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 61

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 61

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Cigars .- A. S. Valentine began the manufacture of cigars in a modest way in 1852, and within thirty years he had become one of the largest manufac- turers in the county with trading relations extend- ing throughout the Middle and Western States. He died in 1899. His son, George, succeeded him ; and he has kept up the business in a very success- ful manner until the present time. He also operates a large plant at Philadelphia. In 1900, a grandson, Roy Valentine, became associated in the business with his father, retaining the old name of A. S. Valentine & Son ; hands employed, from 125 to 150.

Henry F. Fidler started in 1880 and continued until 1902, when he retired from the business, then transferring it to his sons, Harry I. and Edgar G., and his nephew, John I., who have been trading since under the name of H. F. Fidler & Co. They employ 75 hands and manufacture annually three million cigars.

In 1891 Henry D. Hackman began making cigars in limited quantities. In 1906 he employed from 40 to 50 hands and produced over 1,500,000 cigars, all hand-made, Havana filled; which were disposed of at retail in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey. His several brands are very popular.

Other manufacturers who have started business more recently are George Moyer, Christman Broth- ers, E. A. Schenk, Claude Taylor, and Charles M. Petree.

Cigar-boxes .- In 1890, M. S. Weidman started a cigar-box factory with 4 hands and produced 500 boxes weekly. In 1892, S. P. Moyer became a part- ner and he continued in the firm until 1905, when Mr. Weidman's brother took his place and they have since been trading as Weidman Brothers. In 1906 they employed 30 hands and produced weekly 10,- 000 boxes. In 1905, they established an additional factory at Sinking Spring, witlı 15 hands, and a weekly capacity of 5,000 boxes.

Hosiery .- In 1900 Darius H. Hiester and John D. Horst began the manufacture of hosiery. In 1906, they employed 25 hands and produced daily 115 dozen, which they shipped directly from the factory to all parts of the country upon orders received through their office in New York City. In 1907, Wilson Dundore and William Dundore became the owners and have since carried on the business under the name of Dundore & Dundore.

J. J. J. Moyer carried on this business for up- ward of twenty years until his death, in March, 1909, when he was succeeded by his son-in-law, Howard V. Fitler.

Creamery .- Frank N. Moyer, of New Berlin- ville, established a creamery in the eastern part of Womelsdorf about 1890, and it has been carried on since by different owners; since 1902 by Wilson Degler. Three hands are employed.

General Business .- In April, 1909, the following business places were carried on at Womelsdorf :

General stores 4

Blacksmith shops 3

Hardware store 1 Printing office 1

Flour and feed store. 1

Ice houses 2

Leather store 1

Hotels

Restaurant 1

Agricultural implement store 1

Printing office 1

Liquor stores 2

Barber shops 3

Wheelwright shops 2

BANK .- In 1903, a bank was established in the place with a capital of $50,000, under the name of Womelsdorf Union Bank (State). The presi- dent from the start has been John M. Schonour. A superior and attractive building was erected as the place for the transaction of its business, in- cluding a fire-proof and burglar-proof vault. In November, 1908, the resources were $405,985; the deposits, $316,598; the surplus, $35,159.

PUBLIC ENTERPRISES

Turnpike .- The first public enterprise here was the construction of the Berks and Dauphin turn- pike through the town in 1817; and this has been maintained until now.

Canal .- The next was the extension of the Un- ion canal along the Tulpehocken creek about a mile north of the town in 1828; and this was carried on successfully for forty years, when its traffic be- gan to decline on account of the Lebanon Valley railroad, which was constructed in 1857 through Heidelberg township a mile south of the town.

Trolley Line .- A trolley line of street railway was supplied in 1894, having been constructed along the turnpike from Reading. Upon its completion

271

BOROUGHS

the passenger traffic was almost wholly transferred meetings in a successful manner until 1867, when to it from the railroad on account of the inconven- they erected a more pretentious church and in this ience in reaching the railroad station. A car-barn they have carried on services until the present was established at the western end of the bor- time. ough.

