History of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, Vol. II, Part 1

Author: Schalck, Adolf W.
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: State Historical Association
Number of Pages: 700

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HISTORY OF

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA

IN TWO VOLUMES

Including a Genealogical and Biographical Record of Many Families and Persons in the County

EDITED BY ADOLF W. SCHALCK AND HON. D. C. HENNING

ILLUSTRATED

VOL. II

STATE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION 1907

Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2011 with funding from Lyrasis Members and Sloan Foundation

http://www.archive.org/details/historyofschuylk02scha

HISTORY OF

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY

BIOGRAPHICAL

Adams, George, deceased, for many years one of the most prom- inent and public spirited citizens of Schuylkill county, was born in Windsor township, Berks county, March 3, 1828. He was a son of Samuel and Catherine (Strausser) Adams. In early life he learned the carpenter's trade and located in Ashland, removing from there to Middleport, where he entered the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading railroad as foreman in charge of the building of bridges and stations. He also built numerous breakers for private con- cerns. He resigned his position with the railroad company and secured employment at one of the boat-yards located at Landing- ville. In 1858 he started in business for himself. Mr. Adams carried on boat building on a scale larger than any of his competitors, sometimes employing as high as 50 men, and had six boats on stocks at one time. This business was conducted continuously for thirty-two years, and was only discontinued by reason of the abandonment of that portion of the Schuylkill canal between Schuylkill Haven and Port Clinton, this having been the only out- let for the larger type of boats built during the later years of the industry in this section. At first boats were constructed for the Schuylkill canal with a carrying capacity of 80 tons, and later with a freight limit of 300 tons for trade along New York, Baltimore and New Haven. In 1866 he purchased a farm in this county and by industry and perseverance built up what later became the village of Adamsdale. In 1875 he erected a hotel and later a general store which is still conducted by the estate. Besides these, several resi- dences and a wheelwright shop were put up. In 1891 with two partners he established the Adams Shoe Company of Adamsdale. The first factory was the rear of the general store conducted by Mr. Adams, but in 1900 a three-story frame building, 40 feet wide by

2-Vol. II

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY

100 in length, was built and in this the industry has since been carried on. Mr. Adams was twice married. His first wife was Miss Eliza Deiner, and from this union there were nine children, seven of whom are living. They are George, Richard, Frank, Charles, John, Robert and Katherine Elizabeth, the last named of whom is married and lives in Landingville. After death had an- nulled the first marriage Mr. Adams married Mrs. Diana Schall, a widow, and a daughter of Rev. Philip Mayer, who for more than forty years was a minister of the Reformed church. Mr. Adams' death occurred on March 5. 1901, and was mourned by all who knew him. The borough which was named after him will stand as a lasting monument to his memory. He was a man of unexcelled ability, stalwart Christian principles and unsullied honor.

Albert, J. V., M. D., a prominent physician and surgeon of Pine Grove, was born in Lebanon county, Pa., on Jan. 27, 1849. He is a son of John and Catherine ( Urich) AAlbert, both of Lebanon county. The father was a miller and operated a mill at Greble all his active life. Both he and his wife were zealous and devout members of the Reformed church and he held offices in the same. The mother died in 1894 at the age of seventy-five years and the father in February, 1903. at the age of eighty-six. They were the parents of three children. The eldest, David, was a doctor of med- icine who died in Greble at the age of twenty-four, two years after starting in the practice of his profession. Rebecca is the widow of William Louser and lives in Lebanon. The subject of this sketch, the youngest child of his parents, attended the academy at Myers- town and Bucknell college for a year and a half for his preliminary education. He began his medical studies when he was but sixteen years of age, doing considerable reading in the office of Dr. Frank- enbower at Myerstown. In 1870 he was granted the degree of Doctor of Medicine by the faculty of the Jefferson Medical college of Philadelphia and at once began his professional practice at Myerstown. Subsequently he went to Millersburg and since 1880 has been a general practitioner in Pine Grove. His practice has steadily increased with each year and he is recognized as a leader in the profession, being often called in consultation with other physicians. He is the oldest member of the profession in the borough, and is actively interested in the welfare of the com- munity. Politically he is an adherent of the Democratic party and as such served one term as deputy coroner. On Sept. 30, 1867, Dr. Albert married Miss Emma E. Fisher, a native of Berks county and a daughter of Adam and Amelia (Filbert) Fisher. The one child of this union, Claude N., is now grown to manhood and con- ducts a stationery store in Pine Grove. The son married Rebecca Fair, by whom he had two children, both deceased. The doctor and his wife are members of the Reformed church and the doctor is an active worker in the Royal Arcanum, of which he is medical examiner.

