USA > Pennsylvania > Historic homes and institutions and genealogical and personal memoirs of the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania Vol. II > Part 83
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89
Reuben O. Lawall was born in Hanover town- ship, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, January 25, 1838. His education, however, was acquired in the common schools of Lower Nazareth township, his parents having removed to the latter township when he was but three years of age. He also benefited by instruction received during a term's
.
486
HISTORIC HOMES AND INSTITUTIONS.
attendance at a private school in New Jersey. Since that time he has followed farming on the old homestead, his place being known as the Greenway farm. It is a well developed property, supplied with modern equipments, and indicat- ing in its splendid appearance the careful super- vision and progressive methods of the owner. Mr. Lawall votes with the Democracy, and be- lieves firmly in its principles, but has never aspired to public office.
In 1867 occurred the marriage of Reuben O. Lawall and Elmina Gerner, who was born Janu- ary 27, 1846, a daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth (Woodring) Gerner. Her father was a farmer of Palmer township, Northampton county. The children of this marriage are: Tusnetta A., who was born October 19, 1867, and is the wife of Wilson Bush, by whom she has four children; Elizabeth R., who was born September 23, 1871, and married David Stuben, but died in 1902, leaving three children; and Ella D., born April II, 1878.
ELI J. SNYDER, who is engaged in the hotel business at German Corners, belongs to one of the old Pennsylvania families that has long been established in Lehigh county, representatives of the name living here in colonial days.
It was the home of his great-grandparents, who resided in Heidelberg township, where oc- curred the birth of Jonas Snyder, his grandfa- ther. As a boy the latter assisted in the work of the home farm, and took up agriculture as a life work, continuing to devote his attention to the tilling of the fields until his labors were ended. Jonas Snyder, Jr., the father of Eli J. Snyder, was also a native of Heidelberg township, born in the year 1800. He gave his undivided atten- tion to the work of field and meadow, and as the years passed prospered in his undertakings be- cause of the industry and energy which he mani- fested in his chosen pursuits. His death occurred in the year 1872. After the organization of the Republican party he became one of its stalwart supporters, but never sought or desired political preferment. He married Miss Lydia Hunsicker, a daughter of John Hunsicker, who was a farmer
of Heidelberg townsnip, Lehigh county. Their children were as follows: Eli J., Jonathan; Da- vid, Reuben, Lavinia and Polly.
In taking up the personal history of Eli J. Snyder we present to our readers the life record of one who is well known in Heidelberg town- ship, for he is one of its native sons, and his en- tire life has here been passed. He was born in the old family homestead October 26, 1837, and at the usual age entered the common schools, where his education was obtained. He, too, be- came a farmer, and continued to follow agricul- tural pursuits for a number of years, but after- ward turned his attention to carpentering. In 1868 he removed to German Corners, in Heidel- berg township, where he resumed farming, and in 1903 he built a hotel which he is now con- ducting.
In 1869 occurred the marriage of Eli J. Sny- der and Miss Abbie M. Hunsicker, a daughter of Owen Hunsicker, of Heidelberg township. They became the parents of five children: Lewis F., who married Louisa Handwerk, and has eight children; Allen J., who married Alice Krauss, by whom he had eight children, and after her death wedded Emma Kreitz; Charles W. Old- inger, who has three children; Mary A., who is the wife of Frederick Metzger, and has three children; and Beulah, at home. Mr. Snyder is a Republican in his political affiliations, and he and his family attend the Lutheran church.
FRANCIS W. HARTER. No truer type of the industrious and thriving Lehigh county farmer can be found than Francis Harter, of Heidelberg township. The family to which Mr. Harter belongs represents that sturdy and vir- tuous German element which almost from the first settlement of Pennsylvania has been so im- portant a factor in the history of the state. The ancestor who brought the family name and tra- ditions to America and transplanted one branch of the race to the shores of the new world was Michael Harter. On his arrival from Germany he sought and found a home in Heidelberg town- ship, where he devoted himself for the remainder of his life to the calling of a farmer. He was, if
487
GENEALOGICAL AND PERSONAL MEMOIRS.
tradition may be believed, a very industrious and energetic man, of unusually strong convictions, to which he clung with uncommon tenacity. His wife was a native of Lehigh county, and they were the parents of several children, among whom was a son named Jacob, who was born on the homestead, educated in the best schools which the county at that time afforded, and became, like his father, a lifelong farmer. He married and reared a family of sons and daughters.
