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 208

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 208

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The earliest known seat of the family was located in Hadamar, Nassau, where the name is still perpetuated in the little village of Irmtraut, situated on the outskirts of the Westerwald. There they had their feudal holdings and manor house, and in accordance with the customs of the day the family name was given to the place. A great stone barn carved with the Irmtraut coat of arms was all that remained in 1864. The castle was but a mass of ruins. They intermarried with other great families in their own and neighboring counties, Nassau, Fran- conia, Suabia, the Palatinate, etc., and present-day des- cendants of these marriages include the Counts of Bas- senheim in Bavaria, the Princes and Counts of Metter- nich in Austria, the Counts of Schwarzenburg in Austria, the Hatzfelds in Prussia, the Schoenborns in Austria, the Barons von Stein on the Rhine and in Prussia, and others of equal importance.

In religion the Irmtrauts at present are Protestants, probably becoming such at the time of the Reformation, as in earlier days members of the family served as Abbots and Abbesses, in "noble knightly abbeys" and convents. In the service of the Crown, the Irmtrauts made their reputation as military men. Some seem to have been inclined to adventure, as it is recorded that two, who were in the Spanish Moorish wars, were killed by the Moors in Spain. One of them was intrusted with a diplo- matic mission to the Duke of Burgundy, in the sixteenth century, and succeeded so well that he was rewarded by his sovereign with the augmentation of his "arms."

Taking up the line in America, we find the same su- perior ideals of civic duty and manly achievement pre- vailing in every generation. From its foundation here, the family has been among the most influential and not- able in Berks county. Representatives of the name have borne their full share of the burden of public duties and lived up to the most intelligent standards in private life.

John Ermentrout, the first of the name on this side of the Atlantic, came hither from his home in the Palatinate in 1739, and permanently settled in what is now Berks county, Pa., where the family remained until 1829.

Christopher Ermentrout, son of John, was born Feb. 8, 1754, in the family home, near Womelsdorf. His son, John, the grandfather of Hon. Daniel Ermentrout, was born April 27, 1777, and .was a Jefferson Democrat. Wil- liam Ermentrout, son of. John, was born Dec. 12, 1799, near Womelsdorf, and died at Reading Jan. 21, 1880, to which city he had removed in 1829. He was active in the local municipal service, as well as a successful merchant, holding the office of county treasurer from 1851 to 1853, and serving for many years as a member of the board

The family is of German noble origin. The head of the house in Europe was living, in 1899, at Monersasz- of controllers of the public schools of the city, and was

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HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

treasurer of the board from 1869 to 1877. His religious statues, and by introducing a bill to authorize the printing connection was with the Reformed Church brought by his of the proceedings of Congress in accepting them. ancestors from the Old World. During his first term in Congress Mr. Ermentrout, be-

William Ermentrout married Justina Silvis, and to them sides looking after various minor affairs of local inter- were born ten children, namely: John Silvis, William C., Benjamin F., Philip M., Daniel, Joseph C., Dr. Samuel C., James Nevin, Ellen (m. H. C. Ritter) and Elizabeth (m. de Benneville Bertolette).

Daniel Ermentrout, fifth son of William and Justina (Silvis) Ermentrout, was born Jan. 24, 1837, in Reading, at the homestead, No. 52 North Fifth street, and was identified with the city throughout his life. He began his education in the public schools, prepared for college in the classical schools and received his higher literary training in Franklin and Marshall College, at Lancaster, Pa., and in Elwood Institute, Norristown, this State. Meantime he had followed intermittently the profession which has been the stepping-stone for many an ambitious student, teaching for several years, in Reading, Consho- hocken and Norristown. Further, he had commenced the study of law, under the able direction of Hon. David F. Gordon, who had served as president judge of the Berks district from 1849 to 1851, and who then had a law office in Reading. On Aug. 3, 1859, Mr. Ermentrout was ad- mitted to the Bar, and thus formally launched upon his life work began a career which made his name one of the most honored among the native sons of Pennsylvania.

