USA > Pennsylvania > Historic homes and institutions and genealogical and personal memoirs of the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania Vol. II > Part 35
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While General Lilly thus bore a prominent part in industrial and commercial affairs, he was more widely known for his services in public life. He first came into prominence in connection with the military establishment of the state. At the age of twenty-one he enlisted in the ranks of the militia, and through successive promotions, won by his courage and fine soldierly qualities, he ar- rived at the rank of colonel, and finally that of brigadier-general.
In politics, General Lilly was a Democrat of
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the old school, and his first presidential vote was cast for James K. Polk. He acted with the party until 1862, when, the Civil war being then in progress, and the fate of the nation at stake, he gave his allegiance to the party then headed by President Lincoln. He remained a Republican thenceforward and to the end of his life, and was one of its most radical and uncompromising ex- ponents, advocating its principles and policies with enthusiasm and ability. To him the main- tenance of the Union was dependable upon a continuance of power in Republican hands. This end obtained, the party appealed to him on in- dustrial and economic grounds. The party had inaugurated a new tariff system in order to pro- vide means, in part, for carrying on the war, and now it had elaborated the system to promote American industries by affording them protection against foreign merchants and manufacturers. Pennsylvania, by reason of its great mineral re- sources and manufacturing capacity, was particu- larly interested, yet there were many opponents to the doctrine of protection, and advocates of the home mechanic and manufacturer were long kept in active employment in the work of political and economic education. Among these advo- cates none was more zealous, more capable, more aggressive or more invincible than was General Lilly. He frequently sat as a delegate in the state and national conventions of the Republican party, and his influence was at various times discernible in the language of its platforms with reference to the protective tariff. In 1868 he was prominently mentioned for the gubernatorial nomination, and in the nominating convention he was defeated by so small a plurality as to make it evident that he would have been made the candidate had he con- ducted a personal campaign, a course to which he was disinclined by reason of want of particular political ambition, and of the exactions of his business. In 1892 he was elected congressman- at-large, and his personal popularity found attest- ation in the fact that he led his ticket, receiving 32,391 votes as against 32.215 cast for General Harrison, his plurality being 176 more than was that of the distinguished presidential candidate.
As a member of Congress, General Lilly ac- quitted himself most usefully and honorably. A forceful speaker he cherished no ambition of ora- tory and spoke but seldom. He was reckoned, however, among the most industrious members of the house, and his services in the committee room were of much value. At his death he was the senior member of the body in point of age, and, as a striking coincidence, may be mentioned the fact that within a few days occurred the death of llon. Charles ('Neill, the "Father of the House" in point of duration of service. Between these two men, much alike in disposition, habits of thought and conceptions of principle and poh- cies, subsisted a long and most intimate personal friendship.
The death of General Lilly, which occurred on December 1, 1893, was regarded as a severe loss to the community, which held him in honor for his ability and nobility of character and in affection for his worth as a citizen and neighbor. He was by nature a leader of men, whether in business or in public affairs, yet holding authority with so light a hand that no resentment was kind- led against him. The expressions of regret at his taking off were many and touching, nor was there among them any more full of significance than the sentences of one obituary sketch : "Even death failed to stamp out the strong lineaments that denoted the leading characteristics of the man-nobleness of purpose on the open brow : firmness and determination in the strong lines of the face ; and yet, withal, a kindly gentle expres- sion." His character was well summarized in the resolutions adopted by the board of directors of the First National Bank of Mauch Chunk, of which body he had been a member from the founding of the institution :
"Resolved, That our community has been de- prived of one of its most excellent and enteriris- ing members. He was just and honorable in all his ways. fearless for the right. and open- handed where there was need. Beginning life in humble circumstances and with limited edu- cational facilities. by energy and application he succeeded in self-education and in making a princely fortunc.
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"Resolved, That the state and nation had need of his counsel and civic virtues, for in times of distress, financial and industrial depression, his voice and experience would have been invaluable in measures for relief and encouragement."
