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 140

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 140

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Mr. Gerhardt was received into full communion in the Salem Reformed Church, Bethel, by the rite of confirma- tion administered by Rev. Henry Hilbish, and a few years later he was transferred by certificate to the Second Re- formed Church, Reading. In his political faith he is a stanch Republican. He is a member of the following fra- ternal organizations : Mt. Penn Council, No. 405, Royal Arcanum; Reading Tent. No. 426, Knights of the Macca- bees ; Penn Primary, No. 2, Prudent Patricians of Pompeii; and Progressive Americans, No. 1. He is eligible for mem- bership in the Sons of the American Revolution through five different lines, as follows: Jacob Gerhard, a private in Capt. Ferdinand Ritter's Company. 6th Battalion, Berks county militia, in 1780; Capt. Henry Weaver, commissioned captain of the 6th Company, 6th Battalion, Berks county militia, May 17, 1777, Henry Spycker, colonel; Court Mar- tial Man Valentine Meyer, 6th Company, 6th Battalion, May 17, 1777; Ensign Jacob Bortner (or Bordner), Capt. Fisher's Company, Col. Patton's Battalion, Berks county militia, Aug. 27, 1776; and Adam Read (or Rieth), fifer in Capt. Michael Furrer's Company, Col. John Patton's Battalion. Berks county militia, stationed at South Amboy, Sept. 5, 1776.

On Nov. 28, 1901, Mr. Gerhardt was married to Re- becca Rosella Seyfert, who was born July 5, 1885, daugh- ter of Charles Robert and Amelia Catharine (Frentzel) Seyfert. To this union have been born two children : Thelma Seyfert, born May 26. 1903; and Reginald Robert, born March 7, 1906, who died five days later.

Mrs. Rebecca Rosella (Seyfert) Gerhardt is descended through her father from Johann Schwank, Mayor of the City of Fulda, Germany, in 1732, who was born at Neisse, in Schlesien, Germany, and whose son, George Schwank, also became mayor of Fulda. John C. Schwank, great- grandfather of Mrs. Gerhardt, was born in Heinfelt, Ger- many, in 1796, and died March 14, 1864. He m. Elizabeth Schall (also a native of Heinfelt), and their daughter, Catharine Schwank, m. Robert Charles Seyfert, Band- master of the Regimental Band in the German army from the Dukedom of Waldeck, at the Siege of Paris, and later Bandmaster at the Castle at Arolson, the capital of the Dukedom of Waldeck. Charles Robert Seyfert, son of Bandmaster Robert Charles and father of Mrs. Gerhardt, was born Oct. 19, 1854, and he m. Amelia Catharine Frent- zel, born Jan. 4. 1860, daughter of Frederick William and Margaret (Snyder) Frentzel. Frederick William Frentzel was born Dec. 24, 1804, at Spielberg, Kreis Hanau, Court Vagtersbag, in Kurhessen, Germany, and died April 18, 1881. Mrs. Margaret ( Snyder) Frentzel was born Feb. 14, 1830, daughter of Philip Snyder (born March, 1802, and emigrated from the Kingdom of Bavaria, Germany), and his wife Mary Anna Diller, and granddaughter of Adam Snyder and his wife Anna Kline.

MATTHAN HARBSTER, former president of the Reading Hardware Company, and a business man who has been prominently identified with some of Reading's most successful enterprises, was born May 18, 1831, in

Lehigh county, Pa., son of Henry and Mary (Bucher) Harbster.

The Harbster family originated in Germany and was founded in Pennsylvania by John Harbster, grandfather of Matthan. At an early age he came to Berks county, later resided in Montgomery and still later in Lehigh, where he died.

Henry Harbster, son of John, was born in Berks county. His trade was that of blacksmith, but he was also something of a machinist and realized an ample for- tune from the manufacture and sale of coffee-mills. He married Mary Bucher, and they had seven children, Mat- than being the fourth in the order of birth. The parents both died in 1860.

Matthan Harbster had what might be termed meager educational opportunities, as he was but a lad when he began to contribute to his own support, engaging in boat- ing on the Schuylkill and Juniata canals. After several years' experience in this hard life, his brother William took him into his blacksmith shop, at Hamburg, to learn the trade, where he also learned coach-making. When he had completed the necessary apprenticeship, he worked as a journeyman, as was the custom then, until 1851, when the three brothers, Matthan, William and John, became associated in business, and in a little shop at the foot of South Sixth street, under the firm name of Harbster Brothers, was founded the immense business which is now known all over the United States as the Reading Hardware Company. All three brothers were practical business men, energetic and industrious, and the business was profitable from the start. Its expansion soon made larger accom- modations necessary, and in 1858 the concern was re-or- ganized, William M. Griscom coming into the partnership and the firm name becoming then Harbster Brothers & Co., which continued until 1862, when the present name was adopted. Of the original partners only Matthan re- mains, the other two brothers being deceased.

