USA > Pennsylvania > Historic homes and institutions and genealogical and personal memoirs of the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania Vol. I > Part 55
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In 1862 Jacob Peters was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Torbert, of White Haven, Penn- sylvania, and to them have been born the fol- lowing named: Harry T., Beulah B., who was born in 1866; and Guy H., born in 1878. The last named is superintendent of the Steel and Wire Company of Cleveland, Ohio, while the daughter is the wife of C. L. Miller, general superinten- dent of the home concern.
Harry T. Peters, who was born in Parryville, in 1864, was reared and educated in his native borough. After graduating from the home school he entered the seminary at Kingstown, Pennsyl- vania, and was graduated in that institution with
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the class of 1882. Subsequently he was employed as a commercial traveler, first selling drugs, and afterward representing a wholesale grocery house upon the road. Five years of his life were spent in that pursuit, during which time he gained an accurate knowledge of mercantile methods, and on the expiration of that term he returned to his father's store in Parryville, where he remained as an assistant up to the time of his father's re- tirement, when he took entire charge of the store, which he is now capably conducting, being recog- nized as one of the leading merchants of the place. He is wide-awake and progressive in his business methods, nor is he remiss in citizenship, and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have frequently called him to public office, so that he has exerted considerable influ- ence in public affairs in his community. He has been chief burgess of the borough of Parryville, justice of the peace, councilman and auditor, and in all of these positions he has discharged his duties with marked promptness and fidelity. He likewise held the office of mercantile appraiser of Carbon county in 1900.
Mr. Peters is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, which he is now serving as a trustee. He belongs to Lehighton lodge, No. 621, F. and A. M ; Lilly Chapter, No. 181, R. A. M .; and Packer Commandery, No. 23, K. T. He is popular in business, church and social circles, and is a man in whose judgment and integrity his fellow citizens have implicit confidence.
In 1889 Mr. Peters was joined in wedlock to Miss Meta M. Hummel, a daughter of William H. and Matilda Hummel, of Kreidersville, Northampton county, Pennsylvania. They have one son, Clark T. Peters.
R. S. CORRELL, the leading general hard- ware merchant of Pen Argyl, is a descendant of an old family of Pennsylvania. His parents were Joseph and Catherine (Laudenshlaker) Correll, the former born in Northampton county, Penn- sylvania, in 1817, the latter in Allentown in 1816. The father was a farmer by occupation, and lived a life of activity and honesty. He owned and
operated one hundred and fifty acres of land on Chestnut Hill, and afterward removed to Hackettstown, New Jersey, where he died in 1891. His wife passed away in 1880. In their family were nine children: Eliza, deceased ; Til- man; Edwin, deceased; Joseph; Alfred; Ella, who has passed away ; Richard, Lydia and Mary.
R. S. Correll was born at Chestnut Hill, Northampton county, Pennsylvania, in 1853, and when a lad of about nine years accompanied his parents to Hackettstown, New Jersey, where he was reared and educated. In 1872 he became a resident of Allentown, Pennsylvania, where he learned the tinsmith's trade, and when his term of apprenticeship had expired he removed to Hunterdon county, New Jersey, locating in Leb- anon. After following his trade there for about three years he went to Jersey City, where he con- tinued until he took up his abode in Pen Argyl in 1882. He was the first hardware merchant at that place, and began business in a small store room, but with the growth of the town and the development of his enterprise had to seek more commodious quarters, and is now proprietor of the largest hardware store in his section of the county. In 1884 he took possession of a large new brick business block, three stories in height, erected of pressed brick. It contains two store- rooms, forty-six by seventy-three feet, one of which is used for his regular hardware stock, and the other for the accommodation of his extensive line of stoves. In 1888 he erected another brick building now occupied by the postoffice. It is two stories in height, and these structures add much to the modern improved appearance of Pen Argyl. Mr. Correll is widely recognized as one of the most enterprising citizens of his borough, and has done much to develop the town along substantial lines. He enjoys a growing patron- age in his business, and has the confidence of the public.
Mr. Correll was united in marriage in 1884 to Miss Mary B. Redley, of Lebanon, New Jersey, who died in 1893, leaving two children, Clarence and Harold. In 1897 Mr. Correll married Miss Cora J. Van Sickle, of Lebanon, New Jersey.