A Young Men's Christian Association was or- ganized in May, 1907, and since then has held its meetings in the old Presbyterian Church building and been managed in a successful manner with an increasing membership. Henry D. Hackman has been its president and most active and influential member.

Water Supply .- A water company was organized and incorporated in 1895. The water was at first secured from the Manderbach spring, near the Orphans' Home, and pumped into a reservoir in the northern section of the town near the Union church. This supply was used several years, then CEMETERIES .- In 1858, an association was formed for establishing a Union cemetery, a tract of three acres of land having been purchased, adjoining the Union church, and laid off in burial lots. a larger reservoir was established in the "gorge" of the South Mountain, east of Newmanstown; whence the town has since been supplied by grav- ity with flowing water taken from springs and runs In 1883, a tract of three acres was purchased on the mountain. Peter D. Wanner was president by the Zion's Reformed church and laid off into of the company until 1900, and he was succeeded by Martin D. Filbert.

lots for burial purposes. Several costly monu- ments have been erected, including those to David This company began to supply the residents of Robesonia with water in 1904, and of Sheridan in 1908, mains having been extended to these plac- Laucks and Dr. James C. Livingood. The re- mains of Hon. George Ege (a prominent iron man- nfacturer and county official for many years) were es. On account of the elevation of the reservoir, buried in this cemetery, and his grave is marked the pressure is very strong.

Town-Hall .- In 1897 the borough erected a two- story brick town hall on the square, costing $6,- 500. It was established mostly to accommodate the Volunteer Fire Company with a convenient building for its fire apparatus.

Fire Company .- A fire company was incorpor- ated in 1897 and supplied with hose carriage, hook and ladder truck, and chemical engine. It has up- ward of fifty members. H. H. Hafer has since been the chief of the fire department. It is sup- ported by voluntary contribution.

Electric Plant .- The borough established a su- perior electric plant in 1907 at an expense of $30,000. It has been located on the old and his- toric Charming Forge property which is situated along the Tulpehocken creek, three miles north- east of the borough. It supplies the light for the streets, hotels, and many of the stores and dwellings. Its management by the town council is highly praiseworthy.

CHURCHES .- In 1792, members of the Lutheran and Reformed denominations united in erecting a stone church in the town. It was improved in 1805 by means of a lottery authorized by an Act of the Legislature; and it was rebuilt in 1867. It is still maintained as a union church, with a large regular attendance.

In 1834, members of the Presbyterian denomin- ation established a church in the town, and the congregation was maintained for twenty years.

About the same time, certain Universalists erect- ed a small church and encouraged services for a number of years, but the society was disbanded and the building was sold to the school board for educational purposes.

by a marble shaft.

SCHOOLS .- Education was encouraged from the beginning of the town. The first teacher was Bar- on Stiegel, the earliest manufacturer of iron in the western section of the county, he having di- rected his attention to teaching after his failure in business. Walker Stephen was the most promi- nent teacher and the longest in continuous service, having taught the children of the town for over sixty years, from 1800. Higher education was encour- aged as early as 1828 by establishing an academy in the town. The institution became incorporated in 1834, and it was conducted successfully for thir- ty years.

In 1880, the borough erected a superior two-story brick high school on the site of the academy, at a cost of $4,500. In 1906 there were six graded schools in the place, with over two hundred schol- ars.

BAND OF MUSIC .- In 1906, Calvin Reinhold or- ganized a band of music which was called the Min- nehaha Cornet Band and he has since been the leader, with upward of twenty members whom he has instructed.

WASHINGTON'S VISIT .- In 1794, President Wash- ington, while on his way to Carlisle, in reference to the Whiskey Insurrection, stayed over night at Womelsdorf, and the extraordinary occasion was celebrated in a proper manner by the inhabitants. In the proceedings, Capt. Samuel Dewees took a prominent part on account of his personal acquain- tance with the President, which he had made dur- ing his services in the Revolution. In a published biography of Captain Dewees (1844) this event and his connection with it are mentioned quite extensively.