The Reading Hardware Company conducts one of the largest manufacturing enterprises in the United States and employs 2,500 men in turning out the various products and attending to the vigorous pushing of the business at different points. The works, which cover an area exceed- ing five acres, comprise substantial brick buildings, three and four stories in height, all especially constructed for the operations carried on in them, and all equipped with all the modern conveniences known in the business. The buildings include large storage warehouses for the com- pleted articles of manufacture, shops where the artistic finishing is done by expert workmen, a japanning build- ing, lock and general hardware buildings, shops for drill- ing, plating, bronzing and finishing, niachine shop, butt and screw factories, and all of these have been completely furnished with the best mechanical appliances, serving to reduce expense while turning out better and better products each year. The Reading Hardware Company has branch stores in such centers as New York, Philadelphia and Chicago. Its traveling representatives cover the whole country and are welcomed wherever the excellence of the products of this concern has been tested. The firm makes a specialty of all kinds of builders' hardware, and special hardware furnishings for the most up-to- date buildings.

In addition to his important duties in connection with this immense industry, Mr. Harbster for a time was president of the Reading Screw Company, whose works were lo- cated in Norristown; was formerly president of the Mon- tello Brick and Clay Company, and is also president of the Reading Land and Improvement Company. He is on the directing boards of the following institutions: Farm- ers' National Bank, Reading; Reading City Passenger Railroad; and Reading and Columbia Railroad. In former years he was connected with a number of the city's infant industries and his sound advice and financial backing have done much to make many of them the successful enter- prises they are today. For sixteen years he served as water commissioner of Reading, and for several years was a member of the school board.

Mr. Harbster married Aug. 12, 1856, Susan Bingham, who died in 1900. She was survived by four children,

m. Herbsten

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BIOGRAPHICAL

namely : Ida C., John E., Ellen Kate and Nellie G. Mr. Harbster was married (second) in 1904 to Mrs. Mary Hetrich.

In political sentiment Mr. Harbster is a stanch Repub- lican. He has never accepted office outside of the city, but as a member of the council at various times has demonstrated his public spirit and shown his interest in the welfare of his fellow-citizens. He is a Mason of long standing, and for many years has been a member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church.

L. HOWARD GEHRIS, an enterprising and ener- getic young business man of Reading, Pa., was born in 1877, in Fleetwood, Berks county, son of Nathan Henry and Mary A. (Spang) Gehris, a full sketch of whom will be found elsewhere.

Mr. Gehris attended the common schools of his native borough, and on coming to Reading, entered the Car- roll Institute, after leaving which he went to New York City. Here he entered the law office of Alexander Thain, with whom he remained three years, later taking a course at the New York University . Night School. On com- pleting his studies, Mr. Gehris secured a position as trav- eling representative for the New York house of The Purdue, Frederick & Co., having his headquarters at Boston, and covering the Eastern States. Later, he en- gaged with another large New York house, traveling throughout the Middle Atlantic States, after which he en- gaged with the well-known Mellin's Food Co., being, for about three years, that company's New York City representative. At the end of this time Mr. Gehris em- barked in the stove business on Fulton street, New York, continuing there until his return to Reading, when he engaged with A. B. Sausser in the stove and tinning business, at No. 326 North Sixth street, under the firm name of A. B. Sausser & Co., which partnership continued from August 1, 1901, until March 30, 1906. After the lat- ter date Mr. Gehris was in business on his own account until April 15, 1907, when the Gehris-Herbine Company at Nos. 45-47 Reed street was incorporated for the manu- facture of fancy hosiery, of which company Mr. Gehris is secretary and treasurer. He resides at No. 216 North Sixth street, Reading.

Mr. Gehris married Edith V. R. Leinbach, daughter of the late Joseph A. Leinbach, senior member of the well-known firm of Leinbach & Bros., clothiers of Read- ing. Mr. and Mrs. Gehris have two daughters, Made- line Louise' and Mary Alice. In politics Mr. Gehris is a member of the Republican party. At the present time, he is representing his ward in the lower branch of coun- cils. His religious faith makes him a member of St. Paul's Memorial Reformed Church. Mr. Gehris' rise in the business world has been very rapid. He is honest and reliable and has the gift of business ability that has made his success assured. He and his wife are greatly es- teemed in their community.

