USA > Pennsylvania > Lehigh County > Catasauqua > A history of Catasauqua in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania > Part 25
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28
After Mr. Weaver was thus employed for several years, he became assistant superintendent of the Thomas Iron Company at Hokendanqua. The Loek Ridge furnaces were erected for the Lock Ridge Iron Company and were successfully 1 operated by him in the interest of the Thomas Iron Company. After concluding his labors at this place, he went to Pine Grove, where the latter company had extensive property and remained three years. The Millerstown Iron Company secured his services for a time. In July, 1879, he took charge of the Coplay fur- naces as superintendent. Here he remained for a number of years. He died in Catasauqua October 11, 1893.
Mr. Weaver was married in 1848 to Miss Mary, daughter of Jacob Miekley of Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, Pa. To this union were born seven children : William M. (deceased) ; Valentine W. (deceased) ; Lizzie, married to Mr. Yerkes of Hatboro, Pa .; Mary, wife of Mr. H. S. Bachman ; Catharine M., wife of Dr. Berry of Allentown; Emily JJ. (deceased). Mr. Weaver was a director of the Macungie Iron Company; a director of the National Banks of Catasauqua and Slatington; and a director of the Hokendanqua Bridge Com- pany. In polities he was a Republican, but he never aspired for official position. In his religions affiliations he was a Presbyterian. He had an active business career in various fields of labor, in which he demonstrated his thorough knowl- edge of all departments. As a citizen, Mr. Weaver was patriotie, enterprising and public-spirited. Socially he was a prince of gentlemen. The better he was known, the more he was loved.
325
OF CATASAUQUA
BENJAMIN H. WEAVER. Benjamin H. Weaver traces his origin back to Germany. from which his great-grandfather emigrated, and settled in Virginia and some years later moved to Lehigh (then Northampton) County. His son Valentine was the father of Charles, who was the father of the subject of this sketch.
Benjamin H. Weaver was born in Richmond, Northampton County, Pa., on August 21, 1832. His parents were Charles Weaver and Catherine B. (Hummel) Weaver. His boyhood days were spent on a farm. His edneational training he received in the public school of the village. He clerked for two years in the store of Hallenback & Reets in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. In 1859 he came to Catasauqua, and was employed by the Crane Iron Company. In 1861 he responded to the call of President Lincoln for volunteers, and enlisted in the First Pennsylvania Volunteers. Company A, under Colonel Yohe of Easton. After three months-the term of enlistment-he returned to Catasauqua. In the same year he re-enlisted for a term of three years in the 46th Pennsylvania Volunteers under Colonel Knipe. He served one year and a half, when he was wounded in the right shoulder in the Battle of Cedar Mountain, August 9, 1862, and was sent BENJAMIN H. WEAVER to the hospital at Alexandria, Va., where he was confined from August 9 to October 23, 1862. As a brave and intrepid soldier he was anxious to rejoin his Company but was honorably discharged on account of physical disability. He returned to Catasauqua and was re-employed by the Crane Iron Company as mining agent, which position he held for several years. After he severed his relation with the Crane Iron Company, he continued in the same business for himself to the present time.
On November 4, 1864, Mr. Weaver was married to Miss Mary Duff, dangh- ter of David Duff and his wife Isabella. The issue of this happy union is four
326
THE HISTORY
sons and four daughters as follows: Jessie L. (deceased) ; Harry B., Superin- tendent of the Allentown Irou Company; Gertrude B. (deceased) ; Ralph S., Superintendent of the Allentown Portland Cement Co .; Mary Naomi, who lives with her father; Margaret I. (deceased) ; Adrian B., Sales Agent for Rogers, Brown & Co., of Chicago; Cooper F., draughtsman for American Steel and Iron Co., at Lebanon, Pa.
Mr. Weaver's affiliations are with the Republican party, to whom he has given his allegiance and support since attaining his majority. He is a consistent member of the First Presbyterian Church. He is faultless in honor, fearless in conduct, and stainless in reputation. He is always the same honorable and honored gentleman whose worth well merits the high regard which is uniformly given to him.
WILLIAM YOUNGER. William Younger was born November 25, 1825, and died in Catasauqua, Pa., December 13, 1906. He was the son of Casper Younger and his wife Catherine (Fink) Younger. Casper Younger was born in Bavaria in 1790 and emigrated to America, settled in Lehigh County and served as an officer in the War of 1812. He was a carpenter by trade and died in 1869.
