History of Lehigh county, Pennsylvania and a genealogical and biographical record of its families, Vol. II, Part 108

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: 948

USA > Pennsylvania > Lehigh County > History of Lehigh county, Pennsylvania and a genealogical and biographical record of its families, Vol. II > Part 108

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William J. Heller, flag manufacturer of Eas- ton, son of Josiah B., married Tillie A., daugh- ter of George Lesher, and has three children: Ray and Harry, who died in childhood; and

Bessie Evelyn, who married, Aug. 30, 1913, Dr. Rufus J. Roberts, of Chicago, Ill.

Michael Heller, born 1757, died 1828, mar- ried, Dec. 20, 1807, Salome, daughter of Rev. Abraham Blumer. She was born in 1776 and died in 1844. They had children: Philip, Sa- lome, Maria, and Julia.

J. ELIAS HELLENER.

J. Elias Hellener, late of Fountain Hill, was born July 12, 1833, in Upper Saucon township, Lehigh county, son of Christian Friederich Hell- ener, a native of Germany. The latter was born at Sindelfingen, Wurtemburg, Sept. 1, 1798, and came to the United States when a young man. From New York he went to Philadelphia, and there learned the trade of a baker, which he fol- lowed for some years, He then came to Upper Saucon township, Lehigh county, and followed the weaving of carpets and bed spreads, later, however he was a stone cutter in the township, until his removal, in 1852, to the territory in Eastern Salisbury, which is now embraced in Fountain Hill borough. There he had bought a farm of 32 acres which he cultivated in connec- tion with stone cutting until some years before his death, which occurred on April 15, 1893, at the advanced age of 95 years. He was a remark- able man in many ways. He was a gifted artist and his water color paintings, his family geneal- ogy and coat-of-arms, are a cherished heirloom by his worthy granddaughter, Theresa. He was descended of a Knighted German family and the Von Helleners were prominent in early German annals.

Christian Friederich Hellener was married to Theresa Mory, a daughter of Goodhart and Maria Magdalena (Horlacher ) Mory. She died in 1857, aged 52 years. They are both buried on the Friedensville Lutheran church cem- etery. Their children were: (1) Anna Maria Magdalena, who died single; (2) Catherine, married Lewis Weidner, and had three children, viz .: Dr. Charles, of Hellertown, Pa., who mar- ried Ida Schlotter, and they have Edna, Katie and John ; Christian F., resides in Lebanon, Sullivan county, Ind., is married and has four children- Grace, Raymond, Dorothy and Claude; and Mary, was unmarried, and resides on the home- stead at Seidersville; (3) J. Elias.

J. Elias Hellener was educated in the com- mon schools of Upper Saucon township and in 1852 came with his parents to Fountain Hill, where he followed farming to the end of his days. In the year 1897, he erected the fine brick resi- dence in which his widow and daughter, Theresa. continue to reside up to the present time. His farm has been cut up into building lots, and near-

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HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

ly 100 houses are now erected upon his former acres. Mr. Hellener was an industrious, enter- prising, and prosperous man. In connection with cultivating his land, he dealt in real estate and by honest and straightforward dealing, he accu- mulated a competence which is now shared by his estimable wife, and accomplished and esteemed daughter. The family own a grandfathers' clock, which is said to be over 100 years old; and on their farm was an old log house which was built at an early date and which was razed in 1907, after having stood for more than 100 years.

On June 18, 1865 he was married to Mary Snyder, a daughter of Michael and Mary ( Beck) Snyder, who was a blacksmith of Bedminister township, Bucks county, Pa. Two children blessed their union, viz .: Miss Theresa, and John Elias, Jr., the latter who died in infancy.

HELFRICH FAMILY. John Helfrich was born in 1699 and emigrated to America in the ship Samuel, which arrived at Philadelphia on Aug. 11, 1732. He settled in Upper Milford township, where he died Feb. 27, 1764, and was buried at the Salisbury church. He made his will March 3, 1760, which was probated April 2, 1764. He and his wife, Mary, had five children: Margaret, wife of Michael . born Jan. 14, 1796, and died in Allentown, Sept. 6, 1886, aged 91 years, 7 months and 22 days, and is buried on the Allentown cemetery. He was a shoemaker by trade, as was his father. He fol- lowed farming in South Whitehall township and owned a farm, now the property of Col. H. C. Trexler. Mr. Helfrich was a Republican in poli- tics and he and his family were members of the Evangelical Association, at Cedarville.

