USA > Pennsylvania > Historic homes and institutions and genealogical and personal memoirs of the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania Vol. I > Part 11
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ARTHUR D. REAGAN, M. D. From no. professional man do we expect so many of the cardinal virtues as from the physician. If the clergyman is austere we imagine that his mind is absorbed with the contemplation of things be- yond our ken; if our lawyer is brusque and crabbed, it is the mark of genius; but in the physician we expect not only a superior men- tality and comprehensive knowledge, but sym- pathy as wide as the universe. Dr. Reagan in large measure meets all of these requirements, and is regarded by many as an ideal physician.
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Certainly if patronage is any criterion of ability, he ranks high among the leading physicians and surgeons in Easton, where he is now enjoying a large and lucrative practice.
Dr. Arthur D. Reagan is now accounted one of the prominent practitioners of Easton, and is one of Pennsylvania's native sons, his birth hav- ing occurred in Kesslersville, in Plainfield town- ship, Northampton county, in the year 1860. He is a son of Michael and Marietta Reagan. The father, a native of Ireland, emigrated to this country in 1847, and the mother was a daughter of John Stofflet, who was born in Plainfield town- ship, Northampton county. By occupation Mich- ael Reagan was a slater, and did much for the development of that material in the slate belt. He possessed marked energy and enterprise, carry- ing his business interests forward to successful completion, and he was not only a self-made man, but also a self-educated one. He became a noted linguist, speaking fluently the English, Dutch, Welsh and Irish languages. His family num- bered seven children, who became well known in various professional circles and walks of life as worthy and honorable representatives of the call- ings with which they are connected. The ma- ternal grandfather of Dr. Reagan was John Stofflet, formerly, a resident of Philadelphia, Penn- sylvania, whence he removed to Plainfield town- ship, Northampton county. His father bore the name of Henry Stofflet, and he in turn was a son of Michael Stofflet.
Dr. Reagan of this review spent his boyhood days in his parents' home, and was educated in the district schools of his native township until after he had mastered the rudimentary branches of learning, when he entered Trach's Academy in Easton. Therein he pursued a course of study until he was prepared for graduation in the class of 1875. In the same year he went to Michigan, and entered the State University which is located at Ann Arbor, pursuing the prescribed course there until his graduation in 1881. Returning to his native county, he entered the drug store of H. B. Semple as clerk to qualify himself in the drug business, prior to entering the medical col- lege. In 1883, he entered the Philadelphia Col-
lege of Pharmacy, in which he was graduated with the class of 1885, and then he became con- nected with the Long Island Hospital of New: York, where he added to his theoretical knowl- edge as well as practical experience, and this ex- perience well fitted him for his chosen profes- sion. He was graduated there in 1890, and then entered the Brooklyn Hospital, where he re- mained for two years. In 1892 he removed to Concord, New Hampshire, to accept a position as relief physician in the New Hampshire State Asylum. In 1893, he again returned to his na- tive county, locating in Easton, where he now enjoys an extensive and lucrative patronage. He is a member of the Medical Association of the county and of the state, and thus keeps in touch with the universal progress made by the medical fraternity.
In the year 1896 was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Reagan and Miss Elizabeth S. Heil, a daughter of the Hon. Philip H. and Susan Heil. To this marriage have been born the following named children: Philip H., Elizabeth S., and Arthur D. Mrs. Reagan was born in Palmer township, Northampton county, upon her fath- er's extensive and well cultivated farm, and is a most estimable lady who has gained many friends during her residence in Easton. Both Dr. Reagan and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church of College Hill, and occupy an enviable position in social circles. Dr. Reagan is popular as a citizen, as well as in his profession, and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and abil- ity, have elected him to the position of council- man from the third ward. With a nature that could never content itself with mediocrity, he has so qualified that he has steadily advanced to a prominent position among the most capable mem- bers of the profession in Easton, and the public and the medical fraternity acknowledge his worth and merit.
THEODORE A. FRACE. The progenitor of the Frace family in America was Frederick Frace, who sailed for the new world on the ship "Malbourgh," from Rotterdam, September 23, 1741. He was born in 1717, and on coming to
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this country is supposed to have settled in Dutch Village, New Jersey. He had a large family, in- cluding Michael Frace, who was born April 15, 1744, and who married Gertrude Dereberger, whose birth occurred November 14, 1750. In their family were the following named : Elizabeth, born March 10, 1770; Maria, born February 16, 1772, married Anthony Lerch ; Jacob, born De- cember 24, 1774 ; Margaret, born August 2, 1776; Anna C., born November 21, 1779; Lizzie, born July 22, 1785 ; Michael, born February 24, 1787 ; and Gertrude, born February 16, 1792.
