USA > Pennsylvania > Historic homes and institutions and genealogical and personal memoirs of the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania Vol. I > Part 67
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Alexander T. Phifer was reared and educated in his native state, New Jersey, served an appren- ticeship at the trade of moulder, which he fol- lowed up to 1864, when he was placed in charge of a department of the industry, and for a number of years served in the capacity of foreman or boss. When this promotion occurred he was residing
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at Parryville, to which place he removed from his native town and where he remained for thir- teen years. In 1876 he removed to Franklin town- ship, Pennsylvania, in the section now known as Phifer's Corners, and engaged in mercantile busi- ness which he conducted successfully for twenty- one consecutive years. He was the proprietor of the first store in the town, which was equipped with a general line of merchandise, and he also aided materially in the settlement of the locality. He sold lots upon which were built substantial homes by industrious people, who are to-day good and loyal citizens, and he was also instrumental in the erection of a church and schoolhouse, which adds considerably to the value of the pro- perty and is also a great convenience to the people. During his residence in Parryville, Penn- sylvania, he served in the various offices of town councilor, borough treasurer and school director, and is now serving a term as overseer of the poor in Franklin township. He is a consistent member of the Evangelical church, in which or- ganization he has held all the offices up to preacher, and at the present time ( 1904) is filling the office of trustee.
Mr. Phifer was united in marriage in 1865 to Rachel A. Knerr, who bore him six children, namely: William, Elizabeth, Elwood, George, deceased; Arthur and Ada Phifer. Rachel A. (Knerr) Phifer was one of eleven children, five of whom are living at the present time, who were born to the Rev. George Knerr, a member of the Evangelical Association, who preached the gospel for half a century. She was born in a par- sonage in the year 1844. Two of her brothers, as well as two of her. uncles, follow the same call- ing as her father, that of minister of the gospel.
LANDON B. WAGNER. Among the in- fluential, industrious and promising young busi- ness men of Weissport, Carbon county, Pennsyl- vania, may be mentioned the name of Landon B. Wagner, a manufacturer of combination fences and gates, and a dealer in general fence supplies. such as posts, rails, also stoneware and flower pots. The family formerly came from Berks county, Pennsylvania, settling at what is now
known as Phifer's Corner, in the year 1870. The early ancestors of the family were natives of Germany.
George Wagner (grandfather) was a native of Berks county, Pennsylvania, to which vicinity his parents removed from their native land of Germany. Upon attaining young manhood he turned his attention to farming which proved both a pleasant and remunerative source of em- ployment. He was twice married, the maiden name of his first wife having been Elizabeth Albright, and the name of the second wife is unknown. There were born to him ten children by the first union, among whom was a son, George A. Wagner.
George A. Wagner (father) was one of the pioneer settlers of the Lehigh Valley. He was a potter by trade, and pursued this line of indus- try in conjunction with farming during his resi- dence in Phifer's Corner, and being an excellent mechanic he soon built up an extensive trade. He was a man of excellent character, and was esteemed by all with whom he was brought in contact, either in business or social life. He mar- ried Rebecca Boyer, who bore him a family of nine children, seven of whom are now living, namely : Alfred B., Lovina, Kate, Sallie, Landon B., Luanna and George A. Wagner. The father of these children died June 10, 1896, aged eighty years.
Landon B. Wagner was born in Berks coun- ty, Pennsylvania, May 20, 1862. He was about eight years of age when his parents removed to Carbon county, and he acquired a practival edu- cation in the common schools adjacent to his home. After serving an apprenticeship at the trade of moulder, he worked as a journeyman for fourteen years, and then abandoned this industry on account of the dertimental effect it had upon his physical condition. He at once took up tlie manufacture of woven fence, and also learned the trade of potter from his father, so that in winter when his business is dull he is able to manu- facture pots of various styles and patterns. He is an excellent mechanic, and his extensive ware- house, which is equipped with all the modern facilities for manufacturing fence supplies, is
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filled with the best make and the choicest patterns of stoneware at a moderately low figure, while his own product is far beyond competition both for durability and design, and he has built up a fine and remunerative trade. He has been the incum- bent of several township offices, and at the present time (1904) is serving as school director. He is a member of the Evangelical church, and holds the offices of class leader, exhorter and superin- tendent of the Sunday school.
On July 3, 1886, Mr. Wagner was united in ¿marriage to Miss Susanna Heisler, to which union there is no issue.
