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 164

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 164

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The Rev. Mr. Herman was married on June 14, 1853, to Isabella Grim, daughter of Sem and Anna (Kline) Grim, of Lehigh county, and their children were: Ambrose, a practising physician at Lansdale, Pa., m. Alice Breinig; Annie m. Dr. Richard Beck, of New- burg, Pa .; and George C., Esq. The Rev. Mr. Her- man is now living retired on the 150-acre farm in Maxatawny township that once belonged to his father. On it is a large pebble-dashed house that has weathered the storms a full half century.

GEORGE C. HERMAN, son of Rev. Alfred J. and Isa- bella (Grim), was born on the old Herman homestead June 9, 1862, and was educated in the public schools of his native township, the Keystone State Normal School, Franklin and Marshall College and the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania. Since his return from school he has resided on the old homestead. In politics he is an energetic worker in the ranks of the Democratic party, and is chairman of the Democratic Club of Maxatawny. For ten years he served as a member of the school board in his township, and held at different times all the various offices of the board. In 1900 he was elected justice of the peace, and has since been re-elected, and he has frequently been a delegate to county conventions. He has been treasurer of the board of supervisors of the township, since the pas- sage of the new State Road law, and in many ways has been influential in the welfare of the township. With his family he attends, as a Reformed member, Zion's Union Church, and for some twenty years he has been superintendent of the prosperous Sunday school, and he is also the teacher of the large Bible class.

In 1903 Mr. Herman was married to Mame E. Pott, daughter of Benjamin and Mary (Schall) Pott, of Pottsville, the town being named for her paternal who died in youth.

great-grandfather. To this marriage has been born on May 12, 1904, one son, Benjamin Alfred.

DR. CHARLES HUNTER RAUDENBUSH, who conducts a thriving drug business, at Reading, Berks Co., Pa., was born Oct. 7, 1866, at Adamstown, Lan- caster county, son of Dr. A. S. and Sarah (Stauffer) Raudenbush, whose history appears elsewhere in this work.

Dr. Charles H. Raudenbush attended the public

lives. He was reared in the influence of a Christian home, and was early trained to habits of industry and schools of his native place, and after graduating there- from entered the State Normal School at Millersville. After two spring terms at the latter institution, Dr. Raudenbush came to Reading with his father, and in 1882 entered the high school of the city from which he was graduated with the class of 1886. In October of the same year he entered the drug store of J. H. Stein, at Eighth and Penn streets, Reading, remaining until October, 1889, when he attended a course of lectures on pharmacy at Philadelphia. Graduating from The Philadelphia College of Pharmacy in 1891, Dr. Raudenbush returned to Reading and engaged again with Mr. Stein, with whom he remained until March, 1896, and on May 1st of that year he engaged in busi- ness on his own account, opening a store in the Man- sion House building. This was the location of his business until April, 1905, when, feeling the need of larger quarters he removed to his present place, No. 39 North Sixth street, where he has since continued. Mr. Raudenbush has one of the finest equipped pharma- cies in the city, and he has won the steady trade of a large patronage.,

On Oct. 26, 1898, Dr. Raudenbush married Mattie B. Thompson, daughter of Isaac F. and Lydia (Steen) Thompson, of Coatesville, Chester Co., Pa., and to this union have been born one son and one daughter, Charles B. and Helen T.

WILLIAM J. BAER, one of the leading citizens of Kutztown, Pa., and superintendent of the Allentown & Reading Traction Company, was born at Breinigs- ville, Lehigh county, Sept. 11, 1869. As a boy he worked on his father's farm and attended the public schools of his district. When a young man he found employ- ment in the ore mines not far from his home, and proved himself such a faithful and painstaking work- man that he found favor in the eyes of his employers, who made him superintendent of the ore beds at Breinigsville and Guth stations. Later he became su- perintendent of a paint mill for the Pennsylvania Paint & Ore Company, and was stationed for some time at Cartersville, Ga. His faithfulness to duty and his efficiency as an engineer secured for him due recognition, and he ran the engines at these ore beds for some years.

