USA > Pennsylvania > Historic homes and institutions and genealogical and personal memoirs of the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania Vol. II > Part 85
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HISTORIC HOMES AND INSTITUTIONS.
Anna M. Messinger, also a native of Lower Nazareth township, and they became the parents of but one child. The mother is still living.
Harvey P. Meixell, the only son, was born on his father's farm December 22, 1859, and when he had mastered the elementary branches of learning as taught in the common schools of his township he continued his education in a pri- vate school in Easton, Pennsylvania. When his mental training had prepared him for life's prac- tical and responsible duties he began farming in Lower Nazareth township, where he has since resided. He lives a life of industry and thrift, and is much respected by all who know him. He is a stanch Democrat in his political views, but though he keeps well informed on the issues of the day and is interested in the success of his party he has refused to hold office. He and his family attend the Lutheran church.
Mr. Meixell was married in 1882 to Miss Emma Johnson, a daughter of John and Susanna Johnson, farming people of Lower Nazareth township. Three children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Meixell ; Anna M., who is the wife of Harvey Rohn, by whom she has three children ; Ida S., and George J., who are with their parents.
EDWIN HEIL. Almost two centuries have come and gone since the Heil family was estab- lished in Northampton county, the founder being John Heil, the great-grandfather of Edwin Heil, of this review. He was born in England and, crossing the Atlantic to America in the early part of the eighteenth century, located in Lower Naza- reth township, Northampton county. There he followed farming until his life's labors were ended in death. His son, John Heil, Jr., the grandfather, was born on the old family home- stead, and throughout his entire life followed farm- ing. He married Elizabeth Dull, who was also born in Lower Nazareth township, and their chil- dren were Caroline and Solomon.
Solomon Heil, the father, was born on the old family homestead in 1810 and died in the year 1856. He too, followed farming upon the old home place. He married Susanna Ritter, of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and they became the
parents of six children : Edwin F., James, Jacob, Richard, Elizabeth and Elmira.
Edwin F. Heil was born March 14, 1836, on the farm which has been the ancestral home of the family. He entered the schools nearby and displayed special aptitude in his studies. After completing his own education he engaged in teaching school for a few years in Lower Naza- reth and Bushkill townships. Since abandoning the work of the schoolroom he has followed farm- ing, and his land is under a high state of culti- vation. His political allegiance is given to the Democracy, and he has held the office of justice of the peace for four terms, also that of assessor. He and his family attend the services of the Lutheran church. In 1851 he married Miss Susanna Hess, a daughter of John and Susanna Hess, the former a miller of Easton, Pennsylvania. Their children are Ellen, the wife of Erwin J. Reynolds, by whom she has three children; Alice, who became the wife of Levi C. Shankoverly and died leaving four children; and one that died in infancy.
WILLIAM H. KINGINGER, who is now living retired in Nazareth, was born in Bethle- hem, Pennsylvania, May 28, 1855. The King- inger family was established in the Lehigh Val- ley about the beginning of the nineteenth century, and Daniel Kinginger, who was born in the Val- ley July 4, 1809, remained a resident thereof for almost half a century, passing away in June, 1859. He was educated in the common schools and learned the trade of a gunsmith and locksmith, following this pursuit throughout his entire busi- ness career. He married Miss Rebecca Cassler, who was born November 8, 1808, and died in 1865. Their children were Jacob, William H., Sarah, Josephila. Mary; Louisa and Selma, both deceased ; and Horace.
The last named was born in Bethlehem, Penn- sylvania, October 22, 1830, and died October 17, 1897. Having acquired his education he began learning the barber's trade, which he followed for a time, but later took up carpentering and was identified with building interests in his com- munity until his demise. He married Miss Mary
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GENEALOGICAL AND PERSONAL MEMOIRS.
Schneider, who was born June 8, 1831, and passed away October 14, 1898. They became the parents of four children: William H., James, Francis and Anna.
When William H. Kinginger was only three years of age his parents removed to his present home in Nazareth, and he became a student in the town schools, acquiring a good practical edu- cation. After putting aside his text books he learned the baker's trade, which he followed for some time in the employ of others, and then opened a store which is now conducted by his son. He was, however, an active factor in busi- ness circles in Nazareth for a number of years, and through the careful conduct of his commer- cial interests gained a competence that now en- ables him to live retired. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party, has been one of its local leaders, and has held several positions in his town. Fraternally he is connected with the Ma- sonic order, and he attends the services of the Methodist Episcopal church. In matters of citi- zenship he is progressive and enterprising, put- ting forth earnest effort in behalf of the material, social and moral advancement of his town.
