USA > Pennsylvania > Historic homes and institutions and genealogical and personal memoirs of the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania Vol. II > Part 72
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Isaiah Martin was born in Pen Argyl, Penn- sylvania, in 1857, and spent his boyhood and youth here, and has always resided in this place. Throughout his business career he has been con- nected with the slate industry, and for eighteen years has been associated with the Penn Argyl Valley Slate Company, acting as its superin- tendent for thirteen years. He has broad exper- ience in this line of activity, understanding the business both in principle and detail in all of its peculiar workings, and is thus well qualified to direct the labors of those who work under him. Mr. Martin gives an earnest support to the Re- publican party, and upon that ticket was elected by a large majority to the office of justice of the peace in the spring of 1903. He takes a deep in- terest in the growth and success of his party, and has served as a delegate to the Republican county conventions on several different occasions. He also filled the office of town clerk for five years,
was town assessor for one term, and school direc- tor for two terms. Socially, he is connected with the Royal Arcanum. His religious faith is in- dicated by his membership with the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he now holds the office of trustee.
On the 20th of November, 1886, Mr. Martin was united in marriage to Miss Eliza A. Hard- ing, who was born in England, but was brought to America in her early girlhood days by her father, William Harding. Unto this marriage have been born six children : Eva F., Marion L., deceased; Charles R., William H. and Velma G., who have also passed away ; and Eliza M.
WILLIAM D. FARBER, M. D., engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery at Siegfried, where he has made his home since 1896, was born at Danielsville, Pennsylvania, in 1866. He rep- resents a family that for several generations has been resident in Pennsylvania. His paternal grandparents were Daniel and Annie (Hower) Farber, both of whim were born in Danielsville. The former was numbered among the pioneer resi- dents of that village and owned a gristmill there. He also drove a stage from Danielsville to Phila- delphia. Charles Farber, father of Dr. Farber, is still a worthy citizen of Danielsville, and is a miller by occupation, having followed that pur- suit throughout his entire life. He married Sarah Laubach, who was born in Kreidersville, Fennsyl- vania, and died in Danielsville at the age of fifty- six years. Charles Farber, however, is still living at the venerable age of eighty years. Their family numbered three children, of whom one has passed away. The others are Dr. Farber and Mrs. Rob- ert F. Wentz.
In the place of his nativity Dr. Farber was reared, and in the public schools acquired his early education. He is a graduate of Oberlin College of Ohio, and also of the University High School of New York. Subsequently, he entered Jefferson Medical College to prepare for the profession which he had determined to make his life work, and was graduated from that institution with the class of 1896. He had pursued special study un- der the professors of Jefferson College in the
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treatment of diseases of the eye, ear and throat, and has made a specialty of these in his practice, having become very proficient in that department of the medical science. He located for practice in Danielsville, but soon afterward removed to Sieg- fried, where he has now made his home for eight years, and throughout this period he has enjoyed a large and lucrative business, which attests the public confidence in his skill and ability. He is a member of the Northampton County and the Le- high Valley Medical Societies. In his practice he has been particularly successful in the cure of chronic cases, and is regarded as one of the ris- ing physicians of Northampton county.
In 1886 Dr. Farber was married to Miss Rosa A. J. Seip, a daughter of Tilghman and Rebecca Seip. They have become the parents of three sons-Charles F., born in 1888; William J., in 1890; and Robert A., in 1897. Dr. Farber and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Epis- copal church, but other members of the family have been identified with the Evangelical and Re- formed churches. The political faith of the family has been Republican, but again Dr. Farber forms the exception to the rule, for he is an advocate of Democratic principles. Fraternally, he is con- nected with Warren Lodge, No. 13, F. & A. M .; Temple Chapter, No. 12, R. A. M., of Washing- ton, New Jersey ; and De Toley Commandery, No. 6, K. T., also of Washington. He likewise be- longs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is popular with his brethren of these fraterni- ties, and in social circles, while in his professional career he is honored and respected.