EDWIN A. BOYER, chorister and organist of Maxa- tawny Zion's Church, and a popular music teacher as well as a composer, was born in Maxatawny township, near Kutztown, Pa., Aug. 28, 1871, a son of Abraham and Lucy Ann (Youse) Boyer, grandson of Abraham Boyer and great-grandson of Philip Boyer.

(I) Philip Boyer was a native of Germany, and came to America before he was married. Meeting his future wife on ship board, a pretty romance followed and the young couple were married in Philadelphia, but later re- moved to Rockland, where they settled. He is buried at Mertz in the same township. The four children born to himself and wife were: Jacob moved to Union coun- ty, Pa .; Abraham; William lived in Rockland township; Lydia m. Jacob Wanner of Richmond.

(II) Abraham Boyer, Sr., was born in Rockland town- ship, in 1791, and died in 1849. aged fifty-eight years, and is buried at Mertz church. By trade he was a weaver and butcher, following both callings according to the season, and in addition he owned a fine farm in Rock- land township. He married Mary Welder, a daughter of Philip Welder, and she died at the age of eighty-five- many years after her husband. Their children were:

Solomon died unmarried; Hettie, deceased, m. Daniel Heist of Rockland; Sarah m. Benjamin Ruppert; Cather- ine m. Daniel Heist; Betsy died young; Benneville; David; Daniel; and Abraham.

(III) Abraham Boyer, Jr., was born in Maxatawny township Jan. 15, 1837, and for many years was a farm- er of Maxatawny township, but during eight years he lived near Breinigsville; at Monterey for fourteen years, and in 1897 he retired to Schofers where he now lives, acting as janitor for the Maxatawny Zion's Church. On June 28, 1857, he married Lucy Ann Youse, daughter of John and Barbara (Noll) Youse, and the following children were born to them: Charles, of Tatamy, Pa .; Louisa m. Henry Ebert, of Monterey; Solomon is of Lehighton, Pa .; Jeremiah is of Lyons, Pa .; Prof. Edwin A .; Alice m. Jeremiah B. Trexler, of Breinigsville; Amanda died young.

(IV) Edwin A. Boyer worked upon the farm for about fifteen years, and attended the local schools, but when only eighteen he began to cultivate his musical talents, under the instruction of Prof. C. A. Marks of Allen- town. He is a musician of marked ability, and plays all instruments equally well, although he makes a specialty' of the piano, pipe organ and violin. A number of years ago he began to give instruction in music, and since 1902 he has devoted all of his attention to his beloved profession, now having a large class, numbering about forty-five, gathered from Upper Berks and Western Lehigh counties. He is the organist of the Maxatawny Zion's church, and the Mertztown Union church, having been elected to these positions in 1900, and prior to that, from 1894 to 1900, he held a similar position with the Seiber- lingville Union church. Since 1894 Prof. Boyer has sung at 294 funerals, his services being in great demand upon such occasions, as well as those of a less serious char- acter. He leads the singing at both the churches be- fore mentioned, alternating Sundays, and the choirs in both are excellent owing to his skill as an instructor. Altogether he has played at 1,325 services. He is a com- poser of both instrumental and vocal music, among his compositions being the Boyer's Reunion March, in 1908, which was played by Unger's Band, of Reading, at Black Bear Park.

Fraternally Mr. Boyer is a member of the Jr. O. U. A. M., Pioneer Council No. 380, New Smithville. He and his family are consistent members of the Lutheran con- gregation of Maxatawny Zion's Church.

On April 25, 1895, Mr. Boyer married Lizzie A. Smith, daughter of George L. Smith, a complete sketch of whom appears elsewhere.

GEORGE SOLOMON SCHLEGEL, D. D. S. Among the prominent young professional men of Reading, Pa., may be mentioned George Solomon Schlegel, a success- ful dental practitioner of that city. Solomon Schlegel, his paternal grandfather, was a resident of Fleetwood, Pa., while his maternal grandfather, Simon Kline, was the pioneer brick manufacturer of Reading. Edmund Schlegel, father of George S., was a farmer, now living in Reading. He married Mary M. Kline, and their only child was George Solomon.

George S. Schlegel was born in Cumru township, Berks county, April 9, 1879, and was educated in the public schools, graduating from high school in 1897. He then at- tended the dental department of the University of Penn- sylvania, and in 1900 graduated a doctor of dental sur- gery. He came at once to Reading, locating at No. 147 North Eighth street, where he has since enjoyed a large and lucrative practice. Dr. Schlegel belongs to Delta Sigma Delta fraternity of the United States, and to the Auxiliary Chapter, Philadelphia; to the Reading Dental Society and the Lebanon Valley Dental Association and the Pennsylvania State Dental Society. He is a life mem- ber of the Alumni Association of the University of Penn- sylvania. In politics the Doctor is a Democrat. He be- longs to Trinity Lutheran Church, and is a teacher in its Sunday-school.

