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 209

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 209

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Miss Ermentrout has had unusual social and educational opportunities. While still pursuing her studies in Paris she was presented, with her mother, at the first Court of King Edward VII. and Queen Alexandra, held at Buck- ingham Palace, London, Friday evening, March 14, 1902. They were also presented to President and Madame Lou- bet, at a ball given at the Elysee Palace, the official Paris residence of the Presidents of France. In 1900 Mrs. Ermentrout was granted an interesting interview with Car- dinal Satolli, at his residence in one of the old Roman pal- aces. During an earlier visit to Rome, in 1888, she was the fortunate recipient of three distinct attentions from the Vatican, during the Jubilee year, when the Holy City, was thronged with visitors, thousands of whom were un- able to obtain even a glimpse of the Holy Father. Her extensive travels, in the United States, Cuba and Europe,. have been diversified with various other unique and inter- esting experiences and privileges.

The Metzger family, to which Mrs. Ermentrout be- longs, is German and of noble extraction, residing at Dor- nik for several hundred years, until the death of Sigis- mund von Metzger, in 1590. He was appointed military architect and later colonel of artillery, by Charles V. of Spain and Austria, and accompanied that monarch in all of his war-like expeditions, in Europe and Africa, dying at a very advanced age. He left two sons, Cornelius and Gus- tave, brave and expert warriors, whose descendants are still to be found in the Netherlands, Westphalia and North Ger- many. Mrs. Ermentrout is a descendant of the Netherlands branch. On her mother's side she is descended from the first white settlers of Lancaster county, Pa., in 1709, who, being relentlessly persecuted for their religious belief, fled from Switzerland-some of them French refugees-and found safety and peace in the New World. She numbers among these two of the first clergymen and the first physi- cian ever known in Lancaster county.

PHILIP BISSINGER, president and manager of the Reading Brewing Company and founder of the Bissinger Café, was born Jan. 24, 1842, in Duerkheim, Germany, and received his preliminary education at that place, where he lived until he was thirteen years of age. He then accompanied his parents in their emigration to America, landing at the port of New York. He attended private schools at Lancaster, Pa., for several years, and then secured a position as clerk which he filled until he enlisted for service in the Civil war, on Sept. 19, 1861, for the term of three years. He became sergeant-major of the 79th Regiment, P. V. I .; was promoted to first lieutenant of Company F in January, 1863, and to captain in Decem- ber, 1863, having command of the company until Sept. 12, 1864, when he resigned.

Shortly after returning home Captain Bissinger removed to Reading, and on Jan. 1, 1866, established a saloon and restaurant at No. 611 Penn street, which he soon devel- oped into the most popular resort at Reading. His success was extraordinary from the start, and in 1882 he pur- chased the property, making extensive improvements to accommodate the increasing demands of his patronage;

Opissinge

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BIOGRAPHICAL

and in 1890 he erected a large four-story brick building involved extraordinary labors, patience and perseverance. for offices and halls and storage purposes on the rear of In 1879 he organized the Philharmonic Society and directed its admirable concerts until 1883, when he was /obliged to devote his entire attention to his own business affairs. the lot at Court street. By this time the "Bissinger Cafe" had a reputation for superiority and first-class catering which extended throughout the State and nation. Num- erous banquets came to be held there in celebration of In 1880 Captain Bissinger married Ida Sebald Rosenthal (daughter of William Rosenthal, proprietor and pub- lisher of German newspapers at Reading for forty years), who was graduated from the Reading Girls' High School in 1865, and in 1871 taught the French and German lan- guages there. events in the history of societies of all kinds, more par- ticularly of a fraternal, political and musical nature, and in honor of popular and prominent individuals; and visiting strangers and travelers from all parts of the world found satisfactory entertainment. After having operated the cafe for thirty years, until 1895, he sold George. Bissinger, his father, was a native of Germany, and after his emigration located at Baltimore, Md., about 1855, and there followed the teaching of music until his decease, in 1866. the business to a faithful employe and manager for many years, Wellington B. Krick, and then retired to enable him and his wife to take a long-anticipated trip to Europe, and for nearly a year they visited the prominent centers there.

