USA > Pennsylvania > Historic homes and institutions and genealogical and personal memoirs of the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania Vol. I > Part 70
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a horseshoeing shop, Mr. Baer pursued a course of lessons on the anatomy of the foot and leg of a horse, and passed a creditable examination which was conducted by the instructors and ex- aminers-T. J. Kean, M. D., V. M. D., of De- troit, Michigan ; Thomas H. Monahan, D. V. S., of Providence, Rhode Island ; and W. A. Giffen, V. S., D. V. S., of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He also took lessons on cast steel, and how to work it into tools of various shapes and kinds, and successful dressing under the supervision of Professor W. S. Casterlin, of Pittston, Pennsyl- vania. In 1899, in Shoenersville, the first cold tiresetting machine was put to work, and, al- though nothing new to the large factories, it was a mechanical wonder and attracted much atten- tion from the public for miles around Shoeners- ville. This was the first machine of its kind be- tween Reading, Pennsylvania, and Paterson, New Jersey. Mr. Baer also originated some very la- bor-saving tools for blacksmiths, of which the most noted is the "Baer Easy Hoof Parer for Horseshoers." This tool trims off long over- grown feet with ease, and has received a large share of praise from shoers. The patent for this invention was issued January 2, 1900, and among the many useful articles he invented this was the only one for which he received a patent. Like his father, Mr. Baer is actively connected with the Reformed church, and casts his vote with the Democratic party. Socially, he is affiliated with the order of the Golden Eagles, and the Junior Order of American Mechanics, having filled all the chairs of the latter organization.
Mr. Baer married, June 10, 1888, Ella J. Dei- bert of Schnecksville, Lehigh county, daughter of Solomon Deibert, and they are the parents of two children: Minerva Cecilia, born May 9, 1893, now a student in the public school; and Florence Evelyn, born September 14, 1900.
JAMES D. KNOUSE, an esteemed and highly respected resident of Allentown, Pennsyl- vania, who for the past fifteen years has acted ·efficiently and successfully as a member of the Allentown Boiler Works, attending to the finan- cial part of the business, enjoys an enviable rep-
utation as a thorough and reliable business man, fitted both by nature and experience for the suc- cessful management of the important enterprise with which his name is connected. He was born in Cetronia, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, a son of Charles K. and Rebecca (Swartz) Knouse, and grandson of Solomon and Elizabeth Keck Knouse, and John and Elizabeth (Heller) Swartz. His parents reared a family of four children, all of whom attained years of maturity and became useful members of society, namely : Tilghman, who married Elizabeth Greenawald, and their family consisted of two children, Thomas and Harry. Frank, who married Clara George, and three children were born of this union-Alfred, Miriam and Elmira, deceased. James D., mentioned at length hereinafter. Charles W., who married Hannah Goranflo; no issue.
James D. Knouse obtained an excellent liter- ary education, having been a student in the public and private schools of his native town, Freeland Seminary, Ursinus College, and Allentown Academy. He gained his first business experience as clerk in the grocery business of Milton Rich- ards, with whom he remained several years in that capacity, and later was appointed to the re- sponsible position of manager. His next occu- pation was as salesman for the firm of Bittner & Hunsicker Brothers, with whom he remained for about ten years. He then engaged in the hard- ware business with M. C. Ebbeck, under the style of M. C. Ebbeck & Co., which relation continued until 1888. In 1890 he entered into partnership with Charles Collum, under the firm name of the Allentown Boiler Works, Mr. Knouse attending to the financial affairs of the concern. Being indus- trious and capable, he has naturally met with success, and has gained a place among the rep- resentative business men of the city. In addition to this enterprise he is erecting at the present time a number of houses in the city of Allentown. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, a Republican in politics, and is actively identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fllows, and the Knights of Pythias.
Mr. Knouse married Ella Marie Clader, eld-
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est daughter of Owen and Mary A. (Meyers) Clader, who were also the parents of another daughter, Alice, who died at the age of twelve years. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Knouse : George Harrington and B. Mae Knouse.