Reflance
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They are both members of the Presbyterian church, in which Mr. Correll has held the office of deacon, and he also belongs to Pen Argyl Lodge, No. 594, F. and A. M.
JAMES A. REX, a resident of the borough of Lehighton, and a descendant of one of the old and well known families of the Lehigh valley, was born January 6, 1859, in the locality where he still makes his home.
He was reared and educated in his native town, attending the common schools, and first began earning his living by working as water boy in connection with the construction of the public works of Lehighton. He was afterward employed by Lewis Graver in the manufacture of brick, and subsequently went to Packerton as switch boy in 1872. He spent three and a half years at the switch, and was then promoted to the position of brakesman in 1875, his run being between Packerton and Easton. The same year he was transferred to the Furnace run, and con- tinued to act as a brakesman until 1878, when he was promoted to the position of conductor, act- ing as both regular and extra conductor between Packerton and Easton. In 1880 he was made yardmaster at Shecklus, where he remained until 1883. In that year he was transferred to the Lehigh and Susquehanna bridge at Lehighton as assistant yardmaster, and in 1889 was stationed at Packerton as yardmaster. On the 20th of December, 1904, he was transferred to the east- bound middle yard, which position he now fills in Lehighton. His business career has been marked by a steady advance, his promotion com- ing to him in recognition of his capability and fidelity.
Mr. Rex was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Sunderman, who was born September 21, 1859, a daughter of Henry and Susan Sunder- man, of Berlinsville, Pennsylvania. The marriage was celebrated November 13, 1880, and has been blessed with two children, but Raymond A., is now deceased. The living daughter is Ada Pearl. Mr. and Mrs. Rex were members of the Lutheran church, in which he has held the office of deacon for six years. He also belongs to the Knights of
Malta, to the Equitable Insurance Association, and to the Lehigh Valley Relief Association. He owns his own comfortable home, which he erected in 1896, and he is a man whom to know is to respect and honor.
DANIEL C. WEST, justice of the peace at Lansford, Pennsylvania, was born at Honey Brook, Carbon county, Pennsylvania, May 7, 1859. His parents were Lewis and Mary A. West, the latter of whom was a native of Bloom- ingdale, Carbon county, Pennsylvania; both are now deceased. The father was a stone mason, by trade, and always followed that pursuit in order to provide for his family, numbering his wife and two children, Margaret Ellen and Daniel C.
The latter named was reared and educated at Summit Hill, and his youthful days were spent in and around the mines of that town. Later, how- ever, he turned his attention to railroading, and in the employ of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company remained for twenty-two years. Hc worked his way upward from the position of brakeman to that of engineer, and his absolute fidelity to the company which he represented is indicated by the fact of his long continuance in its service. During the first years of his connec- tion therewith he was disabled by an accident which resulted in a broken leg. During the strike of 1902 he was laid off, and has not been em- ployed by the company since. He was prominent, however, in bringing the strike to a termination. and was a delegate to the Wilkes-Barre conven- tion, where he voted for the return of the em- ployes to work.
Mr. West was long resognized as an active worker in the ranks of the Republican party in his community, and was one of its popular and ardent supporters. He has served as school di- rector for six years, and at one time was presi- dent of the board, while for two years he was its secretary. He also took an active part in the management of the affairs of the party and was a member of the Republican county committee, and served as secretary of the Republican county convention. Change of events brought a change
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in his political views, and in 1903 he joined the Socialist party, and was elected on its ticket to his present office, that of justice of the peace of Lansford. He is at present, however, independent in his political affiliations.
Mr. West is identified with several fraternal organizations, including the Patriotic Order of the Sons of America, the Junior Order of Amer- ican Mechanics, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and he was formerly a member of the Knights of Pythias.
He has been married twice. His first wife was Miss Emily Downs, and they became the parents of two children, Cora and Clarence, the former now a successful teacher of Carbon county. His second wife was Miss Kate M. Fessler, and this marriage has been blessed with the following named children: Eva, Blanche, Mary, Alfred, Minerva, Edwin, living ; and David and Helen, deceased.
