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 159

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 159

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Fraternally Mr. Obold is a member of Lodge No. 549, F. & A. M .; Excelsior Chapter, No. 237, R. A. M .; Reading Commandery, K. T .; Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S .; Wyomissing Council, R. A. For over thir- ty years he has been a member and officer in the Second Reformed Church. In politics he is a Demo- crat, and for seven and a half years held the office of Prison Inspector. For more than twenty years he has been a member of the Reading board of school controllers, and has been serving as chairman of the Text Book committee many years. He also is a member of the Building and Sites committee.

JAMES FICHTHORN, a representative business man of Reading, Pa., who is engaged in general con- tracting, is also the owner of a fine 129-acre farm in

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HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

Bern township, Berks county, upon which he does where he is still engaged in boating. He has been general farming and stock raising. Mr. Fichthorn was very successful in this line and now owns several canal- born Nov. 14, 1848, in Reading, son of George and boats, worth $3,000 each, and several spans of good Hannah (Lutz) Fichthorn.

The grandfather of James Fichthorn was a native of Reading, and received his education in the schools of that city. After acquiring his literary training he chose farming as a vocation, and was actively en- gaged at that occupation all of his life. He married a Miss Rapp, and to them were born: John, Daniel, William, Lewis, Andrew, George, Charles, Catherine (m. Adam Fasig) and Susan (m. William Call). The family were Lutherans, and belonged to old Trinity Lutheran Church. In politics Mr. Fichthorn was a Democrat.

George Fichthorn was born in Reading, where he received a good common school education, and when a boy learned the blacksmith's trade, following that occupation practically all of his life. He was a pow- erful man in body, and was known far and wide for his great strength. He married Hannah Lutz and children were born to them, viz .: Mary C. m. William Call; Catherine E. m. Jacob Miller; Susan m. John Obold; Ellen m. Aaron Wright; Ann m. Daniel Ruth; Lucy is deceased; and James.

James Fichthorn received his education in the com- mon schools of Reading, and when yet a boy hired out to William Call, a railroad contractor, driving a horse and cart, and continued in this capacity for six or seven years, when he himself engaged in con- tracting. This occupation he has continued to the present time with great success, and is at present engaged by the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company, on work that is known to coal operators as "strip- ping," i. e. removing the loose soil from the coal fields. He also constructs breakers and builds railroads, and for a number of years has been employed in the coal districts of Pennsylvania, principally in Carbon county, now working at Summit Hill. Mr. Fichthorn has been very successful in his operations, and is considered one of Reading's representative business men.

On July 8, 1871, Mr. Fichthorn married Mary A. Heller, daughter of Frederick Heller of Boyertown, Pa., and these children have been born to this union: Ella m. John Roy, and has one child, Alma; Anna m. Benjamin Hauser, and has three children, James, Ruth and George; and Charles is at home. In polit- ical matters Mr. Fichthorn is a Republican. He is religiously connected with St. James Lutheran Church.

ADAM S. MARTIN, an agriculturist of Berks coun- ty, Pa., who is carrying on operations on his farm of eighty-four acres in Windsor township. situated north of the borough of Hamburg. Pa., along the Blue Mountains, was born in Hamburg, Sept. 15, 1865, in Windsor township, son of Samuel and Catherine (Trumbert) Martin.

The Martin family of this section had its origin in John and Jacob Martin, carly settlers of Windsor township, who were already settled here in 1759, when the first tax of the district was. levied. and who it is thought came to America about 1743. Samuel J. Mar- tin, son of John and grandfather of Adam S., was born May 9, 1799, and lived in Windsor township, where he died Oct. 2. 1871. He married Esther Breit- igan (1795-1865), and they were the parents of the following children: Benneville died at the age of sev- enty-two years; Elizabeth died at the age of seventy: Sarah died at the age of forty-one; Rebecca died aged eighty; Joseph died at the age of fifty-one; Samuel; Hetty died when seventy-four years old; Mary died in childhood; James, aged seventy-five, now resides at Port Clinton, Pa .; William died aged forty-eight; and Israel died aged fifty-two. Samuel J. and Esther Martin are buried in the old graveyard at Hamburg.