OSVILLE P. REX, who is filling the position of postmaster at Jordan Valley, and is conducting a general store there, has an ancestral connection with Lehigh county that dates back to an early period in the settlement and improvement of this portion of the state. His paternal grandfather, Joseph Rex, was born in Washington township, Lehigh county, and in his boyhood days attended the common schools, after which he took up the labor of the farm, and throughout his entire busi- ness career carried on agricultural pursuits. He married Miss Lydia Snyder, also a native of Wash-
ington township, Lehigh county, and they became the parents of two sons and one daughter. Elias Rex, was born on the old family homestead in Washington township in 1842. He, too, is in- debted to the common school system for the edu- cational privileges he enjoyed in youth. He was- reared to farm life and always followed that pur- suit until a few years ago, when he retired from business cares and is now enjoying a well earned rest. He married Marie Krum, a daughter of John Krum, who was then a farmer of Heidel- berg township and they became the parents of two. children, Osville P. and Josiah.
The older son was born on the old homestead farm in Washington township, Lehigh county, March 25, 1864, and his boyhood days were spent after the manner of most farm lads of the period. He pursued his education in the common schools and assisted his father in the work of field and meadow until 1887, when he removed to Heidel- berg township, settling at what is now Jordan Valley, where he has since conducted a general store. He carries a good line of general merchan- dise and his sales have reached a fair annual fig- ure, so that his business has become profitable.
Mr. Rex is an advocate of Democratic prin- ciples and keeps well informed on the issues and questions of the day. For over ten years he has- held the office of postmaster at Jordan Valley. He and his family attend the services of the Luth- eran church. He was married in 1887 to Miss- Ellen J. Peter, a daughter of Monroe Peter, a resident farmer of Heidelberg township, Lehigh county, and to them has been born a daughter, Emma, who is at home. -
DAVID FRACE, of Phillipsburg, New Jer- sey, born in 1839, is a descendant of Michael Frace. Michael and Sarah Frace had three chil- dren, all deceased : Gertrude, Michael J., and one died in infancy. He married Anna Maria Lesher (second wife), and they had nine children-John, Abram, Margaret, Joseph, William, Stephen, Sally Ann, Mary Jane, and David; of these all are deceased but Stephen, Sally Ann and David. Michael, Jr., married Eliza Seiple, in 1840, and they became the parents of the following named :
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Martin, born in 1841; Mary A., in 1843; Eliza- beth, in 1845; Margaret, in 1855; Michael, in 1857 ; and Walton, in 1859.
The children of John Frace and his wife, who bore the maiden name of Eliza Hartzell, are: James, Alice, Howard, Mary, Emma, Lilly, Wes- ley, Stanley, Harvey and Edith. William Frace married Miss Mathilda Berry, and their children were: Malinda, Philip, John, Laura, James and Aaron. The children of Stephen and Ellen (Lee) Frace were Edward, Annie, Irene, Nellie and Edna. Mary J. Frace became the wife of Jacob Basset, and unto this union were born two chil- dren, Lena and George.
David Frace, whose name introduces this record, was reared in his father's home, educated in the common schools, and chose the life of a farmer as one which he believed would prove both congenial and profitable. In 1863 he was united in marriage to Miss Rachael A. Gano, a daughter of John and Susan Gano. Unto this union were born three children : Morris W., born in 1866; Frank L., in 1868; and Manning F., in 1873.
After his marriage he resided in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, for two years. He then went to the old homestead in Pennsylvania, where he re- sided sixteen years, engaged in farming. He then went to Still Valley, New Jersey, and purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres. Upon this he resided for fourteen years, and on the expiration of that period he took up his abode in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, where he has now lived for eight years, having retired from the more arduous duties of business life to enjoy a well earned rest.
Mr. Frace has held various township offices in Pennsylvania, and also in New Jersey. He and his family are members of the Methodist Epis- copal church, of which he is a trustee, and he takes an active interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community. Politically, he is a Democrat.
Mrs. Frace was born in Union township, Hunterdon county, New Jersey, in 1840. The eldest son, Morris W., married Annie Williver, and they are now the parents of two children,
Sarah and Millard, aged seven and five years, re- spectively. Frank L. Frace wedded Matilda Case, and to them have been born four children : Willie, born in 1897, Edith, in 1899, Myrtle, in 1902, and Helen in 1903. The third son, Manning F. was united in marriage to Miss Stella Meelick, and they have a daughter, Beatrice, born in 1899.
