USA > Pennsylvania > Encyclopedia of Pennsylvania biography : illustrated, Vol. III > Part 43
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Being in great demand as a public speaker he has lectured in nearly every city and town in Pennsylvania and in many other States. When Dr. M. G. Brumbaugh was
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Henny Houck
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Commissioner of Education in Porto Rico he assisted him in conducting a series of educational meetings, which were held in the principal cities and towns on the island.
Appreciation was shown of his work in the educational department of Pennsylvania by the gift from the teachers of a trip to foreign lands a few years ago. The degree of Master of Arts was conferred upon him by Franklin and Marshall College, and that of Doctor of Literature by Pennsylvania College.
Dr. Houck married, April 10, 1856, Susan Margaret, daughter of Dr. Christian Bucher, and they have had seven children : Harvey Bucher, Mary Valentine, Rosa Jontz, Eliz- abeth Heister, Paul Winters, Alfred Rhodes and Susan Margaret.
Mr. Houck was elected to his present office in 1906 and was reelected in 1910.
MUHLENBERG, William F., M. D., Successful Physician.
Distinguished in the social and profes- sional life of Pennsylvania, the Muhlenbergs, now widely dispersed throughout the State were originally a Lancaster family. Dr. William F. Muhlenberg, one of the eminent physicians of Reading, is a lineal descend- ant of Rev. Henry Melchoir Muhlenberg, the recognized founder of the Lutheran church in America, a paternal great-grand- son of Dr. Henry Ernest Muhlenberg, of Lancaster, and a maternal great-grandson of General Pater Muhlenberg, the Revolu- tionary officer.
Dr. Frederick Augustus Muhlenberg, father of Dr. William F. Muhlenberg, was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1818, and died in Reading, Pennsylvania, in 1901. He was a man of highest culture, and for sixty years was connected with different Pennsylvania colleges as professor of lan- guages and other departments of higher education. The last important chair he filled was that of Professor of Greek at the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania. He married Cath-
erine Muhlenberg, who died in 1894, aged sixty-seven years, daughter of Major l'eter Muhlenberg, of Reading, Pennsylvania. Four sons were born to Dr. Frederick A. Muhlenberg: Ernest A., Henry M., Francis B., William F.
Dr. William F. Muhlenberg, the young- est son, was born at Gettysburg, Pennsyl- vania, November 18, 1852, his father at that time being Professor of Greek at Pennsyl- vania College. Here he obtained his early and preparatory education, later entering Muhlenberg College at Allentown, Pennsyl- vania, an institution which owes its being to the Muhlenberg family. Dr. Frederick A. Muhlenberg was for several years presi- dent of the college, and was filling that high position when his son, William F., was graduated in 1868. After completing his classical course at Muhlenberg, the young man entered the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, whence he was graduated M. D., class of 1872. Ile located in Reading soon after obtaining his degree and he has won his way upward in public esteem until he is among the recognized leaders of his profession in that city. His practice is very large and honorable, em- bracing both medicine and surgery, his skill as a surgeon equalling his medical ability. Since 1884 he has been the regularly ap- pointed surgeon for the Schuylkill Valley Railroad Company for Reading and the vicinity, and during the same period has been surgeon at the Reading Hospital. For many years Dr. Muhlenberg has been an active member of the Berks County Medical Society and the Reading Medical Society, serving as president of both and furthering the usefulness of both societies. He has the highest esteem of his professional brethren and the entire confidence of the people with whom he has labored for the past forty years. He is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Besides membership in profes- sional and other organizations, Dr. Muhlen- berg is a member of several clubs, social and others furnishing open air diversion and
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healthful exercises, including the Wyomis- sing and Berkshire of Reading, and the University and Country of Philadelphia.
Dr. Muhlenberg married, in 1884, Au- gusta Muhlenberg, who died in 1890, daugh- ter of Hiester H. and Katherine (Hunter) Muhlenberg, the former named the cashier of the Farmers' Bank of Reading from 1842 until his death in 1886. Dr. Muhlenberg has three children: 1. Hiester, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, class of 1908. 2. Frederick Augustus, graduate of the Reading high school, 1904, and of Penn- sylvania College, class of 1908. 3. Au- gusta.
HAAK, George E., Representative Citizen.