Nathan Harter, son of Jacob Harter, was born in 1826 on the homestead, and received his education in the common schools of his native township. Like his father and grandfather he was brought up on a farm, in the labors of which he was early trained to assist, and after life was devoted to the care of the acres to the possession of which in the course of time he succeeded by inheritance. As a citizen he endeavored to pro- mote to the best of his ability all measures which in his judgment seemed likely to be conducive to the welfare of his neighbors, who gave proof of their appreciation of his character and abilities by electing him to fill various minor township offices. He has always been a steadfast adherent of the Republican party, strongly advocating the men and measures supported by that organiza- tion. He married Caroline Bloss, of the same township, and to them were born a son and a daughter: Francis, mentioned at length herein- after; and Annie M. The mother of these chil- dren passed away deeply lamented not only by her immediate family but by a large circle of friends. A few years ago Mr. Harter desisted from his agricultural labors and now resides with his son. Although on the verge of fourscore, he is still vigorous and active, retaining and manifesting a keen interest in all the affairs of life.
Francis Harter, son of Nathan and Caroline (Bloss) Harter, was born December 11, 1852, on the old homestead in Heidelberg township. As a boy he attended the common schools of his native place, and on completing his education de- cided to tread in the steps of his ancestor and make the fourth in an unbroken line of farmers. Time has justified his choice, and today there
is no better agriculturist for many miles around than Francis Harter. His land is maintained in a high state of productiveness and everything about the place testifies to the ability and energy of its owner. He takes a practical interest in educational methods, and for many years has held the office of school director. Like his father he ·is a firm and consistent Republican, never swerving from his allegiance to the doctrines of the party. He attends the Lutheran church.
Mr. Harter married in 1873 Rosie, daughter . of Christian Snyder, a farmer of Washington township, and they are the parents of the fol- lowing children: Aaron J., who married Alice Metzger, and has four children ; Caroline T., who became the wife of William Krauss, and is the mother of one child; and Emma L., who is the wife of Robert E. Peter. Mr. Harter's influence as a citizen is steadily exerted in behalf of all measures tending to advancement in education, finance, commerce, or politics. His interest in public affairs is active and impersonal, and with- out being a radical he is decidedly the reverse of conservative, being always found on the side of progress on all questions relating to township and county government.
JOHN EDWIN GILES. The career of J. Edwin Giles affords a most interesting example of the achievements of one who may be regarded as a representative of a class of Americans whose talents would command success in almost any field which they may choose to enter, and who rise to a high position in that which ultimately claims their efforts. He was born September 6, 1841, at Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, a son of Thomas and Margaret Giles, and grandson of Thomas Giles, who emigrated to this country from Wales during the period between the years 1825 and 1828, and all the authentic information there is about him is the facts that he was a Baptist in religion, and the father of five children, namely : David, deceased; he engaged in farming near St. Louis, Missouri ; John, of Pittsburg, Pennsyl- vania ; Thomas, mentioned hereinafter ; Elizabeth, wife of a Mr. Murphy, and she resided and died . in Colorado : Mary, deceased, who was the wife
488
HISTORIC HOMES AND INSTITUTIONS.
of Thomas Williams, of Danville, Pennsylvania.
Thomas Giles (father) was born in Wales, in March, 1810. He came to this country when a boy of about fifteen years of age, served an apprenticeship at the trade of moulder, and by following that line of industry achieved a marked degree of success. His religious convictions were in accord with those advanced by the Baptist church. He was united in marriage to Mrs. Margaret Evans, (nee Watkins) who was the mother of a daughter by her former marriage: Elizabeth, wife of the Rev. David E. Evans, of Kingston, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Giles bore her husband two sons: David, the owner of large pipe and moulding industries at Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Bridgeport, Alabama; and John Edwin, mentioned hereinafter. Her death oc- curred in 1843, at Cuyahoga Falls, now in the city of Akron, Ohio. Subsequently Mr. Giles married Mrs. Elizabeth Willitts (nee Gearhart), who was the mother of three daughters by her former marriage: Harriet, Jane, and Emma, wife of G. A. Krothe, of Plymouth, Pennsylva- nia. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Giles : Malvenia, wife of C. G. Young, of Hazle- ton, Pennsylvania; Anna, wife of Charles R. Bombay, of Hazleton ; and Daniel, also a resident of Hazleton.
