History of Lehigh county, Pennsylvania and a genealogical and biographical record of its families, Vol. I, Part 101

Author: Roberts, Charles Rhoads; Stoudt, John Baer, 1878- joint comp; Krick, Thomas H., 1868- joint comp; Dietrich, William Joseph, 1875- joint comp; Lehigh County Historical Society
Publication date: 1914
Publisher: Allentown, Pa. : Lehigh Valley Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1158

USA > Pennsylvania > Lehigh County > History of Lehigh county, Pennsylvania and a genealogical and biographical record of its families, Vol. I > Part 101

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JOHN RITTER, J. G. ENAX, and others.

Catholic inhabitants of Allentown were among the first settlers in 1763 and 1764. There were only sixty-eight men and sixty-two women of German, and seventeen men and twelve women, Irish Catholics in the whole county of Northampton in 1757. This was so reported by the priest, Theodore Schneider, in conse- quence of a requisition made in order to ascer- tain their numbers in Berks and Northampton counties. This was rendered necessary in order to ascertain the correctness of very serious charges brought against them by many misrepresentations

from the inhabitants of Reading, who stated the danger they were in from their machinations in their vicinity, charging them of meeting with French officers and a large number of Indians, in order to concoct measures to murder all the white people and that they had three hundred stand of arms concealed at their church in one of the lower townships of Berks county. The defeat of General Braddock left the country open to the depredations of the Indians in 1754, and the Indian murders in 1755-56-57 by the French Indians, the French being Catholics, those Cath- olics in these counties became suspected, and were persecuted by all other people.

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH .- The Catholics of Allentown and vicinity were limited prior to the nineteenth century. However, in 1837 and the succeeding years, the German Cath- olics in this region were administered to by the Jesuit Fathers, who came from the Church of the Blessed Sacrament, Churchville (now Bally), Berks county. Their visits continued until 1852, when Father Gustensuake came from Easton to say mass in the First Ward, every four weeks.

His successor was Rev. Tanzer, also from Easton, who came mostly once a month to say mass in the home of Mr. John Koehler, situated on Ridge avenue and Liberty street, the ground now occupied by the sisters' residence and parish school.

In 1856 the history of the Church of the Im- mnaculate Conception begins, for in that year ground was bought on Ridge avenue and Allen street, for which $300 was paid. It was 80 feet wide and had a depth of the present Irish church- yard. The first resident pastor, Father Tuboly, came here June 22, 1857, and on August 8, of -the same year, the first shovel of clay was re- moved in the excavation for the building of the little brick church. The contract was awarded to a builder, whose name was Quier, at the price of $1,800. The cornerstone was laid September, 1857, and it was dedicated October 25th of that year by Bishop Neumann, of Philadelphia.

The records of Father Tuboly show that the collection at mass on the morning of the dedica- tion was $11.20, and at the afternoon service, $6.09.

There were 36 families belonging to the con- gregation, all of whom were Germans and very few now among us.

Some of the names given in a small manual are: John Bohrer, Theodore Bruckman, Xavier Deutsch, John Koehler, Peter Koehler, John Gehringer, John Kerner, John Kaier, Andrew Latzer, Herman Laube, John Martin, John Medernach, Jacob Miller, Henry Miller, Chris-

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HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

tian Schmidt, Peter Quast, Nicholas Scharle, An- ton Vogel, Louis Wehr, Theodore Wieamar, Melchisedech Yeager, John Wolf, Charles Wickel.

Immediately after the dedication a mission was given by the Redemptorist Fathers, Jacob and

Rev. Michael McEnroe assumed charge of the congregation May, 1862, and remained to 1866, and had as curate, Rev. Father Kaier, from April 9, 1862, to March, 1863, and from April, 1863, to April 8, 1866, the Rev. Joseph Kaelin. Father McEnroe remained here until the Beth-

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH

Klaholz, the former for the English speaking and the latter for those of German birth. Father Tuboly was removed March 27, 1858, and was succeeded by Father Schrader. From 1859 both German and Irish Catholics attended the serv- ices. In 1859 Father Schrader was transferred to Reading, and Rev. Rudolph Kuenzer suc- ceeded him, who remained until 1862.

lehem parish to which he was assigned, was es- tablished. The pastorate was then given in charge of Father Kaelin, and it was during his time that the additional property, which includes the land east of Ridge avenue and between Lib- erty and Allen streets, was purchased.

