USA > Pennsylvania > Encyclopedia of Pennsylvania biography : illustrated, Vol. III > Part 49
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
1025
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
WINTER, Ferdinand,
Leading Manufacturer, Retired.
Probably in no State in the Union have foreign born residents exercised greater in- fluence in public and business life than in the State of Pennsylvania. To enumerate the deeds would be to write a history of the State, and while this is true of other States, nowhere has their influence been greater or more beneficial than in Pennsylvania. Among this class of men who, overcoming the handicap of language and strange en- vironment, have established great industries, brought them to the highest point of suc- cess, and there been able to retire with abun- dant means to ease, is Ferdinand Winter, an honored citizen and present resident of Reading. There is much to admire in the life of Mr. Winter, but nothing shows the beauty of his charater, more than his loyal undying affection for the home of his youtlı and the people of his native land. Thirteen times has he crossed the Atlantic, and each time some portion of the period devoted to foreign travel was spent at the old home in Austria. renewing his acquaintance with the scenes of his childhood and youth. Nor is he lacking in love and devotion for his adopted country-that to him has been in- deed the "Land of Opportunity"-nor for Pennsylvania and Reading, the State of his entire American residence, and the city of his almost entire American business life. A little less than half a century ago Mr. Winter came to Pennsylvania from his Aus- trian home, and two and a half years later began his long and successful career as a leather manufacturer, retiring in 1904, leav- ing an honored name in the trade and a busi- ness founded on excellence of product equalled by a record of integrity without a blemish.
Ferdinand Winter was born in Austria, in 1838, a son of Anton and Marie (An- sorge) Winter. He obtained a good edu- cation and began his business life in a tan- nery, learning expert methods of tanning chamois skins and other fine leather used in
glove and shoemaking. After mastering his trade he worked as a journeyman until 1867, attaining a thorough knowledge of the methods employed in various sections of Germany in preparing skins for com- mercial uses. At the age of twenty-nine years, on August 28, 1867, he sailed for the United States on the steamship "Northern Light," landing at Castle Garden, New York, proceeding thence to Philadelphia, where for two and a half years he pursued the trade he had mastered in his native land. In 1869 Mr. Winter settled in Reading, where he began his long connection with the business life of that city by securing an interest in a small tannery, established by Anton Blatz, a short time previously. Trad- ing as Blatz & Winter, the firm continued for six years, when Mr. Winter purchased the interest of Mr. Blatz, and shortly after- ward, in 1875, admitted Ferdinand Getz as a partner. The new firm, Winter & Getz, conducted business on the Canal street site of the Pennsylvania railroad until the site being needed for railroad purposes was sold to the Pennsylvania company, a new location bought, and a plant erected on the property now owned by the Ferdinand Getz Sons Company. The product of the plant was of superior quality, surpassing in ex- cellence foreign leather in many instances, often being passed by inspectors as im- ported goods. Their large output found a ready market in the competitive markets of Philadelphia, New York and Boston, and was exported in large quantities to England, Germany, France, and other foreign coun- tries, where the superior quality and fine- ness of the product was quickly recognized. After a successful business career extend- ing from 1875 until 1904 the firm was dis- solved in the latter year by the death of Mr. Getz. Mr. Winter having reached the age of sixty-six years and in possession of a fortune, then retired from business, and has since devoted himself to the enjoyment due him after a long and successful career in the business world. He retains his inter- est in affairs, however, as a member of the
1026
JE Conclementy
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Chamber of Commerce, and as a director of the Keystone National Bank of Reading. He served in the Common Council for two terms-1880-1884.
During his American life, Mr. Winter has traveled extensively in this country and abroad, making thirteen voyages across the Atlantic, and on each trip visiting his Aus- trian home. He is fond of the finer pleas- ures of life and is rounding out an honor- able, successful life in liis adopted city, where he is held in respect by all who know him.
He is an honored member of the Masonic order, belonging to Teutonia Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Excelsior Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Reading Command- ery, Knights Templar ; and Rajah Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He also holds membership in other societies and organiza- tions.
Mr. Winter married, in 1874, Clara Kuch- ler, who bore him sons and daughters: Ed- ward; Martha, deceased; Louis, Rose, Maria, Louisa, and two who died in in- fancy.
