, winter or summer, and the means of recreation are num- erous, and include the following favorite pastimes: croquet, tennis, swimming-pool for gentlemen, fishing, boating, driving and rid- ing, excellent saddle horses and carriages being supplied to parties from the Grand View Livery Barn. The estate consists of between 400 and 500 acres of land, and beau- tiful walks and drives wind around through miles of shade trees. This Sanitorium was conducted with almost marvelous success by Drs. Reuben D. Wenrich and James W. Dep- pen, assisted by Dr. George G. Wenrich, a specialist in diseases of the nose, throat and ear, until the death of Dr. Deppen in 1895, when our subject became sole proprietor, and has since conducted it, sustaining its reputation among the foremost, although the number of like institutions has grown to large propor- tions. Dr. Reuben D. Wenrich was born in Lower Heidelberg township, Berks County, Pa., May 15, 1842, and is a son of Adam and Eliza (Klopp) Wenrich. He is descended from the family of that name, that located in Lower Heidelberg township in 1739, where his grandfather, Mathias Wenrich, was born and where he engaged in agricultural pursuits during his active life. The latter was mar- ried to Sophia Kalbach, and among their children was Adam, the father of our sub- ject, who was also born in Lower Heidelberg township, and like his father cultivated the 460 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES soil as a means of earning a competency. He chose as his companion in life Eliza Klopp, whose mother’s maiden name was Catherine Hain, a descendant of one of the oldest and best known families in Berks County. This happy union was blessed by the birth of the following children: Richard M., a retired farmer of Wernersville, Pa., married Mary Koch; Franklin J., who con- ducts a farm in Stouchsburg, Berks County, was married to Sarah Klopp; Emma E. is the wife of Franklin Miller, a farmer of Womels- dorf, Pa.; Jennie M., the wife of Jacob S. Yoder, a tarmer of Wernersville; and Reu- ben D., the subject of this biographical record. Mr. Wenrich was called to his home beyond the river of Death in 1851; his wife survived him many years, dying in 1877. Dr. Reuben D. Wenrich, after the death of his father, lived upon the home farm for some years and attended school at Oakdale, Ches- ter County, in 1857, and later at Stouchsburg for eight months. During the school year 1858-59, he attended Freeland Seminary, in Montgomery County, after which he taught in the public schools for four terms, and at- tended the Millersville Normal School. In 1861, the Doctor took a commercial course in the P. Duff Commercial College of Philadel- phia, Pa. Having atan early day decided upon a medical career, he read medicine under the direction of Dr. Daniel D. Detweiler for some time, and subsequently under Dr. William J. Schoener of Strausstown for one year. In 1863 and 1864, he took a thorough course in the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania, after which he was well qualified to enter upon a practice. He moved to Wernersville, where he has re- mained up to the present time. By carefully diagnosing his cases, and treating them with that skill which he acquired by several years of unceasing study under learned instructors, he established a large practice and a reputa- tion for competency which has redounded to his financial welfare. For fifteen years he practiced in Wernersville, and his name be- came known far and near. In 1879, Dr. Wenrich, in company with Dr. James W. Deppen, purchased the “ Mountain Home” at a sheriff sale, and successfully conducted it under the name Grand View Sanitorium until the latter’s demise, since which date our subject has conducted it. His many years of experience have made him cool and practical in critical and important cases, and cause his skill as a physician to be thoroughly relied upon. His indisputed and profound knowl- edge of his profession, and the large success, which he has won by his persevering indus. try and attention to business, have given to him the standing and prestige he so richly merits. Socially, Dr. Wenrich is of equal popularity and possesses the highest respect and esteem of a large circle of acquaintances, with whom he has come in contact in busi- ness and social relations. Our subject was joined in wedlock with Sarah Gockley, a daughter of Moses and Maria Gockley, the former of whom was a farmer of Lower Heidelberg township. The following children were born to them: Allie R. and Lizzie M., both deceased; Dr. George G., an assistant to his father, who graduated from the University of Pennsyl- vania with the Class of 1894; Eva A., the wife of Alvin J. Gibbs of Canton, O.; Emma E., deceased; Christian, deceased ; and John Adam, who is now attending Lafayette Col- lege. In religious attachments Dr. Wenrich is a member of the Lutheran Church of Robesonia, Pa. We present on a previous page an excellent portrait of our subject. + i> —__—_—— ORLEY BROTHERS. Among the manufacturing industries of Mohns- ville, Pa. that have established a reputation for fair and straightforward deal- ing and have built up a good and lucrative trade, is that of Worley Bros., manufacturers of wool hats. The firm consists of three brothers, Henry H., Wesley M., and Ellis M., all of whom may be classed among the foremost and progressive business men, as well as respected and honored citizens of Mohnsville. This manufacturing enterprise was established in 1878 by the father of the present proprietors, who successfully carried on the business until his death, when his three sons took charge of it, and have greatly enlarged the same. Benjamin Mohn, the maternal grandfather of the above gentlemen, was for many years a resident of Spring township, this county, BERKS COUNTY 461 but in 1846 he moved to Mohnsville, this county, and there erected a grist mill and operated it for many years. Disposing of his mill property he erected a hotel which he leased. He also engaged in the real estate business; he built and sold many houses in his community, and was one of the leading citizens of Mohnsville. Later he became a resident of Reading, where he began the making of boxes, continuing that occupation until his death, which occurred at the age of eighty-five years and six months. He was twice united in marriage: his first wife was Harrietta Deeds, and upon her death he wedded Sarah Shultz of Reading, Pa. Henry Worley, the father of our subjects, was born in Cumru township, this county, and resided at Mohnsville, where he manu- factured rifle barrels for twenty years. In 1878, he changed the rifle barrel factory into a hat factory, in which he was interested until his death, which occurred August 30, 1890. From 1887 to 1895 the establishment was conducted under the name of Wyomis- sing Hat Co., when the present proprietors took charge of the business. He married Isa- bella Mohn, and they were the parents of the following children: Henry H.; Mary M., the wife of William Webber, who died May, 1885, is the mother of three children, — Bessie, Clara, and William ; Louisa is the wife of John Reger, a hatter of Mohnsville, Pa.; Wesley M.; achild named William that died in in- fancy; Ellis M.; Carrie, born in 1868, was married to Nelson W. Dickinson, and they have two children, Estella and Raymond; Savilla., born in October, 1870, married James Ruth, a cigarmaker of Mohnsville, and a family of three children blessed their home, —Homer, Flora, and Rosie; Amanda, born in 1872, was wedded to Charles Madeira, a school teacher of Mohnsville, and two chil- dren have been born to this union, Geneva and Rosco; and Charles, born March 30, 1877, who married Maggie Trostle, who bore him one child, Minerva. The subjects of the biographical sketch were educated in the public schools of their native town, and spent their younger days working with their father, learning the trade of a hatter. In February, 1895, the three brothers took charge of the plant, which has since been known as Worley Bros. Hat Manufactory. In 1897, they enlarged the plant to twice its former size, and now give employment to some thirty hands, who turn out the best quality of goods; their goods are shipped to New York City and other points in the East, where they command a ready sale. The success of the establish- ment is due to the hustling ability of its popular and genial proprietors. These gen- tlemen are members of the K. of P. Lodge, No. 485, Mohnsville; O. U. A. M. Lodge, No. 86, Mohnsville; and P.O.S.of A. Camp, No. 212 of Reading; religiously, they are members of the United Evangelical Church. Henry H. Worley was born December io, 1855; he has always taken an active part in local politics, and has served as justice of the peace and as school director. He is agent of the Northern Mutual Fire Insurance Co. of Lancaster County and the Boyertown Insur- ance Co. He formed a matrimonial alliance with Lydia Mosser, and two children have been born to them, namely; Jennie L. and James E. Wesley M. Worley was born May 6, 1861; he was joined in Hymen’s bonds with Alice Dietrich of Reading, and three children blessed this union: Eddie; Nora; and Harry. Ellis M. Worley, who was born November 2, 1865, was wedded to Kate Hertzog of Reading, and one child, Elmer D., was born to them. —__—_+»+_____ ARTIN S. CROLL, of Long Swamp township, is one of the leading business men of the county, and comes from a family noted for its energy, industry and persever- ance. He is a son of John and Catherine (DeLong) Croll, and was born August Ig, 1844, in Maxatawny township, this county. Some time in the first half of the eighteenth century, Philip Croll, our subject’s ancestor, located in Montgomery County, this state, and there is little doubt but that he came from Germany. The exact place from which he emigrated is unknown, but it must have been from that section known as the Palatinate, or trom the province of Wurtemberg or Darm- stadt, those states at that time pouring into Pennsylvania large numbers of emigrants, 462 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES who secured homes and have contributed so materially to the civilization and success of the state. Philip Croll had a family of four children: Christian, Henry, Michael, and Polly. From Henry Croll are descended many of the most honorable and respected citizens of the state, among which number is our sub- ject. Henry Croll was married to a Miss Gilbert and moved to Allegheny County, near Pittsburg, where he was a most success- ful and prosperous farmer. Among the chil- dren born to this couple was Joseph Croll, who was born in Allegheny County and learned the trade of a tanner. He worked at his trade until 1813, when he married and made for himself a home in Greenwich town- ship, Berks County, and was the founder of the Croll family in this county. Joseph Croll married Elizabeth Schlenker, a daughter of John and Barbara (Tressler) Schlenker. He worked at his trade a number of years after his marriage, but either owing to poor health or a dislike to the calling, he abandoned it and turned his attention to other pursuits. He settled down at Smithville, now known as Krumsville, and reared a large family. He died March 22, 1847, his wife surviving him until the fall of 1872, when she was placed beside him in the Croll’s burying ground, in Greenwich township, in the neighborhood where they had passed so many years of their lives, and where they had won the kindly regard of every one for their indus- trious, frugal habits and gentle manners. John Croll, the father of our subject, was the oldest of his father’s family, and was born May 19, 1814, near Grimville, this coun- ty, and was christened in the Lutheran Church, the July 17th following. In his boy- hood he attended the private schools, his English education consisting of what he acquired in one half month. He was a friend of education and did all in his power to advance the dissemination of knowledge. In 1830 he was confirmed, becoming a full mem- ber of the Lutheran Church. He learned the trade of a tailor with John Kutz of Long Swamp, serving a full term of four years, After finishing his apprenticeship he worked at the trade, going from house to house to do custom work, as was then customary. In 1837 he married Catherine DeLong, daughter of David and Catherine DeLong of Maxa- tawny township, whose ancestors were among the early French Huguenot settlers in this country. In 1838, Mr. Croll removed to a place near Wessnersville, where he remained one year, then locating near Kutztown, where he worked at his trade for about fourteen years, when he once more moved, in 1853, to White Hall township, Lehigh County. There he purchased a small farm near Schnecksville, that county, and continued his trade for twelve years, employing a number of hands to help him in his ever increasing business. This property remained in the family until 1897, when it was finally sold. From 1865 to 1875 Mr. Croll bought extensive tracts of timber land, and engaged in cutting off the timber and otherwise improving the land, and in this enterprise his family took an active part, being industrious and anxious to help. The last ten years of his life were devoted to trucking and huckstering. He died in 1887, his death being sincerely regretted by all who knew him. He was a member of the Lutheran Church, and _ his life was well worthy of emulation. In poli- tics he was a life-long Democrat, and was elected to a number of offices in the different communities in which he lived, and his pub- lic life was the cause of much favorable com- ment. While residing near Kutztown he was elected township assessor in 1847, and tax collector for the same township the following year. He served twice as election inspector. After moving to Lehigh County he was census enumerator of Heidelberg and Wash- ington townships in 1860, and came within three votes of being the Democratic nominee for county commissioner. He collected the state and county tax five times in his town- ship, and the school tax three times. He was school director from 1869 to 1871, and was twice elected treasurer of that body. He was honest, industrious and frugal, and was highly esteemed by all. His family con- sisted of eight children, six sons and two daughters, of whom Martin S., our subject, was the third son. Alfred, the oldest son of John and Cather- ine (DeLong) Croll, was born June 25, 1838, in Albany township, this county, and received a good country school education. He also attended a select school of Kutztown and BERKS COUNTY 46 Boyertown Academy. He worked as a laborer for a number of years. It was the wish of his father that he should become a tailor, but this not suiting his taste, he looked in a different direction for his life-work. He developed a great greed for books, and had soon acquired a sufhcient education to enable him to secure a certificate when he began to teach. In 1855 he was confirmed as a mem. ber of the Lutheran Church, and his great desire was to fit himself to enter the ministry of that body. He taught school for five years, and attended the Reading Institute in 1856-58, and in 1859 the seminary at Freeland. He taught a select summer school at Orefield in 1857, and in 1860 entered the Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, graduating in August, 1862, and was licensed to preach the same year. He took a charge near Lyon’s Station, this county, and remained there until 1867, serving seven charges at one time. He afterward worked under the regime of the New Lutheran Church and continued labor- ing earnestly in the work of the Master, until Death ended his labors, June 19, 1876. He was a very eloquent speaker, and was always sure of the sympathy of his audience. He was a good and true man, and was held in the highest esteem by all with whom he came in contact. His death was considered a public loss and was widely mourned. On April 23, 1867, he was married to Alice C. Trexler of Long Swamp township, at which place they lived. Hiram, the second son, was born in Maxa- tawny township, March 11, 1841, and attend- ed pay school. He worked upon his father’s farm during his youth, and did farm work until he married his wite, Adaline Rockel, when he farmed for himself. He is a very successtul farmer, and for eight years owned and operated a threshing machine in addi- tion to looking after his regular farm work, besides serving a number of years as assessor of his township. Silas, the fourth son, was born September 12, 1846, in Maxatawny township, and receiv- ed a limited education in the common schools of his native place. For the first few years of his working life he was a farm laborer, and then learned the trade of a miller. He was foreman of a mill for a number of years, until 1873, when he moved to Trexlertown, ane where he now lives and where for eight years he was foreman in a coal and lumber business. In 1884 he became a member of the firm of Smith & Croll at Farmington, but sold out in 1886 and went into the same busi- ness with Mr. Stephen Acker, at Trexler- town, doing business under the name of Croll & Acker, until 1897, when he gave up that enterprise and retired to a farm which he purchased at that time. He has been more or less identified with the success of the Democratic party, to which he belongs, and has filled a number of offices in the gift of the people. He at one time was mercantile ap- praiser, and proved himself a most satisfactory and impartial one. He is poor director at the present time, and is now serving his third term as justice of the peace, besides acting as school director for his first term. In 1868 he was united in marriage with Josephine E. Acker of Trexlertown. He possesses a superabundance of pluck and energy, and is of a most happy.sunshiny disposition, which makes him a great favorite. He is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellow fraternities. Cyrenius Charles Cosmos, the fifth son of this family, was born September 27, 1840, in Maxatawny township, and in his boy- hood attended the public schools. After leaving school, he clerked for two years tor Smith & Croll, who kept a general store and a hotel at Monterey, this county. After end- ing his connection with this firm, he worked for John G. Wink at Balliettsville, Lehigh County, until 1870, when he went to Indiana, where he secured a clerkship and afterwards went into business for himself. February 7, 1877, he entered the employ of the Lake Erie & Western R. R. as repairman and section hand. In 1882 he accepted a position as clerk with B. F. Kuhns at Frankfort, Clinton County, and has remained there ever since, under various changes of proprietors. He was married February 6, 1871, to Alice Burkhalter. Elmira, the sixth of the family, was born June 8, 1851, and was an attendant of the public schools and the Keystone State Nor- mal School. She was married August 19, 1873, to Tilghman J. Bittner, a miller of Bittner’s Corner, Lowhill township, Lehigh County He was accidentally killed March 1, 1879, while at work in the mill. His 464 widow is at present residing at Schnecks- ville, that county. Philip Columbus, the seventh child, was born October 2, 1852, and was but an infant of six months when his parents removed to Lehigh County. He attended the public schools and proved an apt pupil. On July 4, 1869, he entered the Keystone State Nor- mal School. About this time he decided upon devoting his life to the teaching of the Gospel, and to secure the necessary educa- tion to accomplish this object in a credi- table manner, he spent his time for a number of years in alternately teaching and attend- ing the Normal School. He was well read in the classics and took a high position in the literary work of the institution, and in June, 1873, he passed the examination and was ready to enter the sophomore class of Penn- sylvania College at Gettysburg. He entered this college in the fall and graduated with high honors in the class of 1876. The follow- ing autumn he entered the Theological Sem- inary, connected with the same institution, and graduated in 1879; he was ordained asa minister of the Lutheran Church by the East Pennsylvania Synod at Harrisburg, in Sep- tember of the same year. His first charge was at Womelsdorf, where he had five con- gregations under his care. He remained there until 1882, when he went to Schuylkill Haven, Schuylkill County, where he remained five years. In 1887 he went to Lebanon, and has remained there ever since. He is success- ful and popular as a minister, and asa man of much literary ability, frequently contributing, to the press, works on religious subjects that show high merit and a masterly pen. He was married March 11, 1880, to Sallie A. Greiss. Priscilla Susanna, the youngest of this remarkable family, was born in White Hall township, Lehigh County, November 22, 1855, and was educated in the common schools, and later at the Keystone State Nor- mal School. She taught and attended school alternately, until she had acquired a fine edu- cation, and met with the most flattering suc- cess as a teacher. She was married October 1, 1878, and it was with deep regret that her pupils and patrons saw her give up the work for which she was so eminently fitted. Her husband is Oliver C. Rohrbach, a miller of BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES Rohrbach’s Mills, this county. He after- wards, with his brother anda Mr. Kutz, erect- ed a first class flouring mill at Topton, and was engaged with them in the manufacture of flour until 1897, when he withdrew from the firm and purchased another mill, which he operates on his own account. Martin S. Croll, the subject of this sketch, received his primary education in the public schools, which was supplemented by an aca- demical course in the Quakertown Academy. He was a diligent student, made good use of his time, and acquired a good education. After leaving school he was examined, secur- ed a certificate, and for a time taught school, but as his choice was for a business career rather than teaching as a profession, he accordingly on April 1, 1863, accepted a posi- tion as a clerk in the mercantile establish- ment of Joseph Miller, at Fogelsville, this state. He remained there until the middle of the next August, when he accepted a simi- lar position in the store of Daniel Clader of Rotherocksville, with whom he remained three and a half years. On March 1, 1867, he formed a partnership with a brother-in- law, Stephen Smith, and leased a store and hotel in the village of Monterey, about three miles east of Kutztown. They purchased their stock from their predecessor and con- ducted a most successful business there for five years, when they leased a store building from a Mr. Clader of Rotherocksville, but before taking possession of it Mr. Clader died, and they were compelled to buy the building. They carried ona general store in this, building until 1889. In 1884, they entered into partnership with Mr. Croll’s brother, Silas, in the coal and lumber busi- ness at Farmington, this county, on the C. & F. R. R. This partnership lasted one year and nine months, when Silas withdrew, and the business was continued by Smith & Croll until 1893. The firm was very success- ful in business, and in 1892 purchased a farm at Topton upon which they erected a fine residence and other buildings, where Mr. Croll now lives. Mr. Croll was married June to, 1865, to Elizabeth A. Grim, daughter of Jonas Grim of Lehigh County. To them have been born the following children. William Martin, born April 9, 1866, was educated at the Key- stone State Normal School, taught one term, and graduated from Eastman’s Business Col- lege, August 21, 1883. He then entered a partnership with his cousin, William H. Smith, at Maxatawny, and conducted the business until 1897, when the partnership was dissolved and he engaged in business in Reading. He is now interested in the clothing business as a member of the live firm of Heffner, Gilbert & Croll. He was married to Anna Kuhns, and two bright children have been added to their home,— Amy Blanch and Mabel. Charles Alfred, the second son, was born July 2, 1877, and is now a student at Drexel Institute, Philadel- phia, where he is learning artisan designing and architecture. Ellen Schindel, an adopt- ed child, was born July 1, 1871, and was educated in the common schools and the Female Academy at Allentown, Pa., and mar- ried William Siegfried, a prosperous farmer living near Monterey, Maxatawny township. Martin S. Croll has always been a Demo- crat, and has worked ina quiet way for the success of the principles in which he believes. He served as school director three years, acting as secretary all the time. He was also township auditor six years, and has fre- quently been delegate to county and state conventions. In 1893 he was appointed deputy collector of Internal Revenues in the First District of Pensylvania, under William H. Doyle, general collector, and at the end of his first term was re-appointed by the newly elected collector, P. A. McClain. His division is composed of Berks County, the heaviest division of the district, and a very responsible position. He served as a mem- ber of the borough council of Topton for three years, and also filled the office of borough treasurer. He isa member of the Lutheran Church, took an active part in the work of the local organization, serving as deacon and elder, and also acted as superintendent of the Sunday School in Maxatawny for a long time. It was largely due to his instrumental- ity that the Lutheran Orphans’ Home was secured for Topton in 1896. Heis public spirited, and spares no effort to promote the welfare of the community in which he lives. He is industrious, enterprising, and thrifty, and has the entire confidence and respect of the people both in his official and private life. BERKS COUNTY 465 successfully conducted a thriving ice business from early manhood to the present time, is one of the enterpris- ing and progressive citizens of Reading. He was born in Bechtelsville. Washington township, Berks County, Pa., September 12, 1844, and is a son of Charles N. and Harriett (Moyer) Keller, and grandson of Conrad Keller. Conrad Keller, the grandfather of our sub- ject, a native of Switzerland, emigrated to America in his early manhood, and located in Rockland township, Berks County, Pa., where he engaged in general farming. Charles N. Keller, the father of our subject, was born in Rockland township, Berks County, in 1813, and was reared to manhood on his father’s farm. About 1840, he moved to Bechtelsville, Washington township, Berks County, Pa., where he spent the rest of his life following his trade as a tailor. He en- tered the world of rest in 1897, at the ad- vanced age of eighty-four years. In politics, Mr. Keller firmly supported the Democratic party; in 1860, he was elected recorder of Berks County, also held other township offices, and for twenty-five years served as school comptroller. Mr. Keller was united in marriage with Harriett Moyer, and they were the parents of three sons and two daughters, namely; Caroline, the wife of Henry Hoffman—they are residents of Mont- gomery County, Pa.; Jefferson M., our sub- ject; Diana was wedded to Charles Erb, also a resident of Montgomery County; Franklin resides in Montgomery County ; and Howard. Jefferson M. Keller was educated in the public schools of Washington township, and early embarked in the ice business in Read- ing, and has continued in the same to the present time. Politically, our subject is a consistent Democrat, and has done much for the success of his party. At the age of six- teen years, he accepted a position as clerk in the county recorder’s office, and continued to hold the same for twelve years. In 1875 he was elected recorder of Berks County for one term; he is at present chairman of the city executive committee, also ward chair- man; and has served seventeen years as a school director, and takes an active part in aj na M. KELLER, who has 466 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES advancing educational institutions. He has also represented his fellow-citizens in county and state conventions. Socially, he is a member of Teutonia Lodge, No. 367, F. & A. M. of Reading; Reading Commandery ; Reading Chapter; and A. A. O. N. M.S. Mr. Keller chose for his life companion Helen Stultz,and they were wedded in Feb- ruary, 1878. To this union four children were reared, namely: William, Benton, Adelaide, and Helen. He formed a second matrimonial alliance with Emma _ Louise Stultz, a sister of his first wife, and this union has been blessed by two children, named as follows: Paul and Russel. Mr. Keller is held in high esteem in Reading and Berks County, and in his private and public life is conscientiously fulfilling all the duties of an honest man and a good citizen. SSS prominent farmer of Maxatawny town- ship, was born on the present home- stead, December 31, 1845, and is a son of Francis and Esther (Schaeffer) DeLong, the latter a native of Richmond township, and the former of Maxatawny township, his birth having occurred on the homestead. John DeLong, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born in New York City, a son of Peter DeLong, a native of France, who, emigrating to America, came to Berks County, and, in 1747, located upon the farm now owned by our subject. He was a pio- neer farmer of this county, and owned 447 acres of land. Francis DeLong, the father of our subject, was engaged in the tilling of the soil, and was one of the prominent farmers of his township. He retired to Bower's Station when well along in years, and died there in 1880. He wedded Esther Schaeffer, and they raised a family of seven children, who were named as follows: Susan, wife of Isaac Kutz, who lives in Fleetwood, this county ; Joseph, a farmer living near the farm owned by our subject; Marie married Rev. D. K. Humbert, whose sketch may also be found in this Book of Biographies; Rev. John Y., a minister in the Reformed Church of Bethle- hem, Pa.; and Winfield and Esther, twins,— das DELONG, a representative and Winfield married Dora Sharadin,. and is a resident of Long Swamp; and Esther resides at Bower's Station, Pa. The mother of our subject died in 1895. James DeLong was educated in the com. mon schools of his native township, and in the year 1875 took charge of the old DeLong homestead, and has since carried on general farming. He is also interested extensively in dairying, has his farm well stocked. with cat- tle, and makes ninety-five pounds of butter per week, which he sends to Kutztown and Reading, where itis always in demand. Our subject is very prominent among his fellow- citizens, and always works for everything tending toward the advancement of his town- ship or county. In the year 1875, Mr. DeLong was joined in Hymen’s bonds with Ida Hottenstein, who was born in Maxatawny township, September 4, 1856, a daughter of Dr. Edward and Sarah (Knabb) Hottenstein. Dr. Hottenstein was formerly a prominent physician of Maxataw- ny township, but now resides in Kutztown. Eight children have blessed the home of our subject and wife, as follows: Sallie, a teacher in the public schools at Maxatawny; Flor- ence; Francis; Mabel; Beulah; Deborah: Paul; and Raymond. Mr. DeLong and fam- ily are devoted members of the Reformed Church, and they support the church of that denomination at Bower's. He strongly advo- cates the principles of the Republican party. +e K. FLOOD, one of the able and suc- cessful attorneys of Reading, and a " highly esteemed citizen of that city, was born in Hollidaysburg, Blair County, Pa., May 11, 1854, and is a son of Francis and Anna (Corcoran) Flood. Francis Flood was a native of Ireland; upon coming to America, he located in Mon- treal, Canada. Later he came to New York State and followed railroading for a short time; his next move was to Blair County, Pa., where he was employed on the Central and Union Canals. Some months later, he accepted a position on the Lebanon Valley R.R. In 1857 he moved to Kutztown, Berks County, Pa., and worked on the Allentown & Lebanon R. R., now known as the Kutz- . JULIUS WEBER, Sr. BERKS COUNTY 469 town Branch. His latter days were spent on a small farm in Maxatawny township, where he entered the world of rest in 1878. Mr. Flood was quite active in politics, and firmly upheld the principles of the Democratic party. He was joined in the bonds of mat- rimony with Anna Corcoran, and a family of five was born to them, as follows: Mary, the wife of Michael McManan; Katherine; Anna was united in marriage with John Mulet; F. K., the subject of this brief notice; and Ce- celia, the wife of Frank Hartzel. F. K. Flood received his preliminary edu- cation in the public schools of his native township, and then took a scientific course in the Keystone State Normal School in Kutz- town, graduating in 1875. Upon leaving school he began teaching in the Kutztown High School, and later taught in the Normal School there, and acted as principal of the Hamburg High School. In 1884 he began the study of law, and was admitted to the bar in 1888. Our subject is a man of fine natural abilities, and is possessed of a good education. His manners are genial, and he is well fitted to become a popular and suc- cessful leader. He is a public-spirited man, and always lends his aid and influence to the advancement of measures which he believes will be conducive to the public welfare. The subject of our sketch is an uncom- promising Democrat, endorsing and main- taining with characteristic firmness and decis- ion the principles of his party. In 1893 he was elected district attorney of Berks Coun- ty; he has been a member of the school board; and was chairman of the Democratic committee of the city from 1888 to 1894. Mr. Flood is one of the foremost attorneys of Reading, and is greatly respected by the citi- zens of his city for his honorable methods of doing business, and his excellent personal traits of character. ++ —____ ULIUS WEBER, Sr., whose death occurred in Reading in 1893, was a very prominent and active citizen of the city, and established, in 1853, the Reading Ribbon Badge Co., of which his son, H. C. Weber, now has charge. He acquired a national reputation as a manufac- turer of ribbon and celluloid badges, flags, banners, etc., and built up the largest exclu- sive badge business in the world. Mr. Weber was born in Switzerland in August, 1823, and was reared in his native country. In 1853, he emigrated to America, and after landing in New York City traveled extensively throughout the country, finally locating at Reading, where he began the manufacture of ribbon badges. Subsequently he also engaged in the manufacture otf hat boxes and continued at both lines of business until 1886, when he disposed of the ribbon business to his son, H. C. Weber. He then greatly enlarged his hat box plant and con- tinued to do a large and lucrative business until his death. He was also identified with a shear manufacturing plant in Reading, and was a member of the Reading Board of Trade. He was ever on the alert for im- provements, and invented and obtained pat- ents for a number of useful contrivances, for the most part pertaining to his business, among these being a hat stretching machine, a hat box covering machine, hat box staves, and a fire escape. He was a man of power- ful build, with well developed muscles, and during his younger days was an athletic ‘performer of no mean ability. For many years he conducted a gymnasium in Phila- delphia, and was instructor of the first gym- nasium of the city of Reading. Religiously, he was a member of the Reformed Church. He was united in matrimonial bonds with Anna Kretz, and they became the happy parents of the following children: Gustavius, who died at an early age; Charles, who died in infancy; Ida, deceased; Julius, deceased ; Herman, who is a hatter by trade, and re- sides in the city of Reading; Walter, a mem- ber of the firm of Weber & Co., manufactu- rers of hosiery; H. C., whose record is given below; James W., who is employed in the hat box factory formerly owned by his father; Daniel, who is also employed in the hat box factory ; Maude, who is still living at home; and Hattie, the wife of Reuben Moyer, a druggist of Reading. H. C. WEBER, who is widely known as one of the hustling business men of Reading, was born in Reading, Pa., June 15, 1865, and obtained his intellectual training in the city’s public schools; at the age of sixteen years he 470 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES went to Philadelphia and New York City and learned the trades of hot press printing, steel and copper plate printing, embossing, lithographing and compositing. Having served a thorough apprenticeship, he re- turned to Reading and assumed control of the ribbon badge business in 1886, which he has conducted ever since. Besides manufac- turing ribbon and celluloid badges, they do hatters’ printing, steel and copper plate work, embossing, lithographing and manu- facture flags and banners of every descrip- tion. The goods are of the highest quality, and there is a large demand for them throughout the United States, but the largest orders come from New York City, where they have an office. They also have offices in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Baltimore, Md., and Pittsburg, Pa. That the work has been en- tirely satisfactory to the thousands of patrons is demonstrated by the large number of tes- timonials which have been sent to Mr. Web- er from mayors, governors and other prom- inent officials from all parts of the country. He is recognized in Reading, Philadelphia, New York, New ‘Jersey, and Maryland asa shrewd buyer and seller. In addition to his other business, Mr. Weber is interested in the Reading & Southwestern R. R., and the Mohnsville & Adamstown R. R.; is treas- urer of the Scranton Building & Saving Association, and is interested in the manu- facture of hosiery in Reading. He has invented a straw hat machine, and a puzzle called “ Volcano.” He has won distinction in the field of athletics as well as in business, and his prowess as an athlete is known throughout the state. He inherited his father’s love for gymnastic work, and under the latter’s direction began training in boy- hood. By consistent and conscientious work his muscles were fully developed and he became an expert on the trapeze and Roman rings and on the horizontal and parallel bars. He was unexcelled at swinging Indian clubs and in broad sword contests, of which he was very fond. For anumber of years he hada room fitted up in the Boas Building on Penn street, in which he spent his hours of recrea- tion for many years, but finally disposed of it to the Reading Athletic Club. A tourna- ment was held in Wilkes-Barre in 1892, open to all comers, and our subject became a con- testant for honors, easily outclassing his competitors and winning a fine medal for the best all around athlete in Pennsylvania and the adjoining states. By no means the least of his accomplishments, is his ability and un- excelled skill as a magician, performing all of the most difficult tricks of Kellar, Hermann, and other leading lights of the day. But owing to his conhnement to business, he is unable to give that line of work the attention he would like, and only appears before the public now and then for the benefit of some charitable entertainment, for which he ac- cepts no compensation. Mr. Weber is sole proprietor of the Bijou Theatre of Harris- burg, Pa. Socially, Mr. Weber is quite prominent and is closely identified with the work of the following orders: Ivy Leaf Association ; Hot Press Printing Association ; Reading Turn- verein; Knights of the Golden Cross of Washington, D. C.; Knights of Friendship ; Patriotic Order Sons of America; Consul- tory, No. 3, C. O. K. F.; Elm Leaf Associa- tion; Electric Wheelmen; League of Ameri- can Wheelmen; Actors’ Relief Association of New York City; Junior Order of United Amer- ican Mechanics; and the Honolulu Club. He is a member of the Reading Board of Trade, and was a member of the insignia and industrial committees of the Sesqui-Centen- nial of Reading. He is a member of the Second Reformed Church of Reading, and is an active worker in the Sunday School. While serving asa teacher in that body, he taught eight Chinese and one Indian. We take pleasure in presenting on preced- ing pages, in connection with the above sketch, portraits of Julius Weber, Sr., and H. C. Weber. —__——o>o EREMIAH STARR PARVIN,a prom- inent and representative citizen of Ontelaunee township, is a son of Ben- jamin and Elizabeth (Starr) Parvin, and was born September 7, 1841, in Bern township, Berks County, where he was reared, educated, and engaged in the busi- ness which had for so many years been pur- sued by his ancestors, tanning. He has been uniformly successful in his business ventures BERKS COUNTY 471 and is highly esteemed throughout the county for his sterling worth, and also as a descendant of one of the most illustrious and well remembered families of the early col- onial times in this state. Francis Parvin, the great-great-grandtather, and two brothers were the ancestors of all the Parvins of Pennsylvania and Maryland. His parents were co-laborers with George Fox, the founder of the Society of Friends. Tradition has it that at that time they were residents of Berkshire County, England, but on account of religious persecutions they moved to Ireland in Ballykibrae, in County West Meath, where they became planters, and also carried on their trade of tanning. They had been intimate friends of the Penn family in England. Francis Parvin with a number of his brethren set sail for the new country across the seas, where religious per- secutions were not tolerated. Upon reach. ing America he spent some time in prospect- ing for a suitable location; being favorably © impressed with the outlook in Berks County, he decided on making that spot his home. He then returned to Ireland to claim his bride, who was Deborah Pearson of Drighen, County Kildare. They were married in Edenderry, according to the form of the Society of Friends, and their marriage certi- ficate bears the name of forty-five witnesses. Shortly after his marriage he once more set sail for the land of promise, bringing his wife with him. The passage over was very long and stormy, much seasickness was felt, and many of the passengers never recovered from the effects ot that terrible voyage; among these was the young wife of Mr. Par- vin, who died soon after settling at Chris- tiana. After his wife’s death, he visited some friends in Exeter township; upon leav- ing them he followed a deer path to Berkley, where he found a site for the location of his house, which pleased him. There he erected a log cabin and entered two tracts of land of 500 acres each, which were purchased direct- ly from the Penns, and which became the Parvin homestead. He was a surveyor as were many of his family, although his main business was his grist mill and tannery, which he erected, and which has since been operated by some ot his descendants, the present owner being M. S. Parvin, whose biography appears on another page of this volume. Francis Parvin received an appoint- ment of a judgeship from the Provincial Government, Berks County being at that time included in Philadelphia County, and he occasionally held sessions for the trial of petty cases, his court convening in the old log cabin, then his home. In 1756 he erected, near the site of the log cabin, a building of stone, then considered a mansion and known as the “house of many windows.” He was a friend to education, and was the primary mover in building a great many school houses during the early settlement of the section. He was intrumental in establishing select pay schools, which continued in vogue long after the public school system had been inaugurated. About the year 1745, the ques- tion was agitated of creating a new county, and Mr. Parvin was one of six men appoint- ed to select the site of the new county seat. The other members of the committee were in favor of locating it on his land at Berkley, to which he objected, as he did not wish to raise his family in town, and said he would rather have it six miles away, and accord- ingly the present site was selected. Francis Parvin, his son, and the great- grandfather of our subject, located in the Cumberland Valley, Pa., in early life, but was compelled to move from there because of the hostilities of the Indians, and accordingly came to Berks County, and settled in Onte- launee township. He was a member of the Society of Friends. When one of his sons, Francis, our subject’s grandfather, fell in love with a cousin and eloped with her to Reading where there they were married, they were disowned by the Society for this breach of their principles. The family attend- ed the Maiden Creek Meeting, and resided upon a part of the original patent of land obtained by his father. He was a tanner and farmer of East Berkley. He died De- cember 22, 1808, and left a family of seven children, viz: Francis, Jacob, Deborah, Mary, Sarah, Susan, and Elizabeth. His will pro- vided for the distribution of 71 acres, 102 perches of land, appraised at 20 pounds per acre among these children. To his son Francis he bequeathed the homestead, the tannery, and twenty-three acres of land. This son, Francis, was the grandfather. of 472 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES our subject, and lived his entire life on the estate left him, engaged in tanning and farm- ing. He was a Whig in politics, and a mem- ber of Maiden Creek Meeting of the Society of Friends. He was married to a first cousin, Susanna Parvin from the Eastern Shore of Maryland, whose parents gave to her as her wedding portion six slaves, three males and three females. For this violation of their marriage rules, the Society of Friends at once dismissed them from membership. During the later life of the grandfather, this fact weighed heavily on his mind, but he always insisted that he had been guilty of no wrong and would not be reinstated. He left a family of seven children, as follows: Benjamin, Thomas, Francis, Jacob, John, Sarah, and Deborah. Benjamin Parvin, the father, was born on the old homestead, in what is now Berkley village. He learned the trade of a tanner with his father, and in early life located in that business in West Leesport, where he conducted that industry in a most profitable manner all his life. He was an enthusiastic advocate of the public school system and gave invaluable aid toward securing their adoption in the county. He wasa man of large intelligence and good judgment, and enjoyed the confidence of the people to a re- markable extent, as was evidenced by the great number of estates he was chosen to settle. He was at one time a Whig, but later joined forces with the Republicans. During the Civil War he was directly con- nected with raising money for making up the draft in his township, while at the same time he was acting as school director. He was educated in a private school and saw the need of free schools, that all children might stand a more equal chance for an education. He was a member of Maiden Creek Meeting of the Society of Friends. He was united in marriage with Elizabeth Starr, who bore him three sons and two daughters: Francis, now deceased, resided at Cranford, N. J., where he was employed by the Long Island R. R.; Ebenezer died in 1863; Jeremiah; Sallie Ellen is the wife of Daniel C. Hogue, who is a green grocer at Watsontown, this state ; and Susan, who died in infancy. The father died March 16, 1880, at the age of seventy-eight years, and the mother died in August, 1885, at the age of eighty-two years. Her ancestors were also among the early set- tlers of this state, and her lineage is traced back to one John Starr, a native of Old Castle, County Meath, Ireland. Moses Starr, a son, came to America in 1715 with his wife, Deborah King, whom he had just married at Old Castle, and accompanied by a brother, Jeremiah Starr, who settled in New Garden township, Chester County, Pa. Moses Starr came to Maiden Creek town- ship, where he settled and took up a tract of land of 551 acres, and 6 acres allowed for roads and highways. This land descended through the different generations of the family until recently, and eighty acres of the original tract are now owned by the subject of this sketch, who is of the fifth generation toownit. The family has always belonged to the Society of Friends in this country. John Starr, son of Moses Starr, was the great-grandfather of our subject, and lived at Maiden Creek township all his life, and was one of the strong Friends of that settle- ment. His children were as follows: Jere- miah ; Deborah (Wright); Emma and Ann, both maiden ladies; and Mrs. Pierson. Jere- miah Starr, the grandfather, was born in that settlement, and for a great many years resided there on the old homestead, but later moved to Maiden Creek P. O. He was a farmer and owned 216 acres of the home- stead farm, but afterward moved upon his wife’s property. They were members of the Society of Friends, and in that Society he and Sevilla Wright were united in matri- mony. They had five children: Elizabeth, the mother of our subject; Deborah; Ellen; Mordacai: and Ebenezer. Jeremiah Starr Parvin, whose name heads this biography, is the descendant of a long line of illustrious ancestors, and well does he sustain the dignity and honor thus be- queathed him. Educated in the common schools of Bern township, and the private schools of Maiden Creek, he left school at the age of sixteen years to enter upon the active duties of life’ He learned the trade of a tanner in his father’s establishment, and worked there until his father received a stroke of apoplexy, when our subject became a partner in the business, continuing thus until his father’s death in 1873. He then purchased the interest in the business from the other heirs, and has since conducted the work with the most gratifying results. He employs seven men when running to the full capacity. Until 1888 he lived in West Lees- port; since then he has been living in Lees- port, where he purchased a handsome stone residence, one of the finest in his part of the county. He owns 80 acres of land border- ing on Maiden Creek, in Ontelaunee town- ship, which he leases and which was formerly a part of the Starr homestead tract. Mr. Parvin was married July 17, 1873, to Clara Lincoln, and six children were born to them, viz: Edward L., who is manager of the crushing plant at Leesport, and the roof- ing department at Reading, for Warren, Ehret & Co., a slag roofing concern o! Phila- delphia; Elizabeth, who resides at home; George B., who is attending school and re- sides at home; Mary, a student at Reading ; Benjamin; and Lucia. Mr. Parvin served during the war in Col. Samuel L. Young's independent cavalry company, and in 1863 re-enlisted in the emergency corps in Co. D., 42d Reg., under Capt. Harris and served six weeks. He has always been an enthusiastic Republican and has done some very good work for the party. On September 3, 1898, he was nominated in the Berks County con- vention as candidate for Congressman from the 9th Congressional District. Mrs. Parvin is a member of the Episcopal Church, as are the other members of her family. She isa woman of sterling worth, and this sketch would be incomplete without a brief men- tion of her and her family. She is a relative of our noble martyred hero president, Abra- ham Lincoln, whose ancestors were from this county. Mordacai Lincoln, the great- great-grandfather of Mrs. Parvin, bore the same relation to Abraham Lincoln, and came from England, settling in Massachusetts. In 1735 he migrated to Exeter township, this county, where he received a grant of land containing 1,000 acres. He was twice mar- ried, the Lincolns of Massachusetts being descendants of the first wife, while those of Pennsylvania are descendants of the second. He had several sons by the second wife, and one of them was Abraham, who married Anna Boone, a first cousin of Daniel Boone, the noted Kentucky hunter and Indian fighter. BERKS COUNTY She was a native of Exeter township, this county. Another son was John Lincoln, great-grandfather of the president. He moved to Virginia about 1750, and in Rockingham County, that state, was Abra- ham, the grandfather of the president, born. Abraham moved to Kentucky, and when Thomas, the father of the future president of our country, was but a lad of six years, the grandfather, Abraham Lincoln, was shot and instantly killed by an Indian while he was at work in his field. With such ances- tors as these it is not surprising that the family take their place among the foremost citizens of the county, for their inheritance has been courage, nobility, integrity, and perseverance, a more valuable legacy than the land which descended to them from the same ancestors. ——_——___+@e R. WILLIAM E. SCHLEMM is one of the most experienced of the many practicing physicians of the city of Reading, where he became established in 1862, and has since continued to attend to the demands of a large and lucra- tive practice. Heis a son of Dr. Christian L. and Jane (Freeman) Schlemm, and was born April 12, 1825, in Kutstown, Berks County. Dr. Christian L. Schlemm, the father of the gentleman whose name appears above, was born in Germany, where he became learned in the intricacies of the medical pro- fession and practiced for some years prior to embarking for America at the age of twenty- eight years. He first located in Philadelphia, Pa., whence after a residence of a short period he moved to Myerstown, Lebanon County, and subsequently to Union County. He lived and practiced in the latter county until he moved to Kutztown, Berks County, where he resided the remainder of his life, a period of about thirty years. He was united in hymeneal bonds with Jane Freeman, of Union County, and their union was blessed by the birth of four sons and one daughter, namely: Frederick, a mechanic by profes- sion; Edmund, who became a clerk in a bank in Philadelphia; Dr. Charles, deceased, who was a prominent physician and citizen of 474 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES Reading ; William E., the subject of this bio- graphical record; and Anna, who married Sampson Dain, a resident of Reading. Dr. William E. Schlemm was reared in Kutztown and obtained his intellectual train- ing in the Kutztown Academy, after which he entered upon the study of medicine with his father. But as the latter did not have the means with which to give him a professional training, and our subject possessed high ambitions, he decided to work and lay by enough for that purpose. At the age of twenty years he accepted a position in a wholesale tobacco store in Philadelphia, and filled it with such satisfaction that his em- ployers were loth to see him depart at the expiration of five years, by which time he had saved enough to complete his education. He took three courses of study in the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania under Drs. Leidy, Sergeant, and Drayton, and immediately thereafter located at Leesport, this county, Later he located at Bell Mills, Blair County, whence he came to Maiden Creek township, this county, and worked up a large practice, which he held for four years. Wishing to enter a larger field of practice, and one which af. forded better opportunities for advancement, he moved to Reading, in 1862, where he has since practiced, having many of the leading citizens among his patrons. He isa student of the profession and keeps thoroughly abreast of the advances made in medical sciences. He is especially proficient in treat- ing diseases of the stomach and alimentary canal, and has made a specialty of those dis- eases during the past few years. Dr. Schlemm has performed every obligation of a dutiful citizen, is a good neighbor and a true friend, being held in high esteem by a large circle of acquaintances. Dr. Schlemm was married to Caroline M. Witman, a most estimable lady, who was born June 3, 1835, and was called to her rest- ing place beyond the river of Death in 1890. ——————————~®»-+—_____ AVID LEVAN, ESQ. The Levan | family is of French stock, having come to this country in early colo- nial times to escape religious per- secution. It is supposed the family was founded here by three brothers, Jacob, Isaac and Abraham, French Huguenots, who came over at an early day to enjoy the freedom accorded to all sects in free America. The gentleman whose name heads these memoirs is a descendant of one of these brothers, and is an able and popular attorney of Reading. His immediate ancestors are Joseph and Caroline (Bechtel) Levan, a most worthy couple to whom he was born on Christmas Eve, in 1858, while they were residing in Exeter township, this county. His great-grandfather was a farmer, and for many years a resident of Exeter town- ship, where he died. Abraham Levan, the grandfather, was born in the same township. Joseph Levan, the father of our subject, spent his life in Exeter township, and was always engaged in farming. He was one of the substantial men of the county. He was a Democrat and took an active interest in local politics, He wasa true Christian and a member of the Reformed Church. His wife, Caroline, was a daughter of Teter Bechtel, a native of Exeter township, this county. She was born May 20, 1817, and is still living, remarkably bright and active for a woman of her age. Five sons were born to this union: Abraham, a retired farmer of Exeter township; Jacob N., a retired farmer of the same vicinity; Cyrus, who was a farmer up to the time of his death, which occurred July 16, 1890; Nathan E., a retired farmer of Exeter township ; and the subject of this biography. David Levan received a good education, graduating from Franklin and Marshall Col- lege at Lancaster, Pa., in 1885. He at once took up the study of law with George F. Baer, Esq., of Reading, and was admitted to the Berks County Bar in 1887, and has since been a practitioner in the city of Reading. He is a Democrat in his political affiliations. He is a member of the Schwartzwald Re- formed Church of Exeter township. His maternal grandmother was a daughter of Colonel Jonathan Jones, whose father, David Jones, in all probability came from Wales and located in Caernarvon township, near Morgantown, from which section Jona- than Jones entered the service of his country in the Revolutionary War. He organized a company in his native township, which he led BERKS COUNTY 475 into service. Heafterward organized another company, which went with him into Canada, where he went to join Arnold at Quebec. He returned to his home near Morgantown after the war and died in a short time. Mr. Levan is one of the substantial citizens of Reading, and isa man of sterling worth. He is a deep thinker, noted for his intellec- tual strength and vigor, and commands the full respect, confidence and esteem of all. ++ ANIEL KAUFFMAN, proprietor | of one of the best kept hotels in Center township, and a highly re- spected citizen of Mohrsville, was born in Upper Bern township, June 2, 1825, and is a son of George and Mary (Knaus) Kauffman, and grandson of Joseph Kauffman. Joseph Kauffman was engaged in farming in Upper Bern township all his life, and was one of its pioneer settlers. He was a Demo- crat; in religious views he was a member of St. Michael’s Lutheran Church. He was the father of six children, namely: Felty; John; Joseph; George; Mary; and Cather- ine. The grandfather of our subject died in 1842 at the ripe old age of eighty years. George Kauffman, the father of our sub- ject, was born in Upper Bern township July 11, 1779, and was a tailor by trade, which he followed in that township all his life. He also did some farming, and at the time of his death owned 135 acres of land. He was a stanch Democrat in politics. He was a member of St. Michael's Lutheran Church of that township. He wedded Mary Knaus, who bore him eight children, as follows: a daughter that died in infancy; Daniel, the subject of this sketch; Lydia Marguerite; Reuben; Solomon; Henrietta; Levi; and Sarah. Mr. Kauffman entered the world of rest May 20, 1867, at the age of ninety-six years and ten months. The mother of our subject died aged thirty-six years. Daniel Kauffman was educated in St. Michael’s School in Upper Bern township; leaving school at the age of sixteen years, he learned the trade of a carpenter, which ha afterwards followed in his native township for a period of twenty-seven years. Later he moved to Schuylkill County, where he con- tinued to follow his trade for a short time; he moved to Mohrsville in 1869, and pur- chased the old Union House, and has since devoted his attention toward the hotel busi- ness, and does all in his power to make his hostelry as homelike for transients as he can. In politics, Mr. Kauffman is a supporter of the Democratic party. He was united in wedlock September 25, 1847, with Louisa Burger, daughter of John Burger, and they became the parents of four children, as fol- lows: George, who died aged forty years ; Catherine, who died at the age of twenty- eight years, was the wife of Albert Stamm; Mary B., who remains at home; and Alice, who passed from this life, aged twenty-six years. Mr. Kauffman is now passing the sunset of life, and is surrounded by many warm friends with whom he has had the pleasantest of associations. a naa gentleman who is held in high repute by the citizens of Reading, is one of the enterprising and progressive busi- ness men of that city, where he is a whole- sale dealer in coal and coke. He is a son of John George and Mary (McGauley) Rep- plier, and was born May 15, 1844, in Phila- delphia, Pa. On the paternal side of the house, he traces his ancestry back to inhabitants of Alsace-Lorraine, formerly a French territory, but now German, where his grandfather, John George Repplier, was born. He left his native place, Strasburg, when a young man and came to America, locating in Philadel- phia, where he was living at the time of the yellow fever epidemic in 1793. He was pre. vailed upon to seek a new home, and accord- ingly moved to Reading, where he embarked in the mercantile business and became one of the good substantial residents of that city. He was a man of more than ordinary educa- tion for that day, and spoke fluently three languages—French, Italian and English. He married Catherine Allgaier, a daughter of Sebastian Allgaier, who fought with great bravery in the Revolutionary War. Je LANCASTER REPPLIER, a 476 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES John George Repplier, the father of the’ subject of this biographical record, was born in Reading, where he obtained a good intel- lectual training in the public schools and in Reading Academy. After reaching maturity, he removed to Philadelphia, where he en- gaged in the wholesale dry goods business for a number of years. He then formed a partnership with his brother, George S. Repplier, who was a coal operator in the Schuylkill district, and they became exten- sively engaged in shipping and selling coal, having headquarters in Philadelphia, New York and Boston. They were among the pioneers in that line of business in Philadel- phia, in which they continued to be engaged with much success the remainder of their lives, being among the prominent men of the city. John George Repplier formed a mat- rimonial alliance with Mary McGauley, a native of Philadelphia, and to them were born two sons; John George; and Jacob Lancaster, the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Repplier died when the latter was but two years of age, and her husband formed a second union with Agnes Mathias of West- minster, Md., by whom he had five children, three of whom are now living, namely: Mary; Agnes, a writer of note, whose works are widely read, who has made a reputation as an essayist, and is at present compiling a history of the city of Philadelphia, which in point of accuracy and literary merit promises to excel anything ever attempted in that line; Louis, the youngest member of the family now living, 1s a coal dealer of Philadelphia. Jacob Lancaster Repplier, after complet- ing the prescribed course in the common and high schools of Reading, took a course in St. Michael’s Seminary at Pittsburg, of which he is a graduate. It being his father’s desire that he should enter the National Naval Academy at Annapolis, he entered the shops of the Reading R. R., where he could fit himself in great part by learning draught- ing and engineering. He failed to get an appointment to the Naval Academy. and upon the outbreak of the Civil War enlisted in Co. A, 128th Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf., for a term of nine months, in which period he partici- pated in the battles of Antietam and Chan. cellorsville, escaping unscathed, although his regiment met with heavy losses. In 1863, after his term of enlistment had expired, he went to San Francisco and later to Washing- ton Territory, where he was engaged in mercantile business for three years at Walla Walla. He then returned to the East and located in Boston, where he was New England agent for the firm of which his father was a member. For a period of six years he was engaged in that business in the principal cities of that section, after which he returned to Philadelphia, as his father had retired from the business and his uncle died. Later he came to Reading and took the agency for the Philadelphia & Read- ing Iron Co. as a wholesale dealer in coal, being one of the first agents of that company. After continuing in that capacity for one year, he moved to Harrisburg, where he formed a partnership with H. B. Mitchel, but soon after returned to Reading and took the agency for the Reading Coal & Iron Co., which position he held with good re- sults until 1889, when the Sidney Coal Co., of which he was a one-third owner, was or- ganized. This Company was formed for the purpose of reworking or washing culm banks for the coal that had been deposited therein, their operation being the first of any magni- tude in that line in Schuylkill County. He also helped in the organization of the Broad Mountain Coal Co., whose work also lay in that direction. He was actively engaged in supporting these enterprises up to April 1, 1898, since which date he has been success- fully engaged in selling and shipping coal and coke in large quantities. Mr. Repplier is a man of superior business propensities, and his every business venture has been characterized by the best of judgment. He possesses the unwavering confidence of his neighbors and fellow-citizens and stands high in the estimation of all with whom he is acquainted. He was joined in wedlock with Mrs. Sid- ney Haggerty (nee Berghaus) of Harrisburg, and they are the happy parents of three children,—Sidney J., Mary J. and John G. Socially, he is a member of the Sons of the Revolution; and of the Gen. William H. Keim Post, G. A. R. ot Reading. Relig- iously, he is an active member of St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, and a member of the St. Vincent DePaul Society, a universal EDWARD S. WERTZ. BERKS COUNTY 479 society which was organized for the relief of the poor. He aided materially in establish- ing this society, whose noble work has been so beneficial to the city, and has served as president ever since its organization. <> ERCIVAL KRESSLEY, the subject of the following notice, is one of the best known, representative far- mers of Maxatawny township. He was born in Upper Macungie township, Le- high County, Pa., September 5, 1849, and is a son of Nathan and Abbie (Moyer) Kress- ley. "Nathan Kressley was born in Heidelberg township, Lehigh County, and followed the independent calling of a farmer all his life. In 1865, he moved to Berks County, and located on a farm near the village of Maxa- tawny, where he remained for twenty years. At the expiration of that time, he returned to Lehigh County, and retired from active work, spending his latter days in peace and quiet. He formed a matrimonial alliance with Abbie Moyer, who was born in Lowell township, Lehigh County, and they were the parents of eight children, namely: Amanda, the wife of William Swoyer of Lehigh County; Frank is a laborer and resides in Lehigh County; Percival, whose name heads these lines; George, a resident of Lehigh County ; Jane was united in marriage with Weldon Wertz of Lehigh County; Maria was married to Jacob Weaver, who is em- ployed in the cement works at Allentown, Lehigh County; Oliver is also employed in the cement works at Allentown; and Annie. Percival Kressley received a liberal educa- tion in the public schools of his native town, and then engaged in tilling the soil. He ac- companied his father to Berks County, and for a number of years clerked ina store, and then took possession of the hotel at Maxa- tawny, which he conducted for nine years. Upon selling his hotel at the expiration of that time, he purchased 4o acres of good land, and has since been engaged in farming, stock raising, and dairying. Our subject is one of the progressive farmers of his com- munity, and is held in high esteem by his neighbors and fellow-citizens of the county. 23 Mr. Kressley was united in wedlock, in 1874, with Martha Smith, who was born in Maxatawny township, Berks County, Octo- ber 27, 1851. She is a daughter of Alfred G. Smith, whose biographical sketch may be found on a preceding page of this book. Three children blessed this happy union, as follows: George, who is preparing for the ministry at Muhlenberg College, Allentown, Pa.: Howard, who lives at home with his parents; and Annie, who also remains at home. Mr. and Mrs. Kressley are devoted members of the Lutheran Church of Maxa- tawny. In politics he isan uncompromising Republican, and casts his vote uniformly in support of the men and principles of that party. He has served his fellow citizens as assistant postmaster of Maxatawny for a term of nine years. During the time in which Mr. Kressley has lived in the com- munity, he has ever sustained the character of a good citizen and a kind neighbor. SSS SS DWARD S. WERTZ, one of the prom- inent and substantial citizens of the city of Reading, who owns and conducts a grist and saw mill in Spring town- ship, was born in Harrisburg, Pa., February 23, 1850, and is a son of Samuel and Maria (Sweigert) Wertz. Samuel Wertz, who was a native of Switz- erland, left his native country in early man- hood and came to the United States, locating in the city of Philadelphia, where he worked as a hat fuller. Moving to Harrisburg, Pa., in 1836, he there worked in a mill and wad- ding factory until 1856, when he became a resident of Exeter township, Berks County ; there he conducted a hotel and operated a farm one year, and then moved to Spring township, where he purchased the farm now owned by our subject. He also purchased our subject's present mill, which he operated some time; he afterwards established a dis- tillery, and conducted both establishments until 1870, when he moved to Reading and embarked in the flour and feed business, con- tinuing to be engaged until his retirement from active business in 1874. His death oc- curred in June, 1884. Mr. Wertz was mar- ried to Maria Sweigert, a native of Lancaster 480 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES County, Pa., and she died in 1852; he tormed a second union with Catherine Waldenmeyer, by whom he had two children, namely: Au- gustus C., who married Ellen Heilig, and is engaged in the flour and feed business in Reading; and Franklin S., who married Em- ma Weldy, and is manager of the National Biscuit Co., in Reading. His first marriage resulted in the birth of six children, who were named as follows: Louisa, the wife of Amos Price, proprietor of the Brown Stone Quarry of Mohnsville, this county; Eliza- beth, who died in 1897, was the wife of Her- man Strohecker; George W., a prominent miller of Wernersville ; Samuel was killed in a wreck in 1865, on the P.& R.R.R.; Ed- ward S., our subject; and Jacob Henry, a miller of Pennville, Ind. Edward S. Wertz spent many of his boy- hood days working in his father’s mill, learn- ing the trade of a miller, and at the same time attending the high school and a private school. At the age of sixteen years, he left the parental roof to battle against the tide of life; he went to Cumru township, where he remained a short time, and then followed his trade as a miller for four years in different parts of the county. He next moved to Reading, where he was employed a short time in the hardware store of L. Heilman & Co. After our subject’s marriage, which was in 1873, he moved to Spring township, and operated a mill on the Tulpehocken, where his father had formerly resided; there he bought out his brother, George W., and after his father’s death, in 1884, he purchased the farm and mill property. Mr. Wertz has made many improvements and remodeled the mill since taking possession of it, and to- day he has one of the best flouring mills in the state. From his flour the famous Wertz’s cakes and crackers are made. Mr. Wertz is one of the progressive men of Berks County, and commands the respect, esteem and conf- dence of his fellow citizens. In addition to owning a handsome residence, our subject owns four houses in his neighborhood. Our subject was wedded September 11, 1873, with Sarah E. Kercher of Long Swamp township, and a daughter of William F. Kercher, who was a farmer. In politics, Mr. Wertz is a stanch Democrat, earnestly work- ing for the success of his party. He isa member of Reading Lodge, No. 66, F. & A. M.; Excelsior Chapter, No. 237; Reading Commandery, No. 42; and Rajah Temple, A. A.O.N. M.S. Religiously, he is a Luth- eran, and a member of Kissinger’s Church; he is the secretary of the church, and of the Cemetery Board, and is superintendent of Kissinger’s Church Sabbath School. He is a director of the State Miller’s Association ; of the Berks County Agricultural Associa- tion; and is a member of the board of trus- tees of the Orphans’ Home of Topton, and also treasurer of that institution, and a mem- ber of every sub-committee of the board. We take pleasure in announcing that a por- trait of Mr. Wertz is shown on a preceding page. SS OO ORDECAI STARR PARVIN. It is seldom we find a man engaged in the same line of business pur- sued by his ancestors for several generations, and still less trequently is that business conducted in the same building for that length of time. Mr. Parvin is of the fifth generation of the Parvins that have car- ried on the tanning business in the old build- ing now owned by him. He has a most successful run of work, and takes pride in turning out articles that are first class in every particular. He is one of the reliable, energetic, representative men of the county, and has the esteem and respect of the citi- zens of Ontelaunee township. He is a son of Jacob and Deborah (Starr) Parvin, and was born December 15, 1858, on the old homestead, where he now resides at East Berkley P. O., in the old house built in 1758, just one hundred years before he was born. Francis Parvin, the builder of this house and the tannery, was the great-great-grand- father of the gentleman whose history is the theme of this biography. From him and two brothers descended the entire Parvin family in this state and Maryland. His parents were English, but were driven by religious persecution to seek a home in Ireland, where they carried on their trade of tanning and also did some farming. Francis Parvin was also a surveyor, as were many of his people. He came to America and selected a suitable BERKS COUNT place for his home and returned to his native country, where he was married to Deborah Pearson of Drighen, Kildare County, Ire- land. Their marriage was celebrated at Edenderry, in accordance with the forms of the Society of Friends, to which they both belonged. He then returned to America and built himself a log cabin on land pur- chased from the Penns, with whom the fam- ily had been previously well acquainted in England. This land consisted of two tracts, and contained 1,000 acres in all. He also built a grist mill and a tannery, the one now operated by our subject. He was appointed by the Provincial Government as judge, and held his court in his log cabin. Near this cabin he soon after erected a commodious stone dwelling. He was a public spirited man and aided much in the advancement of all worthy movements. His wife died soon after coming to this country, having suffered greatly from the very rough sea-voyage. Francis Parvin, the great-grandfather, tried to make his home in Cumberland County, but was obliged, owing to repeated invasions by the Indians, to abandon the place and to return to Ontelaunee township. He was a member of the Society of Friends, and one of his sons was disowned by that society for marrying his cousin. This son, also named Francis Parvin, inherited from his father the old homestead and tannery, and lived there all his life. He left a family of seven chil- dren, among them being Jacob Parvin, the father of our subject. Jacob Parvin was born and reared on the old homestead, where he engaged in farming and operated the tannery. He was also in- terested with his brother John in the grist mill in East Berkley. These two brothers at one time owned considerable property aside from the old homestead farm. He increased the capacity of the tannery by building an addition, and cultivated the farm previously owned by his forefathers. He was a Repub- lican and served as school director, using his influence in the cause of education, and greatly advancing the interests of the free schools of that section. He was a member of the Society of Friends, and was married from that church to Deborah Starr, who was born in 1817, and whose ancestors were also of Irish origin, and were among the early set- 481 tlers of this state, suffering privations and hardships that the people of this day and age little appreciate or understand. Their family consisted of eight children, viz: Sibilla: Elizabeth; Susanna, the wife of Thomas Sharpless, a farmer and dairyman of Chester County, this state; John S., deceased ; Sarah Starr, deceased; Deborah and Ellen, twins, the former deceased, and the latter the wife of Francis Warrington, an inspector of machinery at West Chester, Pa.; Benjamin, deceased ; and Mordecai Starr, our subject. The father died February 3, 1895, at the age of eighty years; the mother passed away March 17, 1883, aged sixty-six years. Mordecai Starr Parvin was educated in the public schools of Ontelaunee township, this county, and Westtown Friends’ Boarding School, in Chester County. At the age of nineteen he left school to enter his father’s tannery and learn the business. He learned the trade and mastered each detail of the work, and in 1880 was placed in charge of the plant as manager, and five years later, in 1885, was taken as a partner in the business, which was then conducted under the name of Jacob Parvin & Son. This was continued until the death of the father, when our sub- ject became sole proprietor, and has since operated the business alone. He employs five men and turns out a leather equal in quality to any produced, using the old method in tanning and taking care that no chemicals are used that may rot the leather. He manufactures a pure oak tanned leather for harness, and calf skins of superior quality, which makes his goods in demand wherever a first class article is desired. The old build- ing erected for a tannery by his predecessors sometime about the middle of the eighteenth century has been enlarged from time to time, until from three vats it at this time has forty or fifty vats. The capacity is fifty sides of harness stock per week, besides sixty dozen calf skins annually, and it is operated to its full capacity. In 1870 his father built an ad- dition to the main building, two stories high and thirty-six by forty feet. Twenty years later the present owner erected a second two-story addition that was twenty - by twenty-eight feet,so that he now has a commodious building, although the main structure is the oldest tannery in the state. 482 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES Mr. Parvin owns and cultivates the old homestead farm that has been in the family over one hundred and fifty years; the old stone house, erected by Francis and Elleanor Parvin in 1758, has this inscription over the front door: P 1758. Mr. Parvin is an affable, kindly man, and stands high in the regard of those who know him. He is now serving his second term as school director of Ontelaunee township, and makes a good officer for that position, as he takes an interest in it and looks after the schools in a highly creditable manner. He is unmarried. In principle he is a Prohibition- ist, but votes with the Republican party, as he realizes that whatever good is accomplished in the temperance work must come through a stronger party than the Prohibition organ- ization is at the present time. He is a mem- ber of the Society of Friends of the Maiden Creek Meeting. +e of Womelsdorf, Pa., tormerly a large wholesale liquor dealer there, is a man whose life forms an excellent example of what may be accomplished by industrious and energetic work. Beginning his career as a poor unknown boy of thirteen years, with- out a cent in his pocket, but with a desire and ambition to get up in the world, he has stead- ily worked his way up until he was at the head of the large establishment named above, and in command of a large income. He isa son of John and Susanna (Marks) Schonour, and was born in Brecknock township, Berks County, Pa., March 15, 1827. His grandfather, Joseph Schonour, who was extensively engaged in farming in Cumru township, married Miss Shindle, and they reared a large family of children, one of whom was John, the father of our subject. John Schonour was born and always lived in Cumru township, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was a well-to-do man, and was quite well known throughout the township. He was united in marriage ay ss. M.SCHONOUR, aleading citizen with Susanna Marks, and they became the parents of the following children: Maria, who married Daniel Fitterling, a farmer of Cumru township, both of whom are now de- ceased; Rosanna, who married John Hosh- our, a farmer of Robeson township, is also deceased: Sarah, deceased, was the wife of Levi Rathman, a carpenter of Heidelberg township; Elizabeth, a resident of Attica, Ind., married William Fox, now deceased ; Mary is deceased ; Joseph, a stonemason, died in 1893; John M., whose name appears at the head of these lines. Mr. Schonour passed to his eternal rest in 1836. His wife was called Home in 1875, at an advanced age. John M. Schonour received a very limited education, attending a private school for about six months; at the age of thirteen years, he was bound out to Isaac Eshlman, a tailor of Sinking Spring, with whom he re- mained until he was twenty years of age. He then went to Pottsville, Pa., where he followed his trade for a short time, after which he went to Lancaster. He remained there for a time and then went to Smithsville, Ohio, where he plied his trade until 1848. In that year he returned to Sinking Spring and was employed ina general merchandise store, under the management of John Heffner, for about three years. He then went to Womels- dorf and worked in a store owned by Eli Deppen, until 1857, when he embarked in the wholesale liquor business in partnership with John H. Sell. They conducted this business together for thirty years; in 1887, our sub- ject became the sole owner, and conducted it alone until July 1, 1898, when he sold out to A. M. Young. He had an extensive cus- tom throughout the state of Pennsylvania, and kept a salesman on the road the year around, and also did considerable traveling himself. He is a public-spirited man, and takes a deep interest in anything having for its end the advancement of the village in which he lives. Mr. Schonour also deals in real estate, and owns considerable property in Heidelberg township. Our subject has twice taken marriage vows, his first wife was Sarah Schoener, a daughter of John and Henriette Schoener of Womels- dorf, and they were the parents of seven chil- dren, namely: Mary, born February 14, 1853, died March 21, 1877; Emma was born No. BERKS COUNTY vember 20, 1854, and died May 30, 1880; Hattie R., deceased, was born June 30, 1856, and married Thomas L. Reed, who is living in retirement; Prof. John F., a talented mu- sician and a graduate of a conservatory of music in Boston, Mass., was born June 18, 1858, and died September 24, 1882: Susie, who was born January 12, 1860, passed into the unknown beyond September 1, 1864; Charles Elmer, who was born November 26, 1862, died July 28, 1864; and Lillie S., who was born December 28, 1864, and died four years later. Our subject was again united in marriage October 25, 1890, with Annie M. Hare of Cornwall, Lebanon County, Pa. This union was blessed by the birth of two sons: Thomas McLain, born August 12, 1891; and Mark H., born November 12, 1892. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, but his estimable wife attends the Episcopal Church. He is a Republican in politics, and has been a member of the school board. He is also a director of the Keystone National Bank of Reading. Socially, he isa member of the fol- lowing lodges: Lodge No. 307, F.& A. M.; Chapter of Reading; Commandery Knights Templar at Reading; Golden Rule Lodge, No. 159, 1. O. O. F.; Hebron Encampment, No. 9, I. O. O. F., of Reading; and O. U. A. M. of Womelsdorf. Our subject is a man of more than ordinary intelligence, and is well read on all current subjects. He has done considerable traveling, and in 1883, he at- tended the Triennial Conclave of the Knights Templar in San Francisco, Cal, making a pleasure trip of it, spending several months in sight-seeing. In 1892 he was in attendance at the Conclave in Boston, Mass. Mr. Schonour has now retired from active life, and will spend the remainder of his life in ease. a. AMES W. RAHN, postmaster of Lees- port, this county, and junior member of the firm of Mogel & Rahn, dealers in general merchandise, is a son of William H. and Saria (Kline) Rahn, and grandson of Adam Rahn, and was born in Dauberville, Center township, this county, October 28, 1862. Adam Rahn, the grandfather of our sub- ject, lived in Shoemakersville, this county, all 23 .Mary. 483 his life. He was an ardent Democrat in poli- tics. He was the father of a family of six children, who were as follows: William ; Isaac; Lewis; Adam; Sarah (Deisher); and Adam Rahn passed from this life at the age of seventy-three years. William H. Rahn, the father of our subject, was born in Ontelaunee township, this county, near Leesport. During his boyhood days he engaged as a boatman on the Schuylkill Canal, where he continued to work until he was thirty-six years of age; later he worked on the Leesport Lock for ten years, and then followed the pursuits of an agriculturist until his death. He was an avowed Republican in politics, and was a member of the Reformed Church. He was a member of the home guards and enlisted in the war for a term of nine months. He married Saria Kline, and they raised a family of six children, who were as follows: Charles; James W., the subject of this sketch; Alvin; Alice; Hattie; and Mary. William Rahn entered the world of rest October Io, 1884, aged forty-seven years. Mrs. Rahn died at the age of sixty years. James W. Rahn received a liberal educa- tion in the common schools of Leesport, and at the age of eighteen years found employ- ment in Leesport as lock tender, which posi- tion he filled for six years, when he engaged as a clerk in the mercantile store of Willet Brothers, and remained there eighteen months. He then worked five years for F. B. Kaufman as butcher, and later engaged in the butchering business on his own account at Orwigsburg, Pa., and still later worked for A. F. Mogel one and ahalf years. In 1895, he purchased an interest in the latter store, and the business has been conducted under the name of Mogel & Rahn up to the present time. The proprietors are both wide awake and industrious business men, and by their honest dealings with their patrons have built up a large trade. Our subject was appointed postmaster of Leesport, and took charge of the same February 1, 1897, and is considered by all to be the most popular and the most satisfactory postmaster the village has ever had. Mr. Rahn is a hard working Republican, and has contributed much toward the party’s success in his community. Socially, he is a member of the I. O. O. F., Leesport Lodge, 484 No. 141; also Camp No. 165, P.O. S. of A. of Leesport; and Castle No. 503, K. of G. E. of Leesport. He isa past officer of all the above societies. He was joined in marriage October 2, 1888, with Mary Beard, daughter of William Beard, who was a blacksmith near Shoemakersville. Three children _re- sulted from this marriage: Oswell; Effie; and Lizzie. Mr. Rahn leads a true Christian life, and, with his family, holds a membership with the German Reformed Church, of which he has been deacon for many years; he is now serving as one of the church trustees. Ooo H. CLEAVER. Among the success- . ful veterinary surgeons of Reading, and representative men of Berks County, is the gentleman whose biography we write, and who is also president of the Reading Chemical Fertilizing Co. He was born in Allentown, Lehigh County, October 30, 1855, and is ason of Jacob F. and Sarah (Hilyard) Cleaver, and grandson of John Cleaver. John Cleaver, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was of English descent, and was born in Berks County, where he always followed the pursuits of an agriculturist. He was the progenitor of eight children—seven sons and one daughter. Jacob F. Cleaver, the father of our subject, is also a native of Berks County. Atter acquiring a liberal education in the common schools, he learned the trade of a blacksmith, which he followed for a number of years. He was then engaged in driving a stage between Easton and Wilkes- Barre, and later accepted a position as agent for the Philadelphia & Reading Express Co. He is now living in retirement, spending his latter days in quiet and peace. Mr. Cleaver was united in wedlock with Sarah Hilyard, and three children resulted from this union. They are as follows: K. Henry. the subject of this narrative; Hannah: and Jacob. Polit- ically, Mr. Cleaver uniformly casts his vote with the Democratic party. He is an ener- getic and enterprising citizen, and an impor- tant factor in the business community. K. Henry Cleaver received his primary education in the common schools of Allen- town, and then entered the Veterinary Col- BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES lege at Ontario, Canada, and was graduated with the class of 1879. He at once came to Berks County and began practicing in the city of Reading, where he has since built up a large and paying practice. In 1893 our subject was made president of the Reading Chemical Fertilizing Co., which was organ- ized in 1891, and is now doing a large busi- ness. Mr. Cleaver is greatly respected by the citizens of Reading for his honest busi- ness methods and excellent personal traits of character. In 1892 our subject formed a matrimonial alliance with Katherine Merz, a daughter of Albert Merz, and three children, Katherine, Helen and Marion, have blessed their home. He is a member of the Masonic Order of Reading, and in politics he votes the Demo- cratic ticket, and in 1898 was elected as a member of the Common Council from the Eighth Ward. Mr. Cleaver has labored diligently and industriously to perfect himself in his profes- sion, and has been remarkably successful. He isa popular man in his community, and has built up an extensive practice, and is entitled to a place among the foremost of the practitioners of his profession. ++ ILLIAM P. HIGH, a retired agricul- turist and valued citizen of the vil- lage of Shillington, Berks County, Pa., was born in Cumru township, this county, June 28, 1844, and isa son of Ezra and Han- nah (Gernand) High, and grandson of Wil- liam High. William High, better known as General William High, was also a native of Cumru township, where he owned a large farm, and the vocation of an agriculturist was his through lite. He retired from the active duties of life during his latter years, and moved to the city of Reading, where he spent his remaining days in quiet and peace. He was a brigadier general of the state militia for a period of thirty-three years. The father of our subject, Ezra High, was born in Cumru township, and always resided on the old High homestead, pursuing his vocation of a farmer. He was united in mar- riage with Hannah Gernand, and a family of GEORGE F. LANCE. 