The funeral was attended by an immense con- course, among which was a large delegation rep- resenting the congress of the United States. That body also took appropriate action, and its tribute to the life and character of the deceased states- man, as expressed by various members of con- gress upon the floor of the house, was given per- manence in a memorial volume issued from the government printing office.
THE YOUNG FAMILY, The Young fam- ily has figured prominently in the development of the Lehigh Valley for more than a century, representatives of the name leaving their impress upon the material progress, political, social, in- tellectual and moral advancement of eastern Pennsylvania. The first of the name of whom we have authentic record is Christian Young, who was proprietor of a store at Clader's Lime Kilns in Hanover township, Lehigh county. He was a native of Milford township, Bucks county, Penn- sylvania, and in early manhood married Cather- ine Strassburger, who was an aunt of Rev. M. S. Straussburger. After the birth of their son Joseph, Christian Young returned with his fam- ily to Milford township, Bucks county, where he conducted a store and also engaged in the oper- ation of a farm. Several years prior to his death he established a dyeing and weaving business and remained in active connection with that enterprise up to the time of his demise, which occurred when he was fifty-seven years of age. He was a mem- ber of the Mennonite church.
Joseph Young, son of Christian and Cathe- rine Young, and the grandfather of Edward Mark Young, the only living representative of the fam- ily in Allentown, was born in Hanover township, Lehigh county, December 31, 1812, and was one of a family of thirteen children, eight sons and five daughters. In his early youth he accom- panied his parents on their removal to Milford township, Bucks county, and there learned the
trade of dyeing and weaving with his father, but it did not prove a congenial occupation to him, and when he was a youth of fifteen he went to Beth- lehem, where he learned the blacksmith's trade with Mr. Warner. On the completion of his term of apprenticeship he removed to Coopers- burg, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in black- smithing until 1832. He then took up his abode in Allentown and entered the employment of Joseph Kramer, a coach maker doing business on Seventh street. Subsequently he was em- ployed successively by Major William Fry and Stephen Barber, and on leaving the latter service entered into partnership with Reuben Guth and Augustus L. Ruhe in the printng and book busi- ness. They were the publishers of the "Lecha Patriot," and Mr. Young was thus identified with the business interests of Allentown for some time. Finally, however, he retired from the firm and joined his former partner, Stephen Barber, in the establishment of a hardware store, which was. one of the first business enterprises of the kind in Allentown. It developed with the growth of the city, becoming a large and profitable concern. Mr. Barber erected a building at 724 Hamilton street, into which the hardware stock was moved. Later the store was established at 740 Hamilton street, where the business has since been carried on by the son and grandson of Mr. Young. Va- rious changes occurred in the firm from time to. time. Mark S. Young, a brother of Joseph Young, and Reuben P. Steckel were admitted to a partnership, at which time the firm name of Barber & Young was changed to Barber, Young & Company. The senior partner died in 1860, and the present style of M. S. Young & Company was assumed, although different partners have- been connected with the concern. Colonel E. B. Young, son of Joseph Young, was admitted, and upon his death his son Harry succeeded him, but the latter died June 16, 1888. Edward Mark Young, son of Colonel E. B. Young, later became a member of the firm.
Joseph Young was prominent and influential in public affairs in Allentown, and in 1838 be- came a charter member of the Humane Fire Com- pany. He took part in the first firemen's parade-
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in Allentown on the 26th of August, 1843, with Mayor Strauss as chief marshal. A cold water fight in the business center of the city ended the day's sport. Hon. R. E. Wright, R. Strauss and Joseph R. Newhard were also members of the company. In 1841-42-43-44 Joseph Young was a member of the town council, Charles Seip and Peter Newhard being the burgesses. During the last two years of his incumbency he was chair- man of the board. His political support was given to the Whig party until its dissolution, when he joined the ranks of the new Republi- can party. He gave of his time and means to its advancement, and exercised considerable in- fluence in local political circles. In 1856 he was a delegate to the Republican national convention which nominated John C. Fremont as its first candidate for the presidency, and in 1860 he was again a delegate, and in the latter convention he had a serious discussion with Simon Cameron because of his stalwart championship of Abraham Lincoln. His life was ever actuated by honorable principles and noble purposes. In his youth he was confirmed in the Reformed church, and upon his removal to Allentown placed his membership in Zion's Reformed church, of which he became an active and leading member, serving as deacon of the church and as superintendent of the Sun- day school. He labored earnestly for the ad- vancement of the cause and the extension of its influence until failing health necessitated his re- tirement from church work as well as other ac- tivities of life.
