USA > Pennsylvania > Historic homes and institutions and genealogical and personal memoirs of the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania Vol. I > Part 52
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Joseph W. Siegfried (4), father of Robert L. Siegfried, was born in Bushkill township, Northampton county, Pennsylvania, in April, 1831. After completing his education in the com- mon schools, he turned his attention to learning the trades of miller and millwright, which was his means of livelihood until 1881. He then located at Cherry Hill, Northampton county, and estab- lished a general mercantile business which he con- ducted up to the year of his death, 1889, and
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which yielded him a handsome income. Mr. Sieg- fried was never ambitious for public distinction nor a seeker after office, yet he was frequently called upon to fill various local offices. He was a member and trustee of the Moravian church at Schoeneck, Pennsylvania. He married Maria Saylor, who was born at Jacobsburg, Northamp- ton county, in 1834, and died in 1891. Their chil- dren were James F., William, Emma L., de- ceased ; Oscar, deceased ; Charles P., Howard J., and Robert L. Siegfried.
Robert L. Siegfried (5), youngest son of Jo- seph W. and Maria Siegfried, acquired an ex- cellent English education in the public schools of Bushkill township." He began his business life in the employ of his father, and after remaining with him for a period of three years, during which time he became thoroughly familiar with the vari- ous details of the work, his father retired from active pursuits, and the business was then man- aged by Robert L. and his brother, William A., who entered into a partnership which continued until 1896. In that year Robert L. Siegfried dis- posed of his interest in the business, removed to Nazareth, and there established his present busi- ness, which consists of a general line of dry-goods and groceries. Under his excellent management and personal supervision the business has in- creased to a large extent, and his efforts are now rewarded by the success he so richly deserves. He is a member of the Moravian church, and his political affiliations are with the Democratic party. He is a member of the Senior Order of United American Mechanics.
Mr. Siegfried married, September 26, 1896, Dora Giersch, a daughter of Albert C. Giersch, a prominent resident of Bushkill township. Their children are Joseph Albert, and Mary Eleanor Siegfried.
JOHN J. HARTZEL, one of the representa- tive citizens of Nazareth, Northampton county, Pennsylvania, who by his patient, persevering ef- fort, industry and economy has accumulated a sufficient competence to allow him to retire from active business pursuits and enjoy a well earned rest, is a worthy descendant of a family who have
made their home in this section of the State since the first settlement of the family in America. He was born in Belfast, Northampton county, Penn- sylvania, February 27, 1845, a son of Jacob S. and' Susanna ( Rothrock) Hartzel, and grandson of John Hartzel.
John Hartzel (grandfather) was born on the old homestead, which was situated near the town of Farmersville, Northampton county, this being the same property on which his ancestors resided for many years. During his early manhood he followed the occupation of farming in the vicinity of his birth place, but later removed to Hecktown, where he erected a substantial and commodious residence and engaged in mercantile pursuits. He was an honorable, upright man of a quiet and retiring disposition, and was greatly esteemed and honored in the community. He was a member of the Reformed church. He married Catherine Schweitzer, and they reared a family of four chil- dren-Jacob S., father of John J. Hartzel ; Eliza- beth, who was the wife of Jacob Knight, of Phil- adelphia, Pennsylvania : Judith, who was the wife of Henry Heckman of Dansville, New York ; and Mary, who was the wife of Joseph Fenemaker. John Hartzel, father of these children, died at the age of sixty-nine years.
Jacob S. Hartzel (father) was born in the vicinity of Hecktown, Northampton county, . Pennsylvania, in 1823. He was reared on the farm and acquired an excellent education in a school at Easton, Pennsylvania, which was under the personal supervision of Dr. Vanderveer. Shortly after his marriage to Susanna Rothrock, daughter of John Rothrock, he removed to Plain- field township, and in the vicinity of Belfast erected a distillery which he conducted until 1864. He then located in the town of Nazareth, where he also built a distillery, and this line of industry he continued to follow until 1864, when he re- tired from business. For a number of years he operated the two plants, which yielded him a handsome income, but finally he disposed of the one located at Belfast. Mr. Hartzel was a mem- ber of the Reformed church, and his political af- filiations were with the Democratic party. Jacob S. Hartzel and his wife, Susanna (Rothrock)
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Hartzel, were the parents of five children-Mary, John J., Anna, wife of Stephen Kickline of Eas- ton, Pennsylvania ; Susan, deceased, who was the wife of Alfred A. Seem; and Emma, wife of Thomas Seem. Jacob S. Hartzel died in 1891 ; his wife died in 1881.