. Dr. Schlegel was married, Oct. 29, 1903, to Miss Emma Brumbach Strohecker, daughter of Augustus J. Stro-

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hecker, a member of the board of park commissioners of years after he entered as clerk, bookkeeper for the concern Reading. Mrs. Schlegel is a graduate of the Reading high school, graduating therefrom in the same class as did her husband.

JOHN RICK, one of Reading's enterprising young business men, who is a member of the firm of C. K. Whitner & Co., was born in 1880, in the city in which he now resides, son of John and Emma (Ammon) Rick.

Herman Rick, great-great-grandfather of John, came to this country with his parents in 1712, being then about twelve years of age. He received his education in the pay schools of Bern township, after leaving which he en- gaged in farming, an occupation which he carried on throughout life.

John George Rick, son of Herman, was also a farmer, and he became a large land owner and influential citizen of Bern township, where all his life was spent. He and his wife, Catherine Weiser, were members of the Re- formed Church, and in political matters he was a stanch Whig.

Charles Rick, the grandfather of John, received his education in the early schools of his native township, af- ter leaving which lie engaged in a general store at Cen- treport and Peacock's Locks, but in 1841 came to Read- ing where the rest of his life was spent in retirement. He died in the faith of the German Reformed Church in 1878, as did his wife in 1880. Their children were: Cyrus, for many years cashier of the Farmers Bank and a mem- ber of the firm of Rick Brothers, m. Emma Madeira; John; Charles, a retired citizen of Reading and veteran of the Civil war, was also a member of the firm, and m. Emma Pauli; Mary m. Franklin Dundore, of Philadelphia, and had three children,-Charles, Frank and Ella; James, formerly a member of Rick Brothers and now proprietor of the Rick Knitting Mills, Reading, m. (first) Ellen Trate, and (second) Julia O'Hara, and had five children, James, Edward, Albert, Harrison and Julia, all by the second marriage; and Ellen m. William A. Arnold, and had six children, William, John, Franklin, Anna, Ellen and Mary.

John Rick, father of John, was for many years a mem- ber of the well-known firm of Rick Brothers, which was established in 1867, and discontinued in 1905. He died in 1900, aged sixty-two years. Mr. Rick married Emma Ammon, and four children were born to them: George, John, Paul and Margaret (deceased).

John Rick was educated in the schools of Reading and later attended a school at Lawrenceville, N. J., after which he took a course at Stoner's Business College, Reading. He served his time at the machinist's trade in the Philadel- phia & Reading railroad shops, and in 1905 entered the employ of C. K. Whitner & Co., as clerk, being made a partner in January, 1907. In March, 1905, Mr. Rick mar- ried Miss Carrie Whitner, daughter of C. K. Whitner, and two children have been born to this union: Mary Elizabeth and Horace Whitner. Mr. Rick is a member of Reading Lodge, No. 115, B. P. O. E., and the Berk- shire Club. His religious connection is with St. Matthew's Lutheran Church.

FRANK I. RAUCH. who holds the responsible posi- tion of assistant superintendent of the Reading Eagle Publishing Company, was born in Heidelberg township, Berks county, Sept. 1, 1854, son of William and Matilda (Ulrich) Rauch. When he was about five years old the family moved to Stouchsburg, Marion township, this coun- ty. His earlier education was acquired in the public schools of that township and later he was sent for some time to the Stouchsburg Academy. On starting to make his own way in the world he began with farm work, spending four years in that occupation; he then secured employment in a store in North Heidelberg, where he clerked for one year and following that was similarly en- gaged at Stouchsburg, for a year and a half. In 1874 he re- moved to Reading and became associated with the Reading Eagle Publishing Company, 'in the capacity of subscription clerk. Since then he has steadily risen, becoming, several

and for the last ten years having held the position of assist- ant superintendent. Mr. Rauch possesses admirable qualifi- cations for his work and well deserves the confidence which the company reposes in him.

On Dec. 27, 1881, Mr. Rauch was united in marriage to Miss Martha Houder, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Houder, of Reading, both of whom are deceased. Daniel Houder was for years in the service of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Company. Mr. Rauch belongs to St. Paul's Memorial Reformed Church, and was secretary of the consistory for three years. Fraternally he has been quite active and belongs to the Masons, the Elks and the Press Club of Reading. In the former order he is a member of Reading Lodge, No. 549, is a past master, and for eleven years served as secretary. He is also a past offi- cer in the Elks.