Ringer ; Mary Barbara, wife of Peter Flickinger ; Michael; George; and Anna Mary, wife of Jacob Diehl.

Michael Helfrich, son of John, died in 1760, four years before his father, in Macungie town- ship, where he had warranted a tract of land in 1774. He and his wife, Anna Margaret, had four children: Margaret, the eldest, married William Lehr ; the sons were John; George ; and Michael, the youngest, who was born after his father's death.

John Helfrich, eldest son of Michael, second, married Magdalena Blank, and had four chil- dren: John George; Michael, born Oct. 14, 1788; Magdalena, born April 24, 1794; and Sarah, born May 4, 1796.

John George Helfrich, son of John, was born Sept. 27, 1785, and died Feb. 17, 1841, and is buried on the old Allentown cemetery. He pur- chased the Helfrich Spring farm of 145 acres, formerly owned by the Harlacher and Blank families and farmed it until his death. He was a member of the Lutheran Church. He married Salome Good, and had two children: Reuben and Mary, who married Paul Yundt.

Reuben Helfrich was born at Helfrich's Springs, June 10, 1814, and died Jan. 26, 1890. He inherited the homestead and farmed it all his life. He added ten acres to the farm and pur- chased also an adjoining farm of 52 acres, pre-

viously owned by Jacob Deshler and earlier by Peter Grim, who erected the grist-mill in 1807. . Mr. Helfrich was a member of St. Paul's Lu- theran church, of Allentown, where he served in the church council for several years. He mar- ried Mary Magdalena, daughter of George and Salome (Newhard) Yundt. She was born Sept. 7, 1812, and died Feb. 28, 1860. They had three children: Tilghman G., Thomas, and Syl- vester.

Michael Helfrich, youngest son of Michael, was born April 27, 1760, in Macungie township, shortly after his father's death. He was a farmer and secured about 100 acres of his father's land. He served as a private in Captain Good's and Captain Wagner's companies in the Revolutionary War. He died Oct. 19, 1841, and is buried on Union cemetery. He married Catharine Hill, and had five children: John George, born June 21, 1794; Michael, Jr., born Jan. 14, 1796; Eliz- abeth, born Oct. 16, 1798, died single, Jan. 20, 1874; Salome, died single; and Margaret, mar- ried Benjamin Knauss. John George Helfrich, born June 21, 1794, married a Miss Beidelman, and had one son, George, who married, Dec. I, 1840, Hetty Groff, of South Whitehall.

Michael Helfrich, son of Michael, second, was

He was married in June, 1826, to Salome Xander, daughter of David Xander. She was born in 1802 and died in 1870, aged 68 years. They had eight children, as followes: Edmond, who was born Sept. 5, 1827; William, mentioned later; Matilda, born Aug. 5, 1833; Solomon, born Jan. 26, 1836; Eliza, born Sept. 20, 1838, and married Tilghman Mertz; Lewis, born Feb. 24, 1841 ; Tilghman, born Jan. 11, 1844; M. Alexander, mentioned later ; and one deceased.

WILLIAM HELFRICH was born Oct. 25, 1829, in South Whitehall township. He was a carpen- ter for seven years, farmed the homestead for twenty-three years, and for six years farmed at "Hilltown," near the homestead. He is retired and resides at Allentown since 1888. In 1887 he built his present residence, No. 22 North Eleventh street, at the corner of Court and Eleventh streets. Mr. Helfrich and family are members of Trinty United Evangelical church, in which he served as trustee and secretary for many years.

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL.

On Oct. 12, 1856, he was married to Cath- erine A. Heilman, daughter of John and Maria (Guth) Heilman, and they have children : Tilgh- man J., who married Lillie Mertz; Milton A., mentioned later ; Alice R., who married Benjamin Egner ; George W., who died in the 4th year of his age; and William L., who died in the 20th year of his age.