Samuel Martin was born in 1828, in Windsor town- ship, and was a lifelong boatman, living at Hamburg and Leesport, and in later years removing to New York,

mules. Mr. Martin has been twice married. By his first wife, Lucy Ann Miller, he had one son; Esekiah, who married Florenda Swoyer. Mr. Martin m. (sec- ond) Catherine Trumbert, who was born in Germany and emigrated to America in 1845, when seven years old. To this marriage there have been born these children: Alice, m. to Joel Heckman, of Shoemak- ersville; Sivilla and Franklin, who died in childhood; Adam S .; Albert, who died of typhoid fever when twelve years old; Ida, who was drowned at Norris- town when twelve years of age; and Lloyd. who died at Roanoke, Va., of congestion of the brain when twenty-two years old.

Adam S. Martin attended the schools of Hamburg and Windsor township, and at an early age began boating with his father on the Schuylkill Canal, fol- lowing this until the spring of 1882, when he engaged in boating for himself until 1886, when the boating business was practically abandoned in this section of Pennsylvania. He then went to New York, engaging in boating coal from all coal points on the Jersey side, and in this he continued until 1895, and, being an expert boatman, was successful. In the spring of 1896 Mr. Martin returned to his native township and settled on his father-in-law's farm for four years, after which he began operations for himself, until the death of his father-in-law in July, 1903, when he purchased the interests of the heirs. This property, which con- sists of eighty-four acres, twenty-five acres of which is woodland, is situated north of the borough of Ham- burg along the Blue Mountains and part of the old house which is still standing on the farm was built by Henry Noecker in 1804. Mr. and Mrs. Martin erected a new residence in the spring of 1907, and in various ways have improved their property. Mr. Mar- tin is engaged in the dairy and poultry business and is prosperous. He is one of Windsor township's six Republicans, and is often a delegate to county con- ventions. He and his family are members of the First Reformed Church of Hamburg.

In 1886 Mr. Martin was married to Lillie H. Heck- man, born Jan. 8, 1866, daughter of Elias N. and Lucy Ann (Mengel) Heckman, and granddaughter of Jacob and Caroline (Sticker) Heckman. To Mr. and Mrs. Martin have been born these children: Edna B .. born Dec. 9, 1886; William S., March 14, 1890; Mamie F., July 20, 1892; and Carrie M., June 22, 1896 (died aged five days).

WILLIAM B. ANTHONY, proprietor of the Strauss- town Roller Mills, at Strausstown, Berks county, has been established there since 1894. He is a native of Northampton county, Pa., born October 6, 1862, son of Jacob Anthony. His grandfather lived and died in that county.

Jacob Anthony was born in Northampton county and there learned his trade of carpenter. He met an accidental death in the car shops at Packerton, when he was fifty-three years old, and he is buried at Cherry- ville, Northampton county. He was a member of the Lutheran Church and a most respected citizen. Jacob Anthony married Elizabeth Reber, and to them were born the following named children: Catharine, Mary, . Elizabeth. Lewis, Lucy. Malinda, William B., John and Ellen.

William B. Anthony attended the schools of North- ampton county, and when twenty years old went to learn the milling trade, which has been his life work. He spent three years with the Mauser Mill Company, at Treichlers, and then for two years was with the Wolfe Company of Chambersburg, founders and man- ufacturers of mill machinery, engaged as a salesman and in the erection of mill machinery. His next lo- cation was at Centerville, Md., where he remained for three years, thence moving to Cedarville, near Allen-

