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 94

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

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392

HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

was elected a member of the school board, and is now serving as secretary of that board.

WILLIAM MORRIS GRISCOM, ipresident of the Reading Hardware Company, one of the leading business enterprises of its kind in the country, of which he was the principal organizer in 1851, is now residing at Bryn Mawr, near Philadelphia, in comfortable retirement from active pursuits. He was born Oct. 14, 1823, at Oxford, Chester Co., Pa., son of Samuel and Ann ( Powell) Gris- com.

Andrew Griscom, the great-great-great-grandfather of William M., emigrated to the New World from England in 1680, and settled at Philadelphia, residing on Second street, opposite the home of William Penn. He built the first brick house at Philadelphia, served as one of the city's first grand jurors, and died in 1694. He married Sarah Dale, and by her had four children : Samuel, David, Tobias and Sarah.

Tobias Griscom, son of Andrew, was a farmer, and settled between Philadelphia, Pa., and Gloucester, N. J. He married Deborah Gabitas, and they had five chil- dren, namely : William, Tobias, Mary, Andrew and Sam- uel.

Of this family, Andrew Griscom, born in 1711, died in 1773, was the great-grandfather of William M. He married (first) Susanna Hancock, by whom he had three children : Sarah, Everett and William; and after her death married (second) Mary Bacon, by whom he also had three children : Mary, Andrew and Deborah.

William Griscom, the grandfather of William M., a farmer of Mannington, Salem Co., N. J., was born in 1747 and died in 1813. He married Rachel Denn, born in 1745, who died in 1808, and they had a family of seven children: John, William, Samuel ( died in infan- cy), Everett, Rachel, Samuel (2) and David.

SAMUEL GRISCOM, the father of William M., was con- nected for upward of twenty-three years with the Schuyl- kill canal management. He was born at Salem, N. J., in 1787, and was reared on a farm. Upon reaching man- hood he determined to become a builder, and in this be- half learned the trade of brickmason. Developing an aptitude for building operations, he located at Philadel- phia, where he was engaged in erecting dwelling-houses for ten years. While so engaged he came to know some of the directors of the Schuylkill Navigation Company, and they, appreciating his abilities and success as a build- er, employed him to fill the position of civil engineer and manager of the canal, to look after the construc- tion department. Immediately after his appointment to this position, in 1826, he fixed his residence at Reading, which was the central point of the canal between Potts- ville and Philadelphia. In the performance of his du- ties, he distinguished himself by the construction of dams, locks and viaducts. and the maintenance of the artificial channel; which is evidenced by his retention for twenty-three years.

While filling this important position he discovered a bed of cement rock along the eastern bank of the Schuyl- kill near the Shepp Dam, three miles above Reading, and, building the necessary oven, manufactured large quantities of superior cement, which was profitably used in construction work along the canal. He also devel- oped a large business for the company in the transporta- tion of lime for agricultural purposes, thereby becoming the first person in this section of the country to manu- facture and supply lime as a fertilizer. In 1844 it be- came necessary for him to locate at Pottsville in the management of the canal, and he continued in the em- ploy of the company until 1848, when he resigned to superintend hoating interests on the canal. This po- sition he held until his death, in 1849, when, in the re- port of the company, his efficiency was recognized.

Mr. Griscom married Ann Powell, daughter of Jere- miah Powell, a farmer of Salem county, N. J., and there were twelve children horn to this union: Rachel D., David P .. Sarah P .. Powell, Elizabeth, Samuel Everett. Edwin Atlee. Chalkley, William M., Horace, Anna and

Emeline. The mother died in 1860, aged seventy-two years, at Reading, to which place she had removed after Mr. Griscom's decease.

William M. Griscom was three years old when his par- ents removed to Reading, and there he pursued his pre- paratory education until he was twelve years old, when he entered the Clermont Academy, situated in the vi- cinity of Frankford, near Philadelphia; he remained in that institution for two years Being inclined to mechan- ics, his father secured an apprenticeship for him in the famous "Norris" Locomotive Works" at Philadelphia, where 125 apprentices were at that time learning the trade of machinist, but after he had been there less than two years the prevailing panic throughout the State caus- ed the works to suspend operations, and he was obliged to return home.