Milton A. Helfrich was born in 1860. He worked on the farm until 1888 and since then was employed with the Trexler Lumber Com- pany, at Allentown. He is a member of Trinity United Evangelical church of Allentown. He is not married and resides with his parents.

withdrew from the firm and in 1884, Samuel Fritch was admitted into partnership and the name changed to Helfrich, Weaver & Company, and it remained under this name until 1896. In the meantime, however, the name of H. S. Wea- ver was added and in 1896, the Messrs. Weaver withdrew and the firm name changed to Helfrich & Company, and remained such until 1900, and the members of the firm, up to this time, con- sisted of Solomon and M. A. Helfrich. In 1900, H. E. Bohner was admitted into partnership and in 1904, F. E. Leibenguth, then the present firm name was adopted. For 52 years the name of Helfrich has been associated with one of the

JOHANNES HELFRICH.

M. ALEXANDER HELFRICH, senior member of the firm of Helfrich & Bohner, No. 734 Hamil- ton street, Allentown, was born April 27, 1845. He learned the carpenter and cabinet making trade in Allentown and worked as a journeyman . until 1881, in which year he became a partner in the present firm, which was established in 1859. At the time Mr. Helfrich entered the firm it consisted of the following members : Solomon and M. A. Helfrich, brothers; William Goran- flo, and B. K. Weaver. In 1883, Mr. Goranflo

largest and most successful furniture houses in Lehigh Valley. In 1888, the present five-story building was erected, extending from Hamilton to Maple street, comprising fully half a block. The reputation of this firm extends beyond the confines of the city of Allentown and borders of Lehigh county into adjacent counties. Their be- ginning was marked with success and by the ap- plication of strict business principles their busi- ness has been prosperous to the present time.

Mr. Helfrich was united in marriage on his

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HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

30th birthday, in 1875, to Mary A. Reinhart, daughter of Edward Reinhart, and they had one daughter, Annie L., who died in her third year of age. Mr. and Mrs. Helfrich are members of Bethany United Evangelical church since its organization in 1895, Mr. Helfrich having been a member of the finance and building committee that erected this fine edifice and having served as a faithful church official ever since. He is ac- tive in the Sunday school and since 1870, has continuously served as Sunday school teacher, and during this time also filled the offices of superin- tendent and assistant superintendent. For several years he has served as treasurer of the Sunday school board, and since 1911 he is the treasurer of the church congregation. Before the division of the Evangelical Church in 1891, he was an offi- cial of "Old Salem," and later Ebenezer Evan- gelical church. He is a pillar in the large and prosperous congregation of Bethany United Evan- gelical church and in many ways rendered useful services to his fellowmen.

HELFRICH FAMILY, (WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP)

George Helfrich was the first of his family to settle at what is now "Helfrich Springs," in Whitehall township. He was a farmer and owned 145 acres of land, now owned by his grandson, Sylvester Helfrich. Mr. Helfrich and his descendants are all members of the Lu- theran Church. He is buried on the old Allen- town cemetery. His wife was Salome Good, and is buried on Union Cemetery. Their chil- dren were: Reuben; and Mary, who married Paul Yundt, who lived in Whitehall township, near Newhard's school house.

Reuben Helfrich, who was born at Helfrich Springs in 1814, inherited the homestead and followed farming all his life. He added IO acres to the farm and also owned an additional farm of 52 acres, which was the Deshler home- stead and prior to this belonged to Peter Grim, who erected the present grist mill on the Mick- ley pike in 1807. He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran church of Allentown, in which church he served on the consistory for a num- ber of years. His wife was Mary Magdalena Yundt, a daughter of George Yundt, the father of Paul Yundt. They had children, as follows: Tilghman G., Thomas, and Sylvester.

TILGHMAN G. HELFRICH, of Helfrich Springs, was born on the homestead August 10, 1842, and was reared on the farm where he remained until 26 years old. He then be- came a partner with the late and lamented A. J. Breinig, under the firm name of Breinig & Helfrich, who were engaged in manufacturing of fertilizers, and employed twenty men. In

1867 the industry was removed from Allen- town to its present location along Mickley's. pike, in Whitehall township. Mr. Helfrich has been president and chief manager of the business from the beginning and has continued to fill this position up to the present time.