In 1900 Mr. Baer became conductor on the Allentown & Reading Traction Company line. and when the company erected new power houses at Kutztown he took charge of the engines, and soon thereafter be- came chief engineer for the company. Later he was given general charge of the station and the power house. and in 1902 was appointed assistant superintend- ent of the company, a position he has very ably filled to the present time.

In June, 1890, Mr. Baer was married to Ellen Sieg- fried, daughter of Reuben and Amanda (Grim) Sieg- fried, and to this union there have been born these children-Clara Victoria and Arthur William.

His father was Jonathan S. Baer, who was mar- ried to Fannie Burkey. daughter of Daniel Burkey, of England. They had children: Charles, who died young; William J., subject of this sketch; George F., m. to Kate Levan, and living in Allentown; Frank F., m. to Tillie Houser, and living at North Hill; Alice, m. to J. Thomas Smith, and living in Scranton; Ida, m. to James Sup, and living in Allentown. and Harvey,

His grandfather was Phillip Baer, who was a shoe- maker by trade, and was well known in the vicinity of Breinigsville and Fogelsville. He died at the ad- vanced age of eighty-five years, in 1901, and is buried at (Ziegel's) Church. In his younger vears he had moved with his father to Mercer county, Pa., but he did not like his new home, so he returned to his native county, of Lehigh. He was married to Catharine Schaeffer and had twelve children. When he died he

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BIOGRAPHICAL

had fifty-nine grandchildren and thirty-five great- grandchildren. Among his children were these: Charles. of Ohio; Mrs. Thomas Burky, of Allentown; Jonathan S., of Breinigsville; Peter L., of Hamilton, Ohio; and Mrs. Rebecca Billig, of Mercer county, Pennsylvania.

His great-grandfather was Daniel Baer, who was born in Weisenburg township, Lehigh county, where he lived until he moved to Mercer county, Pa. Among his children were John, Daniel, David, Benjamin, Phillip, above named, and Catharine.

His great-great-grandfather was Jacob Baer, who was the son of the immigrant, Hans Baer, and is well known in the history of the Baer family. He was the father of twelve children, six sons and six daughters, and he gave to each of his six sons a farm. His son Daniel sold his Weisenburg Township farm, and moved to Mercer county, where he raised his family and lived to the end of his life.

'JOEL W. HAINLY, proprietor of the original "Sinking Spring Hotel," one of the oldest hotel stands in Berks county, was born in Lancaster county, Pa., July 21, 1861, son of Michael and Lydia (Wiest) Hainly.

Michael Hainly, grandfather of Joel W., was a farmer in Lancaster county, and owned a small property near Blainsport, where he died. He was twice married, (first) to Susanna Bergman, and (second) to Susanna Gushert. His children, all by the first marriage, were: Joseph, who settled near Schoeneck, Pa .; John, who lived at Cocalico; Michael; Susanna, m. to Samuel Betcher; Sophia, m. to Abraham Royer; and Polly (Mary), m. to Adam Noll.

Michael Hainly. father of Joel W., was born July 6, 1831, and died Oct. 5, 1906, after a long and suc- cessful life spent in agricultural pursuits. He was a prominent member of the Swamp Church, belonging to the Lutheran denomination, and was a man uni- versally esteemed and respected. Mr. Hainly married Lydia Wiest, born April 17, 1834, daughter of Benjamin and Sarah (Stover) Wiest, and she now resides at the old home. They had a family of nine children, all of whom are living: Sarah, m. to Martin DeHart, of Fritztown; Benjamin, m. to Kate Kessler, and living on a farm at Vinemont; Joel W .; Susan, m. to Wal- lace Eckenroth, of Gouglersville; Emma, m. to John Burkert, of Vinemont; Amanda, m. to Fred Artzbecher, of Cocalico; Mary, m. to Harry Showalter, of Rein- holds, Pa .; Kate, m. to Harvey Gehret, of Blainsport, Pa .; and Michael, a painter now living on the old homestead, m. to Cora Keener.

into the earth to reappear during January of the year following. The spring never runs dry during the months from January to August.