487 six children was born to them, namely: Kate is the wife of Jonas DeTurk, a promi- nent farmer of Exeter township, Berks County; William P., whose name appears at the head of this notice; Mary B. was united in the bonds of wedlock with William A. Schall, and they reside at Barto, Pa.; Annie, deceased, was the wife of Harry Lewis, who now lives at Reading; Sarah resides with her mother on the homestead; and Emma, the youngest, who died at fifteen years of age. Mr. High passed from this life April 8, 1897, on his farm in Cumru township. The mother of our subject still survives her hus- band, and resides on the homestead, and is past her eighty-second year. William P. High obtained his elementary education in the common schools of his native township and in a high school in Montgom- ery County, and spent his leisure hours assist- ing his father in the cultivation of the farm, thus acquiring a good education and also a knowledge of the methods of farming. After his marriage he carried on farming at Poplar Neck, Cumru township, remaining there eleven years, when he moved near the village of Shillington, where he remained ten years, during which time he was prosecuting his occupation of a farmer, when he moved to Shillington and lived retired to the present time. In 1890 he became a resident of Read- ing, where he was engaged in the coal busi- - ness one year, and at the expiration of that time he returned to Shillington, where he has resided up to the present time, although liv- ing in retirement. Our subject has made many improvements upon his farm, which now ranks among the best in the locality. Mr. High has always cast his vote in sup- port of the Democratic party, and has served his fellow-citizens as school director nine years. Socially, he is a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle of Mobnsville, this county. In August, 1865, Mr. High was wedded to Sarah Beidler, a daughter of Con- rad V. Beidler, a farmer and drover of Cumru township. Her parents are both deceased,— her father died in 1884, and her mother departed this life in 1863. The following children have blessed the home of our sub- ject and wife, namely: Kate, the wife of W. A. Griesemer, a contractor of Reading ; Hannah was wedded to Abraham Potteiger, a hotel proprietor of Myerstown, Pa.; Con- rad, who married Kate Shunk, is engaged in a planing mill at Reading; Willie is attend- ing the Medical Department of the Univer- sity of Pennsylvania; Sallie lives at home; Lena is teaching school and is a graduate of the Keystone State Normal School at Kutz- town; Charles and Mabel are attending the State Normal School at Kutztown; and fe who lives at home. Mr. and Mrs. High are members of the Reformed Church, of which he has been a liberal supporter for many years. ioe EORGE F. LANCE. This promi- nent citizen of Reading, whose interests are bound up in the lum- ber trade, was born in Luzerne County, Pa., in the year 1843. His parents were Joel C. and Annie (Fritts) Lance, who were raised in Hunterdon County, N. J, being descendants of the oldest settlers of that section of country. Joel C. Lance’s father was John P. Lance, his grandfather, Peter Lance, and his great-grand- father, John P. Lance. The latter, one of three brothers, came to this country on the ‘“ This- tle,’ commanded by Capt. Geo. Houghton, arriving at Philadelphia, October 28, 1738. Annie (Fritts) Lance, wife of Joel C., was a daughter of George Fritts, whose ancestors came to Hunterdon County, N. J., about the same time as the Lances. Both families farmed on a large scale, and were in comfort- able circumstances; members of the Lance family also being general store keepers and distillers. About 1835 a series of misfortunes occurred to the Lance family, by which they lost a considerable portion of their property ; becoming discouraged, they disposed of their effects, and moved to Luzerne County, Pa., and purchased several hundred acres of wild or timber land, and commenced the lumber business. Such were the circumstances that preceded our subject’s birth; he was born in a house, that his father had erected on the said timber lands, built of the native logs. After several years of roughing it, Joel C. Lance disposed of his property, and began to work back toward his native New Jersey, as the labors of a woodsman were too severe for him. On the way back a favorable opening seemed to present itself in Carbon County, 488 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES Pa., and he settled there. He became con- nected with the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Co., then the largest corporation in that sec- tion, in various capacities. and remained there many years, in fact until he retired from ac- tive life. He was an active Presbyterian, always an officer of his church, and was also a politician to a certain extent, having held several minor offices. He died in Reading in 1888, aged seventy-seven years. He was a gentleman of the old school, and of remark- ably fine appearance, being six feet tall, broad shouldered and very erect. He raised a fam- ily of five boys and four girls, all of whom are still living, George F., our subject, being the second son. George F. Lance has had a career that in many respects has been much out of the ordinary. Being of an independent nature, and having a desire to relieve his father as much as possible, he sought and obtained employment when only nine years of age at one of the collieries of the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Co., and from that age was prac- tically self-supporting, although still remain- ing under the parental root. His education was obtained during the winter months in the common schools of the district where the family resided. When eighteen years of age he shouldered his effects, and started out in the world to do for himself. His first employment after leaving home was with a corps of civil engineers, who were surveying a line of railroad through a forest, living in tents and roughing it generally. Next Mr. Lance undertook to learn the trade of car- riage and wagon building, but the pay to start on was too small for self-support, so Mr. Lance gave it up and found employment ina large boiler shop at wages sufficient to main- tain life. After following this latter pursuit for about two years, and finding that it was seriously impairing his hearing, he sought and obtained a clerkship ina railroad office. From there he went out on the road and became a fireman on a passenger locomotive, which occupation he followed about two years, during which time he was in several accidents, in one of which his engineer was killed. Shortly after this fatal accident he was offered and accepted a position ona rival road as general traveling agent, which posi- tion he filled until the position of general agent of a large transportation company was offered him, his territory being between Mauch Chunk, Pa., in the Lehigh Valley, and Jersey City, N. J. This company owned about 5,000 cars and operated between New York City and Omaha as a fast through freight line, being a pioneer in this line of business, which has since grown to enormous proportions. This position gave Mr. Lance a wide experience in general transportation affairs, and, while serving this company, the lumber business in which he is now so exten- sively engaged himself developed. Back in 1868, The Eastern lumber trade depended almost entirely for its supply upon the pro- ducts of its native forests, and for lumber dealers of Pennsylvania to go beyond the confines of the state for lumber was a thing hardly thought of. It was the business of the agents of this through transportation line to build up and enlarge its trade, and one of the principal articles introduced in the Eastern markets then for the first time was Michigan and Western lumber. Mr. Lance was largely instrumental in introduc- ing this Western lumber and in creating a demand for it, thus developing a large trade, the transportation company receiving its profits from the freight charges. This was our subject's introduction to the lumber business; he continued with the transporta- tion company many years, or until 1886, when he resigned to devote his whole atten- tion to the lumber business, which he com- menced on his own account, and which has since grown with great strides to its present proportions, when our subject owns one of the largest and certainly the best stocked yards in Reading, Pa. He was ever a pioneer in his line, being among the first to introduce Southern lumber in the North, going as far for it as Florida and Louisiana; for some kinds of lumber_he goes as far as Washing- ton on the Pacific slope. In his yard to-day may be found lumber from extreme sections of the United States. Mr. Lance was married when in his twenty- fitth year to Clara Collins of Mauch Chunk, whose father was one of his first employers when our subject was but eighteen years of age. They have raised a family of five boys and two girls, some of whom are married and have families. Three of his sons are now associated with him in the lumber business. Our subject has never taken a very active part in public matters, always declining polit- ical offices and preferments of that nature. He was talked of several times as a possible candidate for the office of mayor of Reading, but never solicited the place, nor any other of a public nature. His only departure of late years from his legitimate business being his undertaking to manage the large hotel on Neversink Mountain, near Reading, known as the “ Neversink,” in which he is somewhat interested. This is a summer house, with a capacity of about 300 guests, and for various reasons had become run down. Mr. Lance took hold of it in the spring of 1896, and, though a novice in the business, is said to have conducted it successfully and turned the current of its fortunes, so that its patronage has increased very materially with each suc- ceeding season. His portrait, taken when he was fifty years old, shows a man of good size, well preserved, and indicates a well spent life, with abundant promise of many years yet to live. ++ a R. FRANK R. GERHARD, who | has one of the largest village and country practices in Union town- ship, is one of the enterprising and progressive citizens of Douglassville. He is ason of Jacob and Sarah (Rieser) Gerhard, and was born at Host, Jefferson township, Berks County, May 12, 1843. Frederick Gerhard, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born in Germany, and came to this country prior to the Revolution- ary War, locating in Heidelberg township, Berks County. He was one of the pioneer farmers of that township. His son Freder- ick Gerhard, the grandfather of our subject, was a tiller of the soil, but was also a miller by trade and lived at Host, Jefferson town- ship. Religiously, he was a member of the Reformed Church. He was joined in mar- riage with a Miss Troutman, by whom he had the following children: John, who wasa soldier of the Mexican War, and after its close remained in the West; Rev. William, de- ceased, was a well known minister of the Re- BERKS COUNTY 489 formed Church of Lancaster County ; Jacob, the father of our subject; Isaac, deceased, a farmer of Host, Berks County; Augustus, the only surviving member of the family, is a cabinet maker of Nebraska City, Neb.; and four daughters,—Rebecca, Catherine, Sarah and Amelia, who died in infancy. Jacob Gerhard was born January 1, 1814, on the old homestead farm at Host, which he always farmed. He was also a miller by trade, and followed milling in connection with farming. He was aman of high principles, and was honored and respected by a large number of acquaintances. In politics, he was an enthusiastic Democrat. In religious belief, he was an active member and official of the Reformed Church. He was united in the holy bonds of wedlock with Sarah Rieser, whose noble traits of character well fitted her to be a loving wife and mother. Her father was Abraham Rieser, an extensive farmer and miller of Leesport, Pa., who was largely identified with the early growth and development of Berks County. The only surviving members of his family are Dr. Frank Rieser, a practicing physician of Reading, and Hattie, the wife of G. W. Leinbach, late of Leesport, Pa. Asa result of their union, Mr. and Mrs. Gerhard became the parents of three sons and three daughters, namely: Mary, who is the wife of Jacob Miller of Reading; Sarah R., the wife of Isaac L. Moyer of Stouchsburg, Berks County; Dr. Frank R.,the suject of this personal history ; John F., who is a dry goods merchant of Reading; Amelia J., the wife of Elias Obold of Obold, Berks County; and Rev. James, a Presbyterian minister of Galena, Kan. Our subject was brought up on the farm and attended the common schools for some time. He then tooka course in Franklin and Marshall College of Lancaster, Pa., from which he was graduated in July, 1866; im- mediately thereafter, he took up the study of medicine with his uncle, Dr. Frank Rieser of Reading. After three years of study, he graduated from the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania, in March, 1869, and, on the 16th of the following Octo- ber, he began his present practice in the vil- lage of Douglassville. He isa close observer of human nature, has a thorough understand- ing of the intricacies of his profession, and 490 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES has shown himself to be well qualified to handle any case that is entrusted tohim. He has a large patronage both in the village and in the country, and is deserving of the suc- cess with which he is meeting. May 6, 1873, he was united in marriage with Lillie Paris Grove, a daughter of the late Daniel B. Grove, a piano manufacturer of Philadelphia, and they are the parents of one son, James Rieser, who graduated with honors at Yale University in the class of 1897, and is now a student in the Medical Department of the University of Pennsyl- vania. Socially, our subject is a member of the Royal Arcanum. In politics, he is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Democratic party, with the exception of the silver plank in the Chicago platform. —+ —_ tae ILLIAM J. BOBST. Among all the prominent business men of the city of Reading, probably none is better or more widely known than Mr. Bobst, who is proprietor of the large knit- ting factory located on Pearl street, below Chestnut. Commencing life very humbly, as a farm laborer, he has, by his untiring ef- forts and thrifty, economic methods of con- ducting business, gained the very pinnacle of success in the business world, and an envi- able place in the regard of his friends and acquaintances. Mr. Bobst was born January 14, 1838, in Maxatawny township, near Kutz- town, Berks County, Pa., his parents being Charles and Mary (Smith) Bobst. Philip Bobst, the grandfather, was one of the leading hotel keepers of Kutztown, and was well and familiarly known throughout the county. _ He was of German parentage, but was a native of Berks County, and mar- ried a lady of the same county, Rebecca Swoyer, who belonged to one of the best known families of the county, the Swoyers of Maxatawny township. They lived the greater part of their lives in Kutztown, and died there. Charles Bobst was born and reared in Kutz- town and was educated in the schools of the borough and Maxatawny township. About 1853 he went to Reading. Previous to that he had been engaged in his native township in the manufacture of textile fabrics, which had been attended with success; he later abandoned that work and dealt in lime and building material. After taking up his resi- dence in Reading he was not actively en- gaged in business, but lived in comparative quiet. He was a man much given to the en- joyment of domestic life, and took but small interest in politics. He was in the Civil War, entering in the emergency service. He was married to Mary Smith, by whom he had six children, four sons and two daughters. Of these children Catherine, now deceased, was the wife of John Shiefley, now stamp clerk in the Reading postoffice; William J. is the subject of this biography ; Lucy is the wife of John Clark of Alsace township, a re- tired hatter; Samuel S. is employed in the hat store of F. G. Boas of Reading; James was formerly a manufacturer of woolen hats, but is now retired; and Jacob, who died young. William J. Bobst was educated in the pub- lic schools of Kutztown, and began life as a farm larborer. He continued to be thus en- gaged for a few years and then entered the service of William Brumbach in the woolen factory, where he remained until 1864 and learned the trade. After that he worked with the son, A. J. Brumbach, for several years, and then entered the employ of Hendel Brothers of Reading, extensive manufacturers of wool hats. After some time spent in their service he was made su- perintendent of their factory, and was later taken in as a partner in the business. He remained as a partner for ten years, until 1893, when he sold out his interest to them, and established a knitting factory at 851 Penn street, where he engaged in the manu- facture of hosiery for about two years, when he came to his present location on Pearl street, below Chestnut. This factory turns out a large amount of work and is a source of considerable revenue to its owner, as well as furnishing a good income to the large number of hands employed. 105 workmen are required to carry on this large plant, and Mr. Bobst derives much pleasure from the knowledge that he is enabling so many families to live in comparative comfort and independence by furnishing. them this work. Mr. Bobst was married in April, 1858, to HENRY K. DEISHER. BERKS COUNTY 493 Sarah Clark, a daughter of William Clark of Exeter township, this county, and their union has been blessed with three children: Emma, the wife of W. H. Romig of Reading; Wil- liam C., now in business with his father; and Laura S., the wife of Warren Rotz of Read- ing. Mr. Bobst is a Republican, and has served as a member of the Common Coun- cil from the First Ward, and is at the pres- ent time serving his second term as a member of the school board. He is a member of Mt. Penn Lodge, I. O. O. &.; and is an active member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Chandler Lodge, No. 227, F. & A. M.; Ex- celsior Chapter R. A. M.; and Reading Com- mandery, Knights Templar. He is amember of the Evangelical Church, and is an earnest worker, having acted in the capacity of Sun- day School superintendent for a number of years, and is now aclass leader and trustee in the church. He is one of the board of trustees of the Aulenbach Cemetery Co.; and is a conscientious, upright citizen, respected and honored by all. or > ENRY K. DEISHER, whose por- trait we present on the opposite i le - page, is the well known proprietor = of the King Knitting Mills of Kutz- town, one of the principal factories of that busy borough, in which are manufactured silk, woolen and cotton undergarments for ladies, gentlemen and children. He is a son of John D. and Hannah (Kohler) Deisher, and was born in Maxatawny township, March 12, 1867. His great-grandfather was Peter Deisher, Sr., who was born in Maxatawny township, Berks County, and is buried on the home- stead. He wasa son of Peter Deisher, who came from Germany with his two brothers, Jacob and Stephen, sometime between the years 1765 and 1775. Our subject's great- grandfather became the owner of a large farm in this county, which is now owned by Abbie Sharadin, a sister to John D. Deisher, and after clearing the land erected a home and out-buildings, all of which have since been torn down and replaced, with the excep- tion of the old stone spring house, which is still standing and in excellent condition. He was united in marriage with Elizabeth Lesher, and they became the parents of three sons, one of whom was Peter, the grand- father of our subject. Peter Deisher, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was born on the old homestead farm, and after attaining his majority, he became the owner of an adjoining farm. He was united in the holy bonds of wedlock with Elizabeth Dunkle, and they reared a large family of children, namely: Hettie; Eliza- beth; William; John D., the father of our subject; Ann; Susannah; Caroline; Peter; Jacob; Abbie; Charles; Maria; and Louise. Mrs. Deisher passed into the world of rest at the age of sixty-three years, and her husband died at the age of eighty-one years. John D. Deisher was born April 8, 1826, on the farm owned by his father, adjoining the homestead farm, and there lived until he attained man’s estate. He owns a farm ot 128 acres, east of Kutztown, which he farmed until 1885. In 1863 he bought a limestone quarry which he operated, built five kilns, and lately erected a large tenement house on the premises. He did anextensive business, and soon found it necessary to purchase another quarry with two kilns. He also owns several other tracts of wooded and cleared land in Maxatawny and Greenwich townships. In 1885, he retired from active work, and is now living ina handsome resi- dence in Kutztown. Religiously, he is an earnest member of the Lutheran Church. He earnestly supports Democratic party measures. As a result of his union with Hannah Kohler, a daughter of John Kohler, the following children were born: William, now a carpenter of Allentown; Sarah, the wife of John Mertz; Louise, who married Jacob Swoyer; Mary, who died at an early age; Hannah, the wife of R. Wesner; Caro- line, the wife of B. D. Druckenmiller; John, who resides on his father’s farm; Henry K., whose name heads these lines; George, who died at an early age; Lizzie, who married Eugene De Turk; and Charles, who is in the grocery business in Kutztown. Mrs. Deisher was called Home in 1897, at the age of sixty- seven years. Henry K. Deisher was intellectually equip- ped for the battles of life in the public schools and later in the Keystone State Nor- 494 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES mal School of Kutztown. After leaving school he was engaged as clerk in a store in Kutztown and in the West for a number of years. In 1890, he succeeded James L. Eck as proprietor of the King Knitting Mills of Kutztown. The business was at that time conducted on a small scale, but our sub- ject bought another property, which was made into a factory, and fitted out with the latest machinery. The business under his skillful management was a success from the start, and the sales became surprisingly large, making it necessary to increase the capacity of the mills. He makes a specialty of underwear for ladies, gentlemen and chil- dren, and his excellent work and designs have not only brought him many large wholesale orders, but he yearly receives many dozen and half-dozen orders from families, who de- sire a fine, well made article. His goods have always been of the highest order, and the people do not hesitate to rely upon him. In 1892, he erected a creamery upon the rear of the lot, which is operated by his brother-in-law, B. D. Druckenmiller, one engine being used to supply power for both plants. In all of his business ventures he has shown rare judgment, and the success with which he is meeting is richly deserved. He was united in hymeneal bonds with R, Annie Wagonhorst, a daughter of John Wagonhorst, deceased, who was a resident of Kutztown. In religious attachments, they are active members of the Lutheran Church. Politically, he strongly supports the princi- ples of the Democratic party, which princi- ples he believes to be the foundation for the future prosperity of our country. Socially, he is a member of the Pennsylvania German Society. He is also a noted archaeologist. When but a lad of eleven years, Mr. Deisher began collecting Indian relics, a large por- tion of which came from Berks County. He exhibited them at the town fair and was awarded a number of premiums. He has traveled extensively, and while on trips in the South and West he found many interest- ing curios, and now has the largest and best private collection in the state. There are 17,000 different specimens, which are con- stantly being added to; all are caretully labeled and kept in a room provided express- ly for them. Mr. Deisher is well read upon this subject, and can explain the use of each specimen. His library contains all the books of the latest writers on the subject as well as those of a hundred and more years ago. or IMON B. CLAUSER, who has kept a first class hotel for twenty- nine years in Shanesville, Berks County, Pa., was born near the vil- lage July 17, 1837, and is a son of Daniel and Susanna (Brumbach) Clauser. Peter Clauser, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was a blacksmith by trade, which he followed together with farming in Friedens- burg, this county, and later moved to Shanes- ville, where he built the first hotel in that town, and engaged in that line of business for a number of years. He spent his latter days at the home of his son Daniel, dying there in 1857 at the age of eighty-nine years. He built the first barn at Hill Church, and was an active and consistent member of the Lutheran Church there, which has a history extending over a period of 150 years. He married Miss Catherine Moyer, by whom he had the following children: Tobias, late a drover and justice of the peace of Leesport, this county ; Samuel. deceased, was a gelder and a farmer near Shanesville, later of Friedens- burg; and Daniel, the father of our subject. Daniel Clauser was born at Shanesville June 10, 1812, and died at Bingen, North- ampton County, Pa., April 26, 1878. He was one of the foremost farmers of Shanesville, and served as justice of the peace of Earl township for a term of forty-five years. He was a major of the old militia for a number of years. He was assignee of administration a number of times; he was a man of liberal education and served as school clerk a num- ber of years. In 1872 Mr. Clauser moved to Northampton County, where he spent his remaining days and where he lost a great part of his wealth by two heavy investments in furnace stocks. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church at Hill Church; after he moved to Northampton County he attended the Friedensville Church. He was a strong Democrat and a leader in his com- munity, and served as township auditor several years. September 22, 1833, he wed- ded Susanna Brumbach, daughter of George Brumbach, late a farmer of Earl township. To this union a large family of children were born, whose records are herewith given: Caroline, deceased, married Reuben Upto: grove, also now deceased; Simon B., the subject of this sketch; Levi, a clerk in the furnace works at South Bethlehem, Pa.; Peter, who died April 27, 1842; Elizabeth, deceased, was twice married, first to a Mr. Brumbach and second to Ephraim Weidman; Rebecca, the wife of Franklin T. Cleaver of Oley township; Orlando, a butcher and farmer residing in Northampton County; Amelia, the wife of Albert Snyder of Oley township: Hannah, who married Franklin Y. Kauf- man, justice of the peace of Oley township ; Mahlon B., who conducts a hotel in Oley township; Mary Ann, the wife of Elam Rhoads, a farmer on the old Clauser -home- stead in Shanesville; Cyrus, a carpenter re- siding at South Bethlehem, Pa.; Tobias, a merchant of Seidersville, Northampton County; and Daniel, a huckster and farmer residing in Oley township. Our subject was brought up on his father’s farm and was educated in the district schools of Chester County and in the Boyertown and Mt. Pleasant Academies. At the age of nine- teen years he taught for four winters, and then engaged in the hotel business at Shanes- ville tor four years. Later he moved upon a farm, where he carried on general farming until 1866, when he bought a store and em- barked in the mercantile business. In 1871 he sold his store and purchased the hotel which was built by his grandfather, and con- ducted that hotel until 1894, when he bought the present hotel, which is one of the best in his section of the county. He is also engaged in farming and stock dealing to a large extent, and is a very successful business man. Mr. Clauser is an adherent of the Demo- cratic party; and is a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church at Hill Church. He was postmaster at Shanesville from 1866 to 1873, and held the position of township auditor tor fifteen years. He was among the very first to answer to the call of President Lincoln when he issued orders for troops to put down the Rebellion. Under the name of Simon Clouser he enlisted on April 20, 1861, in the 7th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., as a private of Com- BERKS COUNTY 495 pany D, commanded by Captain George S. Herbst. He is a member of the Glenn Crooks Post, No. 597, G. A. R. of Boyertown, and has been chaplain since its organization. November 28, 1858, he was joined in matri- mony with Hannah Mathias, daughter of Jacob Mathias, and they reared seven chil- dren, namely: Susan, the wife of William Yerger, a clerk ina store at Friedensburg ; Kate, the wife of James Ruppert, a farmer of Oley township; Alice; Peter, a resident of Shanesville ; and three others, who died in infancy. —- + ____- ILLIAM O. HEINLY, editor and proprietor of the Hamburg Item, a weekly Democratic paper, was born in South Evansville, Berks County, Pa., July 10, 1862, and is a son of David L. and Maria (Heinly) Heinly, and grandson of George Heinly. The Heinlys are among the oldest families located in Berks County, and most of the descendants are scattered throughout the United States, but George Heinly, the grand- father of our subject, remained in Greenwich township, Berks County, and farmed all his life. He was a prominent man in his town- ship, and was a leader in local politics, and upheld the principles of the Democratic party. He was a member of the Lutheran Church. He was united in wedlock with Miss Leiby, and they reared a large family of children. David L. Heinly, the father of our subject, was born near Virginville, this county, where he received a liberal education. When a young man he engaged in the mercantile business at South Evansville. In 1866 or 1867, he moved to Hamburg, where he estab- lished a general merchandise store, which he operated until 1875, and was one of the energetic, thrifty business men of that place. During this time he built the store which is now occupied by Walter M. Raubenold, and, with his brother, William Heinly, conducted a hardware store under the name of D. L. Heinly and Bro. The firm dissolved in 1879, and David L. Heinly became connected with the Seltzer-Klahr Hardware Co., located at Sixth and Market streets, Philadelphia. Our 496 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES subject’s father is a Democrat; a member of the Masonic Order, Vaux Lodge, No. 406; I. O. O. F., Symmetry Lodge; Reading Commandery; and Lutheran Church of Reading. He was once a member of the old militia. He formed an alliance with Maria Heinly, and they reared a family of six chil- dren, namely: Samuel, who is with the Bard, Reber Hardware Co. of Reading; Kate; William O., our subject; Alvin D. is a cutter for Limbach & Brother, clothiers and tailors of Reading; John E., proprietor of the Reading Wood Engraving Co.; and Harvey, an attorney-at-law, residing in Reading. William O. Heinly attended the public schools of Hamburg until sixteen years of age, and then entered the office of Samuel Focht as an apprentice to the printer’s trade, and remained with him until 1879, when he became associated with the Reading Eagle , there he completed his trade, and besides worked considerable in the job printing office. Later he became foreman of the jobbing department of the A//entown Chronicle, where he remained a short time, when he engaged with the Schupletll Republican at Minersville ; from there he went to Reading, where he established the Reading Wood Engraving Co. From 1885 to 1887 he conducted the Claremont Herald, at Claremont, Va., and then returned to Reading. About this time Mr. Focht died, and in December, 1887, our subject purchased the paper which was edited by Mr. Focht, and has since conducted it, which has a wide reputation throughout the county. In 1891 he erected the Item Building, in which the first two stories are occupied by our subject's printing establish- ment. The Hamburg Item is a weekly paper, and is found in nearly every household; our subject does a large jobbing business. Mr. Heinly is a strong Democrat and a typical Bryan man, and during the campaign of 1896 was president of the Bryan Club; he is now a committeeman from the South Ward and is a member of the standing committee of Berks County. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum; I. O. O. F.; Knights of Friendship; K. of G. E.: I.O.R. M.; and Hamburg Fire Department. He is also a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, and is recording secretary of the Hamburg Board of Trade. September 1, 1894, Mr. Heinly and Annie B. Kerchoff, daughter of Amos Kerchoff, deceased, who was formerly in the hotel business at Hamburg, were happily united in the bonds of matrimony, and two children have blessed their home: Esther K. and Raymond F. SSS Soon inent and substantial citizen of the village of Strausstown, and is now serving his fourth term as justice of the peace; he is also engaged in the real es- tate and loan business, and is regarded as one of the most progressive business men of the village. He was born in Strausstown Octo- ber 28, 1854, and is a son of Joseph and Miranda (Kauffman) Batteiger. John Batteiger, the great-great-grandfather, with his two brothers, came to the United States. Daniel Batteiger, the great-grand- father, located in Berks County. Joseph Batteiger, our subject’s father, was a clerk in a merchandise store at Shartlesville, this county, during his younger days, and having become thoroughly acquainted with that line of business, in 1852, he moved to Strausstown and embarked in the mercantile business on his own account. He was very successful in his business, and is now passing his declining years in quiet and peace, enjoying the fruits of his early toil. His sons, William A., and our subject, under the firm name of Batteiger & Brother, now have charge of the business, and these gentlemen are maintaining the rep- utation established by their father. Mr. Bat- teiger has passed his seventieth year in life, and is held in high esteem by his neigh- bors and many acquaintances for his sterling qualities and upright character. He was united in marriage with Miranda Kauffman, who passed from this life October 28, 1890, leaving two children: our subject; and Wil liam A., who was born August 8, 1852. Wil liam A., and our subject are now carrying on the general merchandise store, and are meet- ing with the greatest of success. James M. Batteiger received his primary education in the common schools, then took a course in Palatinate College, Lebanon County, Pa. Millersville Normal School, Lancaster County, Pa. and completed his tee M. BATTEIGER is a prom- BERKS COUNTY education by taking a classical course in the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown, this county. He wasa member of the class of 1877 when he graduated. He then began teaching and taught twenty-two terms, and during the springs and summers conducted a normal class; forty-seven of his former pupils were, and some still are, teaching in various schools in different states of the Union. Our subject is also engaged in the real estate and loan business, and is justice of the peace at Strausstown. Mr. Batteiger is amply enti- tled to be classed as an honest man anda good citizen; he is well read and intelligent, and is a valued member in the business and social circles of the community. In politics, Mr. Batteiger affiliates with the Democratic party. Fraternally, he isa mem- ber of the I. O. O. F., No. 77 of Strauss- town, Pa, P. O. S. of A., Washington Camp, No. 133 of Shartlesville; K. of G. E. of Tulpehocken, Pa.; and of Vaux Lodge, F. & A. M. of Hamburg. Religiously. he is a member of the Lutheran Church. October 21, 1881, our subject was wedded to Fannie R. Klahr, a daughter of Devilla and Mary Margaret Klahr. Her mother is a resident of Reading, and her tather, who is now de- ceased, was a prominent farmer of Berks County. Four children have blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Batteiger, namely: Daniel, who died aged fourteen months: Edgar died, aged seven months; one died in infancy ; and Martha Miriam, a bright child of eleven years, who is the only child living. — — + been elected to the State Legisla- ture, is one of the most enterpris- ing and progressive citizens of the city of Reading, and can boast of as many friends as any other man in the county. He is a son of Mungo and Mary (Gray) West, and was born in Philadelphia, Pa., March 27, 1855. Paternally, he is a descendant of the Bruces, a distinguished family of Scotland, and his father was also a native of Scotland, haviug been born at Aberdeen, in 1816. In 1836, he immigrated to America and located in Philadelphia, where he spent the remain- ice DAVID WEST, who has twice 497 der of his life, following the trade of a black- smith. He was a Republican in politics, and was a very active Abolitionist. He was united in matrimonial bonds with Mary Gray, a lineal descendant of John Knox of Scot- land, whose name was rendered immortal by his great work in behalf of Presbyterianism, and their union was blessed by the birth of the following children: John Sheddon, a member of the firm of Hallowell & West, bookbinders of Philadelphia, is a resident of Bryn Mawr, Pa.; Annie is the wife of J. EII- wood Ashworth, a salesman of Philadelphia ; and Hon. David, the gentleman whose name appears at the head of these lines. Hon. David West received his intellectual training in the public schools of Philadelphia, and began life on his own account at the age ot fourteen years by tending a news stand in that city. After working in the news stand for a short time, he again entered school. After about two years he began learning the trade of stove moulding with Charles Noble & Co. of Philadelphia, with whom he re- mained for three years after completing his apprenticeship, after which he served in a similar capacity for a frm in Brooklyn, N. Y. He again returned to Philadelphia, where he worked several years for various firms, and then went to Royersford, Montgomery County. Later he moved to Reading and, in 1881, accepted a position with Orr, Painter & Co., stove manufacturers, and has been in their employ ever since. He is an industri- ous worker, attentive to his business, and has won the respect and good will of his employ- ers and fellow workmen. Like his father, in political affiliations he is a Republican, and takes an active part in political affairs, not to attain political distinction, but rather to aid in the success of his party. He does not as- pire to office, but when he received the nom- ination for Member of the Legislature, he accepted, and in due time was elected to serve in the session of 1895. His labors were very satisfactory, and he was renominated and elected to serve in the session of 1897. He has been closely identified with party affairs ever since he was twenty-one years of age, and received his political training from James McManes of Philadelphia. February 20, 1884, he formed a matrimonial alliance with Kate R. Bradbury, a daughter 498 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES of Stephen Decatur Bradbury of Philadel- phia, and they are the proud parents of the following children: Anna Ashworth, who was born March 1, 1885, died July 19. 1887; Mary Ida was born March 9, 1887; Carrie Bradbury was born October 25, 1889, and died February 17, 1890; Ellwood Ashworth was born March 7, 1892; and Blanche Marion, who was born January 4, 1896. He is also quite prominent socially, and is an active member of the following societies: Chandler ° Lodge, No. 227, F. & A. M.; Excelsior Chap- ter, No. 237,R. A. M.; Reading Commandery, No. 42, Knights Templar; Washington Camp, No. 330, P, O. S. of A.; Sirius Castle, No. 63, Knights of the Golden Eagle; Iron Moulders’ Union, No. 35; and Independent Gun Club of Reading, one of the leading clubs of the city. He is a member of the Washington Fire Company and an honorary member of the State Firemen’s Association. He is very popular with the members of that organization, and was an ardent supporter of the Firemen’s Relief Bill, which came up be- fore the Legislature during the session of 1895. The hospitality which characterizes the homes of the Scotch in general is no ex- ception in the home of Mr. West, the doors of which are always open to his many friends. Both he and his wife are members of Olivet Presbyterian Church of Reading. ++ -— ANIEL H. REESER, who is efh- ciently serving in the capacity of recorder of Berks County, is one of the leading citizens of West Leesport, Bern township. He is a son of John and Hannah (Himmelberger) Reeser, and was born August 14, 1846, in Center township, Berks County. The paternal grandfather of our subject was John Reeser, who was a_ prominent farmer in Center township, where he owned afarm of 100 acres. In his political affilia- tions, he was a Democrat. Religiously, he was a member of the Reformed Church. He was the father of four children, two sons and two daughters, whose names were: Jacob; Catherine; Betsy; and John, the father of our subject. John Reescr was a well known resident of Center township, where he lived most of his life. During his younger days, he worked at the shoemakers’ trade, but his later years were devoted to agricultural pursuits. He owned an excellent farm of 224 acres. In politics, he was a Democrat and was enthusi- astically interested in the success of the party. A number of times he was called upon to serve his town as a delegate to county conventions. Religiously, he was a member of the Belleman’s Reformed Church, and was a regular attendant on divine wor- ship. He formed a matrimonial alliance with Hannah Himmelberger, by whom he had twelve children, namely: Elizabeth, deceased; John, deceased ; Catherine, de- ceased; William, deceased; Jacob. a farmer residing in Exeter township; Mary, de- ceased; Sarah, who resides with our sub- ject: Hettie, deceased; Daniel H., whose name heads these lines; Caroline, the wife of James D. Weikel, a machinist residing in Reading ; Susan, the wife of Jacob Kramer, a merchant of West Leesport ; and Amelia, deceased. It is a true saying that misfor- tunes never come singly: Mr. Reeser was called upon to mourn the loss of five chil- dren and his sister, Catherine, within a period of about three months’ time, all of them dying of typhoid fever. Mr. Reeser’s earthly career came to an end, January 9, 1869, after living a peaceful life of sixty- eight years. Daniel H. Reeser attended the Kutztown Academy before it became a State Normal School, and later took a course of study in the academy at Reading, conducted by Prof. D. B. Brunner, an ex-congressman. He then taught school for four terms in Bern town. ship, after which he engaged in selling farm implements and fertilizers. He followed that line of business for different firms for ten years, but gave it up to accept the post- mastership of West Leesport in 1893. He faithfully performed all duties pertaining to that office until his term expired in 1897. During two years of that time he acted as clerk in the recorder's office, under James W. Sponagle. During the years 1895 and 1806, he served as county, state, and school tax collector. November 2, 1897, he was elected recorder of Berks County for a term of three years, which he is now serving. In politics, HENRY CLAY SEIDEL. BERKS COUNTY 501 he is a stanch Democrat, and one of the lead- ers of the party in his section of the county. He isa man of high principles, exercises ex- cellent judgment in conducting his affairs, and is respected and esteemed as a loyal and patriotic citizen. —_—_—_——_+>-__________ managers of the Philadelphia Black Lead Crucible Works, whose head- NX quarters are located at 1324-1334 Callowhill street, Philadelphia, is one of the prominent and influential citizens of Gib- raltar, Robeson township, this county, and was born in Gibraltar, then Seideltown, Au- gust 14,1850. Heisason of Reuben B. and Maria Louisa (Yundt) Seidel. Our subject traces his ancestry back to one of three brothers, who emigrated from Swe- den to America prior to the War of the Rev- olution. One of these brothers, our sub- ject’s great-great-grandfather, became a large owner of land in Long Swamp township, this county, which he sold later, and pur- chased a tract of land near Stony Creek, just above the Stony Creek Mills in Exeter town- ship. There he erected an iron forge and became one of the pioneer iron masters of Berks County. He was the father of three sons,—- Benjamin, Philip, and Nicholas. Benjamin became associated with his father in the iron forge at Stony Creek, and his brothers Philip and Nicholas moved to where the village of Gibraltar is located, then Seideltown; afterwards Nicholas built and operated for a number of years what are now known as the Yocum forges in Cumru town- ship. He sold these forges later and moved to Reading, where he spent the remainder of his life in retirement. Philip, the great- grandfather of our subject, remained in Seideltown, where he owned a large tract of land and was engaged in general farming. Jonathan Seidel, the grandfather of our subject, was one of the pioneer iron masters of Robeson township. During his early days he engaged in the tanning business at Pine Grove, Schuylkill County; later he moved to Seideltown, and built the Seidel ‘ forges, which he operated until his death. He married Susan Barr, by whom he had 24 Al: CLAY SEIDEL, one of the three sons and two daughters, namely: John B, deceased, was a member of the State Legislature, and was interested in the iron forges at Marysville, Perry County, Pa.; Henry B. was an iron master of Leb- anon County, and for a number of years a part proprietor of the Seidel-Hastings Co. Rolling Mills of Wilmington, Del.; Mrs. John Bechtel, deceased; Reuben B., the father of our subject; and Mrs. Elizabeth (Thompson), a resident of Reading, Pa. Reuben B. Seidel was born in Pine Grove, Schuylkill County, October 21, 1821, and after he attained his majority, moved to Seideltown with his father, with whom he became associated in the iron business ; upon the death of his father, he fell heir to the business, which he conducted until 1865, when he sold his forges. In 1866, he and Henry Wile of Reading, Pa., started a black lead crucible and fire brick works at 1324-1334 Callowhill street, Philadelphia. They car- ried on this business a short time, when Mr. Seidel became sole owner, and discontinued the making of fire brick, and gave his entire attention toward the manufacture of black lead crucibles. Since his death the establish- ment has been operated by the estate and managed by our subject. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church of Robeson township. He entered the world of rest October 21, 1892. His wife, Maria L., was a daughter of Henry Yundt, a cattle dealer of Blue Ball, Lancaster County, Pa. Asa result of this union five sons and five daugh- ters were reared, as follows: Henry Clay, our subject; Robert D., a manufacturer of coal buckets for mine use; Edgar B., also a manufacturer of crucibles at Tacony, Pa.; Maria Louise; Mary B., deceased; Susan B., the wife of Charles T. Evans of Tacony ; Sallie D., a twin sister of Susan B.; Heber L., an employee of the Philadelphia Black Lead Crucible Works; Dora G.; Horace Y., a manager of the Philadelphia Black Lead Crucible Works; and Roberta C., who is residing at home. Henry Clay Seidel was educated in the public schools, at Lititz Academy, and at William F. Wyer’s Military Academy at West Chester, Pa., from which institution he was graduated in 1869. In 1870, when he -was but twenty years of age, he began 502 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES operating the Exeter Steam Forge, and on account of his being under age he conducted the business under his father’s name, which has remained the same ever since. Upon his father’s death, he and his mother became administrators of the estate, and are conduct- ing the business the same as when his father had charge of the works, our subject acting as general manager. In April, 1878, Mr. Seidel was joined in matrimony with Josephine Seltzer, daughter of the late Dr. John H. Seltzer of Phila- delphia. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Seidel: Blanche Irene, and Walter F., who died in infancy. In politics, our subject adheres to the Republican party. Mr. Seidel’s portrait appears on a_ preceding page, in connection with the above account of his life. 2+ gaged in the cultivation of the soil all his life in Berks County, was born in Exeter township, September 20, 1842, and is a son of Josiah and Maria (Dick) De Turk. The De Turks have been residents of this county for almost two centuries; the first of this family to locate in America was Isaac De Turk, or Le Tirck, as it was originally spelled on legal documents. Tradition says, that a native of Alsace, a Huguenot in relig- ious faith, left his country on account of religious persecutions and came to America in 1709. In the spring of that year, he and others located on Quassick Creek, Dutchess County, N.Y. June 11, 1712, a land com- missioner of the Province of Pennsylvania issued a warrant to him for 300 acres of land at a place called Oley, now included in Oley township. He married Maria VonWeimer, a widow, who came to this country on the same boat that he did. She hada daughter by her first husband, who is supposed to have been the wife of the elder Keim, progenitor of the Keim family, that now resides in the county. Mr. De Turk’s union brought him three children, namely: John; Catherine and Esther. Catherine wedded Abraham Levan; Esther was the wife of Abraham Bertholet, the name being now spelled Bertolet. Janu- a) DE TURK, who has been en- ary 22,1717, Mr. De Turk left a will, in which his farm was given to his only son, who was obliged to pay the sisters their proportion according to the appraisement. The ap- praisement was made October 18, 1724, and he was directed to pay the sisters 20 pounds each, and a quit claim deed was issued to him by the sisters, December 30, 1761. In France there was in force a decree making it a capital offense if a person was found guilty of carrying a Bible upon his person. When Mr. De Turk fled from that country and came to America, he brought with him three volumes, which he had smuggled from his native country. One volume is now in the possession of Miss Susan De Turk of Friedensburg, this county. A second vol- ume is in the hands of a Mr. Geiger of St. Louis, Mo., who is a son-in-law of Samuel De Turk of De Turksville, Schuylkill County, Pa. John De Turk was born in Oley township in 1715, and followed farming on his father’s farm all his life. He was joined in wedlock with Debora High, May 13, 1740, in the presence of justice of the peace George Boone of Philadelphia. They reared the following children: Isaac, born August 25, 1741; Daniel, born September 18, 1742; Susan, born March 27, 1745; John, born Jan- uary 2, 1747; Maria, born July 16, 1748; Samuel, born May 25, 1750; Abraham, born March 3, 1752; a daughter, born November 18, 1753; Esther, born February 9, 1755; Philip, born April 30, 1757; Jacob, born November 24, 1759; and Deborah, born June 15,1761. Isaac, a daughter, Esther and De- borah, died in their infancy, and the others lived to an advanced age. John De Turk added to the old homestead at different times, and at his death, which occurred in 1781, he owned 374 acres of land. He left an estate valued at 3,000 pounds, of which Abra- ham received 900 pounds and Philip received 1,100 pounds. Abraham, the fifth son of John De Turk, and great-grandfather of our subject, was born on the old homestead, and engaged in farming throughout his entire life. He wed. ded Annie Weiser, and a family of four chil. dren were born. Abraham DeTurk, the grand- father of our subject, was born on the old homestead, and was reared to follow the pur- BERKS COUNTY suits of an agriculturist. Hemarried Esther Levan, who bore him eight children, namely: Annie; Catherine; Josiah; Daniel; Esther; Hannah; Susan; and Isaac. Annie died in her childhood days. Catherine was twice wedded; to her first husband, Abraham Ber- tolet, a farmer, three children were reared, namely : Horace, Anna, and Catherine. Her second husband was John Guldin, and three children resulted from this union, namely: Daniel, Abraham and John. Josiah, is the father of our subject. Daniel married Deborah Knabb, who bore him eight chil- dren, who were as follows: Esther, the wife of David Bear; Sarah wedded Lewis De Turk; a son that died young; Abraham mar- ried Kate Bertolet for his first wife, and upon her death he wedded Alice Herbein ; Daniel died in his infancy ; Deborah married Daniel Rothermel; Horace died in 1881; and Ezra married a Miss Merkel. Esther is the wife of Nicholas Dick, and the following children were born to them: Marcus, who wedded Amelia Lewis; Susan, the wife of Albert Wentzel; Henry married Mary Kis- singer; William, a resident of Indiana, married Mrs. Hartz of Indiana; Annie; Liz- zie; Eli; and Albert. Hannah and Susan are both deceased. The grandfather of our subject was the first man in Berks County to subscribe for government bonds, which were issued during the Rebellion. Josiah De Turk, the father of our subject, was born on his father’s farm in Oley town- ship in 1814. In his early manhood he moved to Exeter township, and purchased a farm consisting of 196 acres of land. Beside carrying on general farming he was also’ engaged in the burning of lime. He wed- ded Maria Dick, a daughter of Jacob Dick, late a farmer of Cumru_ township, this county. To Mr. and Mrs. DeTurk were born four sons and three daughters, namely : Jonas, the subject of this sketch; Annie, the wife of Albert F. Kramer, who is a member of the firm of Bard, Reber & Co., hardware merchants of Reading; Frank wedded Mary Griesemer, and they reside in Reading, where he is engaged as a clerk in the Philadelphia & Reading R. R. Car Shops; Isabel is the wife of E. O. Immel of. Reading; Emma married James Bechtel, also of Reading; Isaac, a farmer of Exeter township; and 593 Alvin, deceased, who was wedded to Octavia Eagle. Jonas De Turk was reared upon his father’s farm, and received his education in the com- mon schools of Exeter township, Oley Acad- emy, Reading Institute, and Birdsboro Insti- tute. At the death of his father, which occur- red in 1862, our subject took possession of the old homestead, and carried on farming until 1875; he then purchased his present farm, which consists of 74 acres, and has car- ried on general farming to the present date. Mr. De Turk is a strong Republican, but believes in the free coinage of silver. In religious views, he is a member of the Schwartzwald Reformed Church. He has been a regular subscriber of the Reading Eagle for the last thirty years, and was its first correspondent. In 1865 our subject was united in the bonds of matrimony with Kate High, a daughter of Ezra High, a farmer of Cumru township. As a result of this union three sons and one daughter were born, as follows: Harvey, Chester and Ezra, all died in infancy; and Nora is the wife of James R. Winters, a hardware dealer located on Ninth and Buttonwood streets, Reading. Mr. De Turk has in his possession many old curios, especially Indian relics. He has over 7,000 arrow heads; 24 stone axes; pestles, that were used in crushing corn; cups used in preparing poison for arrow heads, and others in which the paints were mixed; and the only tanner’s stone found in his section of the county. The most of this fine collection of ancient relics were found on the farm now owned by our sub- ject. He owns some of the money that was used in the old colonial days, which has been handed down several generations, and also a gold coin which his ancestor brought from France, the date on the coin being 1691, and its commercial value being $6.70. He has been offered a handsome sum for it, but does not wish to dispose of it. ++ YTENRY BROSSMAN, a respected farmer of Lower Heidelberg town- L ship, who has successfully been engaged in the pursuits of an agri- culturist all his life, was born on the old 504 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES homestead, which is now his property, July 27,1845. Heisason of John L. and Cather- ine (Hettinger) Brossman. John A. Brossman, the grandfather of our subject, was the first of the Brossman family to locate in Lower Heidelberg township. He purchased the tract of land now owned by our subject, and carried on general farm- ing until his death, which occurred at the age of sixty-seven years. He wedded Catherine Leiss, who bore him five children, namely: John, Adam, Daniel, Benjamin, and Eva. The maternal grandfather of our subject was Nathan Hettinger, who emigrated from Ger- many and settled in Lower Heidelberg town- ship. John L. Brossman, the father of our sub- ject, was born on the old homestead in 1804, and lived there all his life. He was a farmer and miller, and succeeded in accummulating a small fortune by the time of his death. He was twice married, his first wife being Cath- erine Hettinger, a native of Lower Heidel- berg township; she passed from this life, aged forty-two years. In 1862 he wedded tor his second wite, Lydia (Fidler) Umbacht, widow of Samuel Umbacht. Mr. Brossman took an active part in. politics, and strongly advocated the principles of the Democratic party. He served as assessor and collector a number of terms. He was a devoted member of the Lutheran Church. His children were as follows: John, deceased, was twice united in wedlock—his first wife was Irena Brown, and after her death he married Mrs. Carrie (King) Wood; Nathan, who conducts a mar. ket in Reading, was united in marriage with Mary Hoffert; Reuben also has his personal history in this book of biographical sketches; Henry, the subject of this brief notice; Mary is the wile of Isaac Bohn, a prominent farmer of Lower Heidelberg township; Catherine was united in marriage with Jeremiah Soul, and they reside in Columbus, Ohio; Eliza- beth was united in wedlock with John Bortz, a hotel keeper and tailor residing in Jerusa- lem, Berks County; Rebecca, deceased, was the wife of Henry Spengler; Ellen wedded George Hoffman, a farmer and tailor of Lan- caster County, Pa.; and one that died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Brossman during their old age resided with our subject on the old homestead. Henry Brossman received a limited educa- tion in the public schools, and then began farming on the old homestead, and under his supervision the farm has been greatly im- proved and stands second to none in the county. March 8, 1883, our subject was united in the bonds of matrimony with Sarah G. Baer of Bern township. She was born June 15, 1849, and is a daughter of Abraham and Sarah (Gicker) Baer. Her father was a farmer of Bern township; her mother entered the world of rest in 1893. Our subject and wife are the parents of six children, namely : Eva, born December 15, 1884, and died in September, 1885; Bessie M. was born April 20, 1885; John A. died in infancy; James M. was born September 13, 1887; Calvin also died in his childhood days; and Evan Henry, who was born February 11, 1895. Mr. Bross. man is a stanch Democrat and is not a seeker of political distinction. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and his estimable wife is a member of the Reformed Church. ++ ___ RANK B. REED, one of the repre- sentative farmers of Marion township, Berks County, was born December 23, 1839, in that township, and is a son of Daniel B. and Jennie (Clapp) Reed. The Reed family is one of the oldest and best known families of Berks County, and has long been identified with its growth and development. The paternal great - great- grandfather of our subject was the first of that family to come from Germany to this country and located in Marion township, this county. His son, David Reed, the great- grandfather of our subject, also lived in that township, where he was engaged in agricul- tural pursuits all of his life. Benjamin Reed, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Marion township, and was a farmer by occu- pation. His companion in life's journey was Eva Wagner, and they were the parents of the following children: Mary, who was born September 7, 1799, and died April 14, 1858; Sallie, the wife of Daniel Burkholder ; and Daniel, our subject’s father. Daniel B. Reed was born in Marion town- ship, and always followed the trade of a wagonmaker in connection with farming He was a man of high principles and was well and favorably known throughout the county. He married Jennie Clapp and they became the parents of seven children, namely: Frank B., in whom the interest of this sketch centers; Clarissa, who was born February 7, 1842, and died at the age of sixteen; Yana, who was born March 7, 1848, and died July 21, 1864; Mary, who was born August 10, 1850, and passed into the world of rest March 31, 1893, was the wife of Edwin Fisher; John A., who was born July 2, 1853: Almon, who married .Clara Cove; and Thomas, a farmer of Marion township, who married Kate Richardson. Mrs. Reed was born in Heidel- berg township, November 8, 1815, and was a daughter of John Clapp, a farmer of that township. He formed a matrimonial alliance with a Miss Hain, and reared the following children: Reuben; Peter; Mary; Hannah; Ella; Samuel; Richard; Jennie, the mother of our subject; and Eliza. Mrs. Reed folded her hands in final rest January 14, 1863, and her husband survived her many years, dying June 26, 1893. Frank B. Reed received his education in the common schools and lived on his father’s farm until he was twenty-three years of age. He was then married and has since lived upon his present farm, which has been in the possession of his wife’s tamily since 1735. He carries on general farming and dairying, and is one of the good substantial farmers of the township. On June 23, 1862, he was united in mar- riage with Rebecca E. Reed, and they are the happy parents of three children, who are as follows: William, who was born May 25, 1863, lived only seven years, dying October 22, 1870; John A., who was born October 3, 1871, is a cigar maker in Stouchsburg, Pa., and married Anna Scholl; and Elmer F., the proprietor of a restaurant in Reading, mar- ried Hurin Hofe, and they are the parents of one son, Earl B., who was born in 1897. Mrs. Reed was born August 25, 1841, in the house in which she now lives, and is a daugh- ter of John S. and Rebecca (Eckert) Reed. The tirst of her ancestors to come to this country was John B. Reed, who was a native of Germany. He located in Berks County, where he purchased a tract of land consist- ing of 5,460 acres, a portion of which has 2Q4* BERKS COUNTY 595 remained in the possession of the family for six generations. The land was bought of John Page, and our subject has all of the deeds which have been handed down since that time and also has the original patent, dated September 17, 1735. John B. Reed was the father of Leonard, who was born in 1691, and a grandfather of Nicholas, who was born in 1716. Nicholas Reed was the father of Valentine Reed, the great-grand- father of our subject’s wife, who was born in 1794. Valentine Reed farmed all of his life on the old homestead farm, and chose as his companion in life Mary Seltzer, by whom he became the father of Christopher, Mrs. Reed’s grandfather. Christopher Reed was born in 1783, on the homestead farm, upon which he lived all of his life. He was united in marriage with Margaret Elick, and they reared John S. Reed. John S. Reed was born in Marion township in 1806, and was a life-long farmer. He was joined in the holy bonds of wedlock with Rebecca Eckert, who was born March 28, 1811. This union was blessed by the birth of eight children, whose records are as follows: Lavina, who was born July 15, 1832, and died March 4, 1896, was the wife of Joseph Royer of Shaeffers- town, Pa.; Reuben, who was born August Ig, 1834, is a miller of South Bend, Ind., and married Amelia Strunk; Jane, born Decem- ber 25, 1836, died in infancy; William, who was born March 26, 1836, died at an early age; Rebecca the wife of our subject, and Levi were twins, and first saw the light of day August 25, 1841,—Levi married Lizzie Walburn, by whom he has one daughter, Mary, and they are now residing on the old homestead with our subject: Hiram was the youngest child of the family and was born February 9, 1846, but lived only a few years. Mrs. Reed closed her eyes in final sleep May 6, 1866, and her husband survived her twelve years. Frank B. Reed is a well read man and posted on all subjects of interest to the peo- ple, but he has never dabbled in politics, in which he only takes the interest of a dutiful citizen; he firmly supports the principles of the Republican party, and was school direc- tor for a period of eleven years. In religious belief, he is a member of Zion’s Lutheran Church of Marion township, which is known 506 as the Reed Church and was built in 1727, and is the oldest church in the state outside of the city of Philadelphia. He always takes an active interest in church affairs, and for three years was an elder and deacon, and is now one of the trustees. Mr. Reed has a collection of valuable curios, the equal of which cannot be found anywhere in the county. He has a large clock which was made in 1704, and formerly owned by Christ- opher Reed, for which he has received some large offers, but would not part with it at any price. He also has a collection of interest- ing Indian relics, which he has been gather- ing for over twenty years. = +a EV. GEORGE A. ZELLERS, the well-known pastor of St. Thomas’ Church of Morgantown and the Bangor Church of Churchtown, Lancaster County, is a resident of Morgan- town, where he is loved and esteemed as a true Christian gentleman and dutiful citizen. He isason of George D. and Amelia (Spears) Zellers, and was born in Wernersville, Berks County, Pa., November 30, 1852. The Zellers family originally came from the Rhine provinces, Germany, to America about 1734, locating in either Berks or Le- banon Counties, Pa. Henry Zellers, the grandfather of our subject, was a soldier of the War of 1812, and followed farming near Bernville all of his life. He was united in matrimonial bonds with Susan DeWees, whose ancestors also came from the Rhine country, but were probably from France. This union resulted in the birth of four sons and three daughters, one of whom was George D., the father of our subject. George D. Zellers, the youngest child born to his parents, first saw the light of day in October, 1822, in the northern part of Berks County. He learned the trade of a_black- smith, and conducted a country blacksmith shop on the farm, upon which Walter’s Sani- tarium is now located. He was a quite suc- cessful business man and had a large number of friends throughout the township in which he lived. He was a consistent member of the Reformed Church, and held many of the offices of the local organization. He passed BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES into the world of rest in November, 1887, at the age of sixty-five years. He was united in marriage with Amelia Spears, a daughter of William Spears, a millwright of Robe- sonia, Berks County, and they became the happy parents of seven sons, whose records are as follows; Franklin A., who in 1862 en- listed for ten months’ service in the 167th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., and, in the fall of 1863, enlisted in Capt. George W. Durell’s Bat- tery, served until 1865, when he was taken sick with camp diarrhoea and brought home, dying shortly after; Mahlon M., a machinist of Kent, O.; Rev. George A., the subject of this sketch; Ambrose A., a farmer living near Wyomissing, Berks County, Pa.; Elmer E., a carpenter and builder, who resides on the old homestead ; and two who died in infancy. Rev. George A. Zellers attended the com- mon schools for some time, after which he took a course in the Palatinate College, and later the Franklin and Marshall College, from which he was graduated with third honors in 1878. Atthe age of twenty years, he be- gan teaching school and taught two terms while attending the Palatinate College, and after his graduation he taught for three years at Bernville and Womelsdorf. In 1880, he entered the University of the Reformed Church, where he was prepared for the ministry and ordained to preach. His first charge was at Minersville, Schuylkill County, where he held the pastorate of the Reformed Church and at Tremont for five years. In 1888, he entered the ministry of the Protestant Episcopal Church and served the Shenandoah charge for about fourteen months, after which he accepted a call to Lebanon County, where he remained until 1894, when he went to Durham, N. C., on account of his failing health. Soon after his arrival there, he was prevailed upon to ac- cept the pastorate of St. Philip’s Church at that place, which he held until his return home. In April, 1897, he moved to Morgan- town, and has since had charge of St. Thomas’ Church of that village and the Bangor Church at Churchtown, Lancaster County. He is a man who has made friends wherever he has resided, and is dearly loved by his parishioners for the kind and Chris- tian demeanor manifested toward every one. He isa man of pleasing address, strong in DANIEL S. KUNKEL. BERKS COUNTY 5°9 his convictions, and fearless in his expres- sion of them. December 22, 1879, he took for his com- panion in life, Miss Mary Wolfersberger, a daughter of Peter Wolfersberger, deceased, a resident of Hagerstown, Md., and they are the happy parents of four sons and two daughters: Florence Ray; Clarence Ralph; Paul Ira: John Heber; Amelia Spears; and George Herbert. Socially, our subject is a member of Lebanon Lodge, No. F. & A. M. of Lebanon, Pa. [=e also a cider mill, in Albany town- ship, is a man of great energy and enterprise, and has an established trade which will compare favorably with any similar busi- ness in that section of the county. Heis a son of Joseph and Catherine (Sneider) Kun- kel, and was born in Albany township, Sep- tember 25, 1832. His great-grandfather was George Kunkel, a native of Germany, who, upon coming to this country, located in Albany township, Berks County, where he was one of the early pioneer settlers. The county was then in its infancy and was almost a complete wilder- ness, inhabited mainly by Indians and the wild beasts of the forest. He took up a tract of 300 acres of land, and by untiring industry cleared it and placed it in a state of cultiva- tion. Later he bought more land, and when he died his estate was divided between his two sons, George and Peter, the latter being our subject’s grandfather. He was the father of the following children: George, deceased ; Peter, deceased; Benjamin, deceased; Sam- uel; Nathan; Michael: Eliza, deceased; Polly, deceased ; and Saloma, deceased, who was the wife of Adam Lynn. Peter Kunkel was born in Albany township, Berks County, and after his marriage moved to Lynn township, Lehigh County, where he engaged in farming, and operated a distillery on the farm. His wife, whose maiden name was Maria Raush, bore him a large family of children, one of whom was Joseph, the father of our subject. Joseph Kunkel was born in Lynn township, 226, - ANIEL S. KUNKEL, who is pro- | prietor of a grist and saw mill, and. Lehigh County, but in the spring of 1825, he came to Berks County and settled in Albany township, where he owned and operated a grist and saw mill and followed farming. He was united in marriage with Catherine Sneider, a native of Lynn township, Lehigh County, and they reared twelve children, namelv: Peter, deceased; Magdalene, de- ceased ; Nathan, deceased ; Joseph, deceased ; Daniel S., whose name appears at the head of these lines; Jeremiah, who conducts a hotel in Wessnersville, Pa.; Jacob, deceased ; Cath- erine, deceased ; Reuben, a farmer on the old homestead, married Sarah Weida; Sarah, deceased ; David, a farmer of Albany town- ship, married Seniah Stump; and Rebecca, deceased, who was the wife of David Heck- ert, by whom she had one son, Milton. Mr. Kunkel passed to his eternal rest March Io, 1866, and his wife survived him many years, dying May 21, 1885. Daniel S. Kunkel was reared on the farm, and received his intellectual training in the common schools. He lived on his father’s farm until after his marriage, when he settled upon the farm he now owns, and remained there two years. He then moved to Perry township, where he followed farming and worked at the trade of a millwright, but at the expiration of three years he returned to Albany township, and has lived on his pres- ent farm since. He carried on general farm- ing and bought and sold stock for some years, but in 1868 he built a saw mill, which he now operates. He also built a feed mill in 1893, which he runs in connection with the other lines of business. Heis an honest, straight- forward business man, and has made scores of friends by the manner in which he con- ducts his affairs. Our subject formed a matrimonial alliance with Catherine Trexler, May 14, 1857, and they are the happy parents of five children: Ellen, who died at an early age; Asaph mar- ried Dolly Parker, and they are the parents of two children, Ruth and Kate, who reside in Westheld, Tioga County, Pa.; Jonathan Joseph, who died at an early age; Thomas Daniel, a clerk and bookkeeper in a tannery in Westfield, Tioga County, Pa.; and Wal- lace Peter, who resides on his father’s farm and has an interest inthe mills. Mrs. Kunkel was born in Albany township March 3, 1833, 510 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES and is a daughter of Amos and Elizabeth (Dietrich) Trexler, the former of whom was an agriculturist and a tanner by trade. In political belief, Mr. Kunkel is a stanch Dem- ocrat, and has served as town auditor for some time. Both he and his worthy wife are devout members of the Lutheran Church, of Wessnersville. Asa representative and highly popular citizen of the northern section of Berks County, it gives us pleasure to present the portrait of Mr. Kunkel. (2) energetic business man. Since the organization of the above mentioned institution, his chiet aim has been its success, and it is with pleasure that he now sees it on a firm basis. Heisa native of Montgomery County, and was born in Upper Hanover township, April 2, 1846. He is a son of Jere- miah and Mary Ann (Moyer) Grimley, and a grandson of Frederick Grimley. ; Frederick Grimley was a resident of Sal- ford, Montgomery County, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was father of a family of the following children: William ; Jeremiah, the father of our subject ; Amos: Mary: Mrs. Trout; Mrs. Hallman; Jesse; and Albert. Jeremiah Grimley was born and reared in the town of Upper Salford, Montgomery County, Pa. After completing his schooling he began to teach, and followed that vocation for many years, first in New Hanover and later in Upper Hanover. Later in life he gave up teaching and settled down on a farm in Frederick township, where he remained until his death, in 1858. He was well known and had many friends who respected him for his uprightness of character and honesty in all dealings. His political affiliations were with the Democratic party. Religiously, he was an earnest worker in the Reformed Church, and was a deacon of the local organ- ization. He was twice joined in the bonds of matrimony, his first wife being Mary Ann Moyer, a daughter of Jacob Moyer, a farmer of Upper Hanover township. They were the parents of two children: O. P., the sub- ject of this biography; and J. M., who is a ————SSS OOo 1 P. GRIMLEY, cashier of the Kutz- town National Bank is a shrewd and dealer in carpets and wood and willow ware at Allentown, Pa. He was again united in marriage, his second union being with Mrs. Zeigler, whose maiden name was Louisa Jacobs, and they were the parents of one daughter, Clara A., a telegrapher of Phila- delphia. O. P. Grimley was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools, Freeland Seminary, Ursinus College, and Pierce Busi- ness College of Philadelphia, where his su- perior natural abilities were rounded out and he was fitted for a business career. Before and after his graduation, March 28, 1869, he was engaged in teaching, and taught, alto- gether, eleven terms of school. He then entered the employ of the Perkiomen R. R., as freight agent at Schwenkville, Pa., and worked faithfully for some time, when he was rewarded by a promotion to the position of station agent at Palm Station. He worked on the railroad until 1883, when he moved to Boyertown and became teller of the National Bank, which position he held for fourteen years, to the entire satisfaction of his employers. In 1897, he and capitalists of Kutztown, organized the Kutztown National Bank, which was chartered November 24, 1897, with a capital of $50,000. John Gonser was chosen president, Dr. J. S. Trexler, vice- president, and our subject, cashier. Al- though a young establishment, it has experi- enced men at the helm, and promises to be- come one of the leading banks of the county. It already has the confidence of the people, and enjoys the patronage of the lead- ing citizens in the vicinity. Our subject formed a matrimonial alliance with Sevilla Shaner, a daughter of Isaac Shaner, a late farmer of the town of Fred- erick, Montgomery County, Pa., and they are the parents of the following children: Isaac C., a bookkeeper for Hirsh Bros., umbrella manufacturers of Philadelphia; and O. Ray- mond, who resides at home. Religiously, Mr. Grimley is a member of the Reformed Church, and is active in Sunday School work, having acted as superintendent for the past thirteen years. Politically, he is an active member of the Democratic party. In social circles he belongs to Lehigh Lodge, No. 326, F. & A. M. of Trexlertown, Lehigh County, and is past master; he is also a member of BERKS COUNTY 51 Pennsburg Lodge, No. 449, I. O. O. F. of Pennsburg, Montgomery County ; and Zeig- lersville Lodge, No. 247, K.of P. Mr. Grim. ley has performed all the duties of a good citizen, and possesses the esteem and _friend- ship of all with whom he is acquainted. — OO BRAHAM BRIEL, senior member of the Edwin Briel Dye Co., and a prominent and progressive citizen of the city of Reading, was born in Wernersville, Berks County, Pa., August 23, 1841, and isa son of Abraham Briel, and grandson of Jacob Briel. Jacob Briel, the grandfather of our subject, was born and reared in Oley township, Berks County, where he spent his entire life en- gaged in the pursuits of an agriculturist. He was one of the largest land owners of Berks County, possessing some 800 acres; in 1808 he built a large barn, which is standing to-day. Jacob Briel was twice wedded ; his first wife was Miss Rothermel, who passed from this life leaving four children, namely; Peter; Daniel; Abraham; and Katherine (Bechtel). Hissecond wife was Miss Hefner, and they were the parents of one child, Charles. Jacob Briel died at the age of sixty-five years. The father of our subject was born on the old homestead in Oley township, and spent the most of his active life there, following the vocation of atarmer. In 1837 he moved to Wernersville, this county, but returned to the old homestead in 1845, where he remained until his death, which occurred at the age of fifty years. Mr. Briel chose for his life com- panion Mary Krick, a daughter of Francis Krick, a resident of Sinking Spring, this county. A family of ten children resulted from this union, all of whom are highly re- spected citizens in the various localities in which they reside. They are named as fol- lows: Francis; Henry; William; Abraham, whose name heads the above lines; James; Mary (Rice); Louise (Bower); Hannah; Ezra; and Sarah (Angstadt). The mother of our subject entered the world of rest in 1895, at the advanced age of eighty-one years. Abraham Briel, our subject, received a liber- al education in the public schools of Friedens- berg, Oley township, and then learned the trade of a carpenter. September 17, 1861, he enlisted in Co. K, 93d Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf., for a term of three years, during which time he rendered saliale service toward maintaining the integrity of the Union; at the expiration of his time he was honorably discharged, and, returning home, took charge of the old home- stead for six years. He then moved to the city of Reading, where he was employed on the railroad for seven years, and in 1879 he engaged in the hotel business for six years; he then rented his hotel for four years, and accepted a position as tax collector during that time. When his term expired as tax col- lector, he again took charge of his hotel, which he conducted for four years, and was then elected assessor of the Eighth Ward; he served two consecutive terms in that office, and in 1896 he embarked in the dye business and is meeting with great success. Our subject is a man of untiring energy, and is recognized as one of the valued citizens of his community. Mr, Briel was united in marriage, in 186s, with Sarah Brown, a daughter of Daniel Brown of Pricetown, Pa., and the following children blessed their home: Charles M.; Edwin was wedded to Mamie Derrick, who bore him two children—Walter and Luther; Lillian (Calahan); Anna; and Howard. Mr. and Mrs. Briel are both members of the Lutheran Church. Our subject is a member of the General William H. Keim Post, No. 96, So. Bes Te [ standing and enjoys a lucrative practice. He isa native of Adams- town, Lancaster County, and is a son of George and Mary (Lorah) Bollman. He was born September 10, 1862, and is con- sequently still a comparatively young man with life before him, and a prospect of becoming an eminent member of the profes- sion. George Bollman, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was a farmer and drover all his life. Henry Lorah, the maternal grand- R. HENRY L. BOLLMAN, of Robesonia, is a physician in good 512 father, was an architect and builder, and re- sided in Lancaster County, Pa. He was united in wedlock with Lydia Harding. George Bollman was born in Spring town- ship, Berks County, and for thirty years he was engaged in the manufacture of woolen hats, in Adamstown, Pa. His goods were disposed of in New York City. He was twice married; to his first wife, Mary Lorah, were born the following children: Emma, who was united in marriage with Andrew Gottshall, a hatter residing in Adamstown; Sarah is the wife of W. W. Marburger, a prominent merchant of Denver, Pa.; Henry L., the subject of this sketch; and Rev. Wil- liam L., an Evangelical minister of Wilkes- Barre, Pa. who married Mary Bachman. His second marriage resulted in the birth of three children, namely: Minnie, a school teacher of Reading; George W., a hat manufacturer in partnership with his father; and Ellwood, who died at the age of three months. Dr. Henry L. Bollman was first educated in the common schools, and then entered Millersville Normal College and was grad- uated in 1881. Having prepared himself for the career of a physician, he entered Jeffer- son Medical College of Philadelphia, and re- ceived his degree in 1884. He chose the city of Reading as his first field of practice ; after remaining there for two years, he moved to Robesonia, where he has since built up a large and successful practice. He has been a constant student and has obtained a deep insight into the intricacies of his chosen pro- fession ; at the same time, his excellent prin- ciples and obliging and genial disposition, with his care in the treatment of all cases intrusted to him, are rapidly laying for him the foundations of success. Dr. Bollman was united in the bonds of matrimony in November, 1887, to Nora M. Filbert, a native of Marion township, and a daughter of H. W. and Catherine (Saylor) Filbert; Mrs. Bollman’s father is now a re- tired merchant and lives in Robesonia. To Dr. and Mrs. Bollman have been given two children, namely: Leroy, born July 22, 1880, and Catherine Mary, born June 23, 1894. He and his devoted wife are members of the Re- formed Church, in which he has been deacon for many years. BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES LBERT THALHEIMER, who is one of the enterprising and progressive business men of Reading, is the largest cigar box manufacturer in this state, and has invented several machines of merit, not only for the manufacture of cigar boxes, but cigars as well. He is ason of Charles and Amelia (Mundér) Thalheimer, and was born in Weinsburg, Wurtemberg, Germany, on October 7, 1842. His father, Charles Thalheimer, died be- fore our subject’s birth, and his mother emigrated to America in 1845, locating in Philadelphia, where he was reared and edu- cated in the public schools until he was ten years of age. At that immature age, he learned the trade of a cigar box maker, serv- ing a full apprenticeship, after which he started up in business for himself in that city, continuing for about three years. He then entered the army during the Civil War, enlisting in July, 1861, in Co. B, 23rd Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf., serving in the Army of the Potomac until the battle of Cold Harbor, June 1, 1864, when he was stunned by the explosion of a shell and taken prisoner, and held until the close of the war. He was a brave and fearless fighter, and took part in every battle in which his regiment partici- pated but the battle ot Gettysburg, during which time he was on special service. Upon returning home he engaged in the manu- facture of steel stays for corsets, continuing at that work for only about three months, when in July, 1866, he located in Reading and embarked in cigar box manufacturing, in which business he has continued up to the present time. He has been in the business longer than any firm in the country, and employs a force of sixty hands the year around. He sells his goods in every state in the Union. He has invented several ma- chines to facilitate the manufacture of boxes and also cigars, chief of which are: a nailing machine; trimmers; machines for ornament. ing wood; one for drying thin woods; another for knock down cigar boxes for transportation; and a cigar shaper. They are all made at his factory, and havea large sale throughout the country, as they are con- sidered almost indispensable after once used. Mr. Thalheimer is a public-spirited man, and Is greatly interested in the advancement of DR. REUBEN B. RHOADS. BERKS COUNTY 515 the city’s interests. He was instrumental in bringing to Reading the Silk Mills, one of the largest industries of North Reading. For a quarter of a century he has been a director of the City Passenger Railways, and is one of the organizers and directors of the Reading Steam, Heat and Power Co. He was one of the organizers of the Reading Land & Improvement Co., of which he is a director, as well as president of a local cor- poration controlling considerable real estate in the suburb of Reading, called Wyomis- sing, and located on the West Side. eis a director of the Citizens’ Bank, and was one of the organizers of the Reading Chemical & Fertilizing Co. He is also a member of the Reading Board of Trade. Mr. Thalheimer was united in the holy bonds of wedlock, April 14, 1868, with Amelia Hirsh, a daughter of Charles Hirsh, and tothem have been born five children, three of whom are now living: Carrie, the wife of Louis H. Rascovar, who is engaged in the lumber business in New York City; Charles L., deceased; Benjamin F., a sales- man in the employ of his father; Emanuel, a member of the firm of Thalheimer & Son; and Dora, who died at the age of six months. Politically, he is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Republican party. Socially, he is a member of St. John’s Lodge, No. 435, F. & A. M.; McLean Post, No. 16, G. A. R.; and Union Veteran Legion Encampment, No. 43. —_____+<-_____. R. REUBEN B. RHOADS, one of the distinguished and skillful phy- [: j sicians of Boyertown, who has not only won a wide reputation throughout his immediate district, but throughout the county, was born on the old homestead in Boyertown, October 29, 1831, and is a son of John and Catherine (Boyer) Rhoads, grandson of Jonathan Roth and great-grandson of Mathias Roth. About the beginning of the present century the family name was changed from Roth to Rhoads. Mathias Roth was a native of the Palati- nate, Germany, and emigrated to America in the early part of the eighteenth century. Soon after he became a resident of Cole- brookdale township; he located on the Fur- nace property, where the village of Morys- ville is now situated, having purchased the land of Rutter and Potts, who were the owners long before the Revolutionary War broke out. Mathias Roth erected a grist mill upon the property, which he operated the greater part of his life. He was the father of three sons, Solomon, John, and Jonathan; Solomon farmed a part of his father’s farm, and was the father of two chil- dren: David and Molly. David remained on the old homestead the most of his active life, and was the progenitor of two sons,—John and Solomon; Molly, the only daughter of Solomon, married a Mr. Gresh, a well-to-do farmer of Greshville, Berks County, Pa. John, the second son of Mathias Roth, died in infancy. Jonathan, the third son of Mathias Roth and grandfather of our subject, inherited the property upon which the grist mill stood, and carried on milling and farming to a large extent. He married Dorothy Elizabeth Linn, by whom he reared three sons: Jacob, John, and Henry. Jacob was the father of four sons: Jacob, Deiter, Sam- uel, and Daniel, all of whom were farmers, and their descendants are all living in Mont- gomery County. Henry, the youngest son of Jonathan, was the father = three sons: Elam, Jacob and Samuel. Samuel died at the age of twenty years. Elam Rhoads was a millwright by trade, and followed that a number of years, then moved to Boyertown, where he engaged in farming. Upon his death he left the most of his large fortune, which he had accumulated by his own per- severance, to different charitable institutions, churches, and for the old cemetery. He also left a large portion toward the establishment of an orphans’ home for the Lutheran Church of Boyertown. Jacob is residing upon his father’s farm in Montgomery County. John Rhoads, the second son of Jonathan Roth and father of our subject, was born on the old homestead June 28, 1788, and passed from this earth July 4, 1860. During his early manhood he engaged in farming, and later carried on mercantile business in con- nection with farming; he also operated a distillery for a number of years. In 1818 he was united in wedlock with Catherine Boyer, daughter of Henry Boyer, who was one of 516 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES the founders of Boyertown. To Mr. and Mrs. Rhoads were born the following chil- dren, namely: Jonathan was proprietor of the Keystone Hotel at Boyertown, later he conducted the Great Western Hotel at Philadelphia, and later he moved to Reading, where he entered the world of rest; Henry B., deceased, was a school teacher in his early life, and married a Miss Gilbert, by whom he had two sons, Irwin and Richard,— he was elected constable of his community and later served as justice of the peace and as member of assembly; Beneville B., who died at the age of twenty-five years; Loretta, the wife of William K. Grim of Boyertown, whose sketch also appears in this Book of Biographies; Sarah, deceased, was the wife of William Bird, late of Boyertown; Eliza- beth, widow of the late Charles Weaver of Boyertown, who was one of the leading attorneys in Colebrookdale township, was killed in the iron works September 22, 1861, while experimenting with an explosive can- non ball; Mahella, the wife of Daniel McCor- mick of Pottstown; Reuben B., the subject of this personal history; Julius, deceased; Catherine, widow of the late Charles Bird of Boyertown; Emma, who was drowned in a spring at the age of two years; Dr. Thomas J. B., whose sketch also appears in this Book of Biographies; and Angeline, widow ot Solomon Erb of Boyertown. Reuben B. Rhoads was brought up on the old homestead and was educated at the Mt. Pleasant Seminary ot Boyertown. He en- gaged in teaching school until 1855, when he commenced to study medicine under Dr. Henry W. Johnson, a well known physician of Boyertown, and later entered Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, and upon his graduation he located at Zeiglersville, Montgomery County, where he was engaged in the practice of his chosen profession until the breaking out of the Civil War. He then entered the army as assistant surgeon, and was first assigned to the small-pox depart. ment of the hospital of Camp Curtin at Har- risburg, and on November 22, 1862, he was transferred to Pittsburg, where he took charge of the hospital at Camp Howe until December 1, 1862, and was again transferred to Fort Keyes, Gloucester Point, at York- town, where Brig. Gen. Tyndale was in command, and was appointed by him brigade surgeon. In July, 1863, he returned home and engaged in his practice until 1882, when he was elected as prison warden of Berks County, which office he held for three years. Prior to 1882 he became interested in the cultivation of fruit trees, and for sixteen years he carried on an extensive nursery at Amityville, Berks County. In 1886 he moved to Boyertown and conducted a lumber and coal business for a term of six years, and became widely known as one of the thrifty and energetic business men of Boyertown. Socially, he is a charter member and second commander of the General George Crook Post, No. 597, G. A. R., of Boyertown. Politically, he is an avowed Democrat. He was joined in marriage, May 10, 1859, with Kate Gilbert, daughter of Adam R. Gilbert, a miller residing in Douglass township. Two sons and three daughters resulted from this happy union, as follows: Ben J., postmaster of Boyertown; Laura, the wife of Harvey Breidenbach, a conductor on the Rich ave- nue line of the Philadelphia city railway ; John G., clerk in the county commissioners’ otfice at Reading; Mary Ella, wife of George Guldin, a conductor on the Rich avenue line of the Philadelphia city railway ; and Maggie Elizabeth, who died of scarlet fever January 29, 1882, aged twelve years, eleven months and twenty-one days. The Doctor has retired from active life and is living near the old homestead in the south- western part of the borough. His portrait is shown on a preceding page. —_ > —___ yp ON. DANIEL ERMENTROUT, the present representative of Berks County in the National Congress, \ is by profession a lawyer, and has his residence in the city ot Reading, where he is closely identified with the leading polit- ical and legal interests. He is a member of what is generally considered, and with good reason, to be the most distinguished and best known family in Berks County. The Ermen- trout family includes many of the most prom- inent men in the life of this section, men who have shown themselves in every respect to be worthy of the high regard in which they are held, For over a third of a century our subject has been in the public eye, and has acquitted himself of every duty nobly and well, and with such regard for shoe he rep- resented, that there is no more popular offi- cial in the county than he. The Ermentrout family originated in Nas- sau. The orthography of the family name is a remarkable example of the different meth- ods of spelling German names at various periods from the 5th century down. Then it began as Ermentrude. Later, and up to the time of the middle ages, from papers now in possession of the family in Austria, it was spelled Ehrendraud, Ehrentroud, Ermentraut, Ermtraut, Irmtraut, Irmentraut, and Ehrman- traudt in Germany, Ermyntryde in England, and Armantrout, Armentraut and Ermen- trout in the United States. The spelling Irmtraut still prevails in Austria, and Ermen- trout is now the accepted mode in America. The home of the first emigrant to this country, John Ermentrout, the great-great- grandfather of the subject of these lines, was in the Palatinate, whence he came to the New World in 1739, and established his home in what was afterwards erected into Berks County. Christopher Ermentrout, the next in the line of descent, was born in Berks County, where he was engaged in agricul- tural pursuits all his life; his birth occurred February 8, 1754. The grandfather of our subject, John Ermentrout, son of Christopher, was born in Berks County, April 27, 1777, and farmed and carried on the manufacture of hats in the vicinity of Womelsdorf, living the last twenty years of his life in comfortable retirement. He was most successful in busi- ness, his operations being on a large scale, and was esteemed as the leading and most enterprising citizen of his district, one in whom the greatest confidence was placed. His was a strong, vigorous character, and with the best of results did he leave the im- print of his personality on the life of the community. He was a thoroughly good man, a member of the Reformed Church, the Church of the Palatinate, and an active worker in causes that appeared to him to be just and right. In personal appearance he was very fine looking, tall, well proportioned, muscular and active; that he possessed en- durance beyond the best is evidenced by the BERKS COUNTY 517 fact that he often walked to Philadelphia on business, covering the distance between sun- rise and sunset. In his political views he was a Democrat of the Thomas Jefferson school. William Ermentrout, his son, was born in Womelsdorf, Berks County, Pa. December 12, 1799, and lived to be over eighty years old, dying January 21, 1880. He entered upon his active career as a merchant in Wo- melsdorf, where he was engaged in business until his removal to Reading, in 1829, in which city he continued to busy himself in mercantile pursuits. He was highly regard- ed by his fellow-citizens, and honored with many posts of honor and responsibility in their gift. He served as treasurer of Berks County from 1851 to 1853. For many years he gave efficient service to the city of Read- ing as a member of the board of control of its public schools, holding tor a portion of the period the position of treasurer of the board. He was a very good business man, upright and conscientious in his dealings. He was an active and consistent member of the First Reformed Church of Reading, hold- ing the office of deacon for many years. He was a Democrat in his politics, and active in his support of party candidates and meas- ures, Daniel Ermentrout, the fourth son of Wil- liam, in whom the interest of this biographi- cal notice centers, was born in Reading. Jan- uary 24, 1837, and received in his youth a thorough training in the public schools of bis native city. He also attended Franklin and Marshall College at Lancaster, Pa., and Elwood Institute of Norristown, Pa. Upon leaving the Institute he taught school for a number of years in Reading, Conshohocken, Norristown, and Muhlenberg township, at the same time pursuing his legal studies under the direction and tutelage of Judge David F. Gordon, being admitted to the bar on August 3, 1859. He soon attracted favor- able notice, and rose rapidlv in his profession; from almost the first he has enjoyed a very lucrative and extensive practice, and has been connected with many cases of impor- tance, that have brought him prominently before the public. Politics have ever had a decided attraction for him, and from his first entrance into public life as district attorney of the county in 1862, serving a term of three 518 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES years, he has been recognized as one of the leaders of the Democratic party in this vicinity, and has characterized his connection with that party by great energy and zeal in advancing its interests. From 1867 to 1870 he filled out three terms as city solicitor, and in 1873 was chosen to represent this district in the State Senate for a term of three years, his term of service being lengthened in 1876 to seven years by a re-election to the same office for four years. His talents secured for him a place on many important committees and commissions. In 1877 he was appointed as a member of the Pennsylvania Statuary Commission, which had been authorized by the State Legislature to select two prominent Pennsylvanians to be represented with stat- ues in the Statuary Hall of the National Capitol. In 1880 Mr. Ermentrout was elected to Congress, and served continuously from 1881 to 1887, and again was sent to represent this district by the election of 1896, and was re-elected in 1898. He has had a large share in the direction of party policy in Berks County, has figured in many State Demo- cratic Conventions, and attended as a dele- gate the National Democratic Convention of 1880, supporting at that time the name of Samuel J. Tilden as long as that gentleman was a candidate. He has taken great inter- est in local affairs of the city of Reading, and has contributed largely to the good of the educational system. Mr. Ermentrout, on February 1, 1870, married Adelaide Louise Metzger, daughter of John Metzger, Esq., of Lancaster, Pa. She is a woman of high attainments and many accomplishments, that eminently qualify her for the many social duties natur- ally