In 1886 Captain Bissinger encouraged the establish- ment of another brewery at Reading, and with the aid of local capitalists succeeded in organizing the Reading Brewing Company. He became the first manager of the plant and filled the position for three years, having in this time secured a large patronage from the community and made the new enterprise a success. In 1897, upon his return from Europe, he resumed his active interest in this company as a director, and in 1898 became its president and general manager; and he has served the company in these responsible positions until the present time, having in the past ten years developed its annual production from 17,000 barrels to 75,000, remodeled the plant entirely,. and made it one of the finest brewing establishments in the country in point of equipment and sanitation.

For over forty years Captain Bissinger was prom- inently identified with the Masonic fraternity. He was

chiefly instrumental in establishing Rajah Temple at Read -. a native of Chester county, and a descendant of an old ing in 1892, and the plans for its unique and attractive and prominent family. She died in 1889, aged sixty-

hall, erected in 1904, were designed by him. He has also been prominently connected with the Grand Army of the Republic (Keim Post, No. 76), Loyal Legion, Veteran Legion, and Army of the Cumberland. In 1891 the city councils selected him as the park commissioner for the northeast division of the city and he officiated in this position until 1897, when he removed his residence to the southeast division, where he had erected a fine home on Mineral Spring road.

But it was in the musical culture of Reading that Cap- tain Bissinger was especially influential and successful for a period of twenty years, from 1864 to 1883. Imme- diately after locating at Reading he became a member of the Reading Maennerchor, and the society, appreciating his great talent and enthusiasm, selected him to be its Mr. Wells was married Sept. 9, 1875, to Miss Ella Fich- thorn, daughter of William Fichthorn, and to this union three children have been born: Irma, a teacher in the Reading public schools; Aletha, who died aged nine years; and Clarence, employed at the Dun Mercantile Agency, Reading. Mr. Wells is a member of Vigilance Lodge No. 394, I. O. O. F., and of Reading Encampment. In his political views he is a Republican. Mr. Wells and his family are connected with the St. Peter's M. E. Church, of which he is now serving as steward. assistant musical director. He filled this position with remarkable success for some years, and then the society united with the Harmonie Gesangverein, another and older musical organization at Reading. In the reorganization of the two societies, the name Harmonie Maennerchor was adopted and Captain Bissinger was selected as the mus- ical director of the new society. His recognized ability as a leader, together with his popularity and sociability, soon won increasing support and encouragement, and the 'society's concerts at Reading and other cities were highly appreciated and largely patronized. He continued AUGUSTUS B. HASSLER, proprietor of the "Ger- mania Hotel," at Ninth and Penn streets, Reading, is of German parentage, but is of American birth. His father, also named Augustus, left Germany for the United States in 1852, and settled in Reading where he died. to serve as the director until 1879, when he declined a re-election. During this time he was also interested in the Germania Orchestra and aided materially in its. suc- cessful reorganization. In 1876, by special invitation, the Harmonie Maennerchor and Germania Orchestra at- Augustus B. Hassler was born in Reading in 1854, and received his education in the public schools of that place. He first went to work as a bar clerk at the corner of Fifth and Penn streets, and afterward bought out the Washington Library Cafe, continuing there until 1881, when he bought out Harry Snyder, who had succeeded Major Ebner as proprietor of the place he first worked in, now known as the "Colonial Hotel." He ran that very successfully for twelve years, and then retired from business. But he was soon eager for the harness, and tended the United States Centennial at Philadelphia and rendered a program of classical selections in a superb manner, for which they were given high praise by leading musicians of this country and also foreign countries. In October, 1878, the society held a bazaar for a week in its commodious hall in the Academy of Music, which was a great success and evidenced the superior ability of its members and the efficiency and popularity of its director. The numerous musical numbers were specially prepared by Captain Bissinger for the occasion, which before long was once more in the hotel business, and

LLEWELLYN U. WELLS, who is in the grocery busi- ness at Reading, was born near West Chester, Pa., Oct. 16, 1848, son of Isaac and Sidney (Hoopes) Wells.

