Historical and biographical annals of Berks County, Pennsylvania, embracing a concise history of the county and a genealogical and biographical record of representative families, Volume I, Part 104

Author: Montgomery, Morton L. (Morton Luther), b. 1846; J.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: Chicago : J. H. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1018

USA > Pennsylvania > Berks County > Historical and biographical annals of Berks County, Pennsylvania, embracing a concise history of the county and a genealogical and biographical record of representative families, Volume I > Part 104

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MISS MARY A. M. SCHULTZ, daughter of Andrew, is now residing at the old home near Barto. She was edu- cated in the public schools and at the Pottstown Seminary for Ladies, and was licensed to teach by the late James N. Ermentrout, teaching one term at Barto in a school- house long since torn down. She is a member of the Schwenkfelders Church near Clayton, in Hereford town- ship. Miss Schultz is a charming woman and is very artistic. She has a valuable collection of rare china and books.

ALBERT RITTER, who has been known to the citizens of Reading for nearly half a century as a professional mu- sician, was born in that city Feb. 26, 1838, son of Joel and Angeline (Bechtel) Ritter, and member of a family long known in Eastern Pennsylvania.

The Ritters are of German descent. The first American ancestor was one of the early settlers of Oley (or Exeter) township, and his descendants have lived in that locality for a period of one hundred and fifty or more years.

Francis Ritter was born in Exeter township, where he carried on farming successfully all his life. On Jan. 3, 1797, when Der Reading Adler was established, he pur- chased an interest in same, and put his son John in the office to learn the printing and publishing business. He was the father of seven children, namely: Daniel, born in 1776, married Susanna Snyder, and died in 1853; John is mentioned below; Jacob; Samuel, born April 3, 1792, .m. Catharine Kast, and died Sept. 8, 1860; Mrs. Charles Kessler ; Mrs. Nicholas Seidel; and Mrs. Samuel Christian.

Hon. John Ritter, son of Francis, was born in Exeter township, Feb. 6, 1779. He was reared upon a farm, and at the age of eighteen went to Reading and entered the Adler office to learn the printer's trade. He devoted himself to study to make up for lack of early advantages. He continued with the Adler office, and on June 29, 1802, became the owner of a half interest in the plant. He was prominent in public affairs, and during President James K. Polk's administration served (1843- 47) as a member of Congress. He was a loyal Democrat and a strong party man. Mr. Ritter died Nov. 24, 1851, aged seventy-two years, and his wife Catharine (Frailey) Ritter, in 1863, aged eighty years. Mr. and Mrs. Ritter were the parents of nineteen children, all of whom are buried in the Charles Evans cemetery, having been form- erly interred, however, in the old Reformed Church cem- etery at the corner of Washington and Reed streets. All of these children, with the exception of three, died be- fore reaching their majority. The three reaching mature years were : Joel; Louis, born April 3, 1813, who obtained the Adler from his father and was its proprietor for many years, and who died Oct. 16, 1889; and Aaron, born April 15, 1816, also a printer connected with the Adler,

politics as a firm believer in Democratic principles, and from 1839 to 1842 served as prothonotary of Berks county. During President Buchanan's administration he held a position in the United States Customs Department at Phil- adelphia. For several years prior to his death Mr. Ritter was an invalid, and he passed away July 18, 1868, aged fifty-six years. He was twice married, his first wife, An- geline Bechtel, dying in 1840, when twenty-six years of age, and leaving two sons, John Francis and Albert. He married (second) Miss Barbara A. Roland, and to this union were born: Anna and Francis, who both died in infancy; Henry, who was assistant city treasurer and died in 1899; and Ida, who resides at No. 325 Washington street, Reading. Mr. Ritter was past master of Lodge No. 62, F. & A. M .; was exalted a Royal Arch Mason in 1841; and made a Knight Templar in St. John's Com- mandery in Philadelphia in 1848.