PHAON C. WEAVER, notary public and real estate agent at Emaus, whose business activ- ity has resulted for the benefit of his borough as well as to his individual success, was born in Vera Cruz, Upper Milford township, Lehigh county, February 1, 1839.
His father, Reuben Weaver, was a farmer by occupation, living in Upper Milford township, where after his marriage he reared his family. He wedded Elizabeth Fink, a daughter of John and Magdalene Fink, both natives of Lelligh county. The Fink family is of German origin, and its members are identified with the Reformed church. John and Magdalene Fink were the parents of seven children : Adam, Jacob, Reuben, Daniel, Mrs. S. Miller, Mrs. A. Stahler and Mrs. Reuben Weaver. Seven children were also born unto Mr. and Mrs. Weaver, but only three are now living, Phaon C., Daniel and Mrs. Edward Guth. Phaon C. Weaver spent his boyhood days in the usual manner of farmer lads and in the common schools of his native township acquired his education. For a brief period he engaged in teaching school, but during the greater part of his life has filled public office. He was first chosen to the position of assessor of Upper Milford town- ship, Lehigh county, in which office he served for eight years. He was then elected justice of the peace of the same township, and for fifteen years presided over the justice court to the entire satis- faction of the general public. In 1884 he removed to Emaus, and two years later was again chosen justice of the peace, serving through the succeed-
ing decade. He was always fair and impartial in his rulings, and disposed of the business of the office with accuracy and dispatch. In 1897 he was appointed notary public, has since filled the position. and is now notary public for the First National Bank of Emaus, the organization of which institution was largely due to his untiring zeal and efforts. He has for a number of years conducted a private banking business in Emaus, and he is a stockholder and a notary public in the Home Mutual Fire Insurance Company, of Lehigh county, his connection therewith covering twenty-two years, while for four years he has served as a secretary. He was also for ten years civil engineer for the borough of Emaus, and in other public offices to which he has been called to serve, his course has been characterized by marked fidelity to the trust reposed in him and capability in the discharge of the duties that have devolved upon him. Socially he is connected with the Knights of Pythias fraternity and religiously with Zionsville Reformed church.
In 1866 Mr. Weaver was married to Miss Amanda Brinker, a daughter of Charles and Elizabeth Brinker, and they have become the par- ents of twelve children, eight of whom are now living, namely : Mrs. Annie Jordan, Mrs. Lillie Arndt, Mrs. Mantana Stahler, Mrs. Lizzie Smith, Ellen, Alfred R., Maggie, who married Jonas Kuns; and George Weaver.
WILLIAM H. REX, of Lehighton, Carbon county, Pennsylvania, is a representative of one of the oldest and most honored families in the Lehigh Valley, and he has served for the past thirty-five years and is still serving as engineer on the Lehigh Division of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, and during all that long period of time has experienced but one accident, a very slight one without loss of life or property, and with the exception of one month's suspension, his hand has been on the throttle of his engine almost every day. This is a record of which any man might be justly proud, and it is duly appreciated by the company, in whose service he has spent the greater part of his life. He had many narrow escapes before the invention of air-brakes, and
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Phanbellraven
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on single tracks. He was fireman on the first engine that pushed the train with ties and iron to build the track through the Wyoming Valley, and helped to bring down the first coal from that region to Mauch Chunk.
One of the early ancestors of the family, John George Rex, a progeny of one of two brothers who came to this country at a very early date, was born in 1682, and his death occurred on October 18, 1772. One of his descendants, Will- iam Rex, great-grandfather of William H. Rex, was born January 17, 1751. He was a prosper- ous man in his day, acquired considerable land and owned and operated a mill in which he manu- factured cloth from flax and wool raised on his own farm, and this material was used by his own family and by those of his neighbors. William Rex and his wife, Elizabeth (Handwork) Rex, reared a family of children, among whom was a son, Henry Rex. William Rex died August 20, 1821.
Henry Rex, grandfather of William H. Rex, was born August 24, 1798, in Washington town- ship, now in Lehigh county, but then included in Northampton county. Subsequently he moved to Carbon county, and there purchased eighty acres of fertile and productive farming land. He was united in marriage to Miss Maria Horn, who was born March 2, 1804, and to this union was born the following named children: Joel, de- ceased ; Levi, deceased ; Lafayette, living ; Alfred, deceased ; Sarah ; Amanda and Maria. The three last named are yet living. Henry Rex, the father of these children, died February 15, 1879, and his wife Maria ( Horn) Rex, died April 24, 1868.