A disagreement occurred on St. Patrick's Day, 1866, between the Irish and German members.

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CHURCHES.

The parish offered to take Father Kaelin as pas- tor for the Germans, but he declined to accept, afterwards locating in Harrisburg as rector of a church in that diocese, where he passed to his final reward about eight years ago. While here his residence was 613 Front street.

From this period, April 8, 1866, the two con- gregations began their separate functions, Rev. Father Hugh Garvey as pastor of the Immacu- late Conception, and Rev. Father Hilterman, of the new congregation of the Sacred Heart on North Fourth street.

It was during Father Garvey's administration of the parish that the church property passed through a sheriff's sale, from the German to the Irish members. The sale was conducted at the Keystone Hotel and the property was purchased by John Devenney in the name of the pastor. Father Garvey at once proceeded to erect a tem- porary frame structure which served the congre- gation until the erection of the present church. Father Garvey remained with the congregation from May, 1869, to November, 1869, and was succeeded by Rev. John Gallagher, who remained until July 19, 1870.

Rev. Edward F. Prendergast took charge on or about July 31, 1870, and was pastor of the church until Feb. 8, 1874. During the pastorate of Father Prendergast plans and specifications were completed for the erection of the present splendid edifice. The foundations were com- pleted when the panic of that time compelled a cessation of all work, and so remained for several years. Father. Prendergast was removed to St. Malachi's in Philadelphia and while there was made auxiliary bishop to Archbishop Ryan and was raised to the archbishopric upon the death of that great prelate.

After the removal of our present archbishop to Philadephia, Rev. James J. Fitzmaurice was made rector about the middle of February, 1874, and served in that capacity until 1876, when he was succeeded by Rev, James P. Byrne, who continued as rector until April 22, 1877.

Rev. P. F. Donegan assumed the rectorship after that date and remained with this congre- - gation until Feb. 15, 1905. During his pastor- ate the magnificent church was erected and com- pleted, the contractor, Hon. P. F. Boyle, a mem- ber of the parish, doing the work. The parochial residence was also erected while Father Donegan was in charge.

On Feb. 15, 1905, the present beloved rector, Rev. John J. Walsh, was placed in charge of the congregation, and with characteristic energy be- gan at once to make great improvements in the church property.

Seeing the necessity for a parish school and a

home for the sisters, Rev. Father Walsh bought the property on the west side of Ridge avenue. Splendid buildings were thereon erected and given in charge of the Sisters of St. Joseph, and are monuments of his zealous efforts toward the propagation of this holy religion. The church property in general was placed in a substantial and improved condition under his wise directions.

SACRED HEART OF JESUS CHURCH .- This congregation has a very interesting history. Few Catholics were settled in Lehigh county as early as 1769. It was probably not until the beginning of the nineteenth century that these people were attended by priests regularly, and we have no positive information of such visitations prior to 1837. In that and the succeeding years, the Ger- man Catholics in this region were administered to by the Jesuit Fathers, who came from the Church of the Blessed Sacrament in Churchville, now Bally, Berks county. Their visits continued until 1852. Then came Rev. Father Gustensuake from Easton, who said mass in the First ward every four weeks. Until the year 1856, Allen- town was attended by Rev. Father Tanzer, from Easton, who came from time to time, mostly once a month, to say mass in a little frame house belonging to Mr. John Koehler, situated on Ridge avenue and Liberty street. His successor was, Rev. Geiger.