In Mr. Haak there is a fine blending of practical business ability and social quality that attracts and holds. Better known to the building trade, perhaps, than any man in Reading, he numbers every customer his friend, while in fraternal circles his influ- ence, popularity and acquaintances are well sustained, particularly in the Masonic order. Efficiency in ritualistic work is quickly recognized in that order and when to inter- est and efficiency there is added social qual- ity, such as Mr. Haak possesses, honors fall bountifully to the fortunate possessor. Thus we find that to his name, Mr. Haak can attach the titles, "Past Master," "Past High Priest," "Past Eminent Commander" and "Past Potentate," as well as titles showing important service in other orders.
Mr. Haak's ancestors were engaged in agricultural pursuits from the date of the arrival of his great-grandfather, John Jacob Haak, the founder of the family in Amer- ica, and Berks county, Pennsylvania, their home since 1728. John Jacob Haak sailed from Deal, England, on the ship "Morton- house," June 15, 1728, arrived August 24 of that year, and is recorded later in the same year as a member of the Lutheran church at Tulpehocken, Berks county, Penn-
sylvania. His son, John Haak, was a farmer and large landowner in Alsace town- ship, Berks county; married Elizabeth Krause, born in Berks county, and rearcd a family. They were Lutherans in religious faith, and he was a supporter of the Whig party politically, later a Republican.
Michael Haak, son of John and Elizabeth (Krause) Haak, was born in 1803, in Berks county, Pennsylvania. He grew to man- hood upon the home farm, and engaged in farming all his life, becoming owner of valuable farm property. He followed in his father's footsteps politically and spirit- ually and was a man thoroughly respected. He married Sarah Addams, who bore him three daughters and a son.
George E. Haak, only son of Michael and Sarah (Addams) Haak, was born in Lees- port, Berks county, Pennsylvania, October 3, 1842. He was educated in the public schools of Alsace township, Lititz and Reading, spending his earlier years engaged in various activities. In 1874, in partner- ship with Francis Keffer, he established a glass and queensware retail store at 520 Penn street, Reading, continuing in associa- tion with Mr. Keffer for three and one- half years. They then dissolved partner- ship, Mr. Haak continuing in the same busi- ness alone at 312 Penn street for ten years, being successful in his operations. He then became manager of the estate left by his father, who had named him in his will as executor. The landed estate left by Michael Haak comprised two hundred and twenty- nine acres in East Reading and was at that time considered one of the most valuable tracts in Berks county. Its great value arose from the fact that the finest deposit of kaolin and sienna in the United States was located thereon, also a valuable sand deposit. These sources of wealth have been developed by Mr. Haak and the amount of business transacted by the Sienna Paint, Kaolin and Sand Works has for several years been very large. The sand is particu- larly valuable for building purposes, its pur-
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Jorge 6 . back
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ity and sharpness being unsurpassed. Many of the principal buildings of Reading have been furnished with the sand used in their construction, from the Haak farm, and the school board of Reading will allow no other to be used in the buildings constructed by them. Mr. Haak was one of the organizers of the Schuylkill Valley Bank and for five years was a member of the board of direc- tors.
Dating from early manhood Mr. Haak has taken a deep interest and active part in fraternal organizations. His social and benevolent nature is in full sympathy with the fraternal idea and in the Masonic order he found full scope for energy. He was made a Mason in August, 1871, and in due season passed through chapter, of which he was thrice illustrious grand master, council and commandery, filling many chairs in each, including the highest honors each could bestow. He is a past master of Lodge No. 62 ; past high priest of Excelsior Chap- ter, No. 237, Royal Arch Masons, and past eminent commander of Reading Command- ery, No. 42, Knights Templar. When the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine became an adjunct of the Masonic order, Mr. Haak became an interested mem- ber and when the need for a temple in Read- ing became urgent, he led in the movement to secure a charter, and was elected the first potentate of Rajah Temple, the then newly created body. His long years of active par- ticipation in the various bodies have brought him the friendship of the leading Masons of Pennsylvania, while at the tri-ennial con- claves of "Knights" and "Shriners," he has become well known to the Masons of the entire country. While enthusiasm departs with age, Mr. Haak retains a deep interest in the order he served so long and well and has the profound respect and loving regard of his brethren. He also was a leader and the first man in Reading to join the local lodges of Knights of the Golden Eagle, and the Royal Arcanum; was captain of the first fully equipped company in Philadel-
phia, and rose to the rank of major of a battalion, being the first man to hold that rank.