Mr. Griscom then entered the hardware store of Keim & Miller, at the southeast corner of Third and Penn streets, Reading, as a clerk, and by so doing started a career in the hardware business which has been contin- ned very successfully until the present time, covering altogether a period of seventy years. He served in this store for about three years, but wishing to fill a similar place with better prospects for advancement he went to Philadelphia, and there obtained employment in the large and prosperous hardware store of R. & W. C. Biddle. In three years he succeeded in developing such a large and profitable trade in the Schuylkill Valley and the territory beyond the Broad Mountains, through the assistance and influence of his father, that he was in- vited to become a member of the firm. Appreciating this honor, he secured an interest in the business and continued as a member of the firm for five years. An opportunity was then presented for him to engage in the manufacture of charcoal iron in Centre county, and withdrawing from the firm he directed all his efforts to the successful operation of the furnace for the next three years. The plant was called the Howard Iron Works. While operating this plant, Mr. Griscom became interested with his brothers-in-law. William and Matthan Harbster, whose sister Ellen he had married, in estab- lishing a foundry at Reading for the manufacture of all kinds of building hardware and he advancing the nec- essary capital they together put up a small plant and then started an enterprise which was the foundation of the Reading Hardware Works. This was in 1851. In a short time the prospects for a large and profitable bus- iness became so encouraging that he disposed of his in- terest in the iron works mentioned and devoted all of his time to the development of the hardware business. His extended acquaintance and large experience in the hardware trade, which he had acquired by his connection with the Biddle firm, gave him unusual advantages in building up the trade and influence of the new enter- prise, and thereby he was enabled to supply orders from different sections of the country, which kept the plant busy and required constant enlargements year after year. until in a quarter century the enterprise so modestly begun was one of the largest and most prosperous in- dustries in Pennsylvania.

In 1878 Mr. Griscom went to Europe in behalf of the works, and he there succeeded in gradually developing a very large trade. A special exhibit of their articles was made at the Paris Exposition of 1878, which proved high- ly creditable and beneficial, and for which they received a bronze medal. In the countries of Europe, as well as in the United States, they came to supply the building hardware for the finest and largest structures, thereby showing that their plant at Reading was recognized as the equal, if not the superior, of any similar plant. While abroad, Mr. Griscom returned annually to Reading to make necessary arrangements for filling his orders, and in so doing he traveled across the Atlantic ocean about fifty times. Finally, in 1904, on account of his age, he was obliged to discontinue his residence abroad, and re- turning to Pennsylvania he purchased a property at Bryn Mawr, near Philadelphia, which he improved according to his ideas of a home for himself and family, and he is

SAMUEL GRISCOM AND WIFE ANN GRISCOM

William Mo Tribcom

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now enjoying its well-deserved comforts. In the re- ing highly appropriate and laudatory resolution, Jan. 15,

organization of the hardware works, in the spring of 1891: 1907, he was elected president of the corporation.

On May 23, 1847, Mr. Griscom married Ellen Harb- ster, who was born at Hamburg, Pa., July 5, 1828, daugh- ter of Henry Harbster, of Hamburg, and died April 22, 1864. To this union there was born one daughter, Annie. On May 10, 1882, Mr. Griscom was married at Zurich, Switzerland, by U. S. (vice) Consul .John Syz, to Annie Lydia Miller, who was born at Hamburg, Pa., Aug. 9, 1859, daughter of Girard Miller, also of Ham- burg, and by her he had four sons and two daughters, as follows: Andrew, William M., Jr., Frederick G., Ed- gar DeWare, Ethel L. and Grace Millicent, all of whom were born in Germany, while Mr. Griscom was living at Berlin.

"Accept my heartfelt thanks for your kind resolution RACHEL DENN GRISCOM (sister of William M., and in regard to my past services as secretary. Those ser- daughter of Samuel Griscom) was the founder of the vices were made and well repaid by your unvarying con- sideration, indulgence, aid and cheerful, helpful gifts. We have journeyed together in harmony and prospered. May the future bring to you, to the Association and to my successor the same progress, prosperity and grateful consciousness of Divine aid and appreciation." "Widows' Home" at Reading, and one of the noblest characters in Berks county, having been known for her humane and charitable spirit in the community for sev- enty-five years-a period extending from the dawn of her womanhood until she went to her eternal rest at the age of ninety-two; and the board of managers, with which she had been intimately associated for twenty-five years, truly said of her at the end of her remarkable career : "Her life is a noble example of womanly power through the life of the highest feminine virtues."