One part of Mr. Hainly's hotel building was erected prior to 1767, being. built of stone nearly two feet thick, is substantial, and to all appearances will re- main so for a century or two to come. The fourteen rooms are large and spacious, and the Colonial style of architecture prevails. Mr. Hainly, who is genial and affable, makes an ideal host, and has won many friends in this community. He serves the best of liquors, beer and cigars, has excellent table service, and his prices are moderate. His fine park, im- mediately in the rear of the hotel, covers an area of about two acres, and here is found the historic sink- ing spring. The park contains a large pavilion, and is thickly grown with shrubbery and trees, the latter in- cluding the Norway, Austrian, Excelsior and Stone pines, and the Douglass, Colorado Blue and Oriental spruce, with Arbor White American and Golden Arbor. Pyramid and Siberian plants are found scattered about in artistic fashion, and the place is a delightful re- treat, where one may find rest from the noise and rush of town life.

On Sept. 19, 1885, Mr. Hainly was married (first) to Kate Hain, born April 27, 1867, who died Oct. 31, 1897, daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth (Halt) Hain, the former a coachbuilder of Fritztown. Mr. and Mrs. Hainly had three children, namely: George Frederick, Mamie Elizabeth and Robert Michael. On June 20, 1903, Mr. Hainly m. (second) Valeria J. Addams, daughter of Daniel and Susanna (Ulrich) Addams, of Fritztown. Mr. Addams is an old resident of this section, and was an active worker in the Democratic party in his younger days. His children are: Hannah, m. to J. S. Strohl; Maggie, m. to John A. Fry; Ella, m. to F. M. Gaul; and Valeria J., m. to Joel W. Hainly. No children have been born of Mr. Hainly's second marriage. He is a Lutheran member of St. John's Church of Sinking Spring. In politics he is an active Democrat. Fraternally he is a member of Tribe No. 301, Order of Red Men, of Reading; and Castle No. 334, K. G. E., of Sinking Spring.

HENRY W. LONG, teacher and agent for fertilizers, was born on the Long homestead in Upper Bern town- ship, Berks county, April 30, 1866, son of Joel and Sallie Ann (Zettelmoyer) Long.

Joel Long was born in Upper Bern township, Aug. 31, 1838, on the Long homestead, of 130 acres, which he acquired by purchase in 1878. He was a tiller of the soil all his life, and was very prosperous in his undertakings. He died March 19, 1901, in his sixty- third year of age. He voted the Democratic ticket. He was honored by his fellow citizens by election to the offices of township treasurer, assistant assessor, assessor, tax-collector, election officer, and he was dele- gate to county conventions.