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BIOGRAPHICAL

town, Lehigh Co., Pa., where he had charge of a Albright; Henrietta died in childhood; Reuben G. is mill for L. H. Lichtenwalner for one year. At the mentioned below; Jacob; and James. end of that time he went to Womelsdorf, Berks county, When Reuben G. Shalter was a child his parents where he engaged in business on his own account, removed to Northumberland county, and in the public staying at that place for three years, until he came to schools there he received his early educational train- Strausstown, in 1894. Here he bought out the Webber ing, and continued to maintain his home there for twenty years. Since then he has been a resident of Reading. He remained on the home farm until he attained his majority, and for several years was part- ly engaged at teaching in the country schools, at somewhat irregular intervals. Upon locating in Read- ing he identified himself with the lumber business; in which he became associated with Reuben Hoffa, his brother-in-law, continuing thus until 1886, when he be- came one of the organizers of the Reading Lumber Company, and with this he has since been identified owning a one-third interest. The enterprise is one of broad scope, and the thriving business has been built up largely through the effective efforts of Mr. Shalter, who is manager of the concern. estate and engaged in the business to which he has since given his time. His mill is considered the most thoroughly up-to-date in the county, if not in the State, the present structure, a three-story and basement stone and brick building, having been completed in 1907 and equipped with all the most approved modern machin- ery. The old mill was burned May 24, 1907, Mr. An- thony suffering great loss of both capital and business, but he did not despair or lose any time rehabilitating his establishment, beginning work upon his new mill in June, 1907. It is a model plant, equipped with a thirty horsepower auto gasoline engine and a large water-wheel eighteen feet in diameter and four and a half feet wide, known as the I X L steel over-shot water wheel. Mr. Anthony manufactures and deals in high- grade roller process flour for family and bakers' uses, also grain, mill feed and allied products. The brand of flour of which he makes a specialty as a manufactur-

Mr. Shalter is recognized as a liberal and public- spirited citizen and substantial business man. In pol- itics he maintains an independent attitude, giving his support to the men, and measures which meet the ap- er is a fancy patent known as "Snoflake," for which proval of his judgment. He and his wife are members of Trinity Lutheran Church, and are active in the various departments of church work.

there is a large and steady demand; it is sold mostly in Schuylkill county. There are fourteen acres of land connected with the mill property, about six acres being under cultivation. Mr. Anthony is a wide-awake busi- ronage testify. He stands high in the community, both as a man of intelligence and high standards, one whose work has contributed to the growth of his section.

Mr. Anthony married Mary A. Mertz, daughter of Reuben Mertz, of Lehigh county, Pa., and eight child- ren have blessed this union: Harry W. (m. Florence Battinger), Ida M. (m. Howard Spatz), Bertha M., Howard J., Esther L., George M.,' Charles A. and Paul R. Mr. Anthony is a member of the Lutheran

Church, and his wife belongs to the Reformed Church. creek, was a pioneer in Alsace township, where he

Socially he holds membership in the P. O. S. of A., the I. O. O. F., and the Ridgely Association.

REUBEN G. SHALTER. On the 1oster of the rep- resentative business men of the city of Reading is to be found the name of Reuben G. Shalter, manager of the Reading Lumber Company. He is a native of Berks county, where the family was established at an early day, and was born in Muhlenberg township, in 1842, son of Jacob and Henrietta (Getz) Shalter, both of whom are deceased.

The name Shalter is also spelled Schalter. Frantz Shalter (1735-1813), of Maiden-creek township, left a will, which is on record in Book D, page 173. Of this Michael Shalter was the executor, and in it are men- tioned his wife Elizabeth; son Michael, who obtained the homestead; son Jacob, who obtained the planta- tion in Alsace; and sons-in-law, Samuel Bernhard, Abraham Kissinger, Daniel Kershner and Peter Roth- enberger. The Federal census of 1790 records that France. Shalter, of Maiden-creek, had two sons under sixteen years, and two daughters.