Miss Griscom was born at Salem, N. J., Nov. 5, 1808. While she was an infant, not a year old, her parents re- moved to Philadelphia, and there she was brought up and educated under the superior influence of the Socie- ty of Friends until she became seventeen years of age. With a natural inclination to carry on the vocation of a teacher, she secured a school at Hancock Bridge, N. J., near her birthplace, for her initiatory experience, and JOHN G. NIETHAMMER has been engaged in business and during his honorable career has sustained the high reputation which the name Niethammer has long borne in this city. after teaching there for a season was employed to teach in Reading on his own account for the past twenty years, in the "Friends' School," at Philadelphia, in 1826, but she was there only a few months when her parents re- moved to Reading and she went with them.

There was a large settlement of Friends in Maiden- creek township, eight miles north of Reading, and learn- ing of Miss Griscom's success as a teacher, they em- ployed her to carry on their school. She continued teaching this school until the common school system was accepted by Reading in 1835, and then she started as a teacher in the public school there; and from that time for about twenty-five years. she was engaged at teaching either in the public schools, or in private female seminaries, or on her own account. Soon after begin- ning at Reading, in 1837, she reported a school attend- ance of 116 pupils, fifty-eight in the first class, twenty-six in the second and thirty-two in the third. Her salary was then only thirteen dollars a month. The last school which she taught was in the Exeter meeting house in, 1860.

Miss Griscom will be principally remembered, however, as one of the organizers of the "Home for Widows and Single Women of Reading," indeed as the very first person to suggest the propriety and necessity of estab- lishing a charitable institution of this kind at Reading. She and a number of other Christian ladies assembled repeatedly in the law offices of the author of this history, at No. 546 Court street, during the year 1875, and form- ulated the plans which culminated in the incorporated body in January, 1876. The petitioners signed the appli- cation for a charter in this office. As the secretary, she was most active and zealous, always hopeful and determined and her great perseverance was eventually rewarded by the recognition of the community and the establishment of the "Home." Her indomitable spirit in the noble cause kept her at the head of all the movements of the society until her physical strength became too weak to permit her to continue any longer active in its man- agement and so, in 1891, at the age of eighty-three years, after a continuous service of fifteen years as the secre- tary, she declined a re-election. Upon the announcement of her purpose, the board of managers passed the follow-

"No mere words of sorrow or resolutions of regret can convey an idea of the loss the Board of Managers sustained in the resignation of Miss Griscom as secre- tary. From her labors of philanthropy this charity had its origin; to her praiseworthy industry much of its sys- tematic arrangement is due; to her influence among the people, who accepted what she approved, much of its success is due. Her faith in the benevolence of her neighbors often enabled this Board to undertake work that at first sight seemed impossible. May her example of untiring industry and Christian philanthropy have a lasting influence on the members of this Board."

The retiring secretary addressed this reply to the Board, Feb. 12, 1891:

During Miss Griscom's declining years, the author of this history called to see her a number of times socially at her home, No. 227 South Fourth street, and to him her noble spirit was always inexpressibly beautiful and inspiring. She died at Reading Jan. 8, 1901, at the age of ninety-two years, two months, three days, and all who had come to know her and to appreciate her worth to the community mourned her departure. The managers of the Widows' Home felt their loss particularly, and on the 10th of January following passed an appropriate res- olution of regret.

Balthaser Niethammer, grandfather of John G., was a native of Germany, where he followed farming and en- gaged in the cattle business, and where he died. He and his wife, Anna Maria Seager, were the parents of two children : Elizabeth, who married and died in Germany ; and John George, father of John G., of Reading.

John George Niethammer was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, and there received his education. He came to America July 19, 1852, landing in New York City, at nine o'clock in the evening, and after spending two days there came to Reading. His first occupation was as super- intendent of a large sawmill near that city, from which mill came the timbers used to build the bridges along the Schuylkill and Tulpehocken rivers. Mr. Niethammer was next employed at the Berks County House for several years, and then moved to Muhlenberg Hall, No. 757 Penn street, and this he conducted successfully until his death, March 30, 1890, a period of thirty-three years. He was one of the first importers of Rhine wine to Reading, mak- ing a special trip to Europe for that purpose. He was connected with the Teutonic Lodge of Masons. Mr. Nie- thammer was married in Reading, in March, 1855, by the Rev. Mr. Keller, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, to A. Mary Gessler, also a native of Germany, born Sept. 17, 1833, who came to America March 18, 1853. After the death of her husband Mrs. Niethammer continued the busi- ness for eight years, and in 1898 removed to No. 122 North Eleventh street, where she died June 21, 1905. Both she - and her husband were buried at the Charles Evans ceme- tery. Of their children: Mary Catherine m. Samuel P. Brown, and died in 1883; Anna Margaret and Ella Eliza- beth, both single, live at the Eleventh street home; John G. is mentioned below; Annie M. died in infancy; Peter B. married Luca Miller, and resides in East Reading; and Jacob B., an inventor, and a very popular young man of the city, who took a prominent part in the work of the Y. M. C. A., died Jan. 19, 1894.

