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 211

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 211

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767

BIOGRAPHICAL

a prosperous condition. He was a director of the Mu- tual Fire Insurance Company, and held an official position in the "Home for Friendless Children."

On Sept. 18, 1854, Mr. Hepler was married to Herme- linda Abbott, daughter of William Abbott, a native of England who came to Reading in 1842, and who was a forty-niner of the gold fields of California. Mr. Ab- bott was a taxidermist, and was employed by the Smith- sonian Institution to secure specimens. Mr. and Mrs. Hepler were the parents of these children, all of whom, together with the widowed mother, survive: Mary Meta, at home; George H., a mail carrier, who married Margaret S. Lease, of New Oxford, Pa .; and John A., who mar- ried Katharine E. Bean, of Spring City, Pa., and has two children, J. Merrill and Erme K.

In politics Mr. Hepler was a Republican, and represent- ed the Seventh ward, now the Fourteenth, in the common council from 1882 to 1888. He was a life-long member of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, taking an active part in the building of the old church at the corner of Frank- lin and Pearl streets in 1842, and acting as chairman of the building committee for the new church at Fifth and Elm streets in 1889. It was greatly through his efforts that the mortgage on the new church was cancelled, he having the honor and pleasure of burning the mortgage in the presence of the congregation. If Mr. Hepler ac- knowledged a fad it was the collecting of buttons, and he had, perhaps, the largest collection of this kind in the country, his specimens numbering about 78,000. Among these are buttons of every description, some of them in- teresting relics of the battlefields in various parts of the world. He also had a collection of 500 varieties of wood, gathered from all parts of the world, and in addition thereto collected many curios of various descriptions.

WILLIAM F. KERPER, a lifelong resident of Read- ing, now living retired, was born in that city May 24, 1842, son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Boyer) Kerper. He is a member of the fifth generation of his family in this country, and of the fourth generation settled in Berks county.

Abraham Kerper, the great-great-grandfather of Wil- liam F. Kerper, came from Germany to America in 1735, locating in Germantown, Pa., where he spent the balance of his life. His son, Valentine Kerper, removed from Germantown to Reading in 1750, while yet a young man, being one of the earliest settlers of the city, and at the time of his death was a large property holder there. He was an active member of the Reformed Church. Daniel Kerper, his son, and grandfather of William F., was one of the early hotel-keepers of Berks county, conducting a hostelry nearly all of his life. During his younger days he took an active part in politics, and served as sheriff of the county for two terms. He was united in marriage with Rosina Stultz; whose father conducted a blacksmith shop at Eighth and Chestnut streets, Phila- delphia, during the Revolutionary war, and to them were born the following children: Abraham, father of William F .; Margaret, m. to William Silvis; Catherine, m. to Joshua Keeley; Charles; Daniel; John; William, and Caroline.

Abraham Kerper was born in the borough of Reading Aug. 12, 1796, at the old Kerper homestead at the corner of 5th and Walnut streets, and at an early age became an apprentice to the tanner's trade, which he followed successfully the remainder of his life, becoming very pros- perous. He was considered wealthy at the time of his death, in 1872. In political matters he was a Democrat, and he served two terms as director of the poor. He was an adherent of the principles of the German Re- formed Church. Abraham Kerper married Elizabeth Boyer, who was born in 1804 and died in 1879, and twelve children were born to this union: Rosa, who died in infancy ; Daniel, deceased; Mary, m. to James H. Parker, now deceased; Henry, a retired tanner of Reading; Ro- sanna, who died in infancy; Elizabeth, who died in early childhood; Ellen B., m. to Sadosa S. Stevens, deceased, of Reading. and mother of William Kerper Stevens, a

prominent attorney-at-law of Reading; James R .; George B., of Cincinnati, Ohio; William F .; Kate, m. to Charles Ringle, both being deceased; and Abraham Charles, who died at the age of twenty-one years.

William F. Kerper was educated in the common schools of Reading, and when but a boy entered the employ of his father to learn the tanner's trade, which he followed' for the long period of forty-five years. In 1899 he was appointed police sergeant under Mayor Adam Leader's administration, and he subsequently accepted a position at the Reading Pipe Mill, where he continued until 1904, in which year he was appointed to the position of janitor at the county court house, his term expiring in 1906. Mr. Kerper is now living retired, his home being at No. 409 South Fourth street.