est, accomplished an object which has given him a per- manent place among the public benefactors of Reading. Although for twenty years the Congressional representa- tive of this district had tried in vain to get an appropria- tion for a public building in Reading, Mr. Ermentrout, a Democrat in a Republican House, tactfully overcame every obstacle and succeeded in obtaining the amount necessary to put up the handsome post-office which Reading has since enjoyed. It was typical of him that the victory was not won by aggressive methods, but by the exercise of his comprehensive understanding of parlimentary rules, to- gether with a fine discrimination and bonhomie, that won friends for himself as well as for his pet project. His success had wider results than were originally anticipated, for, with the Reading building as a precedent, many other Pennsylvania towns have since been likewise favored. Mr. Ermentrout's efforts in behalf of his home city, directly and indirectly, gained many benefits for Reading, but none, perhaps, gave him more pleasure in the doing than this, and the Reading post-office stands as his best monument- the work by which he is best remembered.

Even at the outset of his independent practice Mr. Ermentrout had more patronage than falls to the lot of the average young lawyer. Success seemed to be his portion, the people gave him their confidence intuitively. But he was a young man of sincere purpose, an indefatiga- ble worker, and a diligent student, and though his honors came fast none grudged him his reward, for it was fairly earned. He soon entered public life by the professional road. Just three years after his admission to the Bar, in 1862, he was elected district attorney of Berks county, for a term of three years, and during that time not only formed a wide acquaintance in the legal fraternity of this section of the State, but also found ample exercise for all of his talents, the diversified demands of the work bringing into practical use many acquirements for which there is little call in ordinary practice. Moreover, some of the most important public services he performed in his later years, as a legislator, may be traced directly to his experiences in the discharge of his first public office. Having proved his ability and public spirit, he was again and again called to services of responsibility for his com- munity, being almost continuously in office until his death. In 1867 he was chosen city solicitor and was twice re- elected, serving until 1870. In 1873 he was elected to the State Senate, for a term of three years. Meantime, in 1874, the term was lengthened by a year, and when he was re-elected, in 1876, it was a four-year term. At the close of that period, in 1880, he was chosen to represent this district in the National Congress, and, by re-election, It was his boast on one notable occasion that he "stood shoulder to shoulder with 'Sam' Randall in defense and was a member of that body for four successive terms, 1881 to 1889. In 1896 he was again elected, and at the support of the tariff interests of Pennsylvania, until his. end of his term was chosen to succeed himself in 1898, so that he was a member of the LVIth Congress, at the time of his sudden death.

In 1882-83 he also presented bills to change the name and location of the Kutztown National Bank; to furnish condemned cannon to McLean Post, No. 16, G. A. R .; petitions and papers from the citizens of Pennsylvania for the passage of a bill to establish a Superior court; for an appropriation to American steamships for ocean mail service, and for medals for the Ringgold Battery, First Defenders, in recognition of their services during the Civil war. He took a strong position in favor of the restriction of Chinese immigration, making several speech- es on that subject; also in favor of the extension of the National bank charters, and against the appointment of a tariff commission. His succeeding terms were marked by similar activity. He introduced a number of private pension claims which were afterward successfully es- tablished, offered petitions and papers to increase the pay of the Capitol police; petitions and papers from the citi- zens of his State for the enforcement of the eight-hour labor law, and for the establishment of penny postage; from the Berks County Medical Society for a building for a medical museum; from the Reading Druggists' Association for free alcohol, and from the Reading Typo- graphical Union, No. 86, for the Chance-Breckinridge currency bill. While in the Lth Congress he was honored with a place on the committee which had charge of the inaugural ceremonies of President Harrison, and was a teller in the count of the electoral vote. It was he who offered the motions and resolutions to admit ladies to the floor of the House; to reserve portions of the House gal- lery ; and to appoint a committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.

party in National and State conventions decided upon a new policy, and then," said Mr. Ermentrout, with solemn uplifted hand, "I go with my party, and if necessary will go out of Congress for so acting and voting." His vote for the "Mills bill," which was made a party question, in the Lth Congress, lost him the Democratic nomination for the next (LIst) Congress, but he was amply vindicated by his nomination and election to the LVth and LVIth Congresses. He insisted that a loyal Democrat he must follow his party flag, and that its National platform, under the leadership of a Democratic President, was bind- ing on him until a new policy was decided upon. "He was the only man in Berks county that ever survived a de- feat and again by native force forged to the front and gained a personal victory."

