USA > Pennsylvania > Historic homes and institutions and genealogical and personal memoirs of the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania Vol. I > Part 66
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is not only an excellent mechanic but is also a draftsman and architect of considerable ability. Aside from the plant of the firm in Pen Argyl, they operated six sawmills situated in Monroe and Northampton counties. Buying land on which good timber is to be found, they cut down the trees and manufacture the lumber. The firm also owns two hundred and sixty-seven acres of land in the vicinity of Jacobsburg, Pennsylvania, on which is a slate quarry as yet undeveloped. The present firm was organized in 1890, at which time but six men were employed. The business, how- ever, has grown and developed from year to year until now on the pay roll are found the names of one hundred workmen. Mr. Fitzgerald is a man of splendid business capacity, enterprise and keen discernment, and belongs to that class of representative American men who, while promot- ing individual success, also advances the general welfare through the avenues of commercial and industrial activity. He has not confined his at- tention entirely to the lumber and kindred busi- ness interests of the firm, but has extended his labors to other lines and at the present writing (in 1903) is the president of the Building and Loan Association of Pen Argyl. He has held the office of president of the Electric Light Company of Pen Argyl, and was its superintendent. He is now the president of the board of trade, which office he has filled for twelve years, and was also president of the school board for four years. In- tricate business problems are quickly compre- hended by him and a practical solution furnished. Whatever he undertakes he carries forward to successful completion, and the desirable result that has followed his efforts proves that he was very fortunate in the selection of a life vocation.
Politically, Mr. Fitzgerald is a Democrat, and his religious belief is largely in harmony with the teachings of the Presbyterian church. Socially, he is connected with Pen Argyl Lodge, No. 594, F & A. M., and also belongs to Bangor Chapter, No. 274, R. A. M., and to Hugh De Payens Com- mandery of Easton, of which he is an honored Sir Knight. He was formerly a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle and the Improved
Order of Red Men. He has served as burgess of Pen Argyl, and also as committeeman from his district, and while in Lackawanna county was a member of the school board for nine years.
Mr. Fitzgerald was married February 20, 1870, to Miss Emma Hayden, a daughter of Charles Hayden of Scranton, Pennsylvania. Their children are two in number, Bertha, the wife of Clifford Palmer, of Pen Argyl, and Orella.
WILLIAM S. WILLIAMSON, proprietor of the Mount Bethel Hotel at Mount Bethel, Northampton county, is of English descent. Frank Williamson, his grandfather, was a native of England and came to the United States in 1832. He was active in the development of the slate industry in the Lehigh Valley, devoting his entire life to that pursuit.
William Williamson, the father, was born in Easton, Pennsylvania, and for a number of years was also engaged in the slate trade, but during the last twenty years of his life was proprietor of a hotel. He conducted the Franklin House for several years, as well as other important hos- telries in this section of the state. He was a man well qualified for the business, being of a genial, courteous and affable disposition, and at the same time possessing sound judgment and keen fore- sight in business affairs. He was a veteran of the Civil war, offering his services to his country at the outbreak of hostilities, and remaining with the army for four and a half years as a defender of the Union cause. He married Miss Emma Switzer, a native of Easton, Pennsylvania, and unto this marriage were born thirteen children, eleven of whom are living. Two of the sons are now proprietors of hotels. William Williamson died in 1900, but his widow is still living (in 1903) and makes her home in Belfast, Penn- sylvania.
William S. Williamson was born in Plainfield township, Northampton county, Pennsylvania, in 1871. He spent the days of his boyhood and youth there. In early life he became connected with the slate industry and since 1895 has been engaged in the hotel business. He was proprietor
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of the Belfast Hotel for four years, and in 1900 he purchased his present property, which is a commodious and substantial house with capacity for the entertainment of thirty-five guests. His bar is also well furnished with a choice line of liquors and cigars. Mr. Williamson is a mem- ber of the Improved Order of Red Men, the Junior Order of American Mechanics, and the Sons of Veterans.
He was married July 26, 1890, to Miss Clara Cope, a daughter of Isaac and Sarah Cope, of Bushkill township. Six children were born unto them, of whom four are living, namely: Frank, William, Mary and Lottie Williamson.