John Francis Ritter was born Jan. 24, 1836. He received his education in Boyertown Academy, and was appointed to the West Point Military Academy July 1, 1852, graduat- ing therefrom July 1, 1856, at which latter date he was appointed second lieutenant, 5th United States Infantry. He served in Florida against the Seminole Indians, 1856- 57; in garrison at Jefferson Barracks, Mo., in 1857; fron- tier duty in the Utah Expedition, 1857-60. Mr. Ritter's army record continues as follows : March to New Mexico, 1860; Fort Fauntleroy, N. M., 1860; Fort Dodge, N. M., 1860-61; Fort Union, N. M., 1861; promoted first lieu- tenant, 5th U. S. Inf., March 27, 1861; transferred to 15th U. S. Inf., May 14, 1861; in New Mexico in command of battery, May, 1861, May, 1862; promoted captain, May 14, 1861; engaged in action of Apache . Canon, March 28, 1862; Peralta, April 14, 1862; brevetted major March 28, 1862, for "gallant and meritorious services at the battle of Apache Canon, N. M."; in campaign resulting in the dispersion of Confederates under Gen. Sibley, May, 1862; made Colonel, 1st Missouri Cavalry, Aug. 9, 1862; in camp near Helena, Ark., Sept .- Nov., 1862; acting in- spector general of the Army of the Southwest, November, 1862; in the defences at Memphis, Tenn., Dec., 1862-July, 1863; commanding brigade 16th Army Corps, March, 1863; in command Third Brigade, Davidson's Cavalry Division, in campaign resulting in the capture of Little Rock, Ark., Sept. 10, 1863; brevetted lieutenant-colonel, Sept. 10, 1863, for gallant services at the capture of Little Rock; on leave of absence Oct. 14, 1863-Jan. 6, 1864; in command of cavalry brigade, 7th Army Corps, Little Rock, Ark., Jan- uary-March, 1864; on General Steele's Campaign to Cam- den. and returning, March 23-May 2, 1864, being engaged in several skirmishes; on veteran furlough, May 16-July @9, 1864; in command of cavalry brigade, 7th Army Corps, and scouting about Little Rock, Ark., July 29-Dec. 5, 1864; in command of recruits (resigned volunteer com- mission Dec. 5, 1864), Fort Adams, R. I., January-April, 1865, and of company at Lookout Mountain, Tenn., April -Angust, 1865; on leave of absence, Aug. 12-Sept. 24, 1865; in garrison at Mobile, Ala., Sept. 24, 1865-Jan. 18, 1866; Vicksburg, Miss., January-September, 1866, being acting assistant inspector general of the Department of Mississippi March 7-Sept. 25, 1866; transferred to 33d U. S. Inf., Sept. 21, 1866; in command, Natchez, Miss.,

who died at No. 232 Penn street, Reading, Nov. 11, 1873.' Sept. 21, 1866-Dec. 1, 1866; Macon, Ga., Jan. 4-April The family were originally members of the Reformed 15, 1867; and Rome, Ga., April, 1867.' His last regiment was the 8th United States Infantry. He died at Catskill, N. Y., Aug. 1, 1872, and was buried in the family plot in the Charles Evans cemetery, Reading. He had the respect and esteem of officers and men alike, all recognizing his great kindness of heart and irreproachable character. Church, but later became Universalists, Mr. Ritter donat- ing the plot of ground on which the Universalist church now stands. Mr. Ritter was a man of high principles and was widely known for his great part in advancing the in- terests of the city of Reading.