In the same year ground was bought on Ridge avenue and Allen streets, for which $300 was paid. It was 80 feet wide and had a depth of the present Irish churchyard. In 1857 a small brick church was built there, for which $1,800 was paid. The congregation consisted then of about 36 German families. The first resident pastor was Rev. J. Tuboly, who came Aug. I, 1857. The church was dedicated under the title of the Immaculate Conception by the Ven. Bishop Neumann, of Philadelphia, Oct. 25, 1857. The collection on that day amounted to $17.29. Rev. J. Tuboly was removed in March, 1858, and Rev. Carl Joseph Schrader was his successor. Under his ministry a parish school was opened . in the frame house of Peter Koehler, with thirty children. The first teacher and organist was Jonas Adam, of Goshenhoppen, the second, F. H. Gressing. These two remained but a short time; but the third, Mr. Lehmer, remained sev- eral years; the children paid 50 cents tuition per month. Rev. Carl Joseph Schrader was removed in May, 1860, and Rev. Rudolph Kuenzer took charge and remained until May, 1862; from May, 1862, until April, 1866. Rev. M. Mc- Enroe was pastor, his German assistants were Rev. Xavier Kaier from June 9, 1862, until March, 1863; Rev. Joseph Kaelin from April, 1863, until April 8, 1866. Rev. M. McEnroe

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HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

was changed and Rev. Joseph Kaelin took charge of the parish and was pastor until May 1, 1869.

In the meantime the Irish Catholics had so increased that they earnestly thought of a separa- tion. As there was still a debt of $800 on the

ish records and the beautiful painting of the Im- maculate Conception, which was above the high altar in their original church. They were still hard at work and under the supervision of Rev. E. O. Hilterman, (who was appointed pastor,

HERZ JESU KIRCHE, ALLENTOWN, PA.

church, and no means to pay same, it was sold by the sheriff and bought by a certain Mr. J. Deven- ney, of Allentown, in behalf of the Irish Catho- lics, whose temporary pastor was Rev. Hugh Garvey.

The German Catholics preserved the old par-

June 9, 1869), bought a large tract of land situ- ated at North Fourth and Pine streets. The cornerstone was laid Sept. 12, 1869, by Rt. Rev. Bishop James Wood, at 4 o'clock in the after- noon. The following year, Nov. 6, 1870, the church was dedicated under the title of the Most

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CHURCHES.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, by the same Rt. Rev. Bishop, on which day four boys and eight girls received their first holy communion and were confirmed in the afternoon.

In autumn, Oct. 2, 1871, the school was es- tablished with the permission of Rt. Rev. James Wood. At the request of Rev. E. O. Hilter- mann, three Sisters of St. Francis of Philadel- phia, opened school with 80 pupils. Rev. E. O. Hiltermann remained until November, 1874. Rev. Herman Dietrich took charge until August, 1876; then Rev. E. O. Hilterman was re-ap- pointed and remained until 1883, when Rev. John B. Maus was appointed pastor, who en-

in May, 1912, as a dwelling for the school sis- ters. The tireless pastor did not forget the sick of his flock; five missionary sisters of the Sacred Heart came June 15, 1912, to nurse the sick of the parish in their private homes. They occupy the former rectory, 417 Pine street.

A free school was established under his direc- tion, which has now an attendance of 710 pupils, taught by Sisters of St. Francis.

On Oct. 20, 1913, the Very Rev. Peter Mas- son purchased the handsome residence and park of the late Hon. Edward Harvey, which will be converted into a non-sectarian hospital, known as the Sacred Heart hospital, Allentown.

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHOLIC CHURCH.

larged the school and put a beautiful new front to the church. He remained until death called him to a better life; he departed from his faith- ful flock Jan. 9, 1899, and his worthy successor was Rev. Joseph Nerz. Under his ministry the church was enlarged and the beautiful new school built. The school has several times changed its location until April, 1906, it moved into its new quarters, a stately edifice with twelve class-rooms, equipped with all modern require- ments and an attendance of 370 pupils.

Rev. Joseph Nerz died April 3, 1911, and his successor is Very Rev. Peter Masson, V. F., who beautified the church by carrying out the plans of his predecessor in a most tasteful manner. This edifice was dedicated by Archbishop Ed- mund F. Prendergast, Dec. 24, 191I.

Very Rev. Peter Masson also bought the home of Mr. Henry O'Neill, 317 North Fourth street,

Very Rev. Peter Masson is assisted by Rev. August Buettner and Rev. Henry Kuss.

