USA > Pennsylvania > Historic homes and institutions and genealogical and personal memoirs of the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania Vol. II > Part 84
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In 1848 he was elected justice of the peace of Heidelberg township, holding that office several years. He served as a member of the state legis- lature, as associate judge of Lehigh and Carbon counties, and as county auditor, being the incum- bent of the latter office for three years. His first
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presidential vote was cast for Henry Clay, at Bloomsburg, in 1844. He was frequently elected as a delegate to the state conventions, and was at the convention held in Chicago in 1860 which nominated Abraham Lincoln for president. He was also at the convention in Philadelphia when General Grant was nominated for his second term. He served as treasurer of the school board of Heidelberg township at the time of the intro- duction of the free-school system, and assisted in the organization of the schools, meeting great opposition. He was a member of the Heidelberg Lutheran church.
In 1849 Mr. Kistler married Matilda Miller, a daughter of Peter Miller, and two children were born to them: Mary Magdalena, and Samuel J. Kistler, Jr. The death of Mr. Kistler, which oc- curred September 15, 1890, caused great sorrow in the community.
ELLSWORTH G. M. KUHNS. The Kuhns family, of which Ellsworth G. M. Kuhns is a representative, is of German origin and was founded in America by his great-grandfather, George Henry Kuhns, who emigrated to the new world in early manhood. He settled in Lower Macungie township, Lehigh county, Pennsylva- nia, where he secured a tract of wild land which he cleared and converted into a fine farm, making the first improvements thereon. This property has since been in possession of the family, and is now the property of Ellsworth G. M. Kuhns. George Henry Kuhns married Miss Mary Eisen- hard, and they had two children, Reuben and John.
Reuben Kuhns, the grandfather, was born on the old family homestead in Lower Macungie township in 1812, was early trained to agricul- tural pursuits, and when still quite young learned the shoemaker's trade, which he followed in con- nection with farming until his death, which oc- curred in 1889. In politics he was an active Democrat, assisting in the local work of the party and filling several township offices in a commend- able manner which indicated his loyalty to the public good. He was also a very zealous and helpful member of the Lutheran church of Trex-
lertown, Lehigh county, and served therein as trustee, deacon and elder. He married Miss Sa- rahı Spangler, a daughter of Jacob Spangler, and they became the parents of six children, namely : Anna, wife of Leon Kuhns; Amanda, wife of Daniel Smoyer; Ellen, wife of William Eisen- hard; Aaron, Frank, and George.
Aaron Kuhns, father of Ellsworth G. M. Kuhns, was born in Upper Macungie township, Lehigh county, in the year 1839, and after ac- quiring his education turned his attention to teaching, following the profession for two or three years, since which time he has continuously followed farming. His political support is given the Democracy, and he has held the offices of school director, auditor and supervisor. He is a very active member of the church to which his father belonged, and has occupied its various of- ficial positions. His influence has ever been on the side of right, reform and progress. His wife bore the maiden name of Sarah Rauch, and is a daughter of Jonas Rauch. They had four chil- dren, of whom one died in infancy. The others are Herbert F., Lillie P., and Ellsworth G. M. The daughter is now the wife of Owen Kern.
Ellsworth G. M. Kuhns, formerly identified with educational interests in Lehigh county, and now well known as proprietor of a hotel at East Texas, was born in Lower Macungie township, on the old homestead farm, and having acquired his preliminary education in the public schools near his home he continued his studies in the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown, Pennsylvania. After leaving that in- stitution he engaged in teaching school for nine years through the winter seasons, while in the summer months he worked upon the farm. In 1898 he opened the hotel in East Texas, of which he has since been proprietor, and in the business he has met with very gratifying success, receiv- ing a liberal share of the public patronage, and conducting a hostelry which is a credit to the town. In his political views he is a stanch Dem- ocrat, but has never sought public office. He be- longs to Covenant Commandery, No. 85, Knights of Malta, at Albertus, Pennsylvania, in which he has passed all the chairs, and is also a member
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of Cedar Council, No. 416, J. O. U. A. M., at Wescosville, in which he has also filled the vari- ous offices. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran denomination, and he belongs to the or- ganization which has been the church home of his ancestors through several generations.
Mr. Kuhns was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Koch, daughter of David Koch, and they have five children: Ada S., born July 23, 1895; May E., February 22, 1897; Dewey E. S., October 20, 1899; Iva F., February 20, 1901 ; and Arla L. Kuhns, July 20, 1903.