Joel Ritter, son of Hon. John, was born in Reading Albert Ritter was educated in the common schools of Reading, and also at Clinton Liberal Institute, Clinton, N. Y. Returning to Reading he engaged as a dry goods salesman for Asa M. Hart for two years, and then took up the study of music. For thirteen years Mr. Ritter was organist of St. Peter's Church (Catholic), and for ten to his art, studying under both French and German in- structors, and he taught music in Reading for a period of Dec. 15, 1811, and was educated in Reading Academy. He, too, was a printer by trade, learning this and gaining the knowledge of how a journal should be conducted in his father's office. . He then became editor of the Jefferson Democrat, and continued as such some time. He next embarked in the lumber business in Reading, locating years at Trinity Lutheran Church. He has given his life in the lower part of the town, where he continued until 1850, when a freshet greatly damaged his property, and

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HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

forty-five years. He retired in June, 1908. Mr. Ritter is tion of Tuberculosis. He is a member of the County well known not only all over the city of Reading, but in Historical Society, a vestryman of Christ Protestant Epis- copal Church of Reading, and one of the founders and a leading benefactor of the recently organized St. Mary's Church of that denomination in the northwestern section of the city. For many years he has been a trustee of the Young Men's Christian Association. He is a director of the Reading & Temple Railway Company, the Reading Trust Company and the Reading Gas Company. He has been a member of the Republican party since its organiza- tion, but has not been connected with its local manage- ment. He is the advocate of a high standard of municipal government, and a warm supporter of every movement for civil, social and moral reform. He has no superior in his own community in the zeal and energy which he devotes to the promotion of organized charity and prac- tical benevolence. the surrounding country as well, having been one of the leaders in his profession. He is a member of St. John's Lodge, No. 435, F. & A. M., in which he is past master. He was made a Mason May 14, 1869; is past high priest in Reading Royal Arch Chapter, No. 152; member of Creigh Council, No. 16; past commander of De Molay Commandery No. 9, K. T .; and is a thirty-second-degree Mason, formerly belonging to Wilmington Consistory No. 16. He is a charter member of Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., and also belongs to the Masonic Veterans. For eleven years he served on the board of managers of the Masonic Home of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia. In 1862 Mr. Ritter enlisted in Company E, 11th Pennsylvania Militia, Emergency Corps, and later re-enlisted in the 42nd Pennsylvania, serving as first corporal until discharged by General Orders. He is a member of Gen. William H. Keim Post. No. 76, G. A. R .; and at present (1909) he FREDERIC A. ROLAND. One of the prominent busi- ness men of Reading is Frederic A. Roland, Cashier of the Second National Bank. In matters of finance Mr. Roland is looked upon as a safe and conservative coun- sellor, and his careful and efficient service has done much to place the institution which he represents in the enviable position it holds in the financial world. is serving as Aide-de-Camp on the staff of Gen. Henry M. Nevius, Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic. He is connected with the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, Department of Pennsylvania, being in Class One, by inheritance from his brother, Col. John F. Ritter, and the number of his Insignia is 9,513.

WILLIAM D. SMITH, son of Levi B. and Emily H. Smith, was born at Joanna Furnace March 12, 1835. He attended the New London Academy, in Chester county, Pa., and the Williston Seminary, Easthampton, Mass. He was engaged from his youth in the iron manufacturing business with his father and brothers at Joanna, and from 1865 to 1881 at Isabella Furnace, in West Nantmeal town- ship, Chester county, the greater part of that period in association with his, brother Horace V. In the latter year the establishment was sold to Col. Joseph D. Potts. From 1861 to 1865 he served as an adjuster in the office of Dr. Edward Wallace, naval officer in the United States Custom House at Philadelphia, and from 1876 to 1888 was deputy collector and auditor during the terms of Alexander P. Tutton and his successor, Gen. John F. Hartranft, as col- lectors of the port, a position involving much labor and responsibility. In June, 1863, he raised and commanded Company D, 42d Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Mili- tia, a part of the force called out to repel the invasion of the State. The regiment was in service about six weeks, and during the latter part of that period his company did provost duty at Hagerstown. Md. In the summer of 1887 he made a tour of Europe, and upon his return became a permanent resident of Reading.

In addition to the care of the private business interests of himself and members of his family, he has engaged for upward of twenty years in a career of active usefulness on philanthropic lines, being prominently connected with the administration of various humane and charitable public institutions, to all of which he has given liberally of his means, his time and his personal services.