Isaac Wells was born Jan. 9, 1820, in Chester county, and received his education in the schools of that lo- cality. When a young man he learned the carpenter's trade, making a specialty of stair building, becoming an expert and following this occupation for a number of years throughout the eastern section of the State. During his residence in Williamsport, Mr. Wells' health failed him, and he engaged in farming for a short time, and in 1858 located in Reading. Two years later he went to Lebanon county, and subsequently settled for five years in Elizabethtown, Lancaster county, where he remained until locating in Northumberland county, and there con- tinued to reside until 1869. In this year Mr. Wells re- turned to Reading, where he made his home until his death in 1894. His wife was a daughter of Sidney Hoopes,

eight years, the mother of four children: Olivia W .; Llewellyn U .; Anna, m. to William Phillips, deceased; and John Westley, who died in infaricy. The family were members of the M. E. Church. In politics Mr. Wells was a Republican.

Llewellyn U. Wells was educated in the schools of Berks, Lebanon and Lancaster counties, and when a young man was taught the trade of carpenter, which was the trade of his father, and he followed this occupation for several years. In 1879 he settled permanently in Reading, and turned his attention to mercantile pursuits, engaging in business at the corner of Minor and Laurel streets, where he remained one and a half years. At the end of that time he located at the corner of Sixth and Laurel streets, and here he was located until he sold out.

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HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

in 1894 was running what was known as the "Klapperthal Pavilion" at Klapperthal. He remained there from 1894 until 1895, when he became manager of the Penn Hotel Cafe. In 1901 he became proprietor of the "Germania Hotel," which occupies a building four stories in height, 26x100 feet in dimensions. A portion of the structure is finished off as flats of a high class, while the rest is devoted to the hotel proper, which is one of the most up-to-date places in the city, and is very handsome in its appointments and finishings. The entrance and office are laid with tile flooring. Mr. Hassler gives his whole at- tention to the management of the place and being very popular his hotel ranks high.

Mrs. Hassler was a Miss Annie Kohler, and her mar- riage to Mr. Hassler occurred in 1878. They have had a large family of children, of whom four died young. The others are: Harry, Rosa, Joseph, Cecelia, Bernard and Anthony. The family are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Hassler is a member of several fraternal organizations, including the Knights of St. John, Colum- bus Commandery, Eagles, Reading Turn Verein, Boni- facius Society, Reading Liederkranz, Bavarian Society, Quaker Society, Mt. Penn Family Circle, Mountain Spring Association, Rainbow Fire Company, Veteran Fireman's Association, and Encampment No. 43, Union Veteran Legion.

THOMAS C. BAUSHER, a plumber and gas, steam and hot water fitter of Reading, Pa., whose place of business is situated at No. 105 North Sixth street, was born April 12, 1873, in Norristown, Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania.

Mr. Bausher received his education in the schools of Montgomery and Berks counties, and when a boy clerked in his native city in a cigar store. In 1889 he came to Reading and apprenticed himself to E. S. Summons, a plumber, and with him served his time for four years. He then engaged with Haage & Tomney, with whom he remained for about seven years, when he returned to the employ of Mr. Summons, continuing with him about six years. In October, 1904, Mr. Bausher opened his present business at No. 105 North Sixth street, with a complete line of plumbing and steam and hot water heating supplies. Mr. Bausher is an expert in his business, and his trade has grown to such proportions that he has been compelled to hire from three to five men to assist him. Mr. Bausher is a member of the Master Plumbers As- sociation and is secretary of the local at Reading; is connected with Friendship Fire Company, of which he was president from 1896 to 1897; is a member of the Knights of Malta and the P. O. S. of A .; and is also identified with the Reading Firemen's Relief Association.