In business circles, Mr. Haak lias ever maintained high standing, and among his warmest friends are those with whom he has held the closest business relations for many years.
NEFF, Isaac Ambrose,
Iron Works Official.
The Neffs first appear in Pennsylvania about the year 1717. The early arrivals were Swiss emigrants and were recorded as Neiff, Naef, Neyf, Nef and Neff. They subsequently all became Neff. The earliest record is of Francis Neff, banished from Switzerland on account of his religious opinions (a Mennonite), and was among the earliest settlers of Lancaster county ; about the year 1717 he was naturalized, and in 1729 settled in what is now Manor town- ship, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. From Lancaster the name spread to adjoining counties, and now is found in all States of the Union. It is from Francis Neiff, the Swiss emigrant, that Isaac Ambrose Neff, of the police department of Lebanon, Penn- sylvania, traces his descent.
Isaac Ambrose Neff is a son of Isaac Neff, who was born July 27, 1842, and is now living in Reading, Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the Union army, and fought with the Army of the Potomac until the battle of Chancellorsville, where he received a severe disabling wound. His wife, Henri- etta McAllister, was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, in 1846.
Isaac Ambrose Neff was born in Heidel- burg township, Berks county, Pennsylvania. He was educated in the public schools and grew to manhood in Berks county. About 1890 he located in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, where he was appointed policeman by Mayor Hess, and by a faithful performance of his duties he rose to the rank of day ser- geant, resigning this office October 15, 1912.
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He was also interested in private business enterprises of Lebanon, entirely separate from his official position. He is a Repub- lican in politics, and with his wife a mem- ber of the Evangelical Lutheran church. In 1912 he accepted a position as puddle boss in the Reading Iron Works, at Danville, Pennsylvania, and removed to that town. He is a member of the fraternal societies, Patriot Sons of America, and Brotherhood of the Union.
He married, May 16, 1894, Agnes, daugh- ter of Elias Houtz. Children: Norma Amanda, born October 24, 1895; Henrietta Alvena, November 12, 1896; Bessie Valeria, February 11, 1899; Isaac Ambrose Jr., April 5, 1901.
WOLLE, John Frederick, Mus. D., Organist, Conductor, Composer.
To the musical genius and enterprise of Dr. John Frederick Wolle, Bethlehem owes its characterization as the American Bay- reuth, the Bach Festivals there conducted by Dr. Wolle creating a strong resemblance to that German town, particularly when the quartette of trombones summons the music lovers to the performances. Features of these festivals are Dr. Wolle's able interpre- tation of the great master, the employment of a separate chorus of boys and a numer- ous orchestra, all natives of Bethlehem, ex- cept the leading vocal and instrumental soloist. As a master of the pipe organ, as a conductor of large choruses, and as an interpreter of the rich harmony and rhyth- mic melody of Bach's compositions, Dr. Wolle has acquired high reputation both in his own country and in Europe.
The Wolle family has for many years been prominent in the Moravian commun- ities of Eastern Pennsylvania, eminent in the church and in the cause of education. Bishop Peter Wolle was one of the first students entered at the Moravian Theo- logical School at Nazareth Hall in 1807, was a teacher at Nazareth Hall, preacher in
Philadelphia, 1826-36, Lancaster and Lititz, made a bishop in 1845 and served with fidel- ity until his death in Bethlehem, November 14, 1871. During his middle life he pro- vided his church with a new tune book. Other members of the family in the same generation and in later generations also served the church and the cause of edu- cation, Rev. Francis Wolle being a minister, a noted botanist, and also a man of inven- tive genius, the first machine for making paper bags being a child of his brain, patented in the United States and Europe in 1852. There is an hereditary strain of musical genius prevading all the descend- ants of the Polish ancestor. John Frederick (I) Wolle, that culminating in John Fred- erick (3) Wolle, of Bethlehem, has pro- duced one of the foremost organists and exponents of the music of that great com- poser, Bach, that Pennsylvania has ever known.