Of the board of trustees of the Reading Hospital, erected in 1886, he has served as president from 1889 to the present. The Home for Friendless Children was founded in 1886 by a number of charitably disposed citi- zens of Reading, and in 1888 its main building on Centre avenue, north of Spring street, was erected. As chair- man of the building committee Mr. Smith supervised its construction, and he has since erected at his own expense the two wings, which have more than doubled its original capacity. By its charter the administration of the institu- tion is committed to a female board of managers, with a male board of trustees. To this charity Mr. Smith devotes his unremitting attention, in looking after the comfort of its little inmates. Since 1890 he has been a member of the board of trustees of the Charles Evans Cemetery. Among other public charities with which Mr. Smith is connected, either as member or officer, are the Reading Benevolent Society, the Hope Rescue Mission, the Humane Society, the Associated Charities, and the Society for the Preven-

Mr. Roland is a son of Henry A. and Jane W. ( Heyl) Roland, of New Holland, Pa. He is descended from an old and honorable family which has been identified with affairs in America for about two hundred years. The Rolands were originally from the region of the Rhine in Germany known as the Palatinate. Jacob Roland, great- great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was one of the thousands who on account of religious persecu- tion left Germany, and came to America some time after 1709. In 1733 a large tract of land in the vicinity of New Holland, was granted to him by Thomas Penn, one of the Proprietaries of the Colony of Pennsylvania. Since that time the family has been more or less prominent locally and in the affairs of the State.

In 1775, Jonathan Roland, a son of Jacob, and great- grand father of Frederic A., was one of the Committee of Safety chosen to provide for and protect the country dur- ing the trying times of our war for Independence.

Henry Roland, grandfather of Frederic A., was during his life prominent in the local affairs of his district. Major John F. Roland, son of Henry and uncle of our subject, was a distinguished officer under Generals Taylor and Scott during and following our war with Mexico.

Henry A. Roland resided during his life time in New Holland. taking an active interest in local enterprises. A gentleman of deep learning and high principles, his advice was eagerly sought and cheerfully given. He died in 1901, at the advanced age of eighty-one, and lies buried amongst his forefathers in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery at New Holland. He married Jane W. Heyl, daughter of Philip and Margaret Heyl. She is descended from an old Philadelphia family, whose lineage dates from 1702. Besides Frederic A., there were also born to this union : Dr. Oliver and William H. Roland, both of Lancaster, older sons, the latter a leading attorney.

Frederic A. Roland, who forms the subject of this re- view, was born in New Holland, and passed the formative period of his life among the scenes and people which gave sturdiness to his ancestry. He was carefully educated in the public schools and later matriculated at Princeton College, New Jersey, from which famous institution he graduated in 1879. The following year he came to Read- ing with the intention of entering upon a legal career, but after the study of law for a period of nine months, he accepted a position with the Second National Bank as teller, and in 1889 was promoted to the Cashiership, which position he has since honored. Mr. Roland is also a Director of the Second National Bank. He was one of the original Committee appointed to organize the Reading Clearing House Association in 1906, and has been an active officer of that important Association ever since.

WILLIAM D SMITH

425

BIOGRAPHICAL

JACOB D. HOFFMAN, a substantial and highly re- Jefferson. He was elected as a Democrat to the office spected farmer of Perry township, Berks county, was born April 16, 1846, in Windsor township, son of Samuel and Hannah (Dunkel) Hoffman.

Mr. Hoffman belongs to a family which has been estab- lished on American soil for many generations. The earliest ancestor of whom we have authentic informa- tion was Jacob Hoffman, who came from the Rhine Valley during the middle of the eighteenth century. In 1756, when the first tax of Greenwich township was col- lected, he was a taxable. It is known that he had these children, George and Michael. The former was the great- grandfather of Jacob D. Hoffman, and the latter is re- membered with pride by the family as one who fought for the freedom of his country from oppressive British rule. The following record of his service is in evidence.