WILLIAM J. BOLLES, who since 1892 has served as chief burgess of Lansford, was born in this borough on the 20th of July, 1847, a son of Charles and Mary (Malkin) Bolles, both of whom are natives of England. They were reared and educated in that land, and after their marriage they bade adieu to friends and native country and sailed for the United States, taking up their abode in Lansford, Pennsylvania, where Charles Bolles was engaged in mining. They had but two children, William J. and Mary, and the latter is now deceased.
William J. Bolles was reared in his parents' home, and his educational privileges were those afforded by the public schools of his native town. After putting aside his text books he turned his attention to mining, and has met with success in this vocation. He has thus been identified with one of the great productive industries of this state throughout the years of his business career, and his industry and enterprise are numbered among his salient characteristics. He has not only won success, but has also made for himself an hon- orable name, and is accounted one of the leading and representative men of his community. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows and to the Sons of America, and in both of these organizations has the high regard of his brethren. His political allegiance is given to the Socialist party, and he has held the office of councilman, while at the present writing he is chief burgess of Lansford, having been elected to the office in 1902 upon the Socialist ticket. His interest in the welfare of the borough is deep and sincere, as is manifested by a practical yet busi- nesslike and progressive administration wherein the welfare of the community has been greatly conserved.
In 1878 Mr. Bolles was united in marriage to Miss Alice Hough, a daughter of James and Julia Hough, and a native of Bloomingdale, Pennsyl- vania, born in 1857. Their children, eleven in number, are, as follows: Charles, Bert, May, William, Richard, deceased; Mary, deceased ; Clara, Elsie, Alerta, Harry and Dorotha. Of this number Charles was united in marriage to Miss Stella Flickinger, and they have a daughter to whom they have given the name of Marvel. May is the wife of John Sell, of Tamaqua, Pennsyl- vania. Mr. Bolles has built for his family a sub- stantial and beautiful residence in Lansford, and the household is noted for its gracious and gen- erous hospitality. The family are members of the Congregational church, and in its work are deeply interested.
EDWARD T. McFADDEN is numbered among the officials of Lansford now filling the position of justice of the peace. He was born in Minersville, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, in October, 1860, and is a son of Cornelius and Catherine (Burns) McFadden, both of whom are natives of Pennsylvania, but were of Irish line- age. Removing to Minersville, Pennsylvania, the father there engaged in merchandising for a num- ber of years. He was a man of much public spirit and considerable influence, and in his community his labors proved effective in advancing the ma- terial welfare and substantial upbuilding of the borough. His death occurred in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, while his wife passed away in Columbia county, this state. They were mem- bers of the Roman Catholic church, which has
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been the faith of the family through various gen- erations, its members having been loyal communi- cants of that denomination. The family of Cor- nelius and Catherine McFadden numbered six children: Mary, John, Bridget, James, Michael and Edward T.
In his early boyhood days Edward T. McFad- den accompanied his parents from Schuylkill county to Columbia county, Pennsylvania, where he was reared and educated. After putting aside his text books he learned the upholsterer's trade, which he has since followed, making it his life occupation. In 1894 he removed from Columbia county to Carbon county, establishing his home in Lansford, where he has since engaged in busi- ness with good success, his excellent workman- ship securing for him a very desirable patronage, while his honorable dealings have commended him to the support and trust of the public. His social relations are with the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and in politics he is a stanch and unfaltering So- cialist. It was upon the ticket of that party that he was elected justice of the peace in 1903. He is a man of activity and intelligence, and pos- sesses much tact and sound judgment, qualities which enable him to discharge the duties of his office in a most commendable manner. As jus- tice of the peace he is strictly fair and impartial in his rulings, and has won commendation by his fidelity to the duties of the office.
On the 31st of October, 1882, Mr. McFadden was united in marriage to Miss Kate Maley, a daughter of Martin Maley, and to them have been born seven children: Edward, James, Martin, Mary, Cornelius, Kate and Ignatius.
GEORGE H. HOLVEY, who for many years has been identified with coal mining interests in Carbon county, Pennsylvania, was born in the beautiful and picturesque city of Bath, England, March 18, 1832. In his youth he went to Wales, so that his education was acquired in England and in South Wales. He entered the mines of the latter country, and gained a thorough knowl -. edge of the methods of digging from the earth its rich coal deposits.
