USA > Pennsylvania > Encyclopedia of Pennsylvania biography : illustrated, Vol. III > Part 50
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and equality, before the law, and when they are assailed or abused we will, without regard to party affiliation, rise against such treason to the people.
To these idealistic principles he always remained true, as he also did to the princi- ples of Democracy, which he also clearly set forth in the first number. He ever up- held them in the newspapers he later edited, in the publication he founded, and in his daily intercourse. He spoke in later years in about every town and hamlet in Berks county, in the interest of the Democratic party, and through his newspapers spoke to about every German family in the county. For forty-five years "Die Reading Post" appeared with the following announcement at the head of its first column : "The Read- ing Post is the oldest German daily paper in the State of Pennsylvania outside of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Its circula- tion extends to all classes of the German population, by whom it is regarded as the acknowledged public medium of communi- cation." From 1847, the date of his arrival in the United States, until his death, nearly sixty-six years later, Mr. Rosenthal was connected with the newspaper and publish- ing business, over half a century of his use- ful life being spent in Reading, Pennsyl- vania, where he died full of years and honors, New Year's Day, January 1, 1914.
Wilhelm Rosenthal was born in 1823, at Nordhauser, Prussia, in the Hartz moun- tains. At the age of seventeen he was grad- uated from the Gymnasium at Nordhauser, then entered the employ of the publishing house of Dr. Philip Phoebus, where he con- tinued five years, adding largely to his mental equipment and gaining a practical knowledge of the publishing business. In December, 1846, he came to the United States, arriving on the sailing vessel "Biene" at New York in May, 1847. He worked for a few months in Ludwig's Publishing House, then in September, 1847, located in Philadelphia, where he opened a book store.
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In 1848 the German Revolution awakened his sympathy, and with other German citi- zens of Philadelphia he organized the "Ger- man Workingmen's Association," designed to interest the Germans in the Revolution, and to secure greater freedom for working- men. He was elected the first president of the association, serving as such five years, the association gaining a larger membership and erecting Mechanics' Hall, on Third street. It was his frequent public appear- ances and strong speeches that attracted F. W. Thomas, then about to begin the pub- lication of a new German daily, "Die Freie Presse," and induced him to offer the young man the responsible position of editor. He remained editor of "Die Freie Presse" for seven years, resigning in 1855 to begin the publication of his own newspaper, a German weekly, "Die Wochenblatt." He continued this publication three years, then sold out to Hoffman & Morwitz, who consolidated it with their own paper, "Die Neue Welts," retaining Mr. Rosenthal as editor of the consolidated papers. He remained in that position until 1860, occupying at the same time a position on the editorial staff of the "Philadelphia Democrat." In May, 1848, he surrendered his connection with Phila- delphia newspapers, and located in Reading, Pennsylvania, having accepted the editorial management of the "Readinger Adler," owned by Charles Kessler. From the year 1860 dates Mr. Rosenthal's long and promi- nent connection with the German press of Reading and with other vital interests of that city.
He was an ardent Democrat, as were the owners of the "Adler," and with all his youthful powers of tongue and pen he en- tered the political arena in Berks county, ever a hotbed of political contention. The "Adler" supported Breckenridge for Presi- dent with all the eloquence and logic at the command of the editor, but in the Civil War, 1861-65, advocated the preservation of the Union, although denouncing the ex- treme measures that caused the war. In power in his chosen field, and one of the
1864 he was a delegate to the National Democratic Convention held in Chicago that nominated General George B. McClellan for President, and in the campaign that follow- ed "stumped" the Eastern States for the Democratic candidate. In the fall of 1864 he retired from the editorship of the "Adler," that paper having changed owners, and soon afterward he began the publica- tion of a German weekly newspaper, "Die Banner Von Berks." This paper he pub- lished as a weekly until 1867, then began the publication of a Sunday edition, which he named "Die Biene," after the vessel that brought him to the United States. In 1868 he issued the first number of the "Die Read- ing Post," the first German daily newspaper in Pennsylvania outside of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. After securing a sure footing for the "Post," the "Banner Von Berks" was continued as a weekly edition of the "Post," and "Die Biene" as an illustrated Sunday paper, all being under the editorial management of Wilhelm Rosenthal, and all prosperous, well appreciated by a large nuni- ber of subscribers. In addition to these he founded in 1869 a German paper, "Die Deutsche Eische," devoted to the interests of the German Order of Harugari, which became the official organ of that society in the United States.