Michael Frace, the son of Frederick and Gertrude Frace, was twice married, his first wife having been Miss Sarah Swartz in her maiden- hood, while his second wife was Anna M. Lesher. The children of the first marriage were Gertrude, born in 1814, and Michael, born in 1815. Seven children graced the second union: John, born in 1819; Abraham, in 1821; Margaret. in 1823; Joseph L .; in 1826; William, in 1828; Stephen, in 1831 ; Sally A., in 1833 ; Mary J., in 1836; and David, in 1839.
It was Joseph L. Frace of this family who was the direct ancestor of our subject. He was born June 24, 1826, and wedded Sabylla Bellis- field, by whom he had ten children, namely : Lenorah. Theodore A., Simon A .: Anna M., died March, 1904; Matilda : George W., died in in- fancy : James, Joseph H., Amanda and William. The father of this family was a man of noble character, upright and honorable in all the walks of life, and at all times living at peace with his fellow men. He held membership in the German Reformed church, and served therein as deacon and elder, taking an active and helpful part in its work. By trade he was a shoemaker in early life, but later he abandoned that pursuit and became a dealer in milk, carrying on that business for thir- ty-five years. In his political affiliations he was a Democrat. His death occurred in the year 1903, but his widow still survives, and eight of their ten children are still living.
Theodore A. Frace was born in Forks town- ship, Northampton county. July 10. 1851, and spent his youth in the vicinity of Easton, acquir- ing his education in the district schools of his na-
tive township and in Easton Academy. Having received liberal mental training, he then took up the work of teaching school, a profession which he has followed for thirty-five years with marked success. He became recognized as one of the leading educators of this part of the state, for his explanations were clear and concise, and he had the ability to impart readily to others the knowl- edge he had acquired. Moreover he was a good disciplinarian without being a harsh taskmaster, and he inspired his pupils with much of his own zeal and interest in the work. All this gained for him an excellent reputation, and the favorable judgment which the public passed upon him at the outset of his career has been in no degree set aside or modified ; in fact has been strengthened as the years pass by. For the past eighteen years he has been the principal of the Glendon school, which under his guidance has made substantial progress and permanent advance. He is con- tinually endeavoring to improve his school by the introduction of modern methods which his prac- tical judgment sanctions, and his worth in the profession is widely acknowledged.
On the 24th of January, 1874. Mr. Frace was united in marriage to Miss Susan A. Arner, and to them have been born two children : Edgar S., born June 21, 1875, and Elsie M., born January II, 1877. The former was united in marriage to Jennie Steible, and they have two children : Verna E., born January 19, 1898, now deceased ; and Eugene S., born in August, 1900. The daughter ter, Elsie M., is now the wife of Charles Bar- tholomew, and they have a daughter, Gladys S., born February 27, 1901.
In his political affiliations Professor Frace is a ' Democrat, and on that ticket he has been again and again elected alderman of the city from the tenth ward, so that he is now serving for the elev- enth year. He has exercised his official peroga- tives in support of all measures for the public good and permanent improvement of the city, and his course has ever been prompted by a pa- triotic devotion to the general welfare. He was also at one time assessor of Forks township, and in 1880 served as census enumerator. He served on the school board for three years and during
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one year of that time was its secretary. A mem- ber of the German Reformed church, he has served as one of its deacons, and for about eight years was the superintendent of its Sunday school. Thus he has been closely connected with the in- tellectual and moral training and development of the community and his labors have been of far- reaching benefit to his fellow men.
JAMES S. FRACE, who for many years has been successfully engaged in the grocery business on College Hill, Easton, Pennsylvania, was born in that city in October, 1857, and is a worthy representative of an old and honored family. He was reared and educated in his native place, and being well fitted to engage in teaching he suc- cessfully followed that profession for six years. Since then this attention has been devoted to the grocery business, as clerk for eight years, and as proprietor of a store for eleven years. He carries a fine line of staple and fancy groceries, and by his courteous manner and fair dealing has built up an excellent trade.