Time has dealt lightly with Mr. Winter, and not denied him at the age of seventy- six years the power and ability to thoroughly enjoy the fruits of his years of successful effort. Like most self-made men, he is modest and unassuming, yet proud of the fact that in a city of strong, successful men, he has not been found wanting in the essen- tial qualities that make for true manhood.
AUCHMUTY, J. E., Physician, Surgeon.
J. E. Auchmuty, M. D., is one of the younger physicians of Tamaqua, Pennsyl- vania, who has already achieved marked success in his chosen profession, and who is recognized as an able, progressive and enthusiastic practitioner. He is the son of B. F. and Mary E. (Latsha) Auchmuty, both born in the State of Pennsylvania, and both of Scottish ancestry.
Dr. J. E. Auchmuty was born at South Williamsport, Lycoming county, Pennsyl- vania, March 10, 1884, and was educated in the public grammar and high schools of his native town, being graduated from the last named institution in the class of 1897. He then attended the Susquehanna Univer- sity School, from which he was graduated in 1902 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and received the degree of Master of Arts from the same institution in 1905. Enter- ing the medical department of the Univer- sity of Pennsylvania, he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1906. His year of interneship was served in the Methodist Episcopal Hospital in Philadel- phia, after which he acted as assistant to Dr. H. M. Neale, of Freeland, Pennsyl- vania, for the period of one year. He re- ceived the appointment of physician and surgeon to the Maryd Coal Company, and retained this office until June 10, 1911, when he established himself in private prac- tice in Tamaqua, and has already acquired an extensive and lucrative practice. He is a member of the County, State and American Medical associations ; the University Club of Philadelphia ; Tamaqua Lodge, No. 238, Free and Accepted Masons; Chapter No. 137, Royal Arch Masons; Scottish Rite Temple; Rajah Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine ; Benev- olent and Protective Order of Elks, No. 592.
Dr. Auchmuty married, in 1903, Cleo, a daughter of Alfred and Mary (Miller) Kline, and they have children : Mary Helen, born October 8, 1908; John Howard, born March 4, 1909. The family residence is at No. 237 West Broad street. Dr. Auchmuty is a man of most benevolent impulses and kindly nature, and his professional skill as well as his sympathetic nature have gained for him the affection of the patients whom he has treated with exceptional ability. He keeps well in touch with all progress in his chosen profession, devoting all of his spare time to the perusal of medical literature.
1027
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
MISHLER, John D., Theatrical Manager, Leader in Community Affairs.
Where the title of "grand old man" origi- nated or who first bore it matters little, but never was it more worthily bestowed than upon John D. Mishler, Reading's "Grand Old Man," or, perhaps Pennsylvania's "Grand Old Man" would be more appro- priate, as he is just as popular and beloved in other cities of the State as in Reading. Here is his philosophy of life: "Just to be kindly and good natured, just to do the little good one can, just to sympathize with one's friends when they are down, just to leave the world a little bit better than he found it, that's all I think a man need aim at." Fur- ther, "If only half the nice things said of people after they are dead were only told while they are alive, how much more hap- piness there would be in the world." So here is recorded some of the "nice things" that can said of this kindly hearted man whose whole life has been devoted to mak- ing people "just a little bit happier," who clean handed, public spirited and loyal to every duty has made the world a great deal "better for his having lived in it."
John D. Mishler was born in Newmans- town, Lebanon county, April 28, 1847, son of Joseph and Rebecca (Zimmerman) Mish- ler, who came to Reading in 1848. He at- tended the pay schools of Reading until seventeen years of age, then entered the em- ploy of the then leading dry goods store of the city, John S. Pearson & Company, as delivery boy, receiving as salary seventy- five dollars yearly. His duties were to keep the store clean and to deliver packages to customers, sometimes using a wheelbarrow, sometimes by basket. Besides this he found time to act as clerk, selling during his first year $15,000 of goods, for which he re- ceived from the firm the handsome bonus of twenty-five dollars. From an early age he contributed to the columns of the news- papers, with a weekly article in "The Times"
called "The Man About Town." He pros- pered, and on May 2, 1867, at the age of twenty years, sailed for Europe and the Paris Exposition, making a four months tour. His death while at sea was announced in the "Berks County Democrat," and he was thus accorded the privilege of reading his own obituary. This report probably arose from the fact that fogs and break- downs caused the vessel to consume twenty- one days on the voyage across. On his re- turn he visited friends and relatives in Berks, Lebanon and Lancaster counties, people coming from great distances to hear his stories of his travels, a visit to Europe then being uncommon, he being the fifth person from Reading to make a European trip. On his return to Reading he was met at the station by a brass band and many citizens who escorted him to the Keystone (now Penn) Hotel, where a banquet awaited him.