Pennsylvania State Library Division of Public Records. Harrisburg, Pa., Nov. 17, 1906. To Whom It May Concern :

I hereby certify that the name of Michael Hoffman ap- pears as that of a private on the roll of Captain Michael Funer's Company of Berks County Militia, stationed at South Amboy, N. J., September 5, 1776. Later his name appears again as a private on the Roll of Captain Jacob Baldy's Company which was mustered into service August 10, 1780.

See p. 279, Volume Fourteen, Penna: Archives, Second Series, 1888 ed. [Signed] LUTHER R. KELKER, Custodian of the Public Records of the Pa. State Li- brary. [The seal of the Department of the State Public Records is affixed to the document.]

Hoffman, was a farmer all his life. His wife was Han- nah Schappell, and they had a large family of children, among whom were: Michael, born in 1786, died in 1874; and George, who, tradition says, settled in Hereford town- ship. In his will which was probated in the register's office in Berks county in 1847, he mentions these children : Jacob, Henry, Dora, Elizabeth (which was also the name of his wife) Christian, Abraham, Hannah and Rebeka.

Michael Hoffman, grandfather of Jacob D., was born Nov. 28, 1786, and died Jan. 10, 1874, at the age of eighty- seven years, one month and twelve days. The major part of his life he devoted to the cultivation of the home- stead, which is situated in Perry township, and is now owned by George Hoffman, a grandson. He erected the stone house which is still standing in an excellent state of preservation. Frequently he made trips to Philadel- phia with four or six horse teams, and exchanged farm products for general merchandise such as the farmers needed. He was an influential man and wielded con- siderable political influence, being elected on the Demo- cratic ticket to the State Assembly in 1845, 1846 and 1847, riding to the State Capitol on horseback and taking some of his provisions with him. His salary was seventy-five cents per day. He was an official member of Zion's Lutheran Church, was regular in church worship and was highly esteemed by all who knew him. He married Catherine Shappell, born Sept. 12, 1780, daughter of Eber- hart and Catherine Shappell, natives of Germany. Mrs. Hoffman died June 30, 1857. To her and her husband were born these children : Samuel, oldest born (1808-1879) ; George (1811-1887) m. Abbie Fisher (1816-1871) ; Michael (1813-1874) m. Esther Wartzenluft; Charles (1816-1900) m. Rachel Dunkel, and Benjamin (1820-1896) m. (first) Susanna Fisher and married (second) Elizabeth Bailey.

Samuel Hoffman, father of Jacob D., was born Nov. 28, 1808, and died in the year 1879. He obtained a good education in the pay schools of his day and in the Mor- gantown Academy, after graduating from which he en- gaged in agricultural. pursuits, in which he continued for the remainder of his life. He was a successful man, own- ing 155 acres in one tract and seventy-five acres in an- other, was a director in the Shoemakersville Building & Loan Association, of the Farmers Assistance and Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and of the Reading Savings Bank. Politically he espoused the principles of Thomas

of county surveyor, as which he served from 1848 to 1850, and as justice of the peace, serving in this office for up- wards of fifty years. He was an active worker for Zion's Church of Perry township, and an official for many years. He married Hannah Dunkel, and they had these children : Elizabeth and Caroline, deceased; David; Han- nah; Jacob D .; Esther and Caroline (2), both deceased. Mr. Hoffman died in 1879, and his wife on Jan. 14, 1892.