Mr. Rosenthal was an untiring worker and was devoted to his profession. His papers were ardent advocates of Democratic principles, and their editor one of the ablest and most useful party workers, both as a campaign orator and political writer. He continued as editor and publisher of the "Post" and allied journals until well past eighty years of age, then retired with regret from the profession he honored. Ile was a frequent delegate to party, county and State conventions, and in 1864 to the National Convention. Ile was not an office-seeker, and never accepted political preferment, his labors all being for love of the cause, and in the interest of his friends. He was a
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ablest German editors of the State, known and valued for his fearless advocacy of principles and his loyal self-sacrificing de- votion to the doctrines of Democracy.
He became a member of the German Order of Harugari in 1860, and rose to great distinction in that order, holding its highest offices for many years; was editor of its official organ, and on all important questions his opinion and advice were al- ways sought. On May 28, 1898, the fiftieth anniversary of Mr. Rosenthal's entrance on his career as a journalist was celebrated by a complimentary banquet, provided by his many friends and admirers; among those in attendance were Berks county judges, the mayor, heads of city departments, ex- mayors and many business and professional men of the city. The occasion developed into such a spontaneous, enthusiastic out- burst of kindly feeling and recognition of the services of Mr. Rosenthal as has seldom been witnessed on similar occasions.
Burdened as he was with editorial re- sponsibilities, he always had some time to spare for the general welfare and public good of Reading, and few men of the city did more to advance the interests of his adopted city. He was connected with sev- eral building and savings societies, erected many buildings himself, was an active and interested member of several musical and literary societies, and in many ways mani- fested his public spirit. He retained his intellectual vigor to the last, dying in 1914, aged ninety years.
He married in Germany, and by his first wife had six children, of whom all died in infancy except Ida, who became the wife of Philip Bissinger. His first wife died in 1861 and in 1876 he married Miss Sarah Jane Numemacher, daughter of Michel H. and Mariah Numemacher, all natives of Berks county.
BARBEY, John,
Manufacturer, Financier.
Since the year 1860 the Barbeys, father and son, have been continuously connected
with the brewing business in Reading, a business the elder Barbey learned in the brewing establishments of Switzerland, France and Germany. To his son he trans- mitted his expert knowledge and under the able management of the latter, the business has expanded until in 1906 it had distanced all competitors in size and output. John, the son, has also risen to prominence in the financial world, and as president of the Key- stone National Bank of Reading holds a leading position.
Peter Barbey, founder of the family in the United States, was born in Dierbach, Canton of Beigzabern, Rhinepfalz, Bavaria, November 9, 1825, and died in Reading, Pennsylvania, in 1897, son of Christian Bar- bey. He attended school until fourteen years of age, then began his half century connection with the brewing business by entering the employ of his uncle, Peter Bar- bey. He remained in the latter's brewery three years, and having learned every detail of the business as then conducted, followed the German custom and obtained employ- ment in similar establishments located in other countries. He employed four years in this manner working in Switzerland and in France, thus combining the brewing knowl- edge and methods of three nations. He re- turned to Germany, and having attained legal age was "called to the colors" and spent four years in a cavalry regiment of the German army. Then in 1850, at the age of twenty-five years, he came to the United States, settling in Philadelphia, where he worked several years, imbibing a knowledge of brewing methods as there conducted. He then came to Reading, entering the employ of Frederick Lauer, a fellow German, engaged in the brewing business. In 1860, having acquired both American experience and sufficient capital, he began business for himself and founded Barbey's Brewing Company, a concern that under his son has advanced to the front rank of Reading's brewing establishments. Peter Barbey continued the capable head until his death in 1897. He was a Democrat
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in politics, a past master of Teutonia Lodge, No. 368, Free and Accepted Masons; mem- ber of Germania Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; a director of the Keystone National Bank from its organization (in which he assisted) in 1863 until his death, and a useful citizen of his adopted city. He married Rosina, daughter of Philip Kuntz, of Rhenish Bavaria. Children: Katrina, died in infancy ; and John, the only son.