In October, 1877, while a member of the State Senate, the Governor appointed him a member of the Pennsylvania Statuary Commission, authorized by the State Legislature to select the two Pennsylvanians to be represented in Stat- mary Hall, at the National Capitol. A contemporary says of this: "Governor Hartranft was a Republican but he saw Daniel Ermentrout was the man for the place." Mr. Ermentrout used his influence to the utmost in securing the choice of General Muhlenberg and was particularly gratified in the selection, inasmuch as the General was an ancestor of the family of the same name in Berks county, as well as one of the most notable representatives of the early German stock. Afterward, when he became a mem- When he resumed his work in the LVth Congress, it was evident that his public spirit had suffered no abate- ment. He presented a bill and joint resolutions donating cannon to the G. A. R., at Allentown; for the relief ber of the National House of Representatives, he proved his lasting interest in the matter by delivering a brilliant address on the Muhlenberg and Fulton statues; by offer- ing resolutions presenting the thanks of Congress for the of Herman Van Marsdorf; also papers and petitions from

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BIOGRAPHICAL

the Reading Cigarmakers' Union against increase in the ment he has sought to pay me, by making me 'flock by tariff on tobacco; from Freedom Circle, Reading, relative myself.' But, Mr. Chairman, I want him and everybody to alien ownership of land; from the Penn Hardware present to know that on that occasion I 'flocked' with the Company of Reading, against duty on emery ore; from the Reading Tinplate Company, relative to placing tariff on tinplate; from St. Lawrence congregation, against plac- ing church goods on the free list. He used his good offices to obtain all the Government appointments possible for his constituents, secured pensions for numerous families and was instrumental in obtaining flowers and plants for the improvement of the public park at the head of Penn street. It was also through his influence, during this term, that Henry May Keim was appointed consul to Prince Edward Island.

In Reading Mr. Ermentrout was particularly active on the question of public education and was a member, from the Seventh ward, on the board of school controllers for a number of years.

It was said of him, by his contemporaries in Congress, In politics Mr. Ermentrout was a local leader in the that "he had all the nerve, courage and stubborness of his Democratic party from the time he made his first cam- race, and an iron will, which fought to the bitter end. He hated intrigue and despised all shams. He was open, frank, honest and manly to his opponents. He wore no mask. He had as positive convictions as any man who ever held a seat upon this floor, and he was always loyal to his con- victions. On non-essential questions, where men might honestly differ, he was as generous and kindly-tempered as a woman." paign, as candidate for the office of district attorney. He had decided taste and acknowledged talent for the con- tests of the political arena, served several years as chair- man of the Berks county committee, and never missed a State convention of his party. In 1880 he was a delegate to the National convention that was held at Cincinnati, where he supported Samuel J. Tilden as long as that gen- tleman was a candidate. When the hope of nominating him was abandoned Mr. Ermentrout had the honor of presenting General Hancock's name to the convention for nomination.

Though his official duties were multitudinous Mr. Ermen- trout continued the practice of law throughout his life, and made a reputation in the profession which would have been notable had it not been overshadowed by the more conspicuous results of his public service. He was engaged as counsel in important trials from an early stage in his career, both in the local and in the State Supreme Courts, and his term as district attorney, covering three years of the Civil war period, was filled with interesting and important work. In addition to the usual criminal cases he conducted a number of trials which were the center of wide interest at the time, with the ability which won him much valuable patronage upon his return to private prac- tice.

These are the plain facts regarding Mr. Ermentrout's life and work. They give some indication of his devoted services and of the achievement of his dearest ambitions. But, unqualified by any reference to the other side of his nature, they give a totally inadequate idea of the man. His gifts as an orator, his literary attainments, his social quali- ties, were appreciable factors in the success of many of his

undertakings. During the Centennial Exhibition at Phila-, the classical school under Mr. Kelly, who was born in delphia in 1876, while a member of the State Senate, he made a memorable address on "The Pennsylvania Germans in History." Though he made no pretense of oratorical skill he had a reputation throughout his Congressional life as a clever and able speaker with that personal magnetism which has power over an audience, when combined with the faculty of saying things well, and he was often called upon for speeches and addresses, in the most distinguished gatherings.