When William Younger was an infant, his parents moved from Upper Saucon to Philadelphia where he was educated in the city schools. He was ap- prenticed to a silversmith, but at the age of eighteen he returned to Upper Saucon and, with his uncle, John Berger, engaged in the milling business. When he became twenty-one years of age, he returned to Philadelphia and enlisted in 1847 in Company B, Third United States Dragoons, under Captain Butler, for the Mexican War. The work of this Company was to guard the supply trains along the Mexican border. After eighteen months' service the company was discharged and Mr. Younger returned to Lehigh County. For a short time he followed his trade but, the love of adventure and travel predominating, he made . two trips to California, the first from 1850 to 1852 and the second in 1853. He removed to Catasauqua in 1855 and entered into partnership with Milton Berger in the milling business. When his partner died in 1871, he purchased the re-
327
OF CATASAUQUA
maining interest of the mill. He equipped it with modern machinery and en- joyed an extensive and profitable trade.
In 1857 Mr. Younger married Miss Isabella, daughter of Henry Kurtz, of Hanover Township, and to them were born the following children : Amanda L., wife of Clifford II. Riegel, of Catasauqua; Emma J., deceased; Grant R., de-
WILLIAM YOUNGER
ceased; William, deceased; Henry C., of Catasauqua; Ada I., wife of Samuel Gemmel ; Esther A., and Ralph, of Catasauqua.
Mr. Younger was an advocate of the principles of the Demoeratie party. He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. He was a man of influence in the community and took an active interest in everything pertaining to its wel- fare. He commanded the respeet and confidence of all with whom he was asso- eiated.
328
THE HISTORY
WILLIAM McCLAIN KILDARE. William MeClain Kildare was born in Chester, Pa., January 29, 1831, and died in Catasauqua, May 26, 1906. His father was William Kildare, who came to Catasauqua with his family in 1841. William MeClain Kildare was but ten years of age when his parents became resi- dents of Catasauqua, and he resided in town to the time of his death, at which time he was considered the oldest resident of town.
He enjoyed such educational advantages as the public schools afforded. He learned the trade of moulder at the Crane Iron Works and later was employed at the Union Foundry and Machine Shop. For thirty-three consecutive years he was a faith- ful and efficient employee of the Catasauqua and Fogelsville Railroad, first as fireman, next as engineer and finally as conductor.
Mr. Kildare was married to Miss Amanda E. Sellers, August 20, 1853. From this union there issued four children as follows: Laura Virginia, wife of Irwin H. Ritter, Philadel- phia. Pa. : Rose C., who resides with her mother in Catasauqua, Pa .; Albert E., of South Bethlehem, Pa .; and William H., of Catasauqua, Pa.
In his political affiliations, Mr. Kildare's support was given to the Republican party.
WILLIAM McCLAIN KILDARE
He was a devoted and consistent member of Grace Methodist Episcopal Church, serving the Church in an official capacity as Trustee and Steward, and Treasurer of the Sunday School for many years.
Mr. Kildare was one of the most highly esteemed residents of Catasauqua. He was of amiable disposition, kind heart and noble character, who was to his neighbors a true friend and to his wife and children a devoted husband and father.
JOHN WILLIAMS. The subject of this sketch was a native of Landore,
329
OF CATASAUQUA
Wales, and was born November 20, 1824. When but a little over eight years of age, he was brought to America by his parents and located at Schenectady, N. Y. At the age of fourteen he entered the employ of John Fullagar of that city, as a clerk. In 1845 he followed the rest of the family, who were then living at Catasauqua, and at once entered the office of the Crane Iron Company. His first duty was to weigh the ore and limestone that was hauled hither by team. to feed three furnaces. Those were busy days, for team was followed by team all day long. In 1849 he was promoted to the position of Assistant Cashier; and, after the death of Owen Rice, he was promoted in 1856 to the office of Cashier. IIe performed the duties of this office with signal fidelity throughout the remainder of his life.
Mr. Williams was actively connected with many local enterprises. Ile participat- ed in the organization of the Catasauqua Manufacturing Company in which he held office until his decease. . He served as Passen- JOHN WILLIAMS ger Agent for the C. & F. R. R. Company for many years, and was Director and later the President of the Catasauqua Gas Company. He was a Director and at the time of his death Vice-President of the National Bank of Catasauqua. He was also a Director in the Lehigh Valley Trust and Safe Deposit Company of Allentown, and President of the Farmers' Fire Insurance Company of Upper and Lower Saucon Townships, and President of the Fairview Cemetery Association. Since man's aets are more eloquent than his words, it is but necessary to point to the many associations in which his counsel and encouragements were sought to show the shrewd and pleasing char- acter of the man, and his earnest endeavor to promote the welfare of his fellow townsmen.