John Barbey was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 19, 1850, and when four years of age was brought to Reading by his parents. He was educated in the public schools of Reading and in business college, beginning business life with his father, who taught him the brewing methods that he had acquired in the old and in the new world. He was his father's trusted busi- ness associate until 1880, when he was admit- ted a partner, the firm trading as P. Barbey & Son. Seventeen years later the founder and senior partner died, leaving to the son the entire control and ownership of their well established business. To the plant as it then existed, many additions and improve- ments have been made, and in 1906 it had taken rank as the largest manufactory of malt liquors in Reading. Its prosperity has kept pace with its size, and is a testimonial to the business sagacity and executive abil- ity of its owner and manager.
Mr. Barbey has also aided in the estab- lishment of new financial and industrial enterprises in Reading, particularly the Keystone and Farmer's National Bank, and the Colonial Trust Company, serving as director in several of the more important institutions or concerns in which he is inter- ested, and was elected president of the Key- stone National Bank. He was made a Ma- son in 1876 in Chandler Lodge, No. 227; is a companion of Reading Chapter, Royal Arch Masons ; a sir knight of Reading Com- mandery, No. 42, Knights Templar, past eminent commander, elected in 1886; and has attained the thirty-second degree in the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite.
Mr. Barbey married Mary Ellen, daugh- ter of George W. Garst, of Reading, a prominent contractor and builder for many years. The family consists of an only son, John Barbey, and six daughters.
THUN, Ferdinand, Large Manufacturer.
In the development and upbuilding of Wyomissing, Reading's beautiful and im- portant suburb, too much credit cannot be given to two young Germans, Ferdinand Thun and Henry Karl Janssen, manufac- turers of textile machinery, founders of the business later incorporated as the Textile Machinery Company. There is a tinge of romance in the lives of these two men, that impresses one with the idea that chance may be governed by laws that are not even suspected, much less understood. Both were born in Barmen, Germany, in February, 1866, one on the 8th, the other on the 14th day of the month. Coming to the United States on different dates, they met in Read- ing-one an expert machinist and thorough- ly familiar with textile machinery, the other a textile manufacturer of experience. Their friendship, strongly renewed in a strange land far from the scenes of their youth, re- sulted in the formation of a business bond that yet exists, mutually profitable and pleas- ant. In the development of Wyomissing as a municipality, they have worked in har- mony, both occupying prominent positions in council and aiding in the establishment of industries, bringing prosperity to the borough.
Ferdinand Thun was born in Barmen, Germany, February 14, 1866, son of Ferdi- nand and Julia (Westkott) Thun, of Bar- men. The father was a foundryman, and in 1890 retired from business which he had followed for forty years of his then sixty years. Of his four children the only one to leave their native land was Ferdinand ; the second son, Emil, succeeded his father in business; and Mary and Emilie, the dangh- ters, yet reside in Barmen.
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Ferdinand Thun (2nd) was educated in the excellent schools of Barmen, graduating from the Technical High School in 1883. Barmen, for many years a manufacturing center, numbered among its important in- dustries large plants devoted to the manu- facture of braids, laces and dress trimmings. After leaving high school, Ferdinand Thun spent three years in the offices of one of these plants, and then decided to visit the United States. He finally located in Sep- tember, 1886, in Berks county, Pennsyl- vania, at Stony Creek Mills, obtaining em- ployment as bookkeeper with Louis Kraemer & Company, Mr. Kraemer, senior proprie- tor of the mills, being an old friend of Ferdi- nand Thun, senior. Two years were spent at Stony Creek Mills, the young man ac- quiring the English tongue and useful busi- ness experience. In the spring of 1888 he returned to his home in Germany. He had decided to permanently locate in the United States and engage in manufacturing, his visit to Germany being to further familiar- ize himself with German methods of manu- facturing braids, ribbons, etc., and to make the necessary financial arrangements. He improved his time in acquiring needed knowledge of the practical side of his pro- posed business in the Barmen mills, and in February, 1889, he again sailed for the United States.