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST .- In 1894 there were ten families of Slavonians at Allentown, who carried on their religious devotions in the Ger- man Roman Catholic church (Sacred Heart), and subsequently other families united with them until they secured a church for themselves.

In 1907 there were 200 Slavonian families at Allentown, and then they started a congregation of their own with the encouragement of Mon- signeur William Heinen, of Mauch Chunk, and Rev. Aloysius J. Vychodil, as priest. They se- cured a large lot of ground, 4 3-10 acres, in a fine, elevated location at the northwest corner of Front and Bridge streets ( Nos. 900-930), which was purchased from the Allentown Iron Con- pany, and included a commodious four-story brick building with 29 rooms, which had been

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HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

used by that company as its administrative build- ing. This was changed for their religious pur- poses by converting the first floor into an auditor- . ium, and devoting the other parts for a parson- age.

This arrangement was carried on until 1911, by which time Rev. Vychodil had built up a con- gregation strong enough to support a separate church, and accordingly in that year they erected a superior brick structure of commanding ap- pearance, 55 feet wide and II0 feet deep, with a steeple 94 feet high, including a sonorous deep- toned bell which is heard in the surrounding country for miles. A section of the lot at the rear was set apart and laid off in 1912 for burial purposes.

The congregation now numbers 300 families. The Slavonians from Emaus worship here, com- ing a distance of seven miles to carry on their devotions and show their religious fidelity, which evidences the influence of the priest, Rev. Vycho- dil.

The establishment of this fine church and the development of a large devoted congregation to sustain it successfully within seven years, display the high administrative ability of the priest. The Slavonians or Slovaks belong to the Indo-Euro- pean race and their native land is Hungary. The men are employed in the steel and mill works, dye works, in the streets, and in smaller establishments; while those at Emaus, are em- ployed in the Donaldson Iron Works. The fe- males who are workers are employed principally as cigar makers or in private families.

The societies belonging to the congregation are: St. John the Baptist, Sacred Heart, St. Anthony, St. Michael, Sodality of the Rosary, in Allentown ; and St. John the Baptist, in Emaus.

ITALIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH .- The Italian congregation of Our Lady of Mount Carmel was established by Rev. Masson, May 1, 191I. Before that time, Rev. Joseph Nerz, who also spoke the Italian language, looked after their welfare. The first resident pastor came in May, 19II, and the house at 321 Ridge avenue was purchased, the first floor of which was converted into a chapel, and the upper floor served as a residence for the pastor, Rev. Carmine Cillo.

The congregation numbers about two hundred families and the present pastor is Rev. Ernst Santaro.

POLISH CATHOLIC CHURCH .- The Polish congregation of St. Peter and St. Paul was estab- lished by Rev. Masson on March 1, 1912, who offered the basement of the Sacred Heart church for the Polish services and appointed Rev. Al- fred de Wroblenski, of South Bethlehem, to hold services for the new congregation. He was installed by Rev. Theodore Suck on July 15, 1912. Rev. Masson purchased, on Oct. 26, 1912, a lot, 200 by 125 feet, on North Front street for the new church. The cornerstone was laid by him on Sept. 21, 1913. Rev. Michael Strzemplewicz, the first resident pastor, took charge Nov. 1, 1912, and lived for seven months at the Sacred Heart rectory. He is an ener- getic worker and established a mission at North- ampton, dedicated to St. Michael. The new church at Allentown was opened for services or Christmas, 1913.

GREEK CATHOLIC CHURCH .- This congrega- tion, called St. Mary's, is located at Ridge ave- nue and Green street. The first pastor was Rev. Polansky and the present pastor is Rev. Basil Dobuschowsky.

CHAPTER XXIII.

BOROUGH OF ALBURTIS.

REV. FRANK P. LAROS.