Albright, Hiester S., at the head of the shoe manufacturing firm of H. S. Albright & Co., of Orwigsburg, was born in Schuylkill

BIOGRAPHIICAL

county on June 20, 1856, a son of William S. and Amanda (Bodey) Albright, natives of the Keystone state. The father was a farmer and dealer in live-stock and died in 1868 at the age of thirty-two years. The mother is still living, making her home with an un- married daughter in Orwigsburg. This daughter, Bella V., is the only other living member beside the subject of this sketch of a family of five children. Mr. Albright left school when he was twelve years of age and "hired out" as a clerk in an Orwigsburg store. Then he served an apprenticeship in the shoe cutters' trade for three years and after two years as a master of the trade he drifted into the business. This furnished him a good means of livelihood for a number of years and in 1880 he embarked in the shoe manufacturing industry with a partner, under the firm name of Albright & Brown. This partnership continued until 1883, when Mr. Brown severed his connection with the firm and the name was changed to H. S. Albright & Co., with George C. Diefen- derfer as the other member. The firm has an enviable reputation as makers of high class goods and it has been most successful. On Jan. 6, 1886, Mr. Albright married Miss Virginia F. Newhard, of Lebanon, Pa., a daughter of James J. Newhard. This marriage was blessed with one child, Nellie Virginia, a graduate of the Allen- town college for women, in the class of 1905. Mrs. Albright died in February, 1899, at the age of thirty-two. Mr. Albright is a member of the Reformed church, a thirty-second degree Mason and a member of the various Masonic bodies. Although not active he is an interested adherent of the Republican party. Probably no man in Schuylkill county is better or more favorably known than Mr. Albright: who is always a leader in any enterprise that has for its object the betterment of the county or state.

Albright, Morgan S., steward of the Schuylkill county alms- house, is a son of Joseph and Esther (Sheridan) Albright, and was born in West Brunswick township, on Dec. 27, 1842. He attended the public schools of his home town and at the age of fifteen years began working on his father's farm. At the age of twenty-two he purchased a farm of his own, which he conducted for ten years. In 1874 he went into the butcher's business, in which line he con- tinued for twenty-five years, and followed that for three years by dealing in cattle and horses. In 1902 he was elected steward of the alms-house, which position he is at present occupying. On Aug. 29, 1864, Mr. Albright married Susannah E. Diebert, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Drumheller) Diebert, of North Manheim township. From this union eight children were born, and of them record is here made: Alvin A., of Pottstown, Pa .; William M .. living in Louisiana; Hetty R., married to Allen Smith, of Orwigs- burg ; Nora C., married to Burd Linder, postmaster at Orwigsburg ; Annie, deceased; Margaret, living at home; and two daughters who died before reaching maturity. Mr. Albright is a member of the Free Masons and his family are members of the Reformed church of Orwigsburg.