George Harrington Knouse attended the pub- lic schools, a private school conducted by Miss Magruder, Muhlenberg College, and the Medico- Chirurgical College. His intention in early life was to become a member of the medical profes- sion, but he subsequently abandoned this in order to engage in a mercantile career. He was em- ployed with his father until 1898, in which year he engaged as salesman with a Philadelphia house, remaining until 1901. He then returned to Allentown, and shortly afterward left the city to engage in other parts. A short time after his return to his native city he returned to the Allen- town Boiler Works, in which concern his father is a partner, and he is now serving in the capacity of head clerk. He is a Republican, and is an honored member of the F. O. E. He enlisted in Company B, Fourth Regiment National Guard of Pennsylvania, and in July, 1903, was ap- pointed regimental clerk on the staff of Colonel C. T. O'Neil.
B. Mae Knouse acquired her early educational advantages in the private school conducted under the personal supervision of Miss Magruder, and this was supplemented by a course at the Allen- town College for Women, and the Moravian Seminary, at Bethlehem, from which institution she was graduated.
JOHN M. FOCHT, who since 1867 has re- sided upon and engaged in the operation of his farm in South Whitehall township, Lehigh county, and also follows the millwright's trade, belongs to a family that was established in Penn- sylvania when this country was still numbered among the colonial possessions of Great Britain. His grandfather, George Focht, was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, in 1778, and in 1834 removed to Lehigh county, where he worked at common labor and also followed carpet-weaving up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1855. He married Miss Mollie Hiddle, and they
became the parents of three sons and four daugh- ters: George, Daniel, Amos, Annie, wife of Henry Bachman: Susan, wife of Jacob Nase; Mary, wife of Samuel Shaley; and Elizabeth, wife of Henry Sage.
Daniel Focht was the father of John M. Focht of this review, and was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, in 1805. When twenty-nine years of age he removed to Lehigh county, where he continued to make his home throughout his re- maining days. In early life he learned the car- penter's trade, which he followed in connection with farming for about thirty-two years, when having acquired a competence through energy, economy and careful management, he retired from business life and removed to Allentown, where his death occurred in 1886. He was a very active, zealous and influential member of the Lutheran church, and filled the offices of dea- con and elder for many years. His study of the political questions and issues of the day led to. his unfaltering support of the Democracy, and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, elected him to the office of county com- missioner of Lehigh county, in which position he served from 1851 until 1854.
Daniel Focht was married to Miss Sophia Hilderbidle, and unto them were born thirteen children, of whom one died in infancy. The others are as follows: James; Angelina, wife of William Miller; Willoughby; Daniel H .; Amanda, wife of Charles Ludwick : John; Mil- ton ; Thomas; Hannah, deceased wife of David Sharrie ; Ellen M., wife of Leonard Seafing ; Al- len H. and Morgan.
John M. Focht, born in South Whitehall township, Lehigh county, upon his father's farm. October 26, 1841, pursued his education in the public schools, and at the age of eighteen years began learning the millwright's trade under the direction of William Sigfried, in whose employ he remained as an apprentice and journeyman for eight years. He then entered the employ of Wolfe & Company, of Chambersburg, Pennsyl- vania, continuing with that firm for twenty con- secutive years, on the expiration of which period he began business as a millwright on his own ac-
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GENEALOGICAL AND PERSONAL MEMOIRS.
count. He also turned his attention to farm- ing, and has since followed both pursuits. He purchased the place upon which he now resides in 1866, and took up his abode thereon in 1867, and his unremitting diligence has transformed this into a valuable and highly cultivated prop- erty.
Like his father, Mr. Focht holds membership in the Lutheran church, contributed generously to its support, and does all in his power to pro- mote its growth and extend its influence. He has filled the office of deacon and also that of elder. Mr. Focht wedded Miss Mary Ludwig, a daughter of David Ludwig, and unto this mar- riage nine chilren were born, of whom four died in infancy or early youth. The others are as fol- lows: Annie J., who was born September 12, 1868, and is the wife of Henry B. Farringer ; Jeremiah, born September 28, 1871, married Miss Annie Otto ; Alice M., who was born July 31, 1873, and is the wife of John Gilbert : John C., born June 20, 1875, married Ella R. Miller ; and Estella L. S., born November 16, 1888.