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HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

John G. Niethammer was born in Reading in 1862, and died at Philadelphia; and John, who died at Stonetown. received his education in his native city, first attending For his second wife Peter Weidner married Elizabeth the public schools and subsequently E. E. Post Commercial Good, who died in March, 1884, at the age of seventy-four College, where he was given thorough training in business years. Their children were: Jane, m. to William Sher- man; Susan, m. to Thomas Wolf; Mary, m. to Caleb B. Ruth; Margaret, m. to George Hart; Peter, who died young; and George D., mentioned below. methods. Then he went to Lancaster, Lancaster Co., Pa., where he was employed by a Mr. Casper Kohler, having charge of the office for about a year. Returning to Read- ing at the end of that time he assisted his father as clerk George D. Weidner, son of Peter and Elizabeth, was born at Stonersville, in Exeter township, Sept. 23, 1844. In his young manhood he learned telegraphy, and for many years he was station agent at Exeter, now Lorane. During the Civil war he evinced his patriotism by enlist- ing in Company K, 151st Pa. V. I., and was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. He participated in the battles of Antietam and Gettysburg, and was severely wounded at the latter. He was for some time in the hospital at Harrisburg, and after his release and partial recovery he came to Reading and learned the cigar maker's trade. This he was obliged to abandon on account of his health, and he then worked at the Signal tower near Exeter until 1865. The next year he timed the trains at Quinter's Bridge, and continued there until 1868. From 1868 until 1872 he was operator at Exeter station, and in the latter year he pur- chased the store and hotel property at Exeter, and these he successfully conducted until 1883. The next two years were spent in Wayne township. Schuylkill county, where he owned a valuable farm which he cultivated. , His wife and family then removed to Reading, and there the family home has since been maintained. Since locating in Read- ing Mr. Weidner has worked at different vocations, for several years being in the employ of the railroad. Mr. Weidner married Miss Susan Clark, who was born April 1, 1848, daughter of William and Susan ( Hiester) Clark. Eight children-six sons and two daughters-blessed this union : Miss Mary; Kate, m. to Frederick Weidenhammer, of Reading; Caleb; George, m. to Laura Weidner, daugh- ter of Henry Weidner. of Reading; Harry, of Reading ; William, m. to Ella Morris, and engaged as a barber in Reading; Winfield S., of Reading; and Walter, a well known showman who has traveled all over the United States. for a few years, remaining with him until he started in business for himself. When Mr. Niethammer was about twenty-three he opened the establishment known as Niet- hammer's Cafe, at No. 13 North Eighth street, and engaged in the hotel and restaurant business very successfully for nineteen years, becoming as well and as favorably known in his line as his father. He finally sold out to a Mr. Harner in order to devote himself to another enterprise, the manufacture of cigars. On March 21, 1904, he com- menced this business in the old Rainbow fire house, No. 23 North Eighth street, where he conducted a thriving estab- lishment in partnership with Charles E. Nagle and Hiester C. Nagle, the firm being known as the N. & N. Cigar Company, until Jan. 1, 1909, when he purchased his part- ners' interest and is now the sole owner of the business. Employment is given to twenty-five skilled workmen, and only high grade products are made, a few of the brands being the "Triple N.," which is in both five and ten-cent varieties, the "Jerry Murphy" and "Honor Bound," both five-cent brands, the "Major N.," a ten-cent product, the "N. B.," and the "J. G. N.," both fifteen-cent cigars, and the "Hoya-Uneva," a twenty-five cent cigar. The local trade is large and steady and there is also an extensive out-of-town business. Besides his manufacturing interests, Mr. Niethammer has a retail cigar store at No. 17 North Eighth street, and in connection therewith has six bowling alleys, three pool tables and a billiard table. He put up the building in which this establishment is located, a four- story structure, in April, 1904. Mr. Niethammer's energy and progressive spirit have won him a standing among the substantial business men of the city, and he enjoys the confidence and respect of his associates wherever he is known.