WILLIAM T. DORNEY. Among the well known and highly respected citizens of the town of Cetronia, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, may be mentioned the name of William T. Dorney, now retired from active business pursuits, who was born in South Whitehall township, Lehigh county, January 15, 1849.
Solomon Dorney, father of William T. Dor- ney, was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, February 6, 1807. After completing his educa- tion he turned his attention to farming, which occupation he continuously pursued throughout his active business career. He was a public-spir- ited man, ready and willing to aid every enter- prise that conduced to the well-being and growth of the community in which he resided. He was one of the organizers of the Lutheran church of Cetronia, and from the organization until the time of his death was one of its most active mem- bers. By his marriage to Susanna School, who was born October 27, 1810, the following named children were born: Solomon, deceased; Mary, wife of Thomas B. Faust ; Isabella, wife of T. H. Dorney ; Charles A., deceased; Ellen, wife of Dr. Apple; and William T., mentioned at length in the following paragraph. Solomon Dorney ( fa- ther) died April 20, 1856; his wife, Susanna (School) Dorney, died November 25, 1890.
William T. Dorney was a student in the com- mon schools of his native township, and the knowledge thus gained was supplemented by one term in the Freeland Seminary. At the age of nineteen years he entered the employ of the Catasauqua & Fogelsville Railroad Company as
station agent in charge of Chapman Station, and this position he retained for five consecutive years. After his marriage he located in Cetrond, where he has since resided, and shortly afterward he engaged in the lumber business, which he con- tinued for about ten years. He then relinquished this line of business, and in partnership with his brother, Charles Dorney, engaged in agricultural pursuits which he continued until 1903, when he retired on account of impaired health. He was one of the first to build fish ponds in what is now known as Dorney's Park.
Mr. Dorney was united in marriage to Mary Litzenberger, daughter of Henry Lit- zenberger, and four children were born to them, namely: Harvey, a resident of Allentown, Penn- sylvania; Cora, deceased, was the wife of Elmer Lichtenwalner; Fred, a resident of Allentown, Pennsylvania; and Scottie N., who died at the age of five years. Mr. Dorney and the members of his family are parishioners of the Lutheran Reformed church of Cetronia, Pennsylvania.
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HARVIN T. SCHULER, whose general mercantile interests contribute to the business activity and consequent prosperity of East Texas, Lehigh county, and who is well known as the postmaster of the town, having filled the office since 1892, was born on a farm in Lower Ma- cungie township, Lehigh county, January 30, 1867. The ancestral history of the family has been one of close connection with the interests of Pennsylvania for more than a century. His grandfather, Thomas Schuler, was born in Bed- ford county, Pennsylvania, in 1801, and in early life learned the carpenter's trade, which he fol- lowed continuously until compelled to retire from active business life on account of the infirmities of old age. He married Miss Miller, daughter of Michael Miller, of Long Swamp township, Le- high county, and they had six children, four sons and two daughters: Isaac, Nicodemus, Rufus, Anna, wife of Jeremiah Shifford; Mary Ann, wife of Jacob Keiser ; and Israel.
Nicodemus Schuler, father of Harvin T. Schuler, was born in February, 1833, and throughout his business career has followed the
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occupation of farming. He married Ann Maria Lauer, who was born September 25, 1850, a daughter of Jacob Lauer. They had but two chil- dren, the daughter being Emma, wife of Mr. C. Bastian, of Allentown, Pennsylvania.
Harvin T. Schuler was reared upon his fa- ther's farm in Lower Macungie township, at- tended the public schools of the county, and sup- plemented his preliminary education by a three months' course in the Shippensburg State Nor- mal School. In 1888 he became identified with the commercial interests of East Texas by pur- chasing the general mercantile establishment of C. P. Hoffman & Company, and has since suc- cessfully carried on the business. In the year in which he was first identified with the interests of East Texas, he was also made assistant post- master, and served in that capacity until 1892, when he was appointed postmaster by President Cleveland, and has since continued in the position. He has been quite active and prominent in local political circles, has always kept well informed on the questions of the day, and gives an unfalter- ing allegiance to the Democracy, while in the local councils of the party his opinions carry weight and influence. He has been a member of the county committee, and was a delegate to the state conventions in Harrisburg in 1902, and again in 1903. He is now treasurer of the Lower Ma- cungie board. He belongs to the Lutheran Re- formed church of Trexlertown, Lehigh county, and is a member of Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 85, and the Knights of Malta. He is identified with Israel Commandery, No. 148, K. T.