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY

Allison, Robert, retired, a pioneer citizen of Port Carbon and for many years a prominent figure in the scientific world, was born in Middleton, Teesdale, Durham county, England, on Dec. 25, 1827. He is one of five surviving children of Joseph and Elizabeth Alli- son, the other- being Emily (Mrs. Evans), Martha, Louise and Jane. With his mother he came to the United States in 1830, the father having come a year previous and made a home for the family in Schuylkill county. His early life was that of any boy of the region, attending school until twelve years old and when between twelve and sixteen years of age working in the mines in summer and going to school in the winter. In his seventeenth year he entered the machine shops of Haywood & Snyder of Pottsville as an apprentice to the machinist's trade and after he had become a journeyman he was employed by the firm for two years. Then he accepted a position as foreman in the machine shops of Tobias Wintersteen at Port Carbon and served in that capacity until 1862. In that year he formed a partnership with F. B. Banman and estab- lished the Franklin Iron works at Port Carbon and fourteen years later he purchased Mr. Banman's interest in the concern. lle con- tinued in the active management of it until 1901, when he disposed of his control to William A. Cathers, and since that time has lived a retired life. While actively engaged in his vocation Mr. Allison established a world-wide reputation for himself and had many unique experiences. While in the employ of Haywood & Snyder he assisted in the erection of the first coal breaker ever erected in the territory between Port Carbon and St. Clair. When that same company built the Montour Iron works at Danville he was one of their workmen, and when the mill was completed he remained in Danville to see turned out the first T-rail ever rolled in this country. Many of the inventions which are today used to great extent in mining are the result of Mr. Allison's hard labor and experiments. Among his inventions which have become universally used are the Cataract steam pump, the hydraulic feed for diamond drills, percussion rock drills and compressed air engines. Shipments of these instruments and machinery are made to all parts of the world. Mr. Allison has been twice married. In 1849 he was united to Miss Catherine Thornburg, daughter of Solomon Thornburg, of Potts- ville. Twelve children blessed this union, of whom two sons, Joseph and William, are deceased. The surviving members are Emily, Kate, Laura, Minnie, Louise, Fannie, Charles, Frank, Carrie and Nellie. Death annulled the first marriage in 1880, and in 1882 Mrs. Mary M. Stocker of Philadelphia became the wife of Mr. Allison. There are no children by the second union. The family are all devout communicants of the Presbyterian church. The father is a member of Schuylkill Lodge, No. 27. Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and for a number of years past has been treasurer. In Masonic circles he is also prominent, being a member of the Pulaski Blue Lodge, the Constantine Commandery, Knights Templars, and the Lulu Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Philadelphia, and for many years has

BIOGRAPHICAL

been a member of the American Institute of Mining Engineers and of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. In political matters he is a Republican and as such has at different times been the successful candidate for election to the offices of school director and borough councilman. His business interests include many enterprises, not only in Port Carbon, but also in other cities and counties. He is a director of the Schuylkill Trust Company, the Pottsville Gas Company, treasurer of the Port Carbon Electric Light Company, trustee of the Miners' hospital at Ashland, and is financially interested in the Turkey Gap Coal & Coke Company of West Virginia. When Mr. Allison first came to Port Carbon it was a place of very few inhabitants, and his family located on the property opposite to where the Catholic church now stands. For more than sixty years he has been a large factor in the devel- opment of the borough, and he may justly feel proud of his con- nection with it.

Allott, Rev. R. D., was born in England and is the son of Robert 'W. and Annie (Snaith) Allott. He is one of a family of eight- . five sisters and three brothers. Of his sisters, Mary married John English of Kaska, Schuylkill county ; Anna married Thomas Main, of Chester. Pa .; Madeline married Willard Linn, of Philadelphia ; Ida and Jenny are at home. His two brothers are Robert and William. All of the family are living. The parents of Rev. R. D. Allott came to the United States when he was one and a half years old and located in Pottsville, Schuylkill county. He obtained his early education in the public schools and his academic training at the theological seminary in Pennington, N. J., where he was graduated in 1902. His first appointment was to Bridgeboro, N. J., and the second to Atglen, Chester county, Pa., coming from that place to Schuylkill Haven. The First Methodist Episcopal church of Schuylkill Haven, of which he is pastor, was organized in 1849. It was closed in 1875 and after being closed for over a quarter of a century was reorganized in 1902 by Rev. C. T. Isenberger, with a membership of seventy-nine. A new brick church was erected at a cost of $8,500, on St. John street. After a three years' pastorate Rev. Mr. Isengerger was transferred to the Windsor Street Methi- odist church of Reading, Pa., and was followed in Schuylkill Haven by Rev. Broder Matzen, who was pastor one year, going then to Churchtown, Lancaster county, Pa. In March, 1906, Rev. Ralph D. Allott became pastor, the membership having increased to one hundred and thirteen. On July 7, 1906, Rev. R. D. Allott was mar- ried to Miss Estella B. Coldren, daughter of John D. and Kate B. (Becker) Coldren, of Schuylkill Haven. Previous to her marriage Mrs. Allott was a music teacher and is a very fine musician. Mr. Allott is a member of the Philomathean society, a college fra- ternity. In politics he is independent, being in favor of reform government.