Jacob Shalter, son of Jacob and Susanna, and father of Reuben G., followed the vocation of farming throughout his entire life and was a resident of North- umberland county, this State, at the time of his de- mise, which occurred in 1862. His wife, Henrietta Getz, survived him many years, and died in 1888. Both were zealous and consistent members of the Luth- eran church. They became the parents of twelve children, namely: Jonathan; Sarah A .; a daughter died in infancy; Sarah C. m. Reuben Hoffa; Amanda m. Jacob Hoffman; Elizabeth died at the age of thir- teen years; Emma m. John Sheetz; Otilia m. Franklin

In 1876 he married Miss Amanda R. Zacharias, who was born and reared in Berks county, daughter of the

ness man, as his enterprising methods and large pat- late Daniel Zacharias. To this union children were born as follows: Carrie, m. to John Spayd; Charles G., who died in childhood; James E., in the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Company; John Z., who holds a clerical position in the postoffice at Chicago, Ill .; Franklin, who is employed by the Reading Lumber Company; Charles (2), deceased; and Florence R., at home.

Dietrich Shalter, a brother of Frantz of Maiden- owned land. The Federal census of 1790 records that "Didrich" Shalter was the head of a family of three sons, one over sixteen years of age, and one daughter.

Dieter Schalter (or Shalter), a son, was a farmer in Alsace, and was married to a Miss Miller. Their children were: Benjamin, Reuben, Magdalena (m. Levi Guldin); and Charles.

BENJAMIN SHALTER, son of Dieter, became a promi- nent man in Alsace township, where he was born in 1813. He died in August, 1883. He married Louisa Mosser, and their six children were: Amanda m. John Gring, of Temple, Pa .; Jeremius died unmarried; Rebecca m. Albert Knabb, of Reading; Luzetta m. Penrose Wright (deceased), and lived first in Maiden- creek, but later in Red Lodge, Mont .; Kate m. (first) Jacob Schmehl, whose children were, Lovina (m. Wash Guldin), Mary (m. Samuel Delp) and Augustus (of Kutztown), and (second) Charles S. Yocum; and Appolonius is a farmer on the Alsace homestead.

Benjamin Shalter donated a part of his land for Shalter's church in Alsace, and on April 9, 1860, the corner stone of the first church was laid. The building

Jacob Shalter, son of Frantz, was born in 1777, and is a two-story stone structure, plastered and painted died in 1853, and is buried at Gernand's Church, in in imitation of brick. It was thoroughly renovated Ontelaunee township, as is also his wife Susanna, born 1784, died 1841.

and newly carpeted in 1907, and, together with a re- cently purchased addition to the cemetery, rededicated with appropriate ceremonies. The farm surrounding the church yard is now the property of Appolonius Shalter, a son of Benjamin.

DANIEL H. MILLER, one of the venerable citi- zens of Spring township, Berks county, Pa., was born at Sinking Spring, August 20, 1835, on the Miller home- stead, son of Capt. Daniel and Mary (Hain) Miller.

Sebastian Miller, grandfather of Daniel H., was a native of the Fatherland, who settled in Cumru town- ship some years prior to the outbreak of the Revolu- tionary war. In that great struggle he bore arms, as

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HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

captain of the 7th company of the Berks County Mili- Hill avenue, and here he now lives in quiet retirement. tia, which on May 17, 1777, was in active service, his officers being First Lieutenant. Adam Ruth, Second Lientenant, John Gernant, Ensign, John Ruth, and Courtmartialmen Michael Ruth and

Peter Fisher. Captain Miller was a farmer by occupation and gave each of his sons a large property, Sebastian obtaining the farm at Adamstown, on which was also a tannery; John, a farm at Sinking Spring; Henry, a farm in Cumru township; Capt. Daniel, the property now in the possession of Daniel H. Miller, of Sinking Spring ; and Benjamin, the farm near Fritztown, now in the possession of John Miller, a descendant. Capt. Sebas- tian Miller was a man of more than ordinary intelli- gence, was a man of courage and enterprise, and was esteemed and respected by all who knew him. He was buried in the Sinking Spring burial ground, adjoining the church. Captain Miller's sons were: (1) Sebastian married Catherine Gernand. (2) Johannes horn March 20, 1773, died Nov. 7, 1836; he married, in 1789, Hannah Ludwig, and they had six sons and three daughters. two of the former and one of the latter dying in in- fancy. (3) Henry. (4) Benjamin. (5) George mar- ried Susanna Ruth. (6) Captain Daniel. Capt. Se- bastian Miller also had several daughters, one of whom married a Ruth, and another a Gernand.