On April 16, 1885, Mr. Niethammer married Eleanora Loewen, and their home is at No. 45 South Eighth street. Mr. Niethammer devotes his time and attention to busi- ness chiefly, but he has served fifteen years as treasurer of the Rainbow Fire Company, in whose welfare he is much interested. Mr. Niethammer has been the owner of some very fine horses, and at one time owned the famous "Major N.," widely known and a great favorite through- out this circuit.

CALEB WEIDNER, city clerk of Reading and one of the prominent workers in the Democratic party, was born in Exeter township, Berks county, Nov. 11, 1869, son of George D. and Susan (Clark) Weidner, and member of an early settled family of the county.

Peter Weidner, great-grandfather of Caleb, was born in Oley township, Berks county, April 13, 1759, and he died at the Falls of the Schuylkill, where he had conducted a ferry for many years, March 30, 1822, at the age of sixty- two years, eleven months and twelve days. His wife, Susan Levering in her maidenhood, was born Nov. 28, 1757, and she died Oct. 17. 1845, in the eighty-seventh year of her age. Their children were: Henry, born Aug. 30, 1781, died Feb. 5. 1846; Charles, born Sept. 11, 1783: Elizabeth, born Aug. 6. 1785, died Aug. 14, 1785; Peter. born Sept. 4. 1786, died June 18, 1788; Peter (2), born Feb. 6, 1789; John, born June 22, 1791; Margaret, born Feb. 17, 1794; Elizabeth (2), born July 26. 1796, died April 25, 1822; Susan, born Jan. 26, 1799, died Dec. 18, 1800; Susan (2), born Oct. 25, 1801; and Catharine, born Oct. 28, 1803.

Peter Weidner, son of Peter. born at the Falls of the Schuylkill Feb. 6, 1780. learned the cooper's trade in his youth. and followed it all his life. In 1833 he came with his family from Roxboro to Stonetown, and he died at the latter place June 21. 1878, in the ninetieth year of his age. He was twice married. By his first wife he had three sons : Charles, who died at Birdsboro; Malcolm, who

Caleb Weidner, son of George D., attended school in the township and later in Schuylkill county. He early started out for himself, working upon the farm in Schuylkill county. On Dec. 2, 1884, he accompanied his mother to Reading, and this has since been his home. He has been the main support of his mother since before he was eleven years of age. His first employment in this city was with the Reading Hardware Company, with whom he remained for two years. He then learned the hatter's trade with John H. Hendel, and this he followed from 1886 to 1903. On May 1, 1903, he became registry clerk to Elmer H. Beard. in the city engineer's office at the city hall. After four years of efficient service with the city engineer he was elected by the council to the office of city clerk of Reading, on March 11. 1907, and in April fol- lowing assumed the duties of that office.

Mr. Weidner is one of the leading men at the city hall. and wields a powerful influence in local politics. He has always been a Democrat, and has been a worker for his party since he was nineteen. He has frequently been a delegate to county conventions, and in 1906 was a dele- gate to the State Convention. His first political office was election inspector of the 2d precinct of the Tenth ward. Since 1900 he has been a member of the City Democratic executive committee, and is vice president of same. The future looks most promising to him. He has kept himself itpright and honorable, keeping his promises and fulfilling his obligations, and he has won the respect of men in all parties.

Mr. Weidner was instrumental in the reorganization of the Wool Hatters' Union of Reading, which is a chartered institution. Of this he was president from 1892 to 1904. In 1843 he was ( Jected national vice president, and was presi- dent, for a number of years, of the International Hatters Union of North America, after having been twice sent as delegate to that convention by the local association which he placed on so high a standard. He is a mem-

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ber of many organizations, among them being: Lodge No. weather and as a shoemaker in the wintertime. In 1889 he 549, F. & A. M., Reading; Reading Chapter, No. 152; Allen married Mary Monroe, and to them have been born two children, Annie and Charles. Council, No. 23, R. & S. M., Allentown; De Molay Com- mandery, No. 9; Rajah Temple, Mystic Shrine; Reading Aerie No. 66, Fraternal Order of Eagles, of which he is treasurer; Freedom Circle No. 7, Brotherhood of Am-

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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 94

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