USA > Pennsylvania > Lebanon County > Biographical annals of Lebanon County, Pennsylvania : containing biographical sketches of prominent men and representative citizens and of the early settled families > Part 12
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 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84
the township. His children numbered seven, as follows: John; Philip, a farmer and horse dealer: Jacob, who left no family; Rudolph, a farmer ; Catherine. who died unmarried; Elizabeth, who married Henry Bucher ; and Anna, who married Benjamin Zeller.
John Shaak, the eldest member of the family, was born February 24, 1795. on the old homestead in South Lebanon township, and was reared to agricultural pursuits, becoming one of the most successful farmers of his vicinity, owning several of the most valuable farms. Mr. Shaak was prominent in all progressive movements, served as director of the poor, and could always be depended upon to assist in all benevolent and charitable enterprises. For many years he was active in the work of the Reformed church, belonging to its official board and contributing to the continuance of its missionary and other work. His death occurred June 16, 1881. He married Eva Six, who was born January 24, 1799, in Lebanon county, and died July 31, 1856, at the age of fifty-seven years. They had a family of eleven children, namely: Louisa (deceased), wife of John Arndt, of Jones- town, Lebanon county ; Elizabeth (deceased), wife of Jacob Eby, of South Lebanon township; Henry (deceased), a farmer of South Lebanon town- ship; John (deceased), also a farmer of South Lebanon township; Catherine (deceased), wife of John Troxel, of Jonestown; Matilda, the widow of Jacob T. Werner, of Prescott, Lebanon county; Abel, a farmer of South Lebanon township; Reuben A .; Ann Maria, wife of Uriah Light, of Leba- non county ; Rebecca, wife of J. Adam Becker, of South Lebanon township; and Philip, who died in early manhood, and was followed by his widow.
Reuben A. Shaak was reared on the homestead, and was educated in the public schools. Until his marriage, November 21, 1865, he remained at home with his parents, assisting on the farm. At that time he began farming on his own account, being given a part of the old homestead, and on that farm Mr. Shaak continued, with the exception of one year, until he was prepared to retire from active labor. Having one of the finest modern homes of his locality, Mr. Shaak retired from the cares of business in 1897. He is one of the most substantial as well as one of the most highly respected citizens of the township. He was very successful in his farming operations, and was one of the most enterprising and progressive among the agricultur- ists, keeping posted on all matters relating to his line of work. He and his family rank among the intelligent and cultured people of the locality, and their home is not only one of thrift and comfort, but of refinement as well. At one time Mr. Shaak owned two farms, and still retains seventy-five acres where he has lived so long, the other land having been distributed
97
BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LEBANON COUNTY.
to his family. Mr. Shaak has served very acceptably on the school board, his interest in educational advancement having been sincere and constant.
In 1865 Mr. Shaak was married to Christiann Heilman, who was born May 23, 1839, daughter of John and Susannah (Urich) Heilman, of Heil- mandale. Four children were born to this union, as follows: Sallie, the wife of Samuel Sprecher, a cattle dealer of Cornwall township; Minnie E., the wife of Miles H. Shaak, a farmer of South Lebanon township; John H., a farmer of South Lebanon township, who married Amy L. Royer; and Adam J., a farmer on the old homestead, who married Mary E. Ruhl.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Heilman have passed away, the father's death occurring in 1874. He was a son of Philip Heilman, whose wife's maiden name was Beard. The mother of Mrs. Shaak died at the home of her daughter, June 11, 1889, aged seventy-three years. They were the parents of four children, namely: Christiann; John Adam, who died in 1860, unmarried: Sarah, who was the wife of Frank Heilman, and died in 1864; and Eliza, who died unmarried in 1868. They belonged to the Reformed church.
Both Mr. Shaak and his wife are consistent members of the Reformed church, and for some time he has been one of its elders. They are very much respected in South Lebanon township, and belong to the very best people of their neighborhood.