JOHN WERT, an operator in the slate fields of Lehigh county and a resident of Slatington, was born in Heidelberg township, Lehigh county, July 17, 1849. His great-grandfather, Balzer Wert, was a distinguished pioneer and Indian fighter of the Lehigh valley, and stories of his courage and prowess have been told through sev- eral generations. He came from Germany to America and was the founder of the family in the new world. His son, Christian Wert, born in Slatedale, Pennsylvania, December 17, 1776, died April 17, 1851. He married Margaret Rex, a daughter of William and Barbara Handwerk Rex, of Slatedale. Her death occurred April 8, 1862. The children of this marriage were J. George, who was born September 24, 1799 ; Chris- tian, Stephen, Jacob, Elizabeth, Anna Marguerite, and Maria. The last named became the wife of William Kern, and Anna Marguerite married J. George Kern.
Stephen Wert, the father of John Wert, was born in what is now Slatedale, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, April 20, 1819, and passed away November 2, 1883. He was united in marriage to Maria Hoffman, whose birth occurred July 21, 1819, and her death on the 23d of February, 1893. Their children were Wilson, who died in in- fancy ; Adeline; David Ebert, who wedded Mary Kern; Amandas, who also died in childhood ; John; Sarah, who became the wife of William Smith ; Willoughby F., who was born May 25, 1858, and died December 9, 1900; Mary Eliza- beth, who died in infancy.
John Wert was a student in the public schools in his early boyhood days, and was afterward ap- prenticed to the tailor's trade, which he followed for several years. In 1890, however, he aban- doned that occupation and became connected with the slate interests of the Lehigh Valley, opening
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the Royal Diamond quarry on the property of Henry W. Rex, at Heidelberg. He operated this quarry until its close, and its output being of an excellent quality returned to him a good in- come. In politics he is a stanch Democrat, and in recognition of his work for the party was elected burgess of Slatington, in which position he served with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He also filled the office of borough assessor. He is a member of the order of Odd Fellows and of the Patriotic Order of Sons of America. Mr. Wert was married March 4, 1871, to Miss Amelia C. Peter, a daughter of Andrew and Hannah (Rex) Peter. There are three children born of this marriage, Maggie T., Lizzie O. and James A. Maggie T. is the wife of George A. Dieter, of Northampton county, and her children are Raymond J. Hunt, born Septem- ber 27, 1890; and Irene Katy, born February 20, 1899. Lizzie Wert is the wife of Henry H. Metz- ger, of Emerald, Lehigh county, and her children are: Irwin Raymond, who died in infancy ; Eva Olivia, born March 18, 1896; Ida Maria, born De- cember 17, 1898; and Daisy Amelia, born No- vember 30, 1901. James A. Wert, the youngest child, was born June 3, 1881.
HENRY FULMER, who was for more than a third of a century prominently identified with the manufacturing industries of the Lehigh Val- ley, was a native of the state of Pennsylvania, born in Richmond, Northampton county, No- vember 16, 1829. His parents were Christian and Sarah Ann (Butz) Fulmer. The family was of German extraction, descended from an- cestors who came from Germany very early in the eighteenth century, presumably with that great influx of their countrymen, who, in quest of liberty in religion and civil life, came about 1707, settling in Pennsylvania, and becoming potent factors in the development of that great commonwealth. Christian Fulmer was a man or great strength of character, of remarkable indus- try and enterprise, for his time was wealthy, and held a first place in the community, leading in all matters of public concern. He was a farmer, owner of a grist and saw mill, also a tannery, and
was a merchant, his custom covering a wide range of country. He was the father of five sons-John, Joseph, deceased; George, Henry, to be further referred to below ; and Hiram.
