USA > Pennsylvania > Historic homes and institutions and genealogical and personal memoirs of the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania Vol. I > Part 23
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HISTORIC HOMES AND INSTITUTIONS.
Joseph Beavers, and of his wife, Susannah Caf- feray, both Irish Protestants of Dublin. They came to America and settled in Hunterdon county. He served as colonel during the Revo- lutionary war, and at the termination of hostili- ties entertained the remnant of his regiment for a week at his "plantation," The copper tea- kettle which served as his coffee-pot during the war is still in the possession of one of his descend- ants. All of his seventeen children attained to years of manhood and womanhood. Twelve were daughters, the name of one, Theodocia, having been handed down through two generations ; an- other daughter, Margaret, became the wife of William (2) Everett, after whom Everettstown is named. The dissipated habits of Mr. Everett led to the loss of most of his property and the separation from his wife. One child only cast her lot with his, Ann or Nancy Everett. An uncle with whom she was a favorite introduced to her the handsome young "Friend," William Parker. His approval of the match was still further shown by a wedding gift of a fine side- saddle. They were the parents of ten children, and at the marriage of their oldest daughter, Ann, to Lawrence Titus, of Easton, Pennsyl- vania, Theodocia, one of the younger children, became a member of the Titus family, and re- mained with them until her marriage, on April 7, 1842, to Nathan Glover Mansfield. The first years of their married life were spent in Lan- caster and Harrisburg. Later, with their two oldest children, they returned to Easton, taking up their residence at the northeast corner of Ferry and Second streets. Mrs. Mansfield's last home was at "the Point," only a block from her" first. It was there she passed away on the morn- ing of February 21, 1902, and her departure was as gentle as her life had ever been. Hers was that charity which suffereth long and is kind, envieth not, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, and thinketh no evil.
Frank Mansfield, youngest son of Nathan G. and Theodocia Mansfield, was born in Easton, Pennsylvania, June 14, 1854. He was reared in his native city, and acquired a practical education in its excellent public schools. In 1888 he estab-
lished a wall-paper business which he is conduct- ing at the present time, it being now the oldest house of its kind in the city of Easton. By in- dustry and close application to true business principles he has won for himself a host of friends, and succeeded in building up a perman- ent and lucrative trade. His store is of brick, four stories high, and the entire structure is de- voted to the sale of artistic wall-paper.
On September 21, 1893, Mr. Mansfield mar- ried May Laubach, daughter of Robert and Mary E. Laubach. Mr. Mansfield and his wife are members of the Third Street Reformed church of Easton, Pennsylvania. He is a charter mem- ber of Vanderveer Lodge, No. 1105, I. O. O. F., and also of Black Knight Commandery, No. 109, Knights of Malta.
JOHN EVANS. Now living retired, John Evans is enjoying a well merited rest, for his career has been one of activity and industry, of unfaltering honesty and of unassailable reputa- tion in business circles. Few men are better known or more highly respected in Easton than is John Evans, and it is therefore with pleasure that we present to our readers the record of his career. He has now traveled far upon life's jour- ney, for his birth occurred on the 4th of No- vember, 1815. He is one of the oldest native sons of Easton, and through eighty-eight years he has witnessed the progress and development of the city, taking a helpful part in much that has pertained to its welfare and expansion.
His paternal grandfather, John Evans, was a native of Wales, and left that little rock-ribbed country when a boy. He crossed the Atlantic in one of the old time sailing vessels, and on reacning the shores of the new world he came direct to Easton. By trade he was a miller, and carried on that pursuit in Easton and vicinity for a number of years. Later in life he invested his savings in a tract of land and became a well known and energetic farmer of Mount Bethel township. He married Miss Jane Searles, and to them were born four children, who became good and useful members of society.
A representative of this family was Evan L.