He entered the employ of a large braid manufacturing mill in New York City, con- tinuing there three years, becoming super- intendent of the plant, and acquiring expert knowledge of every detail of braid manu- facture. While superintendent of the braid mill he made the acquaintance of Henry K. Janssen, also a native of Barmen, who was an expert machinist, and especially familiar with the manufacture of textile machinery. The young men were mutually attracted, and thus began a friendship and business association that has never terminated. They decided upon a partnership for the manu- facture of textile machinery, and agreed upon Reading, Pennsylvania, as a location.
Their plans materialized in 1892, and busi- ness was begun in a modest way at 220-222 Cedar street, with but a few hands. In four years, so well had the young firm succeeded, greater facilities were needed to handle their increasing business. Wyomissing was the location selected, that town then being but a proposed residential community without any industrial plants. A tract containing several acres was selected, lying along the Lebanon Valley railroad, that road offering abundant shipping facilities. A mill or factory was erected, capable of allowing for the employment of one hundred hands, and when equipped was placed in operation. Prosperity attended the intelligent efforts of the partners, and business increased to such an extent, that a corporate form be- came desirable. In 1900 this change was effected by the organization and incorpora- tion of the Textile Machine Works, Henry Karl Janssen, president ; Ferdinand Thun, secretary and treasurer. The advance made in the first ten years in Wyomissing was as remarkable as that of the four years in Reading. The works employing one hun- dred hands in 1896, in 1906 employed three hundred hands, and in 1913 employed over five hundred, buildings and equipment keep- ing pace. Nor do these figures fully indi- cate the full expansion. New industries using textile machinery have been promoted and established by Messrs. Thun and Jans- sen in Wyomissing, notably the Berkshire Knitting Mills and the Narrow Fabric Com- pany, employing five hundred hands, the partners holding official position in both. In 1902 Mr. Thun organized the Wyomissing Suburban Building and Loan Association, followed in 1906 by the Wyomissing Build- ing and Savings Association, holding in both associations the office of treasurer from their incorporation until the present time.
The result of the enterprise of Mr. Thun and his partner has been the wonderful de- velopment of Wyomissing as a residential and manufacturing community, that in 1906 was incorporated a borough, Mr. Thun, a
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prime mover in the change, being elected a member of the first council, as was Mr. Janssen. When the council met to organize, Mr. Thun was elected president, an office he yet holds.
Mr. Thun is a man of untiring energy and qualities of leadership. He is full of spirit of progress, is far-sighted, his initia- tive spirit leading him to advocate and press to successful fruition projects that to others border on recklessness. But it is so tem- pered with cool calculating wisdom that he makes no serious mistakes, as the past has proved. A tree is judged by the fruit it bears, and the fruit of Mr. Thun's leader- ship has been nothing but prosperity for all who have trusted his judgment and follow- ed his lead.
In political faith he is a Republican, and in religious preference is connected with the Lutheran church. He is a member of many associations and societies, business, social and fraternal; has a wide circle of friends, and is highly estemed for his manly attributes. Mr. Thun married, in 1896, Anna M., daughter of Louis Grebe, of Stony Creek Mills. Children: Anna, Mar- garet, Wilma, Hildegarde, Ferdinand (3rd), and Louis.
JANSSEN, Henry Karl, Large Manufacturer.
In close association with Ferdinand Thun, the subject of the preceding narrative, Mr. Janssen developed the important industry, the Textile Machine Company, and other industries, forming the foundation of the prosperity of the borough of Wyomissing, and taking an active part in the upbuilding and development of that beautiful com- munity. His was one of the first homes erected in the borough.
Henry Karl Janssen was born in Barmen, Germany, February 8, 1866, his partner, Ferdinand Thun, being born in the same town, the same month and year. Twenty- five years later the two men met in New
York City, and there began a friendship and business association that yet exists.
Henry K. is a son of Albert Janssen, born near the border of Holland, in the lower Rhine region, in 1834. He located in Barmen in 1860, and there was engaged in business as a book publisher until his death in 1878. He married Helen, daughter of Jacob Benner, of Hesse Nassau, who bore him six children, Henry K. being the only member of his immediate family to come to the United States. His brother Ernest was a dyer in Barmen ; Johannes was a whole- sale merchant in the same city and a mem- ber of the city council; Paul was a mer- chant and hotel proprietor of Offenbach in Hesse; and another brother, Albert (2nd) and a sister Helen are deceased.