A few days after attaining the age of twenty-one years, he began business for him- self, starting a retail dry goods store at 533 Penn street (the Globe Store, later pur- chased by Dives Pomeroy & Stewart), which he conducted until 1874, introducing many new ideas in storekeeping and in ad- vertising to give the store publicity. He was the first man in Reading to insert a column advertisement (1868), later using four columns, and at one time had an entire page of the "Times," with an extra edition of two thousand copies. On one occasion he secured the consent of the owners of the "Times," the only morning newspaper in Reading, made up and printed at 9 p. m., to print an account of the Maenerchor Ball, and have it appear the following morning. He accomplished the feat by plying the printers with their favorite beer, pretzels and cigars, and working all night. This occasioned great comment, as an account of the ball would not ordinarily appear until the second morning. He also conducted the "Globe Condenser" in the "Berks and Schuylkill Journal," making it a feature of
1028
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
the paper, and also advertising his Globe Dry Goods Store. In 1871 he erected a marble public drinking fountain in front of his store, paying the city ten dollars yearly for the water consumed. This fountain now stands at Penn Common, Eleventh street, above Washington. He was a "mas- ter of publicity," another of his "first fea- tures" being the "John D. Mishler," in which Prof. Donaldson, the aeronaut, made the only store packing balloon ascension ever attempted in this country, on May 17, 1873, Mr. Mishler furnishing everything for the experiment. In 1873 he was a mem- ber of the City Board of Health, and after selling out his business in 1874 devoted himself to the management of the theatre built by his father, and opened to the public October 1, 1872, at 533-535 Penn street, the first modern theatre in Pennsylvania outside of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. He man- aged this until 1886, when he had it re- moved and the present academy erected by a stock company, of which he was a mem- ber. He managed the academy until 1907, excepting only the years 1899-1900, when it was leased to H. R. Jacobs. The Penn Street was not the first of his theatrical ven- tures, as in 1873, while still in business, he established the Mishler Theatrical Circuit, which he controlled for years. In 1877-78 hie toured the country as manager of the Swedish Ladies' Vocal Quartette. From 1882 to 1886 he was manager and traveled with Bartholomew's Famous Equine Para- dox, and again in 1889-90, while the acad- emy was leased to Mr. Jacobs. He became very popular with the actors, visiting the academy, and has many mementoes of their regard. In 1882 Gus Williams named one of his successful plays "John Mishler." He made the academy a popular place of enter- tainment, and in many respects was a re- markable exception to the general rule. He was the greatest of publicity men, but in his advertisements did not exaggerate or state anything but the truth, and if he found a play had deteriorated after he had booked
it to appear at the academy he would pub- lish the fact in the papers, that his patrons might be fully protected. He often gave the use of the academy for charitable and religious purposes, and on December 25, 1892, gave a special performance of "Lost in New York" to more than two thousand poor children who were his guests. He often gave the Reading newsboys an even- ing's entertainment, having them attend in a body. Indeed, to provide poor children with unexpected pleasure was and is one of his greatest delights. On June 11, 1873, he took at his own expense and entertained for the day at Heilman's Dale, Lebanon, thirteen hundred poor children, and on Christmas Day, 1872, gave a dinner at the City Hotel to two hundred and sixty poor children. His public charitable work has been unceasing, giving much of his own money and a great deal of time in solicit- ing from others aid for charitable institu- tions. In 1887 he inaugurated the idea of an annual Christmas offering to all Read- ing's charitable institutions, by placing con- tribution boxes in the hotels, saloons, stores and factories, realizing the first year over $500. He was general secretary of the Associated Charities for seven years from its organization in 1902.
An enthusiast in everything that enlisted his attention, he found ample opportunity for needed reforms. On April 2, 1891, he organized the Berks County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and was its president for five years, thoroughly plac- ing the fear of consequences before human brutes whom only fear of the law could deter from overworking and underfeeding their horses. He was a member of the citi- zens committee in the introduction of the "Pingree Potato Plan" to aid the poor of Reading to help themselves.