In 1898 Mr. Bausher was married to Sarah Spyker, and to this union there have been born four children : Earl F., Helen M., Florence, and Ralph (died in infancy). Mr. Bausher and his family are members of St. Paul's Re- formed Church. The success which Mr. Bausher has gained is but the just due to an ambitious, honest man. who through his own enterprise and energy has worked his way to the top. He may be truly called a self-made man. .

J. G. Rhein attended the public schools of his native town, and when a young man located in Reading and learned the paper-hanging trade, shortly afterward' en- gaging in this business, which he has followed to the present time, having offices at No. 721 Walnut street, and at No. 101 Walnut street. Mr. Rhein was married (first) to Katie Foust, daughter of Jesse Foust, of Bernville, and she died in 1892, the mother of these children: Annie, m. to Levi Boyer, of Reading; Edward, m. to Jennie Wiend, of Reading; Lizzie, m. to James Jacobs, of Read- ing; Florence, m. to Robert Richardson, typewriter at the

Boys' high school, Reading; and Carrie, m. to William Rhode; and John, at home. Mr. Rhein's second marriage was to Mrs. Mary E. Heckman, widow of the late Henry N. Heckman.

Henry N. Heckman was born in Pricetown, Berks Co., Pa., Aug 7, 1847, son of Nicholas Heckman. He attended the public schools and the high school of Reading, and was then employed as a clerk with S. M. Hart, of Penn. street. He later engaged in the flour and feed business oh Walnut street, continuing therein for several years, when he engaged as a clerk for A. K. Brown, and con- tinued in that gentleman's employ for about four years. Mn. Heckman was then employed by the Dives, Pomeroy & Stewart department store, having charge of the up- holstery department for seventeen years, or until his death, Feb. 7, 1902. Mr. Heckman was a member of the Lutheran Church, and was buried at the Charles Evans cemetery. In politics he was a Democrat. He was a member of St. John's Lodge of Masons, and the Knights of Pythias.

Mrs. Mary E. Rhein was the' daughter of John G. and Amelia (Seider) Kuder, the former of whom was born in Lehigh county, near Allentown, and came to Reading when a boy. Learning the cabinet making trade, Mr. Kuder followed that occupation all of his life, and died in Read- ing aged fifty years, his wife surviving him and attain- ing the age of eighty-three years. Mrs. Rhein was the only child born to this couple.

WILLIAM KATZENMOYER, deceased, was an em- ploye of the East Penn car shops for many years. He was born at Reading, March 30, 1844, son of William and Catherine (Schreffler) Katzenmoyer.

Ludwig Katzenmoyer, grandfather of William, lived in Heidelberg township, but late in life moved to Read- ing, where he died advanced in years. He was buried at Alsace Church, where several generations of the family are interred. He was a farmer and owned much land about Hampton, now a part of Reading. He was married four times, surviving all his wives. Among his children were: John, Jacob, William, Polly, Fannie (who went West, was never heard from, and her estate is still un- claimed), Kate and Magdalene.

William Katzenmoyer, Sr., son of Ludwig and father of William, was a farmer in Berks county many years, then moved to Reading, where he died at the age of sixty-three years. His children were the following: Lud- wig; Jacob, who died young; Catherine, m. to Henry Snyder; Susan and Rebecca, who both died young; and William. William, Sr., had one step-brother, Henry Beid- ler, and one step-sister, Eliza, wife of Peter Leise.

William Katzenmoyer attended the district schools near his home and then worked for some years on the farm. He came to the East Penn shops, and remained in con- tinuous employ of the company for twenty-three years. His last work before retiring was the painting of engines. Judge Ermentrout then appointed him tipstaff at the court house, in which position he served several years. He died April 26, 1899, at the age of fifty-five years, one month and seven days, and was buried in the Charles Evans cemetery.