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Evans, the father of John Evans. He was born in Easton, and in his youth learned the miller's trade, thus following in the footsteps of his fa- ther. Like him he also engaged in the milling business for a time, and then turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, making purchase of eighty-four acres of rich and arable land in Forks township, which he placed under a high state of cultivation. His fields, being well tilled, returned to him golden harvests and the annual sale of his crops brought to him a gratifying income. As a citizen he was interested in everything pertaining to public progress, and in all life's relations was honorable and upright, commanding the respect of those who knew him. He and his wife were charter members of the First Presbyterian church of Easton, contributing liberally to its support and taking an active and helpful part in much of its work. Removing to Providence in order to en- gage in some business pursuit there, Mr. Evans died in that city, but his wife, Mrs. Margaret Davis Evans, departed this life in Easton. Of their family of nine children only four are now living, namely : Mrs. Susan Fleming, John, Mrs. Matilda Hecht, living in Reading, Pennsylvania, and Theodore, a resident of Madison, Indiana. The maternal grandfather of John Evans was Barnabus Davis, a native of Wales. He, too, was a miller and at one time was flour inspector for the government at Philadelphia. He wedded Miss Mary Carr, and they removed from Phila- delphia to Easton at an early period in the de- velopment and progress of this city, their family numbering nine sons. In his religious faith Mr. Davis was in early life connected with the Society of Friends, but afterward became a member of the Presbyterian church, and his earnest Chris- tian character commended him to the confidence and good will of all.
ship in the store of Rodenbach & Brother. His services there were acceptable to those who em- ployed him, and he soon gave evidence of superior business qualifications. In 1849, he removed to Richmond, where he erected a building suitable for dwelling and mercantile pursuits and opened a general store. For eighteen years he carried on that enterprise, prospering in the undertaking, and the business which he secured came to him in recognition of his honorable methods and his carnest desire to please his customers. In 1867, however, he returned to Easton, where he en- gaged in bookkeeping for a number of years. Later he engaged in general merchandising for twelve years, and in 1890 he retired from active business and has since enjoyed a well earned rest.
In 1840, Mr. Evans was united in marriage to Miss Mary Horn, a daughter of Joseph and Catherine Horn, of Easton, and granddaughter of Abraham and Susanna Horn (nee Susanna Hay, daughter of Melchoir Hay) ; further mention be- ing made in the T. A. H. Hay sketch, to be found elsewhere in this work. She was born in this city on the 20th of January, 1821, and her parents are likewise natives of Easton, while her paternal grandfather, Abraham Horn, was born in Wil- liams township, Northampton county, and was one of the old and reliable citizens there. Her father became very prominent in financial circles, and for a number of years was cashier of the Pennsylvania Bank, at Easton. To Mr. and Mrs. Evans were born nine children: Edward, who was a noted physician, but is now deceased ; Ellen, who has also passed away ; Anna, Pennal, Mary, Ida. J. W., Joseph, who has departed this life ; and Evan W., who is a successful practicing physician.
By his fellow townsmen Mr. Evans has been honored with public office, being called to posi- tions of trust by those who recognized his worth and capability. He was elected to the office of justice of the peace in Easton, and by re-elections was continued therein for fifteen years, discharg- ing his duties in a most prompt and capable man- ner and without fear or favor, and his decisions
John Evans, whose name introduces this rec- ord, was reared and educated in Easton, where he has made his permanent home. He entered upon his business career as a teacher, and suc- cessfully followed that profession for five years, having the ability to impart clearly and concisely to others the knowledge that he had acquired. On the expiration of that period, he accepted a clerk- were strictly imparital and his course was most
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commendable. During that time he was also chief burgess of Easton. He and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has served as class leader and trustee for a number of years. Long have they been devoted Christian people, and their life record should serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others. For sixty-three years they have traveled life's journey together, sharing with each other its joys and sorrows, its adversity and prosperity, and now there is no more honored or worthy couple in Easton than these venerable people, who are spending the evening of life happily together.
WILLIAM H. BUTZ. When, after years of long and earnest labor in some honorable field of business, a man puts aside all cares to spend his remaining days in the business of en- joyment of the fruits of his former toil, it is certainly a well deserved reward for his industry.