As early as April, 1875, he had a draw- ing made of the then Fair Grounds, now Penn Common, illustrated in the "New York Graphic," and advocated their aban- donment for a public park, distributing
1029
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
thousands of copies of the "Graphic" to appreciated by his townsmen is fully shown leading people in the city and county. He in many ways. On January 9, 1908, at a had a drawing made by William H. Dechant, February 2, 1893, showing a public drive along the slope of Mt. Penn to McKnight's Gap and return. In 1896-97 he was chair- man of the executive committee for Read- ing's Floral and Chrysanthemum Show, the profits of these successful exhibitions being divided among the hospitals. In May, 1895, he was chairman of the finance committee for the Forty-second Annual Conclave, Pennsylvania Knights Templar, held at Reading, May 27-29. All bills were paid a week after the conclave, and a pro rata of the surplus returned to the subscribers. He was again chairman of the finance commit- tee for the conclave, May 27-29, 1901, with the same financial result. He was the treas- urer of the finance committee for the Thirty- ninth Annual Encampment, Pennsylvania Grand Army of the Republic, held at Read- ing, June 6-7-8, 1905. After all bills were paid, the balance in the treasury, added to by donations, was given to the Charles Evans Cemetery Company to keep in good condition, for all time, the soldiers' monu- ment, the graves and the ground surround- ing.
His enthusiasm and helpful efforts have extended into other channels, not for gain, not for popularity, simply that he is best satisfied when employed, and if not for himself, for others. He was a member of the committee of the Board of Trade to solicit subscriptions for an armory in Reading in 1907 ; was active in securing a loan of $500,- 000 for a filtration plant in Reading in Oc- tober, 1907; has made repeated efforts to build a modern hotel for the city, that dream now being realized; has done much effective work for the Board of Trade, and is a member of the present Chamber of Commerce; was a member of the commit- tee that collected $5,000 for the relief of sufferers from the Boyertown theatre fire in January, 1908, and in other ways has lab- ored for the good of humanity. That he is
Board of Trade dinner, he was chosen to respond to the toast "Our City's Special Needs"; in May, 1908, he was given a din- ner at the Mineral Spring Hotel by the Board of Trade, as "A Reading Booster"; he delivered an address at the eighteenth annual commencement exercises of the Reading Hospital, advocating State legis- lation for the protection of graduate nurses; was on the reception committee when Gov- ernor Stuart addressed the Christian En- deavor Convention in Penn Common, July 9, 1908; in 1908 he visited Ireland with his wife, and for the benefit of the "folks at home" wrote many interesting letters to the "Reading Eagle." On their return, Mr. and Mrs. Mishler were given a "home-coming dinner" at the Mineral Spring Hotel, Sep- tember 10, 1908, by more than one hun- dred men and women, and on September 24 the Reading Press Club gave him a "Welcome Home" reception, the club hav- ing made him their first associate member many years before. During the campaign of 1908 he presided at a Republican mass meeting held in the Academy of Music, Oc- tober 30; presided at a Christian Science public meeting, October 13, 1908; was fore- most in the advocacy of State roads; was made chairman of the general relief com- mittee for the needy families during the typhoid fever epidemic, in 1908; assisted in raising funds for a gymnasium for the Young Women's Christian Association; took active part in Reading's Sesqui-cen- tennial Celebration, was chairman of the finance committee, and, in fact, has borne a prominent part in nearly all public enter- prises in Reading during the past half cen- tury. He retired from the theatrical busi- ness in Reading, May 11, 1907, and agree- ably surprised some of his friends, "each one of whom he remembers for their partici- pation in a specific incident of his life," with a copy of "Mishler's Memoirs," a handsomely illustrated volume of two hun-
1030
Markinkem
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
dred pages, telling the story of his life from 1847 to 1907. The edition, limited to one hundred copies, tells the story of his varied useful life for a period of sixty years as business man, newspaper advertiser, his connection with the drama, his public bene- factions, with most interesting detail of his career. He continues his residence in Read- ing-a useful, loyal citizen, wide-awake business man, public spirited, never weary of well doing, active in the discharge of whatever he is called upon to do that may inure to the welfare of his city, his friends, and his neighbors.