Mr. Katzenmoyer was married, May 30, 1868, to Mary J. G. RHEIN, who is engaged in the paper hanging, . E. Koch, daughter of John and Catherine (Hoff) Koch. painting and decorating business at No. 721 Walnut street, Reading, was born July 5, 1850, in Bernville, Berks county. son of Daniel Rhein, the latter a butcher and farmer of Bernville, who also engaged at the shoemaker's trade.

They had sons as follows born to them: William H., connected with the Scott Works, at Reading; Irvin D. and George L., both working in the J. H. Sternbergh plant ; and Lyman H., all industrious young men and all living at home with their mother at No. 505 North Eighth street, Reading.

JOHN H. HENNINGER, who conducts a grocery and market at No. 122 Hamilton street, Reading, was born in 1862, in Bethel township, Berks county, son of Isaac and Malinda (Stoop) Henninger, the former of whom followed agricultural pursuits throughout his life in Bethel town- ship, where he died in the faith of the Lutheran Church. The parents of John H. Henninger had three children, Cyrenus W., John H. and Thomas M.

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John H. Henninger received his educational advantages in the schools of his native township, and his boyhood was spent much the same as other Pennsylvania farmer lads. He worked on his father's farm until fifteen years of age, when he hired out among the farmers in his vicinity, finally acquiring enough to rent a farm This he cultivated for fourteen years, and then engaged in butchering, at which business he continued until 1903, and in this year came to Reading, establishing his/; present business. He carries a full line of meats and fancy and staple groceries, and from the start his business has been steadily growing. He is an honest and upright business man, and deserves the patronage of his community.

Mr. Henninger married, in 1882, Susan Brown, of Brownsville, Pa., and to this union were born six child- ren, four of whom are deceased, two sons and two daugh- ters. Those surviving are Paul and Robert, the latter of whom married Annie Miller, of Fleetwood, Pa. In his religious belief Mr. Henninger is a Lutheran. In political matters he is a supporter of the principles of the Democratic party.

ISAAC MAURER, now living retired, was for a num- ber of years extensively engaged in contracting. Mr. Maurer was born in Lower Heidelberg township, Berks Co., Pa., May 31, 1835, son of Daniel and Hannah (Eisen- man) Maurer.

John Maurer, grandfather of Isaac, was one of the early residents of Lower Heidelberg township, and a representa- tive farmer of that section of the county. He and his wife were the parents of these children: Daniel, Isaac, John, Samuel, and three daughters. The family were members of the Reformed Church. In politics Mr. Maur- er was a Democrat.

Daniel Maurer was born in Spring township, and early in life engaged in farming, also carrying on freighting between Reading and Philadelphia, and in driving the old stage, this being the only means of transportation between these two points at that time. His last days were spent in farming, and his death occurred in Heidel- berg township. His children were: Isaac, Amanda (m. to Adam Becker), Hannah (m. to John Texler, deceased) ; and Maria (m. to Michael Kech).

Isaac Maurer was educated in the common schools of his native township, and he was reared to farm labor, after three years of which he apprenticed himself to the carpenter's trade and this he followed for several years. He next engaged in millwrighting, and he followed this trade for a time, being employed in the old Deisher plan- ing mill. Later he engaged in contracting and building to a considerable extent, and many evidences of his skill as a builder may be found in this vicinity, including his own handsome, modern residence, which is a model of perfection and will stand as a monument to his memory.

Mr. Maurer married Anna Texter, and to this union these children were born: Hannah, Abbe, Daniel (de- ceased), Valeria, Emma, Ella (deceased), Mamie, Gertrude, Alice, Annie (deceased) and Harry. In politics Mr. Maurer is independent, voting rather for the man than the party. Honorable in all of his dealings Mr. Maurer is considered an ideal citizen, and a worthy representative of the community in which he resides.