REUBEN SHOOK is a retired farmer who nas resided in the borough of Bangor since 1891. The ancestral history claims that the family is of German origin. George Shook, the grand- father, was a native of Monroe county, Pennsyl- vania, born in 1803. In early life he removed to Ackermanville, Northampton county, Pennsyl- vania, where he wedded Miss Elizabeth Acker- man, an estimable lady. They subsequently took up their abode between Bangor and East Ban- gor. Mr. Shook was a tailor by trade, and fol- lowed his chosen calling for a number of years, but finally abandoned it in order to give his at- tention to agricultural pursuits. He purchased about eighty acres of farming land which he tilled with much skill and ability up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1892. He was a member of the Lutheran church, to which his wife and children also belonged. The family numbered the following sons and daughters : Daniel. Jonas, Adam, Sarah, Margaret, Lydia, Eliza and Maryetta.
Daniel Shook father of Reuben Shook, was born on the old family homestead near Bangor, in Washington township, Northampton county, in 1824, and died in 1888, at the age of sixty-four years. He became an extensive farmer, owning three valuable tracts of land which he managed with great foresight, energy and ability. His well directed labors brought him good and sub- stantial financial returns. His farms were lo- cated respectively in Washington, Plainfield and
Bushkill townships. He married Miss Malinda Reimer, a daughter of Nicholas Reimer, and their children were Irwin, Reuben, William, George S., Elmira and Sarah E., all born in Washington township, and all living at this writing in 1903.
Reuben Shook was born July 2, 1851, and was reared and educated in Washington town- ship, attending the common schools. He made farming his life work, and successfully followed that pursuit until 1892, at which time he took up his abode in Bangor and retired from business cares. He is now to some extent engaged in speculating in various enterprises. He is a man of reliability in all trade transactions, and enjoys the entire confidence of many friends. He now owns eighty acres of good farming land in Wash- ington township. He and his family held mem- bership in the Lutheran church. in which he is occupying the position of trusteee.
Mr. Shook was married to Miss Emaline Miller, a daughter of Barnet and Mary Miller, in 1871. His wife was born May 26, 1848, and by her marirage has become the mother of two children : Mary, who was born July 12, 1872, and is now the wife of Wilson Steckel ; and Joseph H., who was born in 1874, and is now a practic- ing physician in Portland, Pennsylvania.
GEORGE E. GRAY, an attorney at the Carbon county bar, living in Lehighton, was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, at a little ham- let called Welsh Run. His parents were George W. and Margaret E. (Albert) Gray, the former born in Maryland and the latter in Virginia. The father was a carriage maker by trade, pos- sessing mechanical ability in that line. In his family were nine children, of whom five are yet living, namely: Laura V., Edward E., George E., Missouri C. and Norman V.
George E. Gray as a student in the public schools of Fairview, Maryland, mastered the ele- mentary branches of learning, and subsequently entered the state normal school at Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, from which institution he was graduated in 1890. Following the completion of his course there, he engaged in teaching school, and at the same time pursued a special
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course in the University of Pennsylvania. In 1898, however, he abandoned the teacher's pro- fession in order to give his attention to the mas- tery of the principles of jurisprudence, having taken up the study of law under the direction of the well known firm of Loose & Craig, attorneys of Mauch Chunk, Pennsylvania. In 1899 he was admitted to the Carbon County bar, since which time he has been engaged in the practice of law. In 1900 he purchased the Mauch Chunk Coal Ga- zette and the Mauch Chunk Times, and of both of these papers is now proprietor and editor. Each journal is well conducted, and has a cir- culation of about two thousand copies. Mr. Gray likewise represents some of the leading in- surance companies of this country. While never a politician in the sense of seeking official prefer- ment, Mr. Gray has deep interest in the ques- tions and issues of the day and is a stanch adher- ent of the principle of the Republican party. He is a faithful member of the Zion Reformed church, and has served as superintendent of its Sunday school for seven years. He belongs to Lehighton Lodge, No. 621, F. and A. M., and to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, his life exemplifying its principles of friendship, love and truth.
In August, 1895, Mr. Gray was married to Miss Anzionetta A. Montz, the only daughter of William H. and Susan Montz. They now have three children, Margaret S., Charlotte A., and William G. Gray.