BERNVILLE

Some years before, adherents of the Evangelical denomination had effected an organization and Bernville was laid out as a town in 1819 by erected a meeting-house. They conducted their Thomas Umbenhauer, on land which he owned.

272

HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

It was situated in Bern township on a public road from Reading, by way of the Bern Church, to the Blue Mountains. The projection of the Union can- al near by, along the Tulpehocken creek, led to the selection of this locality as a convenient place for a town. It was named in 1820 after one of the principal towns of Switzerland, the native place of the founder's father.

In 1828, the canal was opened for traffic, and it was operated successfully for thirty years until the establishment of the Lebanon Valley railroad, and then its business began to decline rapidly. During this time, Bernville was a great shipping point and business of all kinds was in a flourishing condi- tion; but the final abandonment of the canal caused a great change to take place, ending in deprecia- tion of property and values, and the discontinu- ance of various successful enterprises.

The nearest railroad station is Robesonia, on the Lebanon Valley railroad, seven miles to the south.

A branch of the South Mountain railroad - was projected from Strausstown to Reading by way of Bernville, and it was partly constructed along the North-kill through the western section of the borough, but it was not finished. Many per- sons of this vicinity responded liberally in sub- scriptions and credits, which became a total loss to them. The projected roadway is still visible.

PURCHASERS OF FIRST LOTS .- The following per- sons purchased lots of the town which were sold on March 7, 1820:

Philip Filbert Nicholas Haas

John Umbenhaner Samuel Filbert

Matthias Stoudt

John Heck, Jr.

Henry Waters

John Miesse

Peter Filbert Jacob Wagner

Philip A. Good

John Wagner

Samuel Umbenbauer

Daniel Strause

Catharine Stoudt

John Aulenbach, Jr.

Joseph Seybert

John Heck, Sr.

OCCUPANTS OF FIRST DWELLING-HOUSES .- The first houses were occupied by :

Henry Witman tinsmith

William Runkle merchant

Abraham Reber merchant

Andrew Greth blacksmith

John Haag

wheelwright

Jacob Allenbach

hatter

Rev. Bover minister

Peter Bennethum . tanner

Michael Parst

. paper-box maker

Benj. L. Kerschner

. coach-maker

Jacob Wagner butcher

hatter

Catharine Stondt cake-baker

Lewis Porr tailor

John Umbenhauer

weaver

William Umbenhauer

. tavern-keeper

Daniel Klopp tavern-keeper

John Daniel

tinsmith

INCORPORATION .- The town was advanced in- to a borough in 1851. The taxables at that time were as follows :

Abraham Andrews

Tohn Boyer

Henry Byerle

Daniel Bentz

Dr. A. A. McDonough

Enoch Burkhart

Adam Bohn Est. Maria Brossman

Rebecca Brossman Enoch Bricker Est. John Burkhart

Joseph B. Conrad

Elizabeth Conrad Daniel Deppen

William Runkle

Samuel K. Dundore

George Rick

Valentine Epler Est.

Jacob Strouse

Edward B. Filbert

Daniel R. Faust

Solomon Faust

William Sheidy

William Greim

Rev. John C. Smith

John Heck

Adam Snyder

William Huber

Daniel Umbenhower

Jonas Hetrich

Thomas Umbenhower Est.

John Haag

John Umbenhower

Samuel Hicks

Henry Witman

Joseph Hertzler

John Wenrich

Henry Kleim

John Yeager

William Kalbach

Rev. Jacob Zehring

Lenhart Zerbe

Tenants

Jacob Adam

Jacob Riegel

John Daniel

John Rick

Lewis Fair

Jacob Rieser

John Greiner

Tohn Resh

Andrew Heilman

Benjamin Himmelberger

Benjamin Speicher

Washington Hein

Zadock Weber

Albert Hein

Joseph Wolfinger

John Heffelfinger

John Witman

John Kintzel

John Walter

William Noll

Joshua Yeager

Single Men

Adam Bohn

Jonathan Snyder

Alfred Kershner

Matthias Trompater

Jonathan Spengler

Jacob Werner

In 1906, the taxables numbered 134; and then the taxable property was assessed at $123,690.