Joel Rex, father of William H. Rex, was born in Heidleburg, Lehigh county, July 6, 1823. During his younger years he devoted his atten- tion to the vocation of teaching school, which proved a pleasant and successful means of liveli- hood, but in his latter years he followed the trade of pumpmaker. He was a man of influence and distinction in the community in which he resided, and was chosen to fill the offices of tax collector and constable of his township. He mar- ried Miss Levina Haupt, also a native of Heidle-
burg, Lehigh county, who is residing on the old homestead at the present time ( 1904). Mr. Rex, who was an active member of the Lutheran church, died in 1871.
William H. Rex, one of the children born to Joel and Levina Rex, is a native of Mahoning township, Carbon county, the date of his birth being May 22, 1845. He was reared and edu- cated in his native township, and his first em- ployment was boating on the Lehigh Canal in the service of his father, who conducted an exten- sive trade along that line. After the freshet of 1862, in which one of his brothers was lost, Mr. Rex entered the employ of the Lehigh Val- ley Railroad Company as a repair hand on the work train. His faithfulness in the discharge of these minor duties induced the officials of the road to promote him to the positions of brake- man, fireman and conductor, in 1864, and five years later he was given an engine, which posi- tion he has filled up to the present time. His route was from Mauch Chunk to Easton and Perth Amboy, Pennsylvania, and he is now run- ning a drill engine in the Packerton yard. Dur- ing his long connection with the company there were three strikes, in the years 1872, 1877 and 1893, and during those troubulous times he re- mained true to his post, although his life was often in great danger. He is an honored member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
In 1871 Mr. Rex was married to Miss Cath- erine Kemmerer, and their children are: Clara, who became the wife of Edgar C. Noll, and they are the parents of two sons Wilbur R. and Her- bert W. Frederick W., who married Miss Bertha M. Berlin, who bore him one son, Harold B. : Hattie M., who married James H. Xander : Harry E. Rex. The family are members of Grace Lutheran church, which is an English branch of the German Lutheran church, and Mr. Rex is now serving in the capacity of chosen elder.
AMANDUS KISTLER, a well known re- tired farmer residing in the borough of Lehigh- ton, is a descendant of a prominent and influential family whose connection with this portion of the state dates from the colonial epoch in American
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history. His grandfather, John Kistler, was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, and, learn- the blacksmith's trade, became an excellent me- chanic in that line. He was a member of the Lutheran church, and his life was in such con- sistent harmony with its principles and teachings that his influence became strongly felt in the community and his example was well worthy of emulation. He was twice married, his second union being with a Miss Everett, and to them were born six children, namely : John, Joseph, Daniel, Elias, Gideon and Jonas.
Of this family, Joseph Kistler was the father of Amandus Kistler. He was born in Lynn town- ship, Lehigh county, November 21, 1810, and in early life learned the blacksmith's trade under his father's direction. He was also a practical farmer, and in his business affairs was energetic and persevering, and displayed indefatigable industry. A consistent member of the Reformed church, he held several positions therein, includ- ing those of deacon and elder, and his life was so upright and honorable that in the community where he resided he was termed one of nature's noblemen. He married Miss Maria also a native of Lehigh county. She was born March II, 18II, and their wedding occurred on the 19th of June, 1831. Their children were as follows: Fianna, deceased, born May 30, 1832; Maria, July 4, 1834; Polly, November 1, 1836; Lydia, deceased, born March 16, 1850; Sarah, March 2, 1844; Amandus, August 9, 1839; Jo- seph, December 24, 1841 ; Monroe, April 2, 1842 ; William, February 25, 1853. The father died in 1880, and the mother is still living, her home being still in Lehigh county.
Amandus Kistler was born at the old home in Lynn township, Lehigh county, on the 9th of August, 1839, and there spent the days of his boyhood and youth, while as a pupil in the public schools he mastered the common branches of learning. He afterward served an apprentice- ship to the carpenter's trade, and his natural skill with tools made him an excellent mechanic. After following that purusit for several years he abandoned it for agriculture, and has since been engaged to greater or less extent in farming op-
erations. For a number of years he actively carried on the work of his farm, but in 1887 re- moved to Lehighton, where he owns several houses which he rents. He also has unimproved land within the borough limits, and the income from his property provides him with a good liv- ing. He is recognized as a worthy and loyal cit- izen, whose interest in the welfare of his com- munity has taken tangible form in active co- operation in movements for the general good. He and his family are members of the Lutheran church, in which he is filling the office of deacon.