Capt. Daniel Miller, father of Daniel H .. was born on the Miller homestead at Sinking Spring, May 2, 1789, and died there Feb. 6, 1844. aged fifty-four years, nine months, four days. He was first corporal in Capt. Henry Willotz's company, which was at York from Aug. 28, 1814, to March 5, 1815, and subsequently he was commissioned captain by Gov. Joseph Hies- ter of Pennsylvania. He was an active official in military affairs of Berks county, and was known and recognized as an authority on such matters. Captain Miller owned the property now in the possession of David G. Miller, of Sinking Spring. a descendant. and was a lifelong agriculturist, becoming well and favor- ably known in his community. He married Polly (Mary) Hain, born Oct. 14, 1801, who died May 23, 1884. daughter of Frederick Hain, also a captain dur- ing the Revolutionary war. To this union were born: Hiram (born Sept. 21, 1821, died June 1, 1877) spent his life at Sinking Spring, where he married Ephia (1817-1872), and had one son, John M., of Reading; Isaac, who settled in Freeport, Ill., had two child- ren, Milton (a very wealthy citizen of Mexico) and Hannah (who died unmarried); Sebastian, a farmer of Danville, Ill., had three children-Harry, Ellen and Daniel; Jennie married Percy G. Smith, a clerk in the War Department, Washington, D. C .; Frederick lived in Oakland, Cal .; Daniel H .; Miss Katherine lives on the old place; and Elizabeth married Jandon Smith, and resided at Williamsport for many years.

Daniel H. Miller attended the old eight-cornered schoolhouse located on the Van Reed road, for some winters, his teacher heing Prof. Henry Stetler, of Chester county. He was reared on his father's farm. and until fourteen years of age lived with his parents. then engaging in school teaching for two terms at the old Steffey schoolhouse, and one term, in 1867, at the Springs. He attended Graybill's Commercial school at Reading for nine months, and then resumed teaching, the school term lasting but four months, and the salary being one dollar per day.

In politics he is an independent Republican, and from 1884 until 1904 served as supervisor of Spring town- ship, a period of twenty years. He is a member of the Jr. O. U. A. M., of Sinking Spring. He and his family are Reformed members of St. John's Union Church, of which he was a deacon.

In 1868 Mr. Miller was married to Rebecca Reber, born in 1845. daughter of Joel and Lovina (Faust) Reber, of Heidelberg township. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have two sons, namely: George, born Feb. 19, 1872, who married Ella Frankhauser, has two children- Esther and D. Shelton, is a dealer in horses and re- sides with his parents; and J. Norris.

J. Norris Miller, one of Sinking Spring's well known young men, was born Oct. 31, 1874, received his educa- tion in the local schools, and was licensed to teach, although he has never followed that profession. He has spent all of his active life in dealing in horses, and in this line has been very successful, being judged a capable business man and substantial citizen. In poli- tics he is a Republican. His religious connection is with St. John's Lutheran Church. where. since 1899, he has been treasurer of the Sunday-school. In April. 1896, Mr. Miller was married to Alice M. Huyett, daughter of Charles H. and Elizabeth ( Beidler) Huy- ett, and one son, Warren H., has been born to this union.

JACOB NOLDE, of Reading, has had a business career which can find few parallels in the industrial his- tory of Berks county. As the head of the Nolde & Horst Company, manufacturers of hosiery, who have established at this point one of the largest plants of the kind in the United States, his operations bear an important relation to the prosperity of the city. The fifteen hundred em- ployes of this immense concern form a large propor- tion of its industrial population.