She, whom he led to the bridal altar, September 14, 1852, was Emma Caro-
330
THE HISTORY
line Heilig, daughter of Rev. George Heilig, a Lutheran clergyman. Her moth- er's maiden name was Susannah Hook. They began housekeeping on Church Street in one of the Company homes. Mrs. Williams repeatedly declared the happiest period of her life was the season of her housekeeping on Church Street. For a while the family lived in Fuller's Block. After David Thomas left the " Mansion" on Front Street, John Williams and family occupied it. During 1870 he erected the beautiful home on Bridge Street which he occupied until his death, May 24, 1892, and his widow after him, until her death, September 29, 1913. The hospitality of the Williams home was as genuine as its surround- ings, which being adorned with palms, ferns and many rare plants, were beau- tiful and inviting. The fruits of this union were eight children, four of whom survive: Lizzie S., Mrs. Frank M. Horn, Annie, Mrs. Edward D. Boyer, and Messrs. John T. and George H. Williams.
In 1852 Mr. and Mrs. Williams took up their membership in the First Pres- byterian Church, in which he was elected an Elder in 1872; and he served his people as Superintendent of the Sunday School for many years-until his death. With an intermission of one year he served the Borough as Burgess from 1861 to 1873.
ROBERT E. WILLIAMS. Robert E. Williams was born November 2, 1836, in North Wales. He was educated in the schools of his native land. The call of America rang loud in the ears of the youth of nineteen and he set out for the land of opportunity. In 1855 he located in York County, Pennsylvania, and two years later came to Catasauqua. His first work was with the Crane Iron Company for whom he ran a blast furnace.
Six years after coming to America Mr. Williams answered Lincoln's call for volunteers. His inherent patriotism went out to the new land and he was among the first to offer his life, if need be, to preserve her during those crucial days. On April 3, 1861, he was mustered into Company D of the Ninth Regi- ment under Captain Hand of Allentown, Pa. His regiment was engaged at Martinsburg, Harper's Ferry and Harrisonburg, and at these places he proved himself a brave soldier. Upon the expiration of three months, the period for which he had enlisted, again offering his services to the nation, he was mustered
331
OF CATASAUQUA
into Company ( of the Forty-sixth Regiment, Pennsylvania Vohmteer Infantry. He served with this Regiment in all its engagements, including the Battle of Winchester, until he was wounded in the battle of Cedar Mountain. A bullet passed through his body and he lay on the battle field for forty-eight hours before medical aid could be given him. After this experience he was cared for in Culpepper Court House for two days and then was taken to a hospital in Alex- andria, Virginia. Three months later he was able to leave and in November, 1862, was mustered out of service. The effects of the wound and the delay in its care kept him in ill health for almost ten years.
In 1864 the Catasauqua & Fogelsville Railroad made him a weighmaster. After nine months in this position he was transferred to the general office at Catasauqua, where he was chief clerk. Soon after he was made general freight agent and cashier. When the railroad was sold to the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Company in 1890, the general freight agency in Catasauqua was dis- continued. After nearly thirty years with the Catasauqua & Fogelsville Rail- road, he became, in 1891, head bookkeeper for the firm of Davies & Thomas. He was a stockholder in the National Bank of Catasauqua.
In 1864 he married Miss Maggie Price, daughter of David Price of Millers- ville, Pennsylvania. To the family circle was added an adopted daughter, Cora B. (Williams) Wade, who for some years taught in the Catasauqua publie schools and, at the present time, resides in East Orange, New Jersey. He died February 18, 1903.
Mr. Williams was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Catasauqua and became an Elder. His political convictions were Republican, and he acted as Burgess for two terms, his first election having been in 1885. He was a Past Master of Porter Lodge, No. 284, F. and A. M .; Past Grand of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows No. 269; Allen Commandery No. 20, K. T .; the Allen Couneil No. 23, R. & S. M. at Allentown ; and Past Commander of Fuller Post No. 378, G. A. R.
OLIVER WILLIAMS. To Mr. and Mrs. David Williams, in South Wales, was born a son, named Oliver, April 23, 1831. When an infant of two years, his parents brought him to America and located in Schenectady, N. Y. His father
332
THE HISTORY
traveled extensively in this country and Mexico and published a series of articles entitled "Cymro in Mexico." These articles gained for him a national reputa- tion.
Oliver received his early training in rural schools. During 1843 he at . tended the old Allentown Academy, then under the care of Prof. MeClenachan. Later he spent one session under the tutorage of Prof. Bleek of Bethlehem, Pa. He learnt the trade of an iron moulder at which he worked until 1849, when he entered the opti- cal establishment of McAllister and Company, of Philadelphia, which he served for three years. In 1853 he joined James W. Queen, one of the McAllister firm, in establishing the J. W. Queen Company.