Joel W. Hainly spent his boyhood days at Rein- holds, Lancaster county, where he was reared on his father's farm, and remained with his parents until twenty-one years old, at which time he learned the milling business with Richard Leinbach, near Reams- town, Pa., where he worked about one year. For the following five years he worked in August D. Keener's He and his family belonged to Shartlesville Friedens Church, of which he was one of the founders in 1870. He was trustee of this church from its organization until death called him to his reward. In 1856 he married in the sixty-third year of his age. In 1856 he married Sallie Ann Zettelmoyer, daughter of Martin Zettelmoy- er and wife (whose name was Sour). They had four- teen children-nine sons and five daughters-namely: Frank W., James M., Mrs. Hettie A. Rentschler, Hen- rietta Long (deceased), Mrs. Alice R. Aschenbach, Mrs. Kate A. Ney, Henry W., Irwin M. (deceased), Peter C. (deceased). Howard E. (deceased). Jerome (deceased), Angelina, Manasses M., and Wallace Z. mill at Fritztown, and in August, 1886, he removed to Reading and for a short time operated a stationary engine at a stone crusher. In 1886 Mr. Hainly engaged in the hotel business at the Cacoosing, conducting that place successfully for one and one-half years. at which time he purchased the "Fritztown Hotel," which he greatly improved. He succeeded in building up a large trade, and during his seven years' occupancy of that site did a very profitable business. Mr. Hainly sold out this place in 1896 at a large profit, and in the spring of 1897 he removed to Reading, in the fall of which year he bought the "Sinking Spring Hotel," one of the oldest hotel stands in Berks county. The Henry W. Long was reared on the home farm, and obtained his education in the public schools, which he attended until he was seventeen years of age. He studied in the Bernville and Strausstown grammar schools, and in the spring of 1887, entered the Key- sinking spring. after which the village was named, is located on his premises, 100 feet from the hotel building. This interesting spring, which was given its name by the Indians, is very strong and runs from about January to August, when the water disappears stone State Normal School, graduating in June, 1889.

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HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

He began teaching in the fall of 1884 at the Bagen- abeth, born 1762; Eva Magdalene, born 1765; and stose school in his native (now Tilden) township, and Catharine, born 1768. after teaching there three years, entered upon the John Heinrich Haeffner, son of Heinrich, remained normal course as stated. In 1889 and 1890 he taught on the old stand in Richmond township, near Virgin- at Wernersville, and 1891 to 1894 inclusive at Vogans- ville, Lancaster county, at an advanced salary. He then returned to his native township and taught for six consecutive years. In 1903-04-05 he was in charge of Sheidy's school, and in the fall of 1906 began teach- ing at Hahn's school in Muhlenberg township, Berks county. He is an able, painstaking, conscientious and successful teacher, and has the respect of the many pupils he has had during his long career.

In politics Mr. Long is an uncompromising Demo- crat, and frequently serves on election boards. He was elected as tax collector of Upper Bern township, in 1893-94-95, which office he filled with honor to him- self and credit to his electors. He has been delegate to a number of county conventions. He is a Lutheran member of Shartlesville Friedens Church, in which he was confirmed in 1880, by the Rev. D. D. Trexler. He has belonged to the Sunday-school connected with this church since its organization in 1879. In later years he became a teacher and superintendent. When he taught school in Upper. Tulpehocken he became super- intendent of Sheidy's Union Sunday-school, which office he filled for three years.

During the summer months Mr. Long filled various positions, such as cigar-packer, clerk, and book-keeper. Since 1900 he has been the manager of the Joel Long estate for the heirs. Mr. Long is an intelligent and upright citizen, and is respected and esteemed by all who know him.

J. HOWARD JACOBS, in whose death, which occur- red Aug. 18, 1902, at his home in Reading, that city lost one of its good citizens and a professional man of con- siderable reputation, was born in 1838, in the Conestoga Valley, in the lower part of Berks county, son of Samuel and Mary A. (Davies) Jacobs.

Samuel Jacobs was a farmer in the Conestoga Valley. He and his wife, Mary A. (Davies), were members of the Episcopal Church. Of their children, Thomas (de- ceased) was a resident of Iowa; J. Howard is mentioned below; Mary married Clifton Moore, of Pottstown, Pa .; Annie married William Morris, of Atlanta, Georgia.

J. Howard Jacobs received his early education in the public schools, and then studied law in the office of Judge Banks. After his admission to the Bar of Berks county, he practised in Reading, where all of his professional life was passed, becoming a leading member of the legal fra- ternity. Mr. Jacobs died Aug. 18, 1902, and was buried four days later in the Charles Evans cemetery.