John Frederick Wolle was born in Posen, Poland, and among his children was Peter Wolle, born in Posen, November 6, 1745. From Poland he moved to Herrnhut, Ger- many, became a member of "The Brethren" and was sent as a missionary to the Danishı West Indies. A wife being necessary, one was chosen by lot, Rosena Geyer, to whom lie was married, July 21, 1783. They at once began their journey to the missionary station, arriving at St. Croix, January 20, 1784. They spent twenty-nine years in missionary work on the islands of St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John, and on April 12, 1812, sailed for the United States, estab- lishing their home at Nazareth, Pennsyl- vania, November 20, 1813. From this de- voted Polish ancestor and his German wife sprang Bishop Peter Wolle, Sylvester Wolle, the educator, Rev. Francis Wolle, botanist, minister and inventor, the latter the father of John Frederick Wolle, the well-known and talented music master, organist and conductor.
Rev. Francis Wolle was born in Jacobs- burg, near Nazareth, Pennsylvania, Decem-
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ber 17, 1817, died February 10, 1893. He was educated for a business career, but his tastes were professional and he became a teacher. He taught at Nazareth Hall, the parochial school of Bethlehem, and in 1861 succeeded his brother Sylvester as a prin- cipal of the Young Ladies' Seminary at Bethleliem, also the same year entering the ministry of the Moravian church. He won note as a botanist, scientist, educator and in- ventor, his principal invention being the first machine to successfully make paper bags. He was the author of many papers pub- lished in the scientific journals and in 1884 published an illustrated work, "Desmids of the United States and List of Pediastrums Algae." This was followed in 1887 by a two-volume illustrated work, "Fresh Water Algae." He resigned as head of the Young Ladies' Seminary in 1881 and lived a re- tired life engrossed in scientific investiga- tion until his death in 1893 in Bethlehem. He married Elizabeth Caroline, daughter of Jedediah and Mary Weiss.
John Frederick Wolle, youngest and sev- enth child of Rev. Francis and Elizabeth Caroline (Weiss) Wolle, was born in Beth- lehem, Pennsylvania, April 4, 1863. He was well educated in the Moravian parochial school, specializing in music, and was grad- uated in 1879. He at once began his musical career as a teacher, and taught in Bethle- hem and was organist of Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church from 1881 to 1884, then for one year studied organ and counterpoint in Munich, Germany, under the great teacher, Professor Rheinberger. In 1885 he re- turned from Europe, becoming organist of the Bethlehem Moravian Church, succeed- ing his cousin, Theodore F. Wolle, who had also been his instructor in earlier years. This position he held continuously from 1885 until 1905. In 1887 he also became organist of Packer Memorial Church at Lehigh University, a position he also filled until 1905. In the latter year his fame as an organist, conductor and teacher brought him the appointment as Professor of Music
from the University of California, In 1882 Professor Wolle organized Bethlehem Choral Union for the production of ora- torios and in 1883 organized Easton Choral Society. As conductor of these societies he won fame, giving many of the best works of noted composers, and in 1893 gave organ concerts at the Chicago Exposition and in 1904 at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition at St. Louis. In 1898 he organized the Bach Choir for the study and rendition of the compositions of Jolin Sebastian Bach. Ile brought this choir to a high state of effi- ciency, and on March 27, 1900, conducted the first Bach festival, which was one of the musical events of the season. In May, 1901, he conducted a second Bach festival of three days' duration and in 1903 a third festival, the program covering a period of six days. Following this he conducted a Bach Cycle, requiring nine days to complete. This comprised a Christmas, Lenten, Easter and Ascension Day Festival, each requiring three days. These concerts firmly establish- ed Professor Wolle as one of the greatest exponents of Bach, and in 1904 Moravian College and Theological Seminary conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Music. In August, 1905, he was elected to the Chair of Music at the University of California, where in 1908 he organized a Bach Choir, and in April, 1909, conducted the first Cali- fornia Bach Festival followed by a similar festival in May, 1910. Dr. Wolle conducted the first American performances of the St. John Passion, the Mass in B Minor, the Christmas Oratorio and many of the Bach Cantatas. In May. 1911, he reestablished the Bach Festivals in Bethlehem, and is the leader of musical culture in that section of Pennsylvania. He occupies a high position in the music world, his genius combining with a rare love of his art.
He was one of the founders of the Amer- ican Guild of Organists, is a member of the International Music Society, Nene Bach Gesellschaft ; was general vice-president of the California Music Teachers' Association
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in 1911; member of the executive board of the National Music Teachers' Association ; member of the Council of the National So- ciety for the Promotion of Grand Opera in English, and State president of the National Association of Organists.