At one of the many Washington dinners, where he was usually the life and soul of the party, the brilliant Black- burn of Kentucky, then just elected to the Senate, in speak- ing of the contest on the Mills' bill and of the division of the House thereon, said : "Mr. Chairman, it was once said that the Pennsylvania Democracy was divided into three factions, the Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson Demo- crats and the Pennsylvania Dutch-thousands of votes be- ing cast in that State every four years directly for Andrew Jackson, who was still thought to be very much alive. But, Mr. Chairman, I want to add to that list. I would class them as the Pennyslvania Democrats, the Pennsylvania Dutch, the Randall Democrats and Daniel Ermentrout." This sally created great laughter, and quick as a flash Mr. Ermentrout was on his feet. "Mr. Chairman, I thank the distinguished gentleman from Kentucky, for the compli-

Democratic President of the United States, the Democratic Speaker of the House of Representatives, and, with five exceptions, the entire Democratic membership of the House of Representatives; and I want to say that, when the time comes, I shall always be found 'flocking' with my party and standing on its last National platform, if I have to 'flock by myself' in the Pennsylvania Democratic delegation. I prefer to be an humble private citizen of Pennsylvania and retain my self-respect, through fealty to my. party, than cast a vote to curry local and temporary favor. Legis- lation, whether State or National, is, after all, but a com- promise; but I shall always be found following the party leader and the party flag." Three rousing cheers and a tiger were given for Mr. Ermentrout.

During the visit to Nashville, Tenn., of a large Con- gressional party at the invitation of the Managers of their Centennial Exposition, in 1896, Mr. Ermentrout so won the hearts of the people that they sent him word they would give him the greatest office in their gift, governor or United States senator, if he would make his home among them. It was then said of him: "He was the center of attraction wherever he went, whether in a circle of distinguished ladies and gentlemen, or with the very humblest of the im- mense throngs that visited our Centennial. He was liked by all. He loved to make everybody happy. He was a champion of the cause of pleasure-making, adding always refinement and zest to each and every occasion. He was the joy of the party."

Throughout his busy life he continued to be a close stu- dent, finding his most delightful recreation in his books, into which he delved with characteristic earnestness. His taste was discriminating and he acquired an astonishing intimacy with the best in the classics and general literature. His linguistic attainments were also unusual, including pro- ficiency in French and German, which he spoke and wrote with ease, and a familiar knowledge of Italian and Span- ish, sufficient for ordinary conversation. He was a pro- found Latin scholar. Undoubtedly Mr. Ermentrout re- ceived his first impulse in this direction while a pupil in

France, of Irish parentage, and whose influence had a lasting effect upon his researches and studies. He wrote fluently and convincingly, his wide experience giving him an outlook both broad and generous. His practical, intel- ligent views of life, gained in so many different ways, tem- pered by the kindliness of disposition admired by all, and augmented by study and travel, both in his own country and Europe, gave his spoken and written thoughts a per- manent value. This fact is apparent today whenever his opinions or advice are recalled.

Mr. Ermentrout's last appearance at any public affair was at a dinner given by the Reading Press Club, a few days before his death upon which occasion he was an hon- ored guest and made his last speech. He was an associate member of this club, a member and one of the found- ers of the Historical Society of Berks County, a member of the Pennsylvania German Society, of the Pennsyl- vania Historical Society and of the Americus Club. In 1862 he was a member of Company G, Second Regiment, Pennsylvania Militia.

As may be judged from his connection with the local historical societies he was deeply interested in the settle- ment of Pennsylvania and the history of his own county, and his researches along this line made him one of the most thoroughly informed men in the State. But in this, as

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in everything else, he made no pretense of being an author- ity. His natural modesty and refinement made him chary of exploiting his attainments and he never won ill-will by undue display of his gifts or knowledge.