incident to her husband's official position. Besides, she is most attractive in appearance and manner, a charming conversationalist anda social leader. They have two children, Fitz-Daniel, an attorney of the Berks County Bar, and a young daughter, Adelaide Louise. Mr. Ermentrout’s reputation as a ready and forcible public speaker is too well known to the readers of this volume to need men- tioning. He is much in demand tor deliver- ing public addresses. His large legal prac- tice attests his skill as an attorney. He is well-read, a deep thinker, and a very versa- tile writer. He has traveled considerably, both in this country and in Europe, and is particularly well posted as regards the his- tory of Berks County. He is one of the founders of the Berks County Historical Society, a member of the Pennsylvania Ger- man Historical Society, and of the Histori- cal Society of Pennsylvania. Sor EVI S. MABRY, deputy treasurer of Berks County, is a representative, influential citizen and a politician of considerable prominence. He is a son of Willoughby and Esther (Ziegler) Mabry, and was born February 11, 1852, in Long Swamp township, this county. The family is of English origin, but the grandfather, William Mabry, grew to man- hood in Montgomery County, locating in Long Swamp township, Berks County, about the year 1820, where he followed his trade, that of a wheelwright, until his death in 1857. He married Mary Sheirer and eight children were born to them, as tollows: William; Reuben; Daniel; Willoughby ; Mary: Sarah; Rachel; and Leah. Willoughby Mabry was born in Long Swamp township on May 15, 1825, was there educated and grew up to a useful and honor- able life. He was a wheelwright, having learned that trade with his father, and fol- lowed it all his life. He was a prominent Democrat and took an active part in local politics, frequently serving as delegate to county conventions and acting as judge of elections and inspector in his township. He was also a consistent Christian, a member of the Reformed Church, and one who exempli- fied his belief by his daily life. He was a good and true man and his death, which occurred in 1888, was regarded as a severe loss to the community. His wife, Esther Ziegler, was born in March, 1828, and died in January, 1889, a short time after her hus- band. She was a daughter of Solomon Ziegler, who was born, lived and died in Lehigh County, this state. Their union resulted in the birth of twelve children: Emma and Marietta, both deceased: Syl- vester W., a wheelwright in the city of Read- ing; Levi S.; James W., a minister of the Reformed Church at Cherryville, Northamp- BERKS COUNTY 519 ton Co.; Amanda and Manoah, deceased: Rosa and Almora are twins, Rosa is the wife of John D. Fegdy of Shamrock, this county; Almira is the wife of C. H. Hertzog, who is freight agent at Alburtis, Lehigh County, and lives on the Mabry homestead, Lehigh County; Jane is the wife of F. W. Schwartz, a hotel keeper of Hancock, this county; and Ida and Annie, both deceased. Levi S. Mabry received a good business education, attending first the common schools of Long Swamp township, then the Keystone State Normal School, and finishing with a course in the Allentown Business College. When about twenty years of age he secured a school and taught one term. He was then offered the position of weigher for the Emans Iron Co., which he accepted. His work was weighing limestone and iron ore at Mertztown for the Company, and he remained with them in that capacity for about twelve years. At the expiration of that time he embarked in business for himself, conducting a coal, grain, and lumber store, and at the same time acting as assistant postmaster. He was engaged in the business one year, and was assistant postmaster two years, and the suc- ceeding three or four years was engaged in the mining of limestone and iron ore. In 1889 he purchased his father’s farm, his father having died the year previous, and since that time has farmed in connection with his other duties. Mr. Mabry was married March 17, 1883, to Clara L. Strasser, daughter of Isaac K. and Flora Anna Strasser of Kutztown. They have one child, Roy Emory, a_ bright lad, who was born January 3, 1884. Mr. Mabry is a prominent Democrat and has been most active in party work. He was committee- man for several years and served the party as delegate to county conventions. He was elected to the office of justice of the peace in 1883, and so well has he discharged the duties of that office that he has been elected at every election since, and has been instru- mental in securing the best of order in the village. He is firm, yet just, and many a young man has reason to thank him for his friendly counsel and advice. In 18go, 1893, and 1896 he was before the convention as candidate for the office of registrar of wills, and has served as deputy county treasurer, under Cosmos D. Kutz. He is also actively identified with Long Swamp Lodge, No. 358, Kk. of P.; Adonia Castle, No. 70, K. of G. E. He is a hard working, zealous Christian, a member of the Long Swamp Reformed Church, and has acted for the best interest of the organization while serving as the super- intendent of its Sunday School, a position he has occupied for the past ten years. —_—_—+e+ AHLON B. CLAUSER, proprie- tor of one of the best hotels in Oley township, the Griesemers- ville Hotel, was born in the old Clauser Hotel at Shanesville, February 24, 1851, and is a son of Daniel and Susanna (Brumbach) Clauser, and grandson of Peter Clauser. Peter Clauser lived in Friedensburg, this county, during his early days, where he farmed and followed the trade of a black- smith; later he moved to Shanesville and engaged in business and built the first hotel in that town. He was a member of the old established Lutheran Church, known as “ Hill Church,” and built the first barn in the vil- lage that sprang up in that locality. He was joined in wedlock with Catherine Moyer, who bore him three children, namely: Tobias, late a drover and justice of the peace of Leesport, this county; Samuel, deceased, was a gelder and farmer of Shanesville, later of Friedensburg; and Daniel, the tather of our subject. Mr. Clauser spent his latter days at the home of his son Daniel, and died there in 1857, at the age of eighty-nine years. Daniel Clauser was born June 10, 1812, in Shanesville, Berks County, Pa., where he en- gaged in tilling the soil, and was one of the most progressive men of that district. He served as justice of the peace of Earl town- ship longer than any other man in the town- ship, filling that office for forty-five years. He was a major of the old state militia for a number of years. Mr. Clauser was assignee of administration several times, and, being a man of fine education, he was elected to serve on the school board. He moved to Northampton County in 1872, and lived there until his death, which occurred at Bingen, Pa., April 26, 1878. Prior to moving there 520 he was very successful in his business under- takings, but in Northampton County he lost a large part of his wealth by investing too heavily in furnace stocks. Our subject’s father was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church at Hill Church, but aiter he moved away from that place he attended the Frie- densville Church. He served as township auditor several years, being elected on the Democratic ticket. He was united in mar- riage September 22, 1833, with Susanna Brumbach, daughter of George Brumbach, late a farmer of Earl township, and they reared the following children: Caroline, deceased, was the wife of Reuben Uptogrove, also now deceased; Simon B., whose sketch also appears in this Book of Biographies ; Levi, a clerk in the furnace works at South Bethlehem, Pa.; Peter, who passed from this lite April 27, 1842; Elizabeth, deceased, was twice married,—her first husband was Mr. Brumbach, and her second, Ephraim Weid- man; Rebecca is the wife of Franklin T. Cleaver, who resides in Oley township; Or- lando, a butcher and farmer of Northampton County, Pa.; Amelia married Albert Snyder of Oley township; Mahlon B., the subject of this sketch; Mary Ann married Elam Rhoads, deceased, who farmed the old Claus- er homestead ; Cyrus, a carpenter by trade, residing at South Bethlehem, Pa.; Tobias, a merchant of Seidersville, Northampton County; and Daniel, a huckster and farmer of Oley township. Mahlon B. Clauser received his education in the public schools and in the Mt. Pleasant and Boyertown Academies; when he grew to manhood he engaged in the huckstering business, buying produce of the farmers and shipping it to Philadelphia. He was en- gaged in that business for seventeen years, and was obliged to go to that city every week to attend the markets. Upon selling out that business he engaged in general farm- ing one year in Oley township, and one year in the hotel business at Pleasantville, Oley township; in 1880 he located in Griesemers- ville, where he has since conducted a first class hotel. Our subject is also engaged in mercantile business, and is the owner of the Greisemersville Creameries, which have a capacity of 5,000 pounds of milk per day, and make a high grade of choice butter. BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES October 3, 1874, our subject married Cath- erine Fronheiser, daughter of Abraham Fronheiser, a farmer of Pike township, and they reared four children, as follows: Eliza- beth, the wife of Thomas Keifer of Oley township; Sadie Susan; Chester F., who was educated in the Keystone State Normal School, is teaching in Oley township: and Monroe. Socially, he isa member of Oley Castle, No. 390, K. of G. E. Politically, he is a strong Democrat, and has served nine years:as school director. Mr. Clauser and family are members of the Lutheran Church. eo UNCAN MACGOUN, proprietor | of the Glasgow Bleaching Works, and one of the esteemed citizens of Hamburg, Berks County, is a son of Samuel and Jane (Foster) Macgoun, and was born in Paisley, Scotland. Our subject was a very industrious boy, and preferred much hard work to attending school, and at the age of fourteen left school to learn the trade of a shoemaker, which he followed for twelve years in the city of Glasgow, Scot- land. As he grew to manhood, he learned the trade of a bleacher, which he found more suitable to his tastes and talents than shoe- making. He followed this occupation in Scotland until 1873, when he came to the United States, and located in Paterson, N.J., and later took up his residence in New Hampshire, where he was employed as a bleacher. Mr. Macgoun, in his travels, which occupied several years, passed through most of the Southern and Western States; in August, 1897, he located in Ham- burg, and engaged in his trade as a shoe- maker. Soon after he established the Glas- gow Bleaching Works, and now has four men constantly at work bleaching under- wear, Our subject is an active member of the Presbyterian Church. Socially, he is a mem- ber of the Foresters of America, and the Caledonian Society. Politically, he supports the Republican party, which party he be- lieves to be the best of any in existence. In 1850, Mr. Macgoun was wedded to Margaret Russell, daughter of Robert Russell of Glas- gow. Two children blessed this happy SLEGEL. DR, SAMUEL E. BERKS COUNTY 523 union, namely: Samuel and Jane, both of whom reside in Scotland. Since Mr. Mac- goun has been a resident ot this country, he has sustained his reputation as an honest, law-loving and law-abiding citizen. E jy has witnessed many improvements and much progress within the last half century, much of which is due to the gentleman whose name heads these lines, who practiced in the city of Reading for many years. He was a native of Berks County, and was born in Fleetwood, Nov- ember 23, 1836. Dr. Slegel spent his boyhood days at Fleet- wood upon his father’s farm, availing him- self of such educational advantages as were afforded by the public schools, adding greatly thereto by general observation and reading. ‘ It was his youthful ambition to become a dentist, so at the age of eighteen years he went to Coatesville, Chester County, and took up the study of dental surgery, under the preceptorship of Dr. William Thompson, _ but completed his study under Dr. Lukens of Philadelphia. He then practiced for one year in the latter city, but in 1857 moved to Reading and there practiced continually un- til failing health compelled him to give up active work in 1886. He was a man of labor- ious and industrious habits; through his genial manners and close attention to every detail of his business, he built up and sus- tained a large and lucrative practice through- out his long career. His name is widely known as a result of a number of improve- ments which he made in dental appliances and methods. The porcelain gold band crown, which is now in universal use, was a result of his skill, and has been of paramount importance to the profession. Dr. Slegel availed himself of the most enlightened thought in connection with dentistry, and was ever ready to test and encourage all advancements made in the science. He was called upon by the State Dental Society of New Jersey to perform a clinic before that body, elucidating his invention. Various other dental organizations extended invita- 25 ++ R. ELI SLEGEL, deceased. The profession of dentistry is one that tions to address them on subjects pertaining to the profession, and he also frequently con- tributed articles to different dental journals. He was a member of the Lebanon Valley Dental Society, of which he served as treas- urer and president for a time; Pennsylvania State Dental Society; and American Dental Association. His death, which occurred March 10, 1897, was a deep loss to the fra. ternities of which he was a member and to the community in general. As a testimony to the character of Dr. Slegel and the esteem in which he was held, we quote the following from the Dental Cosmos, a periodical of high character published in the interests of the profession: ‘Dr. Slegel was of a kind-heart- ed and genial disposition, ever ready to relieve suffering humanity and forgetful of self. He was a profound lover of nature and her works, his beautiful home and surround- ings testifying to his tastes in that line. He had a warm heart for his profession; was always interested in the proceedings and always present at the meetings of its societies. He had the respect of all who came in con- tact with him, professionally or otherwise.” November 18, 1862, Dr. Slegel was united in hymeneal bonds with Hannah C. Hechler, a daughter of the late Samuel Hechler, and they became the fond parents of three chil- dren, only one of whom, Dr. Samuel E., grew to maturity. Dr. Samuel E. Slegel was born in Reading, December 3, 1863. and, after completing his education in the public schools, studied den- tistry with his father, and under his instruc- tor’s efficient directions continued until 1887. He then moved to Toronto, Canada, where he was succéssfully engaged in practice un- til 1896, when he returned to Reading and took temporary charge of his father’s busi- ness, owing to the latter’s illness. As his father’s health continued to fail and he eventu- ally died, Dr. Samuel E. Slegel has since had charge of the practice. His work has given general satisfaction and he occupies almost as high a position in the estimation of the citizens of Reading as did his father. He at- tended the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Canada in 1892 and 1893, and graduated from the Philadelphia Dental College in 1897. Socially, he has been a member of the I. O. R. M. since 1881. He is a member of 524 the Lebanon Valley Dental Society; Penn- sylvania State Dental Society; and American ental Association. We take pleasure in an- nouncing that an excellent portrait of Dr. Samuel E. Slegel is shown on a preceding page. SS OO EORGE D. FAHRENBACH, who served faithfully in the capacity of sheriff of Berks County for one term, is extensively engaged in agricultural pursuits in Penn township, but makes his residence in the city of Reading, where he is well-known and highly esteemed. Although a youth of little more than fourteen years of age when the Civil War had its beginning, he enlisted in the cause of the Union and served until peace was finally restored, estab- lishing a record for bravery and grit which is unsurpassed and one upon which the family for many generations to come will rightfully look with pride. He is a son of Charles William and Christiana (Dell) Fah- renbach, and was born in Hesse-Cassel, Ger- many, August 15, 1846. His father, Charles William Fahrenbach, was also born in Hesse-Cassel, and was a wheelwright by trade, but formany years was an instructor in music, being an efficient teacher on all kinds of instruments. He him- self was a talented musician and was leader of the orchestra in the opera houses there. He was a bugler in the German Cavalry, and after coming to this country was a bugler in the Pennsylvania State Militia. He and his excellent wife, with five children, came to America in 1857 and located on a farm in Penn township, Berks County, Pa., where he not only cultivated the soil, but plied the trade of awagonmaker. He lived a long and useful life, dying in March, 1885, at the age of seventy-four years. He and his wife were active workers in the Reformed Church, and he was a close student of the Bible, in which he was exceedingly well versed. He also played the violin and cornet in the choir of the Reformed Church in Penn township, of which he wasa member. He was joined in matrimonial bonds with Christiana Dell, who was born in Rhine-Saxon, Germany, by whom he had six children, of whom the BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES youngest only was born in this country ; they were as follows: John, deceased; George D., the subject of this personal history ; Adam, who has served as blacksmith of the Berks County Almshouse for the past eighteen years, being elected each year by the board of directors; Hannah, deceased, who was the wife of Dr. O. C. Collins; Maria, the wife of Christian Berringer of St. Louis, Mo.; and Caroline, the wife of Monroe Strouse of Clearfield County, Pa. Mrs. Fahrenbach was called Home in 1881, at the age of seventy-five years. George Dell Fahrenbach was reared upon a farm in Penn township and had but few educational advantages, as his parents were very poor, and at an early age he was oblig- ed to shift for himself in this great world. At nine years of age he obtained his first em- ployment, receiving for his services the sum of seventy-five cents per month in addition to board and clothing. After the first year he obtained three dollars per month, and later seven dollars per month. When the war broke out, he enlisted in Co. G, 15ist Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., for nine months, and served two months overtime, after which he re-enlisted in Co. B., 55th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., for a period of three years: upon the expiration of that time in February, 1864, he again en- listed and served until the close. He was in many battles and met with many thrilling ad- ventures and narrow escapes from death, but at all times he displayed the greatest bravery and daring. In the battle of Chancellors- ville, he was taken prisoner while out sharp- shooting, but fortunately effected his escape shortly after. That he was not killed at the battle of Gettysburg is little short of miracu- lous, for he was wounded three times in the first day of fighting, once in the arm, once in the abdomen, and in the head, sustaining a severe fracture of the skull. By sheer grit he continued throughout the three days of fighting, although suffering agony from his wounds. In all he participated in fifteen regimental engagements, namely: Chantilly, September 1, 1862; Pocatahco, October 22, 1862; Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862; Gettysburg, July 1-3, 1863; Oldtown Creek, May 9, 1864; Proctor’s Creek, May 13, 1864; Dory’s Bluff, May 12-16, 1864; Cold Harbor, June 1-3, 1864; Petersburg, June 15-18, 1864; Cemetery Hill, July 30, 1864; Chapin’s Farin, September 29, 1864; Signal Hill, December to, 1864; Hatch’s Run, March 30, 1865; Petersburg and Richmond, April 2-9, 1865; Rice’s Station, April 6, 186s ; and Rappahannock Court House, April 9g, 1865. For meritorious conduct, on April 15, 1865, he was promoted to the rank of corpo- ral. While in the service he was sent as a spy within the Rebel lines on a dangerous mission, and acquitted himself with credit ; he was supplied with the uniform of a Con- federate soldier and cleverly made his way into the camp of the enemy lying between Petersburg and Richmond, and ascertained their number, plan of campaign, and other notes of importance, which he reported to Generals Butler and Gilmore upon his return three days later. He subsequently made a similar trip and obtained the desired information without crossing the Rebel lines. After the war was over, he returned to Penn township and worked upon a farm for one year, when he moved to Luzerne County and operated a saw mill there for three years. In 1869, he returned to his native township and rented two farms of 200 acres of Daniel Strouse, which he cultivated with good results until 1892. He is a man of great energy and perseverance, and by good. man- agement and his naturally frugal habits, he accumulated considerable wealth, and in 1887 was enabled to purchase a good farm of 167 acres, which he still owns in addition to others in Penn township, one of 231 acres and another of 114 acres. In 1893, he moved to Reading, but still conducts two of his farms and rents the smallest. In his political affiliations, he is a Democrat and has been very active in party councils, frequently serving as a delegate to county conventions. He was a member of the school board of Penn township for eleven years, during six years of which he was president, and was also president of the Bernville Cemetery for nine years. In 1893, he was elected sheriff of Berks County, and while serving in that capacity it was his unpleasant but unavoid- able duty to hang the Italian murderer, Pietro Buccieri in 1893. He served faith- fully until the expiration of his term in 1897, and made many friends by pursuing a straightforward and impartial course in the BERKS COUNTY 525 discharge of the duties of that office. He has since devoted his entire time to the man- agement of his property. In 1867, he was joined in wedlock with Mary Ziebach of Bernville, and seven children blessed their union, five of whom still live, namely: Frank, who lives at home and is a student at Stoner’s Business College; George, who is attending the Baltimore Medical College of Baltimore, Md.; John, who is attending school in Read- ing; Sallie, the wife of Rev. W. B. Werner, a minister of the Reformed Church of Schwenkville, Montgomery County; and Mary, who is teaching school in West Read- ing. Mr. Fahrenbach is a member of eleven secret organizations, being a Mason of the Thirty-Second Degree; a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle; Odd Fellow Lodge; the Grange; and the Grand Army of the Republic. Religiously, he is a con- sistent member of the Bernville Reformed Church, of which he is a member of the building committee. He is very active in Sunday School work, and for twenty-five years was superintendent. —— Oe HARLES B. SPATZ, editor and pro- prietor of the Boyertown Democrat, and one of the energetic and pro- gressive business men of Boyer- town, was born in Philadelphia, November 25, 1865, and is a son of Charles and Julia (Busch) Spatz. The Spatz family is connected with some of the best families in Germany, and the ma- ternal ancestors of our subject were related to the Krupp family, of Krupp gun manufac- ture fame. Charles Spatz, the father of our subject, was born December 28, 1834, in Elberfeld, Germany, and was educated in the College of Berlin, and then learned the trade of a printer, which he followed throughout most of his life. He traveled over the greater part of Europe, and was a very fluent speaker, being able to speak in seven different lan- uages—German, English, French, Russian, Polish, Hebrew and Italian. In May, 186s, he and his family, which consisted of his wife and two children, came to the United States and landed in Philadelphia, where he engaged 526 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES in the printing business. In 1871 he moved to Boyertown and conducted the Boyertown Democrat until his death, August 7, 1884. He was a firm supporter of the Democratic party and took an active part in local affairs. In religious belief, he was a member of the Re- formed Church. He was joined in the bonds of matrimony with Julia Busch, a native of Germany, and who is now living at Camden, N.J. Mr.and Mrs. Spatz were the parents of three daughters and one son, as follows: Mrs. William Grosscup of Camden, N.J.; Mrs. Gussie Orr, also of Camden, N. J.; Charles B., the subject of this personal history ; and Lena, also a resident of Camden, N. J. Charles B. Spatz received his intellectual training in the public schools and at Kally- nean Academy at Boyertown, and spent his boyhood days learning the trade of a printer. He was nineteen years of age when the death of his father occurred, and he at once suc- ceeded him in the management of the paper, the Boyertown Democrat, a weekly paper, eight column folio, which had a circulation of 1,600. Asa journal it was one of the most influential in the county. It is devoted to the interests of the township, county and the general development of the state. Asa Dem- ocratic paper, it is faithful and zealous in its support of the party, and clear, sound and forcible in the enunciation of its principles. It is ever ready in its defense of the oppressed, in its exposure of crimes and frauds, and in the ventilation of abuses. Our subject also organized the Bauer, a German paper, issued weekly, and is a neatly edited seven column paper, with a circulation of 700. He also does a great deal of job printing. Mr. Spatz, in his political views, is an un- compromising Democrat, and has served his fellow citizens in many unpaying public and private labors. He has represented his peo- ple in county conventions and in public as- semblies, and in 1896 he was one of the alter- nate delegates at the National Democratic Convention that nominated William Jennings Bryan for President on the Democratic ticket. He was also elected to the State Assembly the same year, and on the second day the Assembly met, our subject offered a resolu- tion acknowledging the belligerent rights of Cuba, which was passed and signed by the Governor, and was the first Cuban resolution passed by any Legislature in the United States. He was the author of the bill to ex- empt from taxation all mortgaged property, which was defeated in the House by a small majority. He also worked hard to secure a bill to abolish ‘The Legislative Record,” which would save the state $15,000 per year, but the bill was defeated by a narrow margin of seven votes; he also offered a bill for the taxation of bicycles. He again came into prominence in opposing the Republican grab-all legislation, thereby saving the state thousands of dollars. Socially, he is a mem- ber of Rosalind Castle, K. of G. E., in which he has served as district grand chief for seven consecutive terms; is a member of Selah Castle, No. 46, K. of M. C. of Boyertown; and Stichter Lodge, No. 254, F. & A. M. ot Pottstown. January 17, 1889, he was joined in Hymen’s bonds with Anna Muntz, daugh- ter of Andrew Muntz of Reading, Pa., and three children blessed their home—Flora, Carl and Ruth. SSO PHRAIM H. MOYER. Among the thrifty and energetic business men of New Berlinville, Colebrookdale township, is the above named gentleman, who is the proprietor of two creameries in the above township, and conducts a coal, flour and feed store in New Berlinville. He is a son of Charles and Anna (Henrich) Moyer, and was born in Washington town- ship, Berks County, Pa., December 27, 1846. , The great-grandfather of our subject lived in Berks County a number of years, and died in Colebrookdale township. After his death his family, with the exception of Joel, moved West. Joel, the grandfather of our subject, was a farmer and saddler in Colebrookdale township, all his life. His death occurred in 1862 at the age of sixty-seven years. He was a member of the Retormed Church. He married Elizabeth Reitnanes, daughter of Mr. Reitnanes, a merchant of Pike township. As a result of this union two sons were born: Daniel, who was a farmer and saddler in New Hanover, Montgomery County; and Charles, the father of our subject. Charles Moyer was born in Colebrookdale BERKS COUNTY 527 township, April 2, 1826, and learned from his father the occupation and trade of farmer and saddler, which he followed the greater part of his life on the farm owned by his father in Washington township, formerly a part of Colebrookdale township. In 1882 he moved to Bechtelsville, where he has since lived in retirement. Mr. Moyer is a con- sistent member of the Reformed Church, and has filled allthe offices of the church. Politi- cally, he is a sound Democrat, and has filled the office of school director and served in several other township offices. He married Anna Henrich, daughter of the late Jacob Henrich, a well-to-do farmer of Colebrook- dale township. Mr. and Mrs. Moyer’s family consists of the following children, namely: Ephraim H., the subject of the brief sketch ; Joseph H., whose sketch is also in this Book of Biographies; Elizabeth, the wife of Alfred Brumbach, a farmer of Washington town- ship; William, a dealer in butter, eggs and poultry, and proprietor of the Landis Cream- ery, at Landis’ Station, this county, and the New Berlinville Creamery at New Berlin- ville; Tobias, a butcher of Bechtelsville, and owner of the old homestead; Jeremiah, a horse dealer residing in Bechtelsville ; Frank, a dealer in produce at New Berlinville; Olivia, the wife of Frank Minner, also a pro- duce dealer residing in Philadelphia; and two that died in infancy. Ephraim H. Moyer received his intellect- ual training in the public schools of his native town and remained under the parental roof assisting his father in the work about the farm until he was twenty-one years of age; he then worked as a farm laborer for four years, after which he moved to New Berlinville and engaged in huckstering, buy- ing and selling butter, eggs and poultry, and shipping them to Philadelphia, where he has two stalls in the Kensington Avenue Market ; he also has a produce store at 2219 North Front street, where he disposes of his pro- duce. Our subject is proprietor of the Gil- bertsville Creamery at Gilbertsville, Mont- gomery County, which has a capacity for handling 7,000 pounds of milk per day; he is also proprietor of the Gabelsville Creamery, which handles some 4,000 pounds of milk per day. He manufactures a high grade of but- ter and cheese, which he disposes of in Phila- 25 delphia. Mr. Moyer isa dealer in coal, flour, feed, grain, linseed cake and meal, clover and timothy seed, fertilizers, etc., at New Berlin- ville, and is one of the hustling business men of that place, where by his honest dealings with everyone he has established a large and successful patronage. Mr. Moyer was married in October, 1875, to Dianna B. Bauer, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Bechtel) Bauer, and they are the parents of three children: Alice, a school teacher in Colebrookdale township: Lizzie ; and Norman. Mr. Moyer is a member of the Reformed Church at Boyertown, and his wife is a member of the Lutheran Church at Boyertown. —— SSO EWIS P. G. FEGLEY,a popular and esteemed resident of Boyertown, pos- sesses the confidence of his fellow- citizens, and it is an acknowledged fact that he has settled more decedents’, as- signees’, and trust estates, than has any other man in the county. He has followed that line of business since 1872, but prior to that time his main vocation was that of a school teacher. He isason of Peter and Rebecca (Gottshall) Fegley, and was born in New Berlin, now called New Berlinville, Cole- brookdale township, August 15, 1851. The ancestors of the Fegley family came from Germany and settled in Montgomery County when it was in its infancy, and were for many years closely identified with its growth and development. Peter Fegley, the great-grandtather of our subject, and his son Peter, the grandfather of our subject, were natives of that county and were engaged in agricultural pursuits there all of their lives. Peter Fegley, our subject’s father, is now enjoying life at the age of eighty-three years and is a remarkable specimen of manhood, being an excellent example of results to be obtained by abstaining from the use of liquor and from indulgence in other injurious habits. He has never used liquor or tobacco in any form, and to this may be attributed his good health and ability to perform an ordinary day's labor at his advanced age. He has been sick but two weeks in his entire life, and that was the result of an accident and caused 528 by a post falling across his abdomen, which resulted ina rupture. Peter Fegley was one of a family of thirteen children, and was born in Douglass township, Montgomery county, August 14, 1815. He learned the trade of a millwright, and followed it for a short time during 1843. He then moved upon the farm of his father-in-law, Jacob Gottshall, near New Berlinville, Colebrook- dale township, Berks County, where he was engaged in farming until 1870, when he re- tired to the village of New Berlinville, but still oversees his farm. Since attaining man’s estate, he has been a stanch Democrat, and has never failed to cast his vote in the interests of that party. Religiously, he is a member of the Reformed Church of the Good Shepherd of Boyertown, and for many years was active in church councils. He formed a matrimonial alliance with Rebecca Gottshall, and they reared three children, whose names are as follows: Mary G:;; Lewis P. G., whose name appears at the head of this personal history ; and Rebecca, the wife of B. F. Ackerman of Reading. Lewis P. G. Fegley, after completing the required course in the public schools, at- tended Mt. Pleasant Seminary of Boyertown, and in the fall of 1870 he completed his schooling. In 1869, he began teaching among the Mennonites in Butter Valley, Berks County, and the succeeding four terms in the New Berlinville Grammar School. He then taught two years in the Boyertown High School, after which he was called to settle a trust estate in El Dorado County, Cal. Being a student and close ob- server of nature, he saw many things of interest en route, which were recorded in a little notebook. These facts formed the foundation of an interesting book of 200 pages, which he wrote and had published after his return home. Its title is “‘ Across the Continent, or From Ocean to Ocean.” It is well written, but has never been on sale. In 1883, he received the appointment of act- ing cashier of the National Bank of Boyer. town to filla vacancy for a short time. At the Democratic County Convention, which was held in Reading in 1882, he announced his candidacy for state representative, but under the rules of his party, he withdrew his name before the balloting commenced. In BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES 1884, he was again a candidate for that office, and when the balloting had proceeded about two-thirds of the way, he had eleven more votes than was necessary to nominate him, and at that point he and his colleague were nominated by acclamation. In due time he was elected, and during his term of office never missed a regular session nor failed to vote for or against a bill that came before the house. At the expiration of his term of office, he was re-elected and served during the years 1885, 1886, 1887 and 1888. In 1887 he was On a committee appointed by the Legis- . lature, with Gov. Beaver as president, to view the Gettysburg battlefield and report on the advisability of erecting monuments in honor of Pennsylvania’s fallen heroes. He voted for the appropriation of $81,000 with which to erect eighty-one monuments, one for each of the eighty-one regiments of Pennsylvania, participating in that battle. Since 1888, he has held a number of impor- tant offices, and at one time was justice of the peace. At present his time is taken up with settling estates in lower Berks County and upper Montgomery County. He has been secretary of the Boyertown Mutual Fire Insurance Co. since its organization in January, 1886, and the main originator of the company. Since 1888 he has held a notary’s commission. He is a man of purpose, well educated, genial disposition, and has many friends who respect him asa man of worth and influence in the community. Mr. Fegley was united in marriage on April 5, 1890, to Emma G. Leidy, a daughter of Daniel Leidy of Boyertown, and they are the proud par- ents of one daughter, Lulu, a bright and interesting child of four years. ++ LBERT H. FEGELY, a prominent politician and a much respected citi- zen of Reading, is a son of William and Lucy (Hill) Fegely. He was born November 20, 1853, in Exeter township, Berks County, at what is known as the Black Bear Hotel, and was educated in the common schools and in the Boyertown Academy at Boyertown. He also received a good business training by attending the Business College of Chester N. Farr of JOHN R. BECHTEL. BERKS COUNTY 531 Reading, in the evenings while working in the city recorder’s office. At the age of sixteen ears he learned the trade of a hatter at the Black Bear Hotel, and followed it for four years, when he entered the office of the city recorder in charge of his uncle, Charles Hill. He remained in the recorder’s office for one term or three years, and at the end of that time he became chief clerk for the hardware firm of Bard, Reber & Co. of Reading, with whom he remained for three years. His next business venture was to pur- chase a grocery store, but becoming dissatis- fied with the business, he sold out after a period of six months. In 1878, he was elected commissioner’s clerk and served for a term of three years, after which he was appointed clerk of the prothonotary’s office. He re- tained that position until the 14th of August, 1881, when he was appointed court crier, without any solicitation, by Judges Sassaman and Hagenman, and faithfully performed the duties of that office for seven and a halt years. Soon after he went into the hat busi- ness in Reading, where he conducted a store for several years, but gave it up to accept the position of manager of the St. Cloud Hotel, in which office he was serving when he received the nomination for the office of alderman of the Eighth Ward. He was duly elected and has held that office ever since. He works for the best interests of the city, and has gained the confidence and esteem of his feHow-citizens. It was while serving in the capacity of court crier that he received the nomination and was elected register of wills, which office he held for a period of three years. Mathias Fegely, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Philadelphia, where he lived during his entire life. The maternal grandfather of our subject was a native of Oley township, Berks County, and conducted the Black Bear Hotel for many years, which after his death was conducted by his son, Levi, until the year 1887. William Fegely, our subject’s father, was a drover by occupation, and at the time of his death was a resident of Boyertown. Politically, he unswervingly supported the principles of the Democratic party, but would never accept an office. He was united in marriage with Lucy Hill, and the only child born to them was Albert H., whose name heads this personal history. Mr. Fegely was one of the good substantial citizens of the community In which he lived and attained an advanced old age before he was called Home. Albert H. Fegely was joined in hymeneal bonds with Amanda Deal, a daughter of Capt. W. W. Deal, who was a soldier in the Mexican War, and also in the late Civil War. They are the proud parents of the following Aiittoe: Maude; Helen; Harry; and Elsie Frances. Socially, our subject is a member of St. John’s Lodge, No. 435, F. & A.M. In religious belief he is a Lutheran, and generously supports the local church. S00 Js R. BECHTEL. Among. the men who have begun life in a lowly station and by a free and careful use of the talents, by which they were endowed by the hand of Nature, have won their way to the top ranks in the business circles of Reading, may be mentioned the gentleman named above, who has been largely engaged in building and selling houses in Reading and vicinity since 1868. He is a son of David and Sarah (Reinert) Bechtel, and was born in Montgomery County, Pa., March 16, 1829. The family is of German origin and was transplanted to this country by George John Bechtel, who located in what is now Pott's Grove township, Montgomery County, Pa., where he was among the early settlers. His union with Anna Mary Klingman resulted in a large family of children, one of whom was George, the grandfather of our subject. George Bechtel was born in Montgomery County upon the old homestead, which he cultivated all of his life. His son, David, was the father of our subject, and was born upon the old homestead, where he lived and carried on farming until 1842, when he re- moved to Reading. In the latter city he was engaged in various occupations for some years, and in the 50’s moved to Lehigh County, which was his home until his demise. John R. Bechtel, the subject of this per- sonal history, obtained his education under many disadvantages. As his parents’ financial 532 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES circumstances were not of the best, he was permitted to attend school but three months during the winters of his boyhood, and the nearest school was at a distance of five miles from their home in Montgomery County. At the age of seventeen years he learned the trade of a blacksmith, but as his health was at that time very poor, he was soon obliged to relinquish the occupation, and subse- quently he became a plasterer, which trade he followed in Schuylkill Haven for three and a half years after serving his apprentice- ship. He then moved to Reading and was employed at boat-building, receiving seventy- five cents per day as compensation for his labors. He devoted himself to the work with zeal, and at the end of two months he was quite proficient, and was rewarded by a raise in his salary to $1.125 per day. He con- tinued at those wages until April, 1851, when he formed a partnership with his brothers-in- law, Daniel and Septimus, and engaged in boat-building. It was with the greatest reluctance that his employers saw him leave, and they offered him the highest wages paid to their men, but to no avail. After continu- ing in their enterprise for a short time he and his brothers dissolved partnership, and our subject returned to the employ of his former company at a salary of $1.50 per day, which was considered very high wages at that time. As they were unable to put in good time during the winter months, he suggested toa friend that they apply to the boss for contract or piece work, but not realizing the wisdom of such a move, his friend refused. Mr. Bechtel hired a man in the stead of his friend, and they did inside work on the boat, realiz- ing $2.00 a day, and losing no time. with such success in that line, that he formed a partnership with a Mr. Corbett, a brother of the manager, and they did contract work, continuing in partnership for about two years. He then continued at job work until his father-in-law started a dry dock yard near Gibraltar when he assisted him, but the busi- ness proved unsuccessful. He was employed in various capacities after this failure, and worked upon a farm at different times. Al. ways frugal in his habits, industrious and energetic, he soon after rented the same yards and at once solicited work with an en- ergy that was not to be denied, and, although, He met. after his tools had been paid for, he possessed but $25.00 when he embarked in the enter- prise in 1858, and later. went into debt for $500.00, the business prospered, and at the end of four months he paid off all incum- brances with the assistance of Amos Dick, Esq. He continued at that work industriously for two years, and at the same time after much difficulty learned draughting; he offered one man the sum of $40.00 to teach him the art, but he refused, and Mr. Bechtel diligently applied himself to study, and after a time became a good draughtsman. After saving enough money, he engaged in the building of new boats and repairing, and while the first boat was under the course of construction and before he had the frame up, it was sold at a price of $2,400.00, thereby yielding a handsome profit. His boats became recog- nized as of superior quality, and quite a de- mand was created for them. He remained in this line, of business until 1868, when he sold out and moved to Reading, where he became a contractor and builder in associa- tion with his former patron, Amos Dick, Esq. They built houses in various parts of the city and always disposed of them at a good price; at one time thirteen were started on Second street and were greatly damaged by the flood ot 1869 before they were completed. After four more had been built Mr. Dick retired, and our subject has since carried on the busi- ness alone, erecting many houses in all sec- tions of the city, and his success has been truly wonderful. In connection with this, in 1872, he entered the merchant tailoring busi- ness and continued until 1888. Thus has the fortune of Mr. Bechtel risen from that of a poor apprentice to the blacksmith trade to that of a man of power and influence in one of the principal cities of Pennsylvania. He is a man of noble traits of character, and is held in high esteem by his large circle of acquaint- ances and friends. He was joined in wedlock with Sophia Catherine Ringler in 1850, and nine children were born to them, seven of whom are now living, namely: Sarah Clarinda, the wife of Henry Stout of Reading; Susan Adelaide, unmarried and resides at home; Charles Wil- liam, a resident of Reading; George Irvin of Reading; Amelia, the wife of George E. Miller of Reading; Ernest Victor and Rena BERKS COUNTY 533 Estella, both living at home. Politically, he is a solid Republican and regnesented Fifth Ward of Reading in the city council. Socially, he was formerly a member of the Odd Fellow Lodge and Encampment. Mr. Bechtel’s portrait is shown on a preceding page. ++ AJOR JAMES WREN, one ot the distinguished men of Berks County, Pa., is a son of William and Jane (McCreath) Wren, and was born at Clyde Iron Works, near Glasgow, Scot- | land, March 6, 1825. William Wren, father of our subject, was also born at Clyde [ron Works, Scotland. He was a miner all his life and was noted for sinking mines. He was overseer of the sink- ing of shafts for a number of years, and dur- ing this time he gained a wide reputation in that line, and an English syndicate employed him to go to Nova Scotia, Canada, to develop the mineral resources. He moved with his family to Canada in 1828, and followed min- ing until the time of his death. While living in Scotland he sank a number of shafts through quicksand, which required the use of double iron cylinders, something similar to the caissons used in building bridge abut- ments. He was a member of the old school Presbyterian Church. Mr. Wren was joined in marriage with Jane McCreath, and they reared five sons and two daughters, all of whom are dead except James, our subject; John Y., now a retired citizen of Plymouth, Luzerne Co., Pa.; Thomas, also a retired citizen of Pottsville, Pa.; and Susan, who is the wife of John Powers, now residing at Pottsville. Mrs. Wren, after the decease of her husband, moved with her tamily to Pottsville, Pa., where she died about 1854. Our subject and his two brothers learned the trade of a machinist, and manufactured heavy machinery in Pottsville, Pa. The firm name was Wren & Brothers, and they con- tinued this line of business for a number of years. In 1847 they built the Lee, Harris & Co. Rolling Mills, at Pottsville, the first roll- ing mills built in Schuylkill County; and what are now known as the Atkens Rolling Mills; they also built the Palo Alto Rolling the . Mills. In 1864 the brothers dissolved part- nership and our subject continued the busi- ness alone, operating the Washington [ron Works. He formed a partnership with John T. Noble, the firm name being Wren & Co., and they were the makers of the U. Emans furnace. In 1870 he became a member of Morris, Robinson & Co., and they erected and operated the Reno Colliery, at Centralia, for two years. At the same time he continued to operate the Washington Iron Works; in 1875 he sold the works to the Philadelphia & Reading R. R., which works are now one of the railroad company’s main machine shops. In 1875 heymoved to Boyertown, Pa., where he prospected for iron ore, but being unsuccessful in his finds, he bought what was known as the Brown Woolen Mills. He also built a fine residence, which he named Wil- low Grove. In 1883 he operated the Leidy Paper Mills, and from 1885 to 1891 he oper- ated the Garnett Mine in Delaware County, which he sold to a Boston firm, and has since lived in ‘retirement in his Willow Grove home. At the age of sixteen years he joined the Washington Artillery Company of Pottsville, which went through the Mexican War. After the close of the war the company was re-organ- ized and was attached to the First Brigade of the Sixth Division, Pennsylvania Uniform- ed Militia. Our subject worked his way up from private to captain, and when Lincoln issued a call for 75,000 troops, Captain Wren and his company immediately left for Harris- burgh, Pa., and on the 18th of April, 1861, they were mustered into the United States service. They were at once ordered by the Secretary of War to report at the National Capital, and were among the first five com- panies to arrive at Washington. Captain Wren was ordered with his company to guard the north wing of the Capitol Building, on April 18, 1861. They had enlisted for a term of three months, but at the expiration of that time they re-enlisted for a term of three years, and were attached to Co. B., 48th Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf. Because of his services at the battle of Antietam, under Gen. Burnsides, he was promoted to the rank of major. He was forced to resign at Louisville, Ky., May 23, 1863, as his regiment had been reduced to 443 soldiers. The most important battles in 534 which he took an active part were as follows: Newbern, N. C.; Second Bull Run; Antie- tam; Fredericksburg; South Mountain; and Chantilly. Mr. Wren was twice married; to his first wife, Catherine Mortimer of Pottsville, Pa., were born two sons: W. W., a cigar box manufacturer of Boyertown; and A. M., a jeweler of Boyertown. His second wife was Clara Johns of Pottsville, Pa., and they reared a family of five sons and two daughters, namely: George W., a musician of Boyer- town; Charles E., a cigar manutacturer of Pottstown, Pa.; James W., a graduate of Eastman’s Business College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.; Norman; Carrie; and Emma. The last three are all single, and are living at home with their parents. Mr. Wren is past commander of Gen. Crook Post, No. 597, G. A. R., of Boyertown; he is also a member of the Pulasco Lodge, No. 216, F. & A. M., of Pottsville, Pa. Politically, he has ever given his unwavering support to the Republican party. He and his wife organized the Meth- odist Church of Boyertown, which held its meetings in the Union Hotel. Later he was one of the chief supporters in the erection of the church which was built in 1875. Mr. Wren is an honest. reliable man, and a good citizen ; he is thrifty and industrious in all his operations, and his homestead is one of the pleasant attractions of Douglass township. System and good order prevail on every hand, and he is passing his latter days in comfort and enjoyment, the well merited reward of honest labor and perseverance. ++ As: G. YOUNG, a popular ex- treasurer of the city of Reading, was elected to that position in NX 1896; his name was placed on the Democratic ticket, and, without soliciting a single vote, he was elected over the opposing candidates by a very large majority, which shows the respect and esteem in which he is held by his townsmen. He is one of the val- ued citizens of Reading, where he was born December 28, 1838, and is a son of Jacob and Catherine (Henninger) Young. John Young, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was born at Marietta, Lancaster County, BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES Pa., but came to Berks County in 1827 and engaged in the manufacture of bricks, follow- ing that line of business all his life. He was the father of three sons and three daughters, who were named as follows: Jacob; Wil- liam; Charles; Elizabeth (Sharman); Sarah (Giese); and Mardah, deceased. Jacob Young, the father of our subject, was born in Lan- caster County, Pa., July 27, 1813, and was but a lad when his parents moved to Berks County. He assisted his father in making -bricks, and, upon his father’s death, he took charge of the brick plant, which his father had operated so long, and conducted the same until 1860, when he embarked in the coal business, in which business he was suc- cessful and carried it on some eight years, when he retired and his son Henry, our sub- ject, took charge of it. Politically, he was a Democrat, and was at one time county com- missioner; in his religious views he was a Lutheran, and was a very active church worker. He was a member of the Reading Artillery during the Mexican War. Mr. Young was united in marriage with Cather- ine Henninger, who was born April 25, 1818, the nuptials occurring in 1837. Three chil- dren blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Young, namely: Henry G., the subject of this biographical sketch; Jacob, born Nov- ember 30, 1846, died June 7, 1863; and Sarah, born July 5, 1850. and died January 28, 1870, who was the wife of J. G. Klapp. The father of our subject passed from this life August 14, 1893; his wife entered the world of rest January 25, 1883. Henry G. Young acquired a good educa- tion in the public schools of Reading, and then followed the vocation of a moulder, in Philadelphia, for a period of ten years. His father having retired from the coal business, our subject returned home, and took charge of the same, until he was elected to the posi- tion of city treasurer, when he placed his son in charge of the business. Mr. Young has always been interested in the success of the Democratic party, whose principles he firmly supports both by ballot and voice. March 8, 1868, Mr. Young was united in marriage with Hettie A. Rahn, a daughter of the late John Rahn of this county. She was born in Kutztown, this county, July 20, 1846; to this union five children were reared, LENHART. SAMUEL H. BERKS COUNTY 537 namely: Clara; Frederick, who has charge of the coal office; Catherine; Ida; and Jacob, a member of Co. M, 12th Reg. U.S. Infantry. Socially, our subject is a member of Lodge No. 62, F. & A. M.; Friendship Lodge, Knights of Pythias; and Patriotic Order Sons of America. He is also a member of the Joint Board of Trustees of the Masonic Fra- ternity. Religiously, he is a member of the Lutheran Church; has been vestryman twelve years, and is superintendent of the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. He is also a member of the board of directors of the Commercial Building & Loan Association. oo AMUEL H. LENHART. In the history of the life of this gentle- man, whose portrait is shown on the opposite page, a brilliant ex- ample is presented of the possibilities offered to one possessed of ambition, energy and industry, who applies himself untiringly to his occupation, firmly, promptly, but kindly. Endowed with these qualities in no small degree, our subject recognized no such word as “fail,” and in that lay the secret of his success. From the ranks of apprenticeship to his present prominent position among the most prosperous, influential and honored men of the county, his progress has been a march of victory, American pluck triumphing over every obstacle that beset his path. He is a son of Samuel and Lydia (Hayman) Lenhart, and was born at Lenhartsville, this county, March 20, 1832. The Lenhart family originated in the German fatherland from French-German an- cestry, and sent a representative to this country in the person of Jacob Lenhart, the great-grandfather of the gentleman whose name heads this biography. Jacob Lenhart was born November 18, 1736, and came from Two Bridges, in the province of Pfalz, Ger- many, to this country, landing here January 21, 1760. His first stopping place was at Barnes’ Springs, now Molltown, this county, but he subsequently moved to Lenhartsville, so called in honor of him, and settled there permanently. He died August 3. 1793, leav- ing four sons: Sebastian, Henry, Jonathan, and Philip. Of these sons, Jonathan was a farmer of Lenhartsville, where he died; Sebastian died in Hamburg, where he had carried on his trade of a blacksmith; and Henry, the grandfather of our subject, was a oie ears farmer of Lenhartsville. Henry enhart owned 250 acres of land and founded the village of Lenhartsville. He was a Democrat and a zealous worker in the Mora- vian Reformed Church. His wife was a Miss Kummerer, and their family consisted of the following children: Benjamin; Fred- erick; Henry; Samuel; John; Daniel; Isaac; Reuben; Mrs. Richelderfer; and Mrs. Jonas Lesher. He departed this life at Lenharts- ville in 1836. Samuel Lenhart, the father of our subject, was born at Lenhartsville, this county, February 28, 1798, and was educated in the German schools. Although the schools at that time afforded but meager opportunities for an education, except in the colleges and universities, and his advantages in this re- spect were decidedly confined, he developed a remarkable degree of observation and intellectual vivacity, that placed him among the leading thinkers of his section and time. He was a blacksmith, having thoroughly mastered his trade in youth, while by occu- pation he was an agriculturist. This work was carried. on at Lenhartsville, where he lived all his life. He was a shrewd man of business and acquired considerable property, owning two fine farms and a hotel. He was a Democrat and a member of the Reformed Church, giving invaluable aid to the cause. He was married to Lydia Hayman, a native of Lehigh County, Pa., who was born April 1, 1802. A large family was born to them, as follows: Jesse and Matilda, who died in infancy; Benjamin, deceased, who lived in Hamburg, Pa.; Solomon H., who resides in Hamburg, Pa.; James, whose home is in Albany, Pa.; Samuel H., the subject of this biography; Lydia (Mrs. David Schenkler), now deceased, who was a resident of Iowa; Elizabeth (Mrs. Charles S. Kerns), now de- ceased, who lived in Tamaqua, Pa.; Amelia (Mrs. Philip Snyder), a resident of Allen- town, Pa.; Maria (Mrs. Henry Miller), now deceased, whose home was in Hamburg, Pa.; John, a resident of Delaware, Ohio: Ellen Catharine, deceased, who lived in Allentown, this state: and Lewis, whose 538 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES home is in Allentown. Samuel Lenhart, the father of this family, passed on to the Eternal City, August 1, 1869, aged seventy-one years. five months and four days, and was joined by his faithful and loving wife, Lydia Hayman Lenhart, on February 1, 1872, aged sixty-nine years, nine months and three days. Samuel H. Lenhart passed the early years of his boyhood on his father’s farm. When fifteen years of age he went to Philadelphia, and for one year worked at tailoring, a trade he had learned in Albany township. While thus engaged, he attended night schools of Philadelphia, and there obtained his educa- tion. He subsequently returned to Lenharts- ville, and later was employed by William D. Shomo, at Hamburg, Pa., for one year asa clerk, where he first learned the rudiments of a general store business, and then clerked for his brothers, Benjamin and Solomon H.. in their mercantile establishment in Richmond township, and later for them when they moved their business to Leesport, Pa. He remained with them until 1854, when he went to Fremont, Ohio, where he was employed as clerk in a large dry goods house for several years, and where he gained promotion to the dress goods department. He then returned home and once more clerked for his brothers in Leesport, remain- ing with them until 1858, when he engaged in business for himself, having as a partner his brother Benjamin. This partnership lasted but a short time, when Benjamin was succeeded by a second cousin, D. W. Len- hart, and the business was conducted in this manner for four years more. Mr. Lenhart then bought his partner’s interest and con. tinued the business alone at his present stand in West Leesport, Bern township. His store rooms have been completely remodeled and enlarged three times, and he has added to his stock of goods until he now conducts one of the largest and most complete general department stores in this part of the state. His building, which is of brick and frame, furnishes him ample room for his large stock of merchandise; it has a 32-foot front, 100-foot depth, and is four stories high, the fourth story being utilized as a society hall, now occupied by four societies. He caters to the wants of his patrons, and so well has he suc. ceeded that it is but seldom that an article is called for that is not at once forthcoming from his varied stock. In 1870, in connection with his store business, he began to deal in all kinds of lumber, coal, grain and roofing slate. He also entered into the business of clearing large timber tracts or wood-leaf, converting the same into -cordwood for the charcoal and retail markets. During this. same period he erected an immense trame building for the storage of hay, and, in addi- tion to one of the old style hay presses in use, he purchased a model portable hay press at Buffalo, New York, and entered exten- sively into the new process of baling hay for a number of years, finding ready sale for his product and disposing of it in car lots, prin- cipally to the Philadelphia & Reading R. R., and to the Schuylkill Coal & Iron Navigation Co. This business assumed immense pro- portions, entirely unlooked for at the time of its inception, until the Navigation Co. ceased operation. Healso manufactured red brick for seven years, until his clay became exhausted, when he discontinued that industry. His wholesale grain and flour business occupies a separate building 30x60 feet in dimensions, and is a large business. In 1888 he started the Leesport Creamery, an enterprise that filled a long felt want in the domestic econ- omy of the township. In connection with this creamery he operates a grist mill, which has been a successful venture. He owns and manages two farms, one named “Sunny- Side,” of 100 acres, in Centre township, the other named “Ontelaunee,” meaning “ Little Maiden,” in honor of the Indians, who orig- inally existed in that locality, containing 173 acres in Ontelaunee township. These farms are devoted to dairying, fruit culture, and general farming, and are sources of profit as well as pleasure to their owner. Mr. Lenhart is connected with most of the public enter- prises of the town, and his example and enthusiasm have carried the day on many questions where the welfare of the public was concerned. He is president of the Leesport Knitting Co. of which he was chief promoter; he has been a director of the Penn National Bank at Reading since its organization, March 12, 1883: he is a director in the Manatawny Fire & Storm Insurance Co. of the same place; was for many years a director in the Leesport Build- BERKS COUNTY 539 ing & Loan Association, and held a similar position in the Althouse Bridge Co. until it was sold. He was president of the Orchard Milling Co. at Pottsville, Pa. operating a large flour mill until the Co. sold the plant about five years ago, the ground having been owned by a first party. Mr. Lenhart was married August 2, 1864, to Sarah Kaufman, daughter of John L. Kaufman, formerly a grain dealer of West Leesport. Tothem were born nine children, and it has been the endeavor of the parents to educate them to lives of usefulness and honor, that each might be a credit to his re- spective community. Mr. and Mrs. Lenhart are friends to education and general advance. ment, and in the case of their own family no pains or expense have been spared to give the children the best educational advantages. Henry Grant, the eldest son, born in_ 1865, was educated in the West Leesport Public School, Keystone, and West Chester State Normal Schools, and since 1885 has been actively associated with his father in the management of their extensive business at West Leesport, under the name of S. H. Lenhart & Sons. He is a strong advocate of introducing modern methods and _ enter- prising store fixtures for the benefit of their patrons as wellas their clerks wherever practical. He is the present postmaster on the West Side of the town (which is also a transfer office for the East Side office), the historic Schuylkill River and valley dividing the town. He is an uncompromising Republican and is prominent in the conventions of his party. He understands all the principles of his party, and is an active worker for the cause in local, state and national affairs. He has served as committeeman for nine years. He was most happily married June 17, 1895, to Miss Caroline Groff Brobst, daughter of Dr. Edward Brobst, a practicing physician of West Leesport, whose sketch appears else- where in thisvolume. She is a most amiable and accomplished lady, being a graduate of Stewart’s Academy, Reading, Pa., and had been for a number of years organist of the Leesport Union Church. They have been blessed by the advent of two bright children, —Edward Samuel, who died at the age of ten months, and Emily G. Brobst. Both Mr. and Mrs. Henry G. Lenhart are enthusi- astic in music and literary work. He is a member of Leesport Lodge, No. 141, I. O. O. F., and the Encampment at Hamburg. He was one of the organizers and a charter member of Washington Camp, No. 165, P. O.S. of A., and a member of the Leesport Council, No. 141, O. U. A. M. He has always been an unassuming but earnest laborer in the Reformed Church Sabbath School, and has been treasurer of the Mis- sionary Society. John Milton, unmarried, the second beloved son, died at the age. of twenty-three years, July 8, 1890. He was educated at the Keystone and West Ches- ter Normal Schools, and was accom- plished in vocal music as a baritone soloist. From 1885 until his death, he was actively associated in business with his father and brother. For many years, up.to the time of his death, he officiated as first librarian in Trinity Sabbath School. Sarah Lydia, the oldest daughter, is the wife of Edgar Bren- elser, a graduate pharmacist and wholesale tobacconist of Reading, to whom she was most happily wedded in August, 1891; they have been blessed by two bright children— Samuel Lenhart and John Lenhart. Mr. and Mrs. Breneiser reside amid cheerful sur- roundings. Mrs. Breneiser, who was edu- cated at the West Chester Normal School, for many years was the organist of the Leesport Reformed Church, and is advanced in instrumental piano music. Katie and Mary, the second and third daughters of our subject, respectively, died in childhood. Emily Elizabeth, the fourth beloved daughter, educated at Miss Brown’s Ladies’ Seminary at Reading, Pa., accomplished in music and painting, died at the age of eighteen years, six months and twenty days, August 31, 1892. She was a most devout attendant of Church and Sabbath School. Samuel Kauf- man, the third son, who has been associated in business with his father and brother since 1893, was educated in the Keystone State Normal School, and Rev. Stoner’s Business College in Reading. He is gifted with a splendid tenor voice, and is tenor soloist in the church choir. Socially, he is a member of Leesport Lodge, No. 141, I. O. O. F. Anna Laura, the fifth daughter, who is a graduate of Miss Brown's Ladies’ Seminary of Reading, and lives at home with her 540 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES parents, is accomplished in vocal music, and an active Church, Sabbath School and Mis- sionary worker. Charles Hayman, the fourth son, is attending a classical school in Reading. While Mr. Lenhart’s life has been filled with business activity, yet he has found time to render invaluable aid to the cause of Christi- anity. Firmly impressed with religious con- victions, he became a member of the Re- formed Church at the early age of seventeen years, and is still a devout and zealous worker in its ranks. He was one of the builders and founders of Trinity Reformed Church at Leesport, and has served on the board of trustees ever since. He has been for twelve years an elder and for many years a teacher and a former superintendent of the Sabbath School. He is a benevolent man, and has held out a helping hand to many a poor unfortunate, besides having contributed liberally to home and foreign missions. Mr. Lenhart is a Republican, and at an earlier period had charge of the mail-messenger ser- vice between the twin villages of West and East Leesport. He is a member of Leesport Lodge, No. 141, I. O. O. F.; Leesport Council, No. 141, O. U. A. M.; Daughters of Rebecca and Daughters of Liberty. All of these societies hold their meetings in Lenhart’s Hall. He was a young man when the fric- tion with the South threatened the founda- tions of our government, and with the spirit of a true patriot he took up arms in defense of his country. When the conflict was at its height and threatened to be transferred to Pennsylvania soil, he went to the front with his regiment as sergeant in Co. G, 42nd Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf., in the heat of the July sun. They were stationed at Hagerstown, Md., where they remained until all attempted in- vasions were repulsed. Mr. Lenhart repre- sents a type of citizenship of whose energy, industry, and sagacity, the American people are justly proud, illustrating, as it does, the triumph of true worth over all imped- ing obstacles, whether the road chosen leads | to business prosperity, asin the case in hand, or to political fame, as exemplified by the lives of Lincoln and Garfield. His early ambi- tions were stimulated with lofty ideals and sentiments of activity and usefulness which have, happily, been more than realized. He is a public benefactor, in that he has been prominently identified with every movement or enterprise brought forward in his com- munity for the promotion of the public good, and as a citizen of that community he stands deservedly high. _ Oa Berks County, is a carpenter by trade, a lawyer by profession, and an agricultur- ist by occupation. He isason of John and Ann (Mendenhall) Meredith, and was ushered into this world January 6, 1819, at what is now South Coventry, Chester County, Pa., on the land bought by his great-grand- father, John Meredith, of the original own- ers, the Penns. This property, consisting of about 400 acres, was bought about 1690 and re- mained in the tamily until 1854, when it was sold. John Meredith and his brother, Hugh, came to America from Wales; Hugh set- tled in Bucks County, and John in Chester County, in the Chester Valley. The great- grandfather of our subject, John Meredith, bought this tract of land, which was then in Vincent township, afterwards South Coven- try, and united with the Society of Friends. He was a farmer, and set about clearing the timber, from his broad acres. He was mar- ried to Grace Williams, a daughter of Robert Williams of Goshen township, Chester County, by whom he had ten children: Enoch; Simon; James; Elizabeth; Ann; Hannah; Jane; Grace; John; and Ruth. Simon Meredith, the grandfather, was a member of the Society of Friends. He was married, in 1755, to Dinah Pugh, a daughter of Hugh and Mary Pugh of Pughtown, that county. They were the parents of eight chil- dren, as follows: Mary; Grace; Joel; Re- becca: Jane; Jesse; Elizabeth; Hugh; John, the father of our subject; and three that died unnamed in infancy. The grandmother died noe 5, 1824, and the grandfather May 209, 1828. John Meredith, the father, was born on his father’s farm, December 26, 1776. He was educated in private schools and acquired a much better education than the majority, from the fact that his father was a mathe- matician of unusual ability, and assisted him in his studies. He was a shrewd: lad and dj M. MEREDITH, of Calcium, BERKS COUNTY 541 soon acquired sufficient learning to enable him to teach, which he did during his early life. He then returned to the homestead, where he afterwards resided. He was a mem- ber of the Nantmeal Meeting of Friends. John Meredith had a family of six children: Simon ; Stephen; Jesse; Esther; Hugh; and James M. Esther and James M.are the only ones of the family now living. James M. Meredith received his primary education in the subscription schools of South Coventry, but left school at an early age, as his father was particular about his teachers. He afterward attended a_nine- months’ subscription school taught by Benja- min C. Tucker. He then learned the car- penter trade, and worked at it until he injured his back and was obliged to give up the work. In 1842 he moved to Maiden Creek township, Berks County, and taught school there three years. The following two years he spent in the study of law with his brother in Wash- ington County, and was admitted to practice. He located in West Chester in 1848, and opened an office, where he practiced for some time, when his health failed and he was com. pelled to abandon the practice of his profes- sion also. He moved on a farm in Lower Marion township, Delaware County, and for five years carried on the pursuits of agricul- ture in that place, and then moved to his present place of residence in Maiden Creek township, this county, in 1860, where he still is engaged in farming. A part of the years of 1862-63 was spent in Virginia and North Carolina as a member of Co. D., 167th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf. of the 13th Army Corps. His regiment was stationed the greater part of the time at Suffolk, Va., and the balance of the time it was on the move. He was en- gaged in a number of skirmishes and minor battles, and then the regiment received orders to join the Army of the Potomac. The sol- diers broke camp and prepared to march, when the order was countermanded, and they were ordered to prepare for the defence of Suffolk against the attack of Longstreet. Their division at that time was divided, and consisted of only 11,000 men, while Long- street had back of him an army numbering 40,000 men; they were, however, successful in repulsing him, and received re-intorce- ments until they were 30,000 strong, and after a six weeks’ siege Longstreet withdrew his forces, when they were ordered to York- town, and from there were taken to Wash- ington. While at Yorktown Mr. Meredith contracted typhoid malaria, from which he did not fully recover until after the regiment was mustered out. However, he remained in touch with the regiment, and was mus- tered out August 12, 1863. After his return from the war he engaged in developing the mineral resources of the farm, which consist of an extra quality of building stone and lime stone. He has a lime kiln on the farm and a stone quarry, which are a source ot considerable revenue to him. He also does general farming, and feeds a large number of cattle. He has sixty acres under cultivation, and occupies a very tasty residence, which he built in 1877. Mr. Meredith was married in May, 1853, to Deborah Lightfoot, and to them were born four children, viz.: Jacob, who resides at Rosell, N. J., and is freight agent for the principal freight station of the New Jersey Central R. R., with office at New York; William is deceased; John resides at Long Branch, N. J., and is trainmaster on the southern division of the New Jersey Central R.R., and employs all the help connected with that department of the road; and Eliza- beth, who died in childhood. Mr. Meredith is a stanch Republican and formerly took an active interest in local politics. He is a member of the Society of Friends. Heisa deliberate, careful, fair-minded man, and is known and liked by all. SS IO SS EORGE F. MEHARG, member of the firm of Snell & Meharg, manu- facturers of heavy machinery in Hamburg, Berks County, Pa., was born at Coatesville, Chester County, Pa., October 6, 1853, and is a son of William and Hope (Pettit) Meharg. The Meharg family is of Irish descent, the first of that name to locate in the United States being the grandfather of our subject. His son, William, the father of our subject, was born in Chester County, and was a. cattle dealer all his life. Politically, he was a Re- publican; in his religious belief, he was a 542 member of the Methodist Church. He mar- ried Hope Pettit, and they reared the follow- ing children: George F., whose name heads the above lines; William A., a druggist in Philadelphia; and John, deceased, who was connected with the Reading Times. The father of our subject died in Reading November 25, 1894, at the age of seventy- eight years. Mrs. Meharg passed from this life in 1875, aged fifty-six years. Our subject received his intellectual train- ing in the public schools of Coatesville and in Parkesburg Academy ; his manual training was received in the Scott Foundry & Machine Shops at Reading, where he remained four years. He also spent one year in the Heck- dorn & Willhelm Machine Shops, and in 1880 he formed a partnership with John H. Snell, | and under the firm name of Snell & Meharg they operated a machine shop in Reading. In 1889 the entire plant was moved to Ham- burg, where a handsome brick shop 200 by 40 feet was built, and the work was carried on until 1894, when the shop was burned down. In July of the same year the old part was rebuilt, and in addition two wings 60 by 80 and 35 by 60 feet, respectively, were built. They make vertical and horizontal steam engines, and turn out from four to five hun- dred machines per annum, and when running on full time they employ some fifty hands. Mr. Snell has charge of the mechanical de- partment and our subject has charge of the office and financial part of the business. Mr. Meharg resides in one of the handsomest residences in Hamburg. Our subject is a firm supporter of the Republican party, but does not care to seek office. Socially, he is a member of the Royal Arcanum, Hamburg Lodge, and of the I. O. O. F., Mt. Penn Lodge of Reading. He is also secretary and treasurer of the Hamburg Electric Light Co., which was organized in 1892, with Mr. Snell as president; he is a member of the Hamburg Board of Trade. February 1, 1877, he was wedded to Sallie Snell, daughter of Jacob Snell, deceased, who was formerly proprietor of the Keystone Iron Manufactory of Reading. One child has blessed their happy home. John S., now fourteen years of age. Mr. Meharg has made profitable investments, become inter- ested in remunerative enterprises, won hon- BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES orable success in business, and is now secur- ing a competency as a product of personal industry and good judgment now being put forth in a field wisely selected. ee ILLIAM H. SMITH a prominent citizen of Maxatawny, postmaster and proprietor of a general mer- cantile store of that village, was born in Upper Macungie, Lehigh County, Decem- ber 30, 1864, and isa son of Stephen B. and Larina (Grim) Smith. Stephen B. Smith was born in Lehigh County, near Fogelsville. He was a clerk in a store for many years, and later moved to Rotherocksville and engaged in mercantile business on his own account. He occupied the store room in which our subject has his store, and carried on that line of business for nineteen years. At the expiration of that time he moved to Monterey, where he con- ducted a like store for six years, and then retired from active work. He married Larina Grim, and they reared three children, namely: one that diedin infancy; Mary A., the wife of Edwin W. Morgan, a jeweler of Rotherocksville; and William H., the subject of this personal history. Mr. and Mrs. Smith now reside in Topton. Our subject attended the public schools and then entered the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown for a course of three terms. Later he attended Eastman’s Busi- ness College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and upon his return home purchased his father’s interest in the store known as Smith & Croll, Seniors, and in 1891, the firm name became as Smith & Croll, Juniors. August 25, 1897, our subject became sole proprietor, and has since added a complete line of kodaks and photographer’s paraphernalia. Owing to his popularity and his honest methods ot dealing he has greatly increased his patronage. Mr. Smith on August 26, 1890, married Clara S. Kuhns, who was born in Schofer, this county. She isa daughter of Levi and Leander (Bortz) Kuhns, her father being a hotel keeper in Bethlehem, this county. Three children blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, as follows: Florence A. Ray- mond W.; and Winfield F.: all of whom are D. HEBER PLANK, M. D. BERKS COUNTY 545 at home. Mr. Smith and family are members of the Reformed Church. He is a member of Huguenot Lodge, F. & A. M. of Kutz- town, and the P. O. S. of A. Camp. In poli- tics he is a.strong Republican, and has served as postmaster for three years. Mr. Smith is a man of excellent judgment, and with his unswerving integrity in business transactions and his general liberality, he cannot help but have the esteem and confidence of his community. 5 j. senting on the opposite page, and who has been engrossed in the practice of his profession in Morgantown and vicinity, Caernarvon township, for over thirty years, is one of the best known medical practitioners of the county, and comes of a family whose records enter largely into the history of this section of the state. His father, David Plank, grandfather, Bishop Peter Plank, and great-grandfather, M. Jac- ques De La Planche, Physician, were men of striking personalities, broad views, and left their impress on the places where they lived and labored. The subject of this sketch is a man of exceptional ability in his line, and has built up a reputation that extends throughout the Keystone State. Both history and tradition affirm that the Plank family was established in France (Gaul) by Lucius Munatius Plancus, a Roman Senator and legate of Julius Caesar. This noble Patrician commanded Caesar’s legions on an expedition into Gaul in the winter of 54 B.C. He went with Caesar into Spain in the spring of 49 B. C., and accompanied his general on the African campaign of 46 B. C. He was made governor of Transalpine Gaul in 44 B. C. Upon the death of Julius Caesar, in March, 44 B. C., he took sides with Octa- vius, and it was his proposition in the Roman Senate that the Senate confer the name of Caesar Augustus on Octavius. He _ sub- sequently lived at the Roman Court, where he died. It was to him that Horace, the great Latin poet, addressed the seventh ode of his first book. 26 HEBER PLANK, M. D., whose portrait we take pleasure in pre- Through the remaining years of the Em- pire and through the Dark Ages, there is little or nothing to be found concerning the descendants of the Roman Senator referred to above, but it is supposed they took up their residence in Transalpine Gaul (France), and intermarried with the inhabitants. Coming down to a period a little more than 200 years ago, when the Huguenots were being perse- cuted in France because of their religious belief, we find the De La Planche family a well-established Huguenot family of Eastern France. The religious persecution, that was decimating France, did not spare this family. The great-grandfather of our subject, Dr. Jacques De La Planche, or Jacob Plank, as he was known after he became a resident of this country, was carried, when an infant, across the Alps into Switzerland by his mother. She was assisted on her way by good-hearted people, both Protestants and Roman Catholics; her husband was arrested by French guards. It is said that during the first night of her journey, for it had been rendered necessary to flee by night to escape the vigilance of the King’s officers, the only creature that was with her was her ever faithful St. Bernard dog. In the tax list of Oley township, the name of our subject’s great-grandfather is given as M. Jacques De La Planche, Physician. In another place in the old records it is given Dr. Jacob Delaplank, or Plank, or Plenk (German). In still another place it is given as Jacob or James Delaplank, or Plank (English). For the remainder of this narra- tive we will call our subject’s great-grand- father by the name that he commonly went by in this country, viz., Dr. Jacob Plank. Dr. Jacob Plank was educated in the Uni- versity of Basel, Switzerland, between the years 1696 and 1700, obtaining his knowledge of the science and art of medicine under the instruction of Theodorus Zwingerus, profes- sor of the practice of medicine in that insti- tution, and author of works on materia medica, botany and pharmacy. Copies of these works, which were printed in 1696, in the Latin, French and German languages, the different prints being arranged side by side in the same volume, are in the possession of our subject. Dr. D. Heber Plank has also a fine portrait of Theodorus Zwingerus. Soon 546 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES after finishing his medical education, Dr. Jacob Plank came to America, locating for a time at Germantown, Pa. While located at that place he was a contemporary and com- panion of Francis Daniel Pastorius, the founder of Germantown. He practiced there until about 1720, when he moved to Berks County; while on his way through Oley township, he was detained by the im- portunities of a settler, who desired him to stay with him a little while and treat his wife, who then lay sick. His skill in treating this case commended him to the good graces of the surrounding settlers, and they induced him to purchase land among them, and to make it his permanent location. This tract of land is situated where the Bertolette mill now stands. With Peter De Bertolette, Isaac De Le Turche, and others, he was one of the petitioners for the erection of Oley township in 1720, and was the first practicing physician to locate in Berks County. Dr. Plank, when he came to America, was a member of the Reformed Church, but when he settled in Oley, Pa., there being no church of that denomination at that time in Oley, he con- nected himself with the Mennonite Church, and was a member of the Synod held in Oley, February 11, 1742, by Count Louis Nicholas Zinzendorf. This synod was composed of Dunkards, German Seventh Day Baptists, Moravians, Mennonites, Separatists, and others, and was held in the barn of Mrs. Maria De Le Turche. Maria De Le Turche was the maternal ancestor of Mrs. Dr. D. Heber Plank, the wife of the subject of this sketch. During the meeting of the Synod, Count Zinzendorf ordained two deacons, and also baptized three Indians, naming them Shabash Abraham, Scim Isaac, and Kiop Jacob. Count Zinzendorf was consecrated bishop at Turbingen, 1735, and was congratu- lated by Dr. Potter, then Archbishop of Canterbury, for having maintained the pure and primitive faith and discipline in the midst of the most tedious and cruel persecutions. Of Bishop Peter Plank, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, as his ministerial rights descended through the Oley Synod, it may be said that he was in the apostolic suc- So from Count Louis Nicholas Zinzen- dorf. Dr. Jacob Plank was a relative of the Deplanks and Ver Planks, who settled on Ver Plank’s Point on the Hudson, and still later in the Mohawk Valley, N. Y., immi- grants from France during the latter part of the seventeenth century. Dr. Plank had four sons, namely: Michael; John; Peter, our subject’s grandfather; and Jacob. The oldest son became one of the early pioneers of Ohio. John and Jacob moved to Lancas- ter County, this state, the former settling in Pequea Valley, and Jacob locating near Ephrata. The second son of Dr. Plank, Bishop Peter Plank, was born in Oley township in 1745, and was married to Frances (Franey) in 1782; she was a daughter of Jacob Kauffman, a prominent farmer of his time in the upper section of Chester County. Bishop Plank early in life moved to Caernarvon township, and there followed agricultural pursuits on a tract of land he purchased. In his religious faith he was an Amish Mennonite, and during the last fifty years of his life filled the office of bishop, having charge of all congregations in Berks, -Chester, and Lancaster Counties. He was the second bishop of the denomina- tion in this section of the state. Among the Amish of to-day, his memory is much revered, because of his earnest efforts in their behalf. The faith of the Amish Mennonites was that established by Peter De Valdo, a Protestant reformer of Lyons, France, who translated the Bible from Latin into French in 1160. In 1785 Bishop Plank purchased the Bonsall tract, containing 250 acres of land, situated in Caernarvon township, Berks County, where he farmed and located his mansion, which he called Oak Shade. He built in a grove of native oaks, near to a never-failing spring. It is said that George Washington, on his visit to Berks County in 1794, paid his respects to Bishop Plank, and drank of the water from the above-mentioned spring. After finishing his mansion, in 1785, Bishop Plank built a school-house on the farm, which was maintained by him until 1832, when pub- lic schools were established in Morgantown. This school was the first and for many years the only school in the township, except the one connected with the parish of St. Thomas’ Episcopal Chapel. In this school the chil- dren of the surrounding plantations received their primary education ; amongst them were BERKS COUNTY 547 the Jones, Morgans, Clymers, Brunners, Cun- ninghams, Buchwalters, Metzgers, Masts, and the Plank children. The late Rev. Dr. Levi Bull, a child of prayer, when a lad of fifteen or sixteen years, was put by his mother to live with Bishop Plank to go to school, to study practical agriculture and the ways of the pure and primitive faithful. Bishop Plank lived to a good old age, most highly respected by thousands of co-religion- ists and fellow-citizens throughout Berks County and the contiguous territory; he died in 1831, when aged eighty-seven years. His wife lived until 1837, when she rejoined her husband in the better world, dying at the age of seventy-six years. This worthy couple had nine children, as follows: Maria, born 1783; Jacob, born 1785; John, born 1787; Christopher, born 1789; Christian, born 1791; Elizabeth, born 1793; Anna, born 1798; Samuel, born 1801; and David, born 1804. David Plank, the father of our subject, born in Caernarvon township, May 21, 1804, applied himself to farming after he had se- cured a good general education. He mar- ried Rebecca Buchwalter, a daughter of Daniel and Ruth ( Schoenholtz) Buchwalter. Joseph Buchwalter, a brother of Dr. Plank’s grandfather and grandfather of J. W. Book- walter of Ohio, previous to moving to Ohio in 1820 from Berks County, Pa., built and operated a steam road-wagon, which he had invented and which was the first attempt ol anything of that nature in this country. The steam boiler and other fixtures are still pre- served in the barn on the old Daniel Clymer farm. Oursubject’s mother wasa granddaugh- ter of Francis Buchwalter, who emigrated to America from Germany in 1720, and settled upon what was known as the David Lloyd tract of 500 acres of land, situated where the borough of Phoenixville, Chester County, is now located. The father and mother of Ruth Schoenholtz emigrated from Germany, and bought and settled upon a tract of land situated in Montgomery County, Pa. After his marriage, David Plank purchased the Plank homestead and the adjoining farm in Caernarvon township, upon which he carried on very successful farming operations, also burning and selling great quantities of lime. The last years of his life were spent in retire- ment on his farm, enjoying good health until he was seized with the sickness that resulted . in his death on April 11, 1886, when nearly eighty-two years of age. He exerted a wide influence in his community for upwards of forty years, and the system of common. school education found in him a friend and advocate. He held the position of county treasurer one term, during the years 1859 and 1860, and was a very prominent member of the Berks County Agricultural Society. He early became a member of St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church at Morgantown, and acted as vestryman and warden for many years, and also was sent as delegate to nearly all church conventions. He was a warm and faithful friend of Bishops Potter and Howe. He had eleven children, of whom the follow- ing are still living: Martin B., D. Heber, and Rebecca Frances. His wife died in 1870, aged sixty-eight years. D. Heber Plank was born on the De Plank homestead in Caernarvon township, on No- vember 12, 1842. After having received the benefits of a thorough common-school educa- tion, he further pursued his studies in the Millersville State Normal School and in the Pennsylvania State College, taking, by selec- tion, as preparatory to the study of medi- cine, a four years’ course in mathematics, English literature, Latin and the natural sci- ences. He commenced the study of his chosen profession in 1863, in the office of Dr. B. F. Bunn of Birdsboro, Pa., who, with Drs. Bowling, Hutchinson, and Hodge of Phila- delphia, became his preceptor. After one year of office study, he matriculated, in 1865, in the University of Pennsylvania, Depart- ment of Medicine; and after two courses of lectures, was graduated March 14, 1867, tak- ing for his thesis, ‘Typhoid Fever,” a dis- ease from which he had suffered when but sixteen years old, passing through some of its most severe phases, under the professional care of Dr. B. F. Bunn, at a time when stim- ulating and sustaining treatment was being brought into general practice. After he had graduated in medicine, Dr. Plank traveled extensively through the Western States and the Dominion of Canada for one year, and then settled down, in 1869, to the practice of the art of medicine in Morgantown, near where he was born, where he has made his home and labored in reliev- BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES 548 ing physical suffering ever since. He wasa member of the Pathological Society of. Berks County until it became consolidated with the present Berks County Medical Society, of which he is now a member; in 1892, he was a delegate to the Pennsylvania State Medical Society; is vestryman and warden of St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church at Morgantown, of which his parents were also members; is a member of the Pennsylvania Forestry Association; past master of Union Lodge, No. 479, F. & A. M.; was district deputy grand chancellor, Knights of Pythias, 1873-74; is president of the Morgantown Branch of the Washington National Build- ing & Loan Association; a member of the board of directors of the Conestoga Valley R. R.; and medical examiner of the Mutual Life Insurance Co. of New York for his district. Outside of his profession, as a relief from the serious duties of life, he has indulged in fruit culture, and has been very successful in the cultivation of different varieties of pears. He has a fine 40 acre grove of black wal- nuts, which he set out himself about twenty years ago. He is much interested in scien- tific agriculture, and read a paper on “ Possi- bilities in Scientific Agriculture,” at the meeting of the State Board of Agriculture, at Joanna, August 29, 1894. Also at the same place, August 29, 1896, at a meeting called by the Secretary of Agriculture of Pennsylvania, he read a paper on “ Stored- up Plant Foods,” and demonstrated the pos- sibility that electric storms produced ammo- nia by decomposing atmospheric air, etc. In these essays is given the chemical anal- ysis of the shale and quartz soils of Berks, Chester, and Lancaster Counties—the first chemical analysis of these soils in Pennsyl- vania. He torcibly demonstrates the large amount of plant food stored up in these soils and rocks, and shows, by actual chem- ical analyses, the large amount of phosphates of the metals and silicates of potash that exist in these soils. By suggestions he shows how it is possible by manipulation and by application to these soils, containing insoluble phosphates of the metals and silicates of potash, to make them soluble, so that they may be assimilated as plant food. He also strongly advises the farmer to pursue