Mr. Kistler has been twice married. Feb- ruary 3, 1862, he wedded Miss Kate Adams and they became the parents of two children: Owen E., who was born January 3, 1866, and is now deceased; and Odilen C. E., born November 2, 1872. He married Miss Agnes Dries, and they have one daughter, Carrie born in December, 1893. The wife and mother, whose birth occurred June 17, 1844, passed away January 9, 1877. On the 17th of March, 1878. Mr. Kistler married Miss Kate Dengler, who was born in June, 1847.
C. W. SCHWAB. Among the successful and enterprising business men of the town of East Weissport, Pennsylvania, none are more trust- worthy in the fulfillment of their promises, or more conscientious in the performance of their labor than C. W. Schwab, who was born in Franklin township, Carbon county, Pennsylva- nia, October 8, 1848. He is descended from a worthy and much respected family of industrious and enterprising men and women, and his pater- nal grandfather, Jacob Schwab, a native of Ger- many, was closely related to Mr. Schwab, the steel magnate.
Thomas Schwab, father of C. W. Schwab, was a native of Franklin township, Carbon coun- ty, Pennsylvania, and in this vicinity he was reared and educated. During the early part of his business career he was an experienced sawyer, but subsequently he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, and by using the most practical and progressive methods known to tillers of the soil he amassed a goodly competence as well as a lucrative livelihood. Thomas Schwab
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and his wife Polly, also a native of Franklin township, were the parents of eleven children, five of whom are deceased and their names are not recorded ; the surviving members of the fam- ily are: C. W., Maria, Selina, Ella, Polly and Rebecca. Both Mr. and Mrs. Schwab were mem- bers of the Reformed church, in which body he served as deacon for many years.
After completing his education in the schools of his native township, C. W. Schwab was em- ployed at various pursuits until he attained his twenty-ninth year, in 1877, when he established his present carriage manufactory at East Weiss- port, and since then has succeeded in building up a lucrative trade. He is a first-class mechanic, thoroughly understands his business in all its departments, and is the owner of the property on which is located his large shop and residence, both of which buildings he erected in 1876. He is a representative member of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, in which organ- ization he has filled all offices.
Mr. Schwab was twice married. His first marriage was to Miss Elena Smith, who bore him one daughter, Sarah, now the wife of William Stecker. Mrs. Schwab died in 1890. His sec- ond marriage, which occurred in 1892, was to Miss Aquilla Smoyer. Mr. Schwab is a member and deacon of the Evangelical church of East Weissport,' in which body his wife also holds membership.
DAVID N. REHR, a florist, nurseryman and horticulturist, conducting business in the borough of Lehighton, was born in Berks county, Pennsyl- vania, and in the paternal line is of German de- scent. His father, Urias Rehr, was born in Berks county, and became a forgeman recognized as an expert workman in the field of his chosen labor. He followed that pursuit for a number of years, and also became extensively engaged in farming, owning two valuable tracts of land, each contain- ing eighty acres. Of one of these, situated in Mahoning township, Carbon county, he retained possession up to the time of his death, and con- tinued in its active operation. His landed pos- sessions were the visible evidence of his life of
thrift and industry, he having made investment in property with the capital he had gained from his labor at the forge. He married Miss Susan Pugh, who was of Welch lineage. Their family numbered nine children, eight of whom reached years of maturity, while five are yet living, as follows: William F., David N., Mary C., and Emma and Susan, twins.