On the 23d of December, 1882, Mr. Frace led to the marriage altar Miss Mary A. Paul, who was born August 7, 1864, a daughter of Lewis and Frances Paul. Three children blessed this union, namely : Helen V., born March 10, 1884; Paul L., who was born May 27, 1886, and died October 10, 1896; and Lester D., born July 22, 1898.
The family hold membership in Grace Re- formed church, and are active workers in the same, Mr. Frace having served as deacon of the church three years and as elder seven years. Be- ing extremely popular with the children, he has efficiently served as superintendent of the primary department of the Sunday school for three years ; as superintendent of the Junior Christian En- deavor Society, and as president of the Senior Christian Endeavor Society. He is a tireless worker in the interests of the church and `of hu- manity, and his influence is wide-spread and ben- eficial. Mr. Frace is not only popular with chil- dren, but also occupies a warm place in the hearts of the grown people. Indeed, his success as a
public man lies in the fact that all like him, from the least to the great, and from the youngest to the oldest.
HOWARD D. FOLKENSON, a leading contractor and builder of Easton, Pennsylvania, received as his birthright a more than ordinary share in those aptitudes that have made his fam- ily eminent in Northampton county in the line of business he represents.
John Folkenson, grandfather of Howard D., settled in Forks township and in conjunction with farming carried on a large business in contracting and building. He was a prominent man in his time, and served the township as assessor and in other local offices. His wife's family name was Fraunfelter, and she bore him nine children, five of whom are living. The surviving members of the family are George, James, Lewis, Mrs. George Walters, and Mrs. Daniel Messinger.
Jacob, a deceased son of John Folkenson, was born in, Palmer township in 1836. He lived in Palmer township up to 1871, when he moved to Easton, where he remained in business during the remainder of his life. Like his father he was a contractor and builder, a competent workman, and a shrewd man of business. He was killed in 1890 by the falling of a scaffold. Mr. Folkenson and his family were members and constant at- tendants of the Arndt Reformed church. His wife was Sarah A. Walter, born in Palmer town- ship. Their children were Willis, Asher (de- ceased), Howard, John, deceased, and Cora. Mrs. Folkenson died in 1877.
Howard, third child and third son of Jacob and Sarah (Walter) Folkenson, was born in Palmer township in March, 1864. He received his education in the public schools of Easton, and, following the family tradition, learned the car- penter's trade. He worked at the bench as a journeyman up to 1890, when he opened business for himself, and soon became known as one of the largest and most enterprising contractors of Easton. He has erected some of the most sub- stantial and useful buildings in that city. Among these are the C. K. Williams plant, and the Edi-
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son Electric Light plant. His interests are broad enough to include all things pertaining to the public welfare. He was a member of the school board in Easton from 1894 to 1896.
In 1885 he married Mary A. Hughes, a na- tive of Wales, and the daughter of William Hughes of Bangor, Northampton county, Penn- sylvania. Five children have been born to them: Claude H., Karl T., May (deceased), Helen and Myra.
J. W. H. KNERR, M. D. In his life work Dr. J. W. H. Knerr has not only gained distinc- tion, but has also made his services of the great- est benefit to his fellow men, thereby winning their gratitude and respect. His knowledge of the science of medicine and his skill in the appli- cation of remedial agencies has gained him suc- cess, while his pleasant disposition, his genial manner and broad sympathy have made him pop- ular both among his patients and those whom he meets socially.
His paternal grandfather, Andrew Knerr, was a soldier of the war of 1812, and did valiant and active service on Lake Erie under command of Commodore Ferry in one of the most brilliant naval engagements known to history. He lived an upright life, and his interest in his fellow men led him to put forth active effort in support of measures and movements for the public good. He married a Miss Leibig, who like her husband was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, and to them were born two sons, George and John A.
The latter, the father of Dr. Knerr, was born in Lehigh county, in 1815, and became a mill- wright, which trade he followed until he met with an accident that incapacitated him for further effort in that direction, and rendered him an in- valid for fourteen years. In 1845 he removed to Como. Whiteside county, Illinois, where he re- mained for two years, and then returned to his na- tive state, settling at Sigfried's Bridge, whence he afterward went to Mount Bethel, where he acted as superintendent of the works of Joseph Howell for four years. He next accepted a position as superintendent of the glue factory of Sandt & Fleming, acting in that capacity until 1858. Mr.