In 1875 Mr. Kinginger was married to Miss Catherine E. Speer, a daughter of George and Emma (Siegfried) Speer, the former a mer- chant of Nazareth. The children born of this marriage are as follows: Horace G., who was born April 23, 1876, married Louisa Goodyear and they have two children; Walter W., born August 26, 1881, married Beatrice Danforth ; Amy W., born February 16, 1889; Florence, born October 13, 1892; and Sarah A., born November 6, 1894, all at home. Two children of this family died in infancy.
J. AUGUST MILLER, superintendent of an ·extensive business in tin, galvanized iron, and the installing of hot air heating plants in Allen- town, was born in this borough, a son of Jacob and Sarah (Schultise) Miller.
His paternal grandfather was Nicholas Miller, and his maternal grandparents were Herman and Mary Schultise. Jacob Miller was born in Ger-
many, and when sixteen years of age accom- panied his father, Nicholas Miller, to America. He was afterward sent to Catasauqua to learn the trade of tinsmith, and devoted three years to mastering that business. He afterward secured employment as a journeyman, and was thus identified with the industry until he began busi- ness on his own account as a partner of Daniel Mager. They opened their establishment in Al- lentown on the site now occupied by St. John's church, and continued there until they sold the property to the church. The partnership was then dissolved, and Mr. Mager continued as pro- prietor of the cornice department and formed the Allentown Cornice Company, while Mr. Miller continued in the tin, galvanized iron and hot air heating plant business. He has developed a large establishment, and has continued at the head of the enterprise, which is now an important one in commercial life of the city. He was a member of the city council in 1881, and has been some- what prominent in public affairs, ever giving his influence and aid on the side of progress, sub- stantial upbuilding and improvement. He mar- ried Miss Sarah Schultise, and they became the parents of eleven children: J. August is the eldest ; Katie, the second child of Jacob Miller, became the wife of John Brogler; Joseph mar- ried Owen McFadden ; Mary, Susan, Joseph and Pauline are all unmarried ; John, Jacob, William and Gertrude all died when less than ten years of age.
J. August Miller acquired his education in the public schools of Allentown and in the Allentown Business College, and after completing his studies he began learning his trade with his fa- ther, becoming an expert workman in tin and galvanized iron. He spent three years in this way, and his close application and adaptability enabled him to make such rapid and satisfactory progress that at the end of that time he was made superintendent of the business, in which capacity he has since served. In 1896 he went to New York city to acquaint himself with the business of installing steam and hot water heating plants, pursuing a full course in that work, but the firm has never added such a department to its busi-
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HISTORIC HOMES AND INSTITUTIONS.
ness, as the trade along the other lines is all that ber of the Livingston Club, one of the select so- they have time and opportunity for. Mr. Miller cial organizations of the city. and his father belong to no clubs or societies, but are Democrats in political faith, and members of the German Catholic church.
J. August Miller was united in marriage to Miss Mary Kinsinger, a daughter of John and Mary Kinsinger, and one of a family of four children, the others being John, who married Agnes Spiegle and has one child, John; Frank; and Annie, who died in childhood. Mrs. Miller is the other member of the family, and by her marriage has become the mother of five children : Mary, Katie, August F., Annie and Jacob.
OREN ROSS BRYAN LEIDY, of Allen- town, Pennsylvania, a skillful and talented mem- ber of the legal profession, practicing at the Le- high county bar, was born in Berks county, Penn- sylvania, in 1873. His parents, Albert S. and Elizabeth (Bryan) Leidy, the latter named hav- ing been a daughter of the late Dr. Joseph Bryan, reared a family of four children, namely: Oren Ross Bryan, mentioned at length hereinafter ; Austin, who married, and his children are Eliza- beth, Margaret, Briton, and Oscar Leidy; Al- bert B., who married Kate Weiser, no issue ; and Hiram, unmarried.