In 1834 Joseph Young was married to Han- nah Blumer, a granddaughter of Rev. Abraham Blumer, who was pastor of Zion Reformed Church, Allentown, during the Revolutionary war. Their only son was Colonel Edward Blumer Young. He was born in Allentown on the 6th of September, 1836, and pursued his education in Allentown Seminary under the instruction of Rev. Dr. Kessler. He was in his sixteenth year when he went to Bellefonte, Center county, Penn- sylvania, and entered upon an apprenticeship at the watchmaker's trade, covering a term of nearly three years. He never followed that pursuit, however, but returned home to enter the hard-
ware store of Barber, Young & Company in the capacity of a clerk. He thus served until 1800, when he was admitted to a partnership and en- tered upon a career as a merchant that was at once successful and honorable. In his business affairs he was straightforward, prompt and re- liable, and his enterprise and diligence were potent factors in the extension of the. business, which became one of the leading mercantile in- terests of Allentown.
In citizenship Colonel Young was equally en- terprising and progressive, and gave earnest and effective co-operation to every measure which he believed would contribute to the general good. No public trust reposed in him was ever betrayed in the slightest degree, and he won the entire un- reserved confidence of the public through the faithful discharge of the duties which were given to his care. He was called to various public of- fices, serving in early manhood as a member of the select council of Allentown from the second ward. For a number of years he was the treas- urer of the Columbia Fire Company, and took deep interest and great pride in the development of the excellent fire department of Allentown. His patriotic spirit and loyal devotion to his coun- try were aroused, and in 1862, when the rebel troops invaded Pennsylvania, he entered the ser- vice with the state militia. In June, 1863, upon the second invasion, he enlisted as first lieutenant in Company H, Twenty-seventh Regiment Penn- sylvania Volunteers. His regiment was subse- quently mustered into the United States service and joined the Army of the Potomac at Waynes- boro, participating in the engagement at Wrights- ville. The public service, however, which most endeared Colonel Young to his fellow townsmen was that which he rendered them as mayor of Al- lentown. In the spring of 1876 he was nominated by the Republican party for the office of chief executive of the municipality, and after a stub- born contest was elected by a majority of sixty- nine votes. He was filling the office during the memorable labor riots of 1877, and so conducted the affairs of the city that he won the highest com- mendation of all law-abiding people. Bloodshed and riot occurred in other places, but Mayor
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Young, comprehending the gravity of the situ- ation and realizing the responsibility which de- veloped upon him, held the reins of government with firm hand and maintained law and order, quelling the disturbing spirit that would have brought about scenes of violence. His administra- tion is certainly one of the most notable in the his- tory of Allentown. His influence in political cir- cles, however, was not restricted to the city in which he made his home. He was recognized as one of the prominent Republicans of the state, and represented Lehigh county as a member of the state central committee. He was also chairman of the Republican county committee for a number of years, and was frequently the representative of his county in the state conventions. In 1876 he was a delegate to the Republican national con- vention at Cincinnati, Ohio, and he served as a member of the staffs of Governor Hartranft and of Governor Hoyt. He was also appointed one of the prison inspectors of Lehigh county, and his services in that board were characterized by the same excellent qualities ever manifest in his business and administrative relations. Political honors and emoluments, however, had little at- traction for him, and he never sought office as a reward for party fealty, but gave his support to the principles which he believed contained the best elements of good government, working for his party because he believed it to be the duty as well as the privilege of every American citizen to support his honest political convictions. He was fearless in defense of what he believed, yet was never bitterly aggressive, and he won the highest respect of the opposition as well as the leaders of his own party.