In 1880 Mr. Kerper married Jeanetta Foreman, daugh- ter of John Foreman, of Sinking Spring, and four chil- dren were born to this union: Charles R., who is a hatter ; John, 'deceased; Carrie M., and Walter W. Mr. Kerper is a stanch Republican. Both he and his wife attend the Reformed Church. For a period of forty-five years Mr. Kerper was a member of the Junior Fire Company, and he is now identified with the Reading Veteran Fire Asso- ciation.

JOHN E. BUBP. In the death of Mr. Bubp not alone his family but the whole community suffered a distinct loss, for he was an integral part of the city's life in sev- eral different fields, while his private benefactions had endeared him to numbers of his less fortunate fellow- townsmen. He was born in 1837 in Lower Amity town- ship, Berks county, son of Jacob Bubp.

Jacob Bubp was a well-known butcher, and farmer of Brumfieldsville, Lower Amity township. He married Miss Lydia Engle, and they became the parents of two sons; William H., a successful horsedealer, who died in Reading in 1903; and John E. The father and mother both died at their home in Lower Amity.

John E. Bubp spent his boyhood days upon the farm, but his natural bent towards business was early apparent, and he left home when a mere boy to clerk in a country store. As this did not furnish sufficient scope for his energies, he soon left and when only about seventeen years old came to Reading. Although a mere stripling, his business sagacity was early recognized and he soon really entered upon his career by forming the firm of Levan & Bubp, conducting a general merchandise busi- ness at No. 747 Penn street, where the business is now located. They were very successful but in 1867 the new firm of Levan, Bubp & Metzer was formed to do a whole- sale crockery business at No. 441 Penn street. After one year however, Mr. Bubp withdrew and formed a similar connection with W. R. Hinnershitz. This new firm, Hinnershitz & Bubp, conducted a thriving business at No. 747 Penn street, until 1891, when the senior partner retired leaving Mr. Bubp alone in its management. His foresight and sagacity never failed him, and at the time of his death, Feb. 23, 1899, he left a large estate, accu- mulated by his own efforts. The business has since been continued by his sons, and the firm is now known as John E. Bubp's Sons.

Probably no man in the community stood higher in the honesty and integrity of his dealings than Mr. Bubp and his sudden demise was universally regretted. Progressive in his methods he was the first to introduce delivery wag- ons in the grocery business into Reading. He was vice- president of the Retail Grocers' Association, and a mem- ber of the Board of Trade, as well as an honorary mem- ber of the Friendship Fire Company. During the Re- bellion he enlisted in Company C. 4th Pa. V. I., under Capt. D. G. Rhoads and served the term of his enlist- ment with distinction. In politics he was a Republican, but never held office. At the time of his death he was a trustee of the Second Reformed Church and was a member of the consistory for some thirty years. His loss was deeply felt in the church as it was also in the Y. M. C. A., in which he was a member and a generous contributor.

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HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

In 1868 John E. Bubp married Miss Clara Getz, who five-cent packages. From twenty to twenty-five tons was a member of one of the very early families in Berks county, and daughter of Aaron and Mary (Hushower) Getz. Aaron Getz was a blacksmith by trade, and lived in Muhlenberg township. For a number of years he lived retired, passing from this world at the age of sixty-seven years. His wife died aged seventy-three. There were five children besides Mrs. Bubp, namely: Sarah, Mrs. Kuterman; Amanda, Mrs. Alvin Boyer; Emma; Aaron, Jr .; and Harry, a United States Express agent at Allen- town, where he died Nov. 25, 1905. Mrs. Bubp sur- vives her husband and still lives in the family residence on North Ninth street. To her and Mr. Bubp were born four children, as follows : Harry G., who for a number of years was on the reportorial staff of the Reading Telegram, but who is now carrying on a drug business; Bert G. who is now carrying on his father's business; Charles E .; and Nora May, the wife of Howard C. Phillips, teller in the Schuylkill Valley Bank at Reading.

The last illness of John E. Bubp which ended in his death Feb. 23, 1899, was the result of a fall .. Eight days previously he fell while going into the cellar and struck with great force. While his injuries compelled him to keep in the house there were no indications of serious trouble till the morning of February 21st, when he was taken violently ill and finally passed to his reward. Thus at the age of sixty-two years passed from the scene of his earthly activities a man whose deeds reflected only credit on his memory, and whose life may well serve as an example to those following him.