J. Edwin Giles resided in his native town in the state of Ohio until 1846, when he accom- panied his father first to Danville, then to Blooms- burg and later to Hazleton, Pennsylvania, and he acquired an excellent education in the public schools of that state. His first experience in active business life was gained as an apprentice with his father in a foundry, and later he served an apprenticeship at the jewelry trade. He pur- sued that occupation for a quarter of a century, it proving a lucrative source of income as well as a pleasant vocation, and in 1888 was appointed to fill the responsible position of superintendent of the Electric Light Company of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, which office he still holds. On August 1, 1861, Mr. Giles enlisted in the United States service, becoming a member of the Rifle Rangers, which subsequently was known as the Eighth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and he served in
defense of his country for three years and two months. He has the confidence and esteem of his fellow townsmen in a large degree, as was · evidenced by the fact that he was elected a mem- ber of the council of Hazleton for two terms. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, Hazleton Post, No. 20, in which organization he has passed all the chairs, and his political affilia- tions are with the Democratic party.
In 1871 Mr. Giles was united in marriage to Miss Jane M. Fruit, and two children have been born to them: Arthur E., born in 1872, an elec- trician by trade, who married Miss Lillie Spargo, and their children are John E., William and Har- old A. Giles. Maud, born in 1880, is unmarried and resides at home.
CHARLES O. SKEER. Among the mas- terly men of affairs who brought the Lehigh Val- ley region to its position of world-famous im- portance, the late Charles O. Skeer stood through his entire active career as a foremost leader. He was essentially a selfmade man who, unaided by adventitious circumstances, raised himself to a place of commanding influence and usefulness through his own unaided effort, having its springs in his splendid self-developed qualities- indomitable resolution, unflagging industry, phe- nomenally intelligent judgment, and remark- able capacity for business affairs of the greatest magnitude and complexity. The success which he achieved had for its attendant reward not only an ample fortune, but that high honor which of right should be bestowed upon him whose gifts and endeavor bring benefits which are unre- stricted, and inure to the advantage of the com- munity at large, with all its widely diversified interests.
Mr. Skeer was a native of Pennsylvania, born in Luzerne county, at what is known as Kingston, November 23, 1818. In 1842, then in his twenty- fourth year, he came to Mauch Chunk, without capital, but with a good practical education, hab- its of industry, and a keen ambition to advance himself in the world. His first employment in the embryo town was as clerk in a general store conducted by Casper Christman. When his em-
650: AHAH NY
6.0 Skeer
1
489
GENEALOGICAL AND PERSONAL MEMOIRS.
ployer decided to remove elsewhere Mr. Skeer was on the point of returning to Kingston, but he was diverted from his purpose by Judge Asa Packer, who offered him the position of clerk in the coal office and store of Packer & Douglass. The proffer was accepted, and thus was begun between the two men an acquaintance which ripened into a close personal attachment as well as intimate business association.
Mr. Skeer was subsequently admitted to part- nership with Packer & Douglass in their coal mining operations at Nesquehoning. Somewhat later, after he had completed the line of railroad which was destined to be the parent stem of the now celebrated Lehigh Valley Railroad, Judge Packer sold his mining interest. Mr. Skeer was the principal buyer, and from this time dates the real foundation of his fortune. He was first a member of the firm of Douglass, Skeer & Com- pany, which later became Linderman, Skeer & Company by the admission of Dr. Garrett B. Lin- derman, son-in-law of Judge Packer. During all this period Mr. Skeer took a leading part in the operations attending the larger development of the coal mining industry. The firm now oper- ated the Stockton Collieries as well as the Nesque- honing Mines, the two being the principal con- tributors to the great aggregate of the coal pro- duct of the Mauch Chunk region to reach tide- water. Mr. Skeer's active connection with these interests was maintained until within a few years of his death.
While Mr. Skeer made his beginning in the coal business and for many years devoted a large share of his effort to its conduct, other weighty enterprises engaged his attention. He was among the founders of the Mauch Chunk Bank in 1855, and was one of the original directors. He aided in its reorganization as the First National Bank of Mauch Chunk in 1864 under the na- tional banking act. At a later day he became a stockholder in the Second National Bank of Mauch Chunk and also a member of its direc- torate, and yet later also became identified with the banking firm of G. B. Linderman & Com- pany, serving in the capacity of director. His connection with these institutions was continuous,
and his service with them was characterized by a clear and accurate conception of financial con- ditions in various critical times and a rare ca- pacity for meeting them. Mr. Skeer was also a director in the Mauch Chunk Water Company and the Mauch Chunk Gas Company. In all these various enterprises, which were prime fac- tors in the development of the city, Mr. Skeer fully sustained his high reputation for public spirit, ability and spotless integrity.