Erection .- The infant Borough of Lehigh county is a direct descendant of the village of Alburtis, and what has commonly been known as Lockridge, which places sprang into existence since the building of the East Pennsylvania branch of the Philadelphia and Reading Railway, in 1857-58. It is situated in one of the most beautiful and fertile valleys of the county, the Macungie Valley, which extends from the South Mountain on the south into the hills of Upper Macungie township on the north, to Salisbury township on the east, and to Longswamp town- ship of Berks county on the west. It is twelve miles distant from the City of Allentown and is located at the junction of the Catasauqua and Fogelsville Railway and the East Pennsylvania Branch of the Philadelphia and Reading Rail- way. It comprises the former towns of Alburtis, and what has been commonly known as Lock- ridge, which was built by the Thomas Iron Com- pany, and a portion of the farm-lands surround- ing the towns. The towns of Alburtis and Lock- ridge have practically always been identical, the name Alburtis having been applied to both, Lock- ridge having received its name from the blast- furnaces erected therein by the former Lock- ridge Iron Company, but now the property of the Thomas Iron Company. Both towns have always had the same post-office and for many years have been enjoying the educational advan- tages afforded by the same schools. The land whereon the borough is situated, comprising 420 acres, was originally owned by several land- owners. A portion of it was conveyed to Jacob Koller on the 20th of February, 1745. A land warrant was granted to Matthias Hindley (Heinly), on the 13th of November, 1754. By a Proprietors Patent a large tract of land was conveyed to Christian Ruth bearing the date of May the 16th, 1764. A large tract was con- veyed to Peter Keyser, bearing the date 29th Oct., 1766. John Meckley, Adam Gaumer and Jacob Meitzler were among the earliest property- owners of this locality. Some of the first dwell- ings were log-houses and others built of stone, some of which are still standing but the priority of which it is hard to establish. These original dwellings have been enlarged and otherwise

changed and improved, and some have given place to modern structures so that their historic value is greatly reduced.

INCORPORATION.

At the March term of Court of Quarter Ses- sions of Lehigli county, in 1913, application was made by a majority of the freeholders residing within the town of Alburtis, for a charter of in- corporation. The application was made to the Court, but upon a remonstrance being filed, a hearing was set by the Court for the 27th day of April, 1913. The hearing having been held upon the day set, and testimony taken, where- upon after due consideration by the Court, the exceptions were dismissed, and on the 9th day of May, 1913, decreed, "that the said town of Al- burtis, be incorporated into a borough, in con- formity with the prayer of the petitioners; that the corporate style and title thereof shall be "The Borough of Alburtis," according to the boundaries set forth in the petition. It was further decreed, that the said borough should be a separate election and school district and that the American Hotel, Tilden E. Kuhns, proprietor, be designated and constituted the polling place of the said borough. It was further provided that the first election, for the election of officers provided by law, should be held on Tues- day, the 10th day of June, 1913, between the hours of 7 A. M. and 7 P. M. of said day, and that the annual borough elections should be here held at the times provided by law. James Geis- inger was designated and appointed to give due notice of said election and the manner thereof, as provided by law, and of the persons who should be chosen at said election. The Court also de- creed that Harvey Shuler act as judge and W. P. B. Gery and Warren Schmoyer be the inspectors of said election. H. B. Schmoyer was subse- quently appointed instead of Warren Schmoyer who was unable to serve. After a primary hav- ing been held by the citizens of the newly created borough, and a non-partisan ticket having been constituted, the first election was held at the time designated and the ticket was elected consisting of the following named officers, viz: Burgess, G. W. Schmoyer ; council, Alvin F. Nuss, George

557

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HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

Bortz, Lewis Schmoyer, James Knedler, Thomas Shuler, W. H. H. Meckley and James Geisinger. Tax-collector, George Knerr; assessor, William Findlay ; constable, Robert Hausman; judge of election, Harvey Shuler ; inspectors, Walter Sny- der and William Knerr. D. F. Keller continued as justice of the peace, as his term of office had not expired having been elected while the town was still a part of the township. A school board was appointed by the Court, after the necessary signatures from among the citizens endorsing their appointment had been secured, consisting of : Dr. E. H. Mohr, J. L. Schmoyer, O. J. Kneed- ler, Robert Schadler, and Sylvester Lehrman. The borough of Alburtis having become a fact the future conceals within her bosom its possi- bilities of progress and development. The advan- tages of a good railway system, its proximity to the county-seat, its excellent situation, the pre- vious enterprise of its citizens for its industrial development, it bids fair to become one of the most prosperous boroughs of the county, and one of the most preferable residential centres between Allentown and Reading.