"How blest is he who crowns in shades like these A youth of labor with an age of ease"
wrote the poet, and the world everywhere re- cognizes the justice of a season of rest follow- ing an active period of business life. Mr. Butz is one to whom has been vouchsafed a period of rest after an active and honorable business career. For many years he was engaged in milling, but is now living retired.
His ancestors through many years have been prominent in the growth and development of that part of the Lehigh Valley adjoining Easton. Michael Butz, one of the first of the name to locate in this portion of the commonwealth, was a native of Germany, emigrating to America early in the eighteenth century, probably about 1725. He was the great-great-grandfather of him whose name introduces this record. He and his descendants secured land direct from William Penn, and he carried on farming until his death, which occurred in 1732. He married an esti- mable lady of his own nationality, and they be- came the parents of several children, some of whom were born in Germany before the parents crossed the Atlantic to the new world. Among
the number was Michael Butz, named in honor of his father. To him and his wife Mary were born five children. Michael Butz, the great- grandfather, was also a tiller of the soil, follow- ing the occupation of farming throughout his active business career. He and his family were worthy people who enjoyed the respect of the entire community. His son, Christian Butz, the grandfather of our subject, was born near Easton,. Pennsylvania, and settled in the Bushkill creek not far from this city. He was united in marriage to Miss Mary Wagoner, and they became the. parents of seven children. Most of his sons fol- lowed the occupation of milling, a business which they learned from their father, for Christian Butz was a miller of some note, making fine- flour at an early day. He was also a man of pro- gressive spirit, believing strongly in improve- ment. He built a mill and a brick house, and the latter still stands. Some modern improve- ments have been added to it, and it is now one of the substantial and attractive residences in Easton, although it is now about one hundred and five years old.
David Butz, the father of our subject, was born at the family home on Bushkill creek, near Easton, in 1789, and he learned the miller's trade, which he followed in connection with farming. He prospered in his work, becoming the owner of two farms, and was a man of considerable influence in his community, widely recognized as a useful and honorable member of society. He wedded Miss Mary Huster, who by this union became the mother of nine children, only two of whom, however are living at the present writing. The sons were John, Christian, Daniel, Joseph and William H. The father was for several years one of the directors of the Easton Bank, and his business enterprise and foresight made him a valued factor in industrial, com- mercial and financial circles. His death oc- curred in the year 1827. The maternal grand- father of Mr. Butz was John Huster, who was a continental soldier in the Revolutionary army, and valiantly fought for the independence of the nation.
William H. Butz, who was born on the old
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GENEALOGICAL AND PERSONAL MEMOIRS.
homestead on the Bushkill creek, August 3, 1826, has spent his entire life in this locality. Like his father David, and his grandfather Christian Butz, he became a miller, and attained a high degree of skill in the line of his chosen activity, keeping in touch with the progress of the times. In 1849 he built the first steam mill in Easton, and owned and operated it for a number of years, but eventually sold that property to a Mr. Jones, of Easton. Mr. Butz then returned to the old water mill on the Bushkill, where he did a profit- able business in milling for more than a half century. The flour which he manufactured was of a high grade, and found a ready sale on the market. Thus year by year he added to his capital, continuing his business with success until 1899, when, having acquired a handsome competence, he resolved to put aside further business cares and retire from active life. He is now enjoying the fruits of his former toil, his competence supplying him with the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. Aside from the milling business he has extended his efforts into other lines of activity, and has aided in the ex- tension and improvement of the city of Easton by erecting six houses there. His judicious in- vestments in real estate have also been profitable to him, returning to him a good income. He has served his native city as assistant surveyor and assessor, and in public office is always prompt, reliable and faithful. He is a worthy member of the Christian Lutheran church, and his life has ever been in harmony with its prin- ciples. He has kept in touch with the advance- ment of the world, and has been especially in- terested in what has been accomplished in the place of his nativity. He has led an honorable and useful life, prompted by patriotism, actuated by unselfish motives, and guided by truth and justice, and he will be long remembered by the people of Easton, who are not unmindful of those who have devoted themselves to her best interests.