In 1849 Mr. Skeer was among those who moved for the incorporation of the borough, and was a principal petitioner to the court of quarter sessions for a charter. The same was granted in January of the following year, and Mr. Skeer was elected a member of the first board of coun- cilmen and rendered valuable service in the work of municipal organization. He was frequently importuned to accept the position of burgess, but as often declined, caring nothing for prom- inence in public affairs and feeling that the duties of the position could be properly devolved upon those with more time at their disposal. He was instrumental in procuring the erection of the beautiful Concert Hall in 1882, then unsurpassed in any city of similar size in the state, and was a principal contributor to the building fund. He was also a liberal contributor to the building of churches of various denominations from time to time. He was active in Masonic circles, being early affiliated with Carbon Lodge, No 242, An- cient York Masons, of which he became master, and Lilly Chapter, No. 181, R. A. M., in which he also held official position. He was also among the organizers of Mauch Chunk Lodge, No. 76, I. O. O. F., in which he passed all the chairs. Mr. Skeer was twice married. His first wife was Miss Marian Packer, who died in 1888, leaving an only daughter, Fannie, who became the wife of Mr. W. R. Butler, and is now deceased.
In July, 1893, Mr. Skeer married Mrs. Ellen Walter. With this event Mr. Skeer entered upon a new life. He had retired from active labor after years crowded with activities of pressing importance and burdened with weighty respon- sibilities. He could now take his ease, enjoying the companionship of one to whom he was sin-
490
HISTORIC HOMES AND INSTITUTIONS.
cerely devoted and who sincerely reciprocated his affection. These happy days were, however, all too few. About two years after his marriage Mr. Skeer began to decline, and, notwithstanding all that medical skill could bestow and wifely affection and care afford, the end came with his death, on March 13, 1898. The sad event was deplored as a public loss, while very many of the older residents of the city and his business associates, and others, though not at all connected with him by ties of kindred or even the association of business, re- garded his death as a personal bereavement. The deceased man was held in honor for his masterly abilities and great accomplishments, but the re- gard for him had deeper source than this recog- nition. To the community he had ever been most loyal and devoted. His entire life, after he had fully entered upon manhood, had been passed in Mauch Chunk. He had continuously promoted its interests loyally and with consummate ability, taking a foremost part with influence and means in the establishment and promotion of whatever would conserve the interests of the people whether in material concerns or in those other matters-educational, religious and benevolent- which make for a better personal life and a clearer moral and mental atmosphere. The bur- dens of business had never chilled his heart, though of necessity they left him little time to engage in the affairs of society, and he was, more- over, of retiring disposition. He was, however, neither recluse nor misanthrope, and possessed excellent social traits of character. He was al- together democratic, friendly and approachable to all, regardless of their station in life, consider- ing none too humble to take by the hand or to tender a kindly greeting. His sympathies were never on exhibition, but his aid was freely and liberally extended to the unfortunate and suffer- ing, to whom his benefactions frequently came in such a quiet and modest manner that the doer of the kindly deed was not recognizable. In brief, Mr. Skeer was a consistent christian gentleman. He was an attendant of St. Mark's church (Protestant Episcopal) in which he was for many years a vestryman, and ever one of the most
liberal supporters. He contributed generously to the erection of the beautiful new church edifice in 1867-69, and was among those who provided the fine chime of bells.
Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Skeer has maintained her residence in Mauch Chunk, though much of her time is spent in travel. She has made frequent visits to the art and literary centres of Europe, and among the adornments of her home are art treasures of great value, selected with the taste of the cultured connoisseur whose refinement and broad intelligence would not toler- ate pretense or mediocrity. Notwithstanding her frequent absences from the city Mrs. Skeer has never permitted her interest in the community to wane. She is constantly generous in her bene- factions, in the same spirit which actuated her lamented husband, and, as was he, is entirely averse to public praise, bestowing her benevo- lences with such modesty as to frequently con- ceal herself even from the grateful objects of her kindliness.