Mr. Schuler married Miss Anna M. Stephen, a daughter of Jacob U. Stephen, and they have three children: Emily M., born December 29, 1889 ; Lillie F., born in 1890; and Horace T., born May 27, 1901.
REUBEN LAUBACH. Through several generations the Laubach family has been identi- fied with farming interests in Northampton county and Reuben Laubach follows the same pursuit in Lower Nazareth township. His grand- father, Jacob Laubach, was born in Saucon town- ship and became a farmer, devoting his entire
life to the tilling of the soil. He married Cath- erine Odenwelder, also of Saucon township, and their children were Jesse, Elizabeth and John.
John Laubach, the father of Reuben Laubach, was born on the old homestead place in Saucon township, May 9, 1804, and died December 19, 1867. The common schools of the neighborhood afforded him his educational privileges and when his own education was completed he engaged in teaching school for several years in his township. He then turned his attention to farming, and in 1830 purchased a tract of land in Lower Naza- reth township, which is now operated by his son Barnet. Upon that place he spent his remaining days. In politics he was a Republican, always voting with the party, but was never an aspirant for office. He attended the Lutheran church. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Anna Walker, was born in 1803 and died January 29, 1884. She was a daughter of Barnet Walker, a farmer who resided near Easton, Pennsylvania. Unto John and Anna (Walker) Laubach were born ten children: Adam, who wedded Mary Haupt and had two children ; John, who married Matilda Johnson and has two children; William, who married Sarah Krieder and has three chil- dren; Richard, who married Matilda Fenner and has two children; Robert, who died in early youth ; Mary C., the wife of John Rohn; Diana, who became the wife of Amandas Hellick, and after his death married Amandas Buss; and Bar- net, who wedded Eva C. Wagner and has one child.
Reuben Laubach, the other member of the family, was born in Lower Nazareth township, September 1, 1844, and having acquired his edu- cation in the common schools he began learning the trade of shoemaking. After completing his apprenticeship he followed that pursuit for a short time, and then conducted a general store in Hanover township, where he carried on mer- chandising for thirteen years. On the expira- tion of that period he located on his present farm in Lower Nazareth township, and has resided here continually since 1888, having a good tract of land on which he annually raises large crops. In his political views he is a stanch Republican,
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unfaltering in his allegiance to the party and its principles, and socially he is an active member of the Knights of Malta.
Reuben Laubach was married in 1867 to Miss Eva Koehler, who was born August 26, 1841, a daughter of Simon and Eva Koehler, the former a farmer of Lower Nazareth township. Their children are : Charles E., born August 24, 1871, and died in 1891; Clara Z., born April 6, 1873, and is the wife of Elmer Bringer ; William H., born June 19, 1874; Howard E., born March 22, 1876, and died in 1897; Eva H., born June 13, 1868, and is the wife of Charles Dech; Simon J., born July 15, 1869; Barnett, born July 17, 1878, and married Beulah Fisher ; Clarence, born September 7, 1886; Harrison, born October 26, 1888; Agnes K .; Mary; and two that died in infancy.
JOHN D. HECKMAN is engaged in the painting business at Newburg, Northampton county. It is not definitely known at what date the family was established in this county, but it was probably during the colonial epoch of our country's history, for John Heckman, the grand- father of John D. Heckman, was born in Lower Nazareth township in the early part of 1780. He was a student in the common schools of his neighborhood, and later followed farming throughout his entire business career. He mar- ried and among his children was John Heckman, the father of John D. Heckman. John Heckman, Jr., was born on the old family homestead in Lower Nazareth township in 1813, and like his father took up the cultivation of the farm and was continually engaged in tilling the soil until within the last few years. He is now living a retired life upon the old homestead. His politi- cal allegiance is given to the Republican party, . and his religious support to the Reformed church, of which he is a loyal member. He has been mar- ried twice. His first wife, Elizabeth Biery, was a daughter of Solomon Biery, a farmer of Weaversville, Pennsylvania. She died in 1869. By that marriage there were five children: Ira, John D., and three that died in infancy. After losing his first wife the father married Mrs. Sau-
bee, of Easton, Pennsylvania, who is still living. The children born of this union are Henry, who married Camila Laudenbach, by whom he has one child; and two children that died in infancy.