The educational advantages enjoyed by Oren R. B. Leidy were obtained at the public schools of his native town and under the excellent precep- torship of Dr. P. D. Hanky, who prepared him for college. He then came to Allentown and en- tered Muhlenberg College, from which institu- tion he was graduated in the year 1896. Desir- ing to lead a professional life he entered the of- fice of Major Morris L. Kaufman and read law with him until 1899, and after passing a credit- able examination he was admitted to practice at the Lehigh county bar, July 5, 1899. He imme- diately established an office in the city of Allen- town, where he has continued up to date, and dur- ing the intervening years has won for himself an enviable reputation and has built up an extensive practice. He is an active and consistent member of the Lutheran chruch, an adherent of the prin- ciples of Republicanism, and an honored mem-
Mr. Leidy married Miss Margaret S. Ruhe, . no issue. The parents of Mrs. Leidy are Fred- eric and Julia (Kocher) Ruhe, the latter named being a daughter of Elias Kocher, and their fam- ily consisted or three daughters, namely: Ara- bella, who died unmarried; Jennie, wife of Henry E. Peters, and they are the parents of one child, Harold Peters; and Margaret, aforemen- tioned as the wife of Oren R. B. Leidy.
NATHAN A. HAAS. In business life suc- cess depends so entirely upon individual merit that when one has attained a position of promin- ence, as has Nathan A. Haas, of Allentown, classed with the prosperous merchants of that city, it is an unmistakable evidence of ability, natural and acquired. His career has been one of marked enterprise, wherein his reliable methods have contributed in a large measure to his pros- perity. The ancestry of the family is traced back to three brothers, natives of Germany, who came to America at an early date, one settling at Haas ·Mill, between Rotherocksville and Riegelsville, one at Lynnville, and the other at what is now known as Haas's Mill, in Upper Macungie, above Fogelsville, where he established a grist mill which bears his name to this day. They were active, energetic and enterprising men, became faithful and loyal citizens of their adopted coun- try, and left to their descendants an honored name and reputation, which is above all else to be desired.
The paternal grandparents of Nathan A. Haas were Jonathan and Catherine (Trexler) Haas. His parents were Nathan T. and Eliza (Butz) Haas, who reared a family of ten chil- dren, as follows: I. Frank H., who married Kate Kershner. 2. William, who married Flor- enda Kline. 3. Mary, who became the wife of Daniel Bauer, and their children were: Ida, Maurice, Clara, wife of Jacob Bortz, and mother of one child ; and John Bauer, a well known phy- sician. 4. Ann Eliza, who became the wife of Jacob L. Farr, and their children are Harvey and Jacob L. Farr. 5. Charles B., who married
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GENEALOGICAL AND PERSONAL MEMOIRS.
Lizzie Kline. 6. Ella, who became the wife of John Weiler, and their children are John, Jennie and Marie Weiler. 7. Katie, deceased. 8. Eliza- beth, deceased, was the wife of Henry Fenster- maker and mother of three children: George, Carrie and Ella Fenstermaker. 9. Jonathan, who married Alice Stemminger, and their children are : Helen, Eugene, John, Ellwood, Amey, and Daisy Haas. 10. Nathan A., mentioned at length in the following paragraphs.
Nathan A. Haas was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania. He mastered the common branches of learning in the public schools of his native county, and this was supplemented by a three years' course at the Kutztown Normal School. When sixteen years of age he came to Allentown and entered upon his business career as a salesman in the shoe store of J. L. Farr & Company. While in that employ he devoted his entire time and attention to the mastery of all the details of the business, and his worth and cap- ability won ready recognition, while he found in each promotion the opportunity for further development and for the acquisition of great knowledge concerning mercantile life and meth- ods. When he attained his majority he was ad- mitted to a partnership in the business, under the firm style of Farr, Haas & Company, and upon the death of J. L. Farr, the business was continued by his son, Harvey Farr, and Mr. Haas, under the old firm name until 1900. The partnership was then dissolved by mutual consent, both es- tablishing separate stores. Mr. Haas purchased the old Crosskeys Hotel property at the corner of Eighth and Hamilton streets, removed the old landmark, and erected upon the site a modern five-story store and office building. The lower floor and a portion of the second are devoted to his business, while the remainder of the building, with the exception of the top floor, which is fitted up for the Masonic lodge room, is utilized for office purposes. In 1900 Mr. Haas admitted his son Harry to partnership in the business, the name being changed to that of N. A. Haas & Son.
Mr. Haas is deeply interested in the welfare and progress of this city along many lines, and has
been the champion of various measures that have contributed to its general well being. He is serv- ing in the capacity of trustee of the College for Women and the Allentown Hospital. He is a member of the Reformed church, and his politi- cal allegiance is given to the Republican party.