SAMUEL J. KISTLER, JR. The founder of the family, of which Samuel J. Kistler, Jr., a resident of Heidelberg township, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, is a worthy representative, was George Kistler (great-great-grandfather), who was among a number of Palatinates, or Swiss, who it appears moved between 1735 and 1745 from Falkner Swamp and Goshenhoppen (pres- ent Montgomery county) up to Lynn township, and settled in the vicinity of what is now called the Jerusalem Church, formerly called Allemangel Church, which section of the country was then called "Allemangel." He was elder of the Al- lemangel church from 1755 to 1768, a period of thirteen years. The names of his children were as follows : George, Jacob, John, Samuel, Philip, Michael; Barbara, who was married (first) to a Mr. Brobst, and afterwards to Michael Mosser, of Lowhill; Dorotea, who became the wife of Michael Reinhart; and Elizabeth, who became the wife of a Mr. Keller, who resided near Hamburg, Pennsylvania.
Samuel Kistler (great-grandfather) was born in Lynn township, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania,
491
GENEALOGICAL AND PERSONAL MEMOIRS.
September 20, 1754. Upon attaining man's estate he became the owner of large tracts of land, hav- ing in his possession at the time of his death five hundred and ninety-six acres, one hundred and ten perches of land, all adjoining, in Kistler's Valley. He was also the owner of a tract of land near New Tripoli on which he erected an ex- tensive stone grist-mill, saw-mill, etc. His time and attention was devoted principally to agri- cultural pursuits. He was well and favorably known throughout the upper part of the county. He was married first to Mary E. Ladich, daugh- ter of Jacob Ladich, who was born November 22, 1761, in Greenwich township, Berks county, and their children were : Barbara, who became the wife of Henry Sunday ; Jacob S., mentioned here- inafter ; and Samuel, who was born August 12, 1785, died September 18, 1862, and his remains were interred at the Ebenezer Church at New Tripoli. He married (second) Caroline Brobst, who bore him the following named children : John S., Michael, Christian, Daniel S., David, Jesse, Charles, Levi, Marie Elizabeth, Catharine, Salome, and Magdalena. The father of these children died at the old homestead, April 24, 1822, and his remains were interred at the Jerusalem church.
Jacob S. Kistler (grandfather) was born in Lynn township, Lehigh county, October 5, 1781. He was a farmer by occupation and was the owner of two farms in Kistler's Valley which to- gether contained nearly four hundred acres of land. He held the office of justice of the peace, and served otherwise in the affairs of the town- ship. He was first married to a daughter of Wil- helm J. Carl, who bore him two sons: John, born August 21, 1802, died January 27, 1862; and Jacob, who died about the year 1836. His second wife was Catharine, and his third wife Anna Barbara, daughters of Henry Bausch. There was no issue by the second marriage, but the following named children were born of the third marriage: Nathan, Stephen, David J., Reuben, Jonas J., Charles, Salome, Mary, Lydia, Catharine, Elizabeth, Anna Fenah, Helenah, and Samuel J. The father of these children died Oc-
tober 9, 1849 ; his third wife, who was born June 25, 1790, died November 19, 1867.
Samuel J. Kistler (father) was born Novem- ber 24, 1819, on the old homestead in Lynn town- ship, Lehigh county, about three-quarters of a mile west of Lynnville. He received his educa- tion in the common schools of Lynnville, and shortly after attaining the age of twenty moved to Jacksonville, Pennsylvania, where he served as clerk in the store of John Hermany, who soon afterwards established another store in Lizard Creek Valley, West Penn township, Schuylkill county, which was managed by Z. H. Long, of Lehighton, Pennsylvania, and at times given in charge of Mr. Kistler. Being desirous of ob- taining further educational advantages he left Jacksonville in the fall of 1841 and entered the academy at Easton, which he attended for one winter. The following spring he returned to Le- high county, entering the employ of Miller & Saeger, at Saegersville, as clerk. He served as such until the spring of 1844 and then removed to Bloomsburg, Columbia county, where he be- came a clerk in the store of Elias Wertman, re- maining two years. During the latter part of this period the store was removed to Rohrsburg, Columbia county. In the spring of 1846 Mr. Kistler returned to Saegersville and entered the employ of Peter Miller, one of the members of the firm of Miller & Saeger, his former employ- ers, with whom he served as clerk until 1859, in which year he became proprietor, continuing thus until 1870. He was one of the original directors of the Farmers' Union Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Pennsylvania and the National Bank of Slatington, Pennsylvania ; and president of the Saegersville Slate-quarrying and Manufacturing Company, in which he had a large interest. His services were frequently called into requisition in the settlement of estates and money affairs.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.