The influence of Colonel Young was felt in equally strong measure in fraternal circles. He attained high rank in Masonry, holding mem- bership in Barger Lodge, F. and A. M .: Allen- town Chapter, R. A. M. ; Allentown Council. R. & S. M .; Allentown Commandery. K. T., and Philadelphia Consistory, S. P. R. S. He filled the highest office in each of the York rite bodies. and was recognized as one of the best informed Masons in the tenets of the craft in the state. He was also an active member of the Grand
Army of the Republic, and assisted in the organ- ization of Post No. 87, Allentown, which .since his death has been named in his honor. He was its first commander, and at the time of his de- mise was serving as quartermaster. His opinions carried weight in the Pennsylvania department, and he was at one time a member of the council of administration of the state and represented his post at many encampments. He gave freely of his means to the cause of Christianity, and al- though not a member served as a trustee of the Presbyterian church.
Colonel Young died December 30, 1879, in the forty-fourth year of his age. It was said that he had no enemy, for his personal character- istics, his unfailing honor in business, political and social relations, and his loyalty to his honest convictions, endeared him to all with whom he was associated. He is survived by his wife and one son, who are residents of Allentown, Penn- sylvania. Mrs. Young bore the maiden name of Mary Ann Kuhns, and was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Her parents were Peter and Eliza- beth (Knerr) Kuhns, and the latter was a daugh- ter of Andrew and Catherine Elizabeth (Schall) Knerr. Andrew Knerr and his brother John were the only sons of Abraham Knerr, who was born in Lowhill, Pennsylvania, in 1704, and em- igrated to the Lehigh valley in 1748. taking up three hundred acres of land in the vicinity of Al- lentown. He thus established a family which has since been represented in this part of the state.
Edward Mark Young, only son of Colonel Edward B. and Mary A. Young, was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, September 24, 1866. Having acquired his early education in the pub- lic schools he afterward attended Muhlenberg College until he had completed one-half of the work of the junior year. He then entered upon his business career in the store of M. S. Young & Company, in order to familiarize himself with mercantile methods and the hardware trade in particular. The business, which was established in 1843 by his grandfather, and in which the family has been interested for over sixty years, is successfully conducted at this writing by Edward M. Young and his associates. The safe conserva-
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tive policy inaugurated at the beginning has al- ways been followed, and the progressive methods of the present have also been introduced, making the enterprise one of the leading concerns of Allentown. To other fields of labor Mr. Young has extended his efforts. In November, 1897, he assisted in organizing the Lehigh Portland Cement Company, was for some years its secretary and treasurer, and is now filling the latter position. The six plants of this company have a capacity of ten thousand barrels per day, employing about sixteen hundred men. Mr. Young has also for eight years been the president of the Allentown Steam Heating and Power Company, is a director in the Bethlehem Silk Company, and vice-president of the Lehigh Valley Trust and Safe Deposit Company.
Like his father and grandfather, Edward Mark Young has been associated with the politi- cal social and religious life of Allentown. In 1896 he was a delegate to the Republican na- tional convention which met in St. Louis and nominated Major William Mckinley for the presidency. He is a trustee of the Presbyterian church, and for six years was a member of the board of control of education in Allentown.
ALEXANDER WILSON BUTLER was during a long and active life an important factor in business affairs in Mauch Chunk, as well as principal leader in all efforts looking to the de- velopment of the highest interests of the com- munity. He was a man of the noblest character, and his example and life works are recognized as of enduring value.
Mr. Butler was born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, April 7, 1823, son of William But- ler. The father was among the early arrivals at Mauch Chunk, coming as a foundryman, and subsequently engaging in business upon his own account as a railway building contractor. He lived a life of great activity and was satisfactorily successful. He took a prominent part in com- munity affairs and was repeatedly elected tax collector. He was an Episcopalian in religion, and was among the founders of St. Mark's
church. . He reared a large family, among whom was Joseph, his eldest son, during his lifetime one of the most familiar and best regarded characters in Mauch Chunk, who was for many years a jus- tice and an associate judge. He was a Methodist in religion, and one of the first of that sect to appear in the town.