GEORGE W. BIEHL, senior partner of Biehl's Carriage & Wagon Works at Reading, and actively identified with the business for thirty years, was born in Allentown, Feb. 5, 1854. He received his education in the common schools of Reading. At the age of thirteen years he en- tered the employ of Conrad Krebs as a helper to his father (who was employed there as a coach trimmer), Mr. Krebs having been then the leading carriage manufacturer in Reading. He mastered the trimming trade and started in business on his own account in 1877, locating his shop on Cherry street below Sixth, where he remained until 1880. He then moved his establishment to his present factory on Pearl street, between Cherry and Franklin, with show room at No. 31 South Fifth street. Every department is equipped with modern machinery, and expert mechanics are kept busy in turning out special products, which comprise light carriages, transfer and express wagons, ambulances, em- balmers' wagons, hearses, speed-sleighs, etc. Anything in the carriage manufacturer's line can be furnished by this large and well-known establishment; all kinds of har- ness can also be procured there.

In 1903, Mr. Biehl admitted as a partner, Wilson H. Eisenbrown, then proprietor of the Eagle Wagon Works, and the two plants were consolidated; and in 1904, on account of the large increase in business, Thomas De- Moss was admitted as a second partner, the firm name becoming Biehl's Carriage & Wagon Works; and since then this enterprising firm has been very successful. In 1907 they incorporated the Berks Auto Garage Company for selling, repairing and storing automobiles.

In 1871 Mr. Biehl married Emma Morgan, daughter of Thomas Morgan of Reading, and they have five children : George M. (married Julia Pougel), Bessie (widow of Charles F. Worrell, residing at Wayne, Pa.). Alvin J. (married Sophia Skinner), Herbert T. and Earl. Mr. Biehl is a member of St. John's Lodge No. 135, F. & A. M., of Reading, of the Scottish Rite, 32d degree, and Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Reading.

George Biehl, the paternal grandfather of Mr. Biehl, was brought up and educated in the schools of Kutztown, and while a young man learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for many years. He died at Kutz- town in 1861, aged forty-eight years. He married Mary Bobst and she survived him two years, dying in 1863, aged forty-eight years. They had the following children : William, John A., Henry. Jane (m. Thomas Hemmig) and Emeline (m. Henry Essen). In religious belief they were Lutherans.

John A. Biehl, the father of Mr. Biehl, was born in the vicinity of Kutztown, Nov. 17, 1831, and his educa- tion was secured in the advanced schools of that town. His first work was as helper in his father's blacksmith shop, and after working thus for a short period he appren- ticed himself to the carriage trimmer's trade at Allen- town, Pa., which he learned thoroughly in all its branch- es. He then worked as a journeyman in Allentown, Hamburg. Reading and other cities, and was con- sidered a superior workman. He continued working at his trade until in 1902, when he retired, making his home with his son until his decease in 1908. In 1853 he mar-

539

BIOGRAPHICAL

ried Matilda Wetherhold, daughter of George Wetherhold. of Allentown, and they had one son, George W., the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Biehl died in 1905, when in her seventy-fifth year.

GEORGE B. ALBRIGHT, proprietor of the Market House Saloon, and superintendent of the South Read- ing Market, and who is well known in business circles of the city, was born in Bern township, Berks county, son of Amos Albright.

Amos Albright was also a native of Bern township, and a blacksmith by trade. He married Tamson Smith, daughter of Thomas P. Smith, and to this union were born children as follows: Mary m. Isaac S. Leining; Alfred S .; Ellen R. m. Monroe Bender; Lucinda m. Reuben Leinbach; and Helen m. Pierson Hetrick. Amos Albright died in 1901, aged seventy-five years, in the faith of the Reformed Church, which his wife, who survives him, attends. In politics Mr. Albright was a Demo- crat.

George B. Albright was educated in the common schools of Bern township, and followed farming until the age of nineteen years, when he learned butchering and engaged in that business on Sixth street, Reading, for ten years. In 1875, in company with his father-in-law, Abraham S. Kissinger, Mr. Albright started a coal yard at the corner of Sixth and Bingaman streets, and this was carried on until 1885, with great success. Mr. Al- bright came to his present stand in 1895 as superintendent of the South Reading market house, which had been built by a company, organized as the South . Reading Market House Company, in 1870. Since Mr. Albright has taken charge many substantial improvements have been made, including a cement floor . throughout the building, and a stable, containing 282 stalls to accom- modate an equal number of horses. Mr. Albright became manager of the saloon in 1895, and this he has conduct- ed with much success, it being very popular with out-of- town people.

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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 140

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