ISAAC V. MILLER. Among the successful and highly respected farmers of Jackson township, Lebanon county, is Isaac V. Miller, who, through his own industry and foresight, has attained his present gratifying position. He was born in Jackson township, November 2, 1836, a son of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Haak) Miller, now deceased, who were natives of Lebanon county.
Jonathan Miller was a son of Valentine Miller, whose father, first name unknown came from Germany long before the Revolutionary war, and founded the family in this country. Valentine Miller lived to be ninety-four years of age, and was the father of three children: Jonathan, Leonard and Cyrus, all now deceased. Jonathan Miller was a farmer by occupation, and a hard-working. industrious man. Seven children were born to himself and wife: Isaac V .; Cyrus, of Myerstown; Jonathan, of Myerstown; Rebecca, married to Curtis Hibshman; Katherine, deceased; Elizabeth, widow of Hiram Seibert; and Lucetta, unmarried. In politics Jonathan Miller was a stanch Republican, and took an active part in local affairs, although he never desired office. His religious connections were with the Myerstown Reformed
7
98
BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LEBANON COUNTY.
church, in which he served for many years as deacon and elder. At his demise the community lost an honorable, upright, Christian man and good citizen.
Isaac V. Miller was reared upon his father's farm and learned thor- oughly the business of conducting a farm, afterwards adopting an agricul- tural life, which he has followed most successfully. His education was obtained in the common schools and at the old Academy, and was supple- mented by close observation and reading. His present fine property, which was the old Miller homestead, is one of the best in the county, and joins the village of Myerstown. Recently he disposed of one acre for $400, and five acres more at $250 per acre, to be used for factory purposes, so that this holding of his is very valuable. Modern methods are pursued upon the farm. and the results are exceedingly gratifying.
On November 25. 1866, Mr. Miller was united in marriage with Miss Sarah A. Zinn, of Jackson township, a daughter of John Zinn, a farmer of the same township. Mrs. Miller was a member of the following family : Moses, deceased: Abraham, deceased: John, of Annville, Pa .: William, of Indiana : Henry, of Myerstown ; Katherine, widow of John Meily, deceased; Mary, deceased ; Eliza, wife of David Tice, of Myerstown ; and Sarah A., Mrs. Miller. Like his father before him, Mr. Miller is a stanch Republican although he has not desired political preferment, but is public-spirited and anxious to pro- mote the best interests of the community. Both he and his wife are consistent members of the United Brethren church, in which for thirty-six years he has been elder and trustee, while he is now treasurer of the Sunday school. The Miller household is a pleasant one, and a favorite gathering place for their many friends. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have two most charming and intelligent daughters, Mary, who lately wedded Ralph J. Coover, a rising young man of Myerstown: and Miss Elizabeth. All are important factors in the social life of the community, and have many friends among all who know them.
THOMAS T. ZERBE, M. D. One of the leading citizens of Lebanon county, and one of her prominent and successful physicians, is Dr. Thomas T. Zerbe, who was born October 24, 1846, in Schaefferstown, Pa. His father was the late Dr. Jonathan Zerbe, long prominent in medical circles and in public life. Dr. Jonathan Zerbe was born in historic Tulpehocken. Berks county, Pa., in 1811, and died in Schaefferstown in 1877.
Michael Zerbe, the grandfather of Dr. Thomas, was also born in Berks county, and came from one of the very old Pennsylvania families. His
99
BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LEBANON COUNTY.
grandfather came to America from one of the French cantons of Switzer- land in the days of Queen Anne. Subsequently he secured a grant of land in what is now Berks county, and permanently settled there in 1723. Michael 'Zerbe was the father of a numerous family, which he reared in Berks county. His son, Jonathan, grew to manhood on the old home farm, but, at maturity, started out to see something of the world. He spent some time in the State of Virginia, where he attended school and acquired that degree of pro- ficiency and fluency in the English language which he knew was necessary to success in an English-speaking country. On his return to Pennsylvania he settled in Schaefferstown, in 1837, where he entered upon the study of medi- cine in the office of Dr. John Schertzer, then one of the leading physicians of Lebanon county. After attending courses of lectures at Jefferson Medical College, and obtaining his degree in medicine, he located at Schaefferstown, succeeding to the practice of his old preceptor. There he practiced for many years, and became eminent in his chosen profession. Dr. Jonathan Zerbe was an ardent Republican in politics, and was elected to the General Assembly by his party in 1870-71. He aided in the organization of the Republican party in Lebanon county, and took an active and aggressive part in the Fremont campaign of 1856. He took a deep interest in religious matters, and was an active member of the Lutheran Church.