PETER RAUB. To say of him whose name introduces this review that he is a self- made man would be to present a statement that
would seem trite to those familiar with his life history, and yet in a record that will descend to future generations it is but just to declare that Mr. Raub is a man whose business record any might be proud to possess. Beginning at the very bottom round of the ladder, he has steadily worked his way upward, never incurring an obligation that he has not met, nor making an engagement that he has not fulfilled. He has thus won the confidence and respect of the busi- ness world, and through his enterprise and capability in his chosen field of endeavor has gained splendid success.
Mr. Raub was born in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, on the 15th of January, 1856, first opening his eyes to the light of day on the family home which stood near the Delaware river, north of Easton. His father, Dr. John W. Raub, was a physician of the old school, practicing after the methods of the times. He possessed much skill for one of that period, and his patron- age was very extensive, his practice covering a large area in his native county, and also extend- ing into adjacent counties. He was twice mar- ried, and by his first wife had four children: John, William, Daniel and Sarah, of whom only the last named is now living. By his second wife, Sarah Eberhart, he had four children : Jacob, Peter, Mrs. Transue and Mrs. Kutzler, all of whom survive. Dr. Raub departed this life in 1859, and the mother of this family passed away in 1898. Both parents were de- scendants of Pennsylvania Dutch ancestry, and were worthy and useful members of society.
After the father's death, Mrs. Raub removed with her family to Easton, taking up her abode in the city in 1864. Peter Raub was then a lad of eight summers, and at that time he began to earn his own living, following various pursuits that would yield him an honest dollar. At the age of seventeen, however, he was apprenticed to learn the trade of a brick layer and mason, and has since followed that calling, at first work- ing as a journeyman and later as a contractor. It was in 1883 that he embarked upon an inde- pendent business venture, and he has since been extensively engaged in erecting some of the prin-
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cipal buildings of Easton. He is thoroughly con- versant with the builder's art in every particular, and his skill is manifested in fine structures here. He gradually worked his way upward, his patron- age increasing year by year until his business is now very extensive and profitable.
Fraternally Mr. Raub is connected with the Knights of Pythias, and in April, 1903, he was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason in Dallas Lodge, F. and A. M. In his political views he is a staunch Democrat, and in 1891 he was elected to the office of select councilman for a term of two years. In 1899 he was chosen a member of the common council but after one year he resigned that position that he might be elected to a seat in the select council. He won the election and served in the latter body for two years, after which he resigned to become the nominee of his party for county commissioner. Popular suffrage again chose him to office, and he is now (1904) acting as commissioner. He not only has the loyal support of his own party, but also receives the endorsement and allegiance of many of the adherents of the opposition party, a fact which indicates that his personal worth has made him a popular citizen. His interest in his fellow men is deep and sincere, and arises from a humanitarian spirit which has prompted his support of and co-operation with many move- ments and enterprises for the general good. His career has ever been such as to warrant the trust and confidence of the business world, and his activity in industrial, commercial and financial circles forms no unimportant chapter in the history of Easton.
In 1879 Mr. Raub led to the marriage altar Miss Alice E. Laros, a daughter of Daniel Laros, and to them have been born two children : Frank, whose birth occurred in 1881 ; and Hazel, born in 1886.
HON. JOHN STOTZER was one of the prominent and leading citizens of Easton whose life has been largely passed in serving the country of his adoption, and no more loyal son of Amer- ica could be found than was this gentleman whose firm allegiance was given to the stars and stripes.
He was born in Berne, Switzerland, in the year 1829, a son of Samuel and Mary Ann Stotzer. The former died in his native country during the infancy of our subject and the mother afterward became the wife of Charles Bless, who with his wife and her child emigrated to this country in the year 1821. They located in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, and Mr. Bless secured employment in the Catherine Furnace.