In the old Moravian school at Nazareth, Penn- sylvania, John J. Hartzel, only son of Jacob S. and Susanna Hartzel, obtained an excellent Eng- lish education which thoroughly qualified him for a career of usefulness. His first business experi- ence was gained at Nazareth, Pennsylvania. where for two years he engaged in mercantile pursuits. Later he adopted the brewing and bottling business as a means of livelihood, but finally abandoned this industry to engage in agri- cultural pursuits, and throughout his entire ca- reer he has been straightforward and honorable in his dealings. He is an honored member of the Moravian church of Nazareth, and his political allegiance is given to the Democratic party.
In 1870 Mr. Hartzel married Clarissa Boer- stler, who was born in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, daughter of Philip Boerstler, who was a son of John Boerstler, and ·a descendant of an old and prominent Northampton county family. Their children are : Emily F., and Jacob H., who is en- gaged as teller in the Second National Bank of Nazareth.
REV. ASA E. ERDMAN, of Nazareth, Penn- sylvania, who was ordained to the work of the gospel ministry at Allentown, Pennsylvania, May 3, 1877, and is now serving in the capacity of pas- tor for four churches of the Lutheran denomina- tion near Nazareth, Northampton county-St Peter's, at Miller ; the Evangelical Lutheran at Belfast ; Trinity, at Wind Gap; and Jehovah, at Bushkill Center-is a son of Elias and Sarah Ann (Eisenhart) Erdman, and was born in Upper Saucon township, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, June 27, 1853.
Elias Erdman (father) was a son of Jacob Erdman, and he was also a native of Upper Sau- con township, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, the year of his birth being 1825. Elias Erdman was
a farmer by occupation, and by industry and care- ful management his broad acres yielded a plenti- ful harvest, and he was enabled to provide a com- fortable home for his family. His wife, Sarah Ann (Eisenhart) Erdman, was a daughter of Benjamin Eisenhart, a prominent citizen of Le- high county, Pennsylvania, and she bore him the following named children : Asa E., mentioned at length hereinafter ; Jacob Benjamin, died at tl1. age of twelve years ; Kate Caroline. Mr. Erdman died in 1877 and his wife also passed away.
Asa E. Erdman acquired his preliminary edu- cation in the public schools of Upper Saucon township, pursued his collegiate studies at Beth- lehem Academy, Bethlehem ; at Muhlenburg Col- lege, Allentown, graduating from the latter named institution in 1874, and at the Lutheran Seminary at Philadelphia, from which he was graduated in 1877. His ordination occurred at Allentown, May 3, 1877. In 1889 he pusued a special course in theological study at the Divinity School of Yale College, New Haven, Connecticut. His first pas- torate was in the Plainfield parish, where he has since been in charge, and during more than a quarter of a century he has faithfully and effi- ciently inculcated in the minds of the people the blessed teachings of his Master. In 1883 he or- ganized the Pen Argyl congregation which has since become an independent parish ; he also or- ganized the Wind Gap congregation, which is now under his control in addition to the St. Peter's, Jehovah, and Union congregations. Rev. Mr. Erdman is a man of marked individuality of character, a fluent and forcible speaker, and his upright and noble characteristics make his daily life an example and power for good in the com- munity. He was for a time interested in the Pen Argyl Inder and also published the Lutheran Echo. Politically he is a staunch advocate of the principles of Democracy, and not unmindful of his duties as a citizen. For a number of years he served as school director of Nazareth. Fra- ternally he is a member of Whitfield Lodge, No. 622, Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons.
On February 19, 1885, Rev. Asa E. Erdman was united in marriage to Clara Virginia Wint.
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daughter of Ferdinand and Susanna (Kidd) Wint, of Catasauqua, Lehigh county, Penn- sylvania.
OLIVER R. DESHLER. The field of busi- ness is limitless, its prizes are many, and yet comparatively few who enter the "world's broad field of battle" come off victors in the struggle for success and prominence. This is usually due to one or inore of several causes-superficial preparation, lack of close application, or an un- wise choice in selecting an avocation for which one is not fitted. The reverse of all these has entered into the prosperity and prominence which Mr. Deshler has gained as a representative of the industrial manufacturing interests of Bangor. He was thoroughly trained for the pursuit which he has always followed and in which he embarked as a young man, and his native talent and ac- quired ability seem to have especially fitted him for this business, the manufacture of high hall clock cases and piano trusses.