Mr. Haas has been twice married. His first wife, whose maiden name was Ellen Keck, a daughter of Solomon and Matilda (Hartman) Keck, bore him one child, Harry. His second wife, Emma R. (Jacoby) Haas, one of four chil- dren born to John A. and Ellen (Dubbs) Jacoby, bore him three children: Robert, Ruth and Mar- guerite Haas.
JAMES L. SCHAADT. Among the many professions in which men engage none requires more skill and ability than does the legal profes- sion, of which James L. Schaadt is a representa- tive, and in the practice of which he has won an enviable reputation. He was born in North Whitehall township, Lehigh county, Pennsylva- nia, December 21, 1856.
Johannes Schaadt, presumably the founder of the American branch of the Schaadt family, a native of Hanau, Prussia, came to this country, accompanied by his sons, George Adam and Jo- hannes, and three daugliters, in the ship "Queen of Denmark," George Parrish, commander, land- ing on October 4, 1751. He took out a warrant for one hundred and eighty-five acres of land on Coplay Creek, January 24, 1754, and on this the family settled. The line of descent is traced though his second son, Johannes, who was the father of a number of children, among whom was a son Lorenz, who died October 4, 1855, at the age of sixty-four years. One of his sons, David, a resident of Allentown, Pennsylvania, married Caroline Sherer, a native of Lehigh county, and they were the parents of two chil- dren : James L., mentioned hereinafter : and J. Allen, an artist of note, engaged on the Times in Philadelphia, the World in New York, Teras Siftings, etc.
James L. Schaadt attended the public and German schools of his native township, and the knowledge thus obtained was supplemented by
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HISTORIC HOMES AND INSTITUTIONS.
a course at Muhlenberg College, from which he was graduated in 1874, at the age of seventeen years, carrying off the honors of the class. He gained his first practical experience as a teacher, in which capacity he served for some time, and subsequently was principal of the schools at East Allentown and Rittersville. He was a success- ful instructor, possessing the faculty of impart- ing knowledge clearly and concisely. In the meantime he took up the study of law, and on April 10, 1878, was admitted to the bar. He at once commenced practice, and in a short space of time was in receipt of a liberal patronage, the result of professional skill and ability. He served as deputy warden under his father, who was warden of the Lehigh county prison. In 1888 he was appointed county solicitor, which office he filled for three years. In 1892 he was elected prosecuting attorney, and for a term of three years discharged the duties in an able and ac- ceptable manner.
In 1878 Mr. Schaadt became a member of the National Guard of Pennsylvania, and for two years served as a noncommissioned officer in Company D, Fourth Regiment Infantry. In 1884 he became a member of Company B, Fourth In- fantry, and was made corporal. On June 17, 1889, he was appointed first lieutenant and quar- termaster of the regiment, filling that position un- til December, 1890, when by a unanimous vote he was promoted to the rank of captain of Com- pany B, which position he still holds. The com- pany is attached to Colonel D. B. Case's regiment. Owing to his pleasant and genial disposition he is a popular member of the regiment ; his enter- prise and merit have given him a position of prominence among his professional brethren ; and the interest he manifests in local affairs places him among the representative citizens of his city, Allentown, Pennsylvania. He is a firm supporter of the principles of Democracy, and has fre- quently served as delegate to the county, con- gressional and state conventions, and has been chairman of the Democratic county central com- mittee. He was an active worker during the campaign of Governor Pattison in 1890, and served on several important committees.
JACOB HENRY BURGER, a member of the Allentown Shoe Manufacturing Company, at Allentown, Pennsylvania, of which he is one of the incorporators, is a native of Berks county, Pennsylvania. He is a veteran of the Civil war, and is an excellent representative of the intelli- gence, ardor and patriotism of the men who first went into the Union army, not seduced by boun- ties, but actuated by the purest and noblest mo- tives.
His parents were William and Lydia (Carl) Burger. The father, who was a mason and tailor by trade, and an active participant in the war of 1812, was a son of Jacob Burger, who came to this country from Germany, accompanied by his two brothers, David and Dewalt. Lydia (Carl) Burger was a daughter of Jacob Carl. William and Lydia (Carl) Burger were the parents of two children: 1. William Henry Harrison, who enlisted in Company K, Forty-seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, under Captain Abbott, as corporal, August 21, 1861, was promoted for bravery, and was discharged from the service October 19, 1863 ; he immediately re-enlisted for three years more, was wounded at the battle of Cedar Creek, and subsequently removed to the West Philadelphia Hospital, where he died. 2. Jacob Henry, mentioned at length in the follow- ing paragraph.