Jacob D. Hoffman was educated in the public schools until he was sixteen years old, when he entered Freeland Seminary, under the well known Henry Hunisicker, later the Reading Academy, and completed his education in 1863 at Fairview Seminary, under Prof. Nicks, the well known educator. Subsequently he taught school for five years, four terms of this being at the Hoffman school in Perry township. In 1865 he associated himself in the mercantile business at Shoemakersville, with Richard Dunkle, the firm name being Dunkle & Hoffman, which continued for one year. Mr. Hoffman then turned his attention to farming and operated the home farm in Windsor (now Perry) township for two years, and then purchased the Bausher farm, of 180 acres, for which he paid $97.25 an acre, two years later making a very ad- vantageous sale of the same, receiving $105 per acre. He settled upon his father-in-law's farm in Windsor town- ship in 1870, and two years later he purchased his father's farm of 140 acres of good land, and then moved to this farm on which he remained for ten years. He made many improvements during each year, adding materially to the value of the farm. In 1880 he bought his present homestead of 160 acres, a tract which is considered some George Hoffman, the great-grandfather of Jacob D. of the best land in the district. Among the modern im- provements which he has installed here is a large water tank constructed back of his barn, from which with a two-horse power gasoline engine, he pumps water all over the place. He was one of the prime movers in the build- ing of the Windsor Castle Creamery, and the success of this industry is largely attributable to Mr. Hoffman, who has continued' its president from its organization. In 1888 he bought his father's old farm upon which he was born and reared, but some years ago he sold it to his son, George R., who now occupies .it. It was the desire of our subject that this old farm should remain in the family, and that it should be known as the Hoffman home- stead for generations to come.

Mr. Hoffman is one of the most thrifty, prosperous and up-to-date farmers of Perry township, and more than that he is a man of sterling qualities. His word carries weight in his section and his advice is frequently sought and followed by his neighbors. Politically he is a stanch Democrat, and wields strong influence. On numerous occasions he has been elected to office, having served as school director both in Windsor and Perry townships; was auditor in Perry township for six years; and at pre- sent is superior of his district. From 1879 to 1881, in- clusive, he was auditor of Berks county, and audited the record of the late Adam M. Dundore, county treasurer. On many_ occasions he was a delegate to county con- ventions. Mr. Hoffman is a Lutheran, and with his family worships at Zion Union Church of Perry township, being a deacon, for many years a church trustee, and for the past twelve years church treasurer.

On June 3, 1865, Mr. Hoffman was married (first) to Mary Ann Sunday, daughter of George and Mary (Sieg- fried) Sunday, and a granddaughter of George Sunday. To this union were born the following children: Charles L. m. Elmira Strasser, had two sons, Clinton and Willie (deceased), and is now deceased; George R. m. Lizzie Stetzler, and had three children, Milton, Mary (deceased) and Wilson; Annie m. Franklin G. Jacoby; and Catharine (deceased) m. Allen Burkhardt and had children, Reana V., Erma M. and Jennie (deceased). On Dec. 17, 1887, Mr. Hoffman m. (second) Catherine (Schappell) Stump, widow of Alfred Stump and daughter of. Samuel and Catherine (Adam) Schappell, and they have one son, Jacob C., at home. By her first marriage Mrs. Hoffman has one son, Elmer L. Stump.

426

HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

J. EDWARD WANNER, assistant cashier of the Na- tional Union Bank, and president of the Reading school board, is a descendant of one of the earliest families which settled in the northeastern section of Berks county. He was born at Reading on July 11, 1864, and was edu- cated in the local public schools. Upon his graduation from the high school in 1882, he took a commercial course in the Eastman National Business College at Poughkeep- sie, N. Y., in the fall of that year; and in 1883 he became a clerk in the National Union Bank of Reading, with which financial institution he has continued until the present time. He was gradually promoted from one posi- tion to another, and on Feb. 26, 1901, he was elected as assistant cashier by the board of directors on account of his superior record in the service of the bank for nearly twenty years.

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Historical and biographical annals of Berks County, Pennsylvania, embracing a concise history of the county and a genealogical and biographical record of representative families, Volume I, Part 104

Author: Montgomery, Morton L. (Morton Luther), b. 1846; J.H. Beers & Co Publication date: 1909 Publisher: Chicago : J. H. Beers & Co. Number of Pages: 1018

Author: Montgomery, Morton L. (Morton Luther), b. 1846; J.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: Chicago : J. H. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1018