Mr. Deshler is descended from one of the old families of the Lehigh valley. His grandfather, David Deshler, was a man of the highest respec- tability who enjoyed the full confidence of his fel- low citizens. To him and his wife Sophronia were born three children : I. Tilghman. 2. Sarah, wife of Solomon Kline, of Allentown, and they have four children-Elmina, Charles, Emma, and Amanda. 3. Reuben Deshler, the father of our subject, who was born in Cedarville, Pennsyl- vania, in 1832. He became a blacksmith, and in addition to the conduct of his shop he owned and operated a small farm. He was a good me- chanic, but is now living retired. His wife bore the maiden name of Henrietta Ritter, and to them were born four children : Charles D., Henry D., Emma D., and Oliver R. The mother de- parted this life in 1877.
Oliver R. Deshler was born at Emaus, in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, May 26, 1861, and was reared and educated in his native town. In early life he learned the cabinet-maker's trade in Easton, Pennsylvania, to which city he removed in 1880, there spending eight years. In 1888 he went to Philadelphia, where he spent less than a
year. Returning then to Easton, he entered the employ of W. J. Daub, with whom he re- mained for a year and a half. In 1891 he re- moved to Belvidere, New Jersey, where with his brother, Henry D., he entered into the wholesale and retail furniture business, being successfully engaged in that way for nine years. In 1901 he came to Bangor, and began the manufacture of tall hall clock cases and piano trusses, in addition to the slate industry. In this he was associated with J. S. Moyer, but the slate work proved detri- mental to the wood working business of Mr. Deshler, and in the following year (1902) he built and equipped his present plant. He uses a forty-two horse-power engine, together with a sixty horse-power boiler, and thirty-seven men are employed in the works. The business herein conducted amounts to thirty thousand dollars per annum, and the capacity will allow an increase to seventy-five thousand dollars. Already Mr. Deshler has become widely known as the pro- prietor of this manufactory, and is building up a business which is increasing steadily to a most gratifying extent.
Mr. Deshler does not, however, confine his at- tention wholly to this work, for he is also a large stockholder in the Pahaquarry Copper Company. The properties of the corporation comprise fee- simple title to 1,602 acres of valuable copper lands. in Pahaquarry township, Warren county, New Jersey, more than three and one-half miles in. length, and with an average width of about a half mile. The many copper bearing veins run the entire length of the property, outcropping nearly five hundred feet above the Delaware river, at an angle of forty-five degrees. Calculations show fifteen or sixteen million tons of ore, containing nearly four million pounds of copper, without going below the water level. The mines were. rudely developed by the Dutch and Indians as early as 1660, and the product was carried over a wagon road cut through the forest for more than one hundred miles to Esopus (now Kings- ton), whence it was shipped to Holland for treat- ment. The mines were purchased by the Alle- gheny Mining Company in 1862, but were not adequately worked, and were subsequently aban-
O. R. Deshler.
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doned. In recent years it was discovered that the mines had been worked only to a limited extent, and that they still contained an abundance of ore -- in fact, a greater quantity than had ever been dreamed of. In 1902 the property was pur- chased by Mr. Deshler and his brother, Henry D. Deshler, and they are the largest stockholders in the Pahaquarry Copper Company, of which O. R. Deshler is president, and H. D. Deshler is secre- tary. They are now erecting buildings and in- stalling a new plant with a capacity of two hun- dred tons per diem, and expect to have the same completed before the expiration of the present year (1904). The Pahaquarry Copper Com- pany also owns in fee simple two hundred and fifty acres of valuable mineral property on the east slope of Blue Mountain, near the great off- set at Tott's Gap, Pennsylvania, which contains well defined veins of gold and silver bearing rock assaying from a few dollars to $36 per ton- the same class of rock as is found at Leadville, Colorado. A tunnel of one hundred and forty feet has been driven across several veins, and the property will soon be developed.
November 12, 1881, occurred the marriage of Mr. Deshler and Miss Carrie A. Balliet, who was born September 26, 1863, in Emaus, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania. To them have been born eight children: I. George Oliver, born May 12, 1884. 2. Harry Herbert, born January 9, 1886. 3. May Knauss, born November 22, 1887, died April 28, 1892. 4. Edna Naoma, born June 19, 1890. 5. Walter Balliett, born May 13, 1892. 6. Ruth Olive, born March 27, 1894. 7. Dorothy Al- bertha, born July 29, 1896. 8. Beatrice Ellen, born August 16, 1899.