In politics he is a Republican, a confirmed member of Trinity Lutheran Church; lib- eral in his religious views, fraternizing with all creeds. He is a member of the Masonic order, holding all degrees of the York and Scottish Rites up to and including the thirty- second degree, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and is a Shriner and an Elk.
Mr. Mishler married, September 7, 1871, Louisa C., daughter of Augustus Halbach, of Philadelphia, their home in 417 Green Terrace being at all times open to their friends who are most cordially welcomed and hospitably entertained. Children: Re- becca Marie, married H. Hurd Hillegas, a paper bag manufacturer of Reading; Maud Viola, married Harry E. Bell, of the Read- ing Poster Advertising Company, with which Mr. Mishler is also connected; J. Boyd, of Reading, is a son, and expert sign painter in outdoor publicity.
KERN, Martin Edward, Manufacturer, Financier.
In every branch of business it is the few and not the many who rise to eminence, and it is these few who give tone and character to our society, and shape the destinies of the communities in which they reside. This is especially true of Martin Edward Kern, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, who holds official position in a number of very impor- tant business enterprises, and who has made
his mark in the business and social world since his arrival in this country. His par- ents are Edward Carl and Marie Catherine (Hediger) Kern, both natives of Freiburg, in the mother nation of Switzerland.
Martin Edward Kern was born in Frei- burg, Switzerland, October 6, 1871, and after an excellent preliminary education matriculated at the University of Heidel- berg, from which he was graduated in the class of 1889. In the same year he came to the United States, making the city of New York his first abiding place. While there he was engaged in the life insurance business, and after a time removed to Eas- ton, Northampton county, Pennsylvania, and finally decided to make his permanent home in Allentown, Pennsylvania. In that city he became associated with the conduct of the Daeufer Brewing Company, and the executive ability he displayed in the man- agement of this concern was recognized by the other owners of the plant, which result- ed in the election of Mr. Kern to the presi- dency of the corporation in 1910, an office he is still filling. Mr. Kern was one of the organizers and promoters of the Penn Counties Trust Company, at Allentown, a banking institution which promises to be- come one of the foremost of its kind in that section of the State. He was elected first vice-president and is still in this office. He was also vice-president of the Mack Brothers Motor Car Company prior to its purchase by the International Motor Com- pany. His accurate estimate of men en- ables him to fill the many branches of the enterprises under his control with men who rarely fail to meet his expectations, as he has an unusual capacity for judging the merits and motives of men.
The numerous business interests of Mr. Kern do not deprive him of all interests in social life, and his amiable disposition has endeared him to a host of friends. His fraternal affiliations are with Jordan Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons ; the Livingston Club of Allentown ; Pomfret Club of Eas-
1031
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
ton; Lehigh Country Club; Northampton Country Club; Union League Club of Phil- adelphia, and a number of others. Mr. Kern married Jane, daughter of Gouver- neur Embree, of Augusta, Georgia, and they live at No. 45 South Sixteenth street, Allen- town, Pennsylvania. Mr. Kern is a man of upright character and strict integrity, and carries out to the letter every agreement, whether verbal or in writing, which he makes.
ROSENTHAL, Wilhelm, Prominent Journalist.
On May 27, in the year 1848, there ap- peared in the city of Philadelphia the first number of a German newspaper called "Die Freie Presse," by F. W. Thomas, 105 Cal- lowhill street. The editor was a young Prussian who had been in the United States but one year, but by his frequent public appearances had already attracted favor- able attention among the Germans of Phila- delphia. This young man, destined to be- come famous among Pennsylvania editors, was Wilhelm Rosenthal, then aged twenty- four years. The quality of the young editor is plainly indicated in his first editorial en- titled "What We Aim At." He said in part :
We wish to assist in protecting against abuse, selfishness and destruction, the eternally true principles of Democracy, by exercising the priv- ileges of the free press. The principles enum- erated by the great fathers of our glorious Re- public and laid down in the Constitution of the United States, and the Declaration of Independ- ence we recognize as our own principles. We will try to do justice to the wants of our age, by supporting all fair measures intended for the benefit of the people. We respect all that is old and tried and on the other hand do not condemn all that is new. We should blend the two to- gether, and by adopting what is good in the new strengthen the old. We recognize universal hap- piness as the object and purpose of the entire human life. To assist in that direction we will labor for recognition of truth, for truth is the foundation of all happiness. We will, free from all prejudice, uphold truth and justice, liberty
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.