In 1855 Mr. Williams went to Milwaukee where he came in contact with Chester A. Arthur through whom he met R. L. Harden- burg, who induced him to enter the leather business in Chicago in 1858. He remained in Chicago until 1867, when his life long friend, David Thomas, offered him the position of OLIVER WILLIAMS manager of the Catasauqua Manufacturing Company. He served this company for 25 years, during which time this plant became the largest merchant iron mill east of the Alleghenies. IIe was also one of the originators of the Bryden Horse Shoe Works, serving as President and Treasurer of the Company for many years. He was President of the Union Foundry and Machine Company, Vice-President of the Whitehall Portland Cement Company at Cementon and President of the Cement National Bank at Siegfried, Pa. He was President of the National Iron Association, of the Eastern Bar Iron Association, and was a member of the American Institution of Mining Engineers.
Mr. Williams was united in marriage with Anna, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
OF CATASAUQUA
John Heilig of Germantown, Pa. Three daughters were born to them : Mrs. D. L. Emanuel, Mrs. R. O. Koehler and Mrs. George E. Holton. He was an active Church worker and was Superintendent of the Sunday School of Trinity Ev. Imtheran Church at the time of his death. His activities and interest in musical eireles was marked by his liberal support of the local Amphion Choral Society and the Oratorio Society of Allentown, Pa. He was a close student. a rare con- versationalist, an observant traveler, a ready speaker, a graceful writer. a liberal giver and an energetic business man. He died September 17, 1904. and his body was interred in the family plot in Fairview Cemetery.
BENJAMIN F. SWARTZ. On April 7. 1838, at Swartz's Dam, one and one-half miles north of Catasauqua, Pa., Benjamin F. Swartz was born, and died April 8, 1909, at his home in Catasauqua. He was a descendant of one of the oldest and most prominent families in Northampton County. His father's name was Christian Swartz and his mother's name was Catherine Heller. Benjamin F. was next to the youngest of the fam- ily and was reared to manhood in his native county. He obtained a fair edu- cation in the distriet schools. After clerking in stores for several years, he entered Wyoming Seminary, where he carried on his studies during 1856 and 1857. In the fall of the following year he went to Ohio, where for two and one- half years he clerked in a store in Wyandot County. He was a successful business man and in partnership with BENJAMIN F. SWARTZ Mr. Park conducted a general store in Carey, Ohio, until the fall of 1865, when he disposed of his interest and formed a partnership with his brother, the firm being B. F. & C. Swartz, and engaged in the dry-goods business in Kenton. Ohio.
334
THE HISTORY
In 1869, Mr. Swartz came to Catasauqua and was engaged by MeKee, Fuller & Co. as their traveling salesmen. In 1883 he was taken into the company as a stockholder and was connected with it to the time of his death.
On November 27. 1861, Mr. Swartz was married to Miss Anna L. Dow of Carey, Ohio. Mrs. Swartz was educated in Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, and by her union with Mr. Swartz has become the mother of two children, Maud O., the wife of Mr. George Graffin of Allentown, and Benjamin F. D., who died April 17, 1886.
Mr. Swartz was a devoted member of Grace Methodist Episcopal Church. He served the Church as Trustee and Treasurer for many years, and was one of the most liberal contributors towards the current expenses of the local Church as well as to all the benevolent enterprises of the Church. In politics he was an ardent Republican never failing to aid any measure for the betterment of the community. His gentlemanly courtesies won for him a host of friends.
JONAS F. MOYER. One of the citizens of the Borough who has always taken an active interest in its welfare, politically, socially, and morally, is Jonas F. Moyer. He was born at Macungie, Lehigh County, Pa., June 2, 1850, being a son of Samnel and Elizabeth (Mertz) Moyer, the father, a native of Upper Milford, and the mother, of Macungie. The paternal grandfather was born in this State, but his father was a native of Holland, who was one of the early settlers in this county.
Mr. Moyer is the fourth in order of birth in his parents' family. there being eight children. He was reared in the place of his birth and attended its public schools. On June 21, 1877, he graduated from the Keystone State Normal School, Kutztown, Pa., and commenced teaching at the age of eighteen, and followed this profession for eighteen years. He clerked in stores in Philadelphia, Allentown, and Macungie. For about twenty-eight years he represented the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Co. of Newark, N. J. Mr. Moyer was postmaster of Town from 1894-1898 and also acting postmaster during the siekness of his successor, Henry Davis, from July 1899 to March 1900. It was in 1898 that Mr. Mover was elected to the House of Representatives, serving during the three sessions of 1899, and 1901, and 1903. Three years later, when the Lehigh National Bank of Town
335
OF CATASAUQUA
was organized, he was selected as its first cashier, which position he has held very creditably to this time.