In October, 1840, Dr. Zerbe married Martha A. Meyer, a daughter of Christopher Meyer, an extensive land owner and farmer, and Catharine (Krumm) Meyer. Five children were born to this union: Charles M., a lawyer, engaged in the practice of his profession at Lebanon, Pa .; Agnes E., the deceased wife of Dr. George Mays, of Philadelphia, Pa. ; Dr. Thomas T., the subject of this sketch; Jennie M., the wife of Jacob F. Hickernell, of Schaefferstown; Dr. B. Frank, a prominent citizen of Schaefferstown, who is not now actively engaged in the practice of his profession, devoting most of his time to the cigar manufacturing industry, in which he and Dr. Thomas are partners.
On the maternal side the Zerbe family of Schaefferstown is related to the Schaeffer family, whose ancestor in this country, Alexander Schaeffer, founded Schaefferstown (then known as Heidelberg) in 1743. Alexander Schaeffer was a native of the University town of Heidelberg, in Germany.
Dr. Thomas T. Zerbe was educated in the public schools and Academy at Schaefferstown, and then entered Franklin and Marshall College, at Lan- caster, Pa. He read medicine with his father, later graduated from the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania, in the spring of 1869, and ever since has been engaged in the practice of medicine at Schaefferstown.
100
BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LEBANON COUNTY.
He is a man of great intelligence, public spirit and general popularity. A stanch Republican, he has ably represented his party and Lebanon county in the General Assembly, in 1899, and again in 1903. His influence is felt in local matters also, and he is a valuable member of the school board. Fratern- ally he is a Mason.
In 1878 the Doctor married Miss Emma E. Taylor, of Charming Forge, Berks county, a daughter of William and Maria (Reed) Taylor, deceased. Four children have been born of this union : Florence T., Mabel Reed, William T., and Marie Marguerite.
HARRISON KALBACH, one of the old and well-known citizens of Lebanon, is a native of North Heidelberg, Berks county, born April 3, 1832.
Adam Kalbach, his father, was born in Penn township, Berks county, and was a son of Adam, who was also born in Pennsylvania. Adam Kal- bach married Catherine Aldhouse, who was born near Reading, Berks county. The Kalbachs and the Aldhouses are old and substantial families of that county. To this marriage six sons and three daughters were born, as fol- lows: Sarah. deceased; Harrison; Isaac and Catherine, deceased; Levi; William; Amelia, deceased; James ; and Amanlon, deceased.
Mr. Kalbach worked on the farm until he was about twenty-two years of age, when he was married, and then went to work in the Penn Mills, owned by his father-in-law, John Staudt, which were located in Penn town- ship. Here he continued for eight years, during a part of the time being part owner of the mills. During this time he also owned a patent right on a water wheel, which was manufactured at Bernville, Berks county, and a part of Mr. Kalbach's time was spent at that manufacturing. He also built canal boats and other small craft while engaged at Penn Mills, and later engaged in the lumber business, buying standing timber and cutting and hauling the same to Penn Mills, where it was manufactured. Mr. Kalbach has been engaged in the lumber business extensively and exclusively for a number of years, and now is one of the largest operators in this section of the State. Besides the Penn Mills, he owns and operates seven portable saw mills, in Dauphin, Franklin, Cumberland and Fulton counties, in Penn- sylvania and West Virginia. At the present time, in company with his son, Aleson Z., and son-in-law, M. J. Fox, Mr. Kalbach is engaged in cut- ting timber on a 4,800-acre tract in Fulton county. They are building a 3-foot gauge railroad from Richmond to a saw mill (three and a half miles) and through the timber, in all about ten miles. They run two mills along this track. Mr. Kalbach is also installing electric power at Penn Mills, and
101
BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LEBANON COUNTY.