the stud- ies of the natural sciences, and recommends that a department of agriculture be estab- lished in all State Normal Schools, and that it be further extended, in an elementary form to the common schools. Dr. Plank is the discoverer and owner of the first and only mine in Berks County, in which red hematite iron ore and manganese (psilomelane) ore are found associated. In 1890 he reported the discovery to Dr. David T. Day, chief of division of mining, United States Geological Survey, giving the geolog- ical position of these ores, as traced by out- crops, along the mesozoic border of the Morgantown, or Upper Conestoga Valley, through the townships of Caernarvon, Robe- son, and Brecknock, in Berks County, Pa., and in recognition of this service received from Dr. Day a communication in acknowl- edgment of the discovery. Dr. Plank col- lected and exhibited at the World’s Colum- bian Exposition, held in Chicago, IIl., in 1893, specimens of all the minerals found in Berks County, Pa. This collection was donated to the museum of the Pennsylvania State College, and is known asthe “Dr. D. Heber Plank Collection.” On November 28, 1877, our subject was united in marriage with Ida Eugenia Berto- let, eldest daughter of Horace De Le Turche, and Adeline B. (Miller) Bertolet of Reading, Pa., and sister of Dr. John M. Bertolet, also of that city. They have six sons, all living: D. Horace, born September 22, 1878; Walter Frederick, July 10, 1882; Heber Eugene, February 4, 1884; William Bertolet, January 24, 1886: Alfred Quintin, October 21, 1887; and Harold Kauffman, May 4, 1891. David Horace Plank, the eldest son, graduated in 1896 from the classical department of Read- ing High School, having the honor to deliver the Latin Oration at Commencement. He then became a member of the Freshman Class of Pennsylvania State College, and, after a competitive examination, received the honor of the Senatorial Scholarship, estab- lished by the trustees of that institution. Walter Frederick entered the Freshman Class of the Pennsylvania State College September 13, 1898. “In politics, our subject is a Democrat, and interests himself in all movements directed toward the public wel- fare. He was elected chairman and presided BERKS COUNTY 549 over the first bi-metallic meeting held in Berks County, Pa. at Joanna, August 2, 1896. The meeting was addressed by the late Hon. John P. St. John, ex-governor of Kansas, and others. —_—_—_+<-+—_____ AMUEL COOKE MAYER is one of a family of fourteen children, eight of whom grew to mature years. He is descended from a long line of illustrious ancestors, who, by their patriot- ism, courage, and industry have left a noble name for the emulation of the present generation. Samuel Cooke Mayer is one of the best known residents of Reading, and is a man of high character, and unsullied repu- tation, and a man whose integrity and use- fulness to the public has added still more honor to an already distinguished name. Christopher Bartholomew Mayer was the great-great-grandfather of our subject, and the founder of the family in America. Ac- cording to the most authentic information he was born at Carlsruhe, in 1702. He was married at Ulm, in 1724, to Eva Margareth Scheiffel, a native of that city. In 1752 he brought his family to America, and located in Lancaster City, Pa,, where George Ludwig Mayer, the great-grand- father, was born. The latter was a shrewd man, and received a good educa- tion, much in advance of his day and locality. He was a tradesman, and conducted his busi- ness in his native county. One of his sons, Christopher Bartholomew Mayer, the grand- father, who was born in Lancaster, March 14, 1761, passed his life there in the hardware business, and died June 26, 1818. He was very prosperous in his business, and was also a great worker in state and national affairs, representing the county of Lancaster twice in the Pennsylvania Senate. He was a man of large stature and commanding presence, -with a dignified bearing that brought him the respect and courtesy of all whom he met. George Louis Mayer, the father, was born February 11, 1791, in Lancaster City, Pa., where he passed his life. He was a success- ful man, carried on a prosperous hardware business, and was president, at the time of 26+ _his share 2,000 pounds currency. his death, of the Farmers’ Bank of Lancaster, the oldest bank in the city. He had the honor and pleasure of entertaining Gen. La- fayette when that gentleman came to this country in 1824. Mr. Mayer married a most estimable lady, Esther Cox Clarkson, whose family was very well known, having figured prominently in the earlier history of the state. She was a granddaughter of Dr. Gerardus Clarkson, who studied medicine and traveled extensively in Europe about 1759. Upon his return to this country he settled in Philadelphia, and in 1761 married Mary Flower, daughter of Samuel Flower. He was instrumental in establishing the first medical society in Philadelphia, was elected member of the American Philosophical Society October 14, 1768, and a trustee of the University of the State of Pennsylvania, July 21, 1780. He was one of the founders of the College of Physicians, and was its first treasurer. In 1780 he was one of the stock- holders of the Bank of Pennsylvania; the immediate object of this institution was to furnish provisions for the United States Army. The following extract taken from a Philadelphia newspaper published in 1787, and still treasured in the Mayer family, refers to thisenterprise: ‘He was among the num- ber of eighty-two persons who gave their bonds for 260,000 pounds, sterling, gold and silver, for procuring provisions for the American Army at a critical period of the Revolutionary War, and as a consequence of this act of patriotism, our independence was secured.” Dr, Gerardus Clarkson gave as It was due to such noble patriots that the struggle ended so victoriously for the new country just striving for independence. Joseph Clarkson, the grandfather of our subject, was the third son of Dr. Gerardus Clarkson, and was born in Philadelphia in 1765. At the age of seventeen years he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, and studied for the ministry. He was made deacon by Bishop White in 1791, and in 1799 took charge of St. James’ Episcopal Church in Lancaster, remaining there until he was called to that better and higher world, Janu- ary 25, 1830. George Louis Mayer departed this life April 1, 1837, deeply regretted. | Samuel Cooke Mayer was born April 17, 55° BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES 1824, in Lancaster. He was educated in private schools, and a boys’ boarding school, an Episcopal institution conducted at Abbe- ville, Pa. August 17, 1840, when but seven- teen, he came to Reading to accept a position in the hardware store of his cousins, William and John H. Keim. In 1848 he and _ his brother-in-law, Asa Hart, opened a dry goods store which they conducted for eight years. He then engaged in the mercantile business at Moselem, which he carried on until 1863. At that time the Civil War was at its height and the trouble was carried into the state ot Pennsylvania, so that more men were needed to repulse the enemy, and Mr. Mayer enlisted as one of the emergency men. After this he and his brother-in-law operated a furnace in Rockland township for about four years, when the business became unprofitable and they relinquished it. He was always ready to help a friend, and this kindheartedness brought him serious trouble. He endorsed some papers, payment on which he was obliged to meet himself, bringing on him heavy financial loss, and compelling him to seek employment of others. He secured a position as clerk in the Reading [ron Co., where he remained until their failure in 1892, and since that time has been oil inspector for Berks County. Mr. Mayer was married at Reading to Mary Anne Hunter, who was born January 11, 1827. The marriage was solemnized July 10, 1863, and the bonds thus formed have been welded the stronger by the associa- tions and vicissitudes of the passing years. Two children were born to them, Mary Hunter, the elder, occupied the position of teacher of mathematics in the Girls’ High School of Reading until 1897, when she was elected to the important post of principal of that institution. The second child was a son, Henry Clarkson, who died March 20, 1870. Mr. Mayer is a Democrat, well intormed, and not given to deciding a question without first considering it well in every aspect, and is able to give good reasons for his views and actions. He has never been what one would call a politician in the true sense of that term, as his preference has been for the quiet of home life rather than the more exciting events to be found in the political arena. He has been at all times most earnest and unsparing in his labors for promoting the welfare of the city, and his executive ability was so thoroughly recognized and appre- ciated by the citizens, that he was elected a member of the city council from 1868 to 1870 trom the Seventh Ward, and in 1870 was elected mayor of the city, both offices being unsought by him, and not desired. In the candidacy for mayor his friends forced the office upon him by nominating him but ten days previous to election, using their utmost endeavors to keep him in the field. He car- ried eight out of the nine wards, and was elected by the largest majority ever given to a candidate for that office in Reading. His opponent was William Geiger, and the election resulted as follows: Mayer 2,972 votes, and Geiger 2,521 votes. His official life has been one of devotion to the best interests of the city, and has met with the approbation of all parties. (me OEL H KRICK, prison inspector of Berks County, Pa., and a highly re- spected citizen of Reading, was born in that city, December 4, 1861, and is a son of Levi J. R. and Mary (Hinershotz) Krick, grandson of Peter Krick, and great- grandson of Adam Krick. Adam Krick was one of the pioneers of Berks County, and was born in the vicinity of Bern Church. He conducted a hotel in West Reading, and was also toll-gate keeper of that place. In politics, he upheld the principles of the Greenback party, and firmly supported General Butler in his candidacy for president. The grandfather of our sub- ject was born near Bern Church about 1813, and died in 1872. In 1837, he moved to Reading and located in what was then known as the North-west Ward, now the Sixth Ward, and remained there the rest of his life. His occupation was that of a boat builder for the Schuylkill Canal, which he followed until 1860." Politically, he was a strong Democrat. He was united in wed- lock with Susan Reber, who bore him a family of six children, who were as follows: Levi uF R., the tather of our subject; William R. resides on North River street, Reading ; Joel, also a resident of Reading, was a cor- BERKS COUNTY 55! poral in the 88th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf. of the Army of the Potomac, and served through- out the entire war; Adam R. and Peter R. are both residents of Reading; and Emma, the youngest child, who was united in mar- riage with William Leas, now deceased, who was a soldier in the late Rebellion. All the members of the Krick family are living, and are highly respected in the various localities in which they now reside. Levi J. R. Krick, the father of our subject, was born in the Sixth Ward ot Reading, Jan- uary 3, 1839. He received a liberal educa- tion in the city’s schools, and from his father learned the trade of a boat builder, and when he grew to manhood he succeeded his father in the business, and followed that occupation until 1886. He then engaged in the hotel business on the corner of Schuylkill avenue and Buttonwood street. He was also engag- ed in the manufacture of bricks during the seventies. Mr. Krick has always taken an active part in politics, and is an adherent of the Democratic party. In 1879 he was elected as market commissioner, which posi- tion he resigned a year later, to take up his former trade as a boat builder; he served two years as a member of the Common Council from the Sixth Ward, and was later elected as a member of the Select Council for two terms. Under Cleveland’s first ad- ministration, he served as a mail carrier. He has frequently served as a delegate to city and county conventions. For twenty years, he served as treasurer of the Democratic Club of Reading. Religiously, he is a mem- ber of the Reformed Church. He is a char- tered member of the Schuylkill Fire Com- pany which was organized in his hotel, and is a member of the Nursey Literary Asso- ciation. He was married to Mary Hiner- shotz, a daughter of Isaac Hinershotz, and they have raised the following children: Joel H., whose name heads the above lines; Anna, the wife of Harry E. Stump, assistant fore- man of the carpet weaving department of the county prison; P. M., proprietor of a hotel and a select councilman from the Fifteenth Ward of Reading ; Emma, the wife of Daniel Whitmoyer of Reading ; and Mary, the wife of Harvey Kissinger, also a resident of Reading. Our subject received his education in the grammar schools of Reading, and was reared in the Sixth Ward, where his ancestors had lived for the preceding three generations. With his father he learned the trade of a boat builder, which he followed a short time, when he served as a policeman under Mayor James K. Getz. When his father accepted a position as mail carrier, our subject took charge of his hotel and conducted that one © year. He then went back on the police force under Mayor Thomas P. Merritt, for one year, and has since devoted his entire time toward his hotel business. Mr. Krick chose for his life companion Rose Weidner of Reading, and a family of two sons and two daughters were born to them. They are named as follows: James, Maud, Esther and Joel. Our subject is a stanch Democrat, and has done much toward the success of his chosen party. He has represented his fellow-citizens in city and county conventions, and in 1897, he was elected as prison inspector of Berks County. Socially, he isa member of the Washington Lodge, No. 689, Patriotic Order Sons of America; Oley Lodge, No. 218, 1.0. O. F; Junior Fire Company of Reading: and Inde- pendent Government Club of Reading. ++ AHLON C. DIETRICH. Among the representative and substantial business men of Berks County is the above named gentleman, who is a leading citizen of Kempton, Albany township, and proprietor ot a lumber, grain and coal yard. He was born in Greenwich township, January 3, 1855, and is a son of Daniel and Anna (Christ) Dietrich, and grand- son of Christian Dietrich, who was also a native of Greenwich township, and a farmer and distiller by occupation. Daniel Dietrich was born in Greenwich township; in addition to carrying on general farming, he operated a creamery and _ ice business. He was joined in wedlock with Anna Christ, and ten children was the result of this union, namely: Willoughby, who died in infancy; William, also deceased; Jonathan is a graduate of Eastman’s Business College of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and is now employed as a clerk in a shoe factory at Kutztown ; Mahlon C., our subject; Mary is 552 the wife of L. D. Dietrich of Klinesville, this county; Franklin, Dianna, Aaron and Emma, all deceased; and Amelia, widow of the late Charles Ketner. Mr.and Mrs. Dietrich have both died, Mr. Dietrich on April 20, 1898, aged seventy-four years and nineteen days; and Mrs. Dietrich on July 5, 1898, aged seventy-three years, seven months and eight days. Mahlon C. Dietrich received his intellec- tual training in the common schools, and at the age of eighteen years began working for the firm of Dietrich & Fogle, dealers in lumber, grain and coal, at Kutztown, Pa. In 1874, he moved to Kempton and worked for Dietrich & De Turk in the same business; about four years later he purchased his father’s interest, and the business was carried on under the same name for five years, when our subject bought out his partner, and has since conducted the business alone. Mr. Dietrich was joined in matrimony September 2, 1877, with Sarah Bachman, a native of Lynn township, Lehigh County. and a daughter of Nathan and Eliza (Donat) Bachman. Her father was engaged in the pursuits of an agriculturist, but now resides with Mr. Dietrich in Kempton. Our subject and wife are the parents of the following children: Anna, who died aged five years and four months; Edgar, who died aged two years, two months and three days; and Blanche Ruth, who is now seven years of age and resides with her parents. Mr. Dietrich is an earnest adherent of Demo- cratic principles, and lends the weight of his influence to the support of his party. He is a member of the Lutheran Church. He is honest and upright in his business transac- tions, is held in high esteem by his friends and neighbors, and is amply entitled to be classed as an honest man and a good citizen. ——+a+—____ Ales P. YORGY is one of the pop. ular and energetic business men of Reading, and is representing his fel- low citizens of the Twelfth Ward in the city council. He was born September 28, 1845, in the above city, and is a son ot Henry and Elizabeth (Pfleger) Yorgy, and grandson of Mathias Yorgy. BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES Mathias Yorgy was a native of Montgomiery County, Pa., and was successfully engaged in the cultivation of the soil all his active days. Henry Yorgy, our subject’s father, was also a native of Montgomery County, and was born in 1809. He was reared upon his father’s farm, and, in 1840, moved to Reading, where he learned the trade of a bootmaker, which he continued to follow throughout his life. February 5, 1844, Mr. Yorgy was united in wedlock with Elizabeth PHleger, who was born in 1829. The following children blessed this union, namely: James P., the subject of this brief notice: Mary, deceased; Henry, deceased; and Sallie, the wife of Samuel Guss, a resident of Reading. The father of our subject crossed the river of death May 18, 1876. Our subject acquired his education in the grammar schools of Reading, and at the age of fourteen years he began working in the pipe mills of Seyfert; later he entered the machine shops and served an apprenticeship to the machinist’s trade for three years. When the late Rebellion broke out, being in- spired by a_ patriotic feeling, our subject entered the Union Army, and rendered valu- able service toward preserving the integrity of the country. He enlisted in Co. B, 42d Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf., fora term of three months; at the expiration of that time, he re-enlisted in Co. B, 195th Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf., for 100 days, but remained until the close of the war. Returning to his home in Reading, he was employed by the Howard & Company Ex- press, now known as the Adams Express, and remained with that company for fifteen years ; he has since been engaged in the collecting business. Mr. Yorgy is a thorough business man, honorable and upright in his transac- tions, and one of the representative men in this section of the state. _ Mr. Yorgy, in politics, is an uncompromis- ing Democrat, and casts his vote uniformly in favor of the principles of that party. He has been a representative of the Twelfth Ward in the city council for the past four terms, and is serving his second term as pres- ident of the body of councilmen. He is also president of the board of appeals, and has represented his fellow-citizens in city and county conventions. Our subject is a mem- ber of the following societies: Lodge No. C. RAYMOND HEIZMANN. BERKS COUNTY 555 349, F. & A. M.; Reading Council, No. 1104, Royal Arcanum; Knights. of the Golden Eagle, Mt. Penn Castle, No. 51; and Wash- ington Camp, Patriotic Order Sonsof America, No. 670. Religiously, he is a member of the Universalist Church. Mr. Yorgy and Miss Christina V. Fullaway were united in matri- monial bonds, June 2, 1866, and they are the parents of the following children: Harry B., who resides in Philadelphia, was formerly employed by the Clearfield Coal Co., but is now with the Rochester Coal Co.; Walter is now register clerk of Reading; John died, aged sixteen years; Minnie passed from this life aged six years; and Emma, who died at the age of five years. ————~@a+—__—_ HE HEIZMANN FAMILY, which in recent years has played so prominent a part in the industrial and profes- sional history of Berks County, is descended from the mail-clad knights who, in answer to the appeal of Peter the Hermit at the close of the eleventh century, formed a part of the first crusade of the Christians, who with the cry, “ Deus vult/” (God wills it!), marched victoriously to Palestine and rescued the Holy Sepulcher. These gallant knights and brave warriors were descended from one who, for distinguished services rendered in the Battle of Lechfeld in 955 between Ger- many and Hungary, was knighted by King Otho, and the family name, -which is indica- tive of valor, was bestowed upon him, also the castle and lands of Schadeck. Since that era, in the vicissitudes of fortune, the family has at times attained the highest distinction, while again it has met with adversity, only to arise again to its previous height. One of the family was Hofmarschall to Kaiser Al- brecht I., another became Archbishop of Mayence, and another Stadt Syndicus of Cologne. During the Thirty Years’ War (1618-48), in which Germany was assailed by foreign foes and greatly distracted by do- mestic dissensions, one branch of the Heiz- mann family sought refuge in the Schwarz. wald, or Black Forest. From this particular branch was descended Charles Lawrence Heizmann, the founder of the family in America, and who was born at Lenzkirch, Grand Duchy of Baden, Ger- many, August 6, 1802, and was educated at Neufchatel, Switzerland. At the age of thirty years, when the excitement of the Revolution of 1830 had somewhat abated, he came to America on the ship Marcus, sailing from Rotterdam, March 13, 1832, intending to make a business trip. After touching at the Island of Fayal, one of the Azores, on June 13, the ship arrived in July off Long Island, where it was learned that cholera was raging in New York City. The passen- gers were landed at Sag Harbor, L. I., on July 12, whence Mr. Heizmann proceeded to Philadelphia, where he remained tor some time. Being favorably impressed with the country, its people and its form of govern- ment, he concluded not to return to Europe, and therefore moved to Reading, where many Germans had previously located, and there established himself in business as an importer and dealer in musical instruments and musical merchandise. Like -most edu- cated men of his nationality, he was an ac- complished musician and linguist, speaking fluently the German, English, French and Italian languages. He became interested in the industrial development of the city and was chosen president of the first building so- ciety in Reading, the Reading German Build- ing & Savings Fund Association, for which a charter was granted September 18, 1848. He was also a faithful member of the Roman Catholic Church on South Fifth street, of which he was a trustee. Mr. Heizmann’s useful career terminated in the city of Read- ing, July 3, 1859. April 22, 1834, he was joined in wedlock with Mary Cecilia Eich- horn, who was a daughter of John Francis Eichhorn, and-was born in the old family home, which stands on the southeast corner of Sixth and Penn streets, Reading, where her brother and all of her sisters were also born. She was one of a family of five chil- dren, namely: Anna, who married a New England schoolmaster, Jonathan Dwight; John Francis, who died at an early age; Ellen, the wife of Charles Troxell, who was postmaster of Reading under the Harrison- Tyler administration, and a collector of the Port of Philadelphia under the Taylor-Fill- more administration ; Mary Cecilia ; and The- resa, who married Dr. Adolphus Lippe, a son 556 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES of the Count of Lippe-Weissenfeldt, Germany, and a branch of the Lippe-Detmold family. Mr. and Mrs. Heizmahn became the happy parents of six sons and two daughters, as follows: Charles Raymond; Theodore Ig- natius; Francis Joseph, born August 14, 1841, died October 22, 1849; Cecilia Eve, who was born June 2, 1844; Dr. Charles Lawrence; Albert Aloysius ; Mary Anna, the wife of James A. O’Reily, Esq., a prominent attorney of Reading, born November 4, 1853; and Aloysius Adolphus, who was born Sep- tember 27, 1858, and died February 17, 1859. C. Raymond Heizmann, who is a promin- ent citizen of Reading and president ot the Penn Hardware Co., which was incorporated in April, 1896, with a paid-up capital of $415,000.00, and which has been of material beneht to the city and employs a force of over 600 hands, was born in that city January 23, 1835, and attended private schools for some years, after which he took a course in St. Mary’s College of Wilmington, Del. Subsequently, at the age of fifteen years, he entered the employ of his father, and even at that immature age he was entrusted with many responsible duties, which he always performed faithfully and well. He was fre- quently sent on the important mission of buy- ing goods in Philadelphia, and early in life developed a confidence and _ self-reliance, which combined with the natural thrift of his race was to, in time, make him one of the most successful business men of the city. Upon the demise of his father he assumed entire control of the business, and in 1865 purchased it of the estate, continuing to conduct it alone until 1870, when his brother Albert A. became his partner. In 1877, they estab- lished the Penn Hardware Works, which they operated in connection with the store for two years, but at the expiration of that time disposed of the latter in order to devote their entire time and attention to their new and more remunerative enterprise. Begin- ning with a small building on Front street, which they leased, and employing a force of 10 hands, their business prospered and grew to such magnitude that more commodious quarters became a necessity. Consequently they purchased a tract of 4 acres ot land be- tween the canal and Schuylkill River and at the foot of Spruce street, where they imme- diately after erected a building suitable for the business. But under good management the business increased with much rapidity, and in a short time even such quarters as they had provided became inadequate, and new buildings were erected from time to time, until all available ground of this plot was covered with large brick buildings. The number of employees has been in- creased to about 600 skilled workmen, and from present indications an additional force will be necessary in the near future. The company is extensively engaged in the manufacture of a general line of builders’ hardware, and the product is placed on the markets throughout the United States, Europe, and Australia. Mr. Heizmann is the patentee of a number of the articles manufactured by the company, and is also the designer of much of the machinery and appliances used by them. Mr. Heizmann was deeply interested in the Sesqui-Centennial celebration of the city of Reading in June, 1898, one of the greatest events in the his- tory of the city. He did all within his power to make it a success, serving as a member of the executive committee, and as chairman of the insignia committee.. In the great industrial parade during the celebra- tion, over 500 of the Penn Hardware Co.’s. employees marched and attracted consider- able attention as to the magnitude of the plant. He is also a_ member of the Reading Board of Trade. Besides being a man of great business abilities, he stands high in the social world, being a man of refined char- acter and a pleasant companion. Theodore Ignatius Heizmann was born December 14, 1838, in the city of Reading. Asa boy he attended private schools of his native town, after which he attended Mt. St. Mary’s College at Emmitsburg, Md. After two years of study at Mt. St. Mary’s, he be- came a student at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, N. Y., entering in 1856 and graduating with the degree of Civil Engineer in 1859. After serving as assistant to the topographer on_the preliminary survey of the Reading & Columbia R. R., and in a like capacity on the survey of a line between Easton and Nazareth, he entered in March, 1860, the engineer corps of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, in which, without any BERKS COUNTY 557 other aids than those of industry and merit, his career was a series of rapid promotions. In March of the following year he was pro- moted to be assistant engineer, and again in March, 1864, was advanced to the position of principal assistant engineer. In February, 1865, he became resident engineer of the Middle Division, from Harrisburg to Altoona, with his office at the latter place. In January, 1868, he became resident engineer on the Philadelphia Division between Philadelphia and Harrisburg, with offices in the former city. He was made engineer of maintenance of way of the main line between Philadel- phia and Pittsburg in April, 1870, his office being located at Altoona. In January, 1872, he was appointed chief engineer of mainte- nance of way of all lines of the Pennsylva- nia Railroad Company between New York City and Pittsburg, in which capacity he continued with his office at Philadelphia until his retirement in 1874. Since that time he has not been actively engaged in any work, de- voting much of his time to travel in foreign countries. He has not permitted business to detract from the cultivation of his talents in other directions, and has devoted much time to the study of music merely as a source of pleasure. He isan accomplished musician and a composer of merit, having composed the music for the Sesqui-Centennial Hymn, which was sung at the celebration which took place in June, 1898. Mr. Heizmann has also been a director and vice-president of the Penn Hardware Co. since its incorporation. Dr. Charles Lawrence Heizmann, who is now serving efficiently in the United States Army in the war with Spain, as a surgeon, with the rank of major, was born April 15, 1846, in Reading, where he obtained his in- tellectual training in the public schools. After his graduation from the Reading High School he entered the University of George- town, which institution conferred upon him the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He was then prepared for the medical profession in the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania, after which he applied for ad- mission to the medical corps of the army, being one of the four chosen of several hun- dred candidates. In the army service his career has been an active and brilliant one. He first saw service in the Modoc War on the Western frontier, and the reminiscences of thrilling adventures which he ofttimes relates are very interesting. He accompanied the party making the first survey of the Yellow- stone Park, and during his service has been stationed at the following posts: San An- tonio, Tex.; Fort Vancouver; Fort Douglass, Salt Lake City, Utah; Fort Niagara; West Point; Bedloe’s Island in New York Har- bor; Fort Ontario, at Oswego; and for the past two years has been stationed at Fort Adams, Newport, R. 1. Some years ago Major Heizmann was honored by the War Department with a semi-otficial mission to Europe to inspect the military hospitals of the principal nations of that continent. He made a careful study of their systems, and upon his return home published a book upon the subject, which is really a work of merit, and has gained him much praise from the leading physicians of this country. Besides being a work olf literary value, it has resulted in much benefit to the hospitals of our coun- try, owing to its completeness and exactness of detail. Albert Aloysius Heizmann, who was born September 11, 1848, attended the public schools of Reading for sometime, after which he took a course in Notre Dame University in Indiana, from which he graduated in 1865, at the early age of seventeen years. He then entered the employ of his brother, and con- tinued to work in the store until he was ad- mitted as a partner of his brother, the suc- cessor to his father, and continued as such until the store was disposed of in 1877. Then in partnership with his brother, C. Raymond, he established the Penn Hardware Works, and since its incorporation has been the treasurer of the Company. In addition to his manufacturing interests, he has always taken an active interest in the public affairs of the city. He is astanch supporter of the principles of the Republican party, believing them to be the basis of our country’s pros- perity. He has always been active in party councils and is especially strong in advocat- ing the principles of Protection; he has served a number of terms in the city coun- cils and also as president of the Board of Water Commissioners. For a number of years he was a director of the Keystone National Bank of Reading. He has one son, 558 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES Charles L., who was with our gallant soldiers in Porto Rico, fighting for his country with a vim and patriotic enthusiasm which none but Americans possess. Mr. Heizmann is of social disposition and has a host of friends, both in his native city and elsewhere. On a preceding page, in connection with the above account of the family, is presented a portrait of Mr. C. Raymond Heizmann. oor —____ AMES ASHTON PARKER, the chief engineer of the Mt. Penn Gravity R. R. of Reading, was born in that city September 19, 1849, and is a son of Mahlon Rossiter and Mary (Watson) Parker. His family, which is of English ancestry, upon coming to this country settled in Berks County. Mahlon Rossiter Parker, the father of our subject, was born in 1808, in Berks County, and was a miller by trade. He lived in the country and followed his trade for forty-five years, when he moved to Reading and entered the employ of the P. & R.R. R,, and at the time of his death, in 1884, he was serving in the capacity of night watchman for that company. He was a stanch Repub- lican, but merely manifested the interest of a dutiful citizen in political affairs. He formed a matrimonial alliance with Mary Watson, who was born in 1812 and died in 1874, at the age of sixty-two years. Their union was blessed by the birth of the following chil- dren: Jane, who married Eli Boughter and resides in Pottstown, Pa.; Emma, the wife of Charles Davis of Reading; Theodore, de- ceased, who wasa soldier in the Civil War and at first enlisted in Co. H, 128th Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf., and re-enlisted in the 21st Reg., Pa. Vol. Cav.; James Ashton, the subject of this biography ; Joseph W., who lives in Read- ing; and seven others, who died young. James Ashton Parker received his intel- lectual training in the common and subscrip- tion schools of Reading, after which he learned the trade of a machinist in the Read- ing Locomotive Works. He served for four years as an apprentice and seven years as a journeyman, during which time he became a skilled mechanic. At the expiration of that time he engaged in the saloon business for about four years, being located on Eighth and Penn streets. He next entered the em- ploy of the Columbia R. R. as a fireman, and after a period of thirteen months he became an engineer, and remained with that com- pany for five years. He then took charge of a coal road in Somerset County for the Key- stone Mining Co., and had charge of the roll- ing stock for the following eight years. His next business venture was in partnership with a Mr. Joder at Meyersdale, where they con- ducted a machine and foundry business for three years, and then engaged in the steam fitting business. He then located in Reading and entered the employ of the Reading Steam Heating Co. in 1888 and remained with that firm for one year, during which time he fitted up some of the largest buildings in the city with steam heating fixtures. He accepted a similar position with a company at Potts- ville, where he remained for one year and then returned to Reading to enter upon his present position. He is chief engineer of the Mt. Penn Gravity R. R., and has entire charge of the motive power. During his long and varied career as an expert me- chanic, he has had many hard and danger- ous pieces of work to perform, but by exer- cising the greatest of care at all times, he has never received a severe wound. He has held his present position for eight years, and has proved to the satisfaction of his employ- ers that he is the right man in the right place. Mr. Parker was joined in wedlock Novem- “ber 9, 1871, with Julia Ann Newkirk, and they are the parents of four children, namely: Emma, born June 15, 1873; Pearl Edith, De- cember 23, 1886; Julia, January 7, 1891; and Marie, July 24, 1893. In political belief our subject is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Republican party, and has been called upon to fill many offices of public trust. He was a councilman of Meyersdale for two terms, and in 1897 was elected to the office of common councilman from the Thirteenth Ward in Reading. He has been a member of the Washington Hook and Ladder Co. since its organization, and has represented it at several firemen’s conventions. He has served as assistant engineer since 1876, and was the first to run a filler in the city of Reading. He entered the regular army in April, 1866, and_ served for three years, being stationed at Ft. Shaw, Montana, and took part in sev- 559 eral skirmishes and engagements during his service. Socially, he has been a member of Juniata Tribe, No. 74, I. O. R. M., for the past twenty years, and is a member of the Reading Lodge, No. 3738, Knights of Honor, of which he is past dictator. Heis also a member of the Knights of the Ancient and Acentic Order of Reading. ++ ——___ OEL RITTER, deceased, who, during J his day, was a leading citizen of Read- ing, spent in happy retirement, the last few years previous to his death. He was a son of John and Catherine (Frailey) Ritter, and was born in Reading, Berks County, December 15, 1811. The Ritter family is one of the best known in Eastern Pennsylvania. He was of German descent and a grandson of Francis Ritter, who was a native of Exe- ter township, Berks County, of which the family was among the earliest settlers. Jan- uary 3, 1797, Der Readinger Adler was estab- lished ; after the publication of two numbers, Mr. Ritter purchased an interest aid placed his son John in the office to learn the profession. John Ritter was born in Exeter township, February 6, 1779, and moved to Reading at the age of eighteen years, when he entered the office of the Adler. During the period of his apprenticeship, he also devoted much time to study, as his educational advantages had been few, and in after years he became a learned man, thus reaping the good of his youth spent in earnest toil. He continued with Der Readinger Adler, which was con- ducted by Schneider & Co,, and on June 20, 1802, he became owner of a half interest in the plant. He was a very prominent man throughout the county, and from 1843 to 1847 creditably represented this district in Con- gress. In his political affiliations he was a stanch Democrat, and earnestly advocated the principles of Democracy in his journal. He was a faithful adherent of the Universal- ist Church, and by means of his paper aided greatly in the establishment of the first church of that denomination in Reading. He wasa man of high principles, a true Christian, and stood high in the esteem and affections of his fellow-citizens, being widely known through- BERKS COUNTY “Lewis; and Aaron. out Berks County as the proprietor of Der Readinger Adler, and one whose work had materially advanced the interests of not only the city of Reading, but the county at large. His useful life was terminated November 24, 1851, and he was survived by three sons: Joel, the subject of this biographical record ; Lewis Ritter was born April 3, 1813, in the city of Reading, and re- sided there throughout his life. He was also a printer by vocation, and was connected with the Ad/éer for many years. He married Maria B. Haws, by whom he had _ two children: Mary A., who died in infancy ; and Catherine E., the wife of Jesse G. Hawley of Reading; after the demise of his wife, Lewis Ritter formed a second union with Mary E. Werner, who still survives him. His death occurred October 16, 1889. Aaron, who was born April 15, 1816, in Reading, was connected with Der Readinger Adler from boyhood until his father’s death, when he re- tired from active life, dying November 11, 1873; his companion along the pathways of life was Louisa Doebler. Most of the Rit- ters, resident in Berks County, have the same common ancestry as our subject, and among these may be mentioned his cousin, William Snyder Ritter, deceased, a record of whose life appears elsewhere in this Book of Biographies. Joel Ritter, after obtaining a good English training in Reading Academy, learned the trade of a printer in his father’s office. Hav- ing served his apprenticeship and gained a thorough knowledge as to the manner in which a journal should be conducted, he be- caine the editor of the Yefferson Democrat, and continued as such for some time. He then embarked in the lumber business in Reading, being located in the lower portion of the city, where he continued until the year 1850, when his business was greatly damaged by a terrible freshet, and he relinquished that occupation. He was deeply interested in affairs of a political nature, and stanchly sup- ported the Democratic party, on whose ticket he was elected prothonotary of Berks Coun- ty in 1839, continuing as such until the expir- ation of his term in 1842. Under the admin- istration of President Buchanan, he was ap- pointed to a position in the Custom House at Philadelphia, which he faithfully filled during 560 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES the latter’s term of office, when he retired from active life and lived the remainder of his days in the quiet and happiness of home life. He was called to his eternal reward in Reading, July 18, 1868, at the age of fifty- seven years. In religious attachments he was a member of the Universalist Church. Mr. Ritter formed a marital union with Angeline Bechtel, and they became the hap- py parents of two sons, John Francis and Al- bert. After the death of his first wife, he formed a second alliance with Barbara A. Ro- land, by whom he had four children, namely : Harry, who is at present assistant city treas- urer of Reading; Ida, who is now living with her mother; and two, Francis and Anna, who died in infancy. John Francis Ritter was born January 24, 1836, in Reading, and obtained his primary education in the Boyertown Academy, after which he gained admission to the Military Academy at West Point, June 30, 1852. After a four years’ course he was graduated in 1856, immediately after being promoted to the regular army. July 1, 1856, he was appoint- ed second lieutenant of the Fifth U.S. In- fantry, and first saw service in the skirmishes with the Seminole Indians in 1856 and ’57. He was in garrison at Jefferson Barracks in 1857, and later in that year was on frontier duty in Utah, on the expedition of Gen. AL bert Sidney Johnston, continuing until 1860, when he went to New Mexico, and during the Civil War participated in the battles of Valverde and Apache Canon, in which he distinguished himself and was _ brevetted major for his gallant and meritorious services, March 28, 1862. He was tendered the office of Colonel of the First Regiment Cavalry of Missouri, by the Governor of that state, and accepted August 9, 1862, serving in all of the engagements of the regiment west of the Mississippi. He led the way in the capture of Little Rock, Ark., and in reward for his valuable services he was brevetted lieutenant- colonel in the regular army in 1864. On December 5th of the same year, he resigned from the volunteer army and resumed his po- sition as captain in the regular army, being as- signed to the 33d U.S. Infantry, Sept. 21, 1866. He was subsequently stationed at Macon, Rome, Vicksburg, Huntsville, Ala.,and was in garrison at David's Island, N. Y., September 14, 1870, when he was taken sick and went up into the Catskill Mountains on leave of ab- sence. He never recovered his health, how- ever, and August 1, 1872, he passed into the unknown world, and was brought to his home in Reading and buried in the Charles Evans’ Cemetery. At the time of his death Capt. Ritter was a member of the Eighth U. S. In- fantry, and the manner in which he was es- teemed by the fellow members of his regi- ment is revealed in an extract from the gen- eral orders of Col. J. V. Bomford, Colonel of the Eighth, on August 22, 1872: “ Distin- guished in his profession, he received de- served honors from his country in whose cause he had fought, a devoted servant. For his high social qualities and goodness of heart, he won the greatest respect and esteem, being, through life, of an irreproachable char- acter. We mourn him in death as a brother lost, whose place in our hearts cannot be well filled. The interest and sympathy awakened by his loss has not been lessened by the con- templation of his separation from his regi- ment when stricken by disease, and death was close at hand.” Albert Ritter was born in Reading, Febru- ary 26, 1838, and was educated in the public schools of that city and the Clinton Liberal Institute, at Clinton, New York. He isan ac- complished musician and an instructor of well-known ability, having followed that pro- fession all of his life. He is a man of many excellent traits of character and is highly es- teemed by all with whom he is acquainted. Socially, he is quite prominent in the Masonic and a number of other orders; he belongs to St. John’s Lodge, No. 435, F. & A. M., being past master; Reading Chapter, No. 132, R. A. M., of which he is past high priest; De Molay Commandery, No. 9, K. T., of which he is past commander ; Creigh Council, No. 16; Rajah Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; and is a member of the Masonic Vet- erans of Pennsylvania. He received the Scottish Rite Degrees in Wilmington Consis- tory, No. 13, Wilmington, Del., from which he has since withdrawn. He is a member of the Board of Managers of the Masonic Home of Pennsylvania, located in Philadel- phia. Mr. Ritter served as one of the emer- gency men under Capt. C. H. Hunter in September, 1862, and afterwards as corporal BERKS COUNTY 561 of Co. G, 42d Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf., under Col. John E. Arthur, during the Civil War, and is now a member of General William H. Keim Post, No. 76, G. A. R. He is also a member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, Commandery ot Pennsylvania. SSS Oe DOLPHUS M. KLOPP, a representa- tive and prominent citizen of North Heidelberg, is a member of the firm of Klopp & Kalbach, who are engaged in carrying on a very successful general store in the above mentioned place. He was born in North Heidelberg township, August 29, 1859, and is a son of Jonathan L. and Eleanor (Minnich) Klopp. Daniel Klopp, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was a farmer on the farm now owned by our subject. He built the present building now owned by our subject in 1851. He was united in marriage with Miss Leiss of Schuylkill County, and they reared the following children: William, a farmer of North Heidelberg township, was twice wedded,—his first wife was Isabella Bright, and his second wife was Susan Mosser ; Jonathan L., the father of our subject; Henry married Henrietta Minnich, and they reside in North Heidelberg township ; Amanda is the wife of Adam Miller, a resi- dent of Robesonia; Eleanor is the wife of Nathan Dundor, a carriage maker residing at Mt. Pleasant, Pa.; Sallie wedded Adam Heck of North Heidelberg, now deceased, and she resides in Reading; and Jane was united in wedlock with James Conrad of Hackensack, N. J. Jacob Minnich, the ma- ternal grandfather of our subject, was a farmer throughout his entire life. He was married to Elizabeth Potteiger, and two children were reared, namely: Adam, a farmer of North Heidelberg township, was united in wedlock with Henrietta Klopp; and Eleanor, the mother of our subject. Jonathan L. Klopp, the father of our sub- ject, was born in North Heidelberg township, April 3, 1833. Heconducted a hotel and mer- cantile store in the township of North Heidel- berg, and through his own industrious ef- forts succeeded in accumulating a small for- tune. In 1887 he moved to Robesonia, where he spent the remainder of his life, in the hap- piness and quiet of home life. He was avery prominent and well-to-do man of his time, and was a leader in local politics, strongly ad- vocating the principles of the Republican party. He wasthe first postmaster of North Heidelberg, and held that position for many ears. He was united in the bonds of wed- ock with Eleanor Minnich, who was born in North Heidelberg June 1, 1838. To this union the following children were born: Adolphus M., whose name heads the above lines; Margaret was born December 16, 1861, and died January 8, 1862; Lizzie, born Janu- ary 20, 1864, was married to Morgan Kal- bach, junior member of the firm of Klopp & Kalbach, and bore her husband two children, —Miles and Harold; and Amelia, born Oc- tober 30, 1869, who was married to E. Moyer, who is the general secretary of the Y.M.C. A. of Steeltown, Pa. Mr. Klopp entered the world of rest March 18, 1889. Mrs. Klopp resides with her son, Adolphus M. Klopp. Adolphus M. Klopp received his primary education in the public schools, and then attended Dickinson Seminary at Williams- port, Pa. for eighteen months. In 1882 he went into partnership with his father, in the mercantile business under the name of Klopp & Son. In 1888 the firm dissolved partner- ship, and our subject carried on the business alone until 1890, when he took in Morgan Kalbach as partner. The proprietors are very popular with the people, as a result of the genial and courteous manner in which they treat their customers. They also operate a large creamery in connection with their store, and ship most of their produce to Reading. Mr. Klopp was married May 30, 1885, to Mary A. Kalbach of North Heidelberg town- ship, a daughter of Levi and Isabella (Bross- man) Kalbach. Her father isa lumber dealer and resides in Bernville. Three children blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Klopp, as follows: Naomi was born February, 1886, and died in 1890; Bessie was born in 18g0; and Jonathan L., born in 1898. Politically, our subject is a stanch Republican, and has served as postmaster since 1887. He is a 562 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES member of Golden Rule Lodge, No. 159, I. QO. O. F., of Womelsdorf. In religious views he is a member of the Reformed Church. ILSON B. ANGSTADT. This prominent and influential citizen of Reading has been successfully en- gaged in the tailoring business in the city since 1875, and is also treasurer of the Read- ing Chemical & Fertilizing Co. He was born in the above city January 2, 1853, and is a son of Benniville K. and Sarah (Barr) Angstadt. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Jacob Angstadt, who was born in Rock- land township, Berks County, Pa., where he resided throughout his entire life. He wasa gunsmith by trade and followed that occupa- tien until his death, which occurred about 1840, when he was aged sixty-two years. Our subject’s maternal grandfather was John Barr, who was a native of Oley township, this county, and resided at Lyon’s Station, this county, many years; at the time of his death he was a resident of Kutztown, Berks County, Pa. At different times he followed the vocations of a tailor, butcher and mer- chant, and was very successful in his business undertakings; he also served as justice of the peace of Rockland township a number of years. Benniville Angstadt, the father of our subject, was born March 3, 1821, and in his arly manhood learned the trade of a tailor, which he followed at New Jerusalem, Berks County, Pa., until 1871; in that year he moved to Reading, where he continued his former line of business until 1891, when he retired from active labor, and is now enjoying the fruits of his early toil. He isa member of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church. He was joined in marriage with Sarah Barr, who was born in Kutztown, this county, Jan- uary 2, 1824, the date of their marriage being January 2, 1847. The following children resulted from this happy union: Milton died February 14, 1866, after serving about six months in the Civil War; Mary Elmira was born July 22, 1848; Sarah Ann was born November 30, 1849; Susanna was born Sep- tember 20, 1851; Wilson Benniville, our sub- ject; McClenden, born October 14, 1859, is a tailor of Reading; and Simson Anderson, born January 17, 1862, who is an iron moulder by trade and resides at Avondale, Chester County, Pa. Our subject’s father in 1865 enlisted in the Union Army in the 8th -Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf, and served until the close. Wilson Benniville Angstadt received his education in the district schools of Rockland township, and as a means of earning a liveli- hood, at the age of ten years began to learn the trade of a tailor, working in the shop owned -by his father; he remained in the employ of his father until eighteen years of age, and then accepted a position with O. Keller of Reading; later with Kohler & Bechtel. In 1875 our subject embarked in the tailoring business on his own account, and opened a shop at No. 519 Penn street; in 1881 he moved to his present location at No. 512 Penn street; Mr. Angstadt carries a large variety of goods, and by his close attention to business and the wants of his customers, he has succeeded in establishing a large patronage. Our subject was one of the organizers of the Reading Chemical & Fer- tilizing Co., whose officersare: H. K. Cleaver, president; W. B. Angstadt, treasurer and manager; and A.Thalheimer, secretary. Since the organization of this Company, which was in 1890, it has manufactured all kinds of chemicals and fertilizers, and does a large and prosperous business. Mr. Angstadt was wedded to Ellen Susan Bernhart on September 19, 1877, and as a result of this marriage a family of six chil- dren was born, as follows: Jennie May; Eva Victoria; Ella S.; Florence, deceased: Paul Wilson; and an infant, died unnamed. Politically, our subject is a solid Republican ; in religious views, he is a member of the Lutheran Church. Socially, he is a member of Chandler Lodge, No. 227, F. & A. M.; Reading Chapter, No. 152, R. A. M.; Read- ing Commandery, No. 42, K. T.; Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.; and Camp No. 61, Patriotic Order Sons of America. Mr. Angstadt is widely known throughout the city and county, and is held in high esteem by his fellow citizens tor his many sterling qualities. SSS \ SSN WILLIAM 1. GOLDMAN. BERKS COUNTY 565 the lives of the old residents, and to note from the study of their careers the progress time has made in their surroundings while silvering their hair and implanting furrows of care on their fore- heads. The gentleman, whose name occurs above, a retired resident of Long Swamp, has been a citizen and one of the most widely known men of Berks County all his life. Although practically retired, and living in comfortable circumstances, he has been long connected with the public life of the town- ship and county, and has done his share toward building up and maintaining the present condition of the village in which he resides. Our subject was born in Long Swamp township, September 2, 1816, and is a son of Reuben and Anna (Lesher) Trexler. The maternal grandfather of our subject, was Jacob Lesher, who was engaged as an iron master in the iron works of Pottstown, where he resided all his life. Peter Trexler, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was successfully engaged in the cultivation of the soil in Mertztown, this county, where he spent the most of his active days. Reuben Trexler, the father of our subject, was also an iron master, and in addition carried on general farming, residing on our subject’s farm until his death, which occurred in 1846, when he was aged sixty-four years. He was united in marriage with Anna Lesher, a native of Long Swamp, Berks County, and to this union five children were reared, namely: Horatio, who is president of the Union National Bank of Reading, and was wedded to a Miss Hunter; William, whose name heads this biographical sketch ; Lesher, deceased, was a well-to-do physician of Ft. Wayne, Ind.; Lucinda, deceased, was the wife of James Rittenhouse, also deceased: and Caroline, deceased, who was the wife of William Schall of Norristown, Pa. Mrs. Trexler passed from this life in 1848 at the age of fifty-four years. Col. William Trexler acquired a good edu- cation in the common schools of his native township, and when he grew to maturity, he engaged in farming, and later enbarked in OL. WILLIAM TREXLER. It is always a matter of interest to review the tannery business on his present farm. He next engaged in the milling business, a7 then in the coal business, and last of all, added a general mercantile store, and is still owner of all of these establishments. He is living a retired life, enjoying the fruits of his early toil, and resides in his beautiful home, which is located at the source of the Lehigh River. Col. Trexler at the age of twenty-six years was united in marriage with Mary Ann Singmaster of Macungie township, Lehigh County, Pa., and a daughter of John Sing- master, a farmer and tanner by trade. Mrs. Trexler died in 1877, having given birth to the following children: Reuben, deceased ; Alonzo, a resident of Huntingdon County, Pa.; Annie was wedded to Henry H. Maltz- geber, a prominent attorney of Reading; Alvin resides in Long Swamp and conducts atannery and coal yard; William; Lesher Ashley is a practicing physician of San Antonio, Texas; John L. S. resides at Mac- ungie, Pa.; Mary is the wife of Mr. Weiler, who is proprietor of the Mansion House of Reading; Henry Clay, deceased; and Myra, deceased. Our subject formed a second matrimonial alliance with Amelia Shawl, who died in February, 1890. Col. Trexler is an unwavering Republican, and was _ post- master of Long Swamp fifty-three years; he has also been justice of the peace, and held several other minor offices, and can proudly say, that when he was a candidate for an office he always came out victorious. Soci- ally, he isa member of Bergess Lodge, No. 333, F. & A. M., of Allentown, Pa.; in relig- ious views, he is a member of the Lutheran Church. Col. Trexler is one of the widely known and honored citizens of Berks County, and commands the respect and esteem of his many acquaintances. (aS SS ILLIAM I. GOLDMAN, a repre- sentative citizen and prominent photographer of the city of Read- ing, Berks County, Pa., where he has been located in business at No. 602 Penn street since 1884, is a son of Isaac and Wilhelmina (Ibach) Goldman, and was born in Werners- ville, Berks County, March 27, 1858. He is of German ancestry on both the paternal and maternal sides of the family. 566 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES Isaac Goldman, his father, was born in Lebanon County, Pa., and after receiving a good common school education, he learned the tailor’s trade and followed it with the best of success throughout his life. He was a Republican, but, other than casting his vote in behalf of his chosen party, he never took an active part in politics. He was joined in marriage bonds with Wilhelmina Ibach, and as a result of their union eleven children were born, four of whom are living, namely: William I., the subject of this sketch; Charles, a resident and _ business man of Chicago, IIl.; Elmer, a house painter of Philadelphia; and Harry, who is associ- ated in business with his brother at Chicago, Ill. Mr. Goldman died in April, 1870, at the age of forty-eight years. William I. Goldman attended the public schools of Wernersville and the Reading Grammar Schools; after obtaining a good practical education, he entered the employ of E. E. Hater, a photographer, as an appren- tice to the profession, at the age of nineteen years. Upon ceasing to be an apprentice, and upon becoming a first-class workman, he continued in the employ ot his preceptor for fifteen consecutive years. He then pur- chased the business, and the reputation en- joyed by the former owner has not only been sustained by Mr. Goldman, but has been greatly added to. He is patronized by peo- ple from all over Berks County, who recog- nize his ability and the excellent facilities at his command for turning out high-class work. Many of the portraits appearing in this work were executed from photographs taken by him, and their excellence reflects great credit upon his skill as a photographer. He is a gentleman of pleasing appearance, and one who creates a favorable impression upon first acquaintance. He is true to a friendship, as is shown by his large circle of friends, who are ever ready to speak a good word for him. He is a member of the Na- tional Photographers’ Association, and is treasurer of the Photographers’ Association of Pennsylvania. Socially, he is a member of Reading Lodge, No. 549, F. & A. M.; Reading Chapter, No. 152, R. A. M.; Allen Council of Allentown, Pa.; De Molay Com- mandery, No. 9, K. T.; Harrisburg Consis- tory of Harrisburg, Rajah Temple, A. A, O. N. M.S.; Reading Lodge, No. 115, B. P. O. E., and of the Odd Fellow Lodge. Mr. Goldman’s portrait is presented on a preced- ing page. ILLIAM A. BATTEIGER is one of the enterprising merchants of Strausstown, Berks County, and the senior member of the firm of Batteiger & Brother, which carries on a general mercan- tile store, in which business they are very successful. He was born in Upper Bern township, August 8, 1852, and is a son of Joseph and Miranda (Kauffman) Batteiger. John Batteiger, the great-great-grandtfather of our subject, came to America with two brothers. Daniel Batteiger, the great-grand- father of our subject, located in the state of Pennsylvania. The father of our subject spent his younger days working ina store; having become accustomed to the business, he moved to Strausstown in 1852, and kept a store. After carrying on a successful busi- ness for many years, he retired from the active duties of life, and our subject and brother now have charge of the store. Our subject's father married Miranda Kauffman, and they were the parents of two sons: Wil- liam A.; and James M., a prominent real estate man of Strausstown. James M. Bat- teiger was born October 28, 1854, and was for many years a school teacher, but is now engaged in the real estate and loan business and is also justice of the peace at Strauss- town, and junior member of the firm of Bat- teiger & Brother. He was married October 21, 1881, to Fannie R. Klahr. Our subject’s mother passed from this life October 28, 1890. The father resides with our subject. William A. Batteiger received his intellec- tual training in the McAlisterville Academy, Juniata County, Pa., where he studied twenty weeks, and then studied eight weeks in the college at Myerstown, Pa. Returning home, he worked one year in an engineering corps, and then began working in the gen- eral mercantile store owned by his father. After his marriage, in 1880, Mr. Batteiger and his brother took charge of their present store, which had been their father’s, who then re- BERKS COUNTY 567 tired from the business to spend his latter days in happiness and comfort. Mr. Batteiger was joined in the bonds of matrimony August 28, 1878, with Emma Re- becca Luckenbill, and to this union six children have been born, namely: Clara; Joseph; Rufus; Florence; Miranda; and Margaret. Our subject is a Democrat; re- ligiously, he is a member of the Lutheran Church and his wife is a member of the Reformed Church. Mr. Batteiger is one of the prominent citizens of the village of Strausstown, and by his honest business methods he has won the esteem and conf- dence of the entire community. ++ and congenial proprietor of the Keystone Hotel of Kutztown, has, by the manner in which he has conducted his business, established a large and paying custom and won the confidence of the traveling public. He was born in Lyon Valley, Lehigh County, Pa. May 4, 1850, and is a son of Levi and Sarah Ann (Bookman) Smoyer. Levi Smoyer, the father of our subject, was also born in Lehigh County, where he learned the trade of a carpenter, and later moved to Allentown, Pa. There he followed his trade and was engaged in contracting until his death. He formed a matrimonial alliance with Sarah Ann Bookman, and they became the parents of one son, Henry L., whose name appears .at the head of this sketch. Mrs. Smoyer was a granddaughter of Peter Bookman, who was born in Weisen- burg, Germany, and came to America, where he followed the trade of a tailor. His wife's name was Shaul, a name of German origin; they became the parents of the following children: Andrew, the maternal grandfather of our subject; Peter; Catherine; Margaret; and Sarah. Andrew Bookman was engaged in agricultural pursuits and owned a portion of the tract of land purchased by his father. He was one of the leading agriculturists of his community and lived a long and useful life, dying at the age of seventy-seven years. He was united in marriage with Sally Ann Ae. L. SMOYER, the popular Hoose, a daughter of Michael and Clarinda (Cossiewic) Hoose, the latter of whom was an Indian of Lyon Valley. This union was blessed by the birth of the following children: Annie; Hattie; Julia; Jennie; Eden; Henry ; Sarah Ann, the mother of our subject; Adelia; Willoughby; Hiram; and Louise. Henry L. Smoyer was reared in Lehigh County and received his education in the common schools, after which he learned the trade of a machinist, but was unable to follow it because of poor eyesight. He therefore sought work that was less confining, and for the following five years was employed as head man at the Lehigh County Almshouse. He then served as steward in the hospital at that place until 1880, when he moved to Kutztown and conducted a bakery for two and a half years, after which he ran a stage between Kutztown and Allentown. After continuing in the latter occupation for a period of four years, he rented the hotel at Eagle Point, which he conducted for one year, and then located again in Kutztown, and was proprietor of the Eagle Hotel for three years. He then purchased the Eagle Point Hotel, which is a large brick structure, with a small but fine farm adjoining; after successfully conducting it for one year, he rented it and again moved to Kutztown. He was then proprietor of the Washington House until 1897, when he took charge of the Keystone Hotel, which is now the leading hotel in Eastern Berks County. He refur- nished it throughout, placed iron and brass bedsteads in every room, and made many other important improvements which go to make a first-class hostelry. The table set by this popular house is also much above the ordinary, and all things desired for the satis. fying of the wants of the inner man are pro- vided. The genial landlord and his worthy wife are very hospitable, and their chief aim is to make their house as comfortable and homelike as possible for their many guests. Mr. Smoyer has had many years of experi- ence in the hotel business, and carefully looks to the every want of his patrons. He has fitted up a fine restaurant in the basement, which is conducted by his son, George F. Smoyer. : Mr. Smoyer was bound in hymeneal bonds with Anna Frey, a daughter of Peter Frey, 568 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES and they are the proud parents of two sons, namely: John Hamilton, who graduated from Pierce’s Business College of Philadel- phia, is a bookkeeper and stockholder in one of Pottsville’s large establishments; and George Franklin, who, after passing his school days at the Keystone State Normal School, learned the trade of a baker at Reading, but is now the popular proprietor of the Keystone Hotel Restaurant. The latter is also an accomplished musician and is one of the finest tenor singers in Berks. County. Mrs. Smoyer is a woman of excel- lent qualities, a kind and loving mother and wife, and numbers her friends almost by her acquaintances. Our subject is a stanch Re- publican in his political belief. In religious attachments, he is a member of the Lutheran Church, and his wife of the Reformed Church. Socially, he is a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle, and the Jr. O. U. A.M. ——————+ear——_—— MONROE BENDER, who owns and operates a farm and conducts * a general merchandise store in the village of Gartield, Center township, is a man of great enterprise and it is wholly through his efforts that the village is in its present thriving condition. He was born February 7, 1856,in Penn township, Berks County, and isason of John and Margaret (Heck) Bender. His paternal grandfather was Philip Ben- der, who was one of the representative agri- culturists of Penn township. In religious belief, he was a member of the Bern Re- formed Church. He was the father of six children, whose names are as follows: John; Jacob; Benjamin; Catherine; Elizabeth; and Amelia, John Bender, the father of our subject, was born in Penn township, in 1808, and was reared on the farm. He learned the trade of a carpenter, and followed it for many years, but after a time abandoned it to engage in farming. He moved to Lower Heidelberg and at the time of his death owned go acres of good land. In his political belief, he was a stanch Democrat, and served in an official capacity as school director and supervisor. Religiously, he was a member of the Bern Reformed Church, of which he was a deacon, He was united in matrimonial bonds with Margaret Heck, by whom.he was made the father of six children, namely: Wellington; Menton; W. Monroe, the subject of this biography; Vilanda; Llewellyn, who died in infancy; and another, who died in child- hood. Mrs. Bender died in 1881, at the age of seventy-three years, and her husband sur- vived her five years, dying at the advanced age of seventy-eight years, W. Monroe Bender received his primary education in the common schools of Lower Heidelberg township, after which he took a course in the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown, Pa., and later in Prof. Bruner’s Academy at Reading. Upon leaving school he taught for five terms in Lower Heidel- berg and Jefferson townships. He then engaged in farming in the former township, where he continued until 1884, when he pur- chased a farm and store property at Garfield, and has since been engaged in tilling the soil and conducting a general mercantile estab- lishment. He also built a creamery at Gar- field in 1896, a cider mill in 1892, and for the past thirteen years has operated a saw mill in that village. He purchased a piece of property at a sheriff's sale, which was in a very dilapidated condition, and upon it built a fine residence and store. In 1808, he pur- chased a farm of 58 acres, located in Penn township, and devoted himself to general farming. He also owns the only blacksmith shop in the village and is interested in many other enterprises. Since his residence there, he has been the village benefactor and has untiringly devoted time and money toward advancing its interests socially, morally and otherwise. Every new enterprise established there may be traced to his influence. Our subject was united in marriage with Ella E. Albright, a daughter of Amos Albright, and they are the happy parents of three children, namely: Maggie L.; Laura T.; and Bessie. In politics, he is an unswerv- ing supporter of the Democratic party, in whose interests he exerts his wide influence at all times. He has served as village post- master for the past thirteen years. He has also held a number of minor offices and has been a member of the school board at differ- BERKS COUNTY 569 ent times, and has been committeeman of the same. Socially, he is a member of Washing- ton Camp, No. 399, P. O. S. of A.; and of the Knights of the Golden Eagle. Religiously, he is a member of the Reformed Church at Bern. ——____+<+—____-—-- ILLIAM D. HORNING, a promi- nent and successful attorney, re- siding in Reading, Pa., was born in West township, Huntingdon County, Pa., July 3, 1847, and is a son of Gilbert and Eliz- abeth ( Peightal) Horning. The great-grandfather of our subject is supposed to have been Michael Horning, who came to America during the early part of the eighteenth century. John Horning, the grandfather of our subject, was born at Trappe. Montgomery County, Pa., but moved to Huntingdon County at an early date; he first worked at the iron industry, but later purchased a large tract of land and carried on general farming the rest of his active days. Gilbert Horning was born at Rebecca Forge, Huntingdon County, in 1820, and re- sided upon the old homestead all his life, fol- lowing the pursuits of an agriculturist. Po- litically, he was a stanch Democrat, and the success of his chosen party in his community was mostly due to his untiring efforts. He served one term as director of the poor of Huntingdon County. He was married to Elizabeth Peightal, and they reared a family of three children, namely: John, Gilbert C., and William D. John is a graduate of the Kishacoquillas Seminary, Mifflin County, and is now a minister of the Central Pennsyl- vania Methodist Conference. Gilbert C.is a bookkeeper in the employ of the Reading Iron Co. The father of our subject entered the world of rest, aged sixty-four years; he was joined by his wife March 4, 1898. William D. Horning received his intellec- tual training in the common schools and then attended Kishacoquillas Seminary; upon leav- ing school he read law with R. M. Spear of Huntingdon, and was admitted to the bar in the spring of 1875. On account of his ill health, he returned to the old homestead, where he spent one year, and on April 11, 1876, he took up his residence in Reading, are where he has since followed his chosen pro- fession. He is regarded as one of the able members of the Berks County Bar, and as a citizen he is held in high esteem. Mr. Horning in politics is a reliable Dem- ocrat, voting uniformly with his party, and doing all in his power to uphold those prin- ciples which he believes will further the in- terests of the public, both locally and at large. Our subject has served three years as attorney for the board of directors of the poor of Berks County. He was united in marriage with Laura J. Shaffer of Reading, and one child, Mary E., has blessed their home. Mr. Horning and family are mem- bers of the Methodist Church of Reading. SSS EUBEN K. FORNEY, who is suc- cessfully engaged in the tilling of the soil near Calcium, in Maiden Creek township, was born September 8, . 1829, in that part of Ontelaunee township that is now Maiden Creek township, and is a son of Jacob and Sarah (King) Forney, grand- son of Jacob Forney and great-grandson of John Forney, who was a farmer in Maiden Creek township and later of Heidelberg township. Jacob Forney, the grandfather of our sub- ject, owned and operated a farm of 130 acres in Maiden Creek township; he also con- ducted a mill, which stood upon his property and was considered one ot the most prosper- ous farmers of his township. In_ political views, he was a Whig. He was a member of the Mennonite Church. He passed from this life at the age of sixty-five years. Jacob Forney, father of Reuben K., was born in Maiden Creek township on the old homestead, and was an agriculturist all his life. Religiously, he was a member of the Dunkard Church. He married Sarah King, and they reared a family of fourteen chil- dren, as follows: Abraham; Jacob; Eliza- beth; John; Enoch; Samuel; Catherine; Reuben K.,the subject of this sketch ; Sarah ; Mary; Diana; and Lydia. Mr. Forney died at the advanced age of eighty-two years. Mrs. Forney passed away at the age of sev- enty-one years. Our subject was educated in the common 57° BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES schools of Maiden Creek township, and at the age of twenty-one took charge of his father’s farm and carried on general farming until 1890, when he moved upon the farm, where he now resides. Besides owning the old homestead, he owns the small farm upon which he lives. In politics, Mr. Forney ad- heres to Republican views, and has served one term as school director. He chose for his life companion Caroline Fox, and they were married November to, 1850. As a re- sult of this union the following children were born to them: Milton, who resides at Wor- cester, Ohio; Mary, the wife of Shate Nel- son, who resides in Kansas City, Mo.; Ella, who remains at home with her parents; Sal- lie; Jacob, who rents the old homestead and is engaged in farming; Eliza; John, a butcher living at Reading, Pa.; Caroline; Clara; Reuben, who died at the age of four years; Catherine, deceased; and one that died in infancy. Mr. Forney is held in high esteem by all who know him as a good neighbor and a valued citizen. —_—_——_+<+—_____. PHRAIM G. WERNER, one of the progressive and enterprising business men of Cumru township, is the proprietor of a large general merchandise store in Mohnsville, and is also extensively engaged in manufacturing boxes and _ ship- ping cases, which are sent to all parts of the county. He is a son of Jeremiah and Kate (Goodheart) Werner, and was born in Fritz- town, Lower Heidelberg township, July 13, 1853. Jeremiah Werner was a native of Heidel- berg township, where he resided and engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1881, when he moved to Mohnsville and purchased a farm, which he has since divided up into lots and sold. He is now living in retirement in Mohnsville, in the midst of a happy family and a large circle of friends. He is a mill- wright by trade, and still does a little work in that line, being a very active man for one of his advanced years. As a result of his union with Kate Goodheart, the following eleven children were born: Ephraim G., the subject of this sketch; William G., a hatter of Mohnsville ; Sarah, the wife of Isaac Tros- tel of Mohnsville; Kate, who married James Coleman, a hatter of Mohnsville; Charles, a shirt manufacturer of Mohnsville; John, a printer of Mohnsville; Ellen, who married John Smith; Amelia, who is the wife of Wil- liam Boyer; Jeremiah; Maggie; and Eliza- beth. Ephraim G. Werner obtained his intellect- ual training in the common schools, and lived at home until he was twenty-three years of age, or until his marriage. He then worked at the trade of a millwright for twelve years, after which he engaged in the manufacture of hat boxes at Mohnsville for one year. He was then connected with the hat manufact- uring plant of J. H. Spatz & Co. for eighteen months, when he went to Gibraltar, where he was superintendent of a hat factory. Later he returned to Mohnsville, where he em- barked in the general merchandise business, in which he has since continued. Besides carrying a complete line of merchandise, he . deals extensively in grain and feed,and en- joys the patronage of the leading citizens of the community. In 1890, Mr. Werner began the manufacture of boxes and all kinds of shipping cases, which are used extensively throughout Berks County. He also operates a planing mill, which is proving a remunera- tive enterprise. Mr. Werner is an enterpris- ing and industrious man, and his success in the various lines of business with which he has been connected is due wholly to his own efforts. December 20, 1874, he was united in mar- riage with Mary Schutter, a daughter of Christian and Christina (Raser) Schutter, both of whom were born in Germany. Upon coming to America, they located in Mont- gomery County, Pa. but later moved to Spring township, Berks County, where they lived the rest of their lives, Mr. Schutter fol- lowing the occupation of a potter. Their union was blessed by eleven children, as fol- lows: William; Mary, the wife of our sub- ject; Emma; Louisa; George; Henry; Erma; Katie; Christina; Harrison; and George. Mr. and Mrs. Werner are the happy parents of six children, namely: John C., who was united in marriage with Sadie M. O'Neill of Mohnsville, January 17, 1895, is now in bus- Iness with his father; Jeremiah died in in- fancy; Maggie is a musician of ability and is SSS HENRY MARTZ. BERKS COUNTY 573 organist of the church; Irving died in child- hood; Walter is living at home; and Anna May, who died in infancy. Socially, Mr. Werner is a member of the Knights of Pyth- ias, whilst in religious views, he is a member of the Evangelical Church. — oe ( ENRY MARTZ, of Reading, who renders valuable assistance to the Berks County Court asa detective, is a son of Peter and Elizabeth (Shimp) Martz, and was born in Reading, March 21, 1852. Peter Martz, the father of our subject. came to Reading at an early age and engaged in the trade of a carpet weaver, following that all of his life. He was joined in the holy bonds of wedlock with Elizabeth Shimp, and they reared the following children; Mary, the wife of Joseph Faring of Reading; Henry, in whom the interest of this sketch centers; Peter of Philadelphia, a moulder by avocation; George is a moulder and resides in Reading; Ellen, deceased, was the wife of Jacob Squint of Reading ; and Samuel, who is also a moulder and a resident of Reading. Our subject’s opportunities for receiving a good education were limited, as his father died when he was but a lad of twelve years, and he was obliged to leave the public school and help support the family. Nevertheless, he has secured an excellent intellectual train- ing, by constant contact with the world, and by devoting his spare moments to reading. At the age of twelve, he took a position in the Reading Cotton Mills, and by faithful and industrious work won the confidence and good will ot his employers, who promoted him as occasion presented itself, and at the end of eight years was foreman in the spin- ning department, retaining this position dur- ing the remainder of his stay with that firm. He next learned the trade of a moulder with Jones, Oaks & Co., serving his apprenticeship and remaining in their employ for about ten years. He was trusted and respected by the gentlemen for whom he worked, who had great confidence in his ability. Any difficult or intricate piece of mechanism, which re- quired more than ordinary skill, was always put in his charge. His next position was (2 lo with the Reading Hardware Co., then with Orr, Painter & Co., who operated the Read- ing Stove Works, with whom he remained until 1887. He received the appointment of first sergeant of police under Mayor James R. Kenney, and satisfactorily filled that posi- tion for three years, when he was removed by the election of a Democratic mayor. He was then appointed a private detective by the Berks County Court, and opened an office in the Eagle Building, No. 6 South Sixth street, where he has since carried on that business. He is well fitted for the work, pos- sessing the necessary traits of character and shrewdness, and his success in that line of work has been beyond his fondest hopes. In his professional career he has been connected with many cases, prominent among which is the famous Walter Winterstein case, and that of Robert Taylor, the noted drug thief of Reading and Birdsboro. He has been twice united in matrimonial bonds, his first union being with Susan Hor- ner, by whom he had two children: Lizzie and Irene. His second union was with Sadie Gicker, whose estimable traits of character have won for her the love and friendship of all with whom she is acquainted. In political belief, Mr. Martz has always been an un- swerving Republican, in which party he pos- sesses vast influence, and it was greatly through his efforts that James R. Kenney was elected mayor of Reading. He isa public spirited man, and is interested in all projects which have for an end the advancement and elevation of the standing of the city. So- cially, he is treasurer of the local organiza- tion of the Knights of Labor, and also of the district organization. He is a member of Sirius Castle, No. 63, Knights of the Golden Eagle; Camp No. 212, P. O. S. of A. of Read- ing; and Mt. Penn Lodge, I. O. O. F. of Reading. Mr. Martz’s portrait is shown on a preceding page. E J Reformed Church Record, * two prominent papers published at Reading Pa., was born in North Annville township, Lebanon County, Pa., September ———__+-+ ANIEL MILLER, editor of the Republikaner Von Berks and the 574 19, 1843. His early days were spent under the parental roof, attending the common schools of his native township during the winter months, and assisting his father in the labors about the farm during the summer months. April 6, 1859, he began working in the printing office at Lebanon, owned by John Young & Co.,and after serving an ap- prenticeship. to the printer’s trade several years, he was appointed foreman of the office, remaining in that capacity until 1868. In the summer of 1863, a short time before the battle of Gettysburg, our subject en- listed in the Pennsylvania Emergency Army, and after the invading forces had been driven back he was honorably discharged. On January 1, 1869, Mr. Miller moved to the city of Reading, and began the publica- tion of a German paper entitled Republikaner Von Berks, which was issued weekly. The paper is now in its thirtieth year, is well managed, has a liberal patronage, and is devoted to the interests of the city and the county, and the general development of the state. April 1, 1888, Mr. Miller established the Reformed Church Record, which at once attained an extensive circulation. He has also published a number of books, which are now being used in the Reformed Church. Mr. Miller chose for his life companion Sarah Keller of Hill Church, Lebanon County, and they were united in marriage June 9, 1865. Four children were the result of this union, one of whom died in infancy. The oldest son, Rev. D. K. Miller, is labor- ing in Japan as a missionary. +o leading mercantile establishment of Shoemakersville and an enterprising and progressive citizen, was born in Perry township, Berks County, September 26, 185g. Heisa son of Stephen and Matilda (Rubright) Keim, and a grandson of John Keim. John Keim was a native of Perry town- ship, where he was engaged in shoemaking all his life. In political belief, he unswerv- ingly supported the principles advocated by the Democratic party. Religiously, he was | R. KEIM, the proprietor of the BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES a faithful member of the Zion’s Church, Reformed. He was the progenitor of a fam- ily of five children, whose names are as fol- lows: Elias: John; Benneville; Esther (Becker); and Stephen, the father of our subject. John Keim’s long and peaceful career came to an end after withstanding the vicissitudes of fortune for seventy years. Stephen Keim was born in Perry town- ship, and received his intellectual training in the common schools. After leaving school he learned the trade of a shoemaker and fol- lowed it for some years in his native town. He owns a farm in that township, upon which he now resides and which he culti- vates. Heis well knownand highly respected in that vicinity, being one of the leading agri- culturists and citizens. In politics he sides with the Democratic party, and has held many of the minor town offices. Religiously, he is a member of the Reformed Church, and served as deacon of the local organiza- tion for many years. He was drafted to fight in the Civil War, but sent a substitute. His companion in life is Matilda Rubright, and they are the proud parents of three sons, namely: Amos, who is a farmer in Upper Bern township; James R., whose name appears at the head of these personal lines ; and Frank, who is a farmer residing in Lehigh County. James R. Keim received his intellectual training for the battles of life in the common schools of Perry township. Leaving school at the age of seventeen years, he became a clerk in a store at South Evansville, and con- tinued in that line of work at different places for some fifteen years. In 1891 he embarked in the mercantile business on his own account in the village of Shoemakersville, where he is at present engaged in business. His long years of experience, gained in the employ of others, well qualified him for this upward step in life, as is shown by his subsequent success. He carries a complete line of gen- eral merchandise, always of the best quality, and the store is neat and carefully systema- tized, making it a pleasure as well as a duty to do shopping there. His trade has had a wonderful growth, and compares favorably with any other in that section of the county. He is a man of purpose, shrewd and ener- getic, and possesses the confidence of all with BERKS COUNTY 575 whom he is acquainted, both in business affairs and socially. Our subject was united in marriage Jan- uary 10, 1884, with Mary Miller, a daughter of Benneville Miller, a farmer of Bern town- ship, and they are the happy parents of five children, whose names are as follows: Mer- tie; George; Mamie; Hattie; and William. In religious belief he accepts the doctrines of the Reformed Church, and is serving as trustee and treasurer of the local church. ——_~+@ao>————_ the Civil War, who is now engaged in general farming, stock-raising and dairying in Long Swamp township, was born in that township November 21, 1839 He is a son of John and Elizabeth (Gregory) Hertzog, and a grandson of Jacob and Catherine (Shall) Hertzog. Jacob Hertzog, who was a native of Ger- many, upon coming to this country located on a farm in Pike township, Berks County, Pa., where he lived until his death occurred, October 6, 1820. His companion in life was Catherine Shall, who also died in Pike town- ship, August 29, 1860, at the age of seventy- seven years. John Hertzog was born in Pike township, August 8, 1798; at the age of twenty-two years he moved to Long Swamp township and located on a farm near the village of Hancock. He followed agricultural pursuits, and was one of the good, substantial farmers of the community. He was joined in hyme- neal bonds with Elizabeth Gregory, a native of Long Swamp township, and they reared a family of nine children, whose records are as follows: Levi is now living in retirement in White Hall, Pa.; Sarah, deceased; John, deceased; Willoughby died at the age of eight years; Daniel, who lives at Trexler- town, is in the lightning rod business; Rich- ard works in a livery stable at Allentown; Mary, the wite of David Geist, lives in Long Swamp township; Fienne married Charles Fry, a farmer living in Missouri; and Jacob F., the subject of this biographical sketch. Mrs. Hertzog passed into the world of rest November 24, 1858, and her husband joined her January 3, 1874. dl F. HERTZOG, a veteran of Jacob F. Hertzog received his education in the common schools of his native town, and was reared on the farm until he was twenty-one years of age. He then enlisted in the army, being a member of Co. K, 47th Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf., under Capt. Junker and Col. Good, and took part in engagements at Charleston and Savannah. He received a bullet wound in the right elbow at the battle of Potacogo, which incapacitated him for fur- ther service, and he received his discharge at Bedloe’s Island, N. Y., February 24, 1863. Upon returning home, he tended bar in the Mertztown Hotel for five years, after which he moved upon the farm which he now owns. It consists of 60 acres of well improved land, which is well suited for carrying on dairying and stock raising. He is a shrewd and suc- cessful manager, and a prosperous farmer. May 30, 1868, he was united in marriage with Rachael Long, who was born in Long Swamp township, July 31, 1839, and is a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Bieber) Long, the former of whom was a farmer and cigarmaker, but is now living in retirement, as he is past eighty-one years of age. This union was blessed by the birth of three chil- dren, namely: Harvey J., who was born Au- gust 14, 1872, married Sally Fritch, and lives on a farm near our subject; Valley R., who was born January 8, 1875, is now living at home; and one child who died in infancy. Both our subject and wife are faithful mem- bers of the Reformed Church in Long Swamp township. In political belief, Mr. Hertzog has always been a stanch Republi- can, —_~+@>4—____—__ ELLINGTON BERTOLET. This worthy and esteemed citizen, who is classed among the progressive and enterprising business men of Reading, is a gentleman greatly respected for his ster- ling worth, and is one of the representative men of Berks County. Up to May, 1897, our subject had been connected with the Philadelphia & Reading R. R. for a period of twenty-six years, having commenced as a brakeman, and step by step he worked his way up from the lowest round of the ladder until he attained the position of superintend- 576 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES ent of the main line. His splendid success simply illustrates what ability, coupled with energy and perseverance, will accomplish, and his career is a good example for others to follow. Resigning his position in 1897, he has since been engaged in the coal business. Mr. Bertolet is a son of Mayberry A. and Louisa (Fisher) Bertolet, and was born in Schuylkill County, Pa., October 31, 1844. The family was founded by French Hugue- nots, driven from home by religious persecu- tions, who were among the early settlers of Oley township, Berks County, Pa. Our sub- ject’s grandfather was Daniel Bertolet, who was born in Oley township, and resided there all his life, engaged in the pursuits of an agriculturist. He was one of the leading citizens of his community, and in all his relations with the public his actions were prompted by pure motives anda desire for the general good. In politics, he was an -old line Whig, and was honored by a seat in the State Legislature two terms. His son, May- berry A., the father of our subject, was born on his father’s farm in Oley township. He attended the district schools of Oley township during his younger days, and when he grew to manhood moved to Schuylkill County, and erected a rolling mill, which he operated a number of years and then took up his resi- dence at Reading. In partnership with his cousin Samuel Bertolet, he erected a rolling mill at West Reading, and operated the same until the year 1857, when he became con- nected with the Scott Foundry of that city. He also operated the Star Forge, which was suspended in 1857. After having charge of the Scott Foundry many years, he gave up the iron business and moved to Philadelphia, where he accepted a position as a deputy naval officer, which position he held until his death. He was a Whig, as was his father, and was.quite prominent in politics, and dur- ing the latter part of the fifties, he was ten- dered the nomination for Congressman, but was forced to decline, owing to his business, which required his undivided attention. Religiously, Mr. Bertolet was a member of the Reformed Church. He was united in marriage with Louisa Fisher, and a family of eleven children blessed this union, namely : Howard, who died in 1861; Emma, the wife of Charles Fritz of Reading; Amelia died young; Mary was wedded to Benjamin Davis, who is now deceased; Wellington, whose name heads this narrative; Benneville, a prominent coal dealer of Reading; May- berry, assistant trainmaster of the P.& R.R. R., resides at Tamaqua, Pa.; Margaret; Louise, the wife of Charles M. Frame, a resi- dent of Reading; Charles, deceased; and Lydia, who died in infancy. Wellington Bertolet acquired a good edu- cation in the schools of Reading, and as a means of obtaining a livelihood he followed the vocation of a roller in a sheet mill of Reading for a period of three years. He then entered the employ of the P.