WILLIAM H. LUDEN, prosperous manufacturing con- fectioner since 1879, with a national reputation in his branch of business, was born at Reading March 5, 1859, and received his education in the local schools. In 1879, before he was of age he began manufacturing candy in limited quantities and disposed of it successfully, which encouraged him to continue. This modest start in business life was made at No. 37 North Fifth street, where he was brought up and where his father had carried on the jewelry business. He continued there ten years, gradually increasing his production of various confections, and then moved into larger quarters which he had secured at the northeast corner of Sixth and Washington streets, and equipped with improvements to meet the demands of his trade. He occupied the entire building (four stories), employed nearly one hundred and fifty hands, and worked up a car-load of sugar weekly, and by this time his trade had come to reach out into the Eastern, Middle and Southern States. By the year 1900 his trade was developed to still greater proportions, so that he was again obliged to secure larger quarters, and he accordingly purchased a property on North Eighth street, beyond Walnut, with a siding extended from the Philadelphia & Reading rail- road, where he erected a substantial and commodious four-story brick structure (165 feet front and 110 feet deep) and supplied it with all the necessary improvements and appurtenances for his business and employes. The building was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies in June of that year, and the enterprising proprietor was given many earnest congratulations. And here, too, his business kept on increasing year after year until 1909, when he enlarged the building by erecting a four-story

of sugar are required daily in the manufacture of his. various confections; and the siding from the Phila- delphia & Reading railroad to his plant affords the neces- sary facilities for his enormous shipments, which shows its importance as a factor in the dispatch of his large and growing business.

Mr. Luden is recognized as one of the largest and most successful manufacturers of candy in the United States. During his career, from the beginning, he always treated his employes with great consideration and as a natural consequence they have come to be as much devoted to his prosperity as he is to their comfort and welfare. For a number of years past he has given them an annual "outing," at different places, along some railroad, paying all the expenses himself, which evidences his generous spirit. The high degree of mutual respect and confidence which has been developed between him and his employes is truly admirable and worthy of imitation by other large manufacturers.

Mr. Luden has been a devoted and generous member of the "Church of Our Father" (Universalist) from his early manhood, and his straight-forward spirit has con- tributed a great deal toward the welfare of the congrega- tion. He served as a trustee of the church for a number of years. In 1890, Mr. Luden assisted in organizing and establishing the Schuylkill Valley Bank of Reading and since then hasserved as one of its directors; and upon the decease of John Kissinger, the president, in 1906, he was selected to officiate in his stead, which important po- sition he has filled until the present time. In 1904 he established the "Reading Natatorium," on North Fifth street, which was immediately appreciated, and since then it has been patronized extensively. The basket-ball ex- hibitions there during the winter and spring seasons have been highly appreciated by large and enthusiastic audiences. Mr. Luden is prominently identified with the National Confectioners Association, the Wyomissing Club, the Berk- shire Club, and the Reading Board of Trade.

In 1889 Mr. Luden married Annie Ritter, a daughter of William Snyder Ritter and Julianna Shearer, his wife, and they have eight children (four sons and four daugh- ters) : Harry Ritter, Albert Musser, Dorothy, Marjorie, Frederick Shearer, Milford Dirk, Jeanette and Wilma. His wife and children have also taken great interest in the welfare of the Universalist Church. Mrs. Luden is a member of Berks Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, being a lineal descendant of John Christopher Shearer, who emigrated from Germany in 1769 and then settled at Reading, in Berks county, where he came to enlist in the Revolution, and subsequently filled the office of justice of the peace for nearly twenty years, dying in 1830, aged seventy-seven. She is also a lineal descendant of Francis Ritter, the progenitor of the Ritter family in Exeter township, who died in 1825 and left four sons-Daniel, John, Jacob and Samuel -- and four daugh- ters, Daniel having been her grandfather.

Jacob Luden, the father of Mr. Luden, was born at Am- sterdam, Holland, where he learned the trade of watch- maker' and jeweler and followed that business until about 1850, when he emigrated to Pennsylvania and settled at Reading. In 1855 he established a store on North Fifth street (now Nos. 35-37) and carried on business as a addition at the south end, 60 feet front and 110 feet deep, jeweler successfully until his decease in 1864, aged forty- two years. He was married to Sarah A. Musser, of Reamstown, Lancaster county, a descendant of one of the early families of that vicinity, and they had six children : Caroline (m. William L. C. Bailey) ; Edward Musser (m. Marsh) ; Jacob C. (m. Annie Benson) ; and one that died in infancy.

making his establishment altogether 225 feet front and 110 feet deep and one of the prominent industrial en- terprises of Reading. He now employs between four hundred and five hundred hands constantly and pro- duces all kinds of confections, in large quantities, Lizzie Etzel) ; William H .; Sallie A. (m. James B. which are shipped to all parts of the United States. During the last several years, his establishment has made a specialty of "Luden's Menthol Cough Drops," which have become very popular throughout the RICHARD G. BORKERT, of Reading, Pa., one of the country, the annual sales amounting to five million well known contracting Borkert Brothers, and a leading

MH Luden

769

BIOGRAPHICAL

business man, was born in that city, Sept. 1, 1840, son and growing business; Joseph A. is attending business of Daniel Borkert, a complete sketch of whom will be college. Mr. Kline was a member and trustee of the Otter- found elsewhere.