OFFICIALS .- The following lists comprise the names of the chief burgesses, town clerks and justices of the peace from 1851 to 1909:

CHIEF BURGESSES

E. B. Filbert 1851

A. R. Koenig.

1852

William Runkle

1853

Henry Witman

1854

Abraham Andrews

1855

Joseph B. Conrad.

1856; 1872; 1887-88

H. Harner

1857

Adam Stoudt

1858

Paul Wenrich

1859

Levi M. Gerhard.

1860-61

D. D. Deppen. .

.1862; 1868; 1889-90

John F. Burkhart

.1863; 1886

A. M. Bright.

1864

David R. Koenig.

1865

Adam M. Dundore.

Jefferson Haag 1866; 1871

Abraham Witman 1867

1869

F. M. Harbaugh 1870

Ephraim Witman 1873

Jacob S. Werner

1874

Samuel W. Miller

John Miller Jonathan Miller

Rev. George Minnig Samuel Madden Catharine Mohn Ludwig Porr John Runkle

Elijah Richardson Joseph Renno Runkle & Son

Catharine Stoudt Benjamin Seyfert

Benjamin Kershner

Abraham Koenig

John Rudy

Henry Stetler

John Harbach

Jacob Werner

Joseph Burkhart .chair-maker

Joseph Kauffman

Samuel Seybert .

273

BOROUGHS

Charles F. Rentchler

1875

John A. Hiester.

.1876

Lewis P. Kerschner

1877; 1899

Levi Ludwig

1878-80; 1900-03

Levi Berger

1881

John S. Wenrich. 1882-85

Edwin Umbenhauer

1891-93

Jonathan B. Miller 1894-96

Levi S. Bright.

1897-98

Levi D. Kalbach

1903-06

Ephraim Miller 1906-09

Charles M. Richardson

1909-12

TOWN CLERKS

A. R. Koenig. 1851

John S. Rick. .1852-54

Harrison Harner. 1855-56; 1858-63

Wm. H. Kintzle. .1857

C. W. Hetrich. 1864; 1866; 1868-70; 1874-76; 1881-96

Peter Sands 1865

L. W. Rentchler

.1867

John H. Riegel

1871-73

H. S. Machemer

1877-80

Charles M. Harbach.

.1897

Charles P. Kalbach.

1898-1900

H. C. Kerschner

.1900-03

Geo. C. Kline. 1903-08

P. F. Burkhart.

1908-10

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE

John H. Riegel.

1869-74

Simon Riegel

1872-77

Charles W. Hetrich. 1874-99

Henry S. Machemer.

1877-82

Benjamin Klahr.

.1882-97; 1898-1913

James F. Talley. 1897-98

Samuel T. Bordner.

1899-1908

S. P. Wilhelm.

1908

BOROUGH OFFICIALS-1909

Chief Burgess, Charles M. Richardson

Town Council,

George Moll, President

S. P. Wilhelm, Treasurer

John Snyder

John Haag

Frank Stamm

Willis Bright

Paul F. Burkhart, Secretary

School Board, William Heffelfinger

Dr. C. E. Schloppig

Thomas Kalbach

James Burns

Joeah Sheidy Howard Dietrich

Justices of the Peace, Benjamin Klahr S. P. Wilhelm

Constable, John Christ

Auditors, Willis Bright

Alfred Rentschler

J. Paul Burkhart

Assessor, James Groff

Collector, Levi Ludwig

ty years, but it finally passed away in 1900. Sev- eral foundries were operated for a number of years. The last was removed in 1906, having been taken to Topton.