Archbald, James, Jr., was born in Scranton, Pa., Feb. 19, 1866. He comes from a family well known throughout the anthracite

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY

region, and which has been prominent in its development. Of his grandfathers, one, James AArchbald, planned, built and managed the gravity railroad of the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company, the first railroad to enter the Lackawanna region, and later became chief engineer of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western railroad ; while his maternal grandfather, Joseph J. Albright, was general manager of the coal department of the Delaware & Hudson. Colonel Arch- bald's father, also named James, was a captain in the 132d Penn- sylvania volunteer infantry during the Civil war and in 1870 suc- ceeded his father as chief engineer of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western railroad. Colonel Archbald is also a nephew of Judge Robert Wodrow Archbakl of the United States district court. Ile was educated at Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass., and at Yale university, graduating at the latter in 1887. His business career was begun with the Barber Asphalt Paving Company in Scranton and Wilkes Barre, varied by engineering work in winter. Some time also was devoted to the study of law. After 18go he was for two years manager of the Sterrick Creek Coal Company at Peck- ville, Pa., and for six years manager of the Albright Coal Company at Llewellyn in Schuylkill county. In 1898 he became associated with his father-in-law, Maj. Heber S. Thompson, as a civil and mining engineer at Pottsville. He is a director of the Miners' National bank of Pottsville; of the Edison Electric Hluminating Company: of the Royal Wholesale Grocery Company; and is a director and treasurer of the Young Men's Christian Association. Hle is also a member of the Pottsville club, and president of the Outdoor club of Pottsville. Colonel Archbald's military history dates back to 1880 when he began his career as a regimental guide or "marker." being then a member of Company C of the 13th regi- ment, Pennsylvania National Guard. The late Col. Henry M. Boies was in command of the regiment, Col. Ezra H. Ripple, now assistant adjutant-general, was the major, and Lient. Lonis A. Watres, later lieutenant-governor of the state, and recently commander of the 13th Regiment, was then second in command of Company C. Under such officers there was a discipline maintained unusual in a militia regiment, and the training given was very valuable. As a member of the 13th, Colonel Archbald attended the first division encampment at Fairmount Park in 1880. Three years later, on entering college, he was honorably discharged, but did not relax his interest in military matters, keeping himself informed as to the drill regulations, so that when the Spanish-American war broke out his services were sought as drillmaster for a battalion organized in Schuylkill county. The services of this battalion were not, how- ever, accepted, and at the request of the state authorities, he organ- ized Company M of the 11th infantry, of the Provisional National Guard which he commanded until the reorganization of the National Guard in 1899, when Company MI was consolidated with Company F of the 4th infantry and Captain Archbald was chosen as captain of that organization. He at once instituted measures for the systematic development of the company, making it one of the best