ISAAC MERTZ, who at the time of his death, Sept 18, 1902, was living retired in Fleetwood borough, Berks county, was for a number of years engaged in farming in Ruscombmanor township, where he was born Feb. 12, 1826. Mr. Mertz was educated in his native township, and was reared to agricultural pursuits on his father's farm, continuing at this occupation until his retirement, when he removed to Fleetwood borough. He was con- nected with the Reformed Church.

Isaac Mertz was married Dec. 6, 1853, to Florenda Yoder, daughter of Reuben Yoder, and granddaughter of Jacob Yoder, both farmers of Pike township, who also engaged in tanning. Mrs. Mertz was born in Pike town- ship, Oct. 20, 1827, but since her husband's decease has resided at Fleetwood. To Mr. and Mrs. Mertz were born

seven children: Reuben; Jonathan m. Ludema Leiben- sperger ; Eli m. Hettie Merkel; Maria m. William Schle- gel; Edwin and Annie died in infancy; and Clara m. (first) Peter Berg (who died in 1892) and (second) Alfred Bauscher.

The father of Isaac Mertz was Abraham Mertz, also of Ruscombmanor township, where he was. born in 1791, and reared to farming. He died in 1883. Abraham Mertz m. Eva Hoch, and to them were born seven child- ren, as follows: John m. (first) Anna Warener and (sec- ond) Sarah Taylor; Susan m. John Merkel; Daniel m. Polly Kohler; Amos m. Sallie Yoder; Isaac m. Florenda Yoder; Mary m. Jacob Van Buskirk; and Abraham m. Susannah Hoch, a daughter of Gen. William Hoch.

DANIEL S. RITTER, who for many years was en- gaged in various business enterprises in Reading, Pa., passed away at his home in that city, Feb. 7, 1897, after a long and eventful life. He was born in Exeter town- ship, Berks county, in 1817, son of the late David S. Ritter, Sr.

David S. Ritter, Sr., was born in Alsace township, Berks county, Feb. 9, 1776, and died June 15, '1853, hav- ing spent his entire life in agricultural pursuits. He married Miss Susannah Snyder, born July 28, 1790, who died Sept. 3, 1875, and they became the parents of these children : Benjamin S., born in 1811, died in April, 1890; Esther, born April 13, 1814, died Dec. 9, 1898; an infant, born June 6, 1816, died June 21, 1816; Daniel S .; Reuben, born Dec. 25, 1819, died in 1826; Louisa, born Feb. 5, 1823, died Oct. 3, 1904; Ferdinand S., born Feb. 18, 1826, died Jan. 30, 1898; William, born Sept. 13, 1828, died May 12, 1862; and Frank, born Aug. 24, 1833, lived at Stonersville, Exeter township, Berks county, and died Feb. 16, 1907.

Daniel S. Ritter received his education in the public schools, and when still a young man came to Reading, where he worked at his trade of wheelwright for some time. He then purchased the coal, flour and feed busi- ness of his brother Ferdinand S., in 1860, continuing that business for one year at Eighth and Cherry streets. Mr. Ritter then located on the old homestead in Exeter town- ship, but after six months returned to Reading, locating on Penn street, above Seventh, where he spent a period of fifteen years, during this time being employed at the Philadelphia & Reading shops in building freight and passenger cars. He was also employed on the North Eighth street steam forges then owned by Henry Seifert, being there a period of twenty years, and for a time. worked at the Scott foundry as boss repairer. He en- gaged in the manufacture of brick for a few years. Mr. Ritter's last employment was with the Philadelphia & Reading Company, and he resigned from their employ about six years before his death. In politics he was a lifelong Democrat, and in 1870-72 served his ward, the Ninth, as-a member of the council. He was a member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church. Mr. Ritter was connected fraternally with Germania Lodge No. 105, I. O. O. F. In his death Reading lost one of its good business men and representative citizens. He was broad and liberal- minded in his views, and his kindly, genial manner won him many friends.

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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 209

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