In 1860 Mr. Jacobs married Hannah E. Creswell, daugh- ter of Samuel M. and Thomazine (Lincoln) Creswell, farming people, the former of whom was a Presbyterian and the latter an Episcopalian. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs, as follows: Carrie H., who mar- ried William Summerville, of Washington, D. C., and has one child, J. Howard Jacobs; Sallie, who married Pierson Hoff, and has one child, D. Pierson; Edward H .; and J. Howard, an attorney at Reading, who married Margaret Kalbach. In his political principles Mr. Jacobs was a Republican, and in religious faith an Episcopalian. For many years he had been identified with the Masons.

DANIEL A. HEFFNER, senior member of the well known clothing and men's outfitting firm of Heffner, Gilbert & Croll, Nos. 418-420 Penn street, Reading, was born in 1854, in Virginville, Berks county, son of Solomon and Wilhelmina (Weigley) Heffner.

ville. He married Anna Catharine Kohler, born Sept. 26. 1759, and they had children: Daniel; John; Henry; Abraham (1789-1854); Samuel (1791-1872); Solomon (died 1876); Polly (was a cripple); Kate (born 1795); Hannah (born 1798); and Jacob (1804-1877, is buried on his land in a private burial ground). John Heinrich Haeffner was a soldier in 1777 in the Revolutionary war, and was a prisoner of war in a church in New Jersey. His relative and neighbor, a Merkel, froze to death in his arms. He suffered severe hardships through hunger and cold. He served in Capt. Jacob Baldy's Company, and Philip Gehr's Battalion.

Solomon Heffner, son of John Heinrich, married Rachel Graeff (1802-1849), and they lived at Virgin- ville. Their children were: Susanna, John, Solomon (father of Daniel A.), Hettie, Kate, Mary, Henry and Lydia G.

Solomon Heffner was born in Virginville, and when a young man learned engineering, which, however, he gave up in his latter years on account of failing health, and went into the hotel business. He died in 1862, at the age of thirty-five years, and his wife, whose maiden name was Wilhelmina Weigley, passed away in 1890, remaining a widow to the end of her life. The three children born of their marriage were: Solomon; Emma, m. (first) William Epling. and (second) Henry Smith; and Daniel A. The family were members of the Lutheran Church. In political belief Mr. Heffner was a stanch Democrat.

Daniel A. Heffner was left without a father at a very tender age, and as a consequence his chances for an education were limited, most of his learning being acquired at night schools after a hard day's work. His first employment was on a farm, and he later worked in the ore banks of Berks county, but finally he learned the painting and paper-hanging trade, at which he worked for several years. Going then to Shenandoah, he went into the huckstering business, and later was a clerk in Lenhartsville, from which place he came to Reading as a clerk for B. H. Brown in the dry goods business. Mr. Heffner next removed to Hamburg, where he engaged in a mercantile business, and this he conducted successfully for ten years. At the end of this time he sold out, and in 1884 came to Reading. where he engaged with Meyers & Heim, tailors and dealers in men's furnishings, continuing with these gentlemen until in 1898. In this year with John H. Gilbert and William M. Croll, Mr. Heffner established the business of Heffner, Gilbert & Croll, which did business from 1898 until 1904, at No. 528 Penn street. In the latter named year, on account of press of busi- ness, they were obliged to seek larger quarters, and subsequently removed to Nos. 418-420 Penn street, better known as the J. C. Illig stand. Here the firm has done a thriving business, carrying a full line of up-to-date goods. The partners are well known and popular in the community, and the firm has an es- tablished reputation for honesty and integrity, having the full confidence of the people. Mr. Heffner is also prominent in fraternal and social organizations, being connected with Vaux Lodge, No. 406, F. & A. M., of Hamburg; Excelsior Chapter, No. 437, R. A. M .; Read- ing Commandery, No. 42, K. T .; Reading Lodge of Perfection, of which he is a charter . member; Rajah Temple. A. A. O. N. M. S .; Knights of the Golden Eagle, Reading; Lodge No. 115, B. P. O. E .. and many other organizations. In political matters he is a Demo- crat. Mr. Heffner and his wife attend the Lutheran Church.