Richard G. Borkert attended the Franklin street school, of the Third ward, until he was eighteen years old, and then learned the hatter's trade, which he followed for about five years, after which he engaged with his father in the brick laying business. When his father died, Mr. Borkert engaged in the contracting business with his brothers, and under the firm name of Augustus Borkert & Bro., was in business with his brother, Augustus, until the latter's death in December, 1908. Mr. Borkert resides at No. 926 Penn street. He married (first) Sarah Bink, who died in 1898. They had two children, both de- ceased. Mr. Borkert's second marriage was to Elnora, widow of John Leininger, and one child has been born to this union: Richard, now attending high school. Mr. Borkert is a Democrat in politics, but has never taken an active part in party work. He is a Lutheran in relig- ions belief. Mr. Borkert served one hundred days in the Civil war, being a private of Company A. 48th Pa. V. I., and was assigned to guard duty. He was mustered into service at Reading, and received his honorable dis- charge in the same city.

William Young, the father of Mrs. Borkert, was born in Reading, and received a common school education. He learned the cigar making business, but did not follow that occupation for any length of time, engaging in the confectionery business at Seventh and Penn streets, where he became well known in that line, and also as a fruit dealer. Mr. Young had a large vineyard at what is now Twelfth and Walnut streets, and was very prosperous. He died at the age of seventy-four years. He married Sarah Bishop, who died at the age of sixty-three years, and both are buried in the Charles Evans cemetery. Their children were: Fredericka E .; Elnora, the wife of our subject; Wilhelmina, widow of Emil Bishoff; William, of Lock Haven; John; Theophilus; Annie C., wife of William M. Bond; Sarah, wife of Ed. H. Scheaffer, of Reading; Isaac B., (twin to Sarah), m. to Katie Lease, of Reading; and Ida Rebecca. of California.

JOSEPH G. KLINE, who died July 28, 1905, at his home, No. 230 North Ninth street, Reading, was for twenty years one of the city's prominent business men, and a veteran of the great Civil war. Mr. Kline was born May 8, 1844, at Baumstown, Berks county, son of David and Esther (Gressmer) Kline.

David Kline was for many years engaged in the coal business on Sixth street, Reading, and later engaged in the butcher business at Eighth and Walnut streets, con- tinuing in the latter business for twenty years. He died in Reading, the father of these children: Amason; Joseph G .; Jeremiah, of Oklahoma, Kans .; Isaac, of Reading ; Mrs. Charles Wann ; and Mrs. John Vogel.

Joseph G. Kline attended the public schools of his native city. Until seventeen years of age he worked with his father, but at the outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted, Aug. 23, 1861, in Company A, 88th Pa. V. I. He was promoted sergeant and given the rank of lieutenant June 14, 1865, serving faithfully for four years, and being dis- charged July 10, 1865. He served in a number of the fiercest engagements of the war, and was slightly wounded in the left ear. After his return to Reading Mr. Kline engaged with the Philadelphia & Reading Company, con- tinuing therewith for a period of twenty-one years, first as brakeman and later as fireman. In 1885 he engaged in the grocery business at Tenth and Elm streets, and continued therein very sucessfully until five months pre- vious to his death, when he retired. Mr. Kline was buried in the Charles Evans cemetery.

On Dec. 25, 1886, Mr. Kline was married to Catherine E. Koch, daughter of John and Catherine (Hoff) Koch. They have had children : David, born Sept. 22, 1868, died May, 1869; Ellen E. m. Frederick Knipe, who is en- gaged in the manufacture of saratoga chips, having a large

bein United Brethren Church. He belonged to the G. A. R., Brotherhood of the Union, Union Veteran Legion No. 43, Freedom Circle and Mt. Penn Council No. 495, Royal Arcanum. He was a well-known and highly res- pected man, and made many warm friends. His widow, who survives him, resides at the Ninth street home.