John D. Heckman was born October 25, 1868, on the old home farm in Lower Nazareth town- ship, Northampton county. He enjoyed the ex- cellent educational privileges afforded by the pub- lic schools of the neighborhood, and then learned the printing trade, which he has followed con- tinuously since, now conducting the shop at New- burg, in Lower Nazareth township. He removed to this place in 1892, and in addition to his shop owns an attractive residence. His life is char- acterized by industry and enterprise, and thus he has gained a comfortable competence. He is a member of the Knights of Malta and the Junior Order of American Mechanics. In politics he is a Republican, and has held various township offices.
In 1892 Mr. Heckman was united in marriage to Miss Annie S. Beck, who was born July 9, 1873, a daughter of the late Jacob Beck, who died in 1881. Her mother, Mrs. Susanna (Rhein- heimer) Beck, died in 1882. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Heckman have been born seven children: Ed- win, born May II, 1893; Frank, April 21, 1895; Jacob J., October 30, 1896; Florence S., Septem- ber 19, 1898; Bertha E., November 29, 1899; Charles, April 3, 1901 ; and Howard, July 6, 1902.
DR. RICHARD H. BECK, a physician and surgeon of Lower Nazareth township, North- ampton county, was born in Bethlehem township, this county, December 20, 1850. An investiga- tion into the history of the county shows that several successive generations of the family have resided here, and representatives of the name have largely been connected with farming inter- ests. George Henry Beck, the grandfather of Richard Beck, was born in what is known as the old family homestead in Lower Nazareth town- ship, and devoted his entire time to farming, mak- ing that calling his life work. He gave an unfal- tering support to the Democratic party, being strongly desirous of its success. He married
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Miss Elizabeth Johnson, also a native of Lower Nazareth township, Northampton county, and among their children was Jacob Beck, whose birth occurred on the old home farm October 30, 1824. He died in 1881, his life record thus covering fifty-seven years. He was indebted to the com- mon school system for the educational advantages he enjoyed, and the occupation with which he became familiar in his boyhood days he made his life work, becoming an industrious and enter- prising farmer of Bethlehem township, North- ampton county. He voted with the Democracy, and was active and influential in public affairs. He held the office of county president of the ag- ricultural society for many years, and was a de- voted member of the Lutheran church. He mar- ried Susanna Reinheimer, a daughter of John Reinheimer, who was a farmer of Lower Naza- reth township, Northampton county, but is now deceased. Mrs. Beck passed away in 1882. The children of this marriage were Samuel J., who died in infancy ; Richard H .; Sarah E., the wife of Elmer Kreider and the mother of two chil- dren ; and Annie J., who married John Heckman and has seven children.
Dr. Richard Beck at the usual age began his education in the public schools. He afterward enjoyed the advantage of instruction in Gettys- burg College, and subsequently attended Muhlen- berg College at Allentown, Pennsylvania, where he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Subsequently he matriculated in the University of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia, and was graduated with honors in the medical department in 1874. Immediately afterward he located in Hecktown, in Lower Nazareth town- ship, where he associated himself in practice with Dr. J. G. Scholl, and in 1875 he came to his pres- ent home in Newburg, Lower Nazareth township. Here he has since remained, and a liberal patron- age has been accorded him in recognition of his skill and ability. Dr. Beck is continually adding to his knowledge and promoting his efficiency through reading and investigation along the line of the science of medicine and surgery through his membership in the State Medical Society, the Lehigh Valley Medical Society and the Ameri-
can Society of Medicine. He belongs to the Knights of the Golden Eagle, the Junior Order of American Mechanics, the Improved Order of Red Men and the Knights of Malta. He attends the Lutheran church, and gives his political sup- port to the Democracy. He is at the present time a director of the county poor house.
In 1876 Dr. Beck was united in marriage to Miss Annie H. Herman, a daughter of the Rev. A. J. and Isabella (Grimm) Herman, of Berks county, Pennsylvania, and a graduate of the Al- lentown Female College. Four children have been born of this union: Charles G., born Sep- tember 21, 1877, pursued his literary education in Muhlenberg College, in which he was gradu- ated with the class of 1890. He then entered the Theological Seminary at Mount Airy, and was graduated in 1901. He is now pastor of the Lutheran church at Nova Scotia, Pennsylvania. In 1902 he married Cora Smith. The younger children of Dr. and Mrs. Beck are Florence C., born September 9, 1882; Charles E. H., born August 27, 1884; and Sem G., born March 23, 1886.