is running wires to Bernville for lighting the stores, hotels and churches, as well as the town. He also intends to furnish power to run motors, and will use the water power to run the dynamos. In 1885 Mr. Kalbach removed to Lebanon, but soon afterward returned to Berks county. In 1887, how- ever, he located in Lebanon, permanently, and erected his handsome resi- dence on the corner of Cumberland and Third streets. Mr. Kalbach is the holder of valuable improved property in Lebanon, owning a number of fine brick residences on the principal streets of the city.
On October 26, 1854, Mr. Kalbach married Catherine Staudt, who was born in Penn township, Berks county, Pa., April 13, 1836, daughter of John Staudt. She died September 9, 1899. To this union children were born as follows: Morgan Davius, born April 13, 1856, in Penn township; Levi Harrison, born September 20, 1857, in Penn township; Milton Cle- ment, born May 12, 1859, in Penn township, died October 12, 1859: Mary Catherine, born February 7, 1861, in Penn township, married M. J. Fox, of Schaefferstown, Pa., and they now live in Carlisle, Pa .; Adam Calvin, born July 26, 1863, in Penn township, met death by being run over by the cars at East St. Louis, Ill., in September, 1900: William, born January 8, 1866. in Penn township; Emma Jane, born November 28, 1869, in North Heidelberg, married Harry Gountey, of Allentown, Pa .; Aleson Z., born September 18, 1873, in North Heidelberg; Sallie Agnes, born April 5, 1876, in Penn township, married Irvin Eashman, of Lebanon; and Minnie Laura, born August 10, 1879. in Penn township. Mr. Kalbach is a member of the Reformed church, and liberally supports the same. In politics he belongs to the Republican party.
THOMAS LEVAN BECKER, president of the Lebanon National Bank, and a well-known surveyor and conveyancer, has for about twenty years been a leading business man of Millbach. He is a lineal descendant of Jacob Becker, the first American representative of the family, who came from Germany some time prior to 1734, and settled in what is now Lebanon county, where, in the year 1741, he received from John, Thomas and Richard Penn a large land grant. By his marriage there were two sons: John, who is mentioned below; and George.
John Becker, son of the emigrant, was a prosperous farmer and influen- tial citizen of Millcreek township. He married and had seven children : Michael; John Adam, who is mentioned below; Cathryn Hoffman; Elizabeth Strickler : Barbara Moore: Ann Amelia ; and Margaret, who died single.
John Adam Becker, grandfather of Thomas L., was born on the Mill -
102
BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LEBANON COUNTY.
creek homestead, and there grew to manhood. Reared to farm work, upon reaching manhood he followed that occupation for his life work, and settled on the old Becker homestead in Millcreek township. Prospering in his busi- ness he made a good home for himself and family, and was one of the leading men of the township. By his marriage there were four children: John, who is mentioned below; Michael; Sarah, who married Capt. Tice, a prominent officer of the Civil war; and Elizabeth, who was married to George Moyer.