DAVID H. STRAUB, who is now living re- tired in Lehighton, but who for many years was industriously and successfully identified with ag- ricultural pursuits in Carbon county, belongs to one of the early families of the Lehigh Valley, of German origin. His grandfather, Theodore Straub, was born in what is known as Dry Land, a little hamlet located between Easton and Beth- lehem. He was an extensive distiller, and a man of considerable force of character and local in- fluence in his day, being widely known as an industrious, upright and worthy citizen. His family numbered five sons: Emanuel, Daniel, John, David and Thomas, and three daughters.
David Straub, the father of D. H. Straub, was born at Dry Land, and in his youth became fa- miliar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. After attaining man's estate he continued to follow the pursuit to which he had been reared, and owned and culti- vated one hundred anl thirty-six acres of valu- able land. During his active life he amassed con- siderable property both in real estate and per- sonalty. In all of his business relations with his fellow men he was honorable and trustworthy, and commanded the respect and good will of all with whom he became associated, either in busi- ness or social relations. He married Polly Old- wine, and they became the parents of eleven chil- dren : Charles, Thomas, Daniel, Levi, John, David H., Mary, Harriet, Josiah, Emeline and Amelia, but David H. and the daughters are the only members of that once numerous household now living.
David H. Straub was born in Towamencin township, Carbon county, Pennsylvania, July 20, 1833. He was reared and educated there, and in his youth learned the bricklayer's trade, which he followed for five years, from 1851 until 1856. He then turned his attention to farming and for thirty years resided upon a farm, contin- uing to make it his home until 1886, when he re- moved to Lehignton. Here he owns good city property in addition to his rich and productive tract of land of two hundred acres in East Penn township, Carbon county. He is a worthy citi- zen of the borough of Lehighton, and that he has the confidence and trust of his fellow towns- men is indicated by the fact that he was chosen
. by popular vote for the office of borough treas- urer. He has also been treasurer for the fire and water companies of Lehighton, and while resid- ing in East Penn township he filled several local offices. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran church, in which he has also occupied several official positions.
Mr. Straub has been twice married. In 1856 he wedded Miss Drucilla Harter, and they be- came the parents of a daughter, Annie, who is now the wife of Mr. Hoppis. In 1872 Mr. Straub wedded Mrs. Amelia Hawk, who by her
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first marriage had two sons, Emery and David. The former resides at East Penn, and the latter is a minister of the Lutheran church in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. By the second marriage of Mr. Straub there are two children : Rev Har- vey L. Straub, a minister of the Lutheran church, at Berneville, now stationed in Berks county, Pennsylvania ; and Arville D., the wife of Rev. Wilmer Heldt, pastor of Lutheran church at Centerville, Northampton county, Pennsylvania.
HIRAM MARCUS LEH, deceased, prom- inently and actively identified for many years with the mercantile interests of Allentown, Pennsyl- vania, where he resided up to the time of his de- cease in 1895, was a son of Henry and Catherine (Kern) Leh, and his birth occurred in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, in 1837. Henry Leh (fa- ther) was born March 14, 1793, at North White- hall, near Ballietsville, Pennsylvania, one of a family of five children, the names of the others having been: John, who was engaged in agricul- tural pursuits n Sandusky, Ohio ; Daniel, a resi- dent of Whitehall, Pennsylvania; Mrs. Catherine Mussleman, of Philadelphia; and Mrs. Sallie Diehl, of Philadelphia. Henry Leh obtained a limited education in the common schools of his day, and his business career was devoted to the occupations of farmer and distiller. He served as county commissioner of Lehigh county about the year 1842. He was a consistent member of the Reformed Congregation at Unionville, Penn- sylvania, and a staunch supporter of the princi- ples of the Democratic party. His wife, Cath- erine (Kern) Leh, was born in Heidelberg town- ship, Lehigh county, near Slatington, May 7, 1798. Henry Leh died at the age of seventy-nine years.
Hiram M. Leh attended the public schools in the vicinity of his home, where he gained a thor- ough preliminary education, and this was sup- plemented by attendance at the Allentown Acad- emy, where he completed his educational course. He began his business career by becoming active- ly associated with the firm of Leisenring & Seager, and after a short period of time dissolved his connection with them and entered the firm of
Hartzell & Company, printers, with whom he remained for two years. Upon the dissolution of this association he admitted into partnership Mr. Lewis Breinig, who remained with him until his retirement from active business pursuits, after which Mr. Leh formed a co-partnership with Mr. A. Dresher, and this was continued up to the demise of Mr. Leh in 1895. Mr. Leh was a ca- pable and thorough going business man, possess- ing those qualifications which insure success in whatever line or calling a man may pursue, and as a result of his well-directed efforts he was enabled to leave his family a comfortable com- petence. He held membership in the Reformed Church, to the support of which he contributed most liberally, and for twenty-eight years he served in the capacity of an officer. His political affiliations were with the Democratic party.