Dr. Wolle has devoted his life to his art, his inherited talent furnishing him his first incentive. Constant study and devotion to the truest principles of art has developed one of the great organists and conductors of his day, while his passion for the sublime works of the great Bach places him among the foremost exponents of that immortal composer's work. His reputation is inter- national, and he enjoys the personal friend- ship of the leading conductors and artists of the country. He is an honored citizen of Bethlehem and everywhere held in high esteem as artist and man.
Dr. Wolle married, July 21, 1886, Jennie C. Stryker, daughter of Henry Polman and Mary Elizabeth (Creveling) Stryker, of Hackettstown, New Jersey. Child, Gretchen.
GERBERICH, Harvey Landis, Physician, Public Official.
Among the eminent representatives of the medical profession in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, none are held in higher esteem than Dr. Harvey Landis Gerberich, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania. He is of Ger- man extraction, his great-great-grandfather, Andrew Gerberich, who was born in West- ern Germany, having come to this country in 1727 and settled in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. He was a farmer, as was his son Henry, who attained the advanced age of eighty-three years. Longevity has been a marked characteristic of this family in numerous generations.
Daniel U. Gerberich, father of Dr. Ger- berich, was born in East Hanover township, Lebanon county, and died there in 1898, having spent the active years of his life in farming. He married Catherine Boeshore, who died in 1896, aged sixty-four years.
She was a daughter of Thomas Boeshore, a direct descendant of an old Huguenot family which migrated to Germany at the time of the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, and later made their home in Amer- ica. Of the twelve children of Mr. Ger- berich and his wife we have record of: Al- fred, who at the time of his death at the age of twenty-three years was a physician and medical preceptor in Annville, Lebanon county ; Daniel Philip, a well known physi- cian and instructor in Lebanon ; Morris B., a physician in Lebanon ; Grant, superintend- ent of the public schools of Greeneville, Pennsylvania ; Edwin and Francis, engaged in agriculture in Union township, Lebanon county ; Harvey Landis, whose name heads this sketch; Kate, married Harvey Loser, a merchant in Progress, Dauphin county, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Harvey Landis Gerberich was born in East Hanover township, Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, August 20, 1872. He at- tended the public schools of his native town- ship, being graduated from the district high school with the highest honors. What was characteristic of the boy remained character- istic of the man, and his ambition always enabled him to complete his studies with credit to himself as well as to his instructors. Three spring terms of eight weeks each were spent in attendance at the Annville Normal School, after which he was engaged in teaching for five consecutive years. Dur- ing this time he continued his own studies in his spare time, in this manner preparing himself for the study of medicine, which he had determined to take up in the near future. He matriculated in due course at the Hahnemann Medical College, Philadel- phia, from which institution he was gradu- ated in 1906 with high honors. He at once established himself in general practice in Lebanon, and during the comparatively few years he has been thus engaged has won the confidence and esteem of a large num- ber of patients, as well as the respect and admiration of his medical brethren.
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A. L. Turbinich M. D.
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Dr. Gerberich is a man of many-sided ability, and does not confine his efforts for the betterment of his fellow beings sole to their physical welfare. The improvement of general conditions in the community, in social and political matters, has engaged a large share of his attention, and in connec- tion with this, as a representative of Re- publican principles, he is now serving his third term as a common councilman of the Fourth Ward of Lebanon, and he has served as a member of various committees in the interests of municipal government. His re- ligious affiliation is with the Lutheran church of Lebanon, and he is a member of the following named organizations: State Homeopathic Medical Society, Lebanon Club, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Patriotic Order Sons of America, and Royal Fellowship.
Dr. Gerberich married, April 12, 1909, Nellie M., a daughter of Daniel and Emma Sharp, and this union has been blessed with the following children: Christine Emeline, born February 18, 1910; Daniel Sharp, born March 1, 1911; and Alfred Bashore, born April 12, 1913. Dr. Gerberich keeps well abreast of the times, and is well fitted by nature and acquired knowledge to cope with disease and physical infirmities of all kinds. He is a public-spirited man, and a generous supporter of all projects which tend to the improvement of existing conditions, whether connected with his profession or in other directions.
WALTER, John,
Physician, Surgeon, Public Official.
Five generations of the Walter family have been residents of Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, where the name is an hon- ored one. Usually tillers of the soil, in the earlier generations, they were ever indus- trious, upright, substantial citizens, and loyal supporters of church and State. The present representative of the family in Leb- anon, Dr. John Walter, has been an honored
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