John Becker, father of Thomas L., also a thrifty farmer of Millcreek township, was born in 1813, and in a comfortable home grew to manhood. Reared to a life of strong activity, upon reaching manhood he was well prepared to shoulder the responsibilities of life, and deciding to follow agri- culture, he settled upon the old homestead farm in Millcreek township. This he improved, cultivated extensively, and made into one of the most attractive pieces of property in the vicinity. Wise management brought in good money returns for his labor, and he prospered from the start. He spent the strength of the greater part of his manhood on this farm, and near here in 1884 he died. About 1833 he married Caroline Stump, daughter of Leonard Stump, of one of the old families of Millcreek township, and of this union there were nine children : Willoughby, now deceased, who was a prominent agriculturist of Millcreek township; John Adam, of South Lebanon township; Mary, who married J. Henry Bennetch; Elizabeth, who married J. M. Zimmerman, a farmer of Millcreek ; Emma, who married Aaron Bollinger, of Richland, both now deceased; Agnes J., who married Levi R. Bollinger; Amanda, widow of George U. Seibert, now residing in Richland: Thomas Levan, mentioned below ; and Ida, who died in childhood. The mother of this family died on the old homestead in 1882. John Becker, the father of this family, was a strong energetic farmer, and a leading man in the public affairs of the town- ship. Marked business and executive ability won him the confidence of the community, and he very ably served at different times in various local offices. In politics he was a strong Democrat; and in religious views he was liberal. As a large stockholder in the Lebanon National Bank he acted as director for twenty-five years, until the time of his death.
Thomas Levan Becker is about forty-eight years old, and a strong man physically and intellectually. He is the product of careful schooling, good healthful farm life, and practical business training. On the old Becker home- stead. in Millcreek township, he grew to manhood, and in the district schools of his neighborhood procured his early education. Like the average farm boy of his time he was assigned to home tasks ; and in the performance of them, as well as in the mastery of his studies in school, evinced marked originality and
BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LEBANON COUNTY. 103
above ordinary ability. At an early age he entered the Palatinate College, of Myerstown, and later the Millersville State Normal School, where he cul- tivated his literary and scientific studies. A good mathematician, also pos- sessed of considerable legal knowledge, upon leaving school he opened an office in Millbach, and engaged in surveying and conveyancing. A master of each work he secured at once plenty of business, which has steadily increased from year to year. Deriving from it a large income he has continued to follow it steadily, and is still engaged in the business. He has made a special success of conveyancing, and has served as administrator and executor for many important estates, including the one connected with the celebrated Texter will case. In 1885 he succeeded his father as director of the Lebanon National Bank, and upon the death of Grant Weidman he was made president, a posi- tion which he is still filling with marked ability. He is also a director in The Sinking Spring Fire Insurance Company of Reading, Pa. Besides his many other ventures Mr. Becker has throughout his career given considerable atten- tion to agriculture, and he now possesses a splendid, well-improved 300 acres of farm land.
In 1882 Mr. Becker married Maria Stewart, of Millcreek, only daughter of Uriah B. Stewart, a prominent surveyor and conveyancer, of Millcreek township, who married Maria Kahl. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Becker, only one of whom is now living: Clarence D. Mr. Becker has always been a man of many interests, and possessed of marked executive ability, and he has managed his various affairs with thoroughness and fidelity. In politics a stanch Republican he has been active in local affairs, and has served his township very efficiently as notary public for seventeen years. Socially few if any stand higher in the community.
WILLIAM PATSCHKE, a citizen of Lebanon who has overcome many difficulties while forging his way to the front as an extensive brick manufac- turer, is a typical German American, and worthy of all honor as an industrious and helpful member of society. He was born in Baden, Germany, October 20, 1838, a son of George and Mary (Shillinger) Patschke, who died after emigrating to America. The parents had a large family of children, as follows : William; Charles ; Louise; Fredericka, who died on the ocean while on the way to America; Julius, who died in infancy; and George. By a second wife George Patschke had the following children : John F .; Julius ; Edward; Levi; Amelia, the wife of A. C. Crawford, a merchant of Lebanon : Earhart ; Benja- min F .; Wesley : Sarah ; Annie: and Luther. George Patschke was born in Baden, Germany, about 1815, and died in Lebanon in 1890. He was for many
104
BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LEBANON COUNTY.
years a well known and useful citizen in Lebanon, to which city he emigrated with his family in 1852.