David N. Rehr acquired his education in the schools of Berks county and of Northampton county. He is conversant with both the German and English languages and is a man who has received good practical training fitting him for the duties and responsibilities of a business career. In early life he began learning the carpenter's trade, which he thoroughly mastered, becoming recognized as an excellent craftsman. He worked as a journeyman in various places, and not only progressed in carpentering, but also gained the broader knowledge that comes through travel and through contact with the world. He spent altogether a quarter of a century at the bench. For a short period he resided in Monroe county, Pennsylvania, thence removed to Northampton county, and eventually came to Carbon county, settling in Lehighton in 1868. Here he has since made his home. On retiring from the field of labor which he entered in early manhood, he be- gan devoting his attention to the nursery business, in which he has continued for seventeen years. He is also a florist, and in 1898 became engaged in horticultural pursuits. He has an excellent plant heated by a hot water system, and in addi- tion to his dwelling and his greenhouses he owns three lots which are used in connection with his extensive business. He keeps a large and varied stock of plants and flowers, and conducts an en- terprise that has constantly grown in volume and importance until his trade is now very extensive. He handles a large amount of fruit trees of every variety adapted to the soil and climate of the temperate zone, and in 1903 shipped two and a half tons of trees. He has established an ex- cellent reputation for reliability in his line, and be- cause of the high grade of stock which he carries, as well as his honorable business methods, he has secured a patronage which is constantly growing,
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and has already made his business very profitable. It has been developed along modern ideas and progressive lines, and his enterprise and industry have classed him with the leading representatives of trade interests in his borough.
Mr. Rehr was united in marriage to Miss Maria Miller, a daughter of John and Sarah Miller, of Mahoning township. Their marriage was celebrated on the 5th of January, 1879, and to them have been born four children : Mrs. Mary E. Hill, Hattie S., John U., and James E. The elder son married Miss Rebecca Huffman, and to them two children have been born.
CHARLES AMERICUS BACHMAN, D. D. S., of Emaus, is descended from a family founded in America at the time of the establish- ment of the colony by William Penn, and repre- sentatives of the name have since won distinction in various business occupations and professional lines. Peter Bachman, grandfather of Dr. Bach- man, married a Miss Hartman, and their son, P. H. Bachman, was born in Lynn- ville, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania. He be- came an extensive
farmer whose intelli- gence and well directed labors brought him success, and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his fidelity to the best interests of his community, called him to various township offices which he filled in an able manner. He married Medina Kistler, who was born in New Tripoli, Pennsyl- vania, a daughter of Abraham and Regina Kistler. Their children are: George A., Henry G., Mrs. Howard A. Peters, Mrs. Charles L. Peters, Charles A., Mrs. Henry W. Peters, Thomas G., deceased, and one that died in infancy, and Will- iam B. The parents are still living in Lehigh county.
Dr. Bachman, born in Lynn township, Lehigh county, September 10, 1873, spent his boyhood days on the home farm, and after acquiring his education in the public schools of his native town- ship engaged in teaching school for several terms. He subsequently entered the College of Dental Surgery at Philadelphia, from which institution he was graduated with the class of 1900. The succeeding year was spent at home, and in 1901
he opened an office in Emaus, where he has since built up an extensive and profitable practice. His mechanical skill, rendered effective by the most modern appliances known to dentistry, and com- bined with comprehensive and accurate scienti- fic knowledge, has won for him prominence in his profession in Emaus. He is a member of the Lehigh Valley Dental Association, the State Den- tal Society, the Wilbur F. Litch Society of Strom- athology, and the Susquehanna Valley Dental Association. He likewise belongs to the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows.
Dr. Bachman was married March 30, 1902, to Miss Viola Erdman, a daughter of O. H. and Alvesta S. Erdman.
ANDREW BAYER, whose well directed energy in business affairs has made him one of the leading representatives of commercial inter- ests in Lehighton, is a native of Bavaria, Ger- many, born August 30, 1856. His parents, Anton J. and Ottilia Bayer, were also natives of Bavaria, and spent their entire lives in that country. The father was an expert architect and contractor, whose business reached extensive proportions. He died March 5, 1883, and his widow was de- ceased April 7, 1904.
Under the parental roof Andrew Bayer spent the days of his boyhood, and when he had left the public schools in which he acquired his education he was apprenticed to the trade of paper hanging, becoming a thorough and reliable workman. He has advanced so greatly in this chosen field of labor that he has made it almost an art, and occu- pies a foremost position as a representative of his calling in this section of Pennsylvania. Ere leaving his native land he served in the German army as a sergeant from 1877 until 1880 inclus- ive. During that period much of his time was spent in office work, his education and capability well equipping him for such duty. When about twenty-seven years of age he determined to seek his home in America tl.at he might enjoy its better business opportunities, and in 1883 crossed the Atlantic, locating at Lehighton, Pennsylvania. where he pursued his trade as a practical journey- man for two years. He was very successful, and
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