Mr. Deshler is a member of Belvidere Lodge, I. O. O. F., also belongs to the encampment, and is a past chief officer in both branches. He is likewise a member of the grand lodge of the state of New Jersey, and holds membership relation with the Woodmen. He stands to-day as one of the representative business men of Northampton county-strong in his honor and good name, strong to plan and to perform, and now success- fully controlling interests of considerable magni- tude in the business world.
REV. LUTHER D. LAZARUS, pastor of St. John's Lutheran church of Nazareth, was born in Quakertown, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, February 1I, 1874. His paternal great-grand- father, Daniel Lazarus, resided in Schoenersville, Pennsylvania, where occurred the birth of his son, George Lazarus, in 1800. He. was a farmer by occupation, following that pursuit throughout his entire life. He held membership in the Lu- theran church and he gave his political support to the Whig party until the organization of the new Republican party, when he joined its ranks. He died in 1882. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Miller, was a daughter of James Miller, of Weaversville, Northampton county, and their children were Reuben, Henry D., George M., William, and Elizabeth.
Rev. George M. Lazarus, father of Luther D. Lazarus, was born in Shimerville, Pennsylvania, May 26, 1839. He pursued his education in the academy at Weaversville, Pennsylvania, and in a school conducted by Professor Gregory, at Allen- town. He was afterward instructed by the Rev. Jacob B. Rath, the first pastor of the Lutheran church at Nazareth, and, determining to devote his life to the work of the ministry, he entered the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia in 1864, and was graduated in 1867. The same year he was ordained at Reading, Pennsylvania, and immediately afterward accepted the pastor- ate of the Lutheran church at Quakertown, also having charge of what was known as the Keller's and Applebachsville congregation. He devoted his labors to the building up of these churches un- til his death, which was occasioned by a runaway accident, January 31, 1874, while he was on his way to attend a funeral, his remains being in- terred in Fairview cemetery in Allentown. In connection with his duties as pastor, he taught at the academy in Quakertown for some time. He was also a member of the school board, and took a very active and helpful interest in educational matters. His political support was given to the Republican party, for he believed it the duty as well as the privilege of every American citizen to exercise his right of franchise in support of the measures which he believes will promote the wel-
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fare of city, state and nation. He was married, October 7, 1860, to Miss Amanda C. Dech, and they became the parents of five children: Jacob W., born in 1861; Newton C., born in 1863; Elizabeth A., who was born in 1867, and died the same year ; George F., born in 1869; and Luther D. The mother, subsequent to the death of her first husband, became the wife of R. F. Babp, of Nazareth, Pennsylvania.
Rev. Luther D. Lazarus was born in Quaker- town, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, February II, 1874. In the spring of that year his mother re- moved to Allentown, Pennsylvania, where he pursued his early education in the public schools. He was afterward graduated from Muhlenberg College at Allentown, in 1895, and his preparation for the ministry was completed by graduation from the Theological Seminary at Mount Airy, Philadelphia, in 1898. On the 6th of June, of that year, he was ordained as a minister of the Lutheran church, and became assistant pastor of Trinity church, at Reading, Pennsylvania, where he continued until December 31, 1901. On the Ist of January, 1902, he became pastor of St. John's Lutheran church at Nazareth, where he is now located. His political allegiance is given to the Republican party.
Rev. Lazarus was married, October 12, 1898, to Miss Caroline H. Weil, a daughter of Frank W. and Sarah (Wenner) Weil, of Allentown. By this marriage there are two children : Frank Weil, born March 11, 1900; and Catharine Weil, born August 7, 1903.
JAMES WILLIAM CRIST, deceased, a son of John Jacob and Jistina (Knaugs) Crist, and for many years a well known and prominent citi- zen of Nazareth, Pennsylvania, was born in that town.on May II, 1809. He was an important fac- tor in business circles, and won success in his chosen line of trade by exercising unbending in- tegrity, unabated energy and an industry that never flagged.
John Jacob Crist, father of James W. Crist, was born in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, June 3, 178I, a son of John Jacob Crist. John J. Crist, Jr., after completing a common school education,
learned the trade of hatter, and throughout his entire business life pursued that vocation. He was united in marriage to Jistina Knaugs, who was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, March 31, 1785, a daughter of Samuel Knaugs. Three chil- dren were the issue of this union-Richard, Amelia, and James William. John J. Crist, father of these children, died at his home in Nazareth, November 3, 1861 ; his wife survived him.a few months, passing away January 12, 1862.