EDWIN A. KRUM, an enterprising and prosperous farmer residing in Heidelberg town- ship, Lehigh county, lives in a locality which has been the ancestral home of the family through several generations. John Krum, his great- grandfather, came to Lehigh county at an early period in its settlement and established his home in Heidelberg township, where his descendants have since been identified with agricultural pur- suits. His son, John Krum, the grandfather of Edwin A. Krim, attended the early schools of the neighborhood, and the occupation to which he was reared he made his life work. He married, and upon his farm reared his family. One of his children was David Y. Krum, who was born in Heidelberg township in 1831 and died in 1897, at the age of sixty-six years. When he had mas- tered the branches of learning taught in the com- mon schools he began learning the shoemaker's trade, which he followed throughout his remain- ing days, thus providing for the needs of his family. He was well known in the community and was influential in affairs of his neighborhood.
Several times he was solicited to accept public office, but always declined, although he mani- fested a public spirited interest in the improve- ment and upbuilding of the community. His vote was always cast for the men and measures of the Republican party. He married Miss Sarah Snyder, also a native of Heidelberg township, who is now deceased. They became the parents of three children-Jane, who died in childhood, Edwin A .; and one that died in infancy.
Edwin A., born on the old family homestead in Heidelberg township, on the 24th of August, 1862, was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads, spending the winter months in attendance at the common schools, while in the summer sea- sons he assisted in the labors of field and meadow. He has always engaged in agricultural pursuits, and is now accounted one of the successful farm- ers of the community, his well tilled fields return- ing to him a good income. He has voted with the Republican party since attaining his majority, and has filled some local offices, serving as tax collector while for six years he has filled the posi- tion of school director. He and his family hold membership in the Reformed church and regu- larly attend its services.
Mr. Krum was married in 1889 to Miss Lou- isa Steigerwalt, a daughter of David Steigerwalt, of Schuylkill township, and they now have one son, David G. Krum, whose birth occurred in 1891.
JOHN H. LYNN, the genial and popular proprietor of the Lynn Hotel, at North Coplay, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, is a descendant of an old and honored family, whose ancestors set- tled in Lynn township, Lehigh county, at an early date in the history of the Lehigh Valley.
Peter Lynn (great-grandfather) was a native of Northampton county, Pennsylvania, and among the children born to him was a son, Daniel Lynn. Daniel Lynn (grandfather) was born in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, and in due course of time was united in mar- riage to Catherine Fell, who bore him a number of children, among whom was a son, John Lynn. John Lynn (father) was
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also a native of Northampton county, Pennsyl- vania, born in 1837. For over thirty-three years he was in the employ of the Coplay Cement Com- pany, serving in the capacity of foreman, and dur- ing all this long period of time he was one of the faithful and conscientious men on whom the company could implicitly rely. He has always been an active and energetic man, noted for his integrity and honesty, and his life has been use- ful if uneventful. He married Mary E. Minich, who bore him twelve children, ten of whom are living at the present time: Elizabeth C., Jane S., Bella C., Mary E., Susan, Maggie B., Ellen L., Annie, John H., and Thomas A. Seven of their children were born in the town of Chapman, Northampton county, Pennsylvania, and five in the town of North Coplay, Lehigh county, Penn- sylvania.
John H. Lynn, eldest surviving son of John and Mary E. Lynn, was born August 9, 1866. He was reared in Whitehall township, and ac- quired a practical education in the common schools of the vicinity. He gained his first busi- ness experience in the employ of the Coplay Ce- ment Company, occupying various positions from that of boy to skillful mechanic, and finally was appointed foreman, succeeding his father and for five years served in that important capacity. In 1896 he built the Lynn Hotel at North Coplay, a handsome and commodious building equipped with all modern improvements and containing twenty-five finely furnished rooms. The house can accommodate thirty guests without taxing it to its utmost limit, and owing to the good man- agement and excellent cuisine it has become one of the best known hotels in that section of the county, and receives its full share of the patron- age of the traveling public. Mr. Lynn is a mem- ber of No Surrender Council, No. 103, Junior Order of Patriotic Sons of America, of Catasau- qua, Pennsylvania.
In 1886 Mr. Lynn married Remitta P. Mil- house, of Whitehall township, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania. Five children were the issue of this union, three of whom are living at the pres- ent time : Eva B., Earl A., and John T. Lynn.