Creamery Business .- Charles M. Richardson (the burgess of Bernville) has been very success- fully engaged in conducting creameries in differ- ent parts of Berks county for a number of years, having directed their affairs from Bernville as a central office under two firms with which he is connected, Ahrens & Richardson and Richardson Brothers, the former controlling eight creameries and the latter six.' Those in the county are situated at Bernville, Strausstown, Mount Pleasant, Wer- nersville, Berne, Mertztown, Longswamp, Maxa- tawny, Topton, Schofer, Kutztown, Bowers, Ly- ons and Dryville. He is also connected with the Harford Dairy Company, at Harford, Pa., which controls eight creameries.

A creamery was erected by Jonathan B. Miller at Bernville in 1889 and operated by different par- ties. It has been carried on successfully since 1891 by Ahrens & Richardson.

Electric Light Plant .- An electric light plant was established by Harrison Kalbach of Lebanon in 1904 for supplying the borough with an improved light. It is managed by Dr. Charles P. Kalbach. The lights supplied number 300.

Bakeries .- Two bakeries have been established, one by J. B. Miller in 1894, carried on by Harry Sheetz; and the other in 1896 by J. D. Reeser, who after operating it ten years was succeeded by his brother Charles C. Reeser, who has carried it on since 1906 with increasing success.

Recently two additional industries were started: a shirt factory by Hoffman Brothers, and a hosiery mill by High & Son.

Stores .- Several stores in the place have been continued in a successful manner until now, not- withstanding adverse circumstances. The Miller store was started in 1847 by Samuel W. Miller. His son Jonathan B. succeeded him in 1878, after being a partner for fourteen years. It was then much enlarged and improved by the son and came to be recognized as one of the largest and best stocked country stores in Pennsylvania. James F. Talley became the purchaser in 1903 and he has carried it on since.

Albert F. Schock began the store business here in 1872. He established a larger stand on the opposite corner in 1884, with a costly stock, and continued until a few years before his death, in 1908.

INDUSTRIES .- Previous to 1819, this locality was entirely a farming community. Industrial estab- John F. Burkhart began the stove and tinsmith business in 1848, and he and his sons have kept it up successfully until now. Their trade extends throughout the surrounding townships. lishments could not be encouraged because there were no facilities for shipping manufactured ar- ticles. The prospects of a canal stimulated en- terprise, and then different industries were start- There are three practicing physicians in the bor- ough ; three hotels; a drug store; and a saddlery. ed, which were operated successfully for about forty years. Some were continued longer, but PHYSICIANS .- A number of medical practition- they too had to succumb. Tanning was intro- ers lived at Bernville who were very successful duced in 1820, and was actively carried on for six- and won the respect and confidence of the sur- 18 1.47

274

HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

rounding community for many miles: Dr. George liam H. Keim. The grand review of all the com- Beyerle, Dr. Enoch Bricker, Dr. Daniel Deppen, panies in dress parade was witnessed by Gov. David Dr. A. A. McDonough, Dr. Philip R. Palm, Dr. R. Porter. Many persons were in attendance. The encampment was a great success. George W. Ditzler, Dr. Wellington G. Beyerle, Dr. Darius D. Deppen, and Dr. John A. Brobst.

NATIONAL BANK .- A national bank was organ- ized at Bernville in October, 1907, with a capital of $25,000, with James F. Talley as president and Augustus M. Brown as cashier. In Novem- ber, 1908, the total resources were $122,462; in- dividual deposits, $57,590; time deposits, $20,607; loans and discounts, $77,585.

STAGE LINES .- Two daily stage lines maintain bands. business intercourse with other places : From Read- ing by way of Bernville to Millersburg; and from Robesonia to Bernville (twice daily).

Two rural free deliveries have been established from Bernville.

CHURCHES .- The first church was established here by the Lutherans in 1745, and worship was continued by them alone until 1834, when the Reformed members were permitted to unite with them. The union character of the church was maintained until 1897, when they separated. The Lutherans erected a superior church at a cost of $16,000; and the Reformed, with the co-operation of the New School Lutherans, also erected a sim- ilar church, in the same vicinity, on the opposite side of the public highway, at a cost of $18,000.

The Evangelical Association also established a church here in 1852 and the limited membership was active for a number of years.