CHARLES LITSCHI, who is now living retired in Reading, is one of our substantial citizens. Born in a foreign land, he has proved himself loyal to the country in which he has earned his competence, by being an up- right, public-spirited and progressive citizen, interested in the development and the moral and material welfare of his adopted land. He is a native of Switzerland, born at Wollerau, on the banks of Lake Zurich, Nov. 29, 1850. He received his education in the schools of his native land, and after leaving school learned the business of print- ing on cloth. This he followed at different places before crossing the Atlantic to the New World. On Nov. 21, 1871, he went to Lorrach, and after a time to Koburg, where he worked from March 9, 1873, until July 8th of the same year. He then went home by way of Stuttgart, and after a two weeks visit with his friends and relatives sailed for America, Aug. 20, 1873, from Havre, France, then in the grip of a cholera epidemic. The eighteen-day voyage was by way of Southampton to New York, and was without incident of note, On September 16th they landed at Castle Garden, and two days later the Jay Cook bank failed and threw the whole country into a panic. Times were very hard, and Mr. Litschi, going at once to Philadelphia, found himself at the end of fourteen days still without work. Idleness was something of which he knew nothing, and not finding the kind of work he sought, he did the next best thing, he took the first work that presented itself. This was as an apprentice at the baker's trade, and for his services he received his board and fifteen dollars a month. At this trade he worked from Oct. 18, 1873, until Feb. 24, 1879, when he was married to Katharina Kobel, of Klein Zimern, Hessen Darmstadt. The next day he went to Boyertown, Berks county, and there purchased the bakery owned by a Mr. Reifsnyder. On March 24, 1879, he opened up for business, and he met with success from the start. He had thoroughly learned the art of baking, and as his wares were first class, and his business methods above reproach, he soon won a good patronage. and many friends. He continued at this business at Boyertown until Sept. 10, 1899, when he sold out, but he worked for his successor until April 1, 1900. When he had sold the bakery the previous Septem- ber, his family had moved to Reading, and they have since lived at No. 805 North Tenth street. Since coming here Mr. Litschi has been enjoying his well-earned rest.

Mr. and Mrs. Litschi have become the parents of the following children : Joseph, of Reading; Henry, Charles, and Frank, all deceased and buried at Pottstown; Lewis, a professional base ball player; and Andrew. All of the children were born at Boyertown. The family all be- long to St. Joseph's Catholic Church. In 1898 Mr. Lit- schi visited Europe, his trip, which included the principal cities of the Old World, covering more than 8,000 kilometers.

ALBERT LEINBACH, now living retired from active work in Reading, is a native of Cumru township, born June 27, 1835, son of Frederick and Maria (Guldin) Leinbach.

Frederick Leinbach, the father, was also a native of Berks county. While he learned thoroughly the black- smith's trade and followed it more or less all his life, he also engaged in farming near Leesport, giving the major part of his time to this work. Later in life his farming interest were all in Exeter township. He died at Reading at the age of fifty-seven years, and his wife, whose maiden name was Maria Guldin, lived to the age of sixty. Only five of their family still survive, namely :

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HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

Daniel, Albert, Mahlon, Jonathan G. and Mary, the latter being now the widow of James Levan, and a resident of Reading.

Albert Leinbach was reared upon his father's farm, and worked there until he was nineteen years of age. He then went to work in Brumbach's wool factory, at St. Lawrence, where he remained upwards of fifteen years. He continued at this work until his retirement, being spinning boss the last forty years. Like many of his family Mr. Leinbach is thoroughly versed in the wool business. Since June, 1904, he has not been actively en- gaged at anything. In politics he is a Republican. Dur-

ing the Civil war he served in the Pennsylvania militia, engaged in the restaurant business. In 1904 he returned and was in a terrible railroad wreck where so many of the soldiers lost their lives.

On Jan. 9, 1859, Mr. Leinbach married Miss Sarah Nagel, who was born Jan. 1, 1840, daughter of William and Henrietta (Ermold) Nagel, of Reading, and grand- daughter of Peter Nagel. The Nagels are prominently identified with the early civil and military history of Berks county. William Nagel died May 1, 1848. Four chil- dren, two sons and two daughters, have been born to this union : William H., a resident of Atlantic City, N. J .; Benjamin F., of North Fourth street, Reading; Sal- lie E., widow of John F. Morriston; and Hattie, who married Warren J. Thomas, and they reside with her parents. The family residence is at No. 415 N. Fifth street. Mr. Leinbach and his family are all members of the Reformed Church, and are active in its work. They rank among the substantial and highly esteemed citizens of Reading.

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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 211

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