& R.R.R. as a brakeman, and was promoted from time to time, until he became superintendent of the Atlantic City Road and Shamokin Divi- ‘sion, and was later promoted to be superin- tendent of the main division of the P. & R. R. R. After being connected with railroad life for twenty-six years, he resigned his posi- tion in May, 1897, and has since been engag- ed in the coal business in Reading. Mr. Bertolet stands high in the estimation of his fellow-men, and has won the confidence and esteem of the entire community. Mr. Bertolet formed a matrimonial alliance with Esther Miller, a daughter of Mr. Miller, a prominent citizen of Reading, and this union was blessed by the birth of the follow- ing children: Annie, the wife of Charles Hunter, a prominent coal merchant of Read- ing; Howard, who wedded Anna Kutzner, is a resident of Reading, and is also engaged in the coal business; and Benneville died in infancy. ie ILLIAM S. KUTZ, one of the sub- stantial farmers of Berks County, anda valued and highly respected citizen of Kutztown, was born on his present farm, which is located just outside the bor- ough limits, December 29, 1834. He is a son of Benjamin and Sarah (Seidler) Kutz, grand- son of Jacob and Susanna (Gehr) Kutz, and great-grandson of Jacob and Elizabeth (Biz- rardt) Kutz. Jacob Kutz was a native of Rotterdam, Germany, and with 72 Palatines and a family of 100 people, boarded the vessel BEARD. AMOS H. BERKS COUNTY 579 Pink Palaisance with John Paret as master, and set sail for the American shores. They landed in Philadelphia September 21, 1732, and Jacob Kutz, the great-grandfather of our subject, immediately came to Berks County and located in Maxatawny township, where he purchased a small tract of land and en- gaged in farming. He was united in wed- lock with Elizabeth Bizrardt, who bore him the following children: Jacob; Daniel; Peter; and Elizabeth. Jacob Kutz, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was one of the wealthy farmers of Berks County, and, besides carrying on gen- eral farming, loaned money. During the latter part of his life, he retired to Kutztown, where he spent his remaining days in quiet and comfort. He formed a marriage with Susanna Gehr, and they reared the following children: David; Samuel; Joseph; Benja- min; Rebecca; Elizabeth; and Ann. Benjamin Kutz, the father of our subject, was born on the old homestead in Maxa- tawny township, and when he grew to man- hood his father purchased for him the Eliza- beth Deisher farm, which consisted of 99 acres. In 1834 Mr. Kutz built a large stone barn, which is still standing; he also built a large brick house, a part of which is still being occupied by our subject. Politically, he was a stanch Democrat; in his religious views, he was a member of the Reformed Church of Kutztown. He was wedded to Sarah Seidler, and the following children were born to them: Jacob, deceased; Daniel, a resident of Kutztown; William S., our sub- ject; and Helena, the wife of Jonathan Beihl. Mr. Kutz passed from this life at the age of sixty-eight years. The mother of our sub- ject died aged eighty-two years. William S. Kutz received his primary education in the common schools of Kutz- town, and then attended Franklin Academy. At his father’s death he became proprietor of his father’s farm, upon which he has made many improvements; he has remodeled the house and has one of the most beautiful homes in Maxatawny township. He has sold several lots suitable for homes, and is one of the energetic business men of his community. Our subject chose for his life companion Sarah Kemp, daughter of John Kemp, who comes from one of the oldest families in Eastern Berks. Mr. and Mrs. Kutz are the parents of three children, namely: Wilson B., who superintends his father’s interests in Maxatawny township; Solon H., who died at the age of six months; and Harry W., who graduated from the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown in 1893, aged sixteen years. Our subject strongly advo- cates the principles of the Democratic party, and has served as school director and in several other minor offices. He is a member of Huguenot Lodge, F. & A. M. of Kutz- town, of which he is past master. —— +e MOS H. BEARD. This worthy and highly respected citizen of Reading, whose portrait is shown on the opposite page, has been in the em- ploy of the P. & R. R. R. since 1874, and has tor the past dozen years been serving in thé capacity of foreman of the carpentering and blacksmithing department of the East Penn- sylvania and Allentown branches. He has also served one year in the Common Council of the city, and is now filling his twelfth year in the Select Council, being a represen- tative of the Twelfth Ward. Our subject was born near Birdsboro, Robeson township, this county, Noveiber 30, 1844, and is ason of Henry and Elizabeth (Warren) Beard. The family is of German origin, and early settled in Eastern Pennsylvania. Our subject’s grandfather was a native of Robeson town- ship, Berks County, and resided there all his life, pursuing the occupation of an agricultur- ist. He died on his farm: which was located in what is now known as White Bear: he was an industrious farmer, an honor to his profession, and was greatly respected by his neighbors and acquaintances. Henry Beard, the father of our subject, was also born in Robeson township, and his boyhood days were spent working upon his father’s farm, and attending the district school. Early in life he embarked in the mercantile business, in which he was very successful and contin- ued in it for many years; later he ran a line of boats on the old Schuylkill Canal a number of years and then took to farming. Politi- cally, he was an unwavering Democrat, 580 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES firmly supporting the principles of that party. He was joined in marriage with Elizabeth Warren, and to them were born the follow- ing children: Augustus, who died in 1876; Mary died in her infancy; Catherine is the wite of William High of Reading; Elizabeth is the widow of Benjamin F. Stratton, a wholesale liquor dealer of Pottstown; and Amos H., our subject. Amos H. Beard attended the public schools about three months and then entered the Philomathian Institute at Birdsboro, this county, which was under the professorship of Messrs. Guldin and Evans; later he at- tended the Pottstown schools and completed his elementary education in the Freeland Seminary of Montgomery County. In 1863 he came to Reading with the intention of learning the trade of machinist, but being eighteen years of age and old enough to enlist in the Union Army, he gladly offered his services, and became a soldier in Co. I, 194th Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf., which was under the command of Col. McMichael and Cap- tain Quimby. After serving some five months, he went to Philadelphia, thence to Birdsboro, where he was employed in his father’s store. He then was engaged in rail- roading until 1871, when he embarked in the mercantile business and later operated a stone quarry at Birdsboro. He then re- entered the employ of the P. & R. R. R., and is now foreman of the carpentering and blacksmithing forces, and has charge of the painting and masonry work of the West Reading, East Pennsylvania and Allentown branches, in which capacity he has faithfully served for the past twelve years. In politics, Mr. Beard is a stanch Demo- crat, the principles of which party he be- lieves in honestly and sincerely, and he casts his vote with the party whenever the oppor- tunity occurs. He is one of the political leaders of Reading, and has frequently served his party in county and city conventions; in 1889 he was elected a member of the Com- mon Council for one year, and at the end of his first term he was elected a member of the Select Council from the Twelfth Ward, and is now serving his twelfth year in that body. He was president of the Select Council one year and served on all the important com- mittees. Socially, he is a member of Pro. gressive Lodge, No. 470, I. O. O. F.; is a member and was one of the organizers of Castle No. 51, K. of G. E.; Council No. 1104, Royal Arcanum; and the P. & R. R. R. Relief Association. He was united in mar- riage with Kate E. Hipple, and they are the parents of the following children: Elmer E., born September 7, 1867, was formerly assist- ant supervisor of the Milwaukee, Lake Shore & Western R. R., later held that position with the P. & R. R. R., and is now assistant city engineer,—his wife is Lottie E. Hartman; William wedded Alice Boyer, and is operator in the trainmaster’s office of Reading; Kirk A. died, aged ten months; Harry W. is a florist by trade; and Bessie M., who lives at, home. ++ the distinguished and progressive farmers who have been successful- NX ly engaged in the pursuits of agri- culture in Berks County is the gentleman named above, who resides in Amity town- ship. He is a son of Samuel and Mary (Yocum) Harbold, and was born in Amity township, Berks County, Pa., July 22, 1847. His great-grandfather was Frederick Har- bold, a native of Germany. He married Phoebe Ann , also a native of Ger- many, and they were the parents of a large family of children. Jacob Harbold, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was born October 24, 1786, and owned and operated the farm now owned by our subject. He started out in life with empty pockets, but by perseverance and hard work he succeeded in accumulating a small fortune, and was one of the leading farmers of Berks County. He passed from this lite February 4, 1867, at the advanced age of eighty years, three months and eleven days. He married Ann Holloway, daughter of John and Mar- garet Holloway. Mrs. Harbold entered the world of rest October 28, 1861, aged seventy- two years, eight months and twenty-three days. They were the parents of the follow- ing children: Mary, deceased; Frederick and John, both deceased; Elizabeth, the wife of William Lord of Union township, this county, both deceased ; Samuel, the father of Are Y. HARBOLD. Among BERKS COUNTY 581 our subject; Harriett, deceased, was the wife of Abraham Boyer of Amity township ; Mah- lon, deceased, resided in Pottstown; and Jacob, also deceased. Samuel Harbold first saw the light of day April 16, 1817, and entered the world of rest August 29, 1848. After attending the com- mon schools of his native place, he moved to Douglassville where he engaged in the tilling of the soil for a short time, when he then took up teaming for the old Hopewell Fur- nace Co. He married Mary Yocum, daugh- ter of Daniel Yocum, late a farmer of Pott’s Grove township, Montgomery County, Pa. To Mr. and Mrs. Harbold two children were born, namely: Daniel, a well-to-do farmer of Amity township, and Horace Y., the subject of this personal history. After the death of Mr. Harbold, our subject’s mother was joined in marriage with Lewis Custer, and they reared three children, as follows: Luther, who is a clerk at Pottstown; Laura, the wife of Jacob Laver of Boyertown; and Willie. Horace Y. Harbold was but fourteen months old when his tather’s death occurred, and he and his brother Daniel were taken to the home of their grandfather, where they grew to manhood. Our subject attended the common schools. Upon the death of their grandfather, the two brothers purchased the farm and operated the same for four years, when our subject purchased the interests of his brother, and has carried on farming until the present date. The farm consists of 117 acres of the best improved land in that sec- tion of the county ; in recent years Mr. Har- bold bought 52 acres adjoining his property on the east and 32 acres adjoining his farm on the west. Our subject also owns a tract of chestnut timber in Chester County, Pa. He deals extensively in dairying, and has his farm stocked with some 30 head of cattle. December 22, 1870, Catherine Gabel, daugh- ter of David Gabel of Boyertown, and our subject were happily united in marriage. Mr. Harbold and wife are members of the Lutheran Church, and for the last eight years he has been elder ; he is also superintendent of the Union Sunday School of Amity town- ship. In politics, he supports the Republi- can party, and has served as a school direct- or for six years. Mr. Harbold is also a di- rector of the National Bank of Pottstown. aay AVID MILLER, who is success- fully engaged in the tilling of the soil near Monocacy Station, Amity township, is a son of William and Elizabeth (Umstead) Miller, and was born at the above place January 11, 1855. The Miller family is of German ancestry ; the grandfather of our subject, who was one of the early settlers of Montgomery County, was engaged in general farming and conducted a woolen mill all his active days. William Miller was born in Montgomery County, this state, and was a miller by trade. For forty years he was the owner and opera- tor of the Monocacy Flouring Mills, and by thrifty and economical ways of dealing suc- ceeded in accumulating a small fortune. Later he worked in Reading, and for two years was busily engaged in the manufacture of cannons for the United States Govern- ment. May 7, 1895, at the age of seventy- four years, he closed his eyes and entered the world of rest. In religious views he wasa member of the Lutheran Church. He was twice united in marriage; his first wife, Miss Swinehart, bore him three children: Mary, the wife of Charles Herner of Amity town- ship; Annie, who married Nathaniel Herner, also of Amity township; and one that died in childhood. His second wife was Elizabeth Umstead, daughter of Hermend Umstead, a merchant and hotel keeper of West Monoc- acy, and also a boatman on the Schuylkill Canal. Mr. Miller by his second wife reared eight children, who were as follows: Ange- line, the wife of Christian Eckert, a well-to do farmer of Union township; David, the sub- ject of this brief narrative; John W., a resi- dent of Monocacy Station; Kate, a profes- sional nurse; Samuel of Allentown; Lydia, who married Ammon Shirey of Monocacy ; Caroline, the wife of Ellwood Wian; also of Monocacy; Bertha; and Sally and Frances, both of whom died young. Mr. Miller held to the Lutheran doctrine. David Miller received his education in the common schools of his native township, and spent his boyhood days in the mill owned by his father, learning the trade of a miller; in 1880 he rented the mill property of his father, and in 1896 bought a small farm of 33 acres near Monocacy Station, which he has since put in a fine state of cultivation and ‘Mathias Roth, the great-grandfather, emi- grated from the Palatinate, in Germany, to America some time in the early part of the eighteenth century. Soon after settling in Colebrookdale township, he became the owner by purchase from Rutter & Potts of several hundred acres of land with im- provements, in what is now Morysville, near Boyertown. He was an extensive farmer and miller. Jonathan Roth, the grandfather, inherited the milland a farm near Morysville, to which he added about 40 acres. About the beginning of the nineteenth century the orthography of the name was changed from Roth to Rhoads, through the instrumentality of the instructors of the children of that period. John Rhoads, the father, succeeded to his father’s property, and was an extensive farmer on the old homestead and also oper- ated a still He was a prosperous and wealthy man, and a member of the Lutheran Church. He was married to Catherine Boyer, whose father, Henry, and an uncle, David, were the founders of Boyertown. Her grandfather, Jacob Beyer, as the name was then spelled, was a native of Germany. This union was blessed with thirteen chil- dren, six sons and seven daughters, of whom four daughters and two sons are now living, the latter being Reuben B.,a physician of Boyertown, and our subject. Dr. Thomas J. B. Rhoads was the twelfth child of his parents, and was educated before the common school system was adopted in Berks County. His mental training was principally conducted by that grand man, who was a veteran in the ranks of teachers, Henry G. Stetler. Later he attended Mt. Pleasant Seminary of Boyertown, when that institution was at the height of its success. Still later he was a pupil under the Hon. Augustus S. Sassaman, from whom he ob- tained a practical knowledge of the higher branches of English literature and mathe- matics. At the age of eighteen he was secured by the directors of the Wise School, in Colebrookdale township, to take charge of the school, and during the following three years he taught the Gabletown School, which closed his duties as a teacher. During his leisure hours in 1857-58, he applied himself to the study of medicine with such good results BERKS COUNTY 583 that he had acquired a considerable knowl- edge of that science, and in the spring of 1859 retired from the teachers’ ranks and en- tered the office of his brother, Dr. R. B. Rhoads, then a successful practicing physi- cian of Zieglersville, Montgomery County, but later a resident of Boyertown. In the fall of that year, in October, 1859, he entered Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, from which he was graduated in March, 1861. On May 23 of that year, he opened an office at Gilbertsville, Montgomery County, where he soon gained the confidence and esteem of the people of that section and built up a large and lucrative practice. In September, 1862, he responded to the call of his country for volunteers, and proceeded to Harrisburg, where he passed a creditable examination before the state board ot medi- cal examiners, and was commissioned as assistant surgeon, with the rank of first lieutenant, and assigned to the 169th Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf., then stationed at Gloucester Point, opposite Yorktown, Va. During the winter of 1862 he and his brother, Dr. R. B. Rhoads, had medical charge of all the forces then stationed at Gloucester Point, Fort Keyes, and a large settlement of “ contra- bands” as well as the brigade hospital. His brother being the senior officer, the onerous duties connected with the work fell to the share of our subject, and the unavoidable ex- posure to which he was subjected brought on an attack of typho-malarial fever, which prostrated him for several weeks, and came near cutting short a career which has been filled with usefulness. However, a strong constitution, and a determination to get well, at length triumphed over disease, and he was once more able to return to his duties, but has ever since been subject to rheumatic attacks. When the campaign opened in 1863 he shared with the regiment the trials and dangers until they were mustered out of service in July of that year. Returning home, he began the practice of his profession in Boyertown, where his extensive experi- ence in medicine and surgery during his term in the army soon gave him a leading place in the medical fraternity, and caused him to be overrun with patients. He has been in the active practice of his profession for a period of almost thirty-seven years, 584 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES with the exception of some six months in 1882, when he was laid up with a compound fracture of the right leg. This fracture was caused by a runaway horse. He has had several attacks of inflammatory rheumatism. He was formerly one of the stockholders of the National Bank of Boyertown, organized in 1874, and was elected its first president, a position he occupied until January, 1883, when he declined a re-election. He was one of the original stockholders and directors of the Farmers’ National Bank of Boyertown, which was organized on March 20, 1883, be- coming its first president, which position he still holds. On January 2, 1886, he became treasurer of the Boyertown Mutual Fire In- surance Co. upon the organization of that institution, and still acts in that capacity. He is interested to a considerable extent in real estate, principally in Boyertown, where he owns and operates the Opera House, in which building the Farmers’ National Bank is located. He is also the owner and mana- ger of a large hardware store, which he opened in 1885, and in which he carries a full line of general hardware. Dr. Rhoads was married May Io, 1862, to Theresa F. Leidy, only daughter of Capt. Henry Leidy. This marriage was blessed with two sons and two daughters. Only one child is now living, Dr. Thomas Leidy Rhoads, a graduate of Jefferson College, and up to April, 1898, a practicing physician at 1703 Walnut street, Philadelphia, and clinical assistant of Prof. Kean of the Jefferson Clin- ical. On May 28, 1898, he was commissioned by President McKinley as an assistant sur- geon of the navy, with the rank of ensign, and is stationed at the naval hospital in Washington, and as soon as the battleship Chicago is completed he will be assigned to her. Dr. Rhoads is president of the board of health, and has held that position since its organization in 1894. He isa Democrat of the Jacksonian type, and a member of the Lutheran Church. He has been commander of the Gen. Geo. Crook Post, No. 597, G. A. R., of Boyertown, and is a very worthy man and citizen. As a physician he is painstaking and sympathetic, as a citizen, public-spirited and energetic, and asa neighbor, kind and indulgent. His character is irreproachable, and he is beloved by the entire community. In his latter years the Doctor has devoted considerable of his time to the writing of poetry. He is the author of several poems that have received much favorable comment from the press. Among the poems which have attracted most attention, are—‘‘ The Old Musket;” “The Chimney Corner ;” “The Tale of Onewago,” a tale of Indian life; and “Old Tony’s Last Ride,” a humor- ous sketch of a darkey’s wild ride. ——_ or EORGE WALTERS, who owns and operates the Schuylkill Valley Rol- ler Mills in Hamburg, where he is one of the most enterprising and progressive citizens, is a son of Christopher and Susanna (Walters) Walters, and is a native of Switzer- land, where he was born August 2, 1835. Christopher Walters, the father of our subject, operated a knitting mill and owned considerable property in Wurtemberg, Ger- many, where he lived until 1849. He then came to America and located at Philadelphia, where he followed the trade of a locksmith and operated a brass foundry. He subse- quently returned to Germany, where he died in Weingarten, near the boundary line of Switzerland. He served two terms as a private in the German Army, one for his brother Stephen, who was a lawyer. George Walters, the subject of this bio- graphical sketch, was fourteen years of age when he came to this country with his parents. He was located at Philadelphia for a time, after which he came to Berks County with his uncle, John Walters. Our subject clerked for some time in a store at Fort Clin- ton, and was then induced to accept a posi- tion as captain of a boat on the Schuylkill Canal. He continued in that line of business for over thirty years, and became a boat — owner. He ran between the Schuylkill Canal and points on the Atlantic Coast, the Hudson River, and Lake Champlain. In 1881 he gave up boating and purchased the Hamburg Steam Mills, one of the oldest mills in the county, and has operated them ever since. Since they have been under his man- en many important changes have taken place, chief of which was in 1892, when the roller process was introduced. The mills LAMBERT A. REHR. BERKS COUNTY 587 have a capacity of two barrels of white flour and one of rye flour per hour. He has a large and paying trade, and has made an enviable reputation by his honest dealings with his customers. May 19, 1861, he was united in marriage with Hattie Motes, a daughter of John Motes, and they are the happy parents of nine children, whose names are as follows: Anna (Matten); Hattie (Burns); Charles, de- ceased; George; William, who died in in- fancy; Emily (Matz); John; Miama; and James. He is a member of the Lutheran Church of Hamburg, of which he is also a trustee. In political belief he is a stanch Republican. Socially, he is a member of Vaux Lodge, No. 4o6, F. & A. M.; Sym- metry Lodge, No. 103, I. O. O. F.; and En- campment, No. 106. He is also a member of the Hamburg Building & Loan Association. +o AMBERT A. REHR. This prominent and highly esteemed citizen of Read- ing is one of the most enterpris- ing and progressive business men of that place. He is a member of the Read- ing Lumber Co., which is the largest of its kind in Reading, and is a member of the firm of Rehr & Hinnershitz, contractors and builders. He was born in Churchville, this county, September 10, 1852, and is a son of William and Caroline (Klemmer) Rehr. Richard Rehr, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was born in Washington, Berks County, and his father, Martin Rehr, emigrating from France, was one of the pioneer settlers of that township, having settled there prior to the Revolutionary War, in which conflict his brother, Joseph Rehr, served throughout. It was on the farm in Washington township that Richard Rehr was born, and there he lived all his active days. Richard was a shoe- maker by trade, and sold boots and shoes in the city of Philadelphia. He wasalso in the boot and shoe business in the city of Reading, doing business at the southeast corner of 6th and Court streets. He was married to Elizabeth Eck, and to them were born the following chil- dren: Reuben; Richard; William, the father of our subject; Samuel; Ann; Kate; Maria; Hannah; Jonas; Sarah: and Mary. William 28 : Rehr was born on the old homestead in Washington township May 18, 1827, and re- mained under the parental roof until he became of age. He then went to Philadel- phia, and worked with William French, learning the trade of a plasterer; after learn- ing his trade he returned home, and in 1851 was married; with his bride he moved to Reading in 1852, where he lived until 186s, when he moved to Mahanoy City, but in 1869 returned to Reading, where he followed his trade until his death, which occurred November 5, 1877. Religiously, he was a consistent member of the Roman Catholic Church. In connection with his trade he also dealt in real estate, and was held in high esteem by his neighbors and acquaintances, who recognized in him one of the valued members of their community. His wife, Caroline Klemmer, bore him nine children, three of whom died in infancy. Those who grew to maturity were: our subject; Emma, the wife of John Knapp of Reading; Lucas, a plasterer residing at Reading; Harvey, station agent for the W. & N. R. R,, at Gibraltar, Pa.; Maria, deceased, was the wife of Charles Witman of Reading; and Richard, who was killed July 7, 1877, while playing in the P. & R. R. R. yards. Lambert A. Rehr acquired a common school education, working during the sum- mer and attending school in winter to the age of thirteen years, and 2 terms at night schools of Reading; during his boyhood he assisted his father in the plastering business ; at the age of seventeen he learned his father’s trade, and has followed that occupation to the present time. At the age of thirty years he formed a partnership with Jacob B. Fricker, and under the firm name of Rehr & Fricker they engaged in the building of houses for sale. They are the largest builders in Read- ing, and our subject has superintended the erection of about 1,200 houses built by the firm, which business they are following up to this time. In 1891 the firm of Rehr & Fricker, R. G. Shalter and Andrew Fricker purchased the lumber yard then owned by Frederick Boas; the firm is now known as the Reading Lumber Co., and they do the largest business of any firm in Reading in building lumber. In 1892 he engaged in building operations with Garrett B. 588 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES Stevens, under the name of Stevens & Co., which firm is still in existence; in 1895 our subject began contracting with William R. Hinnershitz, under the firm name of Rehr & Hinnershitz, and they have successfully fol- lowed that line of business to the present time. Mr. Rehr has been a director of the Penn National Bank since 1893, and of the Penn Hardware Works since 1896. In religious views he is a member of the St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church. May 8, 1882, our subject was united in marriage with Rosa Brady, a daughter of Henry Brady of Reading, and the following children have blessed their home: Rosa; Carrie; William; Garrett; Helen; and Lambert. In connection with the above sketch, we take pleasure in pre- senting on another page a portrait of Mr. Rehr. SSO r AVID H. HOTTENSTEIN. The | history of the early citizens of Berks County cannot fail to be deeply interesting to rising gen- erations. The perusal of such history is the only means by which they can form any ade- quate idea of the difficulties which beset those who began to improve and cultivate a new country. Not only were there difficul- ties in the soil to contend with, but also the melancholy of solitude and the deprivation of human companionship, often when it was most needed of anything on the face of the earth. As to their reflections then and the internal battles which they waged, often with home-sickness and apprehension, these brave old souls are mostly silent. As a record of how they overcame this and other difficulties, for the most part they point silently to the smiling fields and beautiful villages, which stand as symbols of victory. Pre-eminent on this roll of honor stands the name of David H. Hottenstein. Al- though not being strictly in the vanguard of the first civilization of the Keystone State, yet such was his energy and enter- prise, and the superior excellence of his char- acter, that he gave a new impetus to the embryo community within which he located, and made his ineflaceable mark upon it from the beginning. He is now passing the sun- set of life in quiet retirement from active labor in the pleasant borough of Kutztown. Mr. Hottenstein was born in Maxatawny township, this county, October Io, 1813, and is a son of William and Elizabeth (Hunter) Hottenstein, grandson of Dr. David and Eliza- beth (Klein) Hottenstein, great-grandson of David Hottenstein, and great-great-grandson of Jacob and Dorothea (Reber) Hottenstein. Our subject traces the name Hotten- stein back to the so-called Forest of the Spessurt near Aschaffenburg, Germany, where it originated. It was there that Riedbold held annually the great solemn court upon a large rock under a powerful oak. Jacob Hottenstein was born in Esslin- gen, Germany, and was a son of Ernst Hot- tenstein, who was mayor of Esslingen and died there in 1718. Jacob with his two brothers came to America and landed in Philadelphia; one of the brothers died and the other located in Lancaster, Pa., where some of his descendants still reside. Jacob Hottenstein settled in Oley township, this county, but in 1729 he located in Maxatawny township, Berks County, then known as Philadelphia County. Thus, by his early advent into this district, while the country presented to the eye of the enchanted be- holder the beauty of Nature’s handiwork un- marred by the hand of a man, he may be justly claimed as one of its earliest pioneers. Jacob purchased of Casper Wister a tract of land consisting of 116 acres, and was obliged to pay forty pounds and twelve shillings for the same. At that time, the land being wild and rough, there was required an outlay of incessant labor and energy to fit it for be- coming productive of commodities neces- sary for consumption, and Jacob immediately set about its improvement and cultivation. He felled trees and built a log cabin, and there spent the remainder of his days. At that time the forests were full of Indians and wild and ferocious animals, and to visit his only neighbors, Peter Andrews and Nicholas Kutz, he was obliged to follow an old Indian trail. Jacob was very successful in his oc- cupation, and at the time of his death he owned 443 acres of land, all of which is now owned by his descendants. He passed trom this life March 23, 1753, aged fifty-six years, BERKS COUNTY 589 one month and five days. Religiously, he was a Lutheran and taught his children the Lutheran Catechism. He was married to Dorothea Reber, who bore him the following -children: Jacob; William; David; Henry ; Dorothea; and Maria. David Hottenstein, the great-grandfather of our subject, and his brother Henry in- herited the old homestead, and David bought Henry’s interest, and spent his entire life in the cultivation of the soil. He lived to see a prosperous community grow up around him, and the march of civilization not only approached him, but, in the course of time passed far beyond. He was well fitted for the duties and obliga- tions of a pioneer, for upon the men who first made settlements in this wild country de- pended the extent and rapidity of its progress and growth. He industriously labored to im- prove his farm, and increase his acreage as time progressed and his means permitted. In 1783, David built a handsome stone man- sion which is still standing to-day. He was wedded to a Miss Herbine, and a family of five children were born to them, namely: Jacob; David; Daniel; Catherine was mar- ried to Jacob Grim; and Dorothea, who died young. * Dr. David Hottenstein, the grandfather of our subject, studied medicine with Dr. Joseph Hersch, and later entered the Medical De- partment of the University of Philadelphia. Upon his graduating from that institution, he commenced practicing his chosen profes- sion in the northern part of Berks County, and soon established a reputation as a skill- ful physician and surgeon. During his man- hood, he purchased the old homestead and made many improvements upon the same. He entered the world of rest in 1848, at the age of eighty-two years, four months, and twenty-five days. He chose tor his life com- panion Elizabeth Klein, a daughter of Rich- ard Klein of Montgomery County. This union resulted in the following children: David; Jacob; Daniel; William; Isaac; Henry; Catherine; Sarah; and Dorothea, who died in infancy. William Hottenstein, the father of our sub- ject, acquired a good education, and took great pride in handing down the early his- tory of the Hottensteins, which history he compiled in 1878. In the preface he states his object; his object was, “to benefit there- by posterity, that the descendants might con- tinue their line of descent of the name of Hottenstein in the far distant future.” He also says that if his work of compiling a fam- ily history should prove useful to any of the future posterity, that the wishes of the com- piler, whose body may have been crumbled into dust and the spirit gone to its final rest- ing place, will be gratified. He was a noble- minded man, full of vigor and strength, and his counsel was often sought, as his word was golden. William Hottenstein was a member of the State Legislature in 1834 and held many township offices, the duties of which offices he had been chosen to fill, were al- ways honestly and faithfully discharged. Re- ligiously, he was a devoted member of the Reformed Church. He closed his eyes and entered the world of rest at the advanced age of ninety-one years. He was united in marriage with Elizabeth Hunter, and to this union were born seven children, who were named as follows: David H., the subject of this biographical sketch; Charles A., a resi- dent of Indiana; Henry, deceased; Robert, deceased; Edward is a practicing physician, residing in Kutztown; Caroline, deceased ; Sally is the wife of J. V. High; and Matilda. Our subject was educated in the district schools and attended a private school for some time. He then learned surveying, which has been his professional vocation through- out his life. He purchased 150 acres of the old homestead, built new barns, out-build- ings, and a fine residence, and _ successfully carried on general farming until 1873, when he moved to Kutztown and built a handsome three-story brick residence at No. 136 Main street. Our subject has been identified with Berks County all his life, and during that time has maintained a reputation for integ- rity, enterprise and fair dealing that has won him the confidence and esteem of a wide cir- cle of acquaintances. Mr. Hottenstein formed a matrimonial alli- ance with Catherine Apple, a daughter of John Apple, and she died in 1890, aged sixty- nine years. They were the parents of the following children: William; Austin C. L., a physician residing in Maxatawny township ; Prof. John J.,a teacher in the Keystone State 59° BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES Normal School; Ezra; Mary, deceased, was the wife of William Grim, and they reared five children—John, Mary, David S., George, Annie; and Ellen J. Politically, our subject is a strong Republican, and has served as justice of the peace and in several minor township offices. He is also a director of the Keystone State Normal School and has been since the school was organized. Mr. Hottenstein, although eighty-five years of age, is active and energetic, with faculties unimpaired. He has lived a long life of use- fulness and reared a large family of children. Possessed of a happy, cheerful disposition, and superior intelligence, he has devoted himself to his wife and children, and is now passing the evening of his days in quiet con- tentment in the company of his children and grandchildren. = ee engaged in the cultivation of the soil in Bern township, was born in that township, at what is now known as Reber’s Mills, November 1, 1856, and is a son of Harrison M. and Amelia (Fisher) Reber, and grandson of Joseph Reber. Joseph Reber was born at Reber’s Mills, in Bern township, and when but a youth he learned the trade of a miller, which he fol- lowed in addition to tarming all his life. He owned 125 acres of land and was one of the prosperous farmers of his township. He was very active in politics, and cast his vote in favor of the Democratic party. Relig- iously, he was a member of the Reformed Church. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Minnich, and they reared ten children, namely: Elias; Simplicius; Henry; Maria; Eliza; Fietta; Sarah; Bosilla; Rebecca; and Harrison M. Mr. Reber died aged seventy- seven years. Mrs. Reber died at the age of seventy-two years. Harrison M. Reber, the father of our sub. ject, was born and educated in Bern town- ship, and spent the most of his boyhood days working with his father in the mill. After following the trade of a miller for some years he gave up that line of business and engaged in farming, owning and cultivating some 200 acres of fine and productive land. es F. REBER, who is successfully Mr. Reber was an advocate of Democratic principles, and was a leader in his district. His ability to hold office was everywhere recognized, and the people showed their appreciation of the fact by electing him to the office of county auditor for two terms, or six years in all; he also served as township auditor and as assistant assessor. He was a member of the Reformed Church, and was elder and trustee for many years. He was wedded to Amelia Fisher, and they reared a family of six children, who were as follows: Ellen, deceased ; Joseph F.; Mary, widow of the late Isaac S. Bagenstose; Amelia, who died in infancy; Kate, the wife ot P. F. Geis- wite; and Deborah, who married Daniel S. Becker. The father of our subject died November 16, 1892, at the age of fifty-nine years, two months, nine days. Mrs. Reber passed from this life February 2, 1892, aged fifty-six years, two months and five days. Joseph F. Reber received a liberal educa- tion in the common schools of Bern town- ship and at Palatinate College at Myerstown, Lebanon County, Pa. Starting out in life to support himself, he taught school eight terms in Bern and Spring townships, this county, and afterwards engaged in farming on the farm adjoining the one upon which he now resides. In 1894 he purchased the one upon which he resides, which consists of 126 acres. He also operates his father-in-law's farm, which consists of 45 acres. Our sub- ject adheres to Democratic principles in poli- tics, and has served as tax collector of Bern township; as auditor of the township ; judge of elections; and is now a candidate for director of the poor. Socially, he is a mem- ber of the K. of G. E., Muhlenberg Castle, No. 372; and Lodge No. 141, I. O. O. F. of Leesport. He and his devoted wife are members of the Reformed Church, of which our subject has been deacon. October 20, 1881, he was wedded to Kate Aulenbach, daughter of Daniel Aulenbach; a well-to-do farmer of Bern township. Daniel Aulenbach resided where our subject now resides for filty years, and was one of the early farmers of that section of the county. He served as school director of Bern township, and has represented his fellow citizens in many con- ventions. He was a member of the Reformed Church. He was united in matrimony with Angeline Leinbach, and they reared one daughter, the wife of our subject. To Mr. and Mrs. Reber have been born two chil- dren: Harry D. A. and Laura A, Rk \S) burg for the past twenty-nine years, is also engaged in office and con- sultation practice of medicine. He is a son of Jacob and Mary (McHard) Harris, and was born February 8, 1843, in the village of Buckhorn, Columbia County, Pa. The Harris family is of Scotch-Irish de- scent, and the first ancestor to come to this country located at Trenton, N. J. James, the paternal grandfather of our subject. was a baggage master in the Revolutionary War, and spent the memorable winter of 1777-78 with Washington’s Army at Valley Forge. He was one of the early pioneer settlers in Hemlock township, Columbia County, Pa., and wasa farmer by occupation. He suffered from attacks by hostile Indians, and passed through other dangers incident to pioneer life. He lived a long and useful life, and died in Bloomsburg, Columbia County. In relig- ious belief, he belonged to the Episcopal Church. His companion in the rugged path- ways of life was Mary Sheep, by whom he had ten children, whose names areas follows: Andrew; James; John; Hannah; Daniel; Ann; David: Mary; William; and Jacob, the father of our subject. Jacob Flarris was born in Columbia Coun- ty, and was reared on his father’s farm. He received a common school education, after which he became a farmer and general mer- chant, and was also interested in ore mining. He was an industrious and energetic man, a shrewd and successful manager, and during his life he accumulated considerable wealth, owning five farms at the time of his death. In political belief he was an unswerving Dem- ocrat, and served in an official capacity as justice of the peace for thirty-five years, and as treasurer of Columbia County. Socially, he was an Odd Fellow. In religious attach- ments, he was a member of the Episcopal Church. He twice took matrimonial vows, his first wife being Mary McHard, by whom 28* SSS Se SSS R. WILLIAM HARRIS, who has conducted a drug store in Ham- BERKS COUNTY 59! he was the father of three children, namely: Dr. William, in whom the interest of this sketch centers; Mary, the wife of Willis Purcell; and James, a farmer residing in the state of Missouri. His second union was with Sarah Shoemaker, and they reared the following children: Jacob; Dr. Franklin P.; Daniel W.; Charles; and Daisy, the wife of James R. Montgomery. Mr. Harris passed to -his final rest November 21, 1871, at the age of fifty-six years. Dr. William Harris received a good educa. tional training in the common schools of Columbia County, after which he took a course of study in the Greenwood Seminary, and later in the Dickinson Seminary. He then entered the Iron City College of Pitts. burg, and subsequently took a course in Jef- ferson Medical College of Philadelphia, from which institution he was graduated with first honors, receiving the Materia Medica Gold Medal Prize in a competitive examination, open to 586 students. After leaving college he became. an apprentice to the drug busi- ness, which he has since followed in Ham- burg. In connection with conducting the store, he has an office and consultation prac- tice, and at times makes calls in the village, but seldom goes into the country. He was one of the founders of the Pennsylvania Phar- maceutical Association in 1878, and served as president in 1888 and 1889. He is a fluent writer, and has written considerably for dif- ferent journals, many of his productions meriting the favor with which they were re ceived. His master piece is “ Oafty Goofty,” written in German dialect and set to meter, and was received with great applause when it was read before the Pharmaceutical Asso- ciation. It was a work which met the ap- proval of even the fault-finding eyes of critics, and tends to prove that had he chosen litera- ture as his field of work, he would have been successful. In his political affiliations he is a stanch Democrat, and the party leader in his section of the county. From 1878 to 1886 he was chairman of the county committee, which was the longest term that office was ever held by one man. While serving in that capacity he did considerable public speaking, and stumped the county and state with some of the state’s most prominent Democrats. He isa man of pleasing address, 592 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES a deep, logical thinker, and possesses more than ordinary eloquence. As a campaign leader he was subtle and tactful, and his su- perior ability won for him prominence and popularity throughout the country. At the present time he is not as actively connected with politics as formerly, but at times serves as delegate to county conventions. He served as postmaster during Cleveland’s first administration; as secretary and treasurer of the school board; as secretary of the board of health, which is self-supporting; and as chief burgess of the borough of Hamburg. He is a member and was one of the organ- izers of the Hamburg Board of Trade. Our subject formed a matrimonial alliance with Mary Ella Hagenbuch, a daughter of Robert Hagenbuch, a farmer of Bloomsburg, Pa., and they are the proud parents of three children, whose records are as follows: Dr. James A., a practicing physician, resides at Mt. Aetna, Pa; Mary Elizabeth, who is liv- ing at home; and Charles C., who is an apothecary and a Ist Sergeant of Co. E, 4th Reg. National Guards of Pennsylvania, being range master of Co. E, well-known in the company as a true marksman. Charles C. Harris served with his regiment in Porto Rico. Socially, Dr. Harris is a member of Symmetry Lodge, No. 103, I. O. O. F.; and Ontelaunee Tribe, No. 312, 1.0. R. M. Re- ligiously, he is a member of the Reformed Church. —— + @a>—_ Tey WILSON SAUL, M. D., re- siding in Kutztown, and a most suc- i cessful medical practitioner, who er makes a specialty of eye and ear diseases, was born in. the above-mentioned place, April 29, 1869, and is a son of David and Catherine (Bushey) Saul, grandson of Jonathan and Magdalena (Rauch) Saul, great-grandson of Leonard Saul, Jr., and great-great-grandson of Leonard Saul, Sr. Leonard Saul, Jr., was born in Maxatawny township, Berks County, Pa., and followed the vocation of a farmer; he built the house which stands upon the farm now owned by Eli S. Schlenker. He was the progenitor of the following children: Jacob; Rebecca; Mrs. Fetterman; Mrs. Hartman; Jonathan; and Mrs. Bowers. Jonathan Saul, the grand- father of our subject, was born on the old homestead in the township, and early in lite learned the trade of a shoemaker, which he carried on in connection with farming all his life. He sold his farm during his latter days, and purchased a small home in Green- wich township, where he spent his remaining days in the enjoyment of a well-earned com- petency. He passed from this life at the age of seventy-nine years. He was united in wedlock with Magdalena Rauch, a daughter of David Rauch. They were given the fol- lowing children; James; Leanda; Eliza; David, the father of our subject; Jonathan ; William, who died aged four years; Henry ; Mary; and Charles. Mrs. Saul entered the world of rest at the age of fifty-seven years. Mr. Saul was a strong Democrat in his po- litical views. David Saul, the father of our subject, was born in Maxatawny township, February 16, 1833. He acquired a liberal education in the common schools, and when he grew to ma- turity he engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods, which business he continued for eight years. He then moved to Rich- mond township, where he purchased 20 acres of land, and, building a house and barn, engaged in the huckstering business for twelve years; he next moved to Kutztown and conducted the Silver Springs Restaurant for nine years; his building was finally de- stroyed by fire, and he opened a cigar manu- facturing establishment at No. 203 Walnut street, and has conducted that line of busi- ness to the present date. He has succeeded in establishing a large trade, and among his special brands are: Our Maggie; Our Favorite; and Kutztown Belle. He mar- ried Catherine Bushey, who bore him the following children: William, who is pro- prietor of the Liberty Hotel at Allentown, Pa., was united in marriage with Emma Os- wald, and their union has been blessed with four children,— Ralph, Goldie, Mary, and a son, Marshall, who died aged one year; Amanda, deceased ; Samuel, deceased ; Jacob, deceased ; George, a book publisher of Bos- ton, Mass., was married to Clara De Turk, and they reared two children,—Flossie Bell, and one that died in infancy; Hattie A. wedded M. D. Trexler; Daniel, deceased ; FRANKLIN N. BENFIELD. BERKS COUNTY 595 James, a cigarmaker of Newark, N. J., was joined in marriage with Jennie Mumma, who bore him five children,— Mamie, Hattie, Willard, an infant son, and one that died in childhood ; and Henry Wilson, the subject of this brief narrative. Henry Wilson Saul first attended the pri- mary schools of his native place, and then entered the Keystone State Normal School of Kutztown, and was graduated with the class of 1889. In 1891, he read medicine one year, and later entered the Baltimore Medical Col- lege of Baltimore, Md., and graduated from that institution in 1894. In 1895 he tooka special course in diseases of the eye and ear, and in the same year located in Kutztown and opened an office at 238 Main street. He has continued to follow the practice of his profession at that place to the present time with gratifying success. Dr. Saul is widely known throughout the county and is one of the most trustworthy physicians within its boundary lines. He has built up a magnifi- cent practice, and is respected not only for his ability as a physician, but for his sterling worth as a man and citizen. Dr. Saul is a member of the Lutheran Church, and was superintendent of St. John’s Union Sunday School of Kutztown; he was also secretary of the Kutztown Memorial Association. He was elected town clerk in 1897; he is amember ol the F.& A. M., Hugue- not Lodge No. 377, of Kutztown; the K. of G. Es the Jr, O. U, A, My Philo. Literary Society of the Keystone State Normal School; is a member of the board of health; and is medical examiner for life and accident insurance companies. He is a member of the Berks County Medical Society. Dr. Saul is now in the prime of life, surrounded by many warm friends, and the outlook for a pleasant and useful future is encouraging in the extreme. RANKLIN N. BENFIELD, dealer in grain, flour, and feed, and justice ot the peace, surveyor, conveyancer, and fire insurance agent, residing at Huff's Church, Berks County, Pa. was born in Washington township, Berks County, Pa., April 16, 1862, and is a son of Abraham and Lucinda (Rohrbach) Benfield. The great-great-grandfather of our subject, John Benfield, a native of England, upon emigrating to the United States settled in District township, Berks County; later he moved to the Blue Mountains. His son, Jacob, great-grandfather of our subject, was blessed with four children, among whom was Henry, the grandfather of our subject, who was a teamster during his early days, hauling for different forges in that section; later he moved to Washington township, where he bought a farm of 85 acres and successfully engaged in farming. He was a member of the Reformed Church. He was married to Sarah Becker, and they reared a large family of children, as follows: David, a farmer re- siding in Washington township; Daniel, a coal oil producer of Ontario, Canada; Abra- ham, the father of our subject; George, also a farmer residing in Washington township; Henry, who operates iron mines in Long Swamp and neighboring townships; Jacob, a farmer of Washington township; Samuel, proprietor of a hotel at Emaus, Lehigh County; Aaron, farmer of Hereford township; and Elizabeth, deceased, who was the wife of Joseph Dotterer, a farmer of Washington township. Abraham Benfield was born in Berks County, June 21, 1830, and learned the trade of ashoemaker, which he followed in Norris- town some years. He then engaged in lime burning in Washington township, and later hauled iron ore. In 1869 he bought a farm of 169 acres in District township, where he now resides. Upon this property was an old saw and grist mill, which was built by Abraham Bechtel in 1769, and. was the first mill erected on the upper end of the west branch of Perkiomen Creek. Mr. Benfield remodeled the mill which is now being operated by our subject. He also owns another farm three miles from his present location in Washing- ton township, anda small tract in Hereford township. He also owns a limestone quarry in Upper Milford township, Lehigh County, Pa. He is a member of the Reformed Church, and has been superintendent of the Sabbath School for many years. In politics he is an avowed Democrat. He married Lucinda Rohrbach, daughter of Nathan 596 Rohrbach, a farmer of District township, and they had a family of ten children, seven of whom grew to maturity. The record is as follows: Sarah, the wife of Reuben Moll, a farmer of Hereford township, Berks County; Seneca, a farmer of Washington township; Franklin N., the subject of this sketch; Mary Ann, deceased, was the wife of Alfred M. Fisher, general store clerk; Andora, who married Alfred M. Fisher, who had previously been the husband of Mary Ann, her sister; Amanda, the wife of John D. Reifsnyder, a teacher residing in District township; Ida, the wife of Milton Gerhard, who operates a creamery at. Womelsdorf, Berks County, Pa.; and Abraham R., who remains at home. Franklin N. Benfield was educated in the common schools and at the Keystone State Normal School, and after leaving school was for five years engaged in a creamery at Huff’s Church. Sn October 1, 1891, he rented his father’s mill, and has since been engaged in the grain and feed business. Our subject also owns a farm of 36 acres in Long Swamp township, containing several acres of fine woodland. In the spring of 1898 he built a powder mill on his father’s farm, which mill is now operated by The Royal Dynamite Co., of which our subject is secre- tary and treasurer. Our subject is a direc- tor of the Farmers’ National Bank of Penns- burg, Pa. He is an adherent of Democratic views, and was elected on the Democratic ticket as justice of the peace in 1885, and was re-elected in 1890 and 1895; he is also sur- veyor, conveyancer, and agent for the Maxa- tawny Fire Insurance Co.; Mutual Fire In- surance Co. of Lehigh County; and Boyer- town Mutual Fire Insurance Co. He was a member of the standing committee of the Democratic party for five years in suc- cession, and is at this date (1898) deputy coroner, He is a member and at present deacon of the Reformed Church of Huff's Church. Mr. Benfield was married November 17, 1883, to Miss Mary Y. Seisholtz, daughter of David Seisholtz, and a family of seven chil- dren was born to them: Eliza Ann; Clau- dius; Minnie; Irvin; Mary Ann; Franklin; and Lillie Sarah. Mrs Benfield gave birth to the last-named, Lillie Sarah, on October 4, 1898, but died eight days later, and was BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES buried October 15, 1898, in the Huff’s Church Burial Ground. To tell it in a few words, Mr. Benfield, true to his purpose in life, is actively engaged in business, independent in action, and is a zealous, energetic, public- spirited man. It is with pleasure that we present his portrait on a preceding page. —_——_ + >—___—_— YRENIUS R. GRIM, a well-to-do far- mer and stock raiser of Maxatawny township, Berks County, and a man who is held in high esteem by his fellow-citizens for his many sterling qualities, was born upon the farm he now owns July 22, 1852, and isa son of JoshuaS. and Mary (Zimmerman) Grim, both natives of Maxa- tawny township. Jonathan Grim, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was a farmer of Maxatawny township, and first located upon the farm now owned by our subject, and later moved to Kutz- town, Berks County, where he died. Joshua S. Grim inherited the farm upon which our subject now resides, and was a tanner by trade, which business he followed with farming, and was considered by all one of the enterprising farmers of that section of the county. Leaving the homestead in pos- session of his son, Jonathan B., who was later succeeded in its ownership by Cyrenius R., our subject, he moved to Lehigh County, and for ten years was engaged in his former occupation. At the expiration of that time, he returned and lived on the farm until death claimed him, which was May 9, 1882. He was twice married; to his first wife, a Miss Bieber, four children were born, namely: Jonathan B., who married Emma Trexler, and they reared six children,—Hannah, Emma, Jennie, Hattie, Galvin, deceased, and George, also deceased ; Henry P., who married Rosa Seibeling, is a retired citizen of Cedar Coun- ty, Iowa, and they have three children,—Ida, deceased, Douglass, and Fred; Catherine, the wife of John G. Seigfred, a farmer of Maxatawny township, is the mother of the following children,—John, George, Hannah, Mary, Ella, Susan, Elizabeth, Jacob, and Ce- celia; and Elizabeth, the wife of Thomas K. Seislove, an insurance agent of Allentown, Pa., is the mother of one child, Mary. Upon BERKS COUNTY 597 the death of his first wife, Joshua S. Grim wedded Mary Zimmerman, and five children resulted from this union, as follows; Charles A., a resident of Hamburg, this county, mar- ried Mary Groninger and two children have blessed their home, David and Cecelia. Joshua I. married Lydia Weaver and they have three * children, Ida, Clara, and Joshua. Cyrenius R., the subject of this sketch, was next in order. Mary M., wife of Charles Lichen- walter, a resident of Lehigh County, is the mother of Harvey, Maggie, Mamie, Cora, Charles, Harry, Elles, Minnie, and Stella. Susanna, the wife of Henry W. Seigler, a resident of Lehigh County, the mother of three children, Mary, Cora, and Flarah. Cyrenius R. Grim attended the common schools of his native place, and at the age of eighteen went to Grimville to learn the trade of a tanner, where he remained two years. Again taking up his education, he attended school for one term in Collegeville, Montgomery County, and was a student in the Keystone State Normal School at Kutz- town for two terms. After our subject was married, he settled down on the homestead, consisting of 131 acres, which has been great- ly improved under his supervision, and _to- day stands second to none in the township. Besides carrying on general farming, he owns a large herd of cattle and carries on dairying to a large extent. November g, 1875, Mr. Grim and Amelia L. Rabenhold were united in marriage. She was born in Greenwich township, February I, 1856, and is a daughter of Joseph and Hetty ( Dreibelbis) Rabenhold. Mr. Raben- hold lives in Hamburg with his second wife. Mr. and Mrs. Grim are the parents of six children, who are as follows: Mary, born December 18, 1876, is now a resident of Mad- ison County, N. Y.; Walter Joshua, born September 12, 1878, and died June 14, 1890, aged eleven years, eight months and twenty- two days; Cyrenius Robert, born December 20, 1879; Martha Amelia, born July 13, 1882; Rosanna Louisa, born March 24, 1884; and Solon David, who was born March 1, 1886. Our subject takes an important part in local politics, is a strong Democrat, and has been a delegate to county conventions some five or six times. He has served as assessor of Maxatawny township for nine years and is now holding that office, and has served as school director for three years, holding the office of secretary of the board for one year. Socially, he is a member of the I. O. O. F., Macungie Lodge, No. 231, of Fogelsville, Pa.; and Huguenot Lodge, No. 377, F.& A. M., of Kutztown. Both our subject and wife are Lutherans and popular members of Zion’s Church at Maxatawny, this county, and our subject has been deacon of the church for three years. | and the Metropolitan Electric Light, Heat & Power Co. of Reading, is a highly-educated attorney-at-law, and in for- mer years commanded a large general prac- tice in Reading and vicinity. He is a son of Samuel E. and Jane Elizabeth (Twining) Fetter, and was born in Bucks County, Jan- uary 5, 1857. The family is an old and honored one of Bucks County, Pa., where for many years its members have been leading citizens. Bucks County was for many years the home of the great-grandfather of our subject on the pater- nal side and also the native place of George Fetter, his grandfather, who spent all of his life there engaged in agricultural pursuits. He reared a large family of children, one of whom was Samuel E., our subject’s father. Samuel E. Fetter was born on the old homestead in Bucks County, and upon reach- ing manhood engaged in cultivating the home farm, at which occupation he met with more than ordinary success. He accumu- lated considerable wealth, and in recent years has been living in retirement. He has per- formed the every duty of a good citizen, and takes an active interest in political affairs, being affiliated with the Democratic party. He is a man of high character and is greatly esteemed and respected by many friends. He was united in marriage November 20, 1845, with Jane Elizabeth Twining, also a native of Bucks County, of whose presence he was bereaved by death January 5, 1889. Their happy union resulted in the following issue: Newton C., who, after graduating from the Millersville State Normal School, took a — tee COMLEY FETTER, the well-known adjuster for the United Traction Co. 598 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES course in the Crozier Theological Seminary, and is now pastor of the First Baptist Church of Doylestown, Pa.; George C., who is en- gaged in the real estate business and inter- ested in building operations in Chicago, IIL; 1. Comley, the gentleman whose name heads these lines; Eugene C., who graduated from the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania, and is now a practicing physi- cian of Bustleton, Pa.; Caroline. the wife of Stephen J. Edwards of Ivyland, Bucks Coun- ty; and Janette Cornell, who died at the age of fourteen years. I. Comley Fetter was reared upon the farm, and during his younger days attended the common schools of his native town, after which he took a course in Lauler Academy at Hatboro, Montgomery County, and subse- quently pursued a scientific course in the Mil- lersviile State Normal School, from which he was graduated in 1876, also acting as assist- ant teacher while in attendance there. He then taught school one term at Adamstown, Lancaster County, when, in 1879, he removed to Reading and took up the study of law under the preceptorship of J. H. Jacobs, Esq. He closely applied himself to study, and was admitted to the bar in 1882, after which he entered upon a successful career as a lawyer in Reading. Being possessed of no small de- gree of energy and determination, and being naturally well qualified for the profession, he acquired a large practice, which he retained until 1890, when he only relinquished it to accept the office of city clerk. In the latter capacity he served his constituents faithlully and satisfactorily for a period of five years, after which he accepted a position with the United Traction Co. and the Metropolitan Electric Light, Heat & Power Co. as ad- juster, a position to which is attached great responsibilities and requires a man of shrewd- ness and unerring judgment. He has since performed the duties of that office in a man- ner pleasing to the companies. and himself, and has made many friends by his honesty and the manner in which he conducts him- self. Mr. Fetter was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Ella M. Bunting, December 12, 1882, and to them have been born two children: Edmond C., born in November, 1883; and A. Harold, who died at an early age. Politically, he is a stanch Democrat and besides serving as city clerk, he was a member of the Common Council for many years, serving as president a portion of the time. Fraternally, he is a member of Lodge No. 62, F. & A. M.; Knights of the Golden Eagle; Royal Arcanum; and Patriotic Order Sons of America. In religious faith and fel- lowship, he is an earnest member of St. Paul’s Memorial Reformed Church. SS +O ONROE I. DECK, the proprietor of a stone and marble works in the town of Hamburg, is a son of Jonathan Z. and Anna Maria (Haag) Deck, and was born in Tremont, Schuylkill County, Pa., July 13, 1866. Mathias Deck, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was born in Tulpehocken town- ship, Berks County, where he followed the trade ol a blacksmith, and engaged in agri- cultural pursuits. Religiously, he was a member of the Long Church, which in denomination was Lutheran. His wife’s maiden name was Zerby, and they were the parents of seven sons, whose names are as follows: Henry Z.; Jonathan Z., the father of our subject; Israel: Z.; Isaac Z.; Samuel Z.; John Z.; and Willoughby Z. Mr. Deck passed into the unknown beyond at the age of seventy-eight years. Jonathan Z. Deck was born in Tulpe- hocken township, Berks County, June 1, 1832, and was educated in the common schools. After leaving school he learned the trade of a marble and sfone cutter with his brother, Isaac Z., who resided in Hamburg. He moved to East Hanover township, Lebanon County, where he followed farming for some years, and then moved to Tremont, Schuyl- kill County, where he was engaged in the hotel business. The last twenty-five years of his life were spent in Hamburg, this county, where he was proprietor of the stone yards, which are now conducted by our subject. He folded his hands in final rést, October 22. 1893, at the age of sixty-one years. In po- litical belief, he was an unswerving Demo- crat, and served in an official capacity as councilman, and as school director. Relig- iously, he was a member of the Lutheran JEREMIAH MUTHARD., BERKS COUNTY 601 Church, of which he was a deacon and trus- tee. As a result of his union with Anna Maria Haag, he became the father of nine children, namely: Sarah (Dietrich); James M.; Amelia: John Henry, deceased; Lyman Jerry ; Willie Adam, deceased; Monroe L., in whom the interest of this sketch centers: Frank P.; and another, who died in infancy. Lyman Jerry Deck, who was born September 22, 1859, learned the marble and stone cut- ting trade with his father. He worked asa journeyman in Philadelphia and other places until March, 1897, when he moved to Ham- burg, and has since been assisting our subject in his business. He was a victim of a wreck on the P. & R. R. R., which occurred at Shoemakersville in September, 1890, in which he received a broken leg and other injuries, for which he recovered damages amounting to $2,000.00. Monroe I. Deck received his intellectual training in the public schools of Hamburg, after which he went to Roann, Indiana, where he worked at the miller’s trade for three years. He then returned to Hamburg and entered the marble works of his father, with whom he remained until the latter's death, when he succeeded to the ownership. He has a large patronage, and makes a specialty of monumental work and flagstone paving. Our subject is industrious and energetic, and richly deserves the success with which he is meeting. April 12, 1895, he was united in matri- monial bonds with M. E. Degler, a daughter of Joseph and Lavina Degler, and they be- came the parents of one child, who died at the age of two months. Religiously, they are faithtul members of St. John’s Lutheran Church. Socially, Mr. Deck is a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle; and the P.O. S.of A. His political affiliations are with the Democratic party. ———S[S—SS Oo foremost business establishments in Boyertown is that of Jeremiah Muthard, dealer in all kinds of hard lumber, whose portrait we show on the opposite page. The proprietor is one of those straightforward, energetic and active a) ese MUTHARD. One of the business men who meet with success by con- stant attention to business and by their straightforward and honorable dealings with their patrons. He was born in Colebrook- dale township February 22, 1843, and is a son of Joel and Mary Ann (Eshbach) Muthard. The great-grandfather, Joseph Muthard, was born in Philadelphia County in 1740, and resided there all his life. John Muthard, the grandfather of our subject, was a resident of Colebrookdale township, this county, and spent his entire life in the cultivation of the old homestead. He purchased from the Penn heirs 500 acres of land, most of which, together with the buildings, was in Cole- brookdale township. He was one of the energetic and thrifty farmers of that town- ship. In religious views he was a member of the Lutheran Church, and was one of its most earnest workers. He was joined in the bonds of wedlock with Catherine Moyer, and they reared a family of seven children, two sons and five daughters. He died at the age of sixty-one years. Joel Muthard, the father of our subject, was born on the old homestead in Colebrook- dale township, April 9, 1818, and passed from this life on his farm in that township, Septem- ber 27, 1895. He remained on the old home- stead engaged in farming until 1841, when he bought a farm in the same township, where he farmed until 1868, when he retired from active life and passed life’s twilight in ease. During the last ten years of Mr. Muthard’s life, he had the misfortune of being without his eyesight. Religiously, he held a mem- bership in the Lutheran Church. In his political belief he was an avowed Democrat. He was joined in marriage with Mary Ann Eshbach, daughter of Abraham Eshbach, a prominent farmer in Douglass township, Montgomery County, this state. Mr. and Mrs. Muthard reared two daughters and one son, namely: Catherine, the wife of Jeremiah Anderson of Colebrookdale township; Jere- miah, the subject of this sketch; and Eliza- beth, deceased, who was the wife of John Sassaman of Colebrookdale township. Jeremiah Muthard, after receiving a liberal education in the public schools of his native township, followed the pursuits of an agri- culturist on the old homestead of his father until 1876, and then moved into his handsome 602 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES residence just outside the borough limits of Boyertown. In 1868 he took the agency for a mowing machine, which he handled with marked success, and in 1873 he engaged in the lumber business along with his farming. Giving up farming in 1895, he devoted his entire time toward the interests of his lumber business. He carries a complete line of hard lumber—hickory, oak, poplar, ash, walnut and many other kinds, and during his short time in the business has succeeded in build- ing up a large and enviable trade. Our subject is a member of the Lutheran Church. Politically, he is one of the leaders of the Democratic party in his community, and does all in his power to advance the principles of his chosen party. May lo, 1866, he was joined in the bonds of matri- mony with Mary Ann Landis, daughter of George Landis, late a farmer of Colebrook- dale township. Two children resulted from this happy union: William L., born Novem- ber 9, 1868, and died November 30, 1860, aged one year and twenty-one days; Alvin L., an employee of the Boyerton Casket Co., who married Catherine DeFrehn, daughter of Benjamin and Lavina DeFrehn of Pike township, this county, but at the time of her marriage she was a resident of Reading. Mr. Muthard carries his business on in an ex- cellent manner, and his goods are invariably just what they are represented to be. As a natural result he has customers from far and - near, and is on the high road to a com- petency, which he may enjoy in later years. Socially, he is a charter member of Salah Castle, No. 46, Knights of the Mystic Chain, of Boyertown. He is a director of the Goschenhoppen Mutual Fire Insurance Co. of Pennsburg, Pa., and a director of the Farmers’ National Bank of Boyertown. ++ yy ENRY A. HARTMAN, a well-known and highly respected citizen of Reading, who is engaged in farm- ing on a small farm located in the suburbs of the above city, was born in Read- ing, January 23, 1830, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Bower) Hartman, and grand- son of Jacob H. Hartman. Jacob H. Hartman was born in Alsace township, Berks County, Pa., and resided on the old Pricetown Road, where he owned a farm and was engaged in farming all his active life. John Hartman, son of Jacob H., was born in District township, Berks County, Pa., in 1785, and was reared on his father’s. farm until his marriage. He then moved to Reading and followed the occupation of a stone mason the rest of his life. He passed from this life at his home at 839 Hampton street at the age of eighty-one years and six months. Politically, he was at first a Whig, but joined the ranks of the Republican party when it was organized. In religious views he was a member of the Catholic Church of Reading. Mr. Hartman was very prominent in his community, and took an active part in all enterprises which tended to benefit the condition of his fel- low-citizens. He was joined in marriage with Elizabeth Bower, who was born March 27, 1790, a daughter of Joseph Bower. A family of nine children resulted from this union, namely: Elizabeth, who was twice married,—her first husband was Jacob Kulp, and after his death she wedded Joseph Boeger, who died in Wilkes-Barre, this state; Mary, deceased, was the wife of Adam Swenk; Sophia, deceased, was mar- ried to Emanuel Fritz, and they resided in Illinois ; John, deceased, was a resident of Reading; Angeline, deceased, was the wife of Peter Schaffer; our subject was next in order; Christina, deceased, was united in wedlock with Jacob Denig and they resided in Reading; Amos died in his childhood ; and James, who is now a resident of Read- ing. The mother of our subject entered the unknown beyond February 17, 1889. Our subject is mainly self-educated, hav- ing attended the public schools during the winter months and labored with his father during the summer days. In 1848 he learned the trade of a bricklayer, serving an ap- prenticeship to that trade for three years. He then worked for Jeremiah Seider, a large brick contractor of Reading for twenty vents, and then in partnership with William order he purchased a large tract of timber, and for four years they were engaged in having the timber cut up into cord wood. He has since purchased a tract of five acres of land in the suburbs of Reading from his BERKS COUNTY father’s heirs, which he is spending his latter days in cultivation of. He is held in high esteem by his fellow citizens, and is consid- ered one of the valued members of his com- munity. Mr. Hartman was united in the bonds of matrimony January 9, 1853, with Hannah Lease, a daughter of Daniel Lease, and they are the parents of a family of ten children, namely: Emma E., born April 21, 1853, is the wife of Harvey Clay, a bricklayer resid- ing in Reading; Mary, born December 20, 1854, is the wife of Henry Rauenzahn, also a resident of Reading; James, born October 22, 1856, was married to Susan Lutz, and he is a teamster and contractor of Reading; John and Annie, twins, were born September 3, 1859,— John married Sally Haines, and Annie is the wite of John Felix, a car builder for the Philadelphia & Reading R. R,; Joseph, born December 9g, 1861, is a promin- ent butcher of Reading; F. Henry, born April 3, 1864, was married to Anna Shield, and he is employed in the blacksmith shop of the Philadelphia & Reading R. R.; Francis, born January 22, 1870, is a teamster of Read- ing, and was married to Kate Wunder; and Kate, born May 3, 1871, who is the wife of Luther Herr, a machinist residing in Phila- delphia. Our subject, in politics, is a strong Republican, and served on the school board four years. Socially, he is a member of the American Workingmen’s Beneficial Society No. 2 of Reading. September 7, 1867, when the Hampden Fire Company was organized Mr. Hartman was elected its treasurer, and has continually served in that capacity since. eo RANK A. KNOPP, one of the prom- inent business men of Reading, who is bookkeeper and treasurer of the Read- ing Foundry & Machine Co., was born in the above city in 1837, and is a son of Michael and Rosanna (Hiller) Knopp. Michael Knopp, the father of our subject, was born in Reamstown, Berks County, Pa., and was educated in the common schools of that place. In early manhood he learned the trade of a carpenter, which he followed for a number of years, and then embarked in the mercantile business for some time. He was 603 honest, upright, industrious and frugal in all his dealings, and enjoyed the esteem and re- spect of a large acquaintance. In politics, Mr. Knopp was an advocate of the Demo- cratic party, and for thirteen years served as tax collector. His latter days were spent in retirement, enjoying a wellearned compe- tency. He was united in the bonds of mar- riage with Rosanna Hiller, and the following children were born to them: Reuben; Henry; George; Frank A., the subject of this biographical sketch; Sophia, deceased ; Katherine, the wife of William P. Yeager ; and Anna, wife of Charles Witman. The father and mother of our subject are both deceased. Frank A. Knopp received his intellectual training in the public schools of Reading, and has followed bookkeeping all his life. He is now bookkeeper and treasurer of the Reading Foundry & Machine Co., a position he fills to the entire satisfaction of his em- plovers. In 1867, our subject was wedded to Margaret Strawway, a daughter of Solo- mon Strawway. One child has blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Knopp,— Elizabeth, who resides with her father. Mrs. Knopp died September 3, 1896. Our subject is a member of St. James’ Lutheran Church of Reading, as was his wife also. Socially, he is a member of the I. O. O. F.; and the P.O. S. of A. Mr. Knopp is a good, sub- stantial citizen, interested in the welfare of the county, and merits the recognition that is accorded by the best citizens to his worth. — toe ILLIAM W. WUNDER, the popu- lar representative of the Sixth Ward of Reading in the Select Council, is the well-known manutacturer of fire apparatuses, and has long been the cham- pion of the firemen’s cause throughout the state of Pennsylvania. He isason of Lewis H. and Susan H. (Settley) Wunder, and was born in Reading, January 17, 1850. The family is of German extraction, having originally come from Wurtemberg, Germany. Four brothers, who came over in the May- flower, established the family in America. They located in different parts of the country, and the many bearers of that familiar name 604 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES are probably descendants of those four pio- neers. It is known that a number of our subject's ancestors were soldiers in the Revo- lutionary War, and rendered valuable aid to the cause of independence. Lewis H. Wunder, the father of our sub- ject, was born on Fifth street, Reading, Pa., and received his education in the common schools, after which he learned the trade of a tailor, but followed it but a short time. Prior to the war he was a Democrat, but when the Slavery Question became an issue in politics, he sided with the Republicans, as he was firmly opposed to slavery. He served as assistant postmaster during the adminis- tration of Pierce, and was postmaster under that of Buchanan, after which he took up a position with the Eastern Pennsylvania R. R. asa baggage master. He was later advanced to the position of conductor, and finally received the appointment of ticket agent of Reading, which he held until about eight years previous to his death, when he retired from active life. He was a member of the Reading Artillery at the outbreak of the Mexican War, and was called into the service as an orderly sergeant. He had a brother, William, a first leutenant in the company, who died of a complication of diseases just as the City of Mexico capitulated. Our sub- ject’s father was also called to Philadelphia, in 1840, with the rest of his company to quell the riots. He was a member of that organi- zation up to the time of the Civil War, when he enlisted inthe Regular Army asa first lieutenant, and served throughout the con- flict, making an excellent record as a soldier. He was united in marriage with Susan H. Settley, whose father owned a large tract of land near Sixth and Spruce streets, Reading, where he operated a large brick yard. Mr. Settley was one of the good, substantial men of his day, and furnished the brick for most of the buildings in his section of the county. This union was blessed by the birth of two sons and three daughters, namely: Emily E., deceased, was the wife of Thomas B. O’Brien; William W., the gentle- man, whose personal history is here given; George C., who lives at Allentown, Pa.; Sally J. and Maggie B., the wife of C. T. Ander- son. William W. Wunder attended the public schools of ‘Reading, after which he took a course in the People’s Business College of his native city. His first employment was in the sheet mill of the Reading Iron Works, where he remained for a period of five years, when he entered the cigar and tobacco busi- ness, at which he continued until 1885. He then began the manufacture of all kinds of fire apparatus but fire engines—he builds hook and ladder trucks, hose carriages, etc., which are in use throughout the country. He has been a member of the Hook & Lad- der Company for twenty-six years, and has been an official since its organization. It was through his efforts and influence that the Hook and Ladder Patrol and Chemical Engine were secured, and as a member of the building committee, it devolved largely upon him to look after the details of its erection. He is a leading spirit in the State Firemen’s Association, and on Decem- ber 16, 1880, he was elected recording secre- tary of that organization, which office he has since held. He has always been actively connected with all measures which would in any way tend to promote the interests of the Reading Fire Department, and those through- out the state as well. He is very popular and is held in high esteem by all with whom he is acquainted, numbering his friends almost by his acquaintances. In 1898, yield- ing to the persuasion of his friends in both the Democratic and Republican parties, he consented to be a candidate for the office of member of the Select Council on the ticket of the latter party, and was in due time elected. , Mr. Wunder was married to Susan Adams, and they are the proud parents of one daugh- ter, Edith, who was born August 14, 1884. > ___ SAAC H. ANGSTADT, a well known agriculturist and for many years an engineer in furnaces in Rockland town- ship and also in Lehigh County, is a son of Aaron and Catherine (Holl) Angstadt, and was born in Oley township, Berks County, November 28, 1845. His great-grandfather was John George Angstadt, who was the first of the family to settle in Rockland township, where he took BERKS COUNTY 605 up the occupation of a farmer. He is a good ‘example of the sturdy old pioneers of that day, and lived a long and useful life, dying at the age of 100 years, six months and fifteen days. The grandfather of our subject was Daniel Angstadt, who was born on the Angstadt homestead in Rockland township, where he was engaged in agricultural pur- suits all of his life. He was eighty-eight years of age when he folded his hands in final rest. Aaron Angstadt, the father of our subject, was born in Rockland township in 1820, and has since resided there and tilled the soil. He is now past seventy-eight years of age, but enjoys good health and is surprisingly active and energetic. He was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Catherine Holl, and they reared a family of eleven children, whose names are as follows: Eme- line, the wife of James Weidman, a resident of Rockland township; Isaac H., the subject of this personal history ; Caroline, who mar- ried Harry Yerger, and lives in Oley town- ship; Mary Ann, the wife of Charles Reinert, a farmer of Rockland township; Catherine, the wife of Charles Reiff, who lives in Oley township; Amelia, who married Augustus Youse and lives in Rockland township ; Sarah, the wife of James Dry, a resident of Rockland township; Amanda, the wife of Oscar Boyer of Oley township; Albert, who lives in Friedensburg, married Sarah Briel; and two others, who died in infancy. Mrs. Angstadt was called Home in June, 1894 at the age of seventy-three years. Isaac H. Angstadt was reared on the farm and received his education in the common schools. For many years he was employed as engineer in furnaces in this and Lehigh County, after which he returned to Rockland township, purchased a small farm, and has since been engaged in that most honorable of all callings, farming. He is industrious and energetic, with a character above reproach, and possesses the friendship and respect of his fellow citizens. He was united in marriage with Eliza Reinert, a daughter of William S. Reinert, whose sketch also appears in this Book of Biographies, and they are the parents of fourteen children, of whom the following are living: Alpheus; Henry; George; Lizzie; Jonas; Emma; Hannah: Mary; and Paul. Those deceased are: William; Robert; John- nie; Anna; and Lena. In politics our subject has ee been a stanch Democrat and takes a deep interest in the success of his party. He is now serving in an official capacity as supervisor, having been elected for one term. Religiously, he is a member of the Lutheran Church at Pleasantville, of which he is a deacon. -—_—___+me— — PARRY J. DUMN. In every city are to be found men of ambition who are the acknowledged leaders in ue social, church, or political circles, but they are usually men of mature years and experience, and their eminence confined to one sphere. In Mr. Dumn we have a young man of superior education and literary ability, a fluent speaker, of political influence, and a Christian gentleman, who is an earnest worker in the Church and Sunday School. He is a citizen of whom the people are justly proud; heis a native of Greenwich town. ship, this county, where he was born March 10, 1865, to Levi and Matilda (Reeser) Dumn. Casper Dumn, who was a native of the Rhine Valley, in Germany, emigrated to America in 1752, landing at Baltimore with his wife and three sons. One of these sons was Thomas Dumn, the great-grandfather of our subject. After staying a short time in Balti- more, the family came to Berks County, this state, and took up a section of land. Here Thomas Dumn founded what is now known as Moselem Springs. One of the family born to him was Michael Dumn, who was born in Richmond township, and followed husbandry in that section all his life. The Dumn family up to this time had been devout members of the Catholic Church, but Michael, who was the grandfather of our subject, embraced the Protestant faith, and his descendants are also Protestants. Levi Dumn, the father, was born in Rich- mond township, August 31, 1832, and was educated and grew up there. He was for many years employed by the Maiden Creek Iron Co. as manager, their plant being large- ly engaged in the manufacture of iron. He was also extensively engaged in the mining 606 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES of iron ore in the vicinity of Fleetwood. He was independent in his political views, and always interested himself in the cause of good government, voting for the man best suit- ed, in his opinion, to serve well his fellow-citi- zens His wife was Matilda Reeser, who was born in August, 1835. Their union was blessed by the birth of five children, viz: Sallie, born in 1858; Charles, born March 26, 1861, now residing in Western Pennsylvania ; Harry J., the subject of this sketch; Clara and Franklin E., both deceased. The parents are also dead, the mother passing away in February, 1878, and the tather two years pre- vious, on August 30, 1876, in Greenwich. Harry J. Dumn received his primary edu- cation in the public schools of Greenwich and Fleetwood High School. He then took a course in the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown, and at the age of nine- teen entered upon a career as a teacher. He was well qualified for this work, holding a professional certificate, and also a permanent certificate, having passed the required exam- inations. He taught for five terms, busying himself during vacation either with work on the farm or in the mining of iron ore, which was his employment also when a student. He was studious and industrious, and in the beginning of April, 1889, he entered the re- corder’s office at Reading, and served as dep- uty recorder until January 1, 1894, when he accepted the appointment of deputy clerk in the office of the clerk of the Court of Quar- ter Sessions, under H. H. Holl. He served in that capacity until April 4, 1895, when Mr. Holl died, and Mr. Dumn was appointed by the Court to take his place as clerk until the Governor filled the vacancy. Instead of appointing Mr. Dumn to the vacancy, the Governor, being a Republican, gave the appointment to E. T. Brown, who immedi- ately made Mr. Dumn his assistant, and our subject served as such until the close of Mr. Brown’s term, January 1, 1896. In June, 1895, Mr. Dumn received the nomination of his party, and Mr. Brown the nomination of the Republican party for the office; Mr. Dumn carried the election in the following November by 5,580 majority, and has served as clerk of the Court of Quarter Sessions ever since, giving the most perfect satisfac- tion. Mr. Dumn was married September Io, 1889, to Annie M. Moyer, a daughter of Thomas Moyer, a farmer of Muhlenberg township, this county, and has one daughter, Sara Alma, born June 20, 1891. He isan ac- tive politician, has served as secretary of the Democratic Central Association of Reading for two years; is a member of the Demo. cratic executive committee, representing the Eighth Ward of the city, and has acted as delegate to numerous conventions. He has won a reputation throughout the state as an able political speaker, having begun at the age of twenty years to champion the cause of his party from the public platform. He is possessed of high oratorical and literary powers, and has a fund of amusing anecdotes that serve him a good purpose in addressing large audiences. Apart from his political activity, he is a prominent member of a num- ber of social organizations. He is active in the work of St. John’s Lodge, No. 435, F. & A. M.; also of Oley Lodge, I. O. O. F.; was at one time a member of Co. A, 4th Reg. N. G. P., under Capt. H. J. Christoph, and dur- ing the encampments acted as regimental clerk. Col. Lehr of Allentown commanded the regiment. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dumn are prominent members of the Reformed Church, and zealous workers for the cause; Mr. Dumn helped to organize a Sunday School, and has acted as an officer of the same. He has helped to organize and has been the life of ‘several literary societies, increasing the interest in them by his kindly suggestions and valuable aid. The life of this gentleman has been filled with activity. He is never idle, and his ener- gies are directed to the good of others or to self-improvement. He passed the preliminary examination to the study of law the day fol- lowing his electicn to his present office, and took up the study of the profession under George W. Wagner, Esq., of Reading, find- ing time, with all his multitudinous duties, to apply himself to his studies, and he expects to practice law after his present term of office shall have expired. In addition to all this he 1s Interested in a number of building and loan associations, and other business enterprises of the city. He is active and energetic, and does all in his power to advance the interests of the city, and his efforts have met with the JAMES K. GETZ. 609 BERKS COUNTY approbation and commendation of all, He has been a resident of the city since 1886, and is at present living at 142 North Eleventh street. ++ —___ EVI G. PHILLIPS. There are none better qualified to represent the agricul- tural interests of Center township than the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch. He was born in the above mentioned township, April 10, 1834, and is a son of Henry and Hannah (Geschwindt) Phillips. Henry Phillips, the father of our subject, was born in Center township, and received a common school training. After leaving school, he learned the trade of a stone mason, which he followed during his early life. He subsequently engaged in farming in Center township, where he became the owner of two fine farms, one of 133 acres and the other of 129 acres. He was an enthusiastic supporter of the principles of the Democratic party, and held many of the town offices. He was a stockholder in the -Mohrsville Bridge Co., and was connected with other business ventures. Religiously, he was a member of Belleman’s Lutheran Church, of which he was trustee and .a deacon. He formed a matrimonial alliance with Hannah Geschwindt, and they became the parents of seven children, whose names | are as follows: Reuben G.; Mrs. Joseph Althouse; Levi G., the subject of this per- sonal history; Mrs. Reuben Ludwig; David G.; Henry G.; and Mrs. Henry Christ. Mr. Phillips died in 1883, at the ripe old age of ninety years. Levi G. Phillips was intellectually trained for the battles of life in the common schools of Center township, and was reared on his father’s tarm. He chose farming as his life occupation, and has always followed it. He owns a fine farm of 113 acres, and from time to time has made improvements that sug- gested themselves to him, until he now has one of the best cultivated pieces of land in the vicinity. He was not satisfied until he had the best of everything, and he erected good farm buildings and made improve- ments upon the house in which he lives. 29 Shrewdness and good judgment have charac- terized his every business venture, and he has been successful beyond his fondest ex- pectations. He also deals somewhat in phosphates and fertilizers. In October, 1858, he and Susanna Under- coffer took marriage vows, and their union has been blessed by the birth of five children, namely: Emma; Eli; Morris; Catharine ; and Helen. Religiously, they are members of Belleman’s Lutheran Church. In political belief, our subject is a stanch Democrat, and has served for several years on the school board. He is a man otf high principles, honest and straightforward in all his deal- ings, and possesses the respect and esteem ot his fellow townsmen. 