Mr. Leh was married to Mary Jane Stettler, daughter of Henry and Susan (Houk) Stettler, the former named being a son of Daniel and Eva (Groman) Stettler, and grandson of Henry Stet- tler, and the latter was a daughter of Abram and Elizabeth ( Missimer) Houk. Henry and Susan (Houk) Stettler were the parents of two children, namely: Ella, who became the wife of George Bertolette; and Mary Jane, aforementioned as the wife of Hiram M. Leh. The following named children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Leh: Harry Edgar, who died aged two years; Jennie, un- married ; Edward, who died at the age of twenty- one years ; Katie, deceased; Gertrude, deceased ; Susan, deceased ; and Harold, who is now in Bos- ton, completing his education at the Massa- chusetts Institute of Technology.
JOSEPH GILBERT, living in Lehighton, where he is well known as an extensive contrac- tor, was born January 26, 1846. The family is of English lineage. His great-grandparents, ac- companied by their three children, took passage on a westward bound sailing vessel for America, but the father and mother both died on the voy- age and were buried at sea. The children, how- ever, landed in America, and one of the sons, Philip, became the grandfather of him wnose name introduces this record. After spending
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brief periods of time in various places, Philip Gilbert eventually arrived at Harrisburg, Penn- sylvania, and subsequently made his way into Schuylkill county, where he purchased a farm of eighty acres and turned his attention to agricul- tural pursuits. His business career was char- acterized by unflagging industry and strong pur- pose, and he became the possessor of a comfort- able competence. He married a Miss Furtman, and to them were born the following children : John, George, Daniel, Nathan, and four daugh- ters. All were natives of Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, and the sons became leading farm- ers and substantial citizens of their respective localities.
Daniel Gilbert, born in 1805, was reared in Schuylkill county, and followed the occupation to which he had been reared, becoming the owner of one hundred and seventy acres of good farm- ing land. In the development of his property lie displayed a progressive spirit as well as unfalter- ing energy, and in all lite's relations he mani- fested those traits of character which ever win friendship and regard. He married Miss Han- nah Krum, and they became the parents of eight children : Nathan, who followed farming : Jo- seph ; Dennis, a carpenter ; Lizzie; Caroline; Re- becca ; Harriet ; and Abbie. All were born in Schuylkill county, and are yet living.
Joseph Gilbert spent the days of his boyhood and youth in his native county, and there learned the trades of a mason, bricklayer and plasterer. He was employed at these occupations until 1880, when he removed to Carbon county, establishing his home in Lehighton, where he purchased a lot upon which he has erected the house that he has now occupied for twenty-four years. Here he began business as a mason and plasterer, and has become an extensive contractor, doing a large amount of the business in his line in this locality. His excellent workmanship won him public favor, and he has ever been found faithful to the terms of every busines agreement. Politically he is a stanch Republican, and he and his family are members of the United Evangelical church.
Mr. Gilbert was married in 1871 to Miss Catherine Reaser, who is a native of Berks
county, Pennsylvania, her natal year being 1850. Unto them were born eight children: Edward, who is a bricklayer, married Miss Mattie Caf- fery, and they have four children, Joseph, Frank, George and Kate; William, a laborer, married Miss Lula Moothodt ; Charles, who is employed in the silk mill in Lehighton, married Miss Bertha Rice, and they have one son, Charles; George, the next in the family, is a silk weaver ; Harry is still pursuing his education ; Alice is the wife of George Long ; Kate is the deceased wife of Will- iam Berlin ; and Mary, who completes the family, resides at home.
SAMUEL GRAVER. The fitting sequel to an active and well spent life, especially when it is devoted to business pursuits, is the years of retirement from former activities, in which one is enabled to reap the benefits of their labor. Such a life is now being enjoyed by Samuel Graver, a resident of Leighton, Pennsylvania, who has endeared himself to the hearts of the citizens of the town by his upright business life and his noble character. He was born in North- ampton county, Pennsylvania, March 18, 1830, a son of Solomon and Sallie (Smith) Graver, both of whom were also natives of Northampton county. Solomon Graver ( father) was a repre- sentative farmer, and this vocation he followed up to his death, an event which occurred during his early manhood.