Knerr was a selfmade man in the truest and best sense of the term. He not only gained success through his energetic and enterprising business career, but also won a good education with few school privileges, and so disciplined and devel- oped his mental powers that he could readily grasp and analyze complex and intricate ques- tions. He belonged to Council No. 13 of the Senior Order of American Mechanics, and for long years he was a faithful and devoted member of the German Reformed church, and was the first superintendent of the Levan Sunday-school, believing in the great efficacy of Christian educa- tion in youth as a foundation upon which to de- velop an honorable manhood and build an upright character.
John A. Knerr was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Music, a daughter of A. M. Music, the wedding being celebrated in 1840. Their family numbered four children: J. W. H., James E., Joseph H., and Albert F. The last named died May 3, 1855, and James passed away on the 22d of February, 1884. The father's death occurred August 14, 1880, and the mother died in Sep- tember, 1884.
Dr. Knerr was born in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, August 14, 1843, attended the com- mon schools near his home, and continued his ed- ucation in the Easton high school. He then be- gan learning the machinist's trade, which he fol- lowed for a short time, and in 1862, when his country needed men loyal and true to her consti- tution and flag, he offered his services in de- fense of the Union. He was enrolled as a private in Company K, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served faithfully and well for his term of nine months, after which he was honorably discharged in June, 1863. He participated in the battles of Chan- cellorsville, Fredericksburg, and Shepardstown. On his return to civil life he again entered the shops, and applied his attention and energies to the duties assigned him. The roll of the drum and the boom of the cannon, however, again so aroused his patriotic nature that he re-enlisted, this time becoming a member of Company K, Forty-seventh Pennsylvania Infantry, with which
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he remained until after the close of the war, being honorably discharged in 1866.
Once more, upon his return home, Dr. Knerr took up work as a machinist, and while thus en- gaged he also began reading medicine under the direction of Dr. Samuel Sandt, a practitioner of the allopathic school in Easton. He subse- quently abandoned his trade, and, devoting his entire time to his profession, has made a success of this calling. His specialty is rectal and tu- morous diseases, and he has been especially suc- cessful in their treatment, effecting many wonder- ful cures.
Dr. Knerr married Miss Annie B. Ja- coby, who was born in Hope, New Jer- sey, September 13, 1847. They became the parents of seven children : Lilly M., Harry E., Hattie B., Annie C., Sallie M., John J., and Mary, but the last named is now deceased. In 1888 Dr. Knerr was elected a member of the school board of Easton, and in February, 1890, he was chosen secretary of the board, in which capacity he is still serving at the present writing in 1903. He has thus been closely connected with the school system of the city during fifteen years, and his labors have been effective and helpful in advancing the cause of education. He is a mem- ber of Easton Lodge, No. 152, F. and A. M. ; the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Grant Con- clave, No. 123, I. O. H .; Saranac Tribe, No. 84, I. O. R. M., and is a past commander of Lafay- ette Post, No. 217, G. A. R. Through his mem- bership in the last named he maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades, and he is to-day as true and loyal to his country as when he followed the nation's starry banner on the battle- fields of the south.
JOSEPH MARTIN. Among the progres- sive and enterprising business men of Easton, Pennsylvania, is numbered Joseph Martin, who is to-day one of the leading grocers on College Hill, where for the past fifteen years he has been busily and profitably engaged in dispensing the best and freshest quality of goods carried by any dealer in his line in the city. He enjoys a large and constantly increasing patronage.
His father, Michael Martin, was a native of Germany, his birth having occurred in Straus- burg, in 1792. In 1812 he came to the United States, and first located in New York city, where he was engaged in various ways for some time, but it was not long before he came to North- ampton county, Pennsylvania, and purchased a small property near Sandts Eddy, on the Dela- ware river, which he improved and finally sold. Soon afterward he bought another tract of land, consisting of forty-five acres, and to some extent engaged in agricultural pursuits. Some time dur- ing the early '6os he removed to College Hill, Easton, and purchased the property now occu- pied by his son Joseph, erecting thereon a num- ber of dwellings which now belong to his heirs. As a companion and helpmeet on life's journey he wedded Miss Elizabeth Jumpers, who was a native of Northampton county, Pennsylvania, and they became the parents of the following named children: Henry, John, Michael, Isaac, Joseph, Charles, Jacob, William, Adam, Uriah, Sarah A., and Rebecca. Of this number, Sarah A., William and Henry are now deceased. The father died in 1883, and the mother passed away ten years previous in 1873.