Thomas A. Lynn, youngest son of John and
Mary E. Lynn, was born at Chapman, Northamp- ton county, Pennsylvania, in 1870. After com- pleting a common school education he entered the employ of the Coplay Cement Company, and during all the years of his connection with that enterprise he has performed his duties in a faith- ful and conscientious manner, and has ever been true to the best interests of his employers. He is an active, public-spirited citizen, and an honored member of the Whitehall Beneficial Society.
In 1896 he was united in marriage to Mary Loch, who was born at Slatedale, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, in 1878. Their children are : Helen F. A., Mabel V., May L. J., and Bessie E. Lynn.
EDWIN W. TREXLER, deceased, during a long and active career was recognized as one of the most enterprising citizens of Allentown, and was favorably known throughout the coun- try for the signal benefits he conferred upon the farming population through the large aid he gave to the breeding and distribution of highly su- perior breeds of cattle. He was a man of sterl- ing personal character and was held in honor by all who came in contact with him, in all the re- lations of life.
Mr. Trexler was a descendant of a family which was among the earliest settlers in eastern Pennsylvania, coming from Germany shortly after William Penn had laid the foundations of his colony. Their descendents became numerous, and that they were large landholders is attested by the frequency with which the name appears upon the documents of conveyance. Many of its members attained prominence in various honor- able walks of life. Their descendants are now to be found scattered throughout the entire country, but many of them still live in the region which their ancestors first occupied two hundred years ago. The present village of Trexlertown derived its name from the family.
Edwin W. Trexler was a son of the late Reu- ben Trexler, and was born October 27, 1826, in Upper Milford township, Lehigh county, Penn- sylvania, on the farm which was originally pur- chased by his grandfather, and which is now owned by his son, Edwin G. Trexler. Until
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his fourteenth year he worked on the paternal farm during the summer months, in winter at- tending the neighboring schools. Despite ms youth he was well grounded in the fundamental branches of an education, and at the early age stated he left home to become clerk in a general store in Emaus. In this employment he devel- oped a real aptitude for a business career, and before he reached the years of manhood he lo- cated in Easton, where for a number of years he successfully conducted a dry goods business. The confining nature of this occupation, however, wrought impairment of his health, and in 1856 he relinquished his mercantile business and re- moved to Allentown, where he engaged in a lum- ber business. His first associates were his broth- ers, Jonas and Wiloughby Trexler. Later Thomas Weaver became a partner in what was known as the firm of Trexler & Weaver. The last named subsequently retired, and Mr. Trex- ler admitted his sons, Harry C. and Edwin G. Trexler, to partnership with himself, under the firm name of E. W. Trexler & Sons.
About 1890 Mr. Trexler, on account of ad- vancing years, and out of his intense love for farm pursuits and outdoor occupation, retired from the lumber business, which was continued by his sons, and during his remaining years de- voted almost all his attention to his farm. Upon this splendid tract, one of the handsomest and most productive in the entire region, Mr. Trex- ler carried out his own plans of farming, adapting it in principal degree to the breeding of high-grade Holstein and Jersey cattle. He took an ardent interest in his occupation, and cared for his herds with even more than humane regard,-something not far from real affection. His animals were the pride of his farm, and he was primarily in- strumental in introducing his breeds into general use in this part of Pennsylvania, to the displace- ment of the inferior cattle which had hitherto been in vogue, and in this way contributed largely to an increase of wealth to the dairymen farmers. He was recognized throughout the entire country as the highest possible authority in all matters pertaining to the strains which he made his spec- ialty, and from 1894 until his death was con-
tinued in membership in the Holstein-Friesian Association of America, in which body he was a familiar figure and in which he was held in high regard.
Mr. Trexler came to his death under the most distressing circumstances on July 10, 1900. In crossing the track of the East Pennsylvania Rail- road, near Emaus, his vehicle was struck hy a freight train running at high speed, and was ut- terly wrecked, the horse fatally injured, and Mr. Trexler instantly killed. The distressing event was a dreadful shock to the community in which he had so long lived and to whose people he had so greatly endeared himself by his genial disposition, enterprising public spirit and abund- ant generosity. He was in all respects an ideal citizen, bearing himself modestly yet manfully, never seeking prominence, but content with faith- fully discharging the duty of the hour. He was, however, ever alert to discover opportunity for the development of the interests which en- gaged his principal attention, in all his efforts holding himself as anxious to advance the for- tunes of those about as he was his own. In poli- tics he was a stanch Republican.