SCHOOLS .- Education received early encourage- ment. In 1878, a large two-story brick building was erected to take the place of two small build- ings, and this is still used. Three schools are graded, with over seventy scholars.

SECRET SOCIETIES .- The first secret society es- tablished at Bernville was a lodge of Odd Fel- lows, No. 122, instituted Sept. 6, 1845, and the members have maintained the organization un- til the present time, the membership being 65. This was one of the first lodges of the order established in Berks county. They dedicated a hall in 1851. The assets of this body are $4,000.

Another society here which has been quite suc- cessful and whose members have exerted consid- erable social and political influence in the communi- ty is Camp No. 113, Patriotic Order Sons of Amer- ica, which was instituted in 1869, with 12 charter members. On Dec. 31, 1908, the members num- bered 208, and the total assets of the camp were reported as $10,270.

CORNET BAND IN CIVIL WAR .- The Bernville Cornet Band, with Henry Grime as leader and thir- teen musicians, was enlisted in the Civil war for nearly a year. It was mustered into the service Sept. 26, 1861, with the 26th Regiment, Pennsyl- vania Volunteers, as the regimental band, and con- tinued with the regiment until it was mustered out Aug. 8, 1862, by reason of an Act of Congress which was passed to dispense with regimental

BIRDSBORO

Birdsboro is a flourishing borough in the county through the influence, encouragement and great success of the Brooke iron works. William Bird established at this place one of the first iron in- dustries in the State. This was in 1740. It was a forge. He erected additional forges here; also a grist-mill and saw-mill. He took up several thou- sand acres of land in the vicinity south of the Schuylkill, stretching along Hay creek. Upon his decease, in 1762, he was succeeded by his son, Mark. Within twenty years, the son became one of the largest producers of iron in the country at that time. He' was particularly prominent in the Revolution.

The development of the Bird industries caused the formation of a considerable settlement on both sides of the creek near its outlet into the river, and it naturally took the name of Birdsboro. At the time of the erection of the county in 1752, besides the township names for local districts, there were only two named towns, Reading and Birds- boro. After 1762, this town became more prom- inently known through the industrial energy of Mark Bird, and it has continued to be the most prominent center in the county next to Reading in respect to population and wealth from that time until now.

The Brooke family came to be identified with the place before 1800, and its greatest development is owing to the enterprise of Edward Brooke and George Brooke (sons of Matthew Brooke), be- tween 1837 and 1878, when the former died. Since 1878, George Brooke has been at the head of the works and, as a matter of course, of the entire community.

INCORPORATION .- The town was incorporated as a borough in November, 1872, the limits includ- ing territory one mile square, with the northerly line along the Schuylkill river. It embraces sec- tions which are known locally as Lincoln-town, Brooklyn, Texas, and Mexico. The streets were regularly surveyed and graded in 1883. A wat- er department was then established, the water be- ing supplied by the Brooke Iron Company from a large reservoir containing 37.000,000 gallons. constructed on Indian run two miles south of

MILITARY ENCAMPMENT .- A large military en- campment was held at Bernville on Aug. 27, 1841, comprising seventeen companies of militia, almost entirely from Berks county. Several companies were from Lebanon and Schuylkill counties. At that time, Berks county had altogether twenty- three companies, indicating that the majority of the local companies were present upon that occasion. The principal officer in command was Gen. Wil- Birdsboro. In 1900 the Birdsboro Water Com-

BOROUGHS

275

pany was incorporated by the Brookes, which pur- Andrew Bivens chased the plant for the purpose of supplying the growing town with water. In 1906 the company enlarged the main pipe to sixteen inches. The small mains were also enlarged, thereby increas- ing the daily supply and improving the service to meet the demands of the community.

In 1885 the streets were first lighted by naph- tha gas lamps; and in 1896 by electric lights, the plant being run by water power from the canal. A fire company was organized in 1883. A build- ing for the apparatus was supplied by the bor- ough in 1884, and enlarged in 1905. The upper story is occupied as a town hall. Two wards (East and West) were erected in 1889.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

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 61

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