Joseph Martin was born in Northampton county in 1842, and in early life was en- gaged in inland navigation as a deck hand. In this way he visited various cities, wherever his boat took him. In 1888 he embarked in the grocery business on College Hill, Easton, and has since given his attention exclusively to that line of trade.
In 1865 Mr. Martin was united in marriage to Miss Delia L. Chase, and to them were born three children : Clayton A. and Caroline J., both now deceased; and Herbert B., who is unmar- ried, and assists his father in the store. Mr. Martin is a stanch Republican and believes firmly in the principles of that great political organ- ization.
A. SCHUG, the popular alderman from the third ward of Easton, and an honored veteran of the Civil war, is a worthy representative of a family whose presence has been felt and recog-
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nized in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, since 1752. The first of the name to come to the new world was John P. Schug, who was born in Her- zog, at Sweibricken, Germany, in 1730, his wife, Anna Maria Schug, being a native of the same place. She was born August 31, 1738, and her death occurred October 12, 1805, while he died in August, 1794. They were the parents of three sons, Adam, Henry and Peter, and one daughter. John Peter Schug, the father of these children, lo- cated in Forks township, about four miles from Easton, where he owned about two hundred acres of unreclaimed land which at his death was di- vided among his heirs, who were farmers.
Henry Schug, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Forks township, and became a pros- perous agriculturist, accumulating considerable property. He owned three large and well iin- proved farms, consisting of one hundred acres each. As a companion and helpmeet on life's journey he married Miss Maria Messinger, and to them were born the following children : Will- iam, Alexander, Aaron, John, Reuben, Moses, Elizabeth, Sybilla, Jude (Mrs. Swartz), and an- other whose name is not recalled. All lived to be quite old, and Sybilla is still living in 1904. They were all born in Forks township, and became lead- ing citizens of the community in which they resided.
Alexander Schug, our subject's father, was a prominent farmer of his native township, where he owned and operated a valuable farm of one hundred and forty acres. During the Civil war one of his sons, Alexander, laid aside all personal interest to enter the army, becoming a member of the One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Pennsyl- vania Volunteer Infantry, and was killed in the battle of Gettysburg. In early manhood he married Miss Nancy Kunsman, a native of Lower Mount Bethel, Northampton county, and they became the parents of nine children, namely : (I) Josiah, deceased; (2) Henry ; (3) Matilda ; (4) Lydia, deceased ; (5) Amandus ; (6) Quin- tus ; (7) Alexander, deceased ; (8) Ebezena; (9) Allen, deceased. Seven of the number reached
maturity. Alexander, one of the sons, laid aside all personal interest to enter the army during the Civil war, becoming a member of the One Hun- dred and Twenty-ninth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was killed in the battle of Gettysburg.
Amandus Schug, of this review, was born in Forks township, on the 16th of September, 1837, and received a good practical education in the common schools near his boyhood home and in the select schools of Easton. Later he engaged in teaching for six years with good success, and was subsequently interested in the sale of school furniture for twenty-five years. He was married, in 1862, to Miss Mary C. Gradwohl, who is also a native of Northampton county and a daughter of John and Mary Gradwohl. This union has been blessed with nine children: (1) Porter, deceased ; (2) Tillie; (3) George; (4) Martha; (5) Sey- mour, deceased; (6) John; (7) Edgar; (8) Howard ; and (9) Clarence.
Mr. Schug was among the boys in blue who valiantly fought for the Union during the dark days of the rebellion, being a private in Company B, First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer In- fantry. After three months service he was hon- orably discharged, and is now a member of Lafayette Post, No. 217, G. A. R. of Easton. He has borne quite an active and prominent part in public affairs, and has been honored with sev- eral local offices of trust and responsibility. For six years he efficiently served as justice of the peace ; was a member of the borough council for several years; was borough auditor for two terms; and is now a member of the board of aldermen, having been elected to that position from the third ward. He is very public spirited and progressive, and has ever taken a commend- able interest in the welfare of his native county and the city where he now makes his home. Mr. Schug and family are members of St. Peter's Lutheran church. He has been a teacher of a Sunday school class for thirty-five years, and is still a teacher. He has always taken an active. part in church work.
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