Alexander W. Butler was the youngest child of his parents, and was in his infancy when they made their removal to Mauch Chunk. The little. mountainous settlement was just in the beginning of its industrial career, and educational advant- ages, as measured from present standards, were of the most meagre description. The only school was one taught by an Irishman named "Jimmy" Nolan, an eccentric but scholarly man, who thor- oughly grounded his pupils in the elementary branches, and whose distinction it was to afford practically their entire education to many who came to be known as among the most prominent men of affairs in the Lehigh Valley. It was in this school and under this teacher that young Butler was privileged to attend during a few winters.
While yet a lad he entered upon a life of self- support, beginning as a clerk in a general store at Maria Furnace (now known as Harrity) in Car- bon county. He subsequently became bookkeeper at the store of the Mauch Chunk Foundry, and occupied that position until 1855. In that year was organized the Mauch Chunk Bank, and Mr. Butler, now nearly thirty years of age, was ap- pointed bookkeeper, and he served as such until 1862, when the First National Bank of Mauch Chunk was organized as successor to the institu- tion first named. Under the new organization Mr. Butler was made cashier, and he was subse- quently elected vice-president, and occupied that position until his death. Mr. Butler's connection with banking affairs covered the long period of thirty-four years, and was marked by the highest degree of capability and the highest standards of honor, commercial and personal. His entire busi- ness career wanted but three years of being a half-century in duration. This period was coin- cident with the entire history of Mauch Chunk,
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from its beginning and through all the stages of its development, culminating in its present po- sition of commanding importance in the industrial and financial world. He was identified not only with the interests which afforded him a vocation, but with whatever was for the advancement of the community, along material and moral lines, affording not only the forceful aid of his personal effort, but liberal pecuniary assistance out of his private means. To him was primarily due the credit for procuring the erection of the Concert Hall. He secured the larger amount of the build- ing fund of $30,000, and to him was committed the superintendence of the work of construction and furnishings-tasks which he discharged to the entire satisfaction of the community. During his entire manhood life he was a devoted member of St. Mark's (Protestant Episcopal) church, in which he was for many years a vestryman and the parish treasurer. He was a sincere Christian and an ideal citizen. His personal traits, his geniality and warmth of heart, his charity for the erring, and his benevolence when want or woe made their appeal, endeared him to all his fellows. His death occurred on April 3, 1889, and the sad event was viewed by the people of the city as not only a public loss but a personal bereavement.
Mr. Butler, in 1849, married Anna M., daugh- ter of John Richards, a prominent ironmaster of New Jersey. Five children were born to the union : William R. and Harry A., of Mauch Chunk; Elizabeth, who became the wife of Laird H. Barber; Mary, the wife of Chester A. Bra- man of New York city; and Fanny of Mauch Chunk.
C. A. REX, of Mauch Chunk, who is proprie- tor of the largest department store in Carbon county, was born August 3, 1845, in Mahoney, Pennsylvania.
The establishment of the family in this section of the state antedates the beginning of the nine- teenth century. The first of the name of whom we have authentic record was George Rex, the grandfather of C. A. Rex, who lived in Lehigh county. He was a man prominent in local affairs,
and served as justice of the peace for many years. His political support was given to the Whig party until its dissolution, when he joined the ranks of the Republican party. His religious connection was with the Lutheran church. His children were Stephen, Nathan, Thomas, Ephraim, Mary, Sarah and Polly. Ephraim Rex, the father, was a na- tive of Lehigh county, born in Washington town- ship in 1813. He was reared on a farm, and in early manhood took up his abode in Mauch Chunk where he engaged in the transfer business. He attended the Lutheran church, and voted with the Republican party. His wife bore the maiden name of Sarah Schadal, and their children were C. A., Edward, George Milton, William, Eliza- beth and Mary. Ephraim Rex died in 1878, and his wife in 1895, at the age of seventy-two years.
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