In 1851, when about thirty years af age, he
emigrated to America, locating in what is now Lansford, Pennsylvania. Here he entered the mines, and as the result of a thorough knowledge of the business, added to a life of sobriety and uprightness, he has obtained positions of trust and responsibility that have brought to him a good living. He did skilled mining work for a number of years, making from four to six dollars per day and as much as thirty dollars. During the Mollie McGuire trouble in Lansford he was made as- sistant superintendent at an advance in salary, his predecessor having lost his life at the hands of the disturbers. Mr. Holvey was in the same dan- ger that his predecessor had been, but he pos- sessed a brave and resolute spirit, a fact which was well known by the members of the Mollie McGuire band, and they submitted to his direc- tions. He retained his position as assistant su- perintendent during two years of this time, dis- charging and employing men as the advantage of the company dictated. When Morgan Powers was shot by the Mollie McGuires he immediately accepted the vacant place, although his own life was in danger by so doing. He received many threats which came to him in the form of skull and cross-bones, but this did not seem to intimi- date him in the least, and he continued to faith- fully discharge his duties and was unmolested. He was assistant superintendent for ten years, during which time he had entire control of the company's works under W. D. Zehner. Subse- quently he became inside boss of mine No. 9. In all of his mining experience he was true to his duty and to the interests of the company he rep- resented, and he has acquired a handsome fortune by economy and hard work. He now owns and rents two hotels and one store, including the Man- sion House, which is the largest hotel in Lans- ford. In 1884 he retired from active life, and is now enjoying a well earned rest.
When his country needed men in the dark days of the Civil war, Mr. Holvey offered his services to the Union to aid in maintaining the integrity of the old flag. He was first enrolled for three months service, responding to the first call for troops. After the expiration of that term he reenlisted in Company F, Eighth Pennsylvania
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HISTORIC HOMES AND INSTITUTIONS.
Cavalry, and with his regiment was assigned to the Second Brigade, Second Division, Army of the Potomac. He served faithfully and fought manfully in the battles and skirmishes with his regiment between the years 1861 and 1864. He was twice slightly wounded but not enough to in- capacitate him from duty, and he remained in active service until honorably discharged at the expiration of his three years' term. Mr. Holvey is now a member of the Grand Army Post at Summit Hill, Pennsylvania, and is also a valuable representative of Mauch Chunk Lodge, No. 562, F. and A. M. He has served his country, his fra- ternal organizations and his employers to the best of his ability throughout his entire life, and now in his declining years is numbered among the most honored and respected citizens of Lansford.
In July, 1851, Mr. Holvey was united in mar- riage to Miss Ann Jenkins, and to them were born the following children: Benjamin F .; George W., deceased ; Mary Ann, Emma, Eliza- beth; Elizabeth, the second of the name; Alfred, and Grant. His second wife was Mrs. Sarah Hoffa, nce Festler, who had children by her first marriage but none by the second.
WILLIAM, H. STORCH, burgess of Sum- mit Hill, and one of the leading and representa- tive men of his town, was born there on the Ist of December, 1873. His parents were Henry W. and Wilhelmina (Neumilla) Storch, both of whom were natives of Germany, and emigrated to this country in 1831. The father was a con- tractor and builder, and became a prosperous man, while his genial nature and sterling traits of char -. acter made him popular with a large circle of friends. He was the first burgess of Summit Hill, and also held the office of justice of the peace for several years. Indeed, he received at the hands of his fellow townsmen every official pref- erment which they could confer upon him. The mining town of Summit Hill was chartered as a borough in 1885, and contains a population of thirty-seven hundred, polling about eleven hun- dred votes. In connection with its public affairs the name of Storch has been closely associated. The family of Henry W. Storch numbered four
children : Elizabeth, William H., Emma and Charles. The younger son is an architect.