Henry Fulmer, fourth of the sons of Chris- tian and Sarah Ann ( Butz) Fulmer, was afforded only such educational advantages as the poorly equipped common schools of the day could afford. He grounded himself in the ordinary branches, but by dint of industrious private study and, more than all else, out of experience and observation in his association with men, he acquired a fund of information which well fitted him for the use- ful place to which he came in after years. At an early age he took upon himself the labor of a grown man upon the paternal farm and in the mills. Quick to learn, he was soon able to op- erate the latter as well as his father. In 1854 he removed to Easton, where he was engaged for six years in the tannery business on his own ac- count. He then took his brother George into partnership, this connection continuing for a short period of time, and subsequently he estab- lished another tannery in Effort, Monroe county, Pennsylvania. These properties he developed to important proportions, and his manufactures were large in volume and correspondingly remunera- tive. During the Civil war the larger portion of his product was turned out under contract with the government, the leather going into the making of saddles and other equipments for the cavalry and artillery horses.
After the close of the war, having realized a competency from the tannery business, Henry Fulmer closed his connection with it. He was amply able to retire permanently from active pur- suits, but his energetic temperament would not admit of his remaining at entire ease for but a few years. In looking about for an opportunity of employing his energies and means he came in contact with a well known business man of Eas- ton, Peter Uhler, to whom he proposed a part- nership for the manufacture of pig iron. Mr. Uhler, confident in the ability of Mr. Fulmer, and whose personal character he greatly admired, readily acquiesced, and shortly after was organ- ized a firm known as the Easton Iron Manufac-
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turing Company, comprising these two gentlemen and John O. Wagener. A furnace was built near Glendon, known later as the Lucy Furnace, which was soon put in operation and became most suc- cessful. After four years, however, Mr. Fulmer saw fit to retire, and the property was brought to sale, Mr. Uhler becoming the purchaser; during their partnership the value of the plant increased from eighty thousand to two hundred and forty thousand dollars. Soon came a period of de- pression in the iron trade, and Mr. Fulmer held aloof until 1876, when he purchased a furnace at Chain Dam, not far from the old Glendon fur- naces. His venture was generally pronounced impracticable, but he resolutely held to his pur- pose and made the Keystone Furnace, as it was known, one of the most valuable iron manufac- turing properties in the entire region. True, ne labored against difficulties of such magnitude that a less determined spirit would have aban- doned the enterprise. He was, however, saga- cious enough to realize that the existing depres- sion could not be of long duration, and that for- tune awaited him who could in the meantime make proper preparation for the period of activ- ity which must necessarily soon dawn. There was no market for iron, but he continued to man- ufacture, using his entire available capital and storing the product away. This he continued for three years of steady outlay without return and then with the restoration of active times he marketed for thirty to thirty-two dollars per ton the iron which had cost him not more than eleven dollars, and finally sold his plant to the Thomas Iron Company, realizing $130,00 for what had originally cost him $77,000.
Soon after retiring from the iron business Mr. Fulmer engaged in the slate business at Slating- ton, Lehigh county, and also at Bangor, North- ampton county, being associated in the latter named place with John O. Wagener. At the former named quarries Mr. Fulmer manufac- tured a very superior quality of roofing slate blackboards and school slates, the latter named being extensively used in schools in nearly all parts of the United States and also abroad. He was connected with this business until his death,
and he was also active in various other import- ant business affairs. He was for many years the largest stockholder in the First National Bank of Easton, and was its president at his death. He accomplished much toward the moderniza- tion of the business portion of the city. He pur- chased and renovated the Arlington Hotel at Slatington, also the Stroudsburg House, at Stroudsburg, and renamed the Burnett House, which has recently been again renovated by his son, Chester B. Fulmer, and named the Hotel Fulmer. These various properties are now in the ownership of the last named Mr. Fulmer.
Henry Fulmer married Miss Matilda Baker, a daughter of Jacob Baker, of Martin's Creek, Pennsylvania. His death occurred April 25, 1890, he having survived his wife some fifteen years. The event was generally mourned throughout the community in which the deceased had been such an active and useful figure for so many years. Of robust frame, he would attract atten- tion in any assemblage. Of great natural ability and force of character, all with whom he was brought into association felt the power of his personality, and readily acquiesced in his judg- ment with reference to financial and commercial concerns. With all his powers, there was in him nothing of the master or autocrat, and his influ- ence, which was wide and potent, was ever ex- ercised quietly, modestly and with an urbane dig- nity peculiar to himself. From his youth a natu- ral mechanic, his mind acted with as much ex- actness as did his physical members, and his men- tal processes were prompt and reliable.