Hon. John Stotzer was the only child born of his parents' marriage. He was reared in North- ampton county, pursuing his education in the public schools, where by assiduous study he laid the foundation for his future usefulness. His school facilities were somewhat limited, but by association with men of learning and broad in- telligence he added to his own knowledge until he came to be regarded as one of the best in- formed men of the locality, well fitted for leader- ship in business or public life. His early years were spent in boating upon the canal. He fol- lowed that pursuit until 1847, in which year he removed to Easton, where he became a clerk in the store owned by Major Seip. It was in that position that he gained a practical and compre- hensive knowledge of the methods of commercial life, and was thereby fitted to carry on business on his own account. On leaving Mr. Seip's employ he opened a grocery store, which he con- ducted with profit to himself, winning many patrons and carrying on a large business until 1860. In the meantime his career as a public official had begun, for in 1854 he was elected justice of the peace in what was then known as the west ward. This position he held until 1860, when he resigned, having won for himself a cred- itable reputation as one whose rulings were always fair and impartial, "his even handed justice winning him golden opinions from all sorts of people." In the fall of 1860 Mr. Stotzer was elected recorder of wills, and acted in that capacity for six years, subsequent to which time he became commissioner's clerk, and thus served for two years. In 1865 he was elected council- man, and no higher testimonial of his capability and loyalty can be given than the statement of the fact that he was retained in that office for
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eighteen years, and during the last three years of the term was honored with the presidency. Dur- ing an interval of five years he served on the board of control. His public record was above reproach, ever characterized by the utmost fidel- ity to duty and the most marked devotion to the best interests of those whom he served. On his retirement from the office of councilman he turned his attention to the real estate business, and also transacted all legal affairs connected with the office. In 1874 he was elected a mem- ber of the house of representatives from North- ampton county, and served in the general assem- bly for two terms, leaving the impress of his in- dividuality upon the legislation enacted during that period. He then resumed his office of con- veyancer at the same time, becoming a notary public. He was for twenty-one years treasurer of the board of directors of the poor of North- ampton county, and in 1903 was the president of the board of tax revisers and appeals.
In 1849 Mr. Stotzer was united in marriage to Miss Sarah C. Dochrodt, a daughter of John A. and Julia Ann Dochrodt. Unto this marriage were born seven children, six of whom reached years of maturity, while five are still living, name- ly : Charles W., Frank J., Mrs. Emma L. Light- cap, Mrs. Anna J. Tulmore and Mrs. Nellie Warne. The mother passed away in September, 1884, after a long and happy married life. She had gained many friends and her loss was deeply deplored throughout the entire community.
Mr. Stotzer held membership in Delaware Lodge, No. 52, F. and A. M., and was a very prominent Knight of Pythias, having been honored with offices in the grand lodge, and was a member of the supreme lodge of Pennsylvania. The public life of few citizens of the county ex- tended over as long a period as has that of Mr. Stotzer, and certainly the life of none was more faithful in service, more constant in honor, more fearless in conduct and more stainless in reputa- tion. Mr. Stotzer died February 27, 1904.
JOHN A. BACHMAN. As far back as history of the family can be traced, it is ascer- tained that the Bachman family is of Swiss
origin, and that early representatives of the name lived in Luzerne. When William Penn came to this country, his private secretary was a member ot the Bachman family, and following their arrival in the new world, when William Penn came into possession of the state which has been named in his honor, he deeded to his secretary, as a compensation for his labors, the two town- ships then known as Upper and Lower Sagney, and now called Upper and Lower Saucon. His- tory also states that on the 25th of May, 1737, the warrant of survey for two hundred acres of land along the Saucon creek was granted by the proprietor to Henry Goetschey, but, having failed to comply with the conditions of sale, a deed was executed to Christian Beitler by John, Thomas and Richard Penn, dated July 23, 1744. On the 20th of June, 1751, this same property was con- veyed by Christian Beitler to Christian Bachman. The latter was a miller by trade, and was the proprietor of the mill property now belonging to the firm of Eberhart & Brother. Christian Bachman became the progenitor of the members of the family living in the vicinity of Hellertown. He had a family of ten children, namely : Abra- ham, John, George, Henry, Mary, wife of Christian Schick, Christian, Jacob, Joseph, Solomon, and David. The last named, David, became the great-grandfather of the subject of this review, and the grandfather was Peter Bach- man, who had three sons, John W., Charles W., and David.
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