Henry Karl Janssen attended the Bar- men public schools until fifteen years of age, and then began an apprenticeship to the ma- chinist's trade. He spent four years in this manner, and at the age of twenty-two years was a finished workman and entitled to all the pay and privileges of an expert machin- ist. To his German training and experience he decided to add such knowledge as could be gained in the United States, and in 1888 he arrived in New York City. He obtained employment with the Castle Braid Com- pany, a large manufacturing concern of Brooklyn, rising through proficiency to the position of foreman of the machine shop. He thoroughly understood the manufacture of textile machinery, and when he met his old townsman, Ferdinand Thun, superin- tendent of another plant in the same line of business, the two capable young men natur- ally discussed plans for their future. To the office and manufacturing knowledge of his friend, Mr. Janssen could add his own skill and practical knowledge of machine building. The young men deciding that combination to be desirable, formed a part- nership, resigned their positions, and in 1892 began business very modestly at Nos. 220- 222 Cedar street, Reading, Pennsylvania. Four years later the partners purchased
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land in Wyomissing and erected a plant, employing one hundred hands. In 1900 they incorporated as the Textile Machine Company, with Mr. Janssen as president, and Mr. Thun as secretary and treasurer, positions they now occupy, their plant em- ploying three hundred hands. Mr. Janssen also served as vice-president of the Berk- shire Knitting Mills and of the Narrow Fabric Company, two prosperous industries of Wyomissing, founded through the enter- prise and assistance of Messrs. Janssen and Thun.
With the establishment of these large in- dustries came increase in population, and in 1906 Wyomissing took on the dignity of an incorporated borough, Mr. Janssen being elected a member of the first council. His home near the plant of the Textile Machine Company was built in 1897, and was one of the first dwellings to be erected in the borough, Mr. Janssen causing it to be erected, and ever since making it his home. He is a member of several societies and organizations, is a thorough man of busi- ness, possessing all the attributes of the level-headed, intelligent, progressive man of affairs. He is a Republican in politics, and in religious faith a Lutheran.
In 1890 Mr. Janssen married Minnie, daughter of Henry Raeker, of Lippspringe, Westphalia, Germany. Children: Harry, Minnie, Helen and Elsie; the latter died in childhood.
HERBST, Dr. Henry H.,
Physician, Professional Author.
Instructor and
Dr. Henry H. Herbst, late of Allentown, for many years one of the best physicians of the city and one of the very foremost citizens of the community, was a worthy descendant of a long line of distinguished ancestors. The family for centuries past had been seated in Altenberg, Musselwitz, Saxony, Germany, where they were active and prominent, the principal factors in the
growth and improvement of the sections wherein they resided.
Dr. Frederick William Herbst, grand- father of Dr. Henry H. Herbst and of Sen- ator E. M. Herbst, M. D., of Oley, Berks county, Pennsylvania, was born in Alten- berg, Germany, February 3, 1804; died in the year 1880. He emigrated to the United States in 1826, after obtaining an excellent literary education, and located in Philadel- phia, Pennsylvania, and there under the guidance of a prominent physician he be- gan the study of medicine, continuing with him until his graduation from Jefferson Medical College. He located in the Oley Valley in the section now embraced in Pike township, Berks county, and there for forty years devoted himself to his profession. Not only did he become a leading physician, but he became a prominent public-spirited citizen and one of the intellectual leaders of his community. The last two years of his life were spent in retirement. He was a Democrat in politics, and in 1861 was elected county treasurer. He married Catharine Schall, born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, April 20, 1799, died in 1882, daughter of David Schall. Children: 1. Captain George S., born in 1830; became manager of the Rockland Iron Forge, and when the Civil War broke out was one of the first to answer President Lincoln's call for men ; he was mustered into service April 23, 1861, becoming captain of Company D, Seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry; he con- tracted sickness while in service, and after a lingering illness passed away December 26, 1865; in 1854 he married Violetta Maurer and they had one son, Dr. Edwin M., who is now serving his third term in the State Senate from Berks county. 2. Wil- liam, of whom further.
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