Mr. Moyer was married in 1878 to Celia R. Troxell, who was born in Wash- ington Township, and is a daughter of E. A. Troxell, who was a merchant of town for many years. To Mr. and Mrs. Moyer were born nine children, seven living :
JONAS F. MOYER
Samuel E., William A., Ida E. (Mrs. A. Keenan), Russell F., Ellen M., Clarence T., Paul W., and, Mamie E. and Solon F. (deceased).
Mr. Moyer is an Odd Fellow, a Past Officer of the Knights of the Golden Eagle, and a Past Officer of the Patriotie Order Sons of America, being one of the founders. He is an active member of the Reformed Church. Superintendent of the Sunday School, and has been in many ways before the publie in leading roles.
336
THE HISTORY
WILLIAM W. MeKEE. This biographical record would be incomplete if within its pages a sketch of the above named gentleman should fail to appear. He occupied a high social position in this community and was deservedly respected by those who were favored with his friendship. The simple record of an honor- able life is the finest monument which can be reared by any citizen, and it is there- fore umnecessary to enlarge upon his history.
Ile was the second son of JJames H. and Mary (Thomas) MeKee, and was born December 27, 1852, in Jersey City, and died June 27, 1905, in Catasauqua. His parents moved to Philadelphia where he spent his boyhood days. After graduating with honors from a Polytechnic School in Philadelphia, he went to Germany where he was enrolled in the University of Freiburg as a student in mining engineering. After two years' study he was graduated from this Uni- versity.
In the meantime his parents had moved to Hazleton. Upon his return from Germany, McKee was employed by the Eckley Coxe Coal Company as mining engineer. After some years of efficient service with this enterprising Company, he associated himself with the Lehigh Car. Wheel and Axle Works at Fullerton.
On April 8, 1890, Mr. McKee was married to Miss Ruth Thomas, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Thomas. This happy union was blessed with the follow- ing children : Ruth T .. James H .. and Mary, all of whom reside at home.
Politically Mr. MeKee was a staunch Republican. Socially he affiliated with the Porter Lodge No. 284, F. and A. M., and was a Grand Master. He was also a member of Ln Lu Temple, Philadelphia, and of the Catasauqua Club.
D. GEORGE DERY. D. George Dery, one of the most widely known citi- zens of Catasauqua, has demonstrated that, within the brief span of a quarter of a century, a man possessed of integrity, ability and magnanimity, may rise to lofty heights in the business world. He has had a large part in making the Le- high Valley a silk manufacturing centre. His skill in the methods of silk weaving and his organizing powers have placed his name among the leaders in his field. He is the owner of fourteen ever-growing silk manufacturing plants and employs more than three thousand workers. Because of his justice and
337
OF CATASAUQUA
liberality in dealing with his employees, labor troubles have been entirely mu- known.
He was born in Austria and received his college education in Vienna. Obedient to the wish of his parents he entered the army. In 1887. having become a Lieutenant, he resigned and came to America.
Before leaving Europe, Mr. Dery had become most skillful in the processes of silk weaving. Because of his reputaion as an expert, he was given the superin- tendency of a mill in Paterson. New Jersey. Realizing the opportunity for the silk manufacturer, he started, in 1892, a factory in his own name.
A rapidly increasing business demanded other mills. In 1897 he chose C'ata- sanqna as the location of his second mill. About one year later, deciding to make this place the centre of his business, he moved the Paterson plant and established his home in this place. Since the building of this plant, the demands for the Dery Silks have necessitated the erection of thirteen other silk weaving mills and three large throwing plants. They are located at the following places: Catasauqua, Pa .; East Maneh Chunk. Pa. : Allentown, Pa., Mills A. B. and C .: Emaus, Pa. ; Scranton. Pa. : Bethlehem, Pa., Mills A. and B .; Marietta, Pa. : Olyphant. Pa. : Forest City. Pa. ; Northampton, Pa. ; Wind Gap, Pa. ; and Taunton, Mass. Among his other business interests are : Directorship in the Catasauqua National Bank and in the Allentown National Bank.
Mr. Dery is not only a man of large business and intellectual attainments but is gifted with a fine and discriminating artistic taste. He has been a zealous collector of fine artistie productions of paintings; among them are some of the works of the old masters, and represent a small fortune in themselves. In his spacious green house and about his home he has a large variety of plants and flowers.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.