William Patschke came to America five years after the rest of his family, and at the time he was nineteen years of age. He soon after took up his resi- dence in Lebanon, and at the time he had not a dollar to his name, and was absolutely without influence of any kind. He found work as a day laborer in a stone quarry, and was later employed in a brick yard, where he became inter- ested in the work to which his mature years were devoted. He subsequently worked on the old Union canal, and at the breaking out of the Civil war went to Peru, Ind., and found employment in a brewery. About 1864 he returned to Lebanon and obtained a temporary position with the government at Union Deposit, and later worked in a Lebanon brewery. His interest in his adopted country resulted in his enlistment, February 21, 1865, in the Thirteenth Penn- sylvania Cavalry, as a volunteer, and he was sent to North Carolina and Vir- ginia, where he rendered service under General Sherman. After his honorable discharge in August, 1865, he returned to Lebanon and worked in the brewery of Henry Hartman, afterward embarking in the brick manufacturing business in partnership with Jacob Moeckel, an arrangement amicably and satisfactorily continued for about twenty-two years. During this time Mr. Patschke accumulated a competence, and he now owns considerable valuable property in the city.
Through his marriage with Mrs. Lydia Billman, nee Brandt, Mr. Patschke is the father of two children, Edwin W., and Lydia L. In politics he has always been a Republican, but has taken advance ground of his party on the temperance question. Himself and family are associated with the Seventh Street Lutheran Church of Lebanon, of which he has been treasurer and trustee, and he is one of the leading supporters of the church. As one of the foremost citizens of the Lebanon Independent District he has served as school director and tax collector, and has been closely allied with events of importance to the advancement of the locality. He is public spirited and enterprising, and endowed with high moral sense, tact and kindliness.
JACOB M. SHENK, prominent citizen and capitalist of Lebanon, Pa., was born on the old Shenk homestead in Heidelberg township, Lebanon county, Pa., January 31, 1847, son of Jacob and Magdalene (Miller) Shenk, the former of whom was a native of Heidelberg township, and the latter of Schaefferstown, Lebanon county. The paternal grandfather was Joseph Shenk (then spelled Schenck), also born in Heidelberg township, and his father was a native of Holland, who emigrated to the United States during
I Me Schenk
BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LEBANON COUNTY. 105
the seventeenth century, and founded the Shenk homestead in Heidelberg township, now owned by Samuel Brubaker. The old Shenk mansion still stands, and is one of the finest residences in the valley.
Jacob M. Shenk was reared on the old home farm until he attained his majority, receiving a good English education. In 1868 he left the farm to come to Lebanon to accept a position in the store of his brother. One year later he went West, and at Sterling, Ill .. he became a member of the firm of Edson, Shenk & Martin, dry-goods merchants. In December, 1873, however, Mr. Shenk sold his interest in the above firm, and, returning East, engaged in the dry-goods, carpets and queensware business with his brother, Christian. Ten years later he disposed of his interest in the dry-goods department of this establishment, continuing, however, in the queensware and carpet depart- ments until 1892. Mr. Shenk has been prominently identified with many of the principal industries and enterprises of Lebanon, a number of which he has assisted in organizing. In 1887 he built the Lebanon Electric Light Plant, was made president of the corporation, and continued as such until its consolidation in 1900. In 1891-92, he built the Lebanon & Annville Electric Street Railway, of which he became president and general manager, filling these important offices until the sale of the property to the United Power & Transportation Company in 1898. In 1891-92, he built the Eighth Street Market House, Lebanon (one of the finest buildings in the city), and was made president of the Market House Company, holding that position at the present time. In 1896 he purchased an interest in the Lebanon Iron Company, was elected president of the same, and held that office until the corporation was merged into the American Iron & Steel Company. He was president of the Lake Conewago Ice Company, until its absorption by the United Ice & Coal Company, of Harrisburg, of which company he is a director. Mr. Shenk was vice-president of the Lebanon Mutual Fire Insurance Company, for eleven years, director twenty-five years, and was elected president upon the death of John Meily, in April, 1902. He was a director of the Lebanon Trust & Safety Deposit Company, and after the collapse of the same was made assignee.
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.