At the early age of twelve years James W. Crist entered his father's hat shop, where he gained a thorough knowledge of the trade in all its branches, and later he and his brother, Rich- ard Crist, succeeded to the business. After suc- cessfully conducting this enterprise for a number of years, James W. Crist established a hat busi- ness on his own account, and located on the site of the present Nazareth National Bank. Subse- quently he entered into partnership with Mr. Daniels in the slate business, being connected with the first slate quarry that was operated in the United States, the same being known as the Daniels quarry. This business proved so suc- cessful and remunerative that after conducting it for several years he was enabled to retire with a handsome competence which amply provided both himself and family with all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. He was a man of more than ordinary intelligence and discernment, and much credit is due him owing to the fact that he was self-educated. He possessed a natural mechanical genius and skill, and for pastime he erected a machine shop in which he produced many ingenious devices. Mr. Crist held member- ship in the Moravian church of Nazareth, and took a keen and active interest in the work con- nected with it. His political affiliations were with the Republican party.
On November 24, 1853, Mr. Crist married Elizabeth Daniels, who was born in Lower Naz- areth township, Northampton county, Pennsyl- vania, October 6, 1823, a daughter of Adam and Catherine (Wagner ) Daniels. One daughter was born of this union, Clara Amelia, whose birth oc- curred in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, September 5, 1854. She was educated at Linn Hall and Beth-
win Christ
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lehem Seminary, and, on August 6, 1886, be- came the wife of James Henry Knapp, who was born in Hopewell Center, New York, July 29, 1827. The issue of this union was one daughter, Mary Daniel Knapp, born May 31, 1888. Mr. Knapp was also the father of another daughter, Margaret Knapp, born to him by a former mar- riage with Mary J. Daniel. Mr. Knapp was an agriculturist by occupation, and conducted exten- sive operations in his native state until 1892, when he removed to Nazareth, Pennsylvania, and there continued the same industry up to the time of his decease, which occurred May 11, 1897. During the terrible struggle between the north and south, Mr. Knapp was an employee of the United States government. He was reared in the Methodist church, but during the latter years of his life held membership in the Moravian church ; in politics he was a Republican. James W. Crist died at his residence in Nazareth, Penn- sylvania, May 27, 1892, having survived his wife only twenty-two days, she having passed away May 5, 1892. They were esteemed and respected in the community, and their deaths were sincerely mourned by a large circle of friends and ac- quaintances.
EMANUEL F. VENTER. Prominent among the representative citizens of Nazareth, Pennsyl- vania is Emanuel F. Venter, who for more than forty years has been actively and prominently identified with the business interests of the city, whose name is synonymous with truth and in- tegrity, and who bears an enviable reputation among his associates. He was born at Cherry Hill, Northampton county, Pennsylvania, Novem- ber 15, 1840, a son of Henry and Theresa (Rader) Venter.
Henry Venter (father) was a native of Prus- sia, the date of his birth being January 4, 1795. His educational advantages were obtained in the schools of his native country, and upon attaining young manhood he began the manufacture of woolens, conducting an extensive and lucrative trade for many years. In 1834 he decided to test the business opportunities of the United States, and upon his arrival located first in New York
city, later removed to Nazareth, Pennsylvania, and for a short period of time resided in the city of Philadelphia. He returned to Nazareth, and for a number of years prior to his death was engaged in farming and trucking, being quite successful in the management of his new enterprise.
Henry Venter was united in marriage to Ther- esa Rader, whose father came to this country with General Lafayette, in 1777, served during the Revolutionary war, and after the cessation of hostilities returned to his native country, where he spent the remainder of his days. Twelve chil- dren were the issue of this union, five of whom died in childhood. The members of the family who attained years of maturity are: Caroline, de- ceased, who was the wife of John Gramlich ; Au- gusta, deceased, who was the wife of Francis Echman ; Ellen, the widow of August Nitchie ; Henrietta, deceased, who was the wife of John A. Flammer; Emma, deceased, who was the first wife of August Nitchie ; Emanuel F., mentioned at length in the following paragraph; and William G., who was born October 8, 1844. The last named learned the trade of tinsmith and is em- ployed at this occupation at the present time (1903). During the Civil war he was a member of Company A, One Hundred and Fifty-third Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry ; he is a member of the Moravian church, a Democrat in politics, and has been elected by that party to serve as a member of the town council and board of trustees. Fraternally he is a member of the Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons, the Grand Army of the Republic, and the Knights of the Golden Eagle. William G. Venter married Emma Ettwein, and they are the parents of two children-Harry, and Hattie, wife of William O'Neil.
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