The borough now contains two churches, a post-office, a railway depot, express and telegraph office, a school-house, a feed store, a feed, lumber and coal yard, one saddler shop, three grocery and general merchandise stores, a cigar and shoe store, a novelty store, a drug store, a tailor shop, three hotels, a saloon and restaurant, a carriage works, a butcher shop, barber shop, blacksmith shop, two shirt factories, furnaces and silk-mills.

The population of the borough is approxi- mately 700 inhabitants, occupying 160 dwellings.

INDUSTRIES.

Lockridge Iron Company .- The oldest in- dustry in Alburtis are the two blast furnaces of the Thomas Iron Company, formerly known as the Lockridge Iron Company. This company was organized by some of the directors of the Thomas Iron Company and a number of other gentlemen, with Samuel Thomas as president, and J. T. Knight, secretary and treasurer. This company was chartered December 26, 1866. The company started the erection of two fur- naces in 1877, but before they were completed the organization was merged with the Thomas Iron Company. The entire capital stock was taken by the Thomas Iron Company, May I, 1868, and paid for in stock of the Thomas Iron Company. The property is situated at the junc- tion of the Catasauqua and Fogelsville Railway and the East Penn branch of the Philadelphia and Reading Railway, and consisted of 167 acres and 2 perches of land. The first of these furnaces

to be completed is known as No. 7, was put in blast March 18, 1868; this furnace had a 14 ft. bosh and was 55 ft. high at its completion. This furnace has since been raised 5 ft. the present size being 14 ft. bosh by 60 ft. high. A second furnace-now known as No. 8, 16 ft. bosh and 55 ft. high- was erected and put in blast July 9 1869. This furnace was also raised 5 ft., the present size being 16 ft. bosh and 60 ft. high. The first blowing engines used in these furnaces were imported from England and were first used in the furnaces of the Crane Iron Company. One of these engines is still used as an emer- gency engine the other having been dismantled. Additional blowing engines of the same size and style as those connected with furnaces Nos. 3 and 4 were put in to furnish the blast for these furnaces. The furnaces of the company were numbered in the manner as indicated Nos. 5 and 6 being reserved for two furnaces which the management contemplated building at Hoken- dauqua, and which were erected in 1872-73. There were also some valuable limonite ore leases transferred with the property. The prop- erty at the present time contains 170 acres, 92 perches, with a substantial superintendent's resi- dence, and dwellings for the accommodation of thirty-six families and other employees. This plant has been running regularly with but slight interruptions since its erection, the longest period of it lying idle being nine months during the years 1911-1912 and was for many years practi- cally the sole industry of the community and the chief support of the residents of Alburtis and the immediate vicinity. The plant employs when both furnaces are in operation eighty-five men, but at present only one furnace is in blast em- ploying forty-four men. The output of these furnaces is about 800 tons of iron per week, the output of the furnace in blast at present often ranging from 400-500 tons per week. The com- bined annual output of these furnaces is 36,000 tons of iron, the product being what is commonly known as pig-iron, allowance of ample time being made for repairs, when the furnaces must of course be out of blast.

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History of Lehigh county, Pennsylvania and a genealogical and biographical record of its families, Vol. I, Part 101

Author: Roberts, Charles Rhoads; Stoudt, John Baer, 1878- joint comp; Krick, Thomas H., 1868- joint comp; Dietrich, William Joseph, 1875- joint comp; Lehigh County Historical Society Publication date: 1914 Publisher: Allentown, Pa. : Lehigh Valley Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 1158

Author: Roberts, Charles Rhoads; Stoudt, John Baer, 1878- joint comp; Krick, Thomas H., 1868- joint comp; Dietrich, William Joseph, 1875- joint comp; Lehigh County Historical Society
Publication date: 1914
Publisher: Allentown, Pa. : Lehigh Valley Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1158