HARVEY E. HAUPT, a farmer of Lower Nazareth township, is connected with the line of occupation that has been followed by his ances- tors in Northampton county for several genera- tions. His grandfather, Gideon Haupt, was born in Bushkill township, Northampton county, and followed farming, making that his life work. He married Margaret , also a native of Bush- kill township, and among their children was Jo- siah Haupt, the father of Harvey E. Haupt. His birth occurred on the old family homestead in Bushkill township, and his boyhood days were passed in the usual manner of farmer lads who devoted their attention to the work of the fields through the summer months and to the acquire- ment of a common-school education in the winter seasons. After arriving at years of maturity he began farming on his own account, remaining on the old homestead for a time and later removing to Upper Nazareth township. His life record covered fifty-five years, for he was born in 1843 and died in 1898. In politics he was a Democrat,
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but while he believed firmly in the principles of the party he always refused to accept the nomin- ation for any office. He attended the Lutheran church, and lived an upright, honorable life. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sophia Kern and is now decreased, was a daughter of Peter Kern, a farmer of Lower Nazareth township. By this marriage there were five children: Harvey E., Charles, Sarah, Ida and Clara.
Harvey E. Haupt was born in Upper Naza- reth township, August 30, 1865, and was a lad of eight summers when his parents removed to Lower Nazareth township, settling upon the farm which has since been his home. He attended the common schools of the neighborhood, and the occupation to which he was reared he has made his life work. In his farming methods he is practical and progressive, and his well developed property indicates his careful supervision. He is likewise active in local political circles, and is recognized as one of the leaders in Democracy in his township. Socially he is identified with the Junior Order of American Mechanics, and religiously with the Lutheran church of Heck- town, he and his family attending services there.
In 1893 Harvey E. Haupt was united in mar- riage to Miss Lilly Heil, a daughter of Jacob and Mary A. Heil, the former a resident farmer of Bethlehem township, Northampton county. The children of this marriage are three in number : Clayton, born in 1894; Ira, in 1896; and Goldie, born in 1898.
JOHN HELLICK is a resident farmer of Lower Nazareth township, Northampton county, and comes of a family that has largely promoted the agricultural development of this part of the state. His paternal grandfather, Jacob Hellick, was also a native of Lower Nazareth township, and throughout his entire life carried on agricul- tural pursuits. He attended the services of the Lutheran church, and in his political faith was a Democrat.
Washington Hellick, the father of John Hel- lick, was born and died on the old family farm- stead, and throughout his business career en- gaged in no other pursuit than the tilling of the
soil. His labors resulted in bringing to him a comfortable living and enabled him to provide well for his family. He voted with the Demo- cratic party, and thus discharged his duties of citizenship, but never sought or held public of- fice. His wife, Sarah A. Beisel, was a native of Lower Nazareth township, and their children were John, Amandas and Sarah A., who are liv- ing, and two that died in infancy.
John Hellick was born on his father's farm in Lower Nazareth township, Northampton county, his natal day being May 13, 1846. He · was educated in the common schools near his home and was early trained in the best methods of caring for the fields and the stock. He re- mained for some time on the old home place and then removed to Upper Nazareth township, where he has a nice farm, well equipped with modern conveniences. On the Democratic ticket he was elected to the office of township super- visor, in which position he is now serving, and in matters of citizenship he is public-spirited and progressive, co-operating in many measures for local advancement and progress. He attends the Lutheran church.
Mr. Hellick was married to Susan Heller, a daughter of Samuel Heller, a resident farmer of Lower Nazareth township. They have a daugh- ter, Stella, who married William Hahn, and has one child.
HARVEY P. MEIXELL. Through sev- eral generations the Meixell family has been con- nected with agricultural development of North- ampton county. George Meixell, the grandfa- ther, was born in Lower Nazareth township, and made farming his life work. He married a Miss Reeser, also a native of Lower Nazareth town- ship, and unto this marriage were born Peter, Amandas, John, Amelia, Rebecca and George W. The last named was the father of Harvey Meix- ell, and his birth occurred on the old homestead farm in Lower Nazareth township in 1830. His life record covered about seventy-two years, and he passed away in 1902. He obtained a common- school education and afterward followed farm- ing and the raising of vegetables. He married.
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