2 AMES K. GETZ, a prominent and in- fluential business man of Reading, whom we represent with a photo- graph on the opposite page, is presi- dent of the Reading Shale Brick Co., and a member of the firm of H. S. Getz’s Sons, proprietors of the Reading Steam Marble Works. His parents were Hiram S. and Sarah B. (Kistler) Getz, and he was born in Berks County, January Ig, 1848. He is of German descent, and the first of his ancestors to come to.this country located in Lancaster County, Pa. in 1734. His paternal great-grandfather, Nicholas Getz, a son of John Getz, was born in that county and followed farming. Jacob Getz, the grand- father of our subject, was born in Berks County, and his life-long occupation was that of-a farmer and drover, being one of the pros- perous and respected citizens of the commun- ity in which he lived. In his political athlia- tions, he was a Democrat. Hiram S. Getz, our subject's father, was born near Sunbury, Pa., in 1822, and obtained his intellectual training in the public schools of that district. For many years he was en- gaged in the wholesale grocery business in Reading, and in 1874 formed a partnership with his son, James K., and they began to operate the Steam Marble Works under the firm name of H.S. Getz & Co., continuing as such until his death in 1886, when his son Hiram K. fell heir to a half interest in the 610 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES establishment, which is now conducted under the name of H.S. Getz’s Sons. In polities, he was a Democrat, and served in an official capacity as recorder of deeds from 1854 to 1857; as register of wills from 1869 to 1872; and as a member of the city council for a number of years. As a result of his union with Sarah B. Kistler, the following children were born: Amelia, the wife of Robert Lin- ton; James K.; Sarah; John; William; Emma; Charles K.; Hiram K.; and Laura. Mr. Getz passed to his eternal rest in 1886, and his loving wife survived him but a few months. James K. Getz, the subject of this bio- graphical sketch, attended the public schools and also the Reading High School, and was prepared for college in Philadelphia. He then returned home to accept a position as his father’s bookkeeper, in which capacity he served until 1869, when he became a member of the firm of Getz & Grim, which succeeded his father in the wholesale grocery business. In 1874 he disposed of his half interest to his partner, and with his father formed the firm, H. S. Getz & Co., proprietors of the Reading Steam Marble Works, of which he is still joint owner with his brother, Hiram K. In 1896 Mr. Getz became identified with the Reading Shale Brick Co., of which he has since served as president. He is a man of exceptional business qualifications, as the prosperous condition of that concern will indicate. He has always been deeply inter- ested in all measures which have had for their end the advancement and progress of the city’s interests. He was united in hymeneal bonds in 1868 with Mary A. Jones, a daughter of John H. and Margaret A. Jones of Sinking Spring, Berks County, and they became the happy parents of two children, both of whom were called Home in their infancy. Politically, Mr. Getz is an unswerving supporter of the principles of the Democratic party, and in 1880 was elected to represent the Fifth Ward in the city council. His handsome victor in that strong Republican ward was in itself remarkable, as at previous elections it had given a goodly majority to the candidates of the opposing party. He was a member of the council for two years, and also served as president of that body. In 1885, he was the popular choice for mayor, and the city of Reading never had a more conscientious and faithful incumbent of that office. His super- ior executive ability and excellent business training well qualified him for so responsible an office, and the number of his friends increased largely during his term as mayor. Socially, he is a member of Lodge No. 66, F. & A. M.; Chapter No. 152, R. A. M.; De Molay Commandery, No. 9, K. T.; and the Philadelphia Consistory, 32°, A. A. S. R. io —___— of an old and well known family of Berks County, is an efficient postal NN clerk on the Philadelphia & Read- ing R. R., running between Philadelphia and Pottsville, and resides at Exeter Station, Exeter township. He isa son of Henry C. and Sarah (Snyder) Esterly, and was born at Limekiln, Berks County, September 21, 1866, His great-grandfather was Daniel Esterly, one of the early settlers of this county, who resided on a farm near Black Bear, which is now owned by Adam Sailor. Upon this property he built a large blacksmith shop and followed his trade asa blacksmith and wagon repairer. He was one of the heroes of the Revolutionary War, and served in what was known as Governor Hiester’s Company. His companion in life was a Miss Hechler, and they became the parents of seven sons and one daughter, namely: Daniel, a blacksmith and farmer of Exeter township, was also sheriff of the county for a term of three years; Jacob, who at the time of his death was farming in Exeter township, was a teamster between Philadel- phia and Pittsburg for a long time, beginning at the age of sixteen years: John, the grand- father of our subject; George, a farmer of Exeter township; Jonas, a blacksmith of Exeter township; Joseph, a farmer of Exeter township; Amos, who followed the trade of a miller; and Elizabeth, who married George Boyer, a resident of Reading, and their daughter is the wife of Judge Hagenman, a distinguished resident of Reading. _ John Esterly, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was born in Exeter township, and in due time learned the trade of a blacksmith, but Aes S. ESTERLY, who comes BERKS COUNTY \ 611 after following ita few years, he turned his attention toward tilling the soil. He pur- chased the farm which is now owned and operated by Henry C. Esterly, and became one of the leading agriculturists of the vicin- ity. In religious belief he was a Lutheran. He was twice united in the holy bonds of wedlock, his first wife being Mary Boyer, by whom he had six children, whose records are as follows: William, deceased, was a farmer of Exeter township; John, deceased, was a teacher and farmer; Daniel is living in retire- ment in Reading; Mary, deceased, was the wife of Simon Snyder of Oley township; Re- becca, deceased, was the wife of John Haeffer of Exeter township; and Anna, deceased, who married Levi Hill of Exeter township. After his wife’s death. Mr. Esterly formed a second alliance with Mary Clark, a daughter of the late William Clark, a farmer of Lan- caster County, and they were the parents of three children, namely: Louisa, deceased, who was the wife of Dr. Griesemer of Exeter township; Susan, who died in childhood; and Henry C., the father of our subject. Henry C. Esterly was born September 26, 1842, on the old homestead farm, where he followed farming all of his life, with the ex- ception of a year and a half spent in the hotel business in Exeter township. He carries on general farming and makes a specialty of dairying, having one of the finest and best kept herds of cows in the county. In the prosecution of that occupation he has been decidedly successful, and has made many friends through the able manner in which he has conducted his affairs. Religiously, he is a faithful member of the Lutheran Church. In political belief he adheres to the princi- ples advocated by the Democratic party, and has served as school director a number of terms. October 1, 1864, he was united in matrimonial bands with Sarah Snyder, a daughter of Peter Snyder, a farmer of Oley township, and they are the parents of six children: John, a milk dealer of Exeter township; Harry S., the subject of this per- sonal history; Romanus, a salesman of Read- ing; Mary Alice, the wife of H. W. Body, a teacher of Yellow House, Berks County; and George and Sallie, who are living at home. Harry S. Esterly was brought up on the farm, and for a time attended the common schools, after which he took a course in the Keystone State Normal School of Kutztown. At the age of sixteen years he left school and for the following eleven terms he was en- gaged in teaching in Exeter township. In February, 1895, he received an appointment as postal clerk on the New York & Grafton R. R., between New York City and Wash- ington, which position he held for four months, and was then transferred to the Philadelphia & Reading, R. R., where he has since remained. He is a faithful and con- scientious worker, and has the good will of his employers and the respect of his fellow clerks. He is a young man just entering the prime of life, and has a very bright future before him. d In religious attachments he is a member of the Lutheran Church. Politically, he is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Dem- ocratic party. Heisa well known figure in so- cial circles, and is a member of the following lodges: Camp No. 231, P. O. S. of A. of Oley Line, Berks County; and St. Law- rence Castle, No. 452, Knights of the Golden Eagle. e ++ passed in a single city, with thought- ful attention to its needs and advance- ments, becomes intimately connected with the history of the community. Few citizens have been more closely identified with the development of the city of Reading than John B. Brooke. His family had been concerned in the life of the town trom its foundation. He was the grandson of John Spayd, president judge of the courts of Berks County, and great- grandson of Joseph Hiester, fifth governor of Pennsylvania, a member of the State Legislature, and for fourteen years a repre- sentative in Congress, who had seconded his vote, cast in the Provincial Congress of Penn- sylvania, at Carpenter’s Hall, Philadelphia, in 1775, by himself raising a battalion of vol- unteers and suffering with them the hard- ships of the Long Island campaign and the British prison ships at New York. John Bowyer Brooke was the son of J BOWYER BROOKE. A life 612 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES Catharine E. Spayd of Reading, and John Bowyer Brooke of Philadelphia, a descend- ant of the English family of Brooke of Hamp- shire, who had continued, as members and presidents of the Provincial Council of Mary- land, the honorable station they held in England. John B. Brooke was born in Cin- cinnati, Ohio, April 20, 1834, but as an infant was brought by his widowed mother to Reading, where he resided continuously until his death, on the 1gth of March, 1898. In his early years he was confirmed in the Lutheran Church and remained in that com- munion all his life. He was educated in the private schools of Reading until the age of nineteen, when he entered business in Potts- ville, Pa. Finding the life unsuited to his tastes, he began the study of medicine at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia. He graduated in 1858, after studying two years under Gross, Dunglison, Pancoast and Meigs, taking an additional course under Mitchell, Wallace and DaCosta. He con- tinued in active practice of his profession until a few months of his death—a period of forty years. During the Civil War he was assistant surgeon of the Government Hospi- tal at Reading, and when it became necessary to set apart a building for the numerous cases of small pox, which had became epi- demic, he was placed also in sole charge of it. Throughout his whole life he applied a fine inventive talent to the relief of suffering. Among many other devices he perfected a hospital bed, adjustable to the position of the patient, and a box for the treatment of fractures of the lower extremities, reducing largely the pain and discomfort of the patient. This was described in the Mdical News of June 16, 1894. John B. Brooke was a member of the Medical Society of the county, and was early actively associated with the work of the Dispensary of the city. Foreseeing that the growth of the town would soon demand enlarged facilities for medical relief, he induced a few gentlemen to unite with him in purchasing the site fora hospital. The choice of the location, which he maintained against an opposition that desired a situation in the closely built por- tion of the city, has been justified by the continuous success of the Reading Hospital. At the time of his death he was a member of the medical staff of St. Joseph’s Hospital, in which he always felt a strong personal inter- est. No estimate of the character of Dr. Jobn B. Brooke would be more appropriate or true than that of his colleagues of the Hospital in their resolution passed at his death, that they ‘deeply feel the loss of his counsel and companionship who have known him as a gentleman of culture and refine. ment, generous and hospitable in his social intercourse, possessing a high sense of pro- fessional honor and rectitude and practicing to an exceptional degree, both in public and private work, the Christian virtues of charity and benevolence.” ——_+e+-___ EV. CALVIN SEIBERT GER. HARD, D.D., an earnest and de- vout minister, who has spent much ot his life in the Master’s service, is at present the beloved pastor of St. Stephen’s Reformed Church on Ninth and Greenwich streets in Reading. He isa son of Rev. William T. and Elizabeth (Seibert) Gerhard, and was born October 3, 184s, in Bucks County, Pa. Dr. Gerhard is of German descent, and traces his ancestry back to Paul Gerhard, who attained considerable fame as a literary man and a writer of hymns. He was born at Langenselbold, about twenty miles from Frankfort - on-the- Main, Germany, in 1607, and was the father of a son, Paul Frederick, who was also born in that village in 1662. The latter was the progenitor of a son, Christopher, and a grandson, William, whose son Frederick was born March 26, 1714, and emigrated to America in 1737, lo- cating at Heidelberg, Berks County, Pa. He was one of the pioneer farmers ot that section, and a prosperous man. He was the father of Frederick, the great-grandfather of our subject, who was born in Heidelberg in 1744, and there followed agricultural pur- suits throughout life. Frederick Gerhard, our subject’s grandfather, was born in 1770, and learned the trade of a miller, which in connection with farming he followed all of his life at Host, Berks County, where he was residing at the time of his demise. Rev. William T. Gerhard, the father of our subject, was born October 12, 1809, and attended the public schools of Berks County, and York Academy at York, York County, where he was prepared for the ministry. He was ordained to preach and accepted his first charge at Bern, Berks County, after which he went to Cherryville, Northampton County, thence to Durham, Bucks County, where he remained until he accepted a call to Lancaster, where he continued to labor faithfully as a minister of the Gospel until his death, which occurred June 24, 1886. He was joined in the holy bonds of wedlock with Elizabeth Seibert, who was a native of Richland, Lebanon County, and died in the sixty-ninth year of her age. She was a de- vout Christian, a kind, loving mother and wife, and reared her children under religious influences. Their happy union was blessed with the birth of five sons and three daugh- ters. Darius W., the eldest, graduated from Franklin & Marshall College in 1862, and afterwards attended the Theological Semin- ary at Mercersburg. He enlisted and served in the army during the Civil War for a per- iod of nine months, and upon returning home entered the ministry, and is now serv- ing Salem’s Church. The records of the remaining members of the family are as follows: Emma I., deceased, who was the wife of the late Rev. Daniel C. Tobias, a minister of the Reformed Church; J. Eliza- beth, deceased; Dr. Jerome Z., a graduate of Franklin & Marshall College, took a course in the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania, and is now practicing at Harrisburg, Pa.; Rev. Calvin Seibert, the subject of this biographical record; Jacob A., whose death occurred while in attendance at Franklin & Marshall College; Dr. Milton W., a graduate of Franklin & Marshall College and the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania, is now a _ practic- ing physician of Lancaster; and Ellennora, deceased. Rev. Calvin Seibert Gerhard obtained a good classical education at Franklin & Mar- shall College, from which institution he was graduated in 1865 with the highest honors of his class, delivering the valedictory address. He was engaged for two years as a teacher. He then entered the Theological Seminary of the Reformed Church at Mercersburg in 29% BERKS COUNTY 613 the fall of 1867, from which institution he was graduated in the spring of 1870. He immediately after accepted his first call to the Reformed Church of Sunbury, where he remained until 1879. In July of that year, he moved to Columbia, Lancaster County, and assumed the duties of pastor of Trinity Re- formed Church, which he faithfully per- formed until the autumn of 1883, when he accepted a call to do missionary work in the city of Reading, the quarters for the organ- ization being at Ninth and Greenwich streets. He labored faithfully in his new field, and in six years’ time the Mission became self-sus- taining. It has developed into a flourishing congregation of 665 communicant members. The Sunday School has grown in like propor- tion, and now consists of 769 members. Anew house of worship was erected during the sum- mer of 1898. Its dimensions are 77 x 110 feet, the two sides fronting the streets being of stone. The auditorium has a seating capaci- ty of 800 and the Sunday School Chapel 700. A Sunday School room in the basement will accommodate an additional 350. In18g1, the degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon Rev. Mr. Gerhard by his Alma Mater, Franklin & Marshall College. He is a man of considerable literary ability. He has been a frequent contributor to the Reformed Church Messenger and the Reformed Church Reviw. In 1895 he published a book, en- titled “ Death and the Resurrection.” It is an interesting volume of 250 pages, and well merits the recognition which it has received. He also wrote an introduction for, and edited “The Gospel Call.” Dr. Gerhard has fre- quently represented his church on the floor of the Synod and General Synod. October 12, 1871, Dr. Gerhard was united in the bonds of matrimony with Emma Eliza- beth Glase, who was born September 6, 1850, and is a daughter of Benneville A. Glase, deceased, and his wife Rebecca V. R. Glase. The following children have blessed their union: Glase, who was born July 17, 1872, graduated from Franklin & Marshall College in 1893, after which he took a post-graduate course at Harvard University, and then attended the Theological Seminary at Lan- caster; he was ordained to preach in the spring of 1897, and is now located in Phila- delphia, Pa., where he has charge of St. 614 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES John’s Reformed Church; John M. was born October 14, 1873, and is a bookkeeper for the firm of Glase & Lichtenthaeler of Reading; Charles H., born September 18, 1875, is material inspector at the city hall at Read- ing; and Frederick Bruce, who was born November 23, 1891. SSO EV. A. J. HERMAN, who for almost a half century has been one of the most industrious clergymen of the Lehigh Classis, is the pastor of the following four churches: New Jerusalem Reformed, near Wessnerville; St. John’s Reformed of Fogelsville; Weissenburg Re- formed of Weissenburg ; St. Paul’s Reformed of Seiberlingville. Formerly he had charge of eight congregations, which compelled him to be out almost daily, giving catechetical instructions, preaching funeral sermons and ministering consolation to both the moral and physical sick; during his forty-seven years of pastorate he only missed twenty-five Sundays, owing to sickness and unfavorable weather. This gentleman, whose entire life has been devoted to the work of Christ, first saw the light of day November 6, 1831, in Maxatawny township, in the house in which he now lives. He is a son of Charles G. and Hester (Sassaman) Herman, and a grandson of Rev. Labrecht Herman. Rey. Labrecht Herman, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Holland, and in 1786 was sent to America by the fathers of the Reformed Church of that country. He located in New Jersey, and later came to this state, first settling in Germantown near Phil- adelphia, and later in Montgomery County, near Pottstown, where he lived until his death. He lived to reach a ripe old age, and his remarkable ministry extended over a ‘period of sixty years. His son, Charles G., who was born in Montgomery County, was also a minister of the Gospel. He came to Maxatawny township with his father, and during the remainder of his life preached in the churches of that neighborhood. He lived a long and useful life, and folded his hands in final rest August 4, 1863, at the age of seventy years, nine months and eleven days. He formed a matrimonial alliance with Hes- ter Sassaman, a native of Maxatawny town- ship, by whom he became the father of five children, namely: Maria, deceased, the wife of Judge Fogle; Hester, the wife of Dr. Henry Helfrich, a resident of Allentown, Pa.; Louisa, the wife of Rev. Daniel Bren- del of Bethlehem, Pa.; Jacob Sassaman, de- ceased; and Rev. A. J., the subject of this personal history. Rev. A. J. Herman was reared under re- ligious influences, and on the farm where he performed the daily chores of farm life, and thus built up a hardy constitution, which has since enabled him to perform almost super- human labors for the cause of Christianity. In his younger days he attended the common schools of the neighborhood, after which he took a two years’ course in Easton Academy, under the celebrated Rev. Dr. Vanderveer, and was prepared for college. He then took a two years’ special course in the University of New York, and although he did not receive a degree from that insti- tution, the honorary degree, A. M., was con- ferred upon him later by Franklin and Marshall College. He next prosecuted his theological studies under the supervision of his uncle, the late Rev. Dr. Guldin of New York City, and also studied under his father. During the last year of his stay in New York City, he preached regular weekly Wednesday evening sermons in the Howsen Street Reformed Church, of which his uncle had charge. He was ordained to preach by the Classis of the Reformed Church in 1851, and immediately became his father’s assist- ant, continuing in that capacity for a period of five years. He was then installed as pas- tor of the New Jerusalem Church near Wess- nerville, where he has since remained, and. has also had charge of a number of other churches in the vicinity. It was through his efforts that St. Paul's Church of Seiberling- ville, and St. Peter’s Church of Topton, are in existence to-day. He organized them and for many years filled their pulpits and placed them on a firm financial basis. In 1897, the forty-sixth anniversary of his entry into the ministry, and the forty-first of his’ pastorate in the New Jerusalem Church, was held in that church, People had gathered from all over Berks and Lehigh Counties to do honor to the man who had faithfully promulgated JOHN G. GLAES. BERKS the Divine teachings in their midst for so many Js a man to whom they had often come tor advice and sympathy in the hour of need, and whose Christian bearing won for him the love and respect of all with whom he was acquainted. There were fully 2,000 people present on that memorable day, which was the greatest and happiest in the active and meritorious life of our subject. Rey. A. J. Herman was united in the holy bonds of wedlock with Isabella Grim, a woman of many virtues, who is a daughter of Lem and Anna (Kline) Grim, and was born in Lehigh County. This happy union has been blessed by the birth of three chil- dren, namely: Ambrose, who married Alice Breinig, is a practicing physician of Lans- dale, Pa.; Annie is the wife of Dr. Richard Beck, a resident of Newburg, Pa. and George, a student of medicine, who is now living at home. Our subject owns a farm of 150 acres in Lehigh County, and also one of equal size in Maxatawny township, upon which he now lives. ——_~+@- a x G. GLAES, whose portrait, exe- cuted from a recent photograph, we present on the opposite page, a sur- veyor and conveyancer of Washing- ton township, also owns and operates a pot- tery on his farm. He is one of the good, substantial citizens of the community in which he was born and has always lived. He is a son of Sebastian and Sarah ( Gehry) Glaes, and was born December 13, 1828. Heisa grandson of Frederick Glaes, who was a native of Berks County, and resided near Lobachsville, Pike township. He was a tanner by occupation and followed it in that township for many years, but the last part of his life was spent in retirement at the home of his son, Sebastian. He lived a long and useful life, dying at the advanced age of eighty-five years. He was a teamster at Val- ley Forge during the Revolutionary War. In religious belief, he was a member of the Lutheran Church. He was twice bound in the holy bonds of wedlock, his first wife be- ing Elizabeth Zimmerman, by whom he had the following children: Daniel; Abraham ; Jacob; Sebastian; Henry; Solomon; Mrs. COUNTY 617 Sarah Frey; Mrs. Elizabeth Trout; and Mrs. Rebecca Gregory. His second union was with a Miss Potts. Sebastian Glaes was born in Pike town- ship, Berks County, Pa., in 1796, and resided there until 1828, when he moved to Washing- ton township and purchased the pottery and farm now owned by the subject of this per- sonal history. The farm consisted of 75 acres of good land, on which was a fine bed of clay, suitable for the manufacture of pot- tery. He was united in marriage with Sarah Gehry, a daughter of John Gehry of Upper Hanover, and as a result of their union eight children were born, namely: Sophriah, de- ceased, was the wife of Daniel Heidt of Washington township; John G., the subject of this personal sketch ; George, who died at the age of twenty-seven years; Frederick, a millwright of Pottstown; Charles, who died in childhood ; Samuel, who died at an early age; Matilda, the wife of George Gilbert, a farmer of Washington township; and Charles, who died at an early age. Religiously, he was a member of the Reformed Church, and for a number of years was a deacon and elder of that organization. In his political affiliations, he was a Democrat. Mr. Glaes’ life came to an end in 1869, at his home in Washington township. John G. Glaes was reared on the farm and received his primary education in the com- mon schools of the neighborhood. He then took a course in Pottstown Academy, after which he studied surveying in Freeland and Mt. Pleasant Seminaries. He-also attended the Tremont Seminary of Norristown, the Elmwood Institute, and Heidelberg College of Tiffin, Ohio. Upon leaving school, he began surveying and conveyancing and con- tinued in that line of work for thirty years. He now owns and operates a pottery on the homestead farm and does a very large busi- ness. Mr. Glaes was united in marriage June 5, 1877, with Susan Francis, a daughter of John and Susan (Snyder) Francis. Her grand- father was Jacob Francis, a farmer of Amity township and a prominent member of the Lutheran Church. Her father, John Francis, was also a farmer of Amity township, where he was born December 13, 1801. Besides farming, he followed the trade of a miller for 618 some time. He served in an official capacity as town assessor; was president of the Berks County Fire Insurance Co.; and was a captain in the old state militia. Religiously, he was a member of the Lutheran Church. His wife, Susan Snyder, made him the father of five sons and four daughters, namely: Cath- erine, the wife of Rev. L. D. Leverman of the Reformed Church of Philadelphia; Liz- zie, who makes her home at Philadelphia; Daniel, deceased, was the proprietor of the Reading Herald; Solomon, deceased, was a blacksmith of Dayton, Ohio; Amon, a mill- wright of Dayton, Ohio; Sarah, deceased ; Susan, the wife of our subject; John, who died young; Jacob, deceased, was a_book- keeper forthe Reading R. R. and later a far- mer on the homestead; and Samuel, a car- penter of Washington township. Mr. Fran- cis died in 1890, at the ripe old age of eighty- nine years. In political belief, Mr. Glaes is a Democrat and has held several offices of trust and performed the duties to the satis- faction of all concerned. He was county auditor from 1854 to 1867; justice of the peace from 1867 to 1877; and town assessor for a number of years. He is considered an important factor in the business and industri- al life of his community, aiding materially in developing its resources, and receives his re- ward in the esteem and confidence of its citi- zens. Mrs. Glaes has a large millinery and dressmaking establishment, and employs sev- eral young ladies during the entire year. ro - popular, energetic, and progressive business men of Hamburg, Berks County, and is held in high esteem by the citizens of his community for his many excellent traits of character. He was born on his father’s farm in Greenwich township, this county, April 27, 1851, and is a son of John and Esther (Dunkel) Merkel. Jacob Merkel, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was a pioneer settler of Richmond town- ship, this county, where he spent his entire life, engaged in the cultivation of the soil, owning some 200 acres of land. In politics, he was a strong Democrat ; religiously, he was a member of the Lutheran Church. He J ve: L. MERKEL is one of the most BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES was united in marriage with a Miss Kershner, and they reared a large family, one of whom was the father of our subject, who was born in Richmond township, this county, in 1805. When he grew to manhood, John Merkel moved to Greenwich township, where he purchased 200 acres of land, and carried on general farming the remainder of his lite. He was a member of the Lutheran Church. His wife, Esther Dunkel, bore him twelve children, who were named as follows: Wil- liam D.; John; Jacéb; Samuel; Solomon; Thomas; Caroline; Maria; Esther; Han- nah; Susannah; and James L., our subject. James L. Merkel received his primary edu- cation in the common schools, which was later supplemented by a course in the Palati- nate College of Myerstown, Pa., and in the Millersville State Normal School. Leaving school at the age of twenty-one years, he taught three terms, and then went to Lees- port, this county, and clerked for Samuel D. Sunday, in that gentleman’s mercantile estab- lishment. He then went to Moselem Springs, this county and for two and a-half years conducted a like store in that place; in the spring of 1877, he moved to Hamburg and established a store on a small basis, but, as the business increased so rapidly, he was forced to enlarge his store, and accordingly erected his present three-story brick building, which is 20 by 100 feet in ground dimensions. Mr. Merkel conducts a store for the people, and by his honorable dealings has built up a large and enviable patronage. He also owns a branch store in Windsor Castle, which he established in 1885, and it alone yields him a snug income. Mr. Merkel is treasurer of the Windsor Mutual Assistance & Fire Insurance Co.; has been a director of that organization since 1881, and has also served as secretary; he is a_ director of the Windsor Water Co. of Hamburg; in 1887, he was appointed Ham- burg borough treasurer to fill a vacancy, but was regularly elected in 1898; he was the first president of the Hamburg Board of Trade, and was one of its organizers; he was a member of the borough council for six years; a member of the school board for a like period; and a member of the board of health. In politics, he is an ardent Demo- crat, decided in his views, and temperate and BERKS COUNTY 619 unobtrusive in his expression of his opinions; he is the leader of his party in his community, and has done much toward the success of the party. Socially, he is a member and treas- urer of Vaux Lodge, No. 406, F.& A. M. In religious views, he is a devoted member of the Lutheran Church, and during the past twenty years has been filling at different times the offices of deacon, elder and trustee. For the past six years, he has been president of the Consistory and the Joint Consistory of the Lutheran and Reformed Churches of Ham- burg. He is at this date a member of the executive board of the Evangelical Lutheran Ministerium of Pennsylvania. Mr. Merkel chose for his life companion Sarah M. Stein, a daughter of William Stein of Stein Cor- ners, Lehigh County, Pa., and to this union two children have been born: Willie A. and John A. From the time of Mr. Merkel’s entrance into the community he became interested in its welfare, and has fulfilled the duties of a good citizen, lending a helping hand at every opportunity in aiding it to become one of the first in the Keystone State. He is an honest and upright citizen, and as such enjoys the respect and esteem of his fellow-citizens and acquaintances. +++ prosperous and progressive farmers of Shoemakersville, Perry township, Berks County, is a son of Samuel and Hannah (Dunkel) Hoffman, and was born April 26, 1846, in Perry township. The Hoffmans have long been intimately associated with the growth and welfare of the northern part of the county, and the homestead farm, upon which our subject was born and now resides, was first settled by his great-grandfather, George Hoffman, who spent his entire life in its cultivation and im- provement. In religious attachments, this pioneer was a member of the Lutheran Church. He was united in marriage with a Miss Chappel, and reared a large family of children, one of whom was Michael, the grandfather of our subject. Michael Hoffman spent the major portion of his life in the cultivation of the homestead Jom D. HOFFMAN, one of the farm in Perry township, and erected the old stone house, which is still standing, and which is a source of much pride to our subject. He was also engaged in teaming to a considerable extent, carrying farm produce between Shoe- makersville and the city of Philadelphia with a six-horse team, and exchanging such products of the farm for general merchan- dise. He was quite active in affairs of a po- litical nature, and served one term as a mem- ber of the Legislature. Religiously, he was a member of Zion’s Lutheran Church of Perry township, holding many of the church offices. He was a regular attendant on di- vine worship, and stood high in the estima- tion of his fellow citizens. He became the father of the following children: George; Samuel, our subject’s father; Charles; Mi- chael; and Benjamin. Samuel Hoffman obtained a good intellect- ual training in the public schools of his na- tive township, and in Morgantown Academy. He took up the pursuits of an agriculturist, and followed that vocation throughout his entire life. He was very successful, and owned two farms, one of 155 acres, and an- other of 75. He was a public-spirited man, and a director in the Shoemakersville Build- ing & Loan Association. He.was a director of the Farmers’ Assistance & Mutual Fire In- surance Co., and also of the Reading Savings Bank, of which Augustus F. Boas was presi- dent. In political affiliations, he was a stanch Democrat, and served as county surveyor ot Berks County, and justice of the peace for half a century. He was an active worker in the Lutheran Church, of which he held many of the offices. He formed a matrimonial alli- ance with Hannah Dunkel, and their union was blessed by the birth of the following children: Elizabeth, deceased; David; Han- nah; Jacob D., in whom the interest of this sketch centers; Esther, deceased ; and Caro- line, also deceased. Mr. Hoffman passed to his eternal reward in 1879, and was followed by his wife several years later. Jacob D. Hoffman received his education in the district schools of Perry township and in Freeland Seminary, which is now a busi- ness college. Later, he took a course in the school conducted by Prof. Charles N. Schaffer at Reading. Leaving school at the age of nineteen years, he embarked in the mercantile 620 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES business in his native town for one year with Richard Dunkel, firm name being Dunkel & Hoffman. He then purchased a farm of 180 acres, in Windsor township, at a cost of $97.25 per acre, and after farming successfully for two years, disposed of it at $105.00 per acre, realizing a handsome profit. Hethen moved upon the farm owned by his father-in-law, George Sunday, in Windsor township, con- tinuing for two years, when he returned to the township of his nativity and purchased the old homestead of his father. He resided upon that property for eight years, but after buying a farm of 166 acres in the same vicin- ity, he again moved, and has since resided on the last mentioned estate. He is engaged in tilling the soil by the latest improved methods, and by dint of bard work and successful management, he has accumulated a handsome competency, and now owns 300 acres of land. At one time he owned as much as 440 acres, but sold a farm of 100 acres to his son. He owns 25 acres of valuable timber land in the Blue Mountains. He is a director of the Farmers’ Assistance & Mutual Fire Insurance Co. Mr. Hoffman is a man of sterling quali- ties, and is considered a man of great worth and influence in the community. He took as his companion in life Mary Ann Sunday, a daughter of George Sunday of Windsor township, and they reared four chil- dren: Charles L., deceased; George R.; Anna; and Catherine, deceased. After the demise of his first wife, Mr. Hoffman was married to Catherine Shappell, by whom he has two children: Jacob C.; and one who died in infancy. Politically, he is a Demo.- crat, and has served as county auditor a num- ber of terms, also as school director. Relig. iously, he is a member of Zion's Lutheran Church of Perry township, of which he has been deacon and trustee, and is at present treasurer. ——_—__+ + -—_____ ILTON H. DELONG, deceased, who in connection with his brother conducted a furniture store and undertaking establish. ment under the firm name T. & M. H. De- Long, was one of the most enterprising and progressive citizens of Topton. He was a son of David D. and Catherine (Haas) DeLong, and was born in Rockland town- ship, Berks County, Pa., September 6, 1845. David D. DeLong, the father of our sub- ject. was born in Upper Macungie township, Lehigh County, but lived in Long Swamp township, this county, the most of his life. He followed the trade of a weaver, and bought and sold carpets, and also carried on farming. He was married to Catherine Haas, a native of Long Swamp township, and they reared six children, namely: David, who died at the age of twenty-eight years; Henry, born December 18, 1838, married Adeline Fenstermacker and is clerking in a store in the village of Hancock; Milton H., in whom the interest of this sketch centers; Tilghman, a furniture dealer of Topton, who was at one time a partner with our subject; Alvin H., proprietor of a hotel in Long Swamp township, who married Catherine Zondt; and Sally Ann, who died at the age of two years. Mr. DeLong died in Long Swamp township, September 6, 1893, and his wife passed away November 28, 1877. Milton H. DeLong completed the required course in the common schools, after which he attended a seminary one year. After his marriage he and his brother-in-law, Jacob Steininger, kept a store in Topton, after which he was employed as clerk in the marble yard of Schweyer & Leiss, at Bower’s Station for a number of yéars. He then went to Bridgeport, where he occupied a similar position in the marble works there for one and a half years. He then moved to Topton, where he and his brother, Tilghman, embarked in the furniture and undertaking business, which they conducted up to the time of our subject’s death, February 20, 1892. He was an upright and honest man, in whom the village ot Topton lost one of its best citizens. Milton H. DeLong twice took marriage vows. His’ first union was with Catherine Kaiser of Long Swamp township, the nup- tials occurring September 25, 1869. One child was born to them, but died in infancy. Mrs. DeLong died December 6, 1871, two years after the marriage. Our subject was again united in marriage March 31, 1878, with Louisa E. Knoske, who was born in Reading, March 2, 1858, a daughter of Capt. FREDERICK S. ZEHM. BERKS COUNTY 623 Edward and Catherine (Bower) Knoske. Mr. Knoske was born in Kutztown, where he fol- lowed the trade of a tanner, and was a clerk in a store in Reading for some time. He then moved to Bower’s Station and was one of the first settlers in the township, bringing in the first carload of hard coal ever brought there. He served throughout the Civil War, first as lieutenant in the 4th Reg. N. Y. Vol. Inf., and later as captain of Co. A, sth Reg. N. Y. Vol. Art., during the last three years of the war. He participated in many engage- ments, in which he always displayed great bravery, and made a record of which his family may well feel proud. At the battle of Antietam, he received an injury which com- pelled him to stay in the hospital for some time. He was united in marriage with Catherine Bower, by whom he had five chil- dren, namely: J. Charles, an engineer on the B. & O. R. R., who resides at Baltimore, Md.; J. William A., who is proprietor of a music store at Delaware, Ohio; Louisa E., the wife of our subject; Harrison, who is proprietor of a music store at Delaware, Ohio; and one that died at an early age. Milton H. DeLong and his wife became the parents of one daughter, Katie Elda, who was born April 26, 1882, and is now attending the Kutztown State Normal School. In religious belief they were faithful members of the Reformed Church at Bower’s Station. Our subject was a Democrat in his political belief, and always gave that party his sup- port, both by vote and voice. Socially, he was a member of Huguenot Lodge, No. 377, of Kutztown; the I. O. O. F. Lodge of Long Swamp, Pa.; and the P. O. S. of A. Camp at Topton, Pa. OSS REDERICK S. ZEHM, who repre- sents one of Kutztown’s most en- terprising industries, the Kutztown Foundry & Machine Co., is one of the popular and progressive business men of that town, and is held in high esteem for his many sterling qualities. He was born in Herzberg, Province of Saxony, Germany, February 2, 1836, and is a son of Charles G. Zehm. Our subject’s father was a native of Germany, and during his boyhood days learned from his father the trade of a ma- chinist, which trade he followed all his life. Our subject was reared and educated in Herzberg, Germany, and spent many of his younger days working in the machine shops with his father. June 9, 1853, he departed from his native country to seek a home in the United States; he located in Reading, where he served an apprenticeship to the machinist’s trade in John Noble’s Machine Shop. Later he was employed by the Addi- son and Mellert Machine Shops and from there he went to the Franklin Iron Works and took charge of the same for seven years. His next move was to Kutztown, and in part- nership with his brother, Charles G. Zehm, purchased the old Kutz Foundry and Ma- chine Shop. In 1869 they purchased 3 acres near the depot, built a large brick building, into which they moved; the machinery is run by a 45 horse-power engine and boiler; there are four lathes, one with a swing of ten feet; they have a large moulding room with a swing derrick in the center, and the rail pressing and cutting machines are also in this room. They makea specialty of boiler makers’ supplies; they also turn out the Keystone Turbine Water Wheel. In 1896 Charles G. Zehm retired from the business, and October 15, 1896, it was incorporated as the Kutztown Foundry & Machine Co. Our subject has purchased the J. De Turk property, which is located just outside the borough limits, and remodeled and enlarged the house into a beautiful home. Mr. Zehm received seven years of vocal training in Germany, and possesses a fine voice; he leads choirs in churches, and is foremost in musical entertainments. Politi- cally, he is a firm, independent Democrat, upholds the principles of his party, both by ballot and voice, and is a man whose influ- ence bears great weight. Socially, he is a member of the I. O. O. F. of Reading. He was wedded to Matilda L. Fox, a daughter of John Fox of Reading, and the following chil- dren were born to them: Annie L., the wife of J. A. Sander. foreman of the Kutztown Foundry & Machine Shops; Emma M. is a graduate of the Keystone State Normal School; Carrie A. is the wife of John Stern, an engineer of the shops controlled by our subject; Harry J. graduated from the State 624 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES Normal School, studied music in the Royal Conservatories of Leipsic and Paris, and is choir master and organist of the First Con- gregational Church of South Norwalk, Conn.; and William F.; Charles; Ralph; and Charles Henry; the last four deceased. Mr. Zehm is greatly respected by his fellow citizens for his excellent business methods, and is con- tributing his share toward the building up of his community, morally, socially, and intel- lectually. The family are members of the Lutheran Church of Kutztown, of which Mr. Zehm is an elder for the third term of four years. He is also director in the Kutz- town National Bank. Mr. Zehm’s portrait is shown on a preceding page. — OSEPH K. SCHULTZ, proprietor of the Wave Roller Mills of Niantic, one ot the best equipped mills in his sec- tion of the county, was born in Doug- lass township, Montgomery County, Novem- ber 20, 1840. He isason of Amos and Eliz- abeth ( Kriebel) Schultz, and a grandson of Isaac Schultz. George Schultz, the great-great-grand- father of our subject, was a son of Melchior Schultz, and was an agriculturist by occupa- tion. He, with two brothers, selected a tract of land in Montgomery County as their home, and it has remained in the family since, and is now owned by Abraham Schultz. Relig- iously, he was a member of the Schwenkfelder Church. His career came to an end Octo- ber 30, 1776, at the age of sixty-five years. He was united in marriage in January, 1744, with Mariah Yeakel, a daughter of Abraham Yeakel, and they were the parents of three children,—Abraham, Melchior, and another who died in infancy. Abraham Schultz, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born March 23, 1747, and was also engaged in agricultural pursuits. His companion in life was Regina Yeakel, a daughter of Christian Yeakel, and they became the parents of six children, namely: Adam; Isaac; Abraham; Frederick, Joseph; and Melchior. He passed into the unknown beyond December 235, 1822, at the age of seventy-five years. Isaac Schultz, our subject's grandfather, was born March 4, 1778, and died October 15, 1867. His occupation was that of a far- mer, but he also taught school for some years. He was a resident of Upper Hano- ver township, Montgomery County, and, like his ancestors, adhered to the faith of the Schwenktfelder Church. He was the pro- genitor of a family of eight children, whose names were as follows: Amos, the father of our subject; Isaac; Abraham; Daniel S.; Christina; Joel; Philip; and Joseph. Amos Schultz was born May 9, 1809, in Upper Hanover township, Montgomery County, and became a very prominent man of his time. At an early age he came to Washington township, Berks County, and bought the mill site which our subject now owns, upon which he built a mill and other buildings, consisting of two good houses, a barn, and other out-buildings. He operated the mill until 1882, when he retired from active business life. He was an active work- er in the Schwenkfelder Church, and for many years was treasurer of the charity fund. In political belief, he was an active Republi- can, and, while residing in Douglass town- ship, received the nomination for member of the Legislature, but refused to accept. He formed a matrimonial alliance with Elizabeth Kriebel, daughter of Samuel Kriebel, a resi- dent of Worcester township, Montgomery County, by whom he had three sons and five daughters: Sarah, the wife of Joel Schultz, a farmer of Upper Hanover township; Susan, deceased, was the wife of A. T. D. Johnson of New Berlinville; Joseph K., the subject of this personal history; Anna, deceased; Edwin, a farmer of Douglass township; Owen K., whose sketch appears elsewhere in this Book of Biographies; Lucina; and Eliz- abeth, the wife of Josephus Gerhard of Here- ford township, Berks County. Mr. Schultz died on the farm, upon which our subject now lives, in the month of May, 1895, at the age of eighty-six years. Joseph K. Schultz was reared on the farm, and received his education in the public schools. At the age of twenty-two years, he began working in his father’s mill, and in 1882, succeeded tothe ownership. Itisa large three-story building with a basement, and its dimensions are 4ox46 {t. It is well arranged, fitted with the latest and best of machinery, and has an output of 25 barrels of flour per BERKS COUNTY 625 day. Besides choice roller flour, he manu- factures and deals in feeds and grain. The business has prospered under his skillful management, and he has placed it among the leading industries of the town. He is honest and enterprising, and has gained many friends by the manner in which he conducts his af- fairs. He and his son, Elmer, constitute the Champion Mfg. Co., manufacturers of the Improved Horse and Cattle Powders, and the Champion Poultry Powders. They are manufactured in Niantic, but the main office is in the Bourse Building in Philadelphia. Mr. Schultz was united in marriage in 1865 with Susan Krauss, a daughter of the late George Krauss, a pipe-organ builder of Up- per Hanover township, and they became the parents of four children, whose records are as follows: Elmer is a fire and life insurance agent and real estate dealer, with his office in the Bourse Building in Philadelphia,—he married Mamie Hirner, daughter of Dr. C. G. Hirner of Allentown, and they have had two children born to them, Lloyd and Miriam ; Hannah, who married Joseph B. Bechtel, a jeweler and wholesale dealer in watch mater- ials of Philadelphia, and has one child, Clark; Amos, who married Irene Seipt, a daughter of William Seipt of Worcester township, Montgomery County; and Olivia, who is living at home. They are consistent mem- bers of the Schwenkfelder Church. Our subject is a Republican in his political belief, and takes an active interest in local politics. ono DAM L. HAIN, a prominent and honored pioneer farmer of Stouchs- burg, Marion township, Berks County, Pa., was born in Lower Heidelberg township, this county, April 2, 1822, and is a son of Peter and Catherine (Laucks) Hain, both natives of Lower Hei- delberg township. George Hain, the great-great-great-grand- father of our subject, was a descendant of Peter Hain, a commodore of the German Navy, and came from Germany in 1710, settling in Lower Heidelberg township, this county. Adam Hain, one of the seven sons born to George Hain, married and had three children: John, the great-grandfather of our subject; and two daughters, who married respectively John and Peter Klopp. John Hain married Barbara Qushaw, and had three children: Adam, the grandfather of our subject; and two daughters, who married respectively Peter Sheetz and John Fisher. Adam Hain, our subject's grandfather, was a farmer throughout his entire life in Lower Heidelberg township. He married Marie. Ruth, who bore him a family of four chil- dren, namely: Elizabeth, the wife of Benja- min Hain; Catherine married John Garnant; John was united in marriage with Catherine Garnant; and Peter, the father of our subject. Peter Hain was a farmer and miller all his life and lived in Lower Heidelberg township. He wedded Catherine Laucks, who was a daughter of Peter and Susan (Lorah) Laucks, and they reared the following children— Adam L., the subject of this biographical sketch; John died in infancy; Elijah also died young: Levi, who died in 1876, was a farmer,—he married Anna Laucks, and they reared eight children: Albert, Clement, Daniel, Kate, Peter, David, Ida, one that died in infancy, and Eva; Peter, who died in 1883, married Susan Oberholser, who bore him these children,—J. Ulysses, Kate, Jen- nie, Howard, Mary, Annie, and Lizzie; and David, a retired farmer of Lower Heidel- berg township, who was united in marriage with Sarah Hain, and six children were reared,—Peter, Luke, Riley, Eva, Lewis, and Cora. Mr. Hain died on his farm in Lower Heidelberg township in 1874. Mrs. Hain passed away in 1880. Adam L. Hain received a liberal educa- tion in the common schools of his native township, and remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-five years of age, assisting his father in the farm work. After our subject’s marriage he took charge of his present farm, which consists of 134 acres, and has since been engaged in the cultivation of the soil. Our subject is very prominent in his community, and is interested in any move. ment that tends to benefit society and his fellow men. Mr. Hain married for his first wife Han- nah Gaul, who died in 1854, leaving three children, as follows: Laucks, who died aged seventeen years; George, who resides in Jackson township, where he is engaged in farm- 626 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES ing, married Alice Groh, and their children . are,—Hardie, Adam, Mary, Warren, Amy and Paul; and Kate is the wife of Jacob Ruth, a farmer of Heidelberg township, and the mother of three children, Eva, Adam and Calvin. July 2, 1855, our subject formed a second matrimonial alliance with Rebecca Gassart, who was born in Tulpehocken town- ship in August, 1836. She is a daughter of Michael and Margaret Gassart, both of whom reside in Tulpehocken township. As a result of our subject’s second union, nine children were born, namely: B. Frank; Levi H.; Annie I.; David A.; Ellen M.; Calvin U.; Ambrose J.; Paul S.; and Ira T. R. B. Frank was born April 20, 1856, and is a carpenter residing in Reading. He married Amelia Hertzog, who bore him two children, name- ly: Kate and Ira. Levi H. was born Jan- uary 5, 1859, and is a prominent farmer of his community, having charge of his father’s property; he formerly lived in Tulpehocken township. December 22, 1883, he wedded Jane Wilhelm, a daughter of Joseph and Moranda (Snyder) Wilhelm. Asa result of this union the following children were added to his family: Mabel, born April 15, 1886; Grace, born April 20, 1888; and Mary, born February 7, 1896. Annie I., born in Decem- ber, 1861, died in September, 1863. David A., born October 11, 1864, married Louie Heckler. Ellen M., born December 15, 1866, is the wife of John Hoover of Reading. Calvin U., born June 17, 1869, married Mary Groh of Marion township; she died April 6, 1896, and he then moved on his father’s farm. Ambrose Z., born October 11, 1872, is now a resident of Myerstown, Pa.; he married Jen- nie Berkert. Paul S. was born April 26, 1879, and died aged five weeks. Ira T. R., the youngest of our subject’s children, was born March 12, 1881, and remains at home with his parents. Our subject is a Republican, and an active and earnest worker of the Reformed Church. of Berks county would be decided- =) Je ly incomplete without the presence of the subject of this sketch, who is a very _— + oe R. LEVI FRANKLIN WAGNER. A group of the prominent citizens popular and successful young physician of Pikesville. He is an untiring and conscien- tious worker, and has built up a splendid county practice that in size and in returns compares very favorably with any in the county. That he holds his present post of importance in the community is due to his own efforts toward self-culture and self- advancement. He has in every sense been the architect of his own fortunes, and that he ‘has builded well is acknowledged by all who . have had occasion to be intimately associated with him. Asa representative of that splen- did class of American citizens, who, sur- mounting every obstacle in their paths, have raised themselves from the lower walks of life to positions high in the esteem of their fellow-men. we take pleasure in presenting the salient facts in the life of Dr. Wagner. Our subject was born in Bern township, Berks County, January 6, 1863, and is a son of Harrison F. and Sarah (Minker) Wagner, and grandson of John Wagner. The Wag- ner family is of German origin; so far as is known its founders in America settled in Schuylkill County upon taking up their resi- dence in this country. Our subject's great- grandfather lived in Maiden Creek township. John Wagner, the grandfather, was a black- smith and hotel-keeper of Bern township, and resided with his son, Harrison F., during the latter years of his life, dying when past eighty years of age. He and three of his sons, our subject's father included, fought as Pennsylvanian Volunteers on the side of the Union. He married Miss Funk, and became the father of five sons and one daughter, as follows: Augustus, a carpenter of Blooms- burg, Pa.; Levi, a farmer living near the same place; Cyrus, a resident of Reading; Freling Hueysen, who is now a pension off- cial at Washington, D. C., was postmaster at Philadelphia for the army during the Civil War; Mary, deceased, was the wife of Har- ‘rison Hissling; and Harrison F., the father of our subject. Harrison F. Wagner was born in Blooms- burg, Berks County, and for a number of years was engaged in the manufacture of cigars, but is now occupied in farming near Leesport. He is an active member of the Reformed Church. He married Sarah Minker, daughter of George Minker, late a farmer of Berks County, and reared eight sons and one daughter, namely: Levi Frank- lin, in whom the interest ot this sketch cen. ters; John, a member of the firm of White & Wagner, contractors and builders of Read- ing; Milton, a resident of Philadelphia; Wil- liam, a cigar maker of Philadelphia; Irvin, deceased ; James, a clerk ina store at Read- ing; Howard, who lives with his parents; Sallie, who also lives at home; and Edward, who is a member of our subject’s household. Dr. Levi Franklin Wagner received his education in the common schools, in Bern- ville High School, and in the Keystone State Normal School. Ever since he was a boy he has had to ‘paddle his own canoe,” and the expenses of his education were all paid out of money he himself earned for that purpose. He was always a great student, and when the day’s work was finished he would study far into the night, burning midnight oil while others slept. He left school at the age of sixteen years, and for ten years taught school, first in the common schools of Berks County, later in the Pottstown Grammar School, and still later in the Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades at Media, Pa., where he was professor of physiology, hygiene and the physical sciences, also holding the position of resident physician to the school. This last position he held after graduating in medicine. While at the school he did very good work and was loved and respected by the whole body of students. He took up the study of medicine in 1884, under the tutorage of Dr. H. Y. Neiman of Pottstown, and entered the Medi- cal Department of the University of Ver- mont in 1885. There he zealously devoted his entire time to study, and the studious habits that he had acquired stood him in good stead in obtaining honors upon his graduation in 1888. He completed a special course in chémistry in 1887. After graduat- ing from the University of Vermont he spent considerable time in hospitals of Vermont and this state, and also took a regular course in the Medico-Chirurgical College of Phila- delphia, from which institution he was grad- uated with high honors in 1890, having a per cent. of 1ooin surgery. His first field of regu- lar practice was at Molltown, Berks County, where he remained nearly two years. In 1892 he located in Pikesville, where he has BERKS COUNTY 627 since had all he can do in responding to the calts made upon him for professional services. He keeps three horses, and has a great deal of country driving to do. Endowed with an excellent education, possessing superior natu- ral abilities and other qualifications that go far toward making an ideal physician, his future is decidedly bright. Dr. Wagner was indeed fortunate in his selection of a wife and helpmeet; he mar- ried Emma Cleaver, daughter of Frank Cleaver, a retired merchant of Pleasantville, Berks County, and they are residing in what is stated by many to be the prettiest home in the township. Our subject’s marriage has been blessed with the birth of a daughter, Elsie May. He is a member of Manatawny Castle, No. 461, Knights of the Golden Eagle of Pleasantville. He is vice-president of the Washington Building & Loan Association of Oley, Pa., where there is a branch office. He is an active member of the Reformed Church. Dr. Wagner is often called to dis- tant parts of the county in his work, and is one of the busiest and most successful of physicians. oo yy ARKER A. LONG, who is engaged in wood cutting and shipping at West Monocacy, Union township, XN Berks County, was born March 14, 1849, in Bart township, Lancaster County, Pa. Heisason of Charles and Mary-(Mul- len) Long, and a grandson of Christopher Long. Christopher Long was born in England, and came to this country at an early age, settling at Honeybrook, Chester County, where he operated a saw and grist mill. While still a young man, just in the prime of life, he was accidentally killed by a log rolling over his body. He was united in marriage with a Miss Harker, a native of England, and they reared a family of four children, one of whom was Charles, the father of our subject. Charles Long was born near Honeybrook in 1816, but later moved to Bart township, Lancaster County, where he owned and operated the old Townsend mill. His trade was that of a miller, and he followed it until 628 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES he moved to Sadsbury township, Chester County, where he was engaged in agricul- tural pursuits until 1858. After disposing of his farm, he moved to Good’s Mills, Indiana County, where he resided for about three years. He next moved to Armstrong County, but only remained until the following Christ- mas, when he returned to the home of his wife’s father in Chester County, where he remained until his death in 1861. He formed a matrimonial alliance with Mary Mullen, a daughter of Alexander Mullen, who was a tanner by trade, but followed farming most of his life in Sadsbury township. Their union resulted in the birth of four children, two sons and two daughters, whose records are as follows: Harker A., the subject of this biography; Charles Ashmer, deceased, was a Station and express agent of Christiana, Lancaster County, and later was a butcher of that town; Florence Victoria, the wife of Charles Jones, a machinist residing near Monocacy ; and Emma. Harker A. Long, after completing the required course in the public schools, attend- ed Prof. Rollin’s Academy at Parkesburg, Chester County. At the age of eighteen he left the parental roof and began life on his own account as assistant in the office of Clin- gan & Buckley at the Hopewell Furnace, and a short time alter became bookkeeper. He was a faithful worker and eager to learn all that could be learned about the business, and, in 1876, he was rewarded for his dili- gence by being promoted to the position of general manager. He _ proved himself thoroughly capable of handling the affairs of the concern, and for some years it prospered, but in 1883 there ceased to be a demand for charcoal iron, and they were obliged to close the furnace. Because of his thorough knowl- edge of the business, he was employed by Davis Knauer of St. Peter’s, Chester Count to close out the Elizabeth Furnace of Shenan- doah, Va. The subsequent four years were devoted mainly to that task, after which he rented the farm belonging to the Hopewell Furnace, and followed farming and looked after the furnace. In 1892 and 1893, he was engaged in sub-contracting, and did the ex- cavating and stone work for the Werners- ville Chronic Insane Asylum, a piece of work amounting to $20,000. He then began to cut and ship cord wood, and did an extensive business until 1896, when he left the Hope- well Furnace farm and moved to West Mono- cacy, where he is still engaged in the wood business. He was united in marriage April 1, 1882, with Eliza A. Care, a daughter of the late Nathan Care, who conducted the Hopewell Furnace for over fifty years. One son, Edward M., has blessed their union. Politi- cally, he isa stanch silver Republican. So- cially, he is a member of Stichter Lodge, No. 454, F. & A. M., of Pottstown, Pa. Mr. Long is an honest and worthy man, and is highly respected and esteemed by his neigh- bors as a dutiful citizen. : or USTIN M. HERMAN, proprietor of the popular New York Five and Ten Cent Store, and one of the sub- stantial citizens of Kutztown, was born in Greenwich township, Berks County, Pa., June 11, 1860, and is a son of James and Catherine (Herring) Herman, and grandson of Henry and Lydia (Henninger) Herman. Henry Herman, the grandfather of our subject, was a native of Lehigh County, Pa., and when he grew to majority, moved to Berks County, and located in Kutztown. He was successfully engaged in weaving linen and woolen goods and carpets; he was also an expert mechanic, and followed the ma- chinist’s trade at different times. His wife, Lydia Henninger, bore him four children, namely: Catherine; Louisa; Joseph; and James. Mr. Herman was called to his well- earned rest at the age of seventy-five years. Mrs. Herman died at the age of sixty-eight years, James Herman, the father of our subject, was born in Maxatawny township, February 29, 1829, and after receiving a liberal educa- tion in the common schools of his native place, began at the age of eighteen years to learn the carpenter’s trade, which he followed as a journeyman all his active days. Since he took up his residence in Kutztown, in 1868, he has assisted materially in the build- ing of many of its most handsome business blocks. He built a fine residence for himself at No. 54 White Oak street, and in 1891 LEVIOR, DIETRICH: retired from active work, and is now passing the years remaining to him in peace and quiet. He married Catherine Herring, a daughter of Peter Herring, who was a son of Peter and Catherine Herring. Peter Herring, Sr., was a farmer of Greenwich township all his life; he was the father of the following children: Peter, John, Elizabeth, Catherine, Polly, and Hannah. Peter Her- ring, Jr., was a native of Greenwich town- ship, and followed blacksmithing in connec- tion with farming. He chose for his life companion Rebecca Stoyer, and a family of eight children were born to them, namely: Rufena; Annie; Catherine, the mother of our subject; Peter; Polly; Amanda; Charles; and Elizabeth. Mr. Herring entered the world of rest aged ninety-one years; his wite passed to the unknown beyond at the age of eighty years. To Mr. and Mrs. Herman were born the following children: Henry Alfred, deceased; Emeline; Charles D., a leading merchant tailor in Kutztown; James Oliver, a tailor, is a resident of Kutztown; Austin M., whose name heads this brief nar- rative; Sylvester, a carpenter by trade, isa resident of Kutztown; Peter Allen, deceased; Walter Edwin is a tailor by trade; and Eugene, deceased. Mr. Herman upholds the principles of the Democratic party, and served as a school director and as a member of the borough council. Religiously, he was a member of the Lutheran Church. He was a veteran of the Civil War, having enlisted in 1862 in Co. I, 167th Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf. He died December 17, 1897. Our subject received his intellectual train- ing in the public schools of Kutztown, and the first six years of his manhood were spent in the cultivation of the soil; he then served an apprenticeship at carriage ironing in the Iron Works of Kutztown; after following that trade as a journeyman for two years, he went West prospecting. Remaining West for a short time, he returned to Kutztown, rented the Kohler Block, in which he opened his present store, the New York Five and Ten Cent Store. He has a large variety of goods, and makes a specialty of confec- tionery; he has a large patronage, which he established by his honest ways of dealing with his customers, and has one of the hand- somest stores in Kutztown. 30 BERKS COUNTY 631 Mr. Herman was joined in marriage with Annie G. Hoch, a daughter of John Hoch, and one child has been born to them: Charles Walter, born May 21, 1896, and died aged three months. Mr. and Mrs. Herman are members of the Lutheran Church. Our sub- ject adheres to Democratic principles, and has served his fellow citizens as inspector and judge of elections. In social circles, he is a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle and the Junior Order of United Ameri- can Mechanics. See > EVI F. DIETRICH. Asa representa- tive of the agricultural class, and one who has met with the greatest of success in the prosecution ot his independent calling, we take pleasure in men- tionin® the name of the gentleman whose biography we now set before the readers of this volume, and whose portrait we take pleasure in showing on a preceding page. He is pleasantly located on his fine and pro- ductive farm in Center township, where he may be found almost any day, engaged in the general routine of a farmer's life. He is a son of Daniel and Salome (Fisher) Dietrich, and was born in Windsor township, July 23, 1832. Michael Dietrich, the grandfather of our subject, spent his early years in Berks County, living the latter part of his life in Greenwich township, near Klinesville, where he owned a farm consisting of 160 acres of land. He upheld the principles of the Demo- cratic party, and was a leader in his commu- nity. Religiously, he was an active member of the Lutheran Church. He married Bar- bara Boyer, and their family consisted of the following children: Michael; Hannah (Kun- kle); Sarah (Weisner); Catherine (Kissler) ; Mrs. Bausher; Daniel, the father of our sub- ject; Henry; Mrs. John Wisner: and Mrs. Nathan Wisner. The grandfather of our subject entered the world of rest at the ad- vanced age of eighty-four years. Daniel Dietrich was born in Greenwich township, where he received a limited educa- tion. He followed agricultural pursuits tor filty years, first in Windsor township and later in Center township. Politically, he was 632 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES a Democrat in his views and affiliations. He was a member of the Lutheran Church and was aregular attendant. He was united in marriage with Salome Fisher, daughter of Phillip Fisher, who was a farmer and an ex- tensive land owner of Bern township. Mr. Fisher was a member of the Reformed Church of Bern township. He died at the age of sixty-three years. He was the father of seven children, namely: Henry; Jacob; Polly; Amos; Salome; Catherine; and Abigail. To Mr. and Mrs. Dietrich were born four children: Levi F., the subject of this biography; Daniel F., a merchant of Reading; Eliza, the wife of Isaac Roth, who resides in Shoemakersville ; and Henry, who died aged fifteen years. Mr. Dietrich passed from this life March, 1884, aged eighty-two years. Mrs. Dietrich died at the age of sixty- seven years. Our subject received his intellectual train- ing in the common schools of Center town- ship and at Whitehall Academy in Cumber- land County, where he spent eight months. Upon leaving school he taught three terms in Center township, and in 1855 turned his attention toward that independent calling, that of a farmer, and has since been engaged in the prosecution of that vocation in Center township, where he operates a farm of 165 acres. This farm is one of the most produc- tive in the township, and its improvements are of the best. It has good barns and out- buildings, and all the costly appliances req- uisite to the carrying on of first-class farm- ing and stock raising. The farm is stocked with 25 head of cows, and our subject is extensively engaged in dairying. Mr. Die- trich owns a farm of 103 acres in Center town- ship, which he rents, and has lately sold his one-half interest in the old homestead, which consists of 160 acres. In politics he is an uncompromising Demo. crat, and casts his vote uniformly in favor of the principles of that party. He has served as school director of Center township seven years; assessor of the same township for nine years; and was elected prothonotary of Berks County in 1884, taking his seat Janu- ary 1, 1885, and served one term of three years. Religiously, Mr. Dietrich is a devoted member of the Lutheran Church, and has served as deacon for many years. Novem- ber 10, 1884, our subject and Louisa Moser were united in marriage, and they reared a family of ten children, namely: Henrietta, the wife of George B. Miller, who is the present register of Berks County; Salome, the wife of William E. Gruber, a carriage manufacturer of Mt. Pleasant, this county ; Howard M.,a farmer of Center township ; Valeria, the wife of James H. Hollenbach, a cabinet maker and undertaker of Bernville, this county; Emma married Jeremiah Heck- man, a carpenter of Shoemakersville; Levi H., a prominent farmer of Center township ; Nelson C.; William P., a resident of Bern township; Irvin R., a resident of Center township, formerly a produce dealer at Phila- delphia; and Horace, who is now engaged in farming at home. Mr.'Dietrich is considered one of the best citizens of his community, and is conscien- tiously fulfilling all the duties of a kind neighbor; he is a man whose influence must necessarily be felt at largein the community. He is, in every respect, a good man, whose place, when he is gone, it will be difficult to fill. ——____+-@+—_____ ILLIAM BORDER of Reading possesses more than ordinary busi- ness acumen. He has fought his own way, with but little aid, from poverty to affluence, and that in an honorable and high- ly creditable manner. A son of poor parents, he was deprived of their company and ad- vice at an early age by death, and contact with the world soon developed a wonderful self-reliance in the lad, and made him truly the architect of his own fortune. He was industrious and made up his mind to make a success of his life, did not allow trivial affairs to discourage him, and pushed boldly on to the accomplishment of his purpose, with what success the entire county of Berks is’ aware. He was born in Alsace township, this county, June 6, 1829, his parents being Daniel and Elizabeth (Kline) Border. Samuel Border, his grandfather, who was a native of Germany, emigrated to Amer. ica, locating in Exeter township, this county, where he died. There Daniel Border was born and reared to manhood. He was a BERKS COUNTY 633 farmer and followed agricultural pursuits in Alsace township, where he settled with his small family. His wife, Elizabeth Kline, bore him two children: Daniel, who died at the age of eleven years; and William, the sub- ject of this biography. The father died when he had hardly reached the prime of manhood, leaving his young widow and the surviving infant son. The widow was again united in matrimony, her second husband being Jacob Bower. One child was born to this union, Jeremiah Bower, who is a physician in Reading. William Border was but a child of one and a half years when he was deprived of his father’s love and care. He was reared by his step-father until he was eleven years of age when he hired out to work on a farm, and continued at farm labor until he was seven- teen years old, when his step father moved to Reading, where our subject was employed in a brick yard one summer and worked as a day laborer for a short time. He then went to work at fence making, traveling all through Berks County and taking contracts for his fence. This business he followed for twenty- two years, gaining much valuable experience and knowledge of business principles that have been of great service to him since. He then formed a _ partnership with Oscar Roland, which continued but six months, when he purchased Mr. Roland’s interest and tormed a partnership with James T. Reber and Adam Bard, and conducted a business under the name of William Border & Co. They were engaged in the mauufacture of supplies for the building of wagons and buggies, such as felloes, spokes, shafts, etc. This work was successfully carried on for a period of eight years. He then conducted a money brokerage for three years, during the period of financial depression beginning in 1873. He was possessed of shrewd business foresight, and was quick to see and take ad- vantage of any opportunity that promised a successful financial outcome, and seldom was his judgment at fault. About this time he saw there was a chance for the right man to make some money in clearing off and selling timber; accordingly, he bought large tracts of timber, and being an excellent judge of that article, he was enabled to make intelli- gent trades, and in this line alone accumulated a neat competency. His next venture was in the real estate business, buying large tracts of suitable land and laying it out in lots, which were then offered tor sale. He is still extensively engaged in this business, owning considerable property in the vicinity of Reading, probably 100 building lots. His sales amount to about $32,000.00 per year in this branch. In 1893 he opened a toy and variety store, which he still owns, and which is successfully operated by his grandson, William C. Lease. The following year, 1894, he realized that the supply was tar short of the demand for bicycles, and, becoming con- nected with the Acme Mfg. Co., engaged in the manufacture of the Stormer Bicycle. He was elected a director in this company, which at once began to show signs of his connection with it, in its renewed activity and increasing business. In 1896 they built their present large, commodious plant on Eighth street, a large brick building. They employ as many as 400 hands and produce 20,000 bicycles a year. It is by far the largest plant in the city, and the goods turned out are the equal of any manufactured in the United States. The merit of this particular wheel is now well recognized, and the de- mand tor it causes the large plant to be pushed to its extreme capacity. Not only are their wheels shipped to all parts of the United States, but the demand for them comes from Germany and other foreign countries as well. When the Penn National Bank was built he was one of the stockholders, as he was in the Schuylkill Valley Bank, and the Reading Bank. He is still a stockholder in the Read- ing Bank, and also in the Reading City Pas- senger Railway. His business record has been remarkable, both for its steady prosper- ity and the keen judgment which has always led him to choose the path wherein lay pros- perity. At all times his craft has been guided by a strong hand and a cool head that carried it safe by the shoals that wrecked many a less favored bark. Mr. Border was married July 1, 1849, the lady of his choice being Emma Herbold. She was born May 26, 1822, in this county, and died May 7, 1889. She was a daughter of Adam Herbold, and a granddaughter of Frederick Herbold. Five children were born to them; Ellen Alwilda, who is the 634 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES wife of Jeremiah Lease of Reading; Amanda Otilda; Anetta, wife of Frank Rhinert of Reading; Emma and Elizabeth, both of whom died young. In politics Mr. Border has been affliated with the Republican party, but while at all times keeping an intelligent account of the different political phases, he has never cared to enter the field as a candi- date for official favors. He isa member of the Lutheran Church, and gives valuable financial aid to that body. He isa man of whose success his fellow citizens are justly proud, showing, as it does, that a boy may start in the world with nothing but a stout heart for his inheritance, and win his way to affluence and an honorable place in the com- munity, entirely by his own efforts, if he be persevering and diligent. ++ ILLIAM SNYDER RITTER, de- ceased, was one of the most prom- inent men of the city of Reading, and was the proprietor and editor of Der Readinger Adler, Reading Weekly News, and Reading Daily News, for many years, and through the medium of these papers aided materially in furthering the city’s interests, seeing and assisting in its growth from a town to a prosperous and thriving city. He was a son of Daniel and Susanna ( Snyder) Ritter, and was born in Exeter township, Berks County, September 13, 1828. The family is of German extraction. The first Ritter to come to this country located in Oley (now Exeter ) township, Berks Coun- ty, Pa., where his descendants have since re. sided, a period of over 150 years. Francis Ritter, the grandfather of our subject, be- longed to the sturdy class of agriculturists who were the pioneers of Oley township. He was the progenitor of a family of seven children, four sons and three daughters, namely: Daniel, the father of the gentleman whose name appears at the head of these lines; John; Jacob; Samuel; Mrs. Charles Kessler; Mrs. Nicholas Seidel; and Mrs. Samuel Christian. Daniel Ritter was a native of Exeter town- ship, Berks County, having been born in 1776, and there he busied himself in agricul- tural pursuits on the old homestead until his death, which occurred in 1853, at the age of seventy-seven years. He formed a matri- monial alliance with Susanna Snyder, a daughter of Benjamin Snyder, and a native of Exeter township, whose life extended over a period of eighty-four years, her death oc- curring in 1876. This happy union was blessed by the following issue: Benjamin; Esther: Daniel; Louisa; Ferdinand; Wil- liam Snyder ; and Franklin. William Snyder Ritter, the subject of this biographical record, was reared upon his father’s farm, and up to the seventeenth year of his age aided in performing the labors upon the same when not attending the schools of the township, in which he obtained a good English education. He then entered the employ of his uncle, John Ritter, the proprietor of Der Readinger Adler, and after completing his apprenticeship, he continued in the office as a journeyman and subsequently arose to the position of foreman. In 1856 he relinquished his trade for the time being, and during the following eight years was en- gaged in the mercantile business, a portion of the time as partner to David Keiser. At the expiration of that time, he, in associa- tion with Jesse G. Hawley, purchased from Charles Kessler, who succeeded John Ritter as owner, Der Readinger Adler, a good, sub- stantial paper, whose establishment dates back to the early history of the county. They successfully published the paper for several years under the name of Ritter & Co., its former name, and in 1868 they founded the Reading Daily Eagle, which made its appear- ance every evening, and purchased the Aead- ing Gazette and Democrat of J. Lawrence Getz. Six years later the partnership was dissolved, our subject becoming sole proprie- tor of the Adhir, and Mr. Hawley of the two English papers and of Der Readinger Kalendar. In 1876, Mr. Ritter, prompted by the patron- age and rapid growth of his paper, erected a large four-story brick building in which to | print the same, it being the first of any size to be built in Reading. Shortly after he founded the Reading Daily News and Reading Weekly News, both of which were published in the English language and immediately sprang into public favor. He also published Der Neue Readinger Adler Calendar, which has been an annual feature of Der Readinger Adler since its establishment in 1796. He continued with these publications for many years until his retirement, in February, 1891. Although he obtained but small training in school, he was aman of intellectual attainments, having de- voted many years of his life to study and reading. He was a man ot high principles, firm in his convictions of right and wrong, and wielded his pen with such vigor and fearlessness that he won the respect of all, including his adversaries in political life, who, although opposed to his principles, could not speak in too glowing terms of his character. In politics, he was a thorough Democrat, and his publications were able exponents of Democratic principles. His popularity gained him many ofhcial positions, and during the terms of 1861-62, 1864-65, and 1874-76, he represented his ward in the Common Coun- cil, serving as president of that body the sec- ond term. He was an active worker in be- half of the interests of the city, and it was great- ly through his influence that the purchase of the Reading Water Works was effected. In 1875, he was a delegate to the Democratic State Convention which nominated Hon. Cy- rus L. Pershing for governor. From 1877 to 1882 he served in the capacity of prison inspec- tor, and the honest course which he pursued added largely to the number of his friends. Mr. Ritter’s death, which occurred May 2, 1891, was mourned as the loss of a dutiful and loyal citizen, who had the welfare of the city at heart, and as a fond and loving father and husband to his family. He was united in hymeneal bonds in 1853, with Julianna Shearer, a daughter of Jona- than Shearer, and seven children were born to them: Milford Newton, who conducts his father’s former business; Jonathan Shearer, deceased; William Clinton; Francis Daniel ; Henry Snyder; Laura, the wife of William F. Shaneman; and Annie, the wife of William H. Luden of Reading. ———S— SO ETER J. RABENHOLD, justice of fe the peace, and a prominent farmer of Greenwich township, resides on 143 acres of well improved land, where he is busily occupied in the duties appertain- ing to farm life. He was born at Grimville, 30* BERKS COUNTY 635 Greenwich township, June 8, 1851, and is a son of Joseph and Esther ( Dreibelbis ) Raben- hold. Joseph Rabenhold was born in Windsor township, Berks County, Pa., January 26, 1827, and is a son of Peter Rabenhold, Sr., and his wife Mary (Sunday) Rabenhold. He was reared to farm life, and followed ag- ricultural pursuits a number of years with the best of results. In 1849, he was united in wedlock with Esther Dreibelbis, a native of Richmond township, and a daughter of Jacob and Salome (Dunkel) Dreibelbis, her father being a prominent farmer. Mrs. Ra- benhold was born on the 24th day of Novem- ber, 1829. In the spring of 1850, our sub- ject’s parents moved to Greenwich township, locating on the farm now owned by Peter J. Rabenhold. This farm was, at that time, ina very poor and unproductive condition, and provided with very poor buildings, but Joseph Rabenhold, being a very active and well-trained farmer, at once had new build- ings erected, many other changes and im- provements made, and, before the lapse of many years, had transformed what had gener- ally been considered as a very poor property, into a rich and productive farm, in which condition it has been retained to the present date. Mr. and Mrs. Rabenhold reared seven children, as follows: Peter J.. our subject; Elemanda, wife of Jonathan P. Dietrich, a farmer of Greenwich township; Amelia L., married to C. R. Grim, whose sketch also appears in this collection of biographies; Mary C., wedded to Oliver G. Yenser of Greenwich township, also a prominent farm- er, but now a resident of Perry township; William, who died in infancy; George W was united in wedlock with Catharina Kutz, and is a prominent and very active farmer, now residing in Tilden township; and Alice A., wife of George F. Christ, also a promi- nent farmer and a resident of this county. The mother of our subject departed from this life on the 29th day of October, 1871, at the age of only forty-one years. Mr. and Mrs. Rabenhold had the esteem and good-will of all who knew them; they were first and fore- most in all good works, and their influence was widely felt. Mr. Rabenhold resumed the married state in 1876, leading to the altar in that year Mrs. Anna Gruber ( widow 636 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES at the time) of Perry township. In 1882, Mr. Rabenhold retired from active farming, and requested our subject to return to and take charge of the old homestead, while he himself occupied a small adjoining farm, which he had purchased; in 1893, he sold the latter property to his daughter, Mrs. Jonathan P. Dietrich, and retired from all active work, removing to the borough of Hamburg, where he now resides. Peter Rabenhold, Sr., father of Joseph and grandfather of our subject, was a son of Adam and Magdalena (Seip) Rabenold, and was born on the roth day of August, 1801, in Whitehall township, Northampton County, Pa. (It will be noticed in this connection that Adam Rabenold, the great-grandfather of our subject, used to write and spell his name without the “h,’ which our subject thinks is the proper way as near as he can find. The Rabenold family is of German antecedents, and in that language the proper way of spelling the name would be R-a-b-e-n- o-l-d; it is spelled in many different ways,— some spell it Raubenhold, some Robinold, and some Rabenhold, the way our subject uses it, although he would prefer to spell it without the “h,” and would do so were it not for the trouble and confusion it might cause in legal documents and papers, that he has had occasion to sign in an official capac- ity.) Soon after the birth of Peter Raben- hold, Sr., his parents moved to Brunswick township, Schuylkill County, Pa., settled on a farm, and followed farming for a number of years. When he had attained a proper age, Peter was apprenticed to the trade of shoemaking; at that time shoemaking was all done by hand, was quite a general busi- ness, and was highly thought of as one of the most useful of trades at which a man might make a very good living. He worked at his, trade until he was twenty-two years old, when he was united in wedlock, December 27, 1823, with Mary Sunday, a resident of Windsor township, Berks County, Pa., born in Greenwich township, this county, Decem- ber 23, 1804, a daughter of George and Cath. -arina (Strawser) Sunday; her father was a very active and prominent farmer, and was quite an extensive land owner. Soon after their marriage, they moved to Brunswick township, Schuylkill County, and took charge of the old homestead. A few years later, they bought a farm in Windsor township, Berks County, and Mr. Rabenhold engaged in farming, at the same time following his trade as a shoemaker. He made money rap- idly in these two pursuits, and soon gained possession of a number of valuable farms in different localities. In 1859 or 1860 Mr. Raben- hold retired from active life, and moved to Hamburg, where he lived until his death, on the 16th day of October, 1883, having attained the age of eighty-two years. His wife sur- vived him eleven years, and departed from this life on the 12th day of July, 1893, aged eighty-eight years. They reared seven chil- dren, as follows: Mary Ann, born January 18, 1825, who died single: Joseph, father of our subject, born January 26, 1827; Catha- rina, born April 25, 1820, wife of Benneville Stoyer; George, born April 5, 1833; Wil- liam, born October 9, 1835; Christian, born September 25, 1838, who died single; and Mary, born November 22, 1841, the wife of Daniel Smith. Peter J. Rabenhold first attended the com- mon schools of his native place, and later at- tended school in different places in Lycom- ing County: his spare time and vacations he worked on farms in different localities, which fitted him well for the work of an agricultur- ist, and gave him a valuable knowledge of the capabilities and needs of different soils. Later he went to Addison, N. Y., where he was a student two terms in Addison Acad- emy, and upon his return home entered the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown, where he pursued his studies for some time. After our subject’s marriage, he moved to Tilden township, and was there engaged for seven years in farming. Later he took charge of the old homestead in Greenwich township, consisting of 143 acres; the farm is rich and productive, and is one of the best improved farming properties in the town- ship. It is well stocked with cattle, and our subject is interested in dairying. Mr. Ra- benhold was wedded December 19, 1874, to Louisa Kohler, a native of Greenwich town- ship, and a daughter of William and Anna (Deisher) Kohler; her father, who passed to his reward October 11, 1895, was a successful farmer of Greenwich township, and was a son of John and Rebecca (Leiby) Kohler. T. GARION FISHER. Mr. and Mrs. Peter J. Rabenhold have reared one child, Irvin P., born September 14,1875. He at first attended the common schools, and then was sent to the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown by his father, who requested him to finish out a full course there, and then take up a profession or an occupation other than farming. After he had gained the Junior Class of that insti- tution, he all at once decided to drop his books, against his father’s wish, and return to the farm, there to employ himself in the pursuits of agriculture, stating as his rea- son for this sudden determination, that the farmer always eats at the first table, and he desired that privilege. On February 25, 1896, Irvin P. Rabenhold married Clara Christ, who was born in Greenwich township, No- vember 20, 1875, a daughter of Charles and Sally (Siegfried) Christ ; they have one child, Neda, born May 29, 1897. After their mar- riage, the young couple took charge of the old homestead. Our subject is a Democrat in politics, heartily believes in the principles of that organization, of which he is an active mem- ber; was often chosen as a delegate from his district to the county conventions to help secure the nomination of his friends; and has never failed a general election since he had the right to vote. He has been a member of the standing committee, and served on com- mittees to form resolutions for the conven- tions; was chosen an election officer in 1873; afterwards was elected school director of his township; and served as secretary of the school board for three successive years. On May 9, 1891, he was appointed justice of the peace of the township by Governor Robert E. Pattison, and upon motion of his friend, Hon. H. D. Green, State Senator, his ap- pointment was confirmed by the Senate. On February 16, 1892, the Governor's ap- pointment was again approved by the elec- tors of his township by their re-electinghim, a justice of the peace by a handsome major- ity. He faithfully served in the office fora full term of five years, and on February 16, 1897, was again re-elected to the said office, the Governor confirming the election on April 14 of the same year. Mr. Rabenhold is still serving in the office to the great satis- faction of all citizens of the township. Mr. BERKS COUNTY 639 and Mrs. Rabenhold were reared in the Lu- theran faith, and in their daily walks of life exemplify the precepts of the great Teacher. They have the esteem and good will of all who know them. They are first and fore- most in all good work, and their influence is widely felt. GARION FISHER, proprietor of a general merchandise store in Long - Swamp township, whose portrait the publishers of this work present on the oppo- site page, was born in that township, August 21, 1859, and is a son of Frank and Sallie A. (Fenstermacher) Fisher. Jacob Fisher, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was a native of Long Swamp township, where he was engaged in farming all of his life. Frank Fisher, the father of our subject, was also born there. He has always followed that most honorable of all callings, farming, and is now living with his wife on the old homestead farm. He was united in marriage with Sallie A. Fenstermacher, a native of this township, and they became the proud parents of one son, T. Garion, the subject of this personal history. T. Garion Fisher received his primary education in the common schools, which was supplemented by a course in the Keystone State Normal School of Kutztown. He worked upon the farm until after his mar- riage, when he purchased his present store. He carries an excellent line of general mer- chandise, and by his energy, enterprise and genial manner in treating his customers, has established a large and lucrative practice in the vicinity. August 26, 1893, he was joined in the holy bonds of wedlock with Alice I. Ziegler, a daughter of Phillip and Fianna (Steininger) Ziegler. Mr. Ziegler, who is now deceased, as a farmer and also a dealer in coal and lumber. His wife still survives him, and is now resid- ing on the home farm in the township. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher are the happy parents of three children, namely: Leah, Frank P., and Laura [., all of whom are living at home. They are members of the Long Swamp Reformed Church. In political belief, Mr. 640 Fisher is an active member of the Demo- cratic party. Socially, he is a member of Topton Camp, No. 172, P. O. S. of A.; and of Orion Castle, No. 501, Knights of the Golden Eagle. For the past three years our subject has been a member of the school board. He served one year as president, and is now secretary of that body. Mr. Fisher is the proprietor of the largest bee farm in Berks County; he has about 100 colonies. <> raising fruit, poultry, and gardening on the old John Spicher place in Heidelberg township, Berks County, is one of the good, reliable citizens of that community. He is a son of Jacob and Sarah (Shepp) Eckert, and was born in Heidelberg township, September 20, 1832. His paternal grandfather was John Eckert, who was born on the old Eckert homestead, where he spent his entire life in that most honorable of occupations, farming. He mar- ried Catherine Haak, and they became the parents of the following children: Jacob, the father of our subject; William; Rebecca; John; Benjamin; Isaac; Sarah; Mary: and Catherine. Jacob Eckert was born in Heidel- berg township and always lived on the old homestead, where he followed farming as a means of earning a livelihood. He was a well known figure in political circles, and was an adherent to the principles of the Republi- can party. Religiously, he was a member of the Corner Lutheran Church of Heidelberg. He was united in marriage with Sarah Shepp, who was born in Muhlenberg town- ship, and was a daughter of Conrad Shepp Conrad Shepp was a native of Germany, who upon coming to this country located near Reading, where he turned his attention to tilling the soil. He was united in marriage with a Miss Klohs, and they reared the fol- lowing children: Daniel; Elizabeth; Sarah, the mother of our subject; and Catherine. Mr. and Mrs. Eckert became the parents of four children, whose records are as follows: James, in whom the interest of this sketch centers; Mary, who married Daniel Henne, deceased, is now living with our subject; Js ECKERT, who is engaged in BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES Jacob, who married Susan Krick, is now liv- ing in retirement in Wernersville; and Amanda, who died at an early age. Mrs. Eckert passed into the world of rest in August, 1861, and her husband followed her two months later. James Eckert received a common school education and worked upon the homestead farm until he was twenty-eight years of age. He was then married and began farming on the homestead on his own account, remaining there until 1883, when he moved upon a smaller farm, known as the John Spicher place. He has since remained there, and makes a specialty of fruit raising and garden- ing, which proves a paying occupation. He is an industrious and energetic worker, honest and upright in all business transac- tions, and has many friends in the vicinity, with whom he has had the pleasantest of associations for many years. Our subject’s first marriage was with Elizabeth Hoyer, a native of Muhlenberg township, a daughter. of Simon Hoyer, a farmer of that township, and they reared two children, whose records are as follows: Wil- liam Jacob was born April 7, 1862, and was educated in the common schools, after which he began farming on the old homestead, where he has since remained. He keeps a dairy of twenty cows and is extensively en- gaged in poultry raising. He is one of the leading young men in the township, and has been decidedly successful in business affairs. He has innumerable friends and acquaint- ances, and has been called upon to serve as president of the school board. May 25, 1882, he formed a matrimonial alliance with Fianna Mohler, who was born in Lancaster County, Pa.. August 5, 1859, and they are the parents of the following children: Louisa, who was born March 24, 1883; Levi J., born July 23, 1887; and Mabel A., born April 15, 1890._ The second child born to our subject was Emma, who was born in February, 1864, and is the wife of Adam Leid, a farmer of Chester County, by whom she has one son, James. Mr. Eckert’s second union was with’ Lydia Hertzog, the nuptials occurring in November, 1865. They are the parents of two children, namely: Aaron, a prominent farmer of Heidelberg township, married Annie Reber; and Ida, born March 16, 1874, BERKS COUNTY who is now living at home with her parents. Religiously, Mr. Eckert is a member of the German Baptist Church of Lebanon County, Pa. In political belief, he is a stanch Repub- lican. EORGE S. AMMON, a well-to-do and retired miller of Reading, Pa., was born near the village of Robe- sonia, this county, December 26, 1814, and is ason of John and Peggy (Hildebrand) Am- mon, and grandson of John Ammon, Sr. The grandfather of our subject was of English origin, and was born in Bucks Coun- ty, Pa. but came to Geigerstown, Berks County, at an early date, and was the founder of the Ammon family in this county. His occupation was that of a miller and farmer. John Ammon, the father of our subject, was a native of Bucks County, where he resided all his life, prosecuting the calling of an agri- culturist. He was united in the bonds of wedlock with Peggy Hildebrand, who was of German origin and a native of Robesonia, Berks County, Pa. George S. Ammon is mainly self educated, as he did not have the advantages of a school education, being bound out at the early age of eight years to his uncle, George Ammon. Remaining with his uncle until he attained the age of seventeen years, he left for Tulpe- hocken, this county, where he served an ap- prenticeship to the miller’s trade in the mill owned by John Stouchs. He then worked as a journeyman a number of years, at a wage of $6.00 and board per month; by the exercise of economy he succeeded in laying aside a portion of his hard-earned salary; and at the age of twenty-one years he rented the Seyfert Mill and operated the same on shares for three years. He then worked the Robesonia Mills two years for Andrew Saylor, and then bought the property from that gen- tleman, and conducted the mills on his own account for a short time, when he sold them to William Krick of Reading. Purchasing the Reinhold Mills, which he later rebuilt, he successfully operated the same for a period of fourteen years, then selling them to Jacob Ebling, he moved to Monocacy, this county, 641 where he purchased of William Detweiler the mills owned by him, which he operated one year, and then sold to Daniel Koch. He next moved to Exeter township, where he purchased the Thomas Mull Mill, which he sold to Jacob Hertzog three years later. In 1870, our subject located in Reading, where he has since resided, passing his latter days in quiet and peace, enjoying the fruits of his early toil. Mr. Ammon, on December 27, 1835, was wedded to Julia Ann Spengler, who was born December 30, 1816, and whose death occur- red September 29, 1890. The following chil- dren were born to our subject and wife, namely: Jacob, born November Io, 1836, is a physician residing in Reading; Mary Ann, born June 30, 1838, was united in marriage with Samuel Shawwalter, now deceased, and she died January 8, 1891; Margaret, born February 16, 1840, is the wife of Lewis Ker- ling of Philadelphia; James, born November 21, 1844, is the proprietor of a grocery store in Reading; Elijah, born October 1, 1846, is engaged in the manufacture of underwear, and resides in Reading; Emma, born Sep- tember 24, 1848, is the wife of John Rick of Reading; Ellen, born June 9g, 1850, was wed- ded to John Raudenbush, both of whom are now deceased; George was born March 1g, 1852, and died March 19, 1872; and William S. and Fanny, twins, who were born February 3, 1854,—Fanny is the wife of Lee Esenhour. William S. Ammon was educated in the private schools of Lancaster, attending about two months in the year, and later attended the public schools of Berks County. After taking a course in the Business College of Reading, he spent much of his time in trav- eling throughout the Western and Southern States. He embarked in the manufacture of woolen hats for a short time, and has since been engaged in the handling of machinery- In 1871-72, he crossed the plains from Leav- enworth, Kan., to San Francisco, Cal., on horseback; he then traveled south along the Pacific Ocean until he reached the southern part of California, when he started east head- ed for New Orleans, La. Upon arriving there, he boarded a steamer for Kansas City, Mo., from which city he started north along the Missouri River to Bismarck, Dakota, and thence, ascending the Columbia River, he 642 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES started across the plains of Dakota and Min- nesota for St. Paul. After this long journey on horseback, he took the train for home. In 1895, he left Reading, and went to the Pacific Coast ina parlor car, showing the progress made in a little over twenty years. Passing through British Columbia, and then through the Southern States, he returned to his home in Reading. William S. Ammon has also made several trips through the states along the Atlantic Coast. Oo ILLIAM H. TYSON, who is lo- cated on a fine farm, consisting of 248 acres of land near the village of Jacksonwald, Exeter township, Berks County, Pa., was born near Lyon’s Station, this county, July 30, 1843, and is a son of Benjamin and Susanna (Haak) Tyson. The Tysons are of English descent, belong- ing to an old Quaker family, which early settled in Montgomery County, Pa. Cornel- ius Tyson, the grandfather of our subject, was a hotel man and proprietor of a merchandise store in the village of Trappe, Montgomery County. He was the father of three sons and three daughters, who were named as fol- lows: Joseph, a lumberman of Columbia, Pa., who died aged ninety-four years; Benja- min, the father of our subject; Cornelius was a hotel man of Columbia, Pa.; Mrs. Maria Yerkes, deceased; Mrs. Phoebe Long, de. ceased; and Mrs. Charlotte Focht, deceased. Benjamin Tyson was born in Trappe, Montgomery County, in 1804; when he grew to maturity, he engaged in the hotel business at New Jerusalem, Berks County. Later he purchased a farm near Lyon’s Station and en- gaged in the cultivation of the soil, until he was appointed prothonotary of Berks County; he then moved to Reading, where he resided until his death, and at that time he was a can- didate for the same office. He was a leader of the Democratic party of his community, and served in the State Legislature from 1848 to 1856; during this time he also pur- chased coal for the United States Govern- ment, and at the close of his term in the Legislature engaged in the coal business at Llewellyn, Schuylkill County, Pa. Eight years later he opened the Gilberton Mines in Schuylkill County, and operated the same for two vears, when he retired from active life. Healso ran a stage from Reading to Lancaster, Reading to Kutztown, and from Reading to Harrisburg for several years. He was united in wedlock with Susanna Haak, a daughter of Jacob Haak, a well-to- do farmer of German ancestry, living near Lyon's Station, this county, who at one time owned all the land where the village of Lyon’s Station is now located. To Mr. and Mrs. Tyson were born five sons and one daughter, namely: Jefferson, who died at the age of twenty-one years; Cornelius H.,a successful banker and business man of Potts- ville, Schuylkill County; Benjamin died, aged twenty-one years; Charlotte, who died at the age of twenty-one years; William H., our subject ; and Edward Hubley, who died, aged thirty-five years. William H. Tyson was educated in the public schools of Reading and at Morgan- town Academy, this county. Later he at- tended the Mt. Pleasant Academy at Boyer- town; he then clerked in his father’s store in Schuylkill County for six years, after which he became agent for his father, and sold the product of his father’s collieries in Phila- delphia; when his father sold his coal interests, our subject became agent for Alt- house & Focht, coal producers, and remained in their employ for several years. He then became senior member of the firm of Tyson & Conner, dealers in coal in Philadelphia ; two years later he was agent for Teyler & Co., coal dealers of Philadelphia. He next took charge of some lumber yards in Elks County, and from there he went to Sterling, Cameron County, Pa. and later went to Hersey, Michigan, where he took charge of J. A. Haak’s lumber and shingle mills. Re- turning to Reading, he took charge of the rag department of the Bushong Paper Mills, and in 1882 moved to Exeter town- ship, where he took charge of his brother’s farm, and has since engaged in the tilling of the soil. Mr. Tyson is a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle; and P. O. S. of A. Politically, he is a stanch Democrat, and has served one term as school director of Exeter township. On September 24, 1873, he was united in the bonds of matrimony with Caro- Sa REBER, DR. M. line B. Huff, a daughter of George Franklin Huff of Altoona, Ba, Three children have blessed the home of our subject and wife, as follows: Charlotte; Catherine; and George. -— + R. M. S. REBER. Among the | most successful and skillful physi- cians of Berks County is the gentleman named above, whose portrait is shown on the opposite page, and who commands a large practice in the city of Reading. He isason of Thomas and Sarah (Shoemaker) Reber, and grandson of Adam Reber, and was born in Ontelaunee township, now Maiden Creek township, February 15, 1838. Adam Reber, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was born in Kutztown, Berks County, following the vocation of a cigar maker there until after his marriage, and then moved to Perry township, where he dealt quite exten- sively in cattle, which occupation he followed until he retired to Ontelaunlee township, where he spent his latter days enjoying a well-earned competency. In politics, he was a Democrat. In religious views, he was a zealous member of the Methodist Church. He married Mary Glasser, and they reared seven children, who were as follows: Thomas; Joshua; Lucia S.; William ; James; Eli; and Perry. Thomas Reber, the oldest of his father’s children, and father of our subject, was born in Windsor township, this county, and when he grew to manhood conducted a butcher shop, which business proved to be very suitable to his tastes and qualities, as he was an expert in judging meats and stock. He also owned a farm of 170 acres, which was one of the best improved farms in the com- munity, the buildings of which were all in first-class order and the land rich and pro- ductive. He was a Democrat all his life and took an active part in politics. He was joined in wedlock with Sarah Shoemaker, and they reared the following children, namely: Francis; Van Buren; Dr. M. S., the subject of this sketch; Chambers; Lyman; Mary; James; Wirt; Rebecca; Jefferson, deceased; and one ‘that died in infancy. Sarah Shoemaker was a daughter of Charles BERKS COUNTY 645 Shoemaker the maternal grandfather of our subject, who was born in Shoemakersville, which town was founded by him in the latter part of the eighteenth century, and named after him. He conducted a hotel on the site of the present Metropolitan Hotel, and did a large hotel business. He was a member of the Lutheran Church, and was one of its most able workers, and was a colonel in the state militiaand represented his county in the Pennsylvania State Legislature. He married a Miss Kershner, who bore him the following children: Charles; Joseph; Ed- ward; Sarah, the mother of our subject; Mrs. Susan (Stepp); Elizabeth (Albright); Hannah; Rebecca (Seidel); and Sophia (Moore). Francis, the eldest son of Thomas Reber, learned the trade of a miller and later followed the vocation of a farmer. Van Buren, who is a graduate of Jefferson Medi- cal College of Philadelphia, chose that of a physician and druggist, which he follows at St. Louis, Mo. Dr. Chambers was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, and was practicing his profession at De Soto, Mo. Dr. Lyman, who was also a gradu- ate of the University of Pennsylvania, is practicing, and is one of the best physi- cians of St. Louis, Mo. James graduated from Washington University, and is a resi- dent of Kansas City, Mo., where he is a real estate dealer and an editor of one of the papers of that city. Wirt graduated from Eastman’s Business College at Poughkeep- sie, N. Y. Mr. Reber passed from this life at the age of seventy-six years. Mrs. Reber died aged seventy-four years. Our subject received his elementary edu- cation in the public schools of Maiden Creek township, and at the age of thirteen years entered the summer and free schools of Onte- launee township ; later he attended Mt. Joy Academy at Mt. Joy, Lancaster County, Pa., and in 1863 graduated from the Medical De- partment of the University of Pennsylvania. He returned to Shoemakersville April 24, 1863, and entered into the work of his pro- fession; his professional attainments are superior, and he manifests a kind and gentle- manly demeanor toward every one, which has given him the respect and good will of the entire community. He continued to practice in that town until 1897, when he 646 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES moved to the city of Reading, where he has since resided, and is meeting with a fair SUCCESS. Dr. Reber is a member of the Knights of Pythias. He and his family are prominent members of the Evangelical Church, and our subject has held the position of trustee, steward, and was class leader of the Sabbath School of the United Evangelical Church at Shoemakersville. September 6, 1865, he formed a matrimonial alliance with Louisa Porr, daughter of Louis and Catherine Porr of Bernville, this county. They became the parents of five children, of whom the three now living are popular and well-to-do citi- zens in the various localities in which they reside. The record is as follows: Ada Laura, deceased; G. De Costo, who was educated in the State College, is proprietor of a butcher shop in North Solin: Caroline: Chambers T., deceased; and Virgie May, the wife of J. Samuel Reiter, a conductor on the Phila- delphia & Reading R. R., is living in Shoe- makersville. In politics, our subject is a Prohibitionist. He is tolerant of the opinions of others, but his views are decided, and ex- pressed with the fearlessness of a man who feels he is right and is not afraid to maintain his opinions and principles. Hs is a member of the Berks County Medical Society. ++ Jv. D. MADEIRA, M. D., is a man of commanding presence, being of large stature and splendid phys- ique, which makes him a conspicuous figure in any assemblage. He is one of the most popular physicians of Reading, and his popularity is exceeded only by the wonder- {ul success that attends his ministrations. He is a native of Berks County, having first seen the light of day in Bern township Au- gust 20, 1858.. His immediate ancestors are John S. and Catherine (Young) Madeira, both old residents of this county, well and favorably known. The paternal grandfather of Dr. Madeira was Samuel Madeira, whose wife was Elizabeth Shepp. His maternal grandfather was Daniel Young, a native of Exeter township, this county. John S. Madeira, the father of our subject, was born January 22, 1821, near Leesport, this county. His father died when he was a small child, and he was taken into the home of his uncle, Daniel Shepp, where he grew to manhood. He was raised and educated in Reading, and after reaching mature years took up the occupation of farming as most congenial to his taste. In his work he was more than ordinarily successful, and at the age of sixty-seven he was enabled to retire to Reading for the quiet and rest he had so well earned. He was a strong Democrat, and was often importuned to accept different county offices, but political life held no charm for him, and such suggestions were invari- ably put aside. He was a member of the Reformed Church, in which he was deacon and elder. No time or labor was spared by him when the work of his church needed him, and he was one of its principal support- ers. His marriage with Catherine Young was blessed by the birth of three children: Ellen, now deceased, who was the wife of Jonathan Tobias; John, who is a prominent farmer of Spring township, this county ; and James D., the subject of these memoirs. Mr. Madeira lived in Reading six years, and reached the advanced age of seventy-three years. Dr. James D. Madeira spent the first years of his life on the farm upon which he was born. At the age of fifteen he entered the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown, where he made rapid progress, and later be- came a student in the Millersville State Nor- mal School, taking the classical and scientific courses, and graduating in 1881. He was both ambitious and industrious, and like many other eminent men, worked his way up from teaching a country school to the prac- tice of medicine. During five years five of the winter months were spent in teaching, while all of his available time was employed in study. He studied medicine under Dr. Shearer of Sinking Spring with such good results that he entered Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia and was enabled to complete the course in 1883. The following two years were devoted to hospital work at the same place, under such skilled physicians as Drs. Agnew, Goddell and Pancoast. These years were of inestimable value to him in his work, giving him an understand- ing of the diseases met with in a general BERKS COUNTY practice, a skill and delicacy of execution and a confidence in his ability that is gained by few young practitioners. His first loca- tion was east of Harrisburg, at Grantville, Dauphin County, this state, where he re- mained for eight years, gaining a large and lucrative practice. Notwithstanding his large and ever increasing practice, he de- cided upon moving to Reading, where he would have more scope for his work. Since opening his office in Reading his practice has become quite extended and among the best class of people. He has a large gen- eral practice, and makes a specialty of the diseases of women, in which he has met with phenomenal success. He is character- ized as a deliberate, resolute, and careful physician, and has made a host of friends outside his profession. He is a member ol the Berks County Medical Society, State Medical Society, and American Medical Association, and has won an enviable repu- tation throughout this section. He is a member of the commission of lunacy of Berks County, and is a medical examiner for a number of life insurance companies and for the Foresters of America. He is an earnest member of the Reformed Church, and is known as an ardent Democrat. i ERS ee AMES G. KAUFFMAN. Among the prominent and influential farmers and stock breeders of Center township is the gentleman named above, who was born September 21, 1862,in Berks County, where he now lives, and isa son of David and Elizabeth (Greim) Kauffman. His great-great-grandfather was Jacob Kauffman, who with 550 other passengers trom Zweibrucken, Nassau, Wurtemburg, and the Palatinate, came to America on the ship Phoenix on September 15, 1749. He and two of his brothers located in Lancaster County, Pa., but as the country was unsuit- able for the business he wished to pursue, he remained there but a short time. He wished to settle upon a tract of land which could be turned into meadow land and which would enable him to raise hay with which to feed his stock without having to wait to clear 647 forest land. He with one brother left that locality and moved to Bern township, now Upper Bern township, Berks County, and took up a piece of land in the fertile valley lying along the foot of the Blue Mountain, near the present site of St. Michael’s Church, of which he was a promoter. He received a patent for about 700 acres, a portion of which was meadow land with an abundance of good water, and there he built a log house with a cellar. There was no opening to this house admitting of entrance, and by sending bul- lets down the meadow trom a window he could effectually put a stop to all advances made by hostile Indians. As the settlers were few in that vicinity at the time, they were troubled much by the treacherous enemy, and as a protection to themselves by night they established a military post. In the morning they would shoulder their guns and go to work, returning to the fort again at night. This precaution was exercised from 1754 to 1764, but in all about 100 mem- bers of the community lost their lives in the little skirmishes that took place, among them being a brother of Jacob. The latter also met with many thrilling adventures, and at times narrowly escaped death. In after years Jacob built a costly stone mansion up- on this property, and at the present day it isin an excellent state of preservation. He reared alarge family of children, and his boys became great hunters, as the deer were very plentiful in that section. It is said that a gun now in the possession of one of his descendants has killed as many as 200. Mr. Kauffman fol- lowed farming on the old homestead until his death in 1804; he was buried at St. Michael’s Church, of which he was an active member. He left a tract of a little over 100 acres to his son, Yost, and it is now known as Folk’s tarm. Philip Kauffman, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born December 21, 1757, and for many years was engaged in agricultural pursuits. He located on a portion of the original tract secured by his father, and lived there until his death, November 17, 1843, at the age of eighty-five years, ten months and twenty-six days. He was buried in the grave- yard of St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, of which he wasa member. He married Mag- dalena Seaman, and they reared seven sons 648 and four daughters, one of whom was David, the grandfather of our subject. David Kauffman was born in Bern town- ship, Berks County, September 24, 1790, and like his ancestors he followed the calling of a farmer. After his marriage he located in Center township, where he purchased a farm now known as the Bushong farm, containing 190 acres. About fifteen years prior to his death he retired from active labor, but still remained upon his farm. He also owned another farm of 120 acres joining the first. In politics he was a strong Democrat; in re- ligious views he was an active member of Belleman’s Lutheran Church. On February 26, 1814, he was united in wedlock with Mag- dalena Kline, who was born April 15, 1793, and they became the parents of twelve chil- dren, four sons and eight daughters, namely : Elizabeth, deceased, married Valentine Spatz ; William, of Center township; David, de- ceased, the father of our subject; Mary, deceased, was the wife of John Rothen- berger; Lavina, the wife of William Loose of Center township; Catharine, the widow of Dr. John Spatz; Sallie, the widow of John Kauffman; Matilda, the widow of John Rothenberger of Reading; Levi, a resident of Leesport; Lydia. the wife of Leonard Schock of Leesport; Deborah, deceased ; and George, deceased, whose family resides at Pottstown. Mr. Kauffman died March 6, 1868, aged seventy-seven years, five months and twelve days, and is buried at Belleman’s Church. His wife was called to rest on June 14, 1846, aged fifty-three years and two months. David Kauffman was born in Bern town- ship, Berks County, November 1, 1820, and there he attended school, after which he fol- lowed the vocation of a farmer on his father’s farm of 190 acres, for a period of seven years. He then purchased the adjoining farm ot 161 acres, which is now owned by. “our subject, where he pursued farming until eleven years prior to the time of his death, when he retired to Leesport and spent the remainder of his days in the enjoyment of a well-earned competency. He owned two farms in Bern township, one of 130 acres, another of 108 acres, and also a fine house in Leesport. He took an active part in local politics, and upheld the principles of the BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES Democratic party. He was not only a mem- ber of Belleman’s Lutheran Church, but was deacon and elder for a number of years. On November 24, 1849, he was united in mar- riage with Elizabeth Greim, daughter of John and Sarah (Wertman) Greim of Bern township, and their children were as follows: Sarah, the wife of Henry Phillips, who is a farmer of Center township; Isabella, the wife of Isaac Bagenstose, deceased who was a farmer of Bern township; John, deceased ; Elizabeth, deceased ; David, deceased ; Cath- erine, deceased, who was married to Samuel Moser; James G., whose name heads these lines; and Louisa G., the wife of John Win- ter, a clgar manufacturer of Reading. David Kauffman died July 28, 1897, aged seventy- six years and nine months, and lies buried at Belleman’s Church. Mrs. Kauffman, who was born April 20, 1824, died January 6, 1898, aged seventy-three years and nine months, and was laid to rest beside her husband at Belleman’s Church. James G. Kauffman attended the common schools of Center township, the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown, and the Central State Normal School at Lock Haven, Pa. Leaving school at the age of twenty years, he engaged in farming with his father, and in 1886 engaged in farming on his own account. He was very successful, and by his own industrious efforts was enabled to purchase the farm of his father, the transfer being effected in 1893. This farm was orig- inally purchased from the Pennsylvania land proprietors in 1749, by Benjamin Lightfoot, one of Berks County’s pioneers, who sold it to a man named Zumbro, who accord- ing to information at hand lost five sons in the Revolutionary War. The following be- came proprictors of this estate in turn: Jacob Loose; Jacob Loose, Jr.; William Loose; David Kauffman, who acquired it by pur- chase in 1856; and then James G. Kauffman, our subject, who still owns and cultivates it. He has his farm stocked with 53 head of cat- tle, and makes a specialty of breeding stock and fattening cattle. He also carries on dairying to a large cxtent, and ships a large quantity of milk to Reading and Shenan- doah. Mr. Kauffman is a firm Democrat, and takes an active interest in the success of his chosen party. He was chosen assessor of his township soon after arriving at maturity ;: he is serving his second term as school director, and has been chosen several times as delegate to county conventions. Socially, he is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry; and of Leesport Castle, No. 141, Knights of the Golden Eagle. On January 30, 1886, Mr. Kauffman and Mary L. Hartman, a daughter of George C. and Rebecca J. (Lein- bach) Hartman of Bern township, were united in marriage. Their family consists of eight children, namely: Winfield Hartman, deceased ; David Benjamin; Laura Rebecca, deceased; George Robert; James Leinbach ; Mabel Elizabeth; John Greim; and Irvin Hartman. Mr. Kauffman and his family hold memberships in Belleman's Lutheran Church of Dauberville, of which our subject has been deacon for several years. eo > —_—_— EV THOMAS C. LEINBACH is a gentleman well known throughout Berks County for the efficient manner in which he has performed his duties as pastor of the Bernville charge, and is loved for the Christian bearing which he manifests toward all. Although he has no charge at Womelsdort, he makes that village his home, on account of its central locality. He was born December 31, 1837, in Jackson township, Lebanon County, Pa., and is a son of Rev. Thomas H. and Elizabeth (Seibert) Leinbach. Rev. Thomas H. Leinbach, the father of our subject, was born in Oley township, where he grew to maturity. He attended the common schools for a time, and then took a course of study under Dr. Herman in a private school near Boyertown. He was then prepared for the ministry and accepted his first charge in Bern township, where he remained only a short time. His next call was to the Tulpehocken charge in Lebanon County, Pa. He was a pastor of the Re. formed Church there until his death, a period of forty years. He was a man of high prin- ciples, and always exhibited the genuineness of true religious experience. He was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Eliza- beth Seibert, who was born in Marion town- BERKS COUNTY -of Washington, _D. C. ship, and they reared a family children, whose records are given below. Rev. Aaron S. Leinbach, D. D., the eldest son, was born July 20, 1825, and was educated in Marshall College of Mercersburg, from which institution he was graduated in the class of 1846. He then took a course in the theological seminary at the same place, and was ordained to preach May 16, 1848. He was a man of considerable prominence, and preached in Reading and other places. He was twice united in marriage, his first union being with Eliza Amanda Schantz, who bore him the following children: John, deceased ; Mary, deceased; Irene, deceased; Amanda, deceased; Thomas C., deceased; Jacob S.; Sallie E., the wife of Adam B. Rieser, district attorney of Berks County; Alice, the wife of Morris H. Shaeffer of Reading; and Marion O., the wife of John Armstrong, a banker of Reading. His second union was with Annie E. Wetzel of Carlisle, Pa. Rev. Aaron S. Leinbach, D. D., passed into the world of rest June 22, 1896. Maria R. was born Janu- ary 13, 1827, and married Dr. Isaac Walborn, by whom she had the following children: Samuel, Annie, Cora, Emma, Thomas, Charles, Sallie, Kate and Lavina. Dr. Wal- born died in 1887, and his wife is now living in Myerstown, Elvina M. was born Septem- ber 11, 1829, and was the wife of Rev. Joel Reber, a minister of the Reformed Church; to them were born three children, namely: Rev. Thomas N., Sallie, and Kate, the wife of Henry Deeter of Philadelphia. Elizabeth, the fourth child born to our subject’s father, died in childhood. Isabella was born July 7, 1833, and also died young. Sarah M., de- ceased, who was born September 13, 1834, married General William Ulrich, who lives in Herndon, Va., and bore her husband two chil- dren: Marion, deceased; and Mary, the wife of Louis Faber, a prominent restauranteur Emma L., who was born November 28, 1835, married William Loose, an attorney of Philadelphia, and they had one son, Edwin, who is now deceased. Thomas C., in whom the interest of this sketch centers, was the next child in order of birth. Charles H. was born January 27, 1840. Jane P., who was born March 11, 1841, married John Urich of Myerstown, and they reared two children: John, deceased ; 650 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES and Mary. the wife of James C. Reber, Jr., of Reading. John Adam was born April 15, 1843, and died young. Rev. Samuel A. was born January 10, 1844, and was married to Maggie Everhart; after her death he formed an alliance with Mary Long. Clara, the youngest member of the family, was born December 21, 1846, and married Riley Dun- dor of Myerstown. Rev. Thomas H. Lein- bach, Sr., folded his hands in final rest March 31, 1864, aged sixty-two years, two months and thirteen days, after living a long and use- ful life. Rev. Thomas C. Leinbach, the subject of this personal history, received his early edu- cation in Myerstown Academy, and later attended Franklin and Marshall College, in Lancaster, graduating in the class of 1858. He then attended Mercersburg Theological Seminary, where he was prepared for the ministry, and in 1860 was licensed to preach. For several years thereafter he assisted his father, and then received a call to accept a pastorate at Shaefferstown, Lebanon County, where he remained for some ten years. In 1881, he resigned his charge at that place and has since filled the pulpit in St. Thomas’ Reformed Church of Bernville. He also had the following congregations: Zion's Re- formed Church at Strausstown, St. John’s Church at Host, St. Daniel’s Church of Robesonia, Christ Church in Jefferson town- ship, and North Heidelberg Church, all of which have had an increase in membership under his successful guidance, and are in a prosperous condition. He is of a_ kind, sympathetic, and charitable disposition, and has won his way to the hearts of his parish- ioners. He has a high ideal of manhood and lives up to it in every particular. He has lived in Womelsdorf since April, 1861, and is now residing in a handsome residence, which was erected in 1879. Rev. Mr. Leinbach and Maria R. Seibert took marriage vows September 6, 1860, and they became the parents of eleven children, of whom the four now living are as follows: Paul 5S., who was born September 21 1874, is a young man of great promise—he gradu- ated from Franklin and Marshall College in 1895 with first honors, and in 1898 he gradu- ated from the Theological Seminary at Lan- caster, and is now pastor of Grace Reformed Church at Altoona, Pa. Edwin S., who was born September 12, 1878, attended the Al- bright Institute at Myerstown; he is now a Freshman in Franklin and Marshall College, at Lancaster, Pa. Oliver E. was born Octo- ber 31, 1879, and is attending high school at Womelsdorf. Elmer G. was born June 23, 1881, and is now attending a classical school in Reading. These children, having been brought up by kind and thoughtful parents ‘and under religious influences, give promise of large future usefulness. Mrs. Leinbach is a woman of refinement and excellent quali- ties, and.is a worthy companion to her hus- band. She was born in Marion township, Berks County, June 16, 1840, and is a daugh- ter of John and Elizabeth (Seidel) Seibert. John Seibert was born in Marion township, where he was engaged in agricultural pur- suits all his life. As a result of his union with Elizabeth Seidel, he became the father of five children: Justina, who died at the age of fifteen years; Samuel, who died at the age of ten years; Elvina, deceased; Thomas Michael, who married Mary A. Good, and after her death married Amelia Bishop, by whom he had seven children,— John M., Luther B., Douglas S., who mar- ried Anna Kutz of Kutztown, Anna A., the wife of L. App, Mary, the wife of George Umstead, Nettie, the wife of Clifford Unkrich of Buffalo, N. Y., and Nora, who married John Coulston; and Maria R., the wife of our subject, who was the youngest child born to her parents. Socially, Rev. Mr. Leinbach is a member of Williamson Lodge, No. 307, F. & A. M. of Womelsdorf; and of the Knights of the Golden Eagle. He has been for a period of twelve years a member of the Womels- dorf school board. Rev. Mr. Leinbach has preached the Gospel for nigh forty years. —_ — me R. GERSHOM WENGER is a son of Isaac and Mary (Wenger) \6) Wenger, and was born May_ 10, 1825, in the northern part of Lan- caster County, and for many years past has been among the foremost “physicians of Reading. The ancestors of both parents were of LOOSE. WESLEY K. BERKS COUNTY 653 Swiss origin. His paternal grandfather, Samuel Wenger, was born in Lancaster County, this state. He was a farmer of con- siderable prominence, and, like many of the prosperous early settlers, operated a grist mill in connection with attending to his agri- cultural pursuits. He lived to an extreme old age, dying when ninety-three years old. On the mother’s side, Dr. Wenger traces his ancestry back to Christian Wenger, his great- great-grandfather, who, desiring to escape the crowded economic conditions of his na- tive country, went to England and purchased of the Penns, proprietors of Pennsylvania, a section of land in Lancaster County, for which he paid the sum of £49 sterling. Upon this property he built his cabin and passed the remainder of his life. Henry Wenger, the great-grandfather, was born on the farm in Lancaster County, and spent: his life there, falling heir to the property in 1774. His son, Joseph Wenger, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was also born there, and upon reaching manhood’s years became a minister of the Mennonite Church. He died aged eighty-four years, six months and twelve days. Isaac Wenger, the father, was born in 1801, on his father’s farm, and spent his life there as a farmer and distiller, dying in 1876. He married, and had a family of twelve children, Gershom and Barton being the only ones now alive. Dr. Gershom Wenger was educated in the select schools of Lancaster County, and studied medicine with Dr. Winters of Hin- kletown, graduating from the Medical De- partment of Pennsylvania College of Gettys- burg, the college having a branch school in Philadelphia at that time. He graduated in 1850, and at once located at Akron, Lancaster County, and practiced for a short time in Ephrata, In 1881 he took up his residence in Reading, where he has since been located, and where he is doing a good business. He has given especial attention to the treatment of piles, and many a sufferer from that disease has had occasion to bless his ministrations. Dr. Wenger was joined in matrimony with Julia Wickel, and to them have been born three children: Arthur B., who died young ; a child that died in infancy; and Miiton Le- Roy, an account of whose life is found on an- 31 other page of this work: The Doctor and Mrs. Wenger are members of the Episcopal Church of Reading, and are highly esteemed for their many excellent qualities. SSO ESLEY K. LOOSE, county com- missioner of Berks County, is a son of William L. and Lovina (Kaufman) Loose, and was born March 15, 1862, in Center township, three miles west of Leesport, this county. Daniel Loose, the grandfather, was born in this county, and died on the old home- stead, as did his father, George Loose, before him. Part of the original 300 acres compris- ing the homestead is still in the possession of the family. There, on March 5, 1826, was born the tather, William L. Loose, and there he has resided all his life, engaged in the hon- orable calling of an agriculturist. He was united in matrimony with Lovina Kaufman, who was born in November, 1826, and is but a few months his junior. This worthy couple are still living, enjoying the society of friends of a lifetime as well.as of friends formed morerecently. Thirteen children were bornto them, of whom five died while young. Four sons and four daughters are still living, viz: Sabilla (Mrs. Chas. B. Dietrich ) of Friedens- burg, Schuylkill County ; Helen (Mrs. Albert S. Seidel) of Reading; Peter K. lives at 1817 Perkiomen avenue, and is head clerk in the employ of Dives, Pomeroy & Stewart; James K. has a knitting factory in Reading, and is engaged in the manufacture of stockings; Nora is the wife of S. K. Fisher, a farmer of Bern Station; Wesley K., our subject; Mil- ton K. is a farmer of Bern township; and Lillie is at home and unmarried. Wesley K. Loose was educated primarily in the common schools of Center township, while his leisure hours were employed in the various duties of his father’s farm. He at- tended one term at the Keystone State Nor- mal School in 1879, and at the age of sixteen commenced teaching school. He taught eleven terms in the county, meeting with the best success, but at this time he had an op- portunity to secure employment in the gen- eral store of Lenhart & Kauffman of Lees- port, so he abandoned teaching and worked 654 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES for them until September 23, 1889. At this time he was appointed deputy collector of internal revenues under the Harrison admin- istration, and served one term of four years. At the close of this service, he purchased the City Laundry, and up to the present time is operating it very successfully. It is one of the best equipped laundries in the city, and turns out work surpassed by none. Mr. Loose was married to Clara Gauker of Leesport on September 28, 1882, and has an interesting family of four daughters,— Sally, Bessie, Mary, and Helen. He has served as delegate to a number of county conventions, and in 1888 he was one of five delegates from this county to the state con- vention, and since then has attended several conventions, not as a delegate, but to show his interest in the affairs of the party. He was recently elected county commissioner of Berks County, the position he is now so ably filling. He is a genial, pleasant gentleman, a kind and indulgent neighbor, and an honor- able, upright citizen, and it is with pleasure that we announce that his portrait is shown on a preceding page. SO HESTER B. JENNINGS, M. D., is a physician and surgeon of Read- ing, who exercises tact and_ skill in his treatment of disease, and is making for himself an enviable reputation along surgical lines. He began the practice of his profession when barely past his ma- jority, and has met with well merited success and approbation. He is ason of Isaiah and Eliza (Filman) Jennings, and first saw the light of day in Reading, Pa., March 2, 1857. The grandfather of our subject was Wil- liams Jennings, a native of England, and the first of the family to come to this country. The father, Isaiah Jennings, was born in Chester County, on October 13, 1811, and was there educated in the common schools, and afterwards learned the trade of a stove moulder. He worked at this trade in War- wick, Chester County; there is now a post- office and a station of that name. His resi- dence during this time was at St. Mary’s, that county. He moved to Reading about 1844, and lived there the remainder of his life, dying January 13, 1893, having worked at his trade during all that time. He was a Demo- crat and served one or two terms asa member of the council. He was married to Eliza Fil- man, who was born January 4, 1815, in Chester County, near St. Mary’s, a daughter of Philip and Elizabeth (Deugler) Filman, worthy people of German stock who were natives of Chester County. Her grand- father Filman was an extensive and sub- stantial farmer of that county. Mrs. Jen- nings was the mother of twelve children, and died September 7, 1892, at the ripe old age of seventy-seven years, and preceded her husband just 4 months before he entered his long rest. The children of this worthy couple were as follows: John C.; Samuel, deceased; Elizabeth, wife of W. H. Price of Philadelphia; Anna, wife of Amos B. Fic- thorne of Reading; William, deceased ; Henry, deceased; Maria C., unmarried; Philip, a resident of Philadelphia; Albina died young, as did Eliza Jane and Emma; and Chester B. Dr. Chester B. Jennings was educated in Reading, graduating from the Reading High School in 1875. He then secured the posi- tion of assistant way-bill clerk of the Phila- delphia & Reading R. R., and later was as- signed to the position of head clerk in that. department. His next step was the study of medicine under Dr. W. F. Marks of Read- ing, and then entered Hahnemann Medical College, graduating in 1881, after which he at once began the practice of his profession in Reading. He has a large general prac- tice, but his taste and capability incline him more especially to surgical work, in which he has been eminently successful. He is a member of the State Homeopathic Society, believing that an exchange of views among the physicians leads to mutual improvement to all. He is a member of the board of United States pension examiners of Berks County, having been appointed September 8, 1893, under the Cleveland administration. _ Dr. Jennings is a Democrat and prominent in local politics. He was made a member of the school board in 1887, and has served con- tinuously since then, being now in his third term. He is a member of the Americus Club, a Democratic organization of the city, and has frequently served as delegate to JACOB ETZEL, county conventions. He is a member of Mt. Penn Lodge, No. 65, KX. of P., and Camp No, 330, P. O. S. of ,A., also of the Lexington Commandery, No.2. He is one of the most prominent and untiring workers in St. Bar- nabas’ Episcopal Church, acting as vestryman and superintendent of the Sabbath School. He numbers his friends by the score, both as a medical man and as a private citizen, and his daily life shows that their friendship is not misplaced. a is widely known over the state as a reporter of prominence. He is a son of John P. and Eliza (Flickinger) Rhoads, and was born November 2, 1856, in Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pa. His grandfather was a farmer of that county and died at New- burg in 1838, at the age of thirty-seven years, when just entering the prime of manhood. John P. Rhoads, the father, was also a native of Cumberland County, having en- tered this life in 1820. He was an attorney and practiced at Carlisle, but afterward drifted into the banking business, accepting the position of cashier of the First National Bank ot Newville, that county. He occu- pied the position for fourteen years, when his failing health necessitated the abandoning of such confining work, and he again turned to his profession as a means of employing his time. This work he was following at the time of his death, in October, 1884. He was a strong Democrat and took an active part in the affairs of the party. He served as a mem- ber of the Pennsylvania Legislature in 1861 and 1863, when the Legislature saw some pretty stormy times. He married Eliza Flick- inger, daughter of Jacob Flickinger, and had a family of three children: Alfred M., who resides in Pittsburg, and is a journalist ; Mat- tie E., who is unmarried and lives with the subject of this sketch; and J. Newton. J. Newton Rhoads was educated in the common schools of Carlisle, and graduated from Dickinson College in 1879, after which he was engaged in the newspaper business in Carlisle for a time. He was then offered a position on the reportorial staff of the Przla- SSO NEWTON RHOADS, the efficient court stenographer of Berks County, BERKS COUNTY 657 delphia Times by Alex. McClure, who desired a reporter who could do the work in short- hand. He studied stenography in order to fit himself for this position, and soon began reporting for the Legislative Record in Har- risburg in 1881 and 1883, and from that be- came a reporter of court proceedings. He then entered the employ of Mr. Demming of Harrisburg, an official stenographer, and re- mained with him about four years. In 1885, he was appointed official court reporter for Cumberland County. While in the em- ploy of Mr. Demming, he did considerable reporting through about fifteen counties of the state, besides some counties in New Jer- sey. In 1887, he became assistant stenog- rapher in the Berks County courts, and in 1889, became the official court stenographer at the same time holding the same position to the court at Carlisle. In 1895, he resigned the latter position, and has since devoted his whole time to reporting for Berks County, having an assistant in the work. He has done some work in taking arguments before the Board of Pardons, and also before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. While with Col. Demming in Harrisburg, he did some work before the senate committees and for the attorney general of the state, and has also reported a number of conventions. Mr. Rhoads was united in matrimony with Susie E. Rheem, a daughter of Jacob Rheem of Carlisle. They were married May 30, 1892, and have an interesting family of two bright children: Edith, born October 20, 1893; and Marion, born June 19, 1896. Mr. Rhoads is an energetic, industrious, capable man, and has a host of friends to congratulate him on his successful achievements. = ACOB ETZEL, whose efficiency as chief of police of Reading is fully appreciated by the citizens of that city, of which he has been a resident for many years, was formerly the proprietor of the New York House on the corner of Tenth and Green streets. He is a son of Christopher and Margaret (Hefler) Etzel, and was born in Bavaria, Germany, October 21, 1851. Christopher Etzel, the father of our sub- 658 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES ject, was born in Bavaria, Germany, but in 1855 emigrated to America, locating in Reading. On the journey, his worthy wife passed to her eternal rest in London, Eng- land. Prior to coming to this country he learned the trade of a cooper and brewer, and the latter line of business he followed with the Lauer Brewing Co. of Reading un- til 1862. In that year he went West and became the owner of a brewery at Fort Wayne, Indiana, which he operated with fair results until 1873, when he returned to the employ of the Lauer Brewing Co. In 1878 he moved to New York City and engaged in the same line of business until his demise in 1888, his body being taken to Reading for interment. He married Margaret Hefler in Germany, and they became the parents of two children, namely: Jacob, the subject of this biographical sketch ; and Lena, the wife of Henry Erlacher of Reading. By her first marriage with John Fleckenstein, Mrs. Etzel had the following offspring: John,a brewer by vocation; Clara, deceased, was the wife of Henry Devore of New York City; Henry, who is now serving as a volunteer in the German army ; Dora, who is the wife of John Funk, a large butcher of New York City; and Sebastian, who is also a member of the German army. Jacob Etzel attended the public schools of Reading until 1862, when his father moved to Fort Wayne, Ind., and there he continued his intellectual training, after which he learned the trade of a brewer with his father. Upon returning to Reading, he entered the establishment of the Lauers, and continued in their employ until 1873, when he moved to New York City. There he followed his trade but a short time, when he embarked in the hotel business on the corner of Broad and Pearl streets, which was at one time the headquarters of Wash- ington. Mr. Etzel conducted that hostelry with success from 1878 to 1890, when he re- turned to Reading and purchased the New York House on the corner of Tenth and Green streets, remodeled it and improved it throughout, and conducted one of the best hotels in the city until 1896. In that year, he went out of the business in order to ac- cept a position as sergeant of the police force, serving in that capacity with such ability and faithfulness, that he was ap- pointed chief of police, May 1, 1898. He has since served in that office in such a man- ner as to gain a large number of friends and the respect and good will of the men at the head of the city government. Politically, he is a stanch Democrat, but has never aspired to office, his present office having come to him unsolicited. While a resident of New York City, he was a member of the general committee of Tammany Hall, and since tak- ing up his residence in Reading has been active in the councils and work of the party. April 23, 1876, Mr. Etzel was united in marriage with Mary Leyer, and their happy union was blessed by the birth of two chil dren, namely: George Washington, whose death occurred in New York City; and Jacob, Jr., who now resides at home. So- cially, he is a member of Lodge No. 576, F. & A. M. of New York City; Reading Lodge No. 2728, Knights of Honor; and the State Liquor League of Pennsylvania. Mr. Etzel’s portrait is shown on a preceding page. diseases of the eye, ear, nose, throat and nervous diseases, makes a specialty of these diseases in connection with his general practice, which will compare favorably with that of any other physician in the county, has made a reputation which ex- tends far and wide throughout this section. He was born December 24, 1845, in Kutz- town, Berks County, and is a son of Isaac K. and Flora Anna (Koser) Strasser, and grand- son of Michael Strasser, His great-great-grandfather, Conrad Stras- ser, was a son of German parents, having been born in Germany and came to Windsor township, Berks County, Pa., where he lo- cated on 2,500 acres of land. His son, Con- rad, succeeded to the ownership of this vast estate, upon which he lived his entire life. Michael Strasser, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was born in Windsor township, but moved to Kutztown at an early age, and there followed the trade of a carpenter and R. THOMAS A. STRASSER, who has made a thorough study of [; } cabinetmaker. He passed into the unknown beyond when our subject’s father was yet a small boy. Isaac K. Strasser was born in Kutztown, August 3, 1817, and there spent his entire life with the exception of the last few years, which were spent at Fleetwood. Being left an orphan at an early age, he was thrown upon the mercy of the world and became an apprentice to the saddler’s and_harnessmak- er’s trade for three years, at Reading, Pa., which proved his life-long vocation. Politi- cally, he was a Democrat, and interested him- self in local politics, serving as councilman and school director. Religiously, he was a member of the Lutheran Evangelical Church, of which he was elder and deacon. He was united in marriage with Flora Anna Koser, a daughter of John George Koser, who was born in Greenwich township, January 7, 1787, and was engaged in agricultural pursuits during his active life, dying in Kutztown, November 28, 1872. His father was a native of Switzerland, and the first of that family to come to America. As a result of their union, Mr. and Mrs. Strasser became the happy parents of eleven children, whose records are as follows: Charles Koser, de- ceased; Dr. Thomas A., the subject of this biographical sketch ; Anna Familia, deceased, the wife of William Weaver, a traveling sales- man; Sarah Sabina, the relict of Charles Messersmith, and the former wife of Eugene D. Bieber of Kutztown; Clara Louisa, who is the wife of Levi S. Mabry, who is a jus- tice of the peace and deputy treasurer of Berks County, living at Mertztown; Anna Lydia, the wile of Nathan C. Shaeffer, a mer- chant of Fleetwood; Alice Elizabeth. who married Josiah Koch, a contractor and build- er of Reading; Horace W., who died in the city of Reading, October 31, 1885. was a rail- road engineer, and previously a cigarmaker and clerk in a mercantile house—he married Mary Scheidy of Reading ; Gustave Leander, who died in infancy; Anna Avilla Maria, who also died in infancy; and Ellen Esther, whose demise occurred in July, 1876. Dr. Thomas A. Strasser attended the com- mon schools of Kutztown and Allentown Seminary, now Muhlenberg College, after which he took a course in Maxatawny Sem- inary of Kutztown, and later was in attend. ait BERKS COUNTY 659 ance at the Keystone State Normal School. Then, by teaching school and clerking for a few years, he earned and saved enough to enable him to study medicine. He entered the office of Drs. Gerasche & Trexler of Kutztown, after which he took a course in the University of Pennsylvania, beginning October 1, 1865. He graduated from that institution of learning March 14, 1867, and immediately thereafter took up his first prac- tice at Pleasant Corners, Lehigh County, re- maining until the spring of 1868. He then moved to Millerstown, now Macungie, Lehigh County, and there remained until 1885, when he moved to Reading and entered into part- nership with Dr. Isaac C. Detweiler, buying of him the house No. 210 North Sixth street, which partnership continued until 1887. In October, 1888, he moved trom his residence at No. 210 North Sixth street, to No. 31 South Ninth street, where he continued to practice until 1889, when he went to Philadelphia and took special courses in the Philadelphia Polyclinic, and later in the New York Polyclinic and New York Post Graduate School, in diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat, and nervous diseases, and on April 1, 1891, returned to Reading, located at 914 Penn street, and soon established himself in the good will of the people, who recognized his superior ability in the treatment of the diseases mentioned above, and his business has constantly been on the increase. Dr. Strasser was united in matrimonial bonds May 17, 1870, with Catherine Elizabeth Greasemer, a daughter of Dr. Abraham Greasemer, a dentist of Allentown, Pa., and they are the proud parents of three children, who have been reared under Christian influences and have bright futures before them. Charles William Thomas, the eldest, graduated with first honors from the Allen- town High School, and also took first honors in the class of 1890 of Muhlenberg College of Allentown. He then entered the Evan- gelical Lutheran Theological Seminary at Mt. Airy, Philadelphia, remained one term and then went to the Divinity School of Yale University, from which he graduated in 1894. He has since had charge of four congrega- tions in Monroe County, and resides at Ham- ilton Square, Scioto P.O. Robert Eugene 660 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES read medicine with our subject, after which he took a course in the Medico-Chirur- gical College of Philadelphia. He then took a course in the Medical Department of the University of Baltimore, graduating in 1894. He then entered the University of Vermont, after which he took a post graduate course in Jefferson Medical College, serving on the hospital staff as clinical assistant in the eye and surgical department of the Jefferson Col- lege Hospital. In July, 1896, he moved to Macungie, Lehigh County, took his father’s old stand, and had a good general practice until September 28, 1898, when he moved to 914 Penn street, Reading, Pa., his father’s office, where he assists his father, and is en- gaged in general practice. Ellen Esther is the youngest child born to Dr. and Mrs. Strasser, Socially, he is a member of Lehigh Lodge. No. 326, F. & A. M., and other organizations. Religiously, he isa member of Grace Luth- eran Church, of which he has served as dea- con for a number of years. ———_—\_+< + -—__ ILLIAM T. SNYDER. Among the successful and energetic business men of Reading is the above named gentleman, who is proprietor of a mercantile store and a coal, flour and feed store, and is now serving in the capacity of an alderman, representing the people of the Fifteenth Ward. Heisason of William H. and Han- nah (Tobias) Snyder, and was born December 3, 1858, in Exeter township, Berks County, Pa. Daniel K., the grandfather otf our subject, spelled his last name Schneider, as it had been spelled many years before his time. He lived in Exeter township all his life, and fol- lowed the trade of a farmer and a miller. William H., the father of our subject, was born February 8, 1826, in Exeter township, and still resides there on the old homestead. He worked in youth under the watchful eye of his father and learned the trade of a miller, which trade he followed in the old mill that stood upon his premises. He has ever been a firm supporter of the Democratic party and a leader in his township, and has served his fellow citizens in many unpaying public and private labors. He has officiated as justice of the peace for a period of twenty- five years, which shows the respect and esteem in which he is held in his community. Religiously, he is a member of the Schwartz- wald Reformed Church. He was also secre- tary of the Swartzwald Cemetery Associa- tion for many years. He was wedded to Hannah Tobias, and they became the parents of the following children: Kate, widow of the late John K. Young, lives in Reading; Susan, deceased; Hannah, the wife of How- ard E. Ahrens of Reading, who is a contrac- tor by trade; William T., the subject of this sketch; Deborah, who married Albert H.. Adams, a farmer of Exeter township; and Elizabeth, the wife of Charles M. Richardson of Bernville, this county, who is a member of the firm of Ahrens & Richardson, who are engaged in the creamery business. William T. Snyder was reared upon the old homestead in Exeter township, where he assisted his father in the mill during the summer months, and in the winter months, when work was slack, attended school, and acquired a good ‘education. He remained under the parental roof, assisting his father in the mill, until 1882, when, at the age of twenty-four years, he went to Pottstown, and worked as a blacksmith helper in the P. & R. R. R. repair shops, in which employment he continued for three years. In 1885 he moved to Reading, where he has remained to the present time. He first took charge of the Bridgeport Hotel, which he conducted until 1888, being forced then to discontinue it on account of the State Legislature passing what is known as the “ Brook’s Bill,” which made his business unprofitable. In the spring of 1888 he started a small grocery store, and later succeeded H. E. Ahrens in his coal, flour and feed store, and has continued these two lines of business to the present time. He is a shrewd, thrifty business man, and by fair dealings has succeeded in establishing a large and paying patronage. William T. Snyder formed a matrimonial alliance July 3, 1881, with Sarah H. Brower, a daughter of John G. Brower of Pottstown. Three children have come to bless their home: Elmina; William: and John Leroy. In his political views, he is a decided Demo. crat, and upholds Democracy, its candidates and measures, both by ballot and voice. He MILLER. JAMES M. has served as a delegate to city and county conventions; has served two years in the city council; and is now serving as an alder- man, having been elected in 1894. Socially, he isa member of Washington Camp, P. O. S.of A. Mr. Snyder and his family hold memberships in St. Mark’s Reformed Church, in which he is deacon. AMES M. MILLER. The city of Reading, which is known throughout America as one of the leading cities of industry, boasts of many large manu- facturing plants, prominent among them the paper mills, which, under the general superin- tendence of James M. Miller, the gentleman whose name heads these lines, and whose portrait is shown on the opposite page, has added greatly to the interests of the city in many respects. Mr. Miller was born near Robesonia, Berks County, September 20, 1858, and is a son of Daniel S. and Henrietta (Heck) Miller. His grandfather, Mathias Miller, was one of the representative farmers of North Hei- delberg township, where he owned a farm and resided during the latter years of his life. He married Sarah Stump, and their union was blessed by the birth of a large family of children, one of whom was Daniel S., the father of our subject. Daniel S. Miller was also born on the old homestead farm in North Heidelberg town- ship, Berks County, where like his father he was engaged in the cultivation of the soil for some years, but subsequently moved to Reading. He formed a marital union with Henrietta Heck, by whom he had a son, James M., the subject of this biographical record. James M. Miller moved from his native township to Reading with his father at a very immature age, and obtained his intellec- tual equipment for the strife of life in the public schools of that city. At the age of fifteen years, he became an apprentice to the trade of machinist at the Tulpehocken Paper Mill of Reading, and has since been identi- fied with the paper mills of that city, with the exception of six years, during which time he conducted a machine shop, a portion of BERKS COUNTY 663 the time in association with a Mr. Schmehl, and the remainder under the firm name of Miller & Zacharias. He rose rapidly in the ranks of his business, and having acquired a thorough knowledge as to how it should be conducted, he was made superintendent of the Packerack Paper Mill, July 1, 1893. His success in that capacity was such as to war- rant his promotion to that of general superin- tendent of the Reading Paper Mills, includ- ing the Tulpehocken, Reading, and Packer- ack Paper Mills. He assumed the duties of that position on January 1, 1895, and has since held it much to the advantage of the company and the city. These mill transact an immense amount of business, and it is nec- essary to give employment to a force of 140 skilled laborers, from whose work Mr. Miller is able to get the best possible results, and yet retain their respect and good will. He is always kind and considerate to his men, a characteristic which has gained him many friends throughout this section of the coun- try. He isa man of high principles, is well- read and well-informed upon all important subjects of the day. November 3, 1881, Mr. Miller was united in matrimonial bonds with Eva Hiester, and the following children have been born to them: Arthur; Julia; Stella; Robert ; Har- vey; Mabel; Beatrice; and one who died in infancy. Religiously, they are consistent members of the German Reformed Church: > —__—— ILLIAM H. KEISER, a highly es- teemed citizen of Lyons, Maxataw- ny township, and one of the fore- most agriculturists of Berks County, Pa, was born in Lehigh County, Pa., October 19, 1853, and is a son of Harry N. and Eliza (Wetzel) Keiser, both of Lehigh County. Harry N. Keiser, the father of our subject, received a liberal education, and then en- gaged in farming in his native county for some years. Later he moved to Lyons, where he- again pursued his vocation until his death, which occurred on December 19, 1895. The mother of our subject passed into the world of rest in July, 1876. They were the parents of a family of ten children, five of whom are now living; the record 664 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES reads as follows: Lizzie, the wife of Jacob Steininger, is now residing in Shillington, Pa.; William H., the subject of this sketch; Alex- ander, deceased: Mary, a resident of Berks County}, Ella, deceased; Wayne J. is a tin- smith by trade, and is a resident of Plain City, Ohio; Frank, a teamster residing in Topton, Berks County, Pa.; Catherine, de- ceased; and twins that died in infancy. William H. Keiser received his elementary education in the common schools of his native town, and then remained home for some time, assisting his father in the chores about the farm. After his marriage he moved to Lyons, where he purchased a fine productive farm, and is now engaged in the tilling of the soil. Our subject also owns a farm of 167 acres, located near Bowers, which he rents. Mr. Keiser was joined in the bonds of matrimony August 27, 1881, with Fianna Carl, who was born in Maxa- tawny township, this county, September 14, 1854, and is a daughter of David and Fianna (DeLong) Carl. Mr. Carl is a miller by trade, and is now successfully engaged in carrying on that line of business in Green- wich township, Berks County. One child has blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Keiser, Clarence E., born October 12, 1884. Our subject is interested in politics, and votes in support of the principles of the Democratic party. Mr. Keiser is a member of the Re- formed Church, while his wife is a member of the Lutheran Church. He is held in high esteem in his community, is well informed, and takes an active interest in the general welfare of the township and county. A LEROY WENGER, M.D. Inno held is there a chance for a greater . display of nice discrimination and skill than in surgery, for on the care and judgment of the surgeon depends the life of the patient, and the comfort he afterwards enjoys through life. Dr. Wenger, the subject of these lines, has made this branch of the medical profession his especial study, has given it the close attention the subject merits, and is to-day one of the most efficient and painstaking surgeons in the city of Reading. He is a sonof Dr. Gershom and Julia (Wickel) Wenger, and was born October 13, 1853, in Lancaster County, Pa. His ancestors were of Swiss origin, and came to this country at an early day, having purchased a large tract of land, in Lancaster County, of the Penns, at that time the owners of Pennsylvania. There they lived, thrived and multiplied, adding ina great extent to the development of the state, and contribu- ting ina hundred ways to its improvement. Christian Wenger, the great-great-great- grandfather, was the first to come to America; of the Penns, as stated above, he purchased a large farm, which descended from father to son through several generations. Henry Wenger, the great-great-grandfather, became the owner in 1774, and from him it passed to Joseph Wenger, the great grandfather, and to Isaac Wenger, the grandfather. Dr. Gershom Wenger, the father, whose biography is given elsewhere, is a physician of standing and ability in Reading. He was a graduate of the Medical Department of Pennsylvania College at Gettysburg in 1850, and was located in Akron, Lancaster County, until his removal, in 1881, to Reading, where he has since practiced. He was married to Julia Wickel, and of the three children born to them, our subject was the only one that grew to adult years. Dr. M. LeRoy Wenger was educated in the common schools of Lancaster County, and then entered the office of his father, where he studied medicine. He attended lectures at the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1874, and then entered the Park Hospital of New York City, where he served one term, getting much valuable exptrience. He then returned to Lancaster County, locating at Ephrata, where he practiced for one year before returning to New York City. He practiced in the metropolis for another year, and in 1883 moved to Reading, where he has since been practicing with most flattering results. His special line is surgery, in which he is most proficient, being characterized as a resolute, deliberate, and careful operator. Dr. Wenger lcd to the marriage altar Annie T. McGuire, a teacher in the public schools of New York City. The ceremony was performed in 1876, and in 1881 Mrs. Wenger died, leaving an only child, LeRoy J.,born May 5, 1879, and now a student of Class A of the Reading High School. In 1882, Dr. Wenger was again united in mar- riage, the lady of his choice being Emma Feather of Bern township, this county. Three children have blessed this union: Clara, born July 25, 1884; Raymond, born September 16, 1889: and Columbus, born September 3, 1892. Dr. Wenger is a mem- ber of the Berks County Medical Society; the Pennsylvania State Medical Society; American Medical Association; and the Read- ing Medical Association. He is visiting sur- geon of St. Joseph’s Hospital of Reading. In politics he is a Democrat, and has served two terms as select councilman from the Thirteenth Ward. He has also been dele- gate to different state conventions. He is a member of the E. B. A.; Commandery No. 166, Knights of St. John; and is a communi- cant of the Roman Catholic Church. Per- sonally, he is a pleasant, affable gentleman, and has wona large circle of warm friends since taking up his residence in the city. ——__+2-+-____ ILLIAM RICHARDS EACHES, rk. This prominent and highly esteemed citizen of Reading, Pa., has full charge of the secret process of tem- pering the projectiles used by the United States battleships, which are made at the Carpenter Steel Works of Reading. He was born in the above city February 12, 186s, and isa son of John F. and Rebecca (Dunkle) Eaches. Jesse Evans Eaches, the grandfather of our subject, was of Welsh extraction and was probably a native of the New England States, but spent his latter years at Reading, Berks County, Pa., where he ran a stage wagon. John F. Eaches was born in Read- ing and resided there all his life, and our subject was but eleven years of age when his father died. His occupation was that of a machinist, which he followed at the Phila- delphia & Reading R. R. Shops. William R. Eaches possesses a good edu- cation, which he received in the schools of Reading; upon the death of his father, our subject entered the employ of a Mr. Fergu- son, who conducted an art gallery in Read- BERKS COUNTY ing for a period of eighteen months. At that time Mr. Ferguson moved to New York City and our subject also went with him and remained in his employ some three years and then returned to Reading, where he had been but a short time when he entered the shops of the P. & R. R. R. to learn the trade of a machinist. He remained in that capac- ity nine months, when he injured his right eye, and through the kindness of Mr. Pax- son, master mechanic of the road, he was given the opportunity to learn telegraphy, which he did, and served four years as night operator at Hummelstown, Pa. His next position was with the Carpenter Steel Co., in whose employ he is now; in 1890, shortly after the Company had been founded, he was made assistant to the government inspec- tor, Lieut. Kossuth Niles, and our subject has since had charge of the tempering of projectiles which are made for the United States Government. This is a very impor- tant position which our subject holds, for the process is secret and has to be carefully guarded, but he is in every way fully worthy of the confidence reposed in him. Mr. Eaches was united in the bonds of matrimony with Kate Jacobs, and this union has been blessed by the birth of tour chil- dren, who were named as follows: Benjamin Edward; William Donald; Ruth M.; and Jesse E. Our subject has won hosts of friends, and he occupies an enviable position in his community, and is fulfilling in all points the duties of an honest and good citizen. +a R. A. N. SEIDEL, one of the | prominent physicians of Lenharts- ville, and a man respected for his sterling worth and integrity, was born in Bloomington, Illinois, September 19, 1867. He is a son of Jacob and Catherine (Fetherolf) Seidel. Jacob Seidel was born in Albany town- ship, Berks County, Pa. and in his early manhood moved to Illinois, and located in Bloomington. There he followed carpen- tering and contracting for several years, and in 1876 returned to Berks County and set- tled at Stony Run. He then engaged in till- 666 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES ing the soil, and is one of the prominent farmers of that community. He was united in marriage with Catherine Fetherolf, a native of Lehigh County, Pa., anda family of four children were born to them. They were as follows: J. Warren, a resident of Weissport, Carbon County, Pa., is employed in the passenger department of the railroad; Mary is the wife of A. M. Hartman, a farmer of Shoemakersville, Pa.; A. N., the subject of this notice; and Frank W., a practicing phy- sician of Reading. The mother of our sub- ject passed from this life in October, 1876. Dr. A. N. Seidel first attended the pri- mary schools, and then entered the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown; took one course in the Interstate College at Reading; and, having determined upon a medical career, studied medicine under Dr. Wanner of Kutztown, and then took a course in the Medical Department of the University of Vermont, at Burlington, Vt., and was gradu- ated in 1890. He then entered the Balti- more Medical College at Baltimore, Md., and graduated with the class of 1891: he completed his education in the Medical Col- lege of Philadelphia, and then began prac- ticing in Albany township, Berks County, Pa. Two years later he moved to Lenharts- ville, and succeeded Dr. J. Kk. Seaman, and has remained there until the present. He is one of the leading physicians: of Greenwich township, and enjoys the confidence and esteem of a large patronage in the village and throughout the country. In 1891 our subject was united in the bonds of matrimony with Alice S. Dietrich, a native of Albany township, and a daughter of Charles P and Catherine (Smith) Die- trich. Her mother is deceased, and her father now resides with our subject. Three children have blessed the home of Dr. and Mrs. Seidel, namely: Elda Katie; Miles Albert; and Beulah May, deceased. In politics, Dr. Seidel is a strong Democrat, and has served as a town councilman; has been president of the school board for the past five years; and is examiner for the New York Mutual Life, the Pennsylvania Mutual, and the Industrial Life Insurance Companies. Mrs. Seidel is a member of the Lutheran Church, and the Doctor is a member of the Methodist Church of Lenhartsville. Our subject has been superintendent of the Sun- day School for a number of years. Socially, he is a member of the P. O. S. of A. Camp, of which he is president ; and is a member of the Junior Order of United American Me- chanics, Council No. 544, of Kempton. SSS =e EV. JAMES ISAAC GOOD, a dis- tinguished resident of Reading, is a son of William Augustus and Susan B. (Eckert) Good, and was born December 31, 1850, in York, Pa. He is a man whose mind is variously and richly stored, well fitting him for the work he has chosen, that of instructor and proclaimer of the Divine Word. His labors in the ministry have been attended with most fruitful results, and his style upon the rostrum and his deliv- ery will well bear comparison with the best models in the history of public discourse. His eloquence takes the form of moral mes. merism, which converts his audience into an irresistible sympathy with the speaker, and unites the hearts in a common feeling of brotherhood and affection. Jacob Good was a native of Zweibrucken, or Deux Ponts, Germany, as it is better known. He was educated in his native coun. try, but in 1765 came to America. Accord- ing to tradition he was born in January, 1747, which would make him but eighteen years old at the time of his landing in this country. He became a teacher in the parochial schools of the Reformed Church at Schaefferstown, Lebanon County, and the Bern Reformed Church in Berks County. He followed this work for many years, finally preparing him- self for the ministry, and just as he was to receive his license to preach, he received the call to which we must all, sooner or later, giveanswer. He lies buried in Bern Church- yard. He was the great-grandfather of the Rev. James 1. Good. The great-grandmother was Johanna Christian Adam, and among the family born to them was one Philip Good. Philip Good was born September 23, 1784, and was the grandfather of the subject of this article. He died October 4, 1832, and was buried at Reading. He was a very prominent man in the political and literary circles of the state, and was very popular. BRUNNER. DR. FRANK R. He was reared near Bern Church, and after- wards lived at Rehrersberg and Reading. He was for a number of years justice of the peace, and in 1816 was appointed by the Gov- ernor as deputy surveyor, and from 1827 to 1829 served as a member of the State Legis- lature. The following year, in 1830, he was commissioned clerk of the Court of Oyer and Terminer, and after this was again ap- pointed deputy surveyor of the county. The maiden name of the lady whom he married was Elizabeth Haak. William Augustus Good was among the children born to Philip Good. He was born July 15, 1809, in Philadelphia. He was reared at Rehrersberg in this county, and attended the private academy of that place under the supervision of a Mr. Allen. He then studied at Reading under Rev. Dr. Grier, and later attended the Reformed Academy and Theo. logical Seminary at York. He entered the ministry in 1833, taking charge of the Re- formed Church at Hagerstown, Md., where he remained until he assumed the director- ship of the preparatory department of Mar- shall College at Mercersburg, Pa. He re- turned to Hagerstown and opened a school there, leaving it in 1845 to take charge of the Reformed Church at York, Pa., where he re- mained until 1851, when he moved to Reading. He was a man of splendid educational attain- ments, an instructor of exceptional ability, and a fluent speaker, thus making him prom- inent in educational circles. In 1854 he was elected as first superintendent of schools of Berks County, a position for which he was eminently fitted. He held this important post for six years, until 1860, when he retired from active work. During this term of office he also officiated as pastor of the Bernville, North Heidelberg and Pricetown congrega- tions, having served as pastor of these churches eight years. He was married, in 1840, to Susan B. Eckert, a daughter of Peter and Susan Eckert of Womelsdorf, this coun- ty, and died February 9, 1873, at the age of sixty-three years. He left to survive him two children: William Eckert Good, for many years manager of the Philadelphia & Reading Coal and Iron Co., now a retired business man of Riverton, N. J.; and our subject. Rey. James Isaac Good received a good BERKS COUNTY 669 education, attending the public schools of Reading, Lafayette College, from which he graduated in 1872, and the Union Theological Seminary of New York City, graduating from the last named institution in 1875. From the seminary he at once entered upon the work of the ministry, taking charge of the Heidel- berg Reformed Church at York, Pa., which pastorate continued two years until 1877, when he became pastor of the church of the same name in Philadelphia. There he re- mained thirteen years, until 1890, when he moved to Reading to officiate as pastor of the Calvary Reformed Church in that city. He was granted the degree of Doctor of Di- vinity from Ursinus College in 1887, and in 1890 was elected professor of theology in that institution, a chair he still holds. He is a writer of some note, having made a special- ty of the history of the Reformed Church in this country and in Germany, his published works extending through several volumes. He is vice-president of the Western Section of the Reformed and Presbyterian Alliance, president of the Board of Foreign Missions of the Reformed Church, and honorary mem- ber of the Huguenot Society of Germany, the latter béing a recognition of his histori- cal work. He is a man remarkable for the range of his learning, one whose life has been singularly pure, elevated and well sustained, and he will live in the memory of the people as an orator who adorned his pulpit, and as a scholar who left in his literary composi- tions models which will be studied and ap- preciated. +e R. FRANK R. BRUNNER, the | leading physician of Eshbach, Washington township, and one of the most prominent men in that district, is a son of Samuel and Mariah (Riegner) Brunner. He was born in the vil- lage of Greshville, Berks County, Pa., Jan- uary 24, 1835. George Brunner, the great-grandfather of our subject, who was a native of Germany, located in Douglass township, Berks County, upon coming to this country. His occupa- tion was that of a farmer, which he followed all his life, and with good results. In relig- _ 670 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES ious views he was a member of the Lutheran Church. He was the father of nine children, five sons and four daughters, one of whom was Peter Brunner, the grandfather of our subject. Peter Brunner was born in Douglass town- ship, but at an early age moved to Colebrook- dale township. There he followed the trade of a carpenter, cabinet maker and under- taker, and was also a contracter and builder. He was a man of more than ordinary busi- ness tact and did an extensive business for one of his time. In religious belief he was a member of the Lutheran Church and an earnest church worker. His first wife’s maiden name was Mathias, and they reared four children, whose names are as follows: Samuel, our subject’s father; Charles, de- ceased, was a farmer of Union County, and in his latter years lived in retirement with his nephew, our subject; Mrs. William Livin- good, deceased, was a resident of Swamp, Montgomery County; and Mrs. John Firing, deceased, who was a resident of Bernville, Berks County. His second union was with Miss Susan Fillman, and they became the parents of the following children: Frederick, deceased, was a farmer of Union County, Pa.; Peter, deceased, was a shoemaker of Unionville, Berks County; Jacob, deceased, was a farmer and contractor of Monocacy, Berks County; Aaron, deceased, was a shoe- maker of Reading; Henry, a shoe merchant of Philadelphia; David, deceased, was a resident of Temple, Berks County, and a shoemaker by trade; Mariah, deceased, was the wife of John Bishop of Reading, Pa.; and Angeline, deceased, the wife of John Firing of Pottstown. Samuel Brunner, the father of our subject, was born in Colebrookdale township, Jan- uary 11, 1806. He followed agricultural pur- suits at Greshville, and also followed the shoe- maker's trade, doing a large and paying busi- ness. Religiously, he was a member of the Lutheran Church, being deacon and elder for many years. He was united in marriage with Mariah Riegner, a daughter of Conrad and Catherine (Schider) Riegner, a farmer of Swamp, Montgomery County, and they be- came the parents of two sons and five daugh- ters: Alfred, a merchant of Reading; Frank R., in whom the interest of this personal history centers; Mary Ann intermarried with William N. Clemmer of Lanark, IIL; Catharine intermarried with William Steake of Chambersburg, Pa., now deceased ; Esther, deceased; Sarah intermarried with Levi B. Stauffee of Boyertown, now deceased; and Emma intermarried with Albert Bickel of Lansdale, Pa. His second marriage was with Mrs. Mary Boyer, and they became the parents of four children, one son and three daughters, namely: Amanda, who married Henry Boyer of Reading ; Caroline, the wife of J. K. Grant, an attorney of Reading ; Clara, deceased, was the wife of Aaron Koch; and Samuel, a grocer and queensware mer- chant of Boyertown. Our subject’s father lived a long and useful life, and passed to the land of rest in June, 1870. Dr. Brunner was reared on the farm and learned the shoemaker’s trade from his father. He attended the district schools, and atter completing the required course entered the Boyertown Select School, and later the Union Seminary of New Berlin, Union County, Pa. Upon leaving school he taught for three terms, and at the age of twenty-four took up the study of medicine with Dr. Henry John- son, at that time an experienced and success- ful practitioner of Boyertown. His entire time was devoted to study, and after two years of hard work he was able to graduate from Jefferson Medical College of Philadel- phia in the spring of 1861. Immediately thereafter he began the practice of his pro- fession at Eshbach, and was successful from the very start. Knowing that he graduated from one of the best medical schools in our country and that he was thoroughly capable of handling the most complicated of diseases, the people soon gave him their confidence, and he now enjoys one of the largest prac- tices in the county. He is kind, sympathetic and charitable, often taking cases without the slightest hope of remuneration. He was joined in the bonds of matrimony May 11, 1861, with Henrietta Boyer, a daugh- ter of Jacob and Mary Boyer of Greshville. Four children blessed their union, three of whom died in infancy; Alice, the fourth child, is the wife of Allen P. Hibshman, a farmer and stock raiser of Eshbach. In polit- ical belief Dr. Brunner is a stanch Democrat, and casts his vote uniformly and conscien- BERKS COUNTY 671 tiously with that party. He isa very popular man, and was called upon to represent his district in the State Senate in 1885. He has been a member of the school board of Wash- ington township, and acted as secretary for eighteen years, and in the spring of 1898 was re-elected for the seventh term. He is a man of pleasing address, and when _ speaking always holds the closest attention of his hearers. He is often called upon to deliver addresses in different parts of the county at Church and Sunday School celebrations. He has spoken at the following churches: Hill, Huff’s, Huber’s, Sassaman’s, Bechtels- ville, Belleman’s, and many others. Dr. Brunner’s portrait is shown on another page in connection with this sketch. ++ ROF. AMOS C. ROTHERMEL, one of the most able instructors in the state of Pennsylvania, is vice- principal of the Keystone State Nor- mal School of Kutztown, being professor of natural sciences. He is eminently qualified to perform the duties attached to that position, as he attended Harvard University and other good institutions of learning, and is also possessed of superior natural ability. He is a son of Lewis W. and Lydia R. (Roth- ermel) Rothermel, and was born at Moselem, Berks County, January 6, 1864. His ancestry is traced back to the first of that name to come to this country, who left their home at Platamile-on-the-Rhine, Ger- many, in 1727. David Rothermel, the grand- father of our subject, was born in Richmond township. He was a cooper by trade, but during the greater part of his life followed agricultural pursuits. He was a hard and industrious worker, and became one of the prosperous farmers of the township, owning a very fine farm. He was united in marriage with Barbara Weyandt, who was born in Pittsburg, Pa., in 1801, and they reared the following children: Eliza; John; David; Lewis W., the father of our subject; and Amelia. Mrs. Rothermel passed into the unknown beyond in 1881, and her husband survived her four years. Lewis W. Rothermel, the father of our subject, was born in Richmond township, and in due time learned the trade of a black- smith, which he followed for a period of eighteen years. He then gave up his trade and returned to the farm to care for his aged parents. He is one of the well-to-do and progressive farmers of the township, and is held in high esteem by a large number of friends, who respect him as a kind friend and true neighbor. He was united in marriage with Lydia R. Rothermel, a distant relative, by whom he had the following children: Amos C., the subject of this personal history; Silas, a resident of Reading; Samuel, who lives in Reading: Lydia, a teacher in the public schools; Emily, who is living at home: and Louis and Irene, twins, who are living at home. Prof. Amos C. Rothermel attended the public schools, and being of an ambitious and studious nature, desired a finished edu- cation above all things. He was sent to the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown, from which institution he was graduated in 1886. He then attended Franklin and Mar- shall College at Lancaster, receiving a di- ploma in 1891. Immediately, thereafter, he became teacher of natural sciences in the Keystone State Normal, which position he has since held. He demonstrated his ability as an instructor, and in 1893, he was made vice-principal to succeed Dr. Hancher, who then became principal. He is a man of high principles, is enthusiastic on educational mat- ters, and his methods of teaching are of the best, as he strives to make the students do their own thinking and solve all difficult problems without assistance from himsell. Prof. Rothermel is alike popular with the pupils and the members of the faculty. He was united in matrimonial bonds with Ada L. Spotz, a woman of many_ virtues, who is a daughter of John Spotz of Reading. Like all of his forefathers, our subject is a member of the Reformed Church. In his political belief he is a stanch Democrat. Ne tor of a general merchandise store, and one of the most prominent citi- zens in the village of Mertztown, Long Swamp township, was born July 25, ql F. WAGENHORST, proprie- 672 1854,in Greenwich township, and is a son of Isaac and Lucinda (Leiby) Wagenhorst. Isaac Wagenhorst, the father of our sub- ject, was born in Long Swamp township, and at an early age moved with his father, John Wagenhorst, to Greenwich township. He was a farmer and manufacturer of gun barrels, and for a time was agent for a nur- sery firm. He was very successful in his business affairs, and is now living in retire- ment in the borough of Kutztown. He formed a matrimonial alliance with Lucinda Leiby, a native of Greenwich township, and they reared three children, whose records are as follows: Sarah S., the wife of Isaac F. Christ, resides in Kutztown; Lucy Ann died at the age of six years: and James F., whose name appears at the head of this sketch. Mrs. Wagenhorst was called to join those gone before in 1873. James F. Wagenhorst attended the com- mon schools of his native township, after which he took a course in the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown. He then taught school for five terms in the common schools of Greenwich, Maxatawny and Long Swamp townships, after which he went to New York City. He received employment there as a salesman and a bookkeeper, and for a period of one year was assistant cashier in a commission house. He then returned home, and after clerking in a store for two years, went to Monterey, where he conducted a gen- eral store for two years. He then located in Mertztown, where he embarked in the general merchandise business, and, being very suc- cessful from the start, he has continued at that business since. He is shrewd and en- terprising and caters to the wants of the peo- ple in a manner that has gained many friends and a large patronage for him. May 23, 1882, he was joined in hymeneal bonds with Maria S. Miller, a daughter of Nathan and Florenda (Schweyer) Miller, and a native of Long Swamp township. Mr. Miller was a farmer in that township, but is now deceased, and his wife now makes her home with our subject. This union was blessed by the birth of two children, namely : Asher M., who was born July 16, 1886; and May Blanche, born May 14, 1891, who died at the age of three years. In religious belief, our subject is a member of the Reformed BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES Church, and his beloved wife is a member of the Lutheran Church at Mertztown. Soci- ally, he is a member of the following orders: Lehigh Lodge, No. 326, F. & A. M., of Trex- lertown, of which he is past master; Adonis Castle, No. 70, Knights of the Golden Eagle of Kutztown; Washington Camp, No. 172, P.O. S.of A., of Topton; Long Swamp Lodge, No. 358, K. of P. of Mertztown; and was formerly a member of the Odd Fel- low's Lodge. Since 1891 he has been a mem- ber of the board of managers of the Farm- ers’ Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Berks and Lehigh Counties, whose main office is at Kutztown. He has served as school director for three years, and for a like period as committeeman, during which time he was secretary of the Democratic county standing committee. He is an en- thusiastic Democrat, and strongly advocates the principles of that party. He is looked upon as a party leader in the township and has a great deal of influence, which is always exerted in behalf of the man who will serve the people best. He has often been called upon to serve as a delegate to county and state conventions, and in 1897 was a candi- date for the office of prothonotary in this county. SS eae HOMAS M. RICHARDSON, one of the leading merchants of Strauss- town, proprietor of a general mer- chandise store and a dealer in farming imple- ments, was born in Upper Bern township, this county, January 22, 1863, and is a son of James and Harriett (Meyers) Richardson. James Richardson was born in Bern town- ship, but in late life moved to Upper Bern township, where he worked as a laborer and farmer until his death in 1896. He married Harriett Meyers, a native of Upper Bern township, and they were the parents of five children, as tollows: Maria is the wife of Reuben Heckman, a laborer residing in Up- per Tulpehocken township; James isa huck- ster residing at Hamburg, this county; Re- becca was united in the bonds of wedlock with John B. Boltz of Upper Tulpehocken township; Agnes is the wife of Adam Holtz- man, a prominent farmer of Upper Bern MATTHAN HARBSTER. township; and Thomas M., the subject of this sketch. The mother of our subject re- sides in Strausstown with her son, Thomas M. Thomas M. Richardson received his educa- tion in the common schools and in the Key- stone State Normal School at Kutztown, this county; he then taught school during the winter terms and attended the Normal School during the summer months, thus ac- quiring a fine education. In 1888 he located in Strausstown, and under the firm name of Moll & Richardson embarked in the general merchandise business. Our subject and part- ner also own a large warehouse, in which they keep a complete line of farming imple- ments, including binders, mowers, plows, drills, rakes, harrows, grinders, etc. The proprietors, through their industrious efforts and honest dealings made the business a suc- cess from the very start, and have won the respect and confidence of the citizens of the surrounding district. In 1880, our subject was joined in marriage with Sarah Koch, a native of Reading and a daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Hartman) Koch. Her parents reside in Reading, where her father is a dealer in leather. Mr. and Mrs. Richardson are the parents of four chil- dren, named as follows: Emma, who died aged eight months; Robert; Mamie; and Herbert. Our subject and family have a handsome home on Main street. Politically, Mr. Richardson is a solid Democrat, and has served four years as a school director. So- cially, he is a member of the P. O.S. of A,, Shartlesville Camp, No. 133. He and his wife are popular members of the Reformed Church, and our subject is a member of the church choir, ++ -—__. R. DARIUS W. DUNDOR, a prominent and much _ esteemed -) physician of Womelsdorf, who has a large established practice in the western part of the county, was born in Bern- ville, Berks County, October 18, 1856, and is a son of Adam and Rachel (Bright) Dundor. His parents are both now deceased. Dr. Dundor received his primary school- ing at Bernville and also at Muhlenberg ; hav- BERKS COUNTY ing determined upon a medical career, he entered the Medical Department of the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania, and was graduated in 1879. Upon leaving school, he moved to Womelsdorf, where he pursued his chosen profession for aterm of two years. At the expiration of that time, he moved to Tremont, where he remained five years, and later moved to Elkhorn, where he remained until 1897. In that year he took up his residence in Womelsdorf, where he has met with a cordial reception. Dr. Dundor, in May, 1879, was joined in the bonds of matrimony with Amanda Kurr of Rehrersburg. She is a daughter of Isaac Kurr, who was a retired farmer of Tulpe- hocken township. Dr. and Mrs. Dundor have reared a tamily of 3 children, namely : a child, born in May, 1880, that died in 1883; Lillie K., who was born November 2, 1881; and Beulah, who was born July Io, 1884. Socially, he is a member of Williamson Lodge, No. 307, F. & A. M. of Womelsdorf ; Knights of the Golden Eagle; and Royal Arcanum. In religious views he is a mem- ber of the Reformed Church. Politically, our subject upholds the principles of the Democratic party, but has never sought political distinction. He has faithfully and well performed every obligation that has devolved upon him, and is in every respect a man to be admired and loved. He has done much toward the up-building and growth of the town in which he has made his home for so many years. SSS SO ATTHAN HARBSTER. The subject of this sketch, whose por- trait is published on the opposite page, is too well known in Read- ing and its vicinity to need an extended in- troduction, and is a gentleman of sterling business sense and keen financial foresight, his long experience in commercial ventures and successful manufacturing enterprises giv- ing him a great prestige among his fellow- citizens. He has been connected with many of the largest manufacturing industries in the city, and thus has contributed, as have few men, to the growth and development of the community, where he delights to make 676 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES his home. For over forty-six years he has been a partner in the Reading Hardware Co., and now stands at its head as president, respected and esteemed alike by employees and business associates. He is president of other companies, and his name appears on the list of the directors of many solid finan- cial and industrial institutions. Mr. Harbster is of German ancestry, his grandiather, John Harbster, emigrating to America, and settling in Albany township, this county. John Harbster afterwards lived in Montgomery, and later still in Lehigh County, following farming in all these locali- ties. His son, Henry, born in Berks County, was a blacksmith by trade, and also manufac. tured coffee mills, carrying on these occupa- tions in Berks, Montgomery and Lehigh Counties, and conducting quite a thriving business in the sale of his mills. He was a Democrat in regard to his views on politics. He married Mary Bucherd, daughter of Sebastian Bucherd, and to them were given these children: Henry; William, deceased; Samuel, deceased; Matthan, our subject; John, deceased; Matilda, deceased; and Hannah. Both Mr. and Mrs. Henry Harb- ster departed this life in 1860. Matthan Harbster was born in Lehigh County, Pa., May 18, 1831, and when a lad moved with his parents to Montgomery County. He attended the public schools of Pottstown during the winters and worked on the farm in the summer time. He early set to work to support himself, and at an age when many boys were still studying their books in school, Matthan was engaged in boating on the Schuylkill and Juniata Canals, this work continuing for a number of years. He then entered the shop of his older brother, William, at Hamburg, for the pur- pose of learning the blacksmith’s trade, and the trade of coach making. He followed these occupations for several years as a journeyman, perfecting his skill and addin to his stock of experience, which is often the most valuable capital a man can have, ready to be realized upon at a moment's notice. In 1852, Matthan and his brother John became associated in business with their elder brother, William, who had laid the founda- tions of the present Reading Hardware Co. in a little blacksmith shop at the foot of South Sixth street in the year previous. Under the firm name of Harbster Brothers, this new industry in Reading grew apace, and such was the demand for their goods, that it was rendered imperative that the works be enlarged, and a larger working capital be obtained, for the three brothers were at this time but little more than very skilled mechanics, having commenced with little or no capital. In 1858, accordingly, the business was reorganized, William M. Gris- com became a member of the concern, and the name of the firm was changed to Harb- ster Brothers & Co., thus continuing until 1862, when it received its present appellation. The Reading Hardware Co. conducts one of the largest manufacturing enterprises in the State of Pennsylvania, and employs twelve hundred men in getting out the varied products, and in attending to the sales. The works, which cover an area exceeding five acres, comprise substantial brick buildings, three and four stories in height, all specially adapted for the work car- ried on in them. There are large storage ware- houses for the finished products, shops where the fine touches are put on by = skilled workmen, a japanning building, lock and general hardware buildings, shops for drill- ing, plating, bronzing and finishing, machine shop, butt and screw factories, all of which are furnished with the best mechanical appli- ances, which have been introduced by the members of the company, who are all practi- cal mechanics as well as good business men. The Company has branch stores in Philadel- phia, New York and Chicago, and employs salesmen, who canvass the entire country, and secure orders for all kinds of builders’ hardware, finished in an inconceivable num- ber of designs, the product of the works. They have unsurpassed facilities for execut- ing special hardware finishings from designs, and have furnished much of this special work in late years for large business buildings. Our subject’s brothers, William and John, are both deceased, the former having passed away in June, 1885; the company is now composed of Mr. Harbster, William M. Gris- com, who resides in Europe, and has special charge of the foreign business of the con- cern, and Henry C. England, who became a member of the Company January 1, 1885, JOHN H. KEPPLEMAN. BERKS COUNTY 679 and is the treasurer. Strict attention has been paid to the demands ot the trade, and with every, year new designs in builders’ hardware are placed on the market, and meet with ready acceptance. In every way this important industry of Reading is progres- sive, and expands its field of operations with every season. Mr. Harbster, besides having the general management and direction of the affairs of the Reading Hardware Co., is president of the Reading Screw Co., whose works are located in the city of Philadelphia. He is president of the Montella Brick & Clay Co., and holds a similar position on the board of directors of the Reading Land & Improve- ment Co. He isa director of the following commercial organizations: Reading City Pas- senger Railway, Farmers’ National Bank of Reading, Reading & Columbia R_ R., and is water commissioner of the Reading Water Supply. By his business associations, Mr. Harbster has been actively identified with the growth and welfare of Reading for many years, and is acknowledged to be one of the best business men in the city. As a good citizen, deeply interested in civic affairs, he has performed his duties in the Common and Select Council, where he represented his ward for a number of years, and on the school board, where his efficient services in behalf of better educational facilities were much appre- ciated by his fellow citizens. In his politics he is a Republican. Asa Mason, he belongs to Chandler Lodge, No. 227. On August 12, 1856, Mr. Harbster was united in marriage with Susan Bingman, daughter of John Bingman, a respected citizen of Reading. Their children number four, as follows: Ida C.; John E.; Ellen Kate; and Nellie G. The family are faithful attendants of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, of which our subject is one of the leading members. Oo OHN H. KEPPLEMAN, the well- known and efficient superintendent ot the Consumers’ Gas Co., is one of the progressive and highly respected citi- zens of the city of Reading. He was born in that city February 16, 1853, and is a son of John and Christina (Bower) Keppleman. 