BIOGRAPHICAL

in the state, and served with it through the anthracite strike of 1900. Pressure of business, however, compelled his reluctant res- ignation on April 1, 1901, though he has ever since maintained an active and close connection with his old command, and his efforts for the advancement of its interests have been untiring. Colonel Archbald returned to the service on Feb. 4, 1904, when he was ap- pointed an aide-de-camp on the staff of Governor Pennypacker with the rank of lieutenant-colonel. On Feb. 14, 1907, he was re- appointed by Governor Stuart. He is known throughout the guard for his intelligence and zeal in its service. He is an earnest student of military affairs and one of the type of men who have made the Pennsylvania National Guard a noted and efficient body of troops. The interesting ancestral history of Colonel Archbald is traceable in America to the early Colonial days. His paternal grandfather, James Archbald, was the fourth of that name in direct descent and was a descendant of Robert Wodrow, the Scotch historian. He was born in Scotland and came to this country with his parents when a youth of twelve years. His life work has been mentioned on a preceding page. The town of Archbald, above Scranton, was named in his honor. The long line of American descent is repre- sented in greater degree by the paternal grandmother, who in maidenhood was Sarah Augusta Temple Frothingham. She was a native of New England, and a descendant in the fifth generation from William Frothingham who came from England in 1630 and settled at Charlestown, Mass. Some of her ancestors were officers in the Colonial army during the Revolution. Colonel Archbald's maternal grandfather was Joseph J. Albright, who was born in Nazareth, Pa. His early life was spent in manufacturing iron in Pennsylvania and Virginia, where he owned and operated furnaces. His later life work has already been briefly mentioned. His an- cestors were Moravians. The Albright library in Scranton was erected as a memorial to him. The maternal grandmother was Elizabeth Sellers, a representative of a Quaker family near Phila- delphia. James Archbald, father of the subject of this sketch, held the position of chief engineer of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western railroad for over thirty years. He was at one time the general manager of the Barber Asphalt Paving Company, and is now engaged in the construction of railroads in Mississippi. He married Hannah M. Albright. Colonel Archbald married Mar- garetta Thompson on Oct. 21, 1897, and three children have been born to them: Margaretta Thompson, Sara Thompson and James.

Aregood, Samuel C., senior member of the firm of S. C. Aregood & Son, contractors and builders, of Pottsville, was born at Port Carbon, Schuylkill county, May 10, 1840, a son of Isaiah and Juliana (Kromer) Aregood, the former a native of York Farm, Schuylkill county, and the latter of Northampton county, the grandfathers being among the pioneer settlers of the two counties. Isaiah Aregood was born in ISIO and while in his boyhood his family removed to Snyder county, where he learned the tailor's trade, but soon after reaching his majority he returned to Port

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY

Carbon and opened a tailor's shop there, which he conducted for several years. He was then engaged in carpentering, and in later life operated a tin shop. He died at Port Carbon in 1803 at the age of eighty-three years, His family consisted of the following chil- dren : Osman, Charles, Samuel C., Joseph, Henry, Mary, Susan- nah and Hannah. Osman and Charles are deceased ; Mary is the wife of Eli Thompson : Susannah is the wife of William Cliff ; and Hannah is the wife of William Auer, Samuel C. Aregood was reared and educated in Port Carbon, where he learned the carpen- ters' trade, at which he worked as a journeyman until 1887. He came to Pottsville in 18;2 and in 1887 he became a member of the firm of Wolff & Aregood, contractors, and this partnership lasted until 1900, when he formed a partnership with his son. Among the important buildings erected by Aregood & Son may be mentioned the Humane engine house : John Raring's store and office building on Center street: Green's jewelry store; as well as a large number of the finest residences in the city of Pottsville, and it is no dis- paragement to their competitors to say that no contractors in Schuylkill county stand higher in the public estimation than they. On May 23, 1867, Mr. Aregood married Miss Emma, daughter of John and Nancy (Bell) Griner, of Port Carbon, and of the chil- dren born to this union six are living, viz: Mary, wife of William Crawshaw : Osman, George, Bertha, Samuel H. and Cora.