Samuel Graver, only child of Solomon and Sallie Graver, was reared and educated in Lehigh county, and later served an apprenticeship at the trade of tinsmith, which line of industry he fol- lowed for a number of years. In 1853 he took up his residence in Weissport, but after a short period of time he located in Leighton and resided there for several years. He then abandoned his trade for agricultural pursuits, which he followed successfully for sixteen years in Carbon county, but in 1869 he finally settled in the town of Leighton, and again resumed work at his trade. He was thus employed until 1896, but since that year he has led a practically retired life, his only occupation being that of looking after his real estate in Lehighton, which he acquired after dis-
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posing of his farm property in Carbon county. As an evidence of the respect in which he is held by the citizens of Lehighton, he was chosen as their representative for the office of chief burgess, which he filled for a term of two years. He holds membership in the Reformed church, and has served for a number of years as a member of the board of deacons and elders.
Mr. Graver was united in marriage in 1854 to Miss Hannah Horn, who was born in Mahon- ing Valley, Pennsylvania, in 1830, and their chil- dren are: Mrs. Emma Luce, Mrs. Lizzie Schneck, John B., Ella and Mrs. Hettie Ditterline. Mrs. Graver is a daughter of Squire John Horn, who was born January 22, 1788, and died November 23, 1860. He was a worthy and influential man in his day, possessed an excellent education, and was beyond the average in intelligence. He was a shoemaker by trade, and in addition was an extensive agriculturist, conducting his operations on a tract of land consisting of over two hundred acres which he owned. He served as justice of the peace for thirty years, was a county com- missioner for Carbon county, a prominent mem- ber of the Reformed church, in which he was honored with all the offices which that body could confer upon him, and one of the leading men of his day in church music. He married Miss Catherine Blinn, who was born in 1789 and died February 1, 1863; ten children were the issue of this marriage, eight of whom arrived at years . of maturity, namely: William, John, Thomas, Joseph, Reuben, Sarah, Susanna and Hannah Horn. The father of Squire John Horn was George Horn, who was a native of Germany, a tanner by trade, who settled in Mahoning township, Pennsylvania, where he followed his trade successfully, and died in peace with God and man.
ALEXANDER T. PHIFER, a well known and prominent citizen of Phifer's Corners, Frank- lin township, Pennsylvania, from whom the place took its name, is a man of business and executive ability and he has contributed considerable time and means to the upbuilding of that little hamlet. He was born in New Jersey, December 30, 1839,
a descendent of a German ancestry. His great- grandfather emigrated to this country previous to the Revolutionary War, in which fierce strug- gle three of his granduncles took an active part.
Archibald Phifer, grandfather of Alexander T. Phifer, was a native of New Jersey. After acquiring the education afforded by the common schools of that day, he learned the trade of moulder, and thereafter worked in an iron fur- nace. He was a capable and industrious man, and during his entire active career fulfilled all the duties of a loyal and public-spirited citizen of this great republic. He married Agnes Guise, and the issue of this union was seven children, namely: Susanna, Maria, William, Adam, Jona- than, James and Archibald ; the sons followed the same trade as their father, that of iron worker. Archibald Phifer (father) died at the advanced age of ninety-six years, and his wife died at the age of ninety years; her mother, after whom she was named, lived to be one hundred and five years of age.
Jonathan Phifer, father of Alexander T. Phifer, was also a native of New Jersey. In 1840 he removed to Catasauqua, Pennsylvania, ac- companying Mr. Thomas, the iron manufacturer, who erected and operated a furnace there, and Mr. Phifer was one of his employees. After a short period of time he removed to Easton, Penn- sylvania, where he resided until 1846, then took up his residence in Mauch Chunk, but shortly afterward returned to his native state of New Jersey. His public and private life was honorable and blameless, and he therefore won the respect and confidence of all with whom he was asso- ciated. His wife, whose maiden name was Mar- garet Matthews, bore him the following named children : Elizabeth, Sarah, John, deceased ; Sam- uel, deceased ; William, deceased ; Alexander T. and George Phifer.
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