Mr. Ermentrout passed away at six o'clock, on the morn- ing of Sunday, Sept. 17, 1899, at his beautiful home, Graus- tein, on the slope of Mt. Penn, after a day's illness. In death, as in life, he was honored as few citizens of Read- ing have ever been. His remains were interred in the Charles Evans cemetery, at Reading, on Sept. 21st, with Congressional honors. The funeral committee selected by the clerk of the House was representative, its members be- ing: Congressman A. C. Harmer, H. H. Bingham, Wil- liam McAleer, Philadelphia, Pa .; J. W. Ryan, Pottsville, Pa .; Galusha A. Grow, Glenwood, Pa .; William Alden Smith, Michigan; C. F. Joy, Missouri; W. P. Hepburn, Iowa; J. S. Salmon, Boonton, N. J .; W. D. Daly, Ho- boken, N. J .; J. J. Gardner, Atlantic City, N. J .; James A. Norton, Ohio; Amos Cummings, New York City; James L. Sherman, Utica, N. Y .; M. Brossius, Lancaster, Pa .; Senators Boies Penrose, Pennsylvania; Kean, New Jersey ; Kenny, Connecticut; Wellington, Maryland; Vest, Miss- ouri; and Morgan, Alabama; J. H. Hollingsworth, clerk.

The honorary pall-bearers were members of the Read- ing Bar Association, namely : Hon. H. W. Bland, Charles H. Schaeffer, Esq., Richmond L. Jones, Esq., and C. H. Ruhl, Esq. Numerous letters of condolence were received by the family, from the Governor and other distinguished citizens of the State, members of Congress from all over the country, and social acquaintances and friends. The local and State papers paid glowing tributes to his life and work; and resolutions of sympathy were passed by the Bar Association of Berks County, by McLean Post, G. A. R,. and by various Democratic organizations.

The following interesting paragraph appears at the close of a memorial pamphlet issued shortly after Mr. Ermen- trout's death :

"As a matter of historical interest in Mr. Ermentrout's career, it may be mentioned that up to the time of his death he was the last one remaining of a party of six who were gathered in his committee room at Washington, discussing civil service reform. They were John F. Andrews, of Massachusetts; ex-Governor Curtin, of Pennsylvania; Sec- retary Gresham, of Illinois; Arnott, of New York; Mutch- ler, of Pennsylvania; and himself. At the death of Con- gressman Andrews, which took place in June, 1895, Mr. Ermentrout wrote in his diary the following quotation from Whittier on the death of Longfellow; 'Who next shall fall and disappear? I await the answer with awe and sol- emnity, and yet with unshaken trust in the mercy of the All-Merciful.' Alas! the dread summons came to our friend and fellow-member all too soon !"

Mr. Ermentrout was united in marriage with Adelaide Louise Metzger, daughter of John Metzger, Jr., of Lan- caster, Pa., and to them were born two children, Fitz-Dan- iel and Adelaide Louise Washington, the former now a practising attorney in Reading. Mrs. Ermentrout's cul- ture and superior accomplishments enabled her to ful- fill fittingly the social obligations imposed by her hus- band's conspicuous position. In Washington they enjoyed the best that that delightfully cosmopolitan society could give them, meeting representative people from all quarters of the globe. One of the most noteworthy functions in which they participated was the grand historic ball given at Reading, in 1879, which surpassed anything of the kind ever attempted in this section and which drew guests of prominence from all over Pennsylvania, the Governor, with his family and entire staff, making a special trip to Read- ing to honor the assemblage with their presence. The ball was planned and arranged by Mrs. Ermentrout, as Vice Regent of the Valley Forge Association, in aid of the Val- ley Forge Fund, and was a memorable success socially and financially. Mrs. Ermentrout founded the first Chapter in the United States of the Children of the American Rev- olution, although the idea originated with Mrs. Lath- rop, of Concord, Mass.,-the writer of children's stor- ies. The Conrad Weiser Chapter of Reading, Pa., is the name of this historic society.

She was also appointed to take charge of Woman's Day, during Reading's Sesqui-Centennial, in 1907, and had a notable gathering on the morning of that day, at the Academy of Music, addressed by the President of the Col- oniel Dames, the President of the Daughters of the Amer- ican Revolution and the President of the Women's Clubs of Pennsylvania. This was followed in the afternoon by a reception to the women of Reading, by these distinguished visitors, who assisted Mrs. Ermentrout in receiving them, at her home, Graustein, on the Hill Road.

After the death of her husband Mrs. Ermentrout spent four years in Europe, with her daughter, the latter com- pleting her education in England and France. During the school vacations and for one entire year they traveled, and upon their return to this country toured the United States for a year and a half, visiting numerous places of interest. They still maintain their pleasant home at Wy- omissing, a suburb of Reading, passing the summer and autumn there and wintering in one of the large cities.

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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 208

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