Mr. Trexler married, in 1852, at Easton, Miss. Matilda Sourpeck, who survives him, with their three sons : Colonel Harry C. Trexler, who con- ducts the lumber business established by his fa- ther; Edwin G. Trexler and Judge Frank M. Trexler.
VINCENT BRISCOE, who is residing in Forks township, Northampton county, is one of the energetic and practical farmers of this part of the state and his diligence, perseverance and pro- gressive methods bring excellent results in his work. He is a native of sunny Italy, with her blue skies and climbing vines, his birth having there occurred on the 18th of June, 1851. His father died in Italy, and the son afterward emigrated to the land of freedom, where many of Italy's sons have made their home. Indeed, it was to one of the sons of that land that America owes her discovery. The mother came to the United States with her children, taking her son Vincent to Maryland, where she left him in charge of an
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uncle who reared and educated him. Early in life his tastes seemed to be in the direction of farming and gardening, and giving his energies to these pursuits he has succeeded beyond his most sanguine expectations. He started out in life with no capital, but with strong determina- tion, and brooking no obstacles that could be overcome by honorable effort, he has steadily worked his way upward to success. About 1880 he came to the north, locating in Pennsylvania, and here he became identified with agricultural pursuits. He now lives in Forks township, Northampton county, where he owns a good tract of land. This he purchased in 1891, and upon his farm he has made many needed and val- uable improvements until it is now a very desir- able property, modern in all its equipments.
Mr. Briscoe has been twice married. He first wedded Miss Henrietta Curlott, and unto them four children were born : Mrs. Rene Welsh, Samuel W., Mary F. and Oscar. In 1884 Mr. Briscoe was united in marriage to Mrs. Sarah E. D'Attique, who by her former marriage had two daughters and one son, namely : Mrs. A. G. Messenger, Mrs. Margaret Servoss, and James E. D'Attique. The last named is a graduate of Lafayette College with the class of 1895, and is chemist of St. Agnes, Michigan. The D'Attiques are of French extraction and representatives of a prominent family. Edouard D'Attique, a near relative of Mrs. Briscoe, was a captain in the United States army in the war of 1812.
Mr. Briscoe has led a very industrious life, and he finds in his wife an able companion and helpmate for the journey, she co-operating with him in every movement which he undertakes for their mutual good and for the embelishment of their beautiful home. He is thoroughly familiar with the best methods of farming, and his la- bors have been so directed that his energies have been crowned with success.
JAMES FRANKLIN HUNSICKER, who is actively interested in all that pertains to the material, intellectual and moral progress and im- provement of Allentown, occupies an enviable position in commercial and financial circles, not
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only by reason of the success he has achieved, but also because of the honorable, straightforward business policy he has ever followed as he has advanced his interests along modern mercantile lines.
Born in Lehigh county, he is a son of Owen and Sarah (Bittner) Hunsicker, the latter a daughter of Jacob Bittner. His paternal grand- father was Daniel Hunsicker, who married a Miss Peters. In the family of Owen and Sarah Hunsicker were five children, of whom James Franklin is the second in order of birth. Henry W., the eldest, married Ida A. Grim, and has five children : Walter O., Hessa G., Jessie, Rhoda and George. Francis P. Hunsicker, the third brother, married Ellen J. Clauser, and they have three children : Katie, the wife of George Knaus ; Florence C .; and Mamie. The only daughter of Owen Hunsicker, Mary Alice, married George Koch, and they have five children: Harry, who married Carrie E. Miller, and has two children, George H. and J. Walter; Lula, who married Ambrose Kunkle; Mazie, Sallie, and Sadie. Owen S. Hunsicker married Nellie White, and has three children-Harry, Frederick and Esther.
At the usual age James F. Hunsicker entered the public schools, and when his education was completed he began work in order to assist in the support of his father's family. He went to Catasauqua, where he was employed in a hotel for some time, and later he occupied a similar position in Philadelphia. Not desiring to make this his permanent occupation he returned home, and for a time was engaged in civil engineering. He entered the employ of Colonel S. D. Lehr, and joined the engineering corps that was en- gaged in laying out the route of the Ironton & Steinsville Railroad, but after the survey work was completed the project was abandoned. Mr. . Hunsicker then returned again to Allentown.
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