Assmann, Rev. Joseph A., the popular and greatly esteemed pastor of the German Catholic church in Minersville, is a native of Greven- stein, Westphalia, Germany, born on March 14, 1868. He was reared to young manhood, and began his ministerial studies in his native land. In 1886 he came to America and completed his studies in philosophy and theology at Saint Charles seminary, Overbrook, Pa. Father Assmann was ordained to the ministry of the Roman Catholic church at Philadelphia, by the Most Reverend P. J. Ryan, Archbishop of Philadelphia, May 19, 1894. After serving the church in the capacity of assistant rector for several years, Father Assmann was appointed rector of the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, his present pastorate, on Sept. 30, 1901. Numerous pastors of high distinction had preceded him during the fifty-six years from the organization of the church until the date of this appointment. The corner stone for the first church was laid on July 8, 1855, Bishop Freeman officiating. The organization was then numerically weak, embracing some forty families, among whom were the ancestors of many of the progressive German-Americans who are today resi- dents of Minersville. The first services were conducted by Father Wachter, from Pottsville. and the first resident pastor was Father Matthias Meurer, who took charge of the church in 1857, and of- ficiated for about two years; but in the latter part of 1859, the church was supplied by Fathers Weerner and Wegmeirer from Pottsville. In 1860 Father Newfeld became the resident pastor, and remained until February, 1862, during which time the member- ship was largely increased through the influx of new settlers. Father Schwartz succeeded him and remained the resident pastor for

BIOGRAPHICAL

a period of twenty-nine years. This was one of the history-making periods in the existence of the church which has continued, with but few discouragements, to the present day. Father Schwartz was universally beloved by his people, and held in the highest esteem by all classes of citizens, whether Catholics or Protestants, and this gave him great prestige in the upbuilding of his church in Minersville. He built the pastoral residence, and made many interior improvements of a permanent character in the adornment of the church edifice. Father Schwartz had sole charge of the church until 1884, when failing health and approaching old age necessitated the services of assistants, who came from St. Clair and Pottsville, as needed, but in the year 1888 Rev. Joseph G. Nerz, who had been rector of a church at St. Clair, was given full charge of the Minersville congregation. Rev. Schwartz remained at Minersville as pastor emeritus until his death. A Golden Jubilee was celebrated in his honor at the church of St. John the Baptist, in Pottsville, whereat more than fifty priests from other parishes assisted in the commemoration of the life work of this venerable priest. A purse containing $1,500 was presented to Father Schwartz on this occasion, and with that liberality which had characterized his life career, he immediately donated $800 to his loved church at Minersville, to assist in making some needed repairs. He died in February, 1892, sincerely mourned by all who knew him. The church was without a regular pastor until October, 1888, when Father Joseph G. Nerz was installed, and succeeded in doing much good in the short time of his sojourn among this congregation. Father Nerz was instrumental in establishing the parochial school, under the teaching of the sisters of the Order of St. Francis, which has been a prominent feature in the education of the German Cath- olic youths of the community. At present this school is in charge of three sisters, and 125 students from the 100 families in the parish are taught in all the essentials of elementary education. Father A. Mersch was appointed pastor in October, 1892. Rev. Father Peter Masson succeeded Father Mersch in 1894, and was a very efficient and popular pastor. He was young and energetic, wholly devoted to his chosen calling, and did much for the growing church. During his pastorate, which continued until the summer of 1899, he was instrumental in establishing the missions at New- town and Blackwood, and built a handsome church edifice at the foriner point where forty-five families have since been served by the pastors of the church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. He also added substantial improvements to the church at Minersville, and left the congregation to take up the work of vice-rector of the American college at Louvaen, Belgium. Rev. Father Francis Regnery, a native of Schuylkill county, served one year as pastor of .the church at Minersville following the transfer of Father Masson, and was a very acceptable and efficient pastor. He is now engaged in pastoral duties at Lehighton, Pa. Rev. Edward George Werner succeeded Father Regnery in September, 1900, and served the church until the coming of Rev. Father Joseph A. Assmann,

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History of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, Vol. II, Part 1

Author: Schalck, Adolf W. Publication date: 1907 Publisher: State Historical Association Number of Pages: 700

Author: Schalck, Adolf W.
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: State Historical Association
Number of Pages: 700