William H. Storch was reared and educated at Summit Hill, and in early life learned the brick- layers' trade. He is now engaged in general con- tracting, in which calling he is very successful, a liberal patronage being accorded him. His social relations connect him with the Royal Arcanum, the Patriotic Order of the Sons of America, the Fraternal Order of Elks, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Calumet Club of Sum- mit Hill, and of the last named he is now the president. He has gained many friends in these various organizations, and is justly accounted one of the popular representatives of fraternal interests in Summit Hill. In his political views. he is independent. His father was a stanch Democrat, and he has studied politics from both the Democratic and Republican viewpoints, but holds himself free from entangling party lines, and exercises his right of franchise as he deems most fitting. In 1902 he was nominated by the Democratic party for burgess of Summit Hill, and received a large majority over the socialist candidate, being given a great number of Repub- lican as well as Democratic votes. Previous to this time, he had been elected in 1898 treasurer of the borough, and his faithful services in that office was a guarantee of his fidelity and ability at the head of affairs in Summit Hill in his pres- ent position.
Mr. Storch was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Smith, a daughter of William H. and Margaret Smith. The wedding was celebrated in 1897. Mrs. Storch departed this life, leaving two children, Margaret W. and H. W. Storch.
NATHAN TANNER, who is serving as postmaster at Lansford, was born at Summit Hill, Pennsylvania, June 6, 1846, his parents being William and Elizabeth (McDermot) Tanner, both of whom were natives of county Derry, Ire- land. In 1843 the father came to the new world, and in 1847 was joined in America by his family. He was a shoemaker by trade, and settled at Summit Hill, Pennsylvania, where he carried on an extensive boot and shoe making enterprise, em-
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ploying about ten men. He was an excellent mechanic in his line, and his capable management and untiring activity brought him a very gratify- ing measure of success. In public affairs he was also prominent and influential, and served both as supervisor and as school director at Summit Hill. Purchasing a farm in Bucks county, Pennsyl- vania, he there spent his last days, his death oc- curring in 1878. His wife passed away at Summit Hill in 1865. Their family numbered eight chil- dren : Robert, deceased ; Jane ; John, Mary A. and William, all of whom have passed away; Nancy, Joseph, and Nathan. All were born in Ireland with the exception of the last named. Two of the sons, Robert and William Tanner, were veterans of the Civil war, and faithfully and courageously served their adopted country in defense of the stars and stripes. Robert was a member of Cap- tain Pardee's company of the One Hundred and Forty-seventh Pennsylvania Regiment, and after serving for three years was honorably discharged. William went to the front with the same regi- ment, was wounded at the battle of Antietam, and was killed in the battle of Chancellorsville.
Nathan Tanner acquired his education in the common schools of his native town. In early life he learned the plasterer's trade, which he fol- lowed for a number of years, and later began con- tracting and building in Summit Hill and Lans- ford, where by his upright business methods and excellent workmanship he secured a very liberal patronage. At the time of the discovery of gold in the Black Hills in 1877, he made a trip to that region, but remained for only a short time, find- ing that gold was not abundant enough to meet the demands of his cherished dreams. In 1880 he removed to his present place of residence in Lans- ford, and has not only been actively associated with building interests here, but also has been prominent in community affairs.
At the time of the Civil war, Mr. Tanner, in 1864, being then but sixteen years of age, en- listed in Company M, Eighteenth Regi- ment Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, under Captain A. J. Pennypacker, but through some accident his, together with other papers, were lost or mislaid, and in consequence,
much to his dissatisfaction, he saw no ac- tive service. He was honorably discharged at the close of the war. Although but a mere boy he served his country as bugler with patriotic ardor, and the same fidelity to the best interests of his county, state and nation has ever been num- bered among his strong characteristics. He has served in the town council of Lansford, has been a member of the school board, and in 1897 was appointed postmaster. He also served for two years and three months as commissioner's clerk at Mauch Chunk. Socially Mr. Tanner is a mem- ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a past commander of Eli T. Connor Post, No. 177, G. A. R., of which he is now adjutant.
In January, 1875, Mr. Tanner was married to Miss Eleanor Byron, a daughter of Daniel and Gwennie Byron and a native of Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania. Unto them have been born four children : William E., Daniel B., Marion and one that died in infancy. The eldest son is now engaged in the piano business, while Daniel B. is a member of the mining engineer corps.
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