In 1749 Heinrich Haeffner came from Eberstadt, Germany. to America and located in Richmond town- ship, Berks county, Pa. In 1752 he married Maria In 1875 Mr. Heffner was married to Agnes Croll, and to them have been born two daughters: Minnie S., m. Joseph R. Sellers, of Reading, and has a son, James Eva, daughter of Matthaus Kelchner, of that town- ship. Their children were: John Heinrich, 1754-1825; Han Georg, 1757-1818; Eva Catharine, born 1760; Eliz- H .; and Emily May m. Charles Dellinger, of Reading.

J. HOWARD JACOBS

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BIOGRAPHICAL

WILLIAM R. HIGH, a highly respected retired citi- has continued the business to the present time. Mr. High zen of Reading, Pa., who passed away Aug. 14, 1908, was born Aug. 10, 1835, in Cumru township, Berks county, Pa., son of Daniel and Esther (Rothermel) High, and a grandson of Gen. William High, who married Annie Van Reed.

General William High was also a native of Cumru township, and for years was a prominent agriculturist there. His last years were spent in Reading. For a period of thirty-three years he was a brigadier general of the State militia and he also served as judge of probate. His children were: Charles, Daniel, Ezra. John, Reubin, Isaac (died young), Annie, Sarah, Lucie and Rebecca. The family was strong in its support of the Reformed Church.

Daniel High was born in Cumru township and fol- lowed farming as his main occupation throughout his life. He died in 1839 at the age of thirty-one years. His widow survived him many years, dying at the age. of sixty-five. They had five daughters and one son, as follows: Sarah, m. to Samuel Schepps; Susan, m. to Nicholas Schaffer; Esther, m. to Frederick Bechtel; William R., of this sketch; Amanda, m. to Frederick Hartman; and Mary, who remains single. In religious belief the members of this family were all of the Reformed faith, with one exception. In political sentiment they were Democratic.

William R. High was educated in the common schools of Cumru township, and when the time came for him to choose his life work he decided in favor of agriculture. For thirty-two years he continued to be engaged in farming and stock raising, and owned one of the finest and best developed farms in his lo- cality. In 1887 he left his farm in Cumru township and moved to Reading. where he entered into partner- ship with his son, Daniel K., in the coal business and continued with him until Daniel sold his interest to his brother Charles P. The father and son continued the business until 1902, when the senior member re- tired and Charles P. still continues to carry on the business.

On Dec. 11, 1855, Mr. High was married to Lydia Krick, daughter of Daniel Krick, and they had five children, namely: Daniel K., William, Henry, Ezra and Charles.

Up to the time of his death, in spite of his ad- vanced years, Mr. High very easily superintended the management of the old High homestead; this was originally owned by his maternal great-grandfather Rothermel. He took an active interest in local politics and public happenings, and was a well known and es- teemed resident of his neighborhood. Mr. High' was buried in Yocom's Church in Cumru township.

DANIEL K. HIGH, hosiery manufacturer at Rob- esonia, Pa., was born in Cumru township, on the old High homestead which has been in the family since 1747, May 22, 1856, son of William R. High. His early education was obtained in the district schools and later he went to Palatinate College, Myerstown, and D. B. Brunner's Academy in Reading. He was licensed to teach by County Superintendent, D. B. Brunner, in 1874. He taught two terms in his native township, one at the Cedar Top school and the other at the Kurtz school, meeting with great success as a teacher. He was reared to farm work, and continued at it sum- mers until he was sixteen. In 1876 he went to Read- ing and entered the dry goods store of B. H. Brown, remaining in his employ for a period of two years. He then entered into partnership with Howard Kauffman, under the firm name of High & Kauffman, dealers in dry goods and groceries and general merchandise. This firm continued with success for two years, when ow- ing to failing health Mr. High was obliged to sell to Mr. A. S. Deeter and his brother Wm. F. High, who later also sold his share to A. S. Deeter, and the latter

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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 164

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