32 John J. C. Keppleman, the paternal grand- father of our subject, was born in Germany, where he lived all of his life. He was a man ot considerable prominence, and was an officer in the army. He was the father of four children, two sons and two daugh- ters, one of whom was John, the father of our subject. John Keppleman was born in Germany, where he lived until 1848, when he came to America and located in Potts- ville, Schuylkill County, Pa., and later moved to Reading, where he has since lived. His calling was that of a locksmith, and he worked in a foundry for many years. Dur- ing the latter years of his active life, he con- ducted a foundry on his own account. Heis now living in retirement and enjoying a well- earned rest after many years of activity. Politically, he stanchly supports the princi- ples of the Democratic party. He is a mem- ber in high standing of the Masonic Lodge, Chapter and Consistory. He was united in matrimonial bonds with Christina Bower, and they became the parents of the following children: William; John H., the subject of this personal history; Emma, who married Samuel C. Ermentrout; Edward, whose oc- cupation is that of a moulder; Howard, a machinist; Ida, the wife of Joseph Vasey ; Katherine, who married Dr. F. X. Wolt; Theodore, who is employed in the Gas plant; and Florence. John H. Keppleman received a common school training, after which he took a full course in the Reading High School, gradua- ting in 1870. He then learned the trade of a moulder, and followed it in Reading for seven or eight years. In 1879, he became city clerk and served in that capacity for five years, after which he became superintendent of the Gas Co.in Reading, and has since held that position. In 1878, he erected a building and conducted a free night school, which resulted in a great deal of good, and for which he should receive credit. He is a man of more than ordinary business tact, and he has been quite successful in all of his busi- ness ventures. He is honest and straight- forward, and is well thought of by all with whom he is acquainted. He was united in marriage July 11, 1876, with Mary E. Arthur, a daughter of John E. Arthur, an ex-city treasurer, now living in retirement, and to 680 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES them were born the following children: Mamie, who died at the age of eleven years; Robert, who died at the age of ten years: and Arthur, twenty years of age, who is a student of Yale College. Politically, he is a strong Democrat and has been a member of the city council since 1886. Socially, he is a member of the Royal Arcanum; and Lodge No. 367, F. & A. M. As one of the promi- nent and representative citizens of Reading, we present a portrait of Mr. Keppleman on a preceding page. Oo RANCIS H. BROBST, M. D., who is one of the representative men of Read- ing, young and energetic, with a wide degree of popularity, was born May 18, 1866, in Lynn township, Lehigh County, to Willoughby K. and Caroline ( Hunsicker ) Brobst. His grandfather, Daniel Brobst, was a large farmer of Lehigh County, and spent his life on the farm, on which Dr. Brobst was afterward born. Willoughby K. Brobst, the father, was born on his father’s farm, there grew to man- hood, and has continued to make it his home. He is engaged in the manufacture of furni- ture and building material, and has succeed- ed so well in his enterprises that he is now practically retired from business. He is also a large land owner, and one of the most pros- perous men of his section. He was married to Caroline Hunsicker, a daughter of Reuben Hunsicker, who was born and reared in Heidelberg township, Lehigh County. He was a large and successtul farmer of that county, accumulated a large fortune, and was one of the wealthy men of the state. The union of Willoughby K. Brobst and Caroline Hunsicker resulted in a family of three chil- dren: Francis H.; Mantana, at home; and Daniel Reuben, a graduate of Jefferson Med- ical College in 1895, and a practicing physi- cian of Adamstown, Lancaster County. Dr. Francis H. Brobst was educated in the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown and Muhlenberg College at Allentown. He then took up the study of medicine with Dr. Brobst, now deceased, of Lost Nation, lIa., after which he entered Jefferson Medical College, graduating in 1888. During this time he took a special course in skin diseases in the Philadelphia Hospital in 1886-7, and a post-graduate course in the Philadelphia Ly- ing-in Charity Hospital. His determination was to excel in his profession, and he left nothing undone that would help him accomp- lish his object. With this object in view, in the spring of 1889, he took a post-graduate course in Hahnemann Medical College, re- alizing that one school might be best adapted to the needs of one case and the other school apply best in another. In this way he has met with the greatest success, taking what treatment was suited to the wants of his par- ticular patients, irrespective of any claims of school on him. He is skillful and pains- taking, and is meeting with well-merited success, having built up a large and lucrative practice. Dr. Brobst was married September 7, 1880, to Mantana Folk, daughter of Charles Folk of Mertztown, Lancaster County, and had one child, Adel Naomi, born June 28, 1895, and died March 3, 1898. He is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, of which denomi- nation his father is also a member. He is a man of sterling worth, is amiable and pleas- ant and a great favorite socially. SS ILLIAM D. SMITH. The Smith family, of which the gentleman named above is a conspicuous member, has given many illustrious sons to Berks County, a number of whom have played a prominent part in the history of the state. The family is of Scotch extrac- tion; prior to their coming to this country, the name was Macdonald; the story of the man- ner in which the change was effected is decidedly interesting and thoroughly au- thentic. The branch of which our subject isa di- rect descendant crossed the North Channel into Ireland, during the reign of James I, of England, and resided in the northeastern section of that country. The king, William III, while making a personal investigation on the fields upon which the notable battle of the Boyne was soon after to take place, was placed in a predicament by his horse casting a shoe, as in that section there were no far- BERKS COUNTY 68r riers. As is generally the case in sparsely settled districts, nearly every man could perform the duties of that occupation, and the progenitor of our subject, in whose neighborhood the accident occurred, was considered fortunate when allowed to shoe the horse. As a result, he was ever after called “the Smith” by his fellow-sympathiz- ers with King William, and this family has since been known by the name Smith. The son of the original Smith, John Smith, with his wife, Susanna, left the home in County Ulster, Ireland, in 1720, owing to the refusal of the landlord to renew their lease unless they would comply with the require- ments of ‘the test.” They came to America and located in the Brandywine Settlement, in what is now known as Uwchland town- ship, Chester County, Pa. With John Smith came his sister, Mary, who married Alexan- der Fulton, the grandfather of Robert Ful- ton, whose name was rendered immortal by the invention of the steamboat. John Smith was called to his final rest in 1765, at the age of seventy-nine years, and his worthy wife joined him beyond the river of Death in 1767, aged sixty-seven years. Among the children who blessed their union, one was Robert, born on the voyage to this country, who succeeded to the own- ership of the old homestead in Chester County. He was a man of influence and wealth and attained much distinction throughout the state. According to the public records of the time, Sergeant Smith went to Reading in 1757 to be qualified, dur- ing the struggle between France and Eng- land. In August, 1775, when the colonial government was looking toward the defence of Philadelphia, he planned a model machine for handling chevaux-de-trise, with which to obstruct the channel of the Delaware, just above Red Bank, N. J., and the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania extended hearty thanks to him for his invaluable aid in a time of extreme danger. He sat at the convention which adopted the first State Constitution of Pennsylvania, September 28, 1776. As a result of his high standing, he was, on March 12, 1777, appointed lieutenant of Chester County, and his was the duty to raise, arm, and provision the military contin- gent from that district, placing the men upon the field in fighting condition. Faithfully did he serve in that capacity for nine years of unceasing activity, and upon March 12, 1786, handed in his resignation. He was called to the State Assembly in 1785, and two years later he retired to his farm, where he resided until his death in 1803, aged eighty- three years. December 20, 1758, he was united in marriage with Margaretta Vaughan, a daughter of John Vaughan of Red Lion, Uwchland township, Chester County. She was called Home in 1822, at the age of eighty-seven years. Among their children was one Jonathan, who was widely known throughout this section as cashier of the First and Second United States Banks, and the Bank of Pennsylvania. Another son was John Smith, the grand- father of our subject, who was born April 8, 1762, on the old homestead. He was a man of great shrewdness and general business ability, and at an early age became manager of the Warwick Furnace in Chester County, which was owned by Colonel Thomas Bull. In 1790, he moved to Dale Forge, Berks County, of which he became the owner, and successfully operated for a period of six years, when he removed to Joanna Furnace and passed the remainder of his days there, dying April 2, 1815. In 1790, he was joined in Hymen’s bonds with Elizabeth Bull, a daughter of Colonel Thomas and Ann (Hun- ter) Bull. They became the happy parents of three sons, namely: Thomas; Levi B., the father of our subject; and John Vaughan. Levi B. Smith was born at Joanna Furnace, Berks County, February 8, 1806, and received the best of educational advantages, gradu- ating from Princeton College, at Princeton, N. J., with honors, in the class of 1824. He then became a student-at-law in the Litch- field Law School of Litchfield, Conn., and on January 10, 1827, was admitted to practice at the Berks County Bar. It was not his inten- tion to engage in practice, however, and shortly after he engaged in business at the Old Reading Hall in Chester County. He was then engaged in business at Mt. Airy, about a mile southeast of Birdsboro, until 1833, when he formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, Judge Darling, in the iron business at Joanna Furnace. They estab- lished a wide reputation throughout the 682 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES country as manufacturers of wood stoves, many of which are still in use and bear the name of Darling & Smith upon them in raised letters. Upon the retirement of Judge Dar- ling from the firm, the business was continued under the name of Levi B. Smith & Co., and subsequently Levi B. Smith & Sons. These firms, combined with that of his sons, under the name Smith & Bros., did an extensive business, operating the Joanna Furnace, Berks County, the Isabella Furnace, Chester County, and in Lancaster County owned 6,000 acres of land, some of which contained valuable iron ore. In 1862, the active man- agement of these enterprises was relinquished by Mr. Smith in favor of his sons, and he moved to Reading, where he was one of the most highly respected citizens of that day. With keen judgment and wonderful foresight, he became identified with many of the lead- ing enterprises which tended not only to ad- vance his financial standing, but to promote the welfare of the city of Reading. He was one of the: founders of the First National Bank of Reading, and was president from the time it was established until the time of his death. He was a manager of the Read- ing Gas Co.; one of the founders of the Read- ing Fire Insurance Co.; and a leading mem- ber of the Reading Library Co., and the Reading Room Association. He ever evinced a deep interest in affairs of a political nature, being originally a Whig, but upon the organ- ization of the Republican party he became one of its stanchest supporters. He was fre- quently chosen as delegate to county, state and national conventions, and he always per- formed his duties in good faith. In 1860, his name was placed upon the ticket as a candi- date for Member of Congress, and his great popularity was shown in the election, when he ran far ahead of the ticket. especially in the southern townships; in Robeson town- ship he received 435 out of a possible 543; in Caernarvon, 140 out of 200. He resigned from the Lincoln electoral ticket in the same year in order that he might accept the nom- ination for Member of Congress. He was a friend of the slave, and fearlessly expressed his views as an Abolitionist. He was a faith- ful and consistent worker in the Episcopal Church, and at the time of his demise was a member of the vestry of Christ Church. For more than thirty years he represented St. Thomas’ Church, Morgantown, at the Dioce- san Conventions, and, in 1858, was a member of the general convention which met in New York City. During the Rebellion he labored assiduously for the preservation of the Union, liberally contributing his time and money toward the organization of companies. It was mainly through his efforts that the three companies, each led by one of his sons, were - enlisted into service. The three sons com- manding these companies were Bently H.,; L. Heber; and William D., all of whom fought bravely for the cause, making enviable records as valiant soldiers. L. Heber attained the rank of colonel; he died in August, 1898, and his widow and six children live at Joanna Furnace. On April Io, 1827, Mr. Smith was joined in wedlock with Emily H. Badger, a native of Bucksport, Me., and a descendant of Puritan ancestors, who came to his country in 1635. Six sons were born to bless their union, namely: Bently H.; William D.; L. Heber: Horace Vaughan; Stanley ; and Ed- ward Hunter. William D. Smith, the subject of this bio- graphical record, was born at Joanna Fur- nace, Berks County, and received his educa- tion at the Williston Academy, Easthampton, Mass. He engaged in business with his- father and brother at Joanna Furnace, and afterward at Isabella Furnace, Chester Coun- ty. From 1876 to 1886, he was a deputy col- lector of the Port of Philadelphia; is not now engaged in business, but is fully occu- pied as president of the Reading Hospital, one of the trustees of the Charles Evans’ Cemetery, director of the Mission of Hope, a vestryman in Christ Episcopal Church, one of the advisory committee of the Home for Friendless Children, beside being identi- fied with many other local enterprises and charities. In political affiliations he is a member of the Republican party. He has resided in Reading since 1886. Dr. Stanley Smith, one of the younger sons of Levi B. Smith, was a most talented member of the medical profession of Read- ing, and a devoted student of science. His death occurred in 1887. He was born at Jo- anna Furnace, this county, in 1845, and grad- uated with honor from Amherst College in 1865. He evinced an early preference for DANIEL P. GRIM. BERKS COUNTY 685 the study of physical sciences, especially chemistry, and upon his graduation com- menced the study of medicine in the Jeffer- son Medical College, Philadelphia, and grad- uated at that institution in 1868. He subse- quently spent a year at the University at Leipsic in the pursuit of his favorite study, chemistry. After his return to this country he was, in 1875, appointed lecturer on physi- cal diagnosis in the summer courses at the Jefferson Medical College, which position he held for two years. During this period he was professionally associated Thompson, an eminent specialist and lecturer on ophthalmology in the same institution. In 1877 he resigned his connection with the college and removed to Reading, where he continued the practice of his profession until his death, devoting his attention in his later years exclusively to affections of the eye. As a specialist, Dr. Smith possessed a wide reputation and enjoyed a large practice. In diagnosis he was especially accurate, and in operations cautious and highly successful. Had he been ambitious for a wider distinc- tion in his profession, he possessed both the talents and attainments to have secured it, but rivalry was distasteful to him, and he preferred the modest routine 6f a private practitioner, pursuing his calling from an ab- sorbing love for the science and the desire to relieve suffering. To the poor and those of humble means who needed medical attention, he was an invaluable and serviceable friend, and many such keenly felt the loss of a benefactor. Dr. Smith was formerly con- nected with various medical associations, but recently had relinquished all engagements outside of his practice, from which death retired him in the meridian of a career of in- creasing usefulness. ———_~@+——__—_ ANIEL P.GRIM. At No. 433 Main street, Kutztown, Pa., resides one of the most prominent and influen- tial citizens of Berks County, the gentleman whose biography we write, who has been a resident of the borough for the past score of years. He formerly followed the calling of a tanner, and is now owner of con- ae with Dr.: siderable real estate, located in Kansas, Iowa, and Berks County, Pa. Persevering, contin- ous, and energetic efforts have been the great secrets of Mr. Grim’s success. Sound judg- ment and a determined power of will hewed out for him the means to pass life’s twilight in ease. Our subject is a descendant of one of the pioneer families of this county ; he was born at Grimville, Greenwich township, August 31, 1833, and is a son of Daniel B. and Elizabeth (Crouse) Grim, and grand- son of Jonathan and Catherine H. (Bertolett) Grim, Family tradition says that Henry Grim, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born in Alsace, Germany, and was the found- er of the Grim family in America. Jonathan Grim, our subject's grandfather, may be justly classed among the early pioneer settlers of Maxatawny township, where he resided many years, engaged in the occupation of a tanner. Later, he became a resident of Kutztown, this county, where he lived a retired life the remainder of his days. He was united in marriage with Catherine H. Bertolett, and they reared one son, Daniel B., the father of our subject, who was born July 17, 1800. Daniel B. assisted his father during his younger days, and remained under the par- ental roof until he attained the age of twenty- four years; he then purchased of a Mr. Kern his farm of 220 acres, hotel, store, tannery, and distillery. He conducted the hotel, and in addition operated the tannery the rest of his active days; he also operated the distil- lery many years. Mr. Grim would buy cat- tle in the West and ship them to the eastern farmers, where they commanded a ready sale; this business was carried on for 45 years with excellent results. Our subject's father was one of the most prominent and progres- sive citizens of his community, and the vil- lage of Grimville was named in honor of him. His hotel was known as the “Golden Lamb,” and was a haven of rest to the weary travel- er; he was social and hospitable, and never failed to lend a helping hand to the poor. Mr. Grim was as honest as the day is long, and by his close attention to business, he amassed a fortune; he was held in high es- teem by his fellow-townsmen, and was a good neighbor and true friend. He was an active member of the state militia, and was com- 686 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES missioned colonel. The demise of Mr. Grim occurred March 6, 1883, and he was not only mourned by his family and relatives, but by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. In 1819 Mr. Grim was united in marriage with Elizabeth Crouse, a daughter of Charles Abraham Crouse, who was a son of Carl Crouse, a captain in the colonial army, in the Revolutionary War. Our subject’s mother passed from this life November 24, 1882; she was a loving wife, kind mother, and a true friend. Our subject was a member of a fam- ily of nine children, namely: Jonathan, de- ceased; Mary, who died young; Charlotte also died in youth; Catherine, deceased, wife otf Wm. Stettler; Sarah; Charles A. K.; Susan ( Dietrich); and Amelia, who married Wm. T. Breinig. Daniel P. Grim acquired a liberal educa- tion in the public schools of his native town- ship and Bethlehem, and then entered Stras- burg Academy; upon leaving school, he taught some three years under Professor Good, and in 1855 he went West, and at Dav-. enport, lowa, engaged asa clerk for J. Wea- ver, Jr., & Co. While there he purchased a tract of land consisting of 720 acres; in 1857, he went to Kansas City, Kan., and shortly after his arrival in that city, he took up a claim near Topeka, that state. There he endured the hardships of the early farmers of that section; in those days log cabins were few, and the sturdy pioneers lived in houses built of sod; our subject still owns the farm, which alone yields him a handsome income. Upon his father’s request, he returned home and became the partner of his father, who retired three years later, and our subject succeeded him in the business. Mr. Grim rents the hotel, farm, and store; he conducted the tannery himself for many years, and in 1878 moved to Kutztown and purchased of Dr. Schultz his present two-story residence. With the exception of looking atter his real estate, our subject is practically retired from the active duties of life. Mr. Grim was wedded to Catherine A. Grim, a daughter of Seth K. and Annie (Kemp) Grim. Seth K. Grim was a native of Maxatawny, Berks County, Pa., and was a son of Captain David Grim. grandson of Jacob Grim, and great-great-grandson of Egidius Grim, who was a native of Germany, and came to this country in 1728, having sailed from Rotterdam on September 11 of that year, on the ship John Goodwill, David Crocket, master. His wife came with him. For several years they had lived in Deal, England, but were natives of Wurtemberg, Germany; though the Grim family seems to have been of noble French Huguenot ex- traction—one tradition based on a “tree,” known to have been in the possession of Col. Daniel B. Grim as lately as twenty years ago, but now lost or mislaid, tracing the family back to a Norman Knight in the time of Wil- liam the Conqueror. Seth K. Grim’s grandfather, Jacob, served in the Revolutionary War as first lieutenant of Captain Casper Smeck’s Fifth Company, Second Battalion, Berks Militia of 1777, fighting in the battles of Brandywine and Germantown, and staying with Washington’s army till the militia was dismissed, when the army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. Several other Grims appear on the Revolutionary records. Jacob’s_ brother, Henry, a wealthy bachelor of Philadelphia and a great traveler, served in the War of 1812 with what has since been known as the “State Fencibles.” The following children blessed the home of our subject and wife, namely: Annie C., who received her education in the Keystone Nor- mal School at Kutztown; A. Elizabeth also re- ceived her education at the State Normal, is the wife of Ira P. Rothermel, Esq., of Reading, Pa., and they are the parents of one child, John Grim ; Daniel P., Jr., who received his educa- tion at the State Normal at Kutztown, also at State Normal at Millersville, Lancaster Coun- ty, graduated from Stoner’s Business College of Reading, and is at present assisting his father; Emma, after graduating from the State Normal, taught school six terms, and is now an artist of considerable note; and Mary, who died, aged two years and ten months. Mr. Grim was a director of the Kutztown Na- tional Bank many years, and serves in. that capacity at present. In politics he has always supported the Grand Old Party ; religiously, he isa member and active supporter of the Lutheran Church. Our subject enjoys the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens, and stands among the honored residents of Kutztown, and is accorded that respect and BERKS COUNTY 689 affection which is due to every man who has filled all the obligations of a good citizen. We present a recent portrait of Mr. Grim on a preceding page. —————_+2@-___- R. JOHN WILLIAM KAUFF. MAN, a physician and surgeon of Reading, is a son of Franklin H. and Anna E. (Frey) Kauffman, and was born in Hazelton, Luzerne County, Pa., April 15, 1873. John J. Kauffman, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Ebingen—Oberant, Baalingen, Wurtemberg, Germany, Decem- ber 24. 1825. He lived in his native country until he was twenty years of age and then emigrated to the United States and located in Tamaqua, Schuylkill County, Pa., where he engaged in the confectionery business. He married Miss Broadbeck, and to them were born seven children, five of whom are living, as follows: Franklin; Milton; Henry; Lewis; and Louise. Those deceased are: Amanda and John. Franklin H. Kauffman, the father of our subject, was born in Tamaqua, Schuylkill County, where he lived until he had reached the years of manhood, and then moved to Green Bay, Prince Edwards County, Va. He is a millwright by trade, but after he moved to Virginia, he engaged in the manu- facture of sassafras oil for a number of years, and then purchased a farm and now carries on general farming, also operating a grist mill, and is one of the progressive farmers of his section. He married Anna E. Frey, daughter of John Frey, who died February 7. 1891, at the age of eighty-nine years. John Frey married Lydia Snyder, who died July 31, 1889, aged eighty years, and they became the parents of a large family of children. Mr. Frey was a native of Lowhill, Lehigh County, Pa., and his wife was a native of Lynnville, Lehigh County, but after their marriage they moved to Berks County, near Kutztown; later Mr. Frey moved to Norris- town, where he spent his remaining days. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Kauffman was blessed by the following children, namely : John W., the subject of this sketch; Emma, the wife of William McFarland, who is a printer in the government printing office at Washington, D. C.; Herman; Harry; Gro- ver, deceased; Kate, deceased; and Otto. Our subject at the age of seven years went to Norristown to live with his aunt and uncle, William C. and Fianna S. Baer, where his education was obtained, graduating from the high school of that town June 30, 1890. He studied pharmacy a time and then engaged in that business in Norristown, Montgomery County, and later followed the same line of business in Philadelphia, at the same time attending the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, graduating therefrom June 15, 1894. Having decided upon the profession of a physician, he entered Jefferson Medical College, and was graduated in May, 1896. He at once located in Reading, where he has built up a large and successful practice. Dr. Kauffman is a member of the Reading Medi- cal Association; Berks County Medical So- ciety ; Knights of Friendship; and is a mem- ber of the staff of St. Joseph’s Hospital. ++ ICHMOND LEGH JONES, one of Reading’s distinguished citizens, whose portrait is shown on the opposite page, is an attorney-at- law, well known throughout this district, which he represented in the Legislature for three terms. He is a son of Hon. J. Glancy and Anna (Rodman) Jones, and was born in Reading, February 17, 1840. The Jones family has for several genera- tions been closely identified with the progress and advancement of Berks County, to which it has given some of the county’s most illus- trious sons. Jonathan Jones, the great-grand- tather of our subject, was born in this county and became a great land owner. He was a lieutenant-colonel in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Jehu Jones, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was born in Berks County, and during a greater portion of his life was en- gaged in the occupation of a school teacher, he being a man of scholarly attainments. In political views he was an adherent to the prin- ciples of the Democratic party. He married Sarah Glancy, and one of their sons was J. Glancy Jones, the father of our subject. 690 Hon. J. Glancy Jones, one of the ablest attorneys this county has ever known, was very prominent in political circles, being affiliated with the Democratic party. He was a very popular man, and represented this district in Congress from 1850 to 1859, in which body he took a very prominent part during his last term, serving as chairman of the Ways and Means Committee. President Buchanan, recognizing his superior ability and his thorough knowledge of diplomatic relations with foreign countries, appointed him United States Minister to Austria, in which capacity he served in a highly satis- factory manner. Upon returning to his native country he again took up the practice of law, continuing until his death in 1878. He was a man of excellent traits of character, and was honored and respected as a man of great worth to the community. Religiously, he was a member of the Episcopal Church of Reading, contributing liberally to its financial support. He was united in marriage with Anna Rodman, which union resulted in. the following issue: Anna Rodman, who mar- ried Mr. Farrelly Alden; Charles Henry; Richmond Legh, the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this biographical sketch; and Katherine, who married Mr. William T. Wallace. Richmond Legh Jones, after completing the course prescribed in the public schools, was prepared to enter Yale College in 1858, but some trouble then existing between the United States and Paraguay, an expedition was sent by our government against the latter country, and upon invitation of Captain Ridgely, Mr. Jones joined the expedition as captain’s clerk on the gunboat Atalanta, which was sent against Lopez. They visited the West Indies, Venezuela and Brazil, and ascended the Parana River 1,000 miles into the interior of South America, where the sailors were converted into soldiers for oper- ations on the land, and our subject was made second lieutenant of a company. Peace hay- ing been restored, they returned to America, and Mr. Jones joined his father, who was then minister to Austria, and soon after en- tered the University of Heidelberg, Ger- many, one of the most prominent educational institutions of the world. He graduated therefrom in 1861, and, upon returning to the . BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES country of his nativity, took up the study of law under the direction of his father, and was admitted to the Berks County Bar April 23, 1863. In 1862 he enlisted in Capt. Hun- ter’s Company, 11th Reg., P. S. M., which was a portion of the force in the line of bat- tle beyond Hagerstown in the battle of Antietam. In 1863 he was commissioned as Captain of Co. A, 53d Reg., P. S. M., and in that capacity served during the invasion of Maryland and Pennsylvania, after which his regiment was mustered out. He then re- turned home and entered upon the practice of the law in the city of Reading, and also took an active part in political affairs, being one of the leaders of the Democratic party. For three successive years, beginning in 1866, he was sent to the State Legislature from Berks County, and in 1868 was the candidate of the Democratic party for Speaker of the House of Representatives. At the expira- tion of that term he returned home and re- tired from political life, as his large practice required his undivided attention. He is one- of the leading members of the Berks County Bar, and represents many of the most im- portant business interests of the community: the Street Railways, Electric Light and Gas Companies, Long Distance Telephone and Sewerage Companies being among his clients. He is much interested in library subjects, and is president of the Reading Library, which valuable property mainly through his efforts and liberal example was cleared of debt and presented to the City of Reading. He isa vestryman of Christ Church (Episcopal), a member of the Sons of the Revolution, Colonial Wars, Colonial Society, War of 1812 and Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. Jones was married to Miss Margaret McCarty, a daughter of Mr. James McCarty, November 26, 1870, and their union has been blessed with one daughter, Anna Rodman, who is married to Mr. Nathaniel Ferguson of Reading. SSS Oo ILLIAM H. LIVINGOOD is prom. inent among the leading attorneys of Reading, where he has been én- gaged in practice since 1860, with the excep- tion of six years spent in a like manner in the city of Philadelphia. He is a son of Dr. GRIFFITH R.REES: John B. Livingood, grandson of John Livin- good, and was born at Womelsdorf, April 5, 1837. He was intellectually equipped for the bat- tles of life in the Union Academy at Womels- dorf, and the Phillips-Andover Academy of Andover, Mass., graduating from the former in 1851 and from the latter in 1855. He was then fully prepared for the practice of law at the Law School of Harvard College, being admitted to the bar at Lowell, Middlesex County, Mass. He subsequently returned to his native county, and was admitted to the Berks County Bar January 19, 1860, after which heentered upon a practice in Reading with his brother for a period of three years. He then opened an office for himself and was engaged in caring for a large practice until 1873, when he moved to Philadelphia. He had charge of a good clientage there and remained in that city until 1879. In 1874, upon motion of Hon. Jeremiah S. Black, he was ad- mitted to the United States Supreme Court, at Washington, D.C. Upon returning to Read- ing in 1879, he became connected with the manufacture of fire brick at Staten Island, N. J., and was treasurer of the Staten Island Terra Cotta Co., but after a few years, dis- posed of his interest and turned his whole attention to his practice. He is one of the most eloquent speakers of the Berks County Bar, and when pleading a case, or addressing a jury, he is the * observed of all observers,” so forcible, clear, and impressive in his elo- quence, each argument being delivered with a grace and ease that invariably commands the attention of his hearers. In political be- lief, he is a Democrat, and was president of the Keystone Club during the McClellan campaign. He was also solicitor of the alms- house for a period of three years. Mr. Liv- ingood is a very popular man, and is held in high esteem, not only by his many clients, but by his fellow practitioners as well. He was united in hymeneal bonds with Anna H. Jamison of Reading, and they are the proud parents of the following children: James J., who lives in New York City and has charge of the Staten Island Terra Cotta Works; Albert J., deceased; Paul, a drug- gist of Allentown; and William W., who is now in attendance at the Medical Depart- ment of the University of Pennsylvania. Mrs. BERKS COUNTY 693 Livingood, a woman of many admirable traits of character, has been for many years one of the most active Christian workers of Read- ing. She was the founder of the Charity House of Reading, on the corner of Sixth and Tenth streets, and is president of the W.C. T. U. of Reading. She is also an act- ive worker in the Presbyterian Church, of which both she and her husband are mem- bers. Socially, Mr. Livingood is a member and past master of the Masonic Order of Reading. SSO RIFFITH R. REES, one of the hust- ling and energetic business men of the city of Reading, Pa., is success- fully engaged in the real estate and loan busi- ness, and has a handsome suite of rooms at No. 52 South Sixth street. This highly esteemed citizen of Reading is of Welsh de- scent, and was born in the village of Lales- ton, Glamorganshire, Wales, June 20, 1863, and isa son of William and Cecilia (Patridge) Rees. William Rees, the father of our subject, was born in Wales, where he still resides and is living in retirement. Mrs. Rees departed this life at her home in Laleston, Wales, in August, 1896, aged seventy-one years. Wil- liam belongs to a family of seven children, namely: Morgan resides in his native coun- try, Wales, and he had.one son who came to the United States, who is superintendent on the Lehigh Valley R. R.; Thomas was also born in Wales; Robert came to the United States and engaged in the cattle business, and after accumulating a handsome fortune, returned to Wales, where he is now living in retirement; Richard, a life-long resident of Wales; William, our subject’s father; Grif. fith; and Sarah. William Rees and his wife were the parents of six children, namely: Joanna; Gwendolen; William, deceased ; Grifith R., our subject; Cecilia; and Eliza- beth. Griffith R. Rees received his intellectual training in the common schools of his native village, but the most valuable part of his education was obtained through natural busi- ness experience. At nineteen years of age our subject began to paddle his own canoe; 694 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES hearing of the great resources of wealth the United States possessed, and knowing of the success which his uncles obtained while re- siding in this country, he left behind him his native land and sailed for the American shores. Shortly after his arrival he secured a position with a Scranton mercantile house as traveling salesman, and remained in that capacity until the year 1892. In that year he became a resident ot the city of Reading, where he has since been engaged in the real estate and loan business, and has finely fur- nished office rooms at No. 52 South Sixth street. Our subject is a man of hustling ability, which connected with his untiring energy has aided him in establishing a large business; he is not only exceedingly popular among his business associates, but in social circles as well. Our subject is largely interested in the growth of the city, and lends a helping hand toward any enterprise or movement calculated to promote the general welfare of the community. Fraternally, Mr. Rees is a member of Muh- lenberg Lodge, No. 1085, I. O. O. F.; Rey- nolds Castle of Pottstown, No. 44, K. of G. E.: and the Welsh Society of St. David. Po- litically, he is a strong supporter of the Re- publican party, whilst in religious views, he is a member of St. Barnabas’ Episcopal Church. Mr. Rees’ portrait is shown on a preceding page. + AVID K. PHILLIPS, an enterpris- | ing merchant and a_ progressive citizen of Dauberville, Center town- ship, was born June 27, 1870, in Center township, Berks County. He is a son of Henry G. and Sarah (Kauffman) Phil- lips, and a grandson of Henry B. Phillips. Solomon Phillips, of whom our subject is a descendant, came to America in the ship “Phoenix,” of which John Mason was cap- tain, which sailed from Rotterdam, last from Cowes, arriving here on August 28, 1750. There were 339 passengers, and he was the only Phillips on board. Solomon Phillips lived to be an old man, as did his son, Michael Phillips: Michael’s son, John H. Phillips, attained the age of one hundred and five years, and the son of John H., Jacob Phillips, lived to be ninety-two years. Henry B. Phillips, son of Jacob Phillips, named above, was born in Center township, and resided there the greater part of his life. He learned the trade of a mason, which he followed during his younger days. He then turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, and followed farming until his retirement from active business life at the age of sixty years. He owned two large farms, one con- sisting of 133 acres, and the other of 129 acres. He was a public-spirited man, and interested in the development of public enterprises. He was one of the stockholders in the Mohrsville Bridge. In politics, he was a stanch Democrat and often served as delegate to conventions. In religious faith, he was a Lutheran, and held the offices of deacon and trustee of the church of that de- nomination at Belleman’s. He was united in marriage with Hannah Geschwindt, a sister of Henry Geschwindt, whose son Elias Geschwindt lives in Dauberville and car- ries on lime burning. They became the parents of eight children, whose names are as follows: Nathaniel G.; Reuben G.; Levi G.; Mrs. Reuben Ludwig; David G.; Henry G.; the father of our subject; Mrs. Henry Christ, and Mrs. Joseph Althouse. All the children of this union are living, though well advanced in years. Mrs. Phillips died in 1883, and her husband survived her several years, dying at the age of ninety. Henry G. Phillips was born in Center township in 1847, and is therefore at this date (1898) fifty-one years old. He received an education in the common schools of his native township, after which he took up farming on his father’s farm. He purchased his father’s two farms, and still lives and carries on farming operations on one of them; he also purchased another farm, thus making three farms in all, each averaging 130 acres. For several years in connection with his occupation, he operated a threshing machine and also a well driller. He is an up-to-date farmer in every particular, employing modern methods and the latest improved machinery. Four years ago he purchased a fine store property in the village of Dauber- ville, nine miles from Reading, the county seat, and alongside the P. & R. R. R., in BERKS COUNTY 695 which store his son, David K. Phillips, our subject, carries on a general merchandise and coal business, and enjoys an excellent trade. Henry G. Phillips leads a retired life in his handsome house in Dauberville. In_ his political affiliations he is a Democrat, and actively supports the principles of that party. He has held many of the town offices, and has been school director for the past ten years. He has always taken a great interest in the public schools, and in the education of his children, of whom two have taught school, viz: our subject, David K. Phillips, who taught six terms of school; and Henry K., who taught for two years. All of the chil- dren have fair educations. Socially, he is a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle of West Leesport; and of the Grange, taking an active interest in all things tending to improve the conditions of the tarmer. Re- ligiously, he is a member of Belleman’s Lutheran Church, and has held many of the church offices. He was united in marriage with Sarah Kauffman, daughter of David and Elizabeth (Greim) Kauffman, who are both deceased. David Kauffman was a well-to-do farmer, and at one time owned four farms; when he retired from active life he moved to Leesport, where he lived in a beautiful home of his own. He was the father of the follow- ing named children: Mrs. Henry G. Phillips; Mrs. Isabella Bagenstose, deceased; Mrs. Samuel Moser, deceased; Mrs. John M. Winters of Reading, whose husband is a cigar manutacturer; and James G., the only son, who purchased the old homestead, where he last farmed. Mr. Phillips reared seven children, namely: David K., whose name heads this personal history; Ida, the wife of Charles Earnest; Martin K.; James K.; Lizzie; Henry K.; and Charles. Our subject was reared on the farm and received his mental training in the public and subscription schools of Center township. He commenced to attend school at five years of age, and always loved his studies; when he was a mere lad, his father often carried him to and from school. He then taught school for three terms when he was sixteen years of age, after which he took a course in the National Pen-Art Hall and Business Col- lege at Delaware, Ohio, from which institu- tion he graduated with honor, and received a diploma for plain and ornamental penman- ship and bookkeeping. He is an expert pen- man in plain, rapid and ornamental writing, and has of recent years taught penmanship very successfully. Owing to the earnest solicitations of his many friends in Center township, he taught school for three addi- tional terms. Our subject had charge of a creamery in Mahanoy City for one year, also had charge of his father’s threshing machine, which was run by a traction engine, of which he was engineer for two years. On two occasions, when he was running said engine, school directors came to him and hired him as a teacher, when he was in his working clothes, with no thought of teaching any more. Mr. Phillips taught under county superin- tendents David S. Keck and William Zech- man. He then became a clerk in Winter & Brother’s store at Leesport, and one year later, in association with M. D. Winter, one of his employers, purchased the interest of Eli Kemerer at Centerport, and conducted a general merchandise store for a period of one year. They then dissolved partnership, and our subject moved to Dauberville, where he has since been engaged in the same line of business. He carries a complete stock of gen- eral merchandise of the best quality, and also deals in coal. The store is neat and orderly in appearance, and everything about it hasan air of successful management and prosperity. Mr. Phillips was united in marriage April 9. 1891, with Annie B. Reber, a daughter of F. Leonard Reber, an ex-member of the Leg- islature, residing at Shoemakersville, and they are the proud parents of three children: Warren Columbus; Grant Edison; and Pearl Edna. Mr. Phillips is a Lutheran, and the cere- monies of his baptism, confirmation, and mar- riage were performed by Rev. B. D. Zweizig at Belleman’s Church, of which he and his father, his father’s brothers and sisters, and parents, and his mother, and her brothers, sis- ters, and parents are members. It is a dear old church, filled with the most tender recol- lections; it is situated very conspicuously on an elevated plot of ground, and to the church is attached a very nice cemetery, called “Fair View.” In politics, our subject is a Democrat, and 696 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES in the years 1893 and 1894, he served as as- sistant postmaster at Centerport, and since that time has been postmaster of Dauberville. Mr. Phillips has held township offices on several occasions, and has acted as juror twice. Socially, he is a member of the Washington Camp, No. 446, P.O. S. of A., of Centerport; and formerly belonged to the Grange. ++ R. H. DENTON STRYKER, who is one of the skillful physicians and [5 } surgeons operating in Reading and vicinity, is a son of Jacob S. and Margaret (Russell) Stryker, and was born March 19, 1870, in the town of Blawenburg, Somerset County, New Jersey. The Stryker family traces its ancestral history far back into the early history of Holland. There are several families by that name located in the United States, though that name is variously spelled Striker, Stryker, Strker and Stricker, but all are descendants from the race of Hollanders. Certain portions of the Stryker family have been seated near The Hague for nearly eight centuries, and it appears in the early history of that country that the name had a prefix Van, which was dropped by the brothers who emigrated to America. The direct an- cestor of our subject was Jan Stryker, who was born in Holland in 1615, and came from Rumen, a village in the province of Druether, to New Amsterdam in 1652. He was one of the wealthy men of that time, and history shows that he was prominent in the civil and religious history of his community. He married Lambertize Scubering. He lived in New Amsterdam until 1654, when he founded a Dutch colony on Long Island, and for the first twenty years of the existence of the little colony, acted as its chief magistrate, and was later sent as an ambassador by Peterus Stuyvesant to Lord Myres of Hol- land, to report their being annoyed by the English and the Indians who were driy- ing them off their lands. He also held office in the general assembly at the city hall, New Amsterdam. He died in the year 1697. One of his sons was Peter, born November 1, 1653, at Flatbush, who married Anna Barends, and of their children was one Jan, the father of Abraham, who was the great- great-grandfather of our subject. Jacob Stryker, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born June 27, 1768, and one of his sons was Peter Stryker, the grandfather of our subject. Peter Stryker was born October 14, 1802, and married Mary Nevius ot Blawenburg, N. J., November 11, 1828. She died January 12, 1870, and Mr. Stryker passed away in 1888. He was a large land owner and a very prosperous farmer, and succeeded in accumu- lating considerable wealth; at the time of his death he was living in retirement on his farm. For many years he was elder of the Dutch Reformed Church of Blawenburg, N. J. He was the father of the following children: Catherine; Sarah; Mary Ann; Rachael; Margaret; Salina; Sarah Eliza- beth; Jacob S., the father of our subject; John; and Amelia. Jacob S. Stryker was born February 2, 1845, on the old homestead at Blawenburg, where he still resides, the property having come into his possession at his father’s death. He has always followed farming and stock raising, was the most progressive farmer in his community, and was always ready to take hold of anything which would advance the interests of his countrymen. The old home- stead consists of 156 acres of the best im- proved land in that section of the county, and stands second to none in any part of the state. The buildings are all in first-class condition, and the house contains 22 large rooms. Mr. Stryker is also a member of the Dutch Reformed Church and is at present elder of the church. He has served a num- ber of years on the school board, and takes an active part in the advancement of educa- tional institutions. February 16, 1869, he married Margaret Russell, who was born June 25, 1848. They are the parents of the following children, namely: H. Denton, our subject; John J., born December 1, 1871, is a commission merchant at Skillman, N. J., buying and selling produce, in which business he has become very successful; Frederick G., born June 25, 1874: Mary E., born Octo- o 11, 1876; and Sadie, born October 6, 1882. Dr. H. Denton Stryker received his ele- CHARLES M. PLANK. BERKS COUNTY 699 mentary education in the public schools of Blawenburg, and in 1885 left home and went to Philadelphia to live with an uncle; there he attended the high school, from which he graduated some time later. Having decided to study medicine, he entered the Medical Department of the University of Pennsyl- vania and was graduated -May 10, 1893. Three days later he became a resident physi- cian at St. Joseph’s Hospital at Reading, Pa., and remained thirteen months, when he opened an office at No. 31 North Third street, Reading. He is capable of treating the most complicated diseases, as his career subsequent to establishing an ofhce has proved. He is also a member of the medical and surgical staff of St. Joseph’s Hospital. Socially, our subject is a member of the American Medical Association; Pennsyl- vania State Medical Society; Berks County Medical Society; Reading Medical Associa- tion; is secretary of the Reading Medical Library; is a member of the Vigilant Lodge, No. 194, I. O. O. F.; and also Juniata Tribe, No. 74, 1. O. R. M. +2 “HARLES M. PLANK, Esq., of Read- ing, whose portrait appears on the opposite page, is a descendant of one of the oldest families of Penn- sylvania, and is himself a person of consider- able prominence. He is a lawyer of more than ordinary ability, and possesses a dis- crimination and sound judgment not usually met with in one of his years. He isa son of Adam and Johanna (Moll) Plank, and was born September 23, 1860, in Reading. In 1710, a number of Huguenots sailed from France, and landed on American soil, intending to make their home in the land of the free, and escape the persecution and trials meted out to them in their native country. They were composed of an honor- able, industrious class, who helped to lay the foundations of those sterling principles which are one of the chief characteristics of their descendants to-day. Among this number was Dr. Jacob De Plank, the great-great-grand- father of our subject. His education was received in the best schools of France and Switzerland. During the years 1696 and 1700 he was a student at the University of Basle, Switzerland, under the instruction of Theodorus Zwingerus, one of the most pro- ficient instructors of medicine in Europe, and an author whose books received uni- versal attention. Upon landing in America, Dr. De Plank at once located in German. town, and in 1720 purchased land in Oley township, Berks County, where he perman- ently settled and practiced his profession. He was the first physician to settle in Berks County, and was one of the petitioners for the incorporation of Oley township in 1720. He was related to the De Planks and Ver Planks who settled in the Mohawk Val- ley, N. Y., having emigrated from France during the latter part of the 17th century. John Plank, the great-grandfather, lived in Lancaster County, and was one of the leaders of the Mennonites, being a minister in that body. He was in prosperous circum- stances and a man of good business qualifica- tions. He died near the place known as White Horse. The family, during the pre- ceding generation, had dropped the prefix “De” from their name and called themselves Plank, by which they were afterward known. John Plank, the grandfather, was a man of commanding presence, being of large stature, and lived to the exceeding old age of ninety- four years. He was born and reared in Lan- caster County, and served for many years as high constable when that office was consider- ed highly honorable. He was a Whig in politics, and ai earnest worker for the suc- cess of his party. Adam Plank, the father, was born in Lan- caster County, and spent the early part of his life there. He moved to Reading soon after reaching his majority, and resided there up to the time of his death, in 1885. He was one of the first councilmen elected in the city of Reading, and took an active interest in its prosperity. He was a distiller by trade, and had charge of a number of distilleries in Reading. He married Johanna Moll, by whom he had eight children. Charles M. Plank was educated in the public schools of Reading, and taught school the two years following his graduation from the High School. He then entered the office of Daniel H. Wingerd of Reading and studied law, being admitted to the bar in 700 1881. Since that time, with the exception of four years, he has practiced in Reading, doing a very successful business. Mr. Plank is a Republican, and entered the political field when quite young, being elected chairman of the Republican com- mittee when but twenty-four years old. This position he filled with credit and to the entire satisfaction of the party. He was assistant city solicitor for two years, under a Democratic administration, and was elected school solicitor in 1895, a position he held until February, 1898. He was alternate dele- gate at large from Pennsylvania to the St. Louis Convention of 1896, where William McKinley was nominated for president, and has been a delegate to state conventions almost continuously since 1885. In 1896 he was candidate for State Senator and made a splendid run. He ran nearly 2,000 ahead of McKinley in the county, and in the city, which is normally 500 Democratic, he had a plurality of 2,088, a most complimentary vote, which speaks well for his popularity. This strong showing has caused him to be promi- nently spoken of in connection with the mayoralty, and his popularity with men of both political parties is so great that should he be a candidate there is little doubt but that he would be elected by an overwhelm- ing majority. He at this time is the deputy collector of Internal Revenue for the thirteenth division, First District of Pennsylvania, which com- prises nearly all of Berks County. For the preceding three years he has been chairman of the Republican city and county committees, and a member of the Republican state committee. He isa member of Camp No. 663, P.O. S. of A.; Nathan Hale Com- mandery, No. 75, S. of A.; and Wisdom Cas- tle, No. 488, K. G. E. He isa most amiable and accomplished gentleman, and commands the entire respect and confidence of the com- munity. o___ EV. HIRAM U. SEBRING, who for many years has been a member of the Philadelphia Annual Confer- ence of the M. E. Church, and with which he still holds a supernumerary relation (having retired from active work in BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES 1883 on account of failing health), is now a resident of Joanna Heights, Berks County, Pa., president of the Joanna Heights Camp Meeting Association and superintendent of the Meeting. He is a son of James and Elizabeth (Utt) Sebring, and was born near Tannersville, Monroe County, Pa., March 24, 1836. From the meager information now at hand respecting his ancestors, the following is about the best that can be had, though prob- ably incorrect in many respects. ; The great-great-grandfather of our subject, John Sebring, it seems, was from Holland. He came to this country, a single man, at an early day; married among the Low Dutch, it is said, and settled in New Jersey. He had at least two sons, John and Richard. We have no further information respecting John at this time. Richard, the great-grandfather, married a Miss Steele, a Low Dutch lady, and settled on the Raritan River, N. J. They had four children: John; Richard, Jr.; Cornelius; and Mary. John married Eve Ribble; Richard married a Miss Alexander of Mon- roe County, Pa; Cornelius married a Miss Smith of New Jersey; and Mary married William Steinbach of the same state. Rich- ard and his three sons subsequently moved to Pennsylvania, as we find in an old assess- ment of Lower Smithfield township in the year 1799 as taxable persons the names of Richard Sebring, Richard Sebring, Jr., John Sebring and Cornelius Sebring. They were all land owners at that date and married men, as single men were not taxed. What became of Richard we do not know, But Richard Jr., and Cornelius, it is said, moved to the lake country, New York. Of them we have no further knowledge. _ John Sebring, the grandfather of our sub- ject, settled at or near what is now called Bartonsville (as also probably his father did before him). Hehad tenchildren: William; Sarah; Mary; Abba; James; John; An- thony; George; Rebecca; and another, who married a Mr. Major. The children all mar- ried and all settled in Monroe County. John, the father, and William, the son, were both soldiers in the War of 1812. John died about the year 1853; his wife, Eve, died about ten years earlier. 701 BERKS COUNTY James Sebring, the father of our subject, and his three brothers settled near Tanners- ville, Monroe County, where they engaged in lumbering and farming. They were Methodists in their religious attachments, and did much to establish Methodism in that section. Our subject’s father and his brother, Anthony, were active workers in that church, and his brother, John, was a local minister for many years. James Sebring was twice united in matrimonial bonds, his first alliance being with Mary Brink, by whom he had several children, all of whom are deceased at this date (1898) but William, a farmer near the old homestead. He wasagain married to Elizabeth Utt, a daughter of Elias and Lu- cretia Utt, both natives of Northampton County, and he a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Elias and his brothers, Peter and Adam, were scouts during this war and ren- dered valuable aid to the cause of liberty. They were of that hardy class of pioneers, whose hatred for the red foe would cause them to relinquish the trail of a deer to fol- low that of an Indian. Elias, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was wounded by a ball from the gun in the hands of an Indian, which passed through his body. His widow, Lucretia, was pensioned until her death. As a result of the union of Miss Utt and James Sebring, three sons and two daughters were born: Mary Jane, the wife of Barnett Van Horn of Scranton, Pa.; Rev. Hiram U., the subject of this biographical sketch ; Andrew, a retired lumberman and merchant, who now resides in New York; Catherine, the wife of Eli Utt of Mountain Home, Mon- roe County; James of Scranton; and Vio- letta, the wife of Addison Henry, deceased, who resides on the old homestead. Rev. Hiram U. Sebring was reared upon the farm and received his intellectual train- ing in the public schools, after which he taught for two years. In the fall of 1862, he enlisted in Co. C, 176th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf, serving almost a year, when he returned to his home and prepared for the ministry. In 1865, he was appointed to the Tannersville Circuit; to the Richmond Circuit in 1866; Lumberville and Lahaska in 1867-69; Mont- gomery Square, 1870-71; North Wales and Lansdale, 1872; Bethel Circuit, 1873; Cro- zierville, 1874; Cedarville, 1875-77; St. Paul's, Reo 1878-79; and Parkesburg, 1880-82 ; a total of eighteen years, when on account of failing health he was obliged to give up active work. He was one of the organizers and has been the general manager of the Joanna Heights Camp Meeting for the last twenty successive years of its existence. : In 1872 he was united in marriage with Emma Lydia Keller, a daughter of Joseph Keller of Monroe County, Pa., deceased, by whom he has two children: Flora May, a Normal graduate, who is now teaching school near Isabella, Chester County, Pa.; and Frank Keller, a Normal student, who is now teaching at Gibraltar, Berks County, Pa. Mr. Sebring’s wife died twenty-one years ago, since which time up to this date (1898) he has lived a widower. ++ OHN GOTSHALL, who has been a spending the last score of years in quiet and peace at his home in Read- ing, was one of the successful tillers of the soil of Berks County, who are now enabled to enjoy the fruits of a laborious past. He was born in Alsace township, Berks County, on Friday, November 9, 1824, and is a son of George and Mary (Crumin- ger) Gotshall. Our subject spent his younger days in farm work; when a young man he began learning the vocation of a carpenter, which occupation he followed many years in the states of Pennsylvania and lowa. He then purchased a farm in Alsace township, Berks County, and for fourteen years was success- fully prosecuting that independent calling— farming. At the expiration of that time, he moved to Reading, where he has since re- sided, living in retirement, with the excep- tion of looking after his property. He owns considerable property in Reading—the entire square between Third and Fourth streets facing Spring, and real estate on Rose street. Mr. Gotshall is a Republican of decided views, and is fearless in the endorsement of those principles which he believes to be for the general good of his community and the country at large. He has represented his fellow citizens in city and county conventions for eleven years, and at the present time is a 702 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES constable in the Fourteenth Ward of Read- ing for a period of six years. Religiously, he has been a member of the Evangelical Church forty-seven years, and was formerly superintendent of the Sabbath School. So- cially, he is a member of the Fredericksburg Lodge, K. T., being one of the oldest mem- bers of it, and was one of its organizers. He was united in marriage with Elvina Smoyer, a daughter of Peter Smoyer of Lehigh County, Pa., and as a result of this union two sons and two daughters have been born to them, namely: John S. is a prominent butcher of Reading; Clinton is successfully engaged in coach making, and resides in Reading; Ella is the wife of Isaac F. Reiter of Chester County, Pa.; and Julia, who died at the age of eleven years. Mr. Gotshall enjoys the esteem of a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, and, during the time he has been a resident of Berks County, has maintained a reputation for integrity, enterprise, and fair dealing. He is an honest man and good citizen, and highly respected in the community which is honored by his citizenship. ++ R. HARRY GEORGE BAER, a rising young physician who has 6) been engaged in the practice of his profession in Reading since 1888, was born in Muhlenberg township, Berks County, November 2, 1867. He is a son of John and Elizabeth (Ludwig) Baer, and a grandson of John Baer. The great-great-grandfather of our subject was John Baer, who was a native of Alsace- Lorraine, Germany, and came to America in 1810, locating in Bern township, Berks County. Hesettled on a tract of land which has ever since been known as the Baer home- stead, upon which he was engaged in agri- cultural pursuits the remainder of his life. His son, John, the great-grandfather of our subject, was also born in Alsace-Lorraine, Germany, and came to this country with his father. He lived on the old homestead, and after his father’s death succeeded to the ownership of the estate, and there the re- mainder of his life was spent in tilling the soil. Our subject’s grandfather, John Baer, was born, reared and spent his entire life on the old homestead farm. His occupation was that of a farmer, and he was one of the representative men of the agricultural class in that community. John Baer, the father of the subject of this personal history, was also born on the old family farm, April 24, 1843. He learned the trade of a carpenter, and has since been en- gaged in that occupation. He is a skillful workman, and for the past thirty years has been foreman of a force of men. He is always kind but exacting with his men, and in this manner obtains the good will and respect of those under him, and the best pos- sible results from their work. Politically, he is a strong Republican and is actively interested in local affairs. He was united in hymeneal bonds with Elizabeth Ludwig, who was born March 30, 1842, and their union was blessed by the birth of the following chil- dren: John Charles, deceased; John Wil liam, deceased; John Adam, a cutter and tailor by trade, residing in Reading; John Thomas, deceased; and Dr. Harry George, whose name heads these lines. A _note- worthy fact in the family name is that each of the sons except our subject had the name of John prefixed. Dr. Harry George Baer’s primary educa- tion was received in the public schools of Reading, and supplemented by a course in Lick University at Fredericksburg, Lebanon County, from which institution he was graduated in 1884, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Sciences. He then taught school two terms as assistant in the Ashland High School, Schuylkill County, Pa., after which he took up the study of medicine with Dr. C. W. Bachman, a physician of experience, residing in Reading. He is a student by nature and in two years’ time had mastered his profession and was graduted from Jeffer- son Medical College, April 4. 1888. His preparation was thorough and he is capable of handling the most complicated cases coming up in general practice. His first and only practice has been in Reading, and he was successful from the beginning. He makes a specialty of chronic, nervous, skin, and blood diseases, and has been eminently successful in his treatment of catarrh. Dr. Baer’s practice has been constantly on the BERKS COUNTY increase, and upon his books appear the names of many of Reading’s best citizens. He takes an active interest in medical fra- ternities and belongs to the Reading Medi- cal Association, and the Berks County Medical Society. November 25, 1897, he formed a matri- monial alliance with Laura Schoelkopf, a woman of many virtues and worthy of bear- ing the name of her husband. Socially, he is a member of the Unamis Tribe, No. 330,. I. O. R. M.; Sirius Castle, No. 53, Knights ot the Golden Eagle; and Alpha Castle, No. 1, Knights of the Mystic Chain. In politics, he is a stanch Republican, and possesses consid- erable influence in the party. He is district organizer for the Republican League of Clubs in the Sixth Senatorial District. He has often been chosen as a delegate to county conventions, and twice to state conventions, where he has had the honor of placing can- didates for state offices before the convention. Dr. Baer is still a young man, but thirty years of age, and the outlook for his future pros- perity is very bright. —_ > —__\_—_ HOMAS E. WEBER, plumbing inspec- tor of Reading, was among the first to take up arms in defence of his country during the recent War of the Rebellion, and made a record of which any American might well be proud. He entered the service as a private, and by the faithful and prompt discharge of his duties was promoted to the rank of first orderly sergeant, and then to a lieutenantcy, ending as a member of the United States Signal Corps in September, 1865, six months after the surrender of Gen- eral Lee. He was born in Chester County, Pa., October 27, 1839, his parents being Adam and Martha A. (Evans) Weber. Adam Weber, the father, was born in Uwchland township, where his father lived and died. His birth occurred in 1815, and his entire life was spent in the county of Chester, where he died in November, 1894. He learned and followed the trade of a mer- chant tailor, and was a popular workman. He was married to Martha A. Evans, who was born in 1819, and died in 1896. The Evans family was among the most promi- 38 793 nent and extensive in Chester County, and her father, Thomas Evans, who lived and died there, was a prominent politician of the county, and was at one time sheriff. Eight children were born to Adam Weber and his wife: Margaret Ann, Sallie, Eliza, Mary, and Mary Ann, all died in childhood of that dread disease, scarlet fever; John B. is also dead; Morris E. lives in Philadelphia, floor walker in the employ of Strawbridge & Clothier, leading dry goods merchants of that city. Thomas E. Weber was educated in the public schools of West Chester, where a great part of his boyhood was passed. He learned the trade of a plumber and gasfitter in the same village, and worked at it until he entered the army. He was at the time a member of the Old National Guards, at West Chester, and the company offered their services to aid in putting down the Rebellion. They went to Harrisburg and entered Co. A, oth Reg., in which he served until the expira- tion of his term with the guards, when he entered Co. A, g7th Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf. as orderly sergeant. He served in the regiment with that rank until May, 1862, when he was promoted to the office of lieutenant, and in the following year, in February, 1863, he was transferred to the U. S. Signal Corps, where he served in that capacity until Septem- ber 1, 1865, six months atter peace was de- clared. On June 9, 1862, at James Island, he was wounded in both hips, which necessi- tated his confinement in the hospital for three months. After his return he helped to reorganize the old Reading Rifles, and he was chosen Captain. This was followed by the organization of the Fourth Regiment, which included companies from Lebanon, Montgomery, Lehigh, Northumberland, and two from Berks Counties. Upon the organi- zation of this regiment he was elected Major, and later became Lieutenant-Colonel. Mr. Weber was married November 12, 1871, to Mrs. Elmira E. Connor (nee Wert), who was born in Birdsboro, this county, September 24, 1841. They have one child, Howard, born June 11, 1873. Mr. Weber is a man who stands high in the community, both as a private citizen and as a thorough master of his trade. This standing, no doubt, had much influence in causing him to be 704 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES selected by Mayor Wm. F. Shanaman as inspector of plumbing of the city, an office he has filled to the complete satisfaction of all parties. He is a member and past master of Lodge No. 62, F. & A. M,; belongs to Excelsior Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, and has been secretary of the organization for the past nineteen years. He was eminent commander of Reading Commandery, No. 42, Knights Templar, in 1880, and has been drill master of the body for twenty-six years. As an old soldier, he takes a lively interest in their meetings, and is one of the most prominent and active members of McLean Post, No. 16, G. A. R., and Loyal Legion Encampment, No. 63, of which latter ‘organization he is major. INDEX Biographical A Albright, William B. y Ammon, George W., M. D. Ammon, George S. . Ammon, JacobS., M. D. . Angstadt, Isaac H. Angstadt, Rudolph H. Angstadt, Wilson B. Appel, Rev. R. S. Armour, Charles H. Arnold, William A. Arthur, Col John E. Austrian, Ben. . B Baer, Dr. Harry George . Bagenstose, Samuél S. Barbey, John Barbey, Peter : Bartdorff, Dr. Henry . Bartdorff, Dr. M. D. M. Bartles, Augustus . Batteiger, James M. Batteiger, William A. . Beard, AmosH. .- Beard, Jeremiah ; Beaver, D. Llewellyn, M. D. Bechtel, John R. Becker, Irvin G. PAGE PAGE Behm, William. . . . . 235! Brown, Dr. John W. Bender, W. Monroe - . . 568] Brown, Seth A. - Benfield, Franklin N. . . . = . 595| Brumbach, Albert J. fi Berg, Prof. Edward A. . . . 233] Brunner, Dr. Frank R. Berger, Emanuel . . . . 280] Brusstar, Dr. Harry B. 20°! Bertolet, John Marshall, M. D.. ag | Bull, Eiltah Oo4 Bertolet, Wellington . . 575 | Butz, Edwin 2 Bertolette, Martin Luther, M. D. IIo 562 Bieber, Isaac . . «. «©. 255 424) Bieber, WalterB. . . . . . 395 Ze Bieber, Dr Ulysses S. G. - . 407 c 7 Biehl, Mrs. Hannah ©. - «127 | Call, William B, A ne Bissinger, Capt. Phillip . . . 185 Christman, Dr. Calvin K. Bland, CalebH. . . . . . 376 Clauser, Mahlon B. Bobst, William J. . . . . « 490 Clauser, Simon B. . Bohn, Edward K. . . . . . 281 Cleaver, K. H. . Bollman, Dr. Henry L. . . . 511 Clous, Captain William I. Boone, Samuel G. . - + 325) Conrad, Dr John A. 702 | Border, William ‘ . 632 Craig, John Hanold 214| Bowman, Darius Z., M. D. - + 112) Crecelius, Henry C. L. 437| Boyer, DavidC. . . . « . 234) Croll, Martin S.. 351| Breneiser, Charles, Sr. . . . 73 399| Brensinger, Rev. MorisH . . 280 407| Breyfogel, Rt. Rev. Sylvanus C. 439 D 58| Briel, Abraham. . . . . . 5IL 496| Brobst, Dr. Edward . . . . 266| Davies, StanleyS. . ; 566| Brobst, FrancisH,M.D. . . 680 Dechant, William H,C. E. . 579|Brobst, Frank . . . . . . 2r1| Deck, Monroe I. 339| Brooke, John Bowyer. . . . OII Deichley, Samuel 455| Brossman, Henry . . + . « 503 Deisher, Henry K. s31| Brossman, Reuben . . . . 340| DeLong, James 384! Brown, EdwinT. . . . . . 172!1DeLong, Joseph PAGE “165 317 57 669 295 146 264 103 263 519 494 484 26 432 410 431 461 96 129 598 446 493 466 346 706 DeLong, Milton H. DeLong, Tilghman Deppen, Samuel R. Derr, CyrusG.. . . . De Turk, Eugene P. De Turk, Jonas Dietrich, James W. Dietrich, Lawson G. Dietrich, Levi F. Dietrich, Mahlon C. Donmoyer, Milton Taylor Dreibelbis, Jacob Dreibelbis, Dr. Perry K. . Dresher, Samuel Drumheller, J. L. Dumn, Harry J. Dumn, James F. 7 Dundor, Dr. Darius W. Dunkelberger, Dr. Nathaniel Z. E Eaches, William Richards, Jr. East, Dr. Albert Franklin Eckert, Isaac Eckert, James Egolf, John H. . Ehst, Irwin T. Endlich, Gustav A., LL. D, . Ermentrout, Hon. Daniel Ermentrout, Hon. James Nevin Esser, Jacob B. . Esterly, Harry S. Etzel, Jacob . Evans, Edward . F Fahrenbach, George D. Fegely, Albert H. Fegley, Dr. Amandus N. . Fegley, Lewis P. G. Felix, George H. Ferguson, Nathaniel Fetter, I. Comley Fisher, James B. PAGE 620 205 4t2 426 193 502 344 166 631 551 171 199 192 252 360 605 243 675 665 164 99 640 383 445 135 516 43 361 610 657 246 524 528 419 527 347 128 597 166 INDEX Fisher, Lewis Fisher, Riley L. Fisher, T. Garion Flicker, Augustus S, Flood, F.K.. . . Forney, Reuben K. Fritz, Milton L., M. D. G Gabel, David G. Gabel, Ephraim G. Gable, Amos Ganter, Edward Gerhard, Rev. Calvin S., D. D. . Gerhard, Dr. Frank R. Gernert, Dr. Albert W. Getz, James K. . Glaes, John G, Glase, Peter L. . Goldman, William I. Good, Dr. Franklin H. Good, Rev. James Isaac . Gotshall, John Green, Albert G. Green, Hon. Henry Dickinson Greenawalt, Amos S, . Gregg, General David McMurtrie Griesemer, Charles A. Z. . Grim, Charles L. Grim, Cyrenius R. . Grim, Daniel P. . Grim, William K. Grimley, O. P. . Gring, Harry H. Gross, David G. Gruber, Prof. Calvin L. H Hagenman, Hon. Jeremiah Hagenman, Dr. Joseph H. Hain, Adam L. . Hain, Dr. D. H. Hamaker, Dr. Henry B. Haman, Charles Reinoehl, M. D. Hanold, Frank Wildbahn Harbold, Horace Y. . PAGE 244 408 639 * 40 466 569 202 39! 406 236 278 612 489 345 609 617 344 565 329 666 7O1 241 242 341 II 303 434 596 685 222 510 265 255 442 29 96 625 448 432 220 418 580 Harbster, Matthan Harris, Dr. William Harrison, George W. Hartline, Dr. D. H. Hartman, Henry A. Heckman, Charles M. Heckman, Rev. George C., D. D., EL.Dse « « & & Heffner, Jacob R. Heinly, William O. Heins, Colonel William Heizmann Family, The Hengst, Dr. Milton A. Henninger, Charles Henninger, Hunter Hepler, John Coller Herb, Henry P. Herbein, Dr. Isaac S. Herbein, Dr. Oscar B. Herbst, Dr. Edwin M. Herflicker, William Herman, Rev. A. J. Herman, Austin M. Herman, Charles D. Hertzog, Jacob F. Herzog, Hon. Jacob B. Hetrich, Dr. George Hiester, John A. High, A. M. High, James M. High, William P. Hill, Thomas . . . Hoff, Captain Jacob C. Hoff, Samuel S. . Hoffman, Jacob D Hoffeditz, Capt. John C. A. Horning, William D. Hottenstein, David H. Hottenstein, Edward Lewis, M. D Houck, Captain William H. . Hull, Isaac W. . . . Humbert, Rev. D. K, Huntzinger, Rev. F. K. J Jennings, Chester B., M. D. Johnson, Dr. Abraham B. Jones, Richmond Legh PAGE 675 591 31L 433 602 311 206 409 495 318 555 268 70: 193 302 420: 282 282 343 365 614 628 215, 575 441 208 346 133 397 484. 70 76 227 619 37 569 588 105 76. 186. 155 169 654 383 689 7 INDEX #08 PAGE PAGE PAGE K Kurtz, Dr. Samuel L. 46 | Meharg, George F. 541 Kauffman, Daniel . 475 Kutz, Cosmos 'D. 381 | Mengel Family, The 62 Kauffman, Ephraim K. 429 Beat Cle Eye : 245 | Meredith, James M. 540 Kauffman, James G. i. 647 Kutz, Rev. Joseph Addison 27| Merkel, James L. 618 Kauffman, Dr. John William 689 Kutz, William S, 576 | Mertz, Frank S. 236 Kaufman, Frank Y. 399 Mill, Edwin M. 434 Kaufman, Llewellyn M. 154 Miller, Charles B. . 455 Keck, Prof. David S. 124 L Miller, Daniel 373 Kehl, Dr. George W. 16 Miller, David 581 Keim, James R. 574 Lance, George F. 487) Miller, Ephraim S. P 25 Keim, William P. 80 Laucks, Isaac 50| Miller, Rev. Jacob, D. D. 176 Keiser, William Hi, 663 Lauer, Frederick 332 | Miller, J. Edward 417 Kelchner, Daniel F. 288 Leader, Adam H. 151] Miller, James M. 663 Keller, Colonel David C. . 159 Lechner, Richard 353 | Miller, Ulrich J. . 230 Keller, Jefferson M. 465 Lechner, Dr.R Y.. 331 | Miller, Hon. W Oscar -. 219 Kelly, Ed. A. 194 Leidy, Frank G. - 216| Mingle, Dr. I. Leo . 52 Kemp, Nathan S- 198 Leibensperger, David M. . 178 | Mogel, Albert F. 293 Keppleman, John H. 679 Leinbach, Rev. Thomas C. 649 | Mogel, David W. 296 Kerper, Henry . ; 61 Leippe, Charles E. 299 | Moll, Isaac 310 Keystone State Normal aes Lenhart, Samuel H. 537 | Mosser, Rev. Heats, D. D. 387 The. 2 430 Lentz, Dr. LeviR. . 152| Mourer, Isaac 322 Kintzer, H John 411 Lerch, Samuel Drenkle 1s | Moyer, Ephraim H. 526 Kirby, Stanley J. 130 Levan, David, Esq. 474 | Moyer, John L. 330 Kirschman, Edward C. 230 Levan, Francis B. . 360 | Moyer, Joseph H. 356 Kissinger, John M.. ag | Levan, Jacob ae 258 | Muhlenberg, Henry A. 160 Kistler, Edwin D. ; er Linderman, George Knower . 440 | Muhlenberg, Dr. William F. 55 Kitchin, Dr. Elias Carey, . a3 Livingood, William H. . . 690} Muthard, Jeremiah 601 Klees, James A. é 201 | Long, Rev. A. Johnson, A.M. . 377 Kline, David C., M. D. og | Long, Dr. Daniel G. 49 Kline, Simon. 359 Long, Harker A. 627 Klopp, Adolphus M. 561 Long, Marcus 259 m Klopp, Andrew J. 338 | Loose, Wesley K. 653 | Nagle, Geo. H. 307 Klopp, George J. . ae Luden, E. M. 26| Nagle, Peter W. : 352 Klopp, William D.. . a8 Nblao, Saabs Thomas 85 Knopp, Frank A. ae 603 Nusbiimg) tenet L, 399 Koch, Howard . 116 M Kohler, George B. . 447 Kohler, John L. D. - 389 | Mabry, LeviS. . 518 Kraemer, Louis 452 | Macgoun, Duncan . 520 Oo Kramlich, Rev. William Wilber- Mcllvain, William Robinson 39 : Orr, Jesse 453 force, a 447 | McLean, Dr. Daniel B. 416 Gen To allisea int Kressley, Percival . 479 | McLean, James B. . : 381 Krick, Joel H. 550 | Madeira, James D., M. D. 646 Krick, P. Monroe 238 | Marks, William F., M. D. 197 Kuendig, John J.,D. D. . 121 | Martz, Henry 573 P Kunkel, Albert D. . 304 | Mathias, Morris M. 223 Kunkel, Daniel S. . 509| Matz, Jesse . ie 228 | Pachali, Dr. Theodore 189 Kurtz, Dr. Clarence M, 49 | Maurer, James Hudson 451| Parker, James Ashton 558 Kurtz, Dr. J. Ellis . 49! Mayer, Samuel Cooke 549| Parvin, Jeremiah Starr 470 708 INDEX PAGE PAGE PAGE Parvin, Mordecai Starr . . . 480 Ss Spatz, Isaac S. 145 Paxson, LeviB. . . . . - 95 Spatz, Mahbery K.. 221 Phillips, David K.. . . . . 694 Sailer, Adam H, 267 Spears, John E. . 123 Phillips, LeviG. . . . . . 609 Sassaman, Edwin, Esq. 307 Sponagle, James W. 366 Plank, Charles M. . » + « 699 Saul, Henry Wilson, M. D. 592 Stahr, Rev, Isaac Ss. ‘ 382 Plank, D. Heber, M.D. . . . 545 Gtiactien faoustas 238 Stamm, Allison A., M. D. 423 Printz, John H. ny 2% + + 390 Schaeffer, Daniel B. 180 Sterley, John B., M. D. oy Printz, Levi H. . bo ae TTS Schacter, D. Wisholas 70 Sternbergh, James H. . 289 Stetler, Solomon 142 Schaeffer, John S. 123 Schall, Capt, William A, . 48m | Otson. Cape. BR. 266 Schadier, John G, : 301 Stevens, Garrett Barcelow 366 Scheibner, Prof. Martin E. 33 Stevens, padess Des 34 Schlemm, Dr. William E. agg Peomese Ls Walnue 454 R Strasser, Dr. Thomas A. . 658 Schlottman, Alexander 75 Sehmeck, Freak HE. 404 Stryker, re e Denton 696 Rabenhold, Peter]. . . . 63§|Schmick, William 191 ae eli Bie _ Rahn, IsaacH.. . . . . . 260] Schofer, John G. 309 ” Rahn, James W. ‘ . 483|Schomo, Dr. C.C.G. . 362 Raudenbush, Abraham S, M.D. 224|Schonour, John M. 482 Rauen, John D. a oe 324 | Schroeder, Daniel Esterly 104 i Reber, Hon. F. Leonard . . . 287] Schultz, Henry S. 153 Reber, Henry C.G. . . . 334 | Schultz, Joseph K. 624 Reber, Joseph F. . » « . 590|Schultz, Owen K. a 175| Texter, Peter . IgI Reber, Dr. M. S. » + +. 645}Seaman, Dr. John K. . 122| Thalheimer, Albert 512 Reed, Frank B.. . - . . 504]Sebring, Rev. Hiram U. . 700| Thompson, Dr LeviH. . 74 Rees, Griffith R. . . . . . 693}Seidel, Dr. A. N. 665 | Trexler, Dr. Jeremiah S, . 127 Reeser, Daniel H. . . . .. 498 | Seidel, Francis F. 109 | Trexler, Col. William . 565 Rehr, Lambert A. . . . . . 587] Seidel, Henry Clay 501 | Tyson, Frank A. 86 Rentschler, Charles F.,Sr. . . 69|Seidel, William F. . 135] Tyson, William H. 642 Repplier, Jacob Lancaster. 475 | Seivard, Henry 186 Rhoads, J. Newton . . . . 657|Shaaber, Jacob 211 Rhoads, Dr. Reuben B. . 515 | Shaaber, Mahlon 38 Rhoads, Dr. Thomas J.B. . . 582]Shaffner, William 279 U Richards, Louis . +. + 321|Sharadin, J. Daniel 106 Richards, Dr. Milton S. . . . 163|Shearer, Edward H. 418 Richardson, Thomas M. . . . 672|Slegel, Dr. Eli 523 Unger, Prof. O. H. 94 Rick,G M.-F... . . . . 331/Smith, Alfred G. 424 Rieser, Adam B. + + + + 52]Smith, Rev. George B. 388 Rigg, JohnA. . . . . . qt Smith, George L. 165 Rittenhouse, Dr. Jacob S. 257|Smith Dr. James S. 456 Ww Ritter, Joel. . . . . . . §59]Smith, Rev. Lewis . 190 Ritter, William Snyder . . . 634 Smith, Wiiliam D. 680 | Wagenhorst, James F. 671 Rosenthal, Wilhelm . . . . &1|Smith, William H. . 542 | Wagner, Dr. Levi Franklin 626 Rothermel, Abraham H.. . . 4os Smoyer, Henry L. . 567 | Walter, Robert, M. D. 24 Rothermel, Prof. Amos C. . . 671 Snell, John H. 354| Walters, George 584 Rothermel Family, The . . , 401 | Snyder, Aaron 370 | Wanner, John D. 923 ons Wales Je: * + 277|Snyder, Jefferson 400 | Wanner, J. Edward 184 Ruhl, Christian Henry . . . 398 Snyder, William T. 660 | Wanner, Peter D. aan Spatz, Charles B. 525 | Warner, Franklin R. 229 INDEX 709 PAGE PAGE PAGE Weber, H. C. 469 | Witman, Ephraim, Sr. 326| Yorgy, James P. 552 Weber, Julius, Sr 469 | Witman, Dr. Harrison Tyler 140 | Yost, Benjamin M. 212 Weber, Thomas E. 703 | Worley Brothers, 460 | Young, Henry G, 534 Weidel, Jacob 139 | Wren, Major James 533; Young, Samuel L. . 19 Weiler, Amos . . . 259 | Wunder, William W. 603} Yundt, Horace Archibald 368 Wenger, Dr. Gershom 650 Wenger, M. Le Roy, M. D 664 Wenrich, Dr. Reuben D 459 Wenz, James D. 285 = = Werley, Thomas G. 128 Werner, Ephraim G 570| Yarnell, Charles W. 177 ele Cones G. 156 Wertz, Edward S 479 | Yeager, Edward 285 Zehm, Frederick 5. 623 Wertz, George W 271 | Yocum, James W. IIs Bellet Rev. eonee as ane West, Hon David . 497 | Yocum, William H. jay | mere, Bldeege 367 Williams, Edward Irvin 51| Yoder, George B. 179 Zimmerman, Thomas C. . ee Willits, Thomas 290! Yorgey, George R 437 Portraits PAGE PAGE PAGE Arnold, William A. . . . . 66| High, A. M. . os. . « « « 1392] Reber,Dr M.S. . . . . . 644 Barbey, John. +o. «+ . 436) Hoff, Saaawel: Sh oe . . 226/Rees, Griffith R. . . . . . 692 Barbey, Peter . . . . . . 350) Hoffeditz, Capt. John C. de . . 36|Rehr, Lambert A. . . . . . 586 Beard, Amos H. . . . + §78) Huntzinger, Rev. F. K. Pe . 168} Rhoads, Dr. Reuben B. . . . 514 Bechtel, John R. . . . + 530| Jones, Richmond Legh . . . 688|Richards, Louis . . . + 320 Benfield, Franklin N. . . . . 594| Kauffman, Ephraim K. . 428|Rigg,John A. . . . . . + 414 Berg, Prof. Edward A. . . . 232) Keller, Colonel David C. . . . 158|Rothermel, Abraham H.. . . 404 Bertolet, John Marshall, M.D. . 314|Keppleman, JohnH. . . . 678] Rourke, William J. . . . . 276 Bieber, WalterB. . . . . 394|Kerper, Henry . . . . . . 60|Sassaman, Edwin, Esq. . . . 306 Breneiser, Charles, Sr. - . 72|Kitchin, Dr. Elias Carey . . . 372|Schaeffer, D. Nicholas . « 98 Brunner, Dr. Frank R. . . . 668/Kline, Simon . . » » « 358 |Schall, Capt. William A. . aw 1182 Call, William B. . . . 102 | Kuendig, John J., D. D. . . . 120] Scheibner, Prof. MartinE. . . 32 Christman, Dr. Calvin K. . 262) Kunkel, Daniel S. . . . . . 508|Schultz, Owen K. . . . . . 174 Deisher, Henry K. SMe & 492|Lance, George F. . . . 486| Seidel, Francis F. . . . . . 108 DeLong, Tilghman . . . . 204| Leader, Adam H. : . . 150|Seidel, Henry Clay. 5 500 Dietrich, LeviF. . . . . . 630 Leippe, Charles E. . . . 298|Shaaber, Jacob. . . . . . 210 Eckert, Isaac . . . - +» 98|Lenhart, Samuel H. . . . . 536|Slegel, Dr.SamuelE.. . . . 522 Ehst, Irwin T. 3 444| Long, Dr. Daniel G. . 48|Spatz, IsaacS.. . . ~ + 144 Endlich, Gustav A., LL. D. - + 135|Loose, Wesley K. . . . . . 652|Stamm, Allison A., M. D. woe, 22 Ermentrout, Hon. James Nevin 42) McLean, JamesB.. . . . . 380/ Trexler, Dr. Teteutah Sas . 126 Etzel, Jacob . + + + + . 656) Marks, William F..M.D. . . 196| Walter, Robert, M.D. . . . 248 Fisher, T. Garion ‘ - . 638|Martz, Henry . . . . . . 572|Wanner, PeterD. . . . . . 336 Getz, James K.. . . . . . 608|)Maurer, James Hudson . . . 450|Weber,H.C. . . . . . . 469 Glaes, JohnG. . . . . 616| Miller, Ephraim S. . , . 24| Weber, Julius,Sr . . . . . 468 Goldman, William I. - . 564| Miller, James M. . . . . 662) Weidel, Jacob. . . . - 138 Good, Dr. Franklin H . . 328] Miller, W. Oscar. : . 218| Wenrich, Dr. ReubenD. . . . 458 Green, AlbertG. . . 240|Mogel, Albert F. . . . . . 292| Wertz, EdwardS. . . . . . 478 Gregg General David MieMtavexs 10| Mosser, Rev. Henry, D. D. . . 386} Wertz,GeorgeW.. . . . 270 Grim, Daniel PD, . . «=. =. 684] Muhlenberg, Dr William F. . 54| Yeager, Edward . soe. 284 Gross, DavidG. . . » . 254|)Muthard, Jeremiah . . . . 600 Yocum, James W. . - oo. . FIG Harbster, Matthan. . . . . 674|/Nolan, Charles Thomas ... 84| Yocum, William H. . 2 a TTS Heizmann, C, Raymond . . . 554) Pachali, Dr. Theodore . . . 188 Young,SamuelL.. . . . .) 18 Herbst, Dr. Edwin M. +» . 342|)Plank, Charles M. . . . , 698 | Zehm, Frederick S. - 622 Herflicker, William . . . . 364 Plank, D. Heber, M. D. 544|Zimmerman, ThomasC.. . . 88 a nf * i a eon ay , eats va Pe thee +) pte) Bara ptr Peat er hase Ie ae Met eR Ea Cras pa paras ; Sages is aeer ty eZ srr hearty a eee hr ee