During his boyhood Jacob H. Burger at- tended the public schools in the vicinity of his home during the winter months, and assisted with the arduous and manifold duties of the farm in the summer months until the year 1860, when he removed to Allentown, Lehigh county, and se- cured employment at the Cross Keys Hotel. He resigned this position in order to devote his time to acquiring the trade of currying leather, and this occupation he followed until 1862, when he enlisted his services in behalf of his country dur- ing the trying period of the Civil war. He joined Company I, Fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Volun- teers, under Captain Gregory; they formed as a home guard, but after three weeks of duty were discharged and allowed to return home. In 1863 he enlisted for three months in Company I, Forty- first Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, under
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Captain Charles Keck ; in August, 1864, he re- enlisted in Company E, Two Hundred and Sec- ond Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, under Captain C. B. Roth and Colonel Charles Albright, served one year, and was discharged in August, 1865. He was in active service during the en- tire period of his enlistments, being in Virginia the greater portion of the time, and engaged in guarding railroads and supply trains. His regi- ment participated in several encounters with Mos- by's guerrillas. After being mustered out of the service of the United States government Mr. Burger retured to Allentown and completed his apprenticeship at the trade which he had chosen for his active career. In 1870 he engaged in the business of finishing buff and wax leather, kip and calf skins, and this line of enterprise he fol- lowed until 1892, when he sold out, and in com- pany with H. J. Grim and Joseph Hartung formed the Allentown Shoe Manufacturing Com- pany, which was incorporated March 16, 1893. They manufacture boys', youths' and little gents' shoes, their output being fifteen hundred pairs per day, and the plant gives constant employment to about two hundred and seventy-five skilled workmen. Thus it will be seen that the incor- porators not only promoted their own interests, but also added greatly to the growth and pros- perity of the community. Mr. Burger is active and helpful in local affairs, is a consistent mem- ber of the United Evangelical church, and an ad- herent of the principles of Republicanism.
Mr. Burger was united in marriage to Cecilia H. Leopold, and their children are: Clarence, who is engaged in the Allentown Shoe Manufac- turing Company; Mark, who is pursuing his studies at Muhlenberg College; and James, a student in the public schools of Allentown, Penn- sylvania.
STEWART DANIEL RITTER, one of the prominent business men and sterling citizens of Freemansburg, Northampton county, Pennsylva- nia, is of old German stock and traces his ances- try back to the beginning of the German, influx into Pennsylvania.
Daniel Ritter, who was the grandfather of
Stewart Daniel, was of German extraction, and his wife, Rosina Oberly, was the granddaughter of a pioneer, Rudolph Oberly. Rudolph Oberly was born in Germany, June 8, 1712, and came to America a young man. His wife was Mar- garet Harbell, and six children were born of the marriage: Elizabeth, John, Anthony, Christina, Rudolph, and Jacob. Anthony, born November 2, 1749, was twice married, the first wife being Rebecca Freeman, who bore him two sons, Isaac and John. The second wife was Catherine Mel- chine, whose children were Rosina, Catherine, Elizabeth, Susanna, and Anthony. It was Ro- sina, the first child of Anthony Oberly by his second marriage, who became the wife of Daniel Ritter.
Benjamin Franklin was one of the two sons born to Daniel and Rosina (Oberly) Ritter, the other son being William R. These sons grew up in the township where they were born, and were educated in the public schools. Benjamin F. became the proprietor of a general store. in con- nection with which he operated a coal and wood yard. He was a successful business man, and popular and trusted among his fellow townsmen. This regard in which he was held is attested by the many times he was called upon to fill the local offices. He was clerk in Butztown and in Freemansburg, as well as burgess and member of the town council in the latter place. He was also school director and town treasurer, and for ten years justice of the peace. He married Mary Ann Frankenfield, the daughter of William Frankenfield and his wife, whose family name was Schnable.
Stewart Daniel Ritter, a son of this marriage, was born June 20, 1859, in Northampton county. He obtained his early education in the schools at Freemansburg, and later attended a private school at Bethlehem. During his school days in Freemansburg he helped his father in the work of the store and gained a thorough familiarity with the business. Afterward he went to Read- ing where he spent six years, in the meantime learning the printer's trade at the Eagle office. But he was obliged to return to Freemansburg to assist his father in his business, and he re-
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