The only child of Henry and Matilda ( Baker) Fulmer, Chester Baker Fulmer, was born Sep- tember 26, 1853, in Easton. He made his edu- cational beginnings in the public schools of that city, pursued advanced branches in private schools in the same place, and completed his studies in Lafayette College. He assisted his father in the management of the Keystone Furnace and later at the quarries at Slatington. In 1884 he located in Brooklyn, New York, and for fourteen years was assistant to John Conrad Richards, of the American News Company, 39 Chambers street, New York. He is now ( 1904) looking after his
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invested interests. His offices are at 44 Court street, Temple Bar Building, Brooklyn, New York.
GEORGE RUHL. "Biography," said Car- lyle, "is the most interesting as well as the most profitable study of mankind." The truth of this statement is evident and needs no demonstration, for a record of a life showing how success has been accomplished and the causes of failure, points a lesson, and he who would progress in what he undertakes has but to follow the example of those men who have successfully worked out the problems of life. Mr. Ruhl is a selfmade m? and one whose record may be profitably studied and followed. He is now living retired, enjoying the fruits of active labor in former years.
A native of Germany, his birth occurred in the fatherland on the 7th of April, 1833, and there he remained until about eighteen years of age, dur- ing which time he gained his education in the public schools. His parents died in Germany when he was very young; in fact, he was only six months old at the time of his father's death, and his mother passed away a few years later. Attracted by the opportunities of the new world, Mr. Ruhl resolved to try his fortune in this coun- try, hoping that he might benefit his financial condition. He spent two months upon the ocean and at the end of the long voyage landed in New York. He first located in the Empire state, and was there engaged in boating on the canal, but remained there only a short period. He after- ward went to New Haven, Connecticut, where he entered the employ of a clock manufacturing com- pany, with which he was connected during the winter months. In the spring, however, he re- turned to New York, and again turned his atten- tion to the canal business. The following winter he went to Bucks county, Pennsylvania, where he entered the employ of a firm with whom he re- mained through the winter, and in the spring once more engaged in boating on the canal, and fol- lowed that pursuit almost continuously until 1883. He first rented a boat, but soon found by experi- ence that if he would realize good profit from his labor he must own his boat. He therefore made
purchase of one in 1856, and prospered in his work until 1862, when he had the misfortune to have his boat destroyed in the great flood of that year. The following year, however, he purchased another boat, and again entered with energy and determination upon the business which he con- tinued until 1872, when he sold out and took a trip to his native country, spending a number of weeks in renewing the acquaintances of his earlier years and revisiting the scenes amid which his boyhood days were passed. His deepest love, however, is for the land of his adoption, and after visiting for some time in his native country he once more came to the United States. Again pur- chasing a boat, he continued upon the canal until 1883, when he abandoned that pursuit and after- ward followed various business pursuits. The money which his labor brought to him as the years passed by accumulated annually because of his careful management, and at last with a comfort- able competence he retired. In 1893 he had been appointed night watchman for Lehr's Piano Fac- tory, and there he remained up to the time of the death of his wife in 1903. In the meantime he- had invested quite largely and profitably in real estate, and now has extensive realty interests in Easton. He is the owner of ten tenement houses, and the rental therefrom brings to him an excel- lent income for the evening of life.
In 1856 Mr. Ruhl was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Kilpatrick, a most estimable lad who was indeed to him a helpmate and faithful companion for many years. She passed away,. however, on the Ist of January, 1884. For his second wife Mr. Ruhl chose Miss Fredricka Weitzel, and they became the parents of six chil- dren, five daughters and a son. Of this number four are now living: Mary, Sarah, Elsie and Ruth. The mother passed away in 1903, her loss being deeply regretted not only by her immediate. family, but also by many friends.
Mr. Ruhl is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, with which he has been identified since 1856. He is a past noble grand of that organization, and is a member of Valley Union Encampment, No. 138. In his political views he is independent, voting for the men whonr
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he regards as best qualified for office. He holds membership in the German Reformed church, and is a man who has ever stood "four square to every wind that blows." An upright citizen, he has made the golden rule the motto of his life, and in close adherence to this maxim he has com- manded the respect and confidence of all with whom he has been associated.
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