Old-established families and native-born residents of this section are so numerous that Mr. Nolde's residence in Reading, dating from the year 1888, seems compara- tively brief. Its influence in increasing the wealth of the community is not to be measured by years. The profitable operation of so large an establishment as that conducted by the Nolde & Horst Company affects the welfare of many other lines, and the flourishing condition of this business has attracted to the vicinity various other desirable en- terprises. Mr. Nolde is familiar with the practical work of the mills as well as with their management, and he deserves his full share of credit due for their won- derful development. The manner in which he has forged his way to the front proves him worthy of the high position he has attained.

Jacob Nolde was born in Berleburg, Westphalia, Ger- many, in the year 1859, and received the excellent educa- tional advantages of the schools of his native land. Until he came to America, in 1880, he was engaged as traveling salesman for a clothing house. His first location in this country was at Stony Creek, Berks county, Pa., where he found employment as a weaver with Louis Kraemer & Co., with whom he continued until he en- gaged in business on his own account. When Louis Kraemer & Co. started the Nazareth Manufacturing Com- pany, in Northampton county, Pa., Mr. Nolde accom- panied them, remaining there until the spring of 1888, when he disposed of his interests and came to Reading. The Nazareth Manufacturing Company were converting their knitting-mill into a factory devoted exclusively to the production of underwear, and Mr. Nolde purchased their seamless half hose machinery, which comprised twenty machines and the necessary auxiliaries. This modest equipment has proved to be the nucleus of one of the largest and most completely appointed factories in the country. The machines were installed in the Thal- heimer building, at No. 143 Cedar street, Reading. But within a very short time the business outgrew these quarters, and in the spring of 1890 Mr. Nolde found

In the spring of 1854 Mr. Miller, Dr. Fisborn, and Rev. Eugene Van Reed, went to California, settling in Sierra county, where Mr. Miller engaged in mining, conducting the Pennsylvania Company, which located twenty miles north of a town called Minnesota. He remained in California for thirteen years, and was fairly successful, also traveling in Oregon, Washing- ton, Mexico, Cuba, Panama, and the Central West of the United States, Virginia, New Jersey and other parts of this country. In the fall of 1866 he returned to Berks county. where he has since remained. In 1894 Mr. Miller erected a fine brick residence on Flying more adequate accommodations at No. 222 Cedar street,

JH Bears & Co

Jacob Holder

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BIOGRAPHICAL

in a building 45 x 100 feet in dimensions. While he was

This record of the success of the Nolde & Horst Com- in that location he admitted Mr. George Horst to a pany and allied interests is in reality the story of Mr. partnership in the business, and they have been asso- Nolde's life. He has always been a man of action and able to attend faithfully to many affairs, but nevertheless his ambition, his enthusiasm and his best efforts have been devoted to the building up of the concern of which he stands at the head. His energies have found expression in the improvement of every branch of the business, for having been a practical worker himself he understands the necessities of the operative as well as the directive department. The establishment has enhanced the indus- trial standing of Reading to such an extent that it is regarded with high favor by both capitalists and workers. Mr. Nolde is prominently connected with two important financial institutions of Reading, being a director of the Keystone National Bank, and the Colonial Trust Com- pany. His standing is irreproachable. ciated ever since. Purchasing the property, they carried on operations there until the year 1892, by which time they had reached the conclusion that it would be econ- omy to have a building especially adapted to the' needs of the growing industry. Consequently they invested in a lot 100 feet square, on Moss street, beyond Douglass, upon which they erected a three-story and basement fac- tory 50 x 100 feet. It was a model plant of its kind in every particular, and doubtless gave the ambitious young partners more pleasure than their mature natures have found in the present immense factory. Their ex- pensive venture was followed shortly by the panic of 1893, but wise administration and indomitable effort soon made them masters of the situation, and the new in- dustry weathered the storm with such skill that it suffered no decline.

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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 159

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