Mr. Helfrich has large real estate possessions and has been a conservative and successful citi- zen of the community. His present residence at Helfrich Springs was built by a Deshler about 1852, and the barn before 1800. He is a member of the Lutheran Church at Mick- ley's, which he served as a deacon and elder for eight years; and since 1900 is its treasurer. He is a Republican in politics, and has served as school director of Whitehall township.

On Jan. 1, 1866, he was married to Elmira Worman, a daughter of Abraham and Mary (Roth) Worman, and they have four children: Emma J., who married Henry E. Fenstermacher ; Alfred R., the assistant treasurer of the Allen- town Manufacturing Company, of Allentown; John L., who is the foreman of the Allentown Paint Works, lives at Allentown; and Mary, who married William T. Frankenfield, who lives at Helfrich's Springs.

THOMAS HELFRICH, proprietor of Helfrich's grist mill, located along the Mickley's pike, in Whitehall township, was born on his grand- father's homestead, July 28, 1847, and was reared on the farm. In 1878 he assisted his father in the operation of the mill and in 1890 succeeded him as owner. He is a member of the Lutheran Church and is a Republican in politics.

SYLVESTER HELFRICH, a retired resident of Allentown, is the owner of the Helfrich home- stead at "Helfrich's Springs." There he was born, Sept. 18, 1852. He was reared upon the farm and after he was of age he began farming the homestead until the spring of 1912, when he retired and moved to Allentown. Mr. Helfrich's farm now contains upwards of 140 acres of land and the large stone house on this farm is the land mark of the community, being over 100 years old. The barn was built by George Hel- frich in 1827.

He is a Republican in politics and a member of the Lutheran Church at Mickley's, where he served as deacon for four years. He was mar- ried in 1875 to Christiana Roth, a daughter of Solomon and Lydia (Roth) Roth, and they have children : Reuben, who was accidentally drowned at Laury's in 1898, at the age of 22 years. He was single. Harvey G., who mar- ried Gertie Warmkessel, and has the following children: Minnie I., Evelyn and Cleon; and Eva, who is single, at home.

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL.

Charles Helfrich, a native of Weisenberg township, Lehigh county, was engaged in the mercantile business first at Kutztown, and later at Seisholtzville, Berks county. From the lat- ter place he removed to New York City, where he was a commission merchant until his death.

During the Civil War he had enlisted from Berks county, in Company G, Seventy-Fourth Regiment, and had been mustered into service Feb. 28, 1865, to serve for one year. He was the second lieutenant of his company, and Bates' History under remarks, records the following: "Captured-discharged by G. O., May 15, 1865."

He died in New York City and is buried in the Ocean Grove cemetery, Long Island. He was married to Amelia Hoffman, who died at Allentown, but was buried by the side of her husband in Long Island. Their children were: I. Daniel P. 2. James, who lived and died in New York. 3. Dr. Charles, who is a spe- cialist in New York City.

Daniel P. Helfrich, the eldest son of Charles and Amelia ( Hoffman) Helfrich, was born at Kutztown, Pa., about 1853. When a boy, his parents moved to New York, where he attended the public schools and later took a course in Eastman's Business College, at Poughkeepsie, N. Y.

He was his father's assistant for some years and later was admitted as a partner in the busi- ness. He is now bookkeeper for a wholesale bakery concern.

Daniel P. Helfrich married (first) Christiana Gaumer, daughter of Benjamin Gaumer, who lived at Lehigh Church. Issue: Edgar H. W., and Vincent A. He married (second) Maria Hoffman. Issue: Ada, (Mrs. Frederick Sassa- man), and Harry M., of Springfield, N. J.

Vincent A., of Allentown, a graduate from the Keystone State Normal School in 1899. He became supervisor of accounts for the Metro- politan Life Insurance Company, and in his official capacity traveled extensively throughout the United States. He is now a member of the firm of Helfrich, Geary & Company, builders and dealers in real estate and fire insurance at Allentown.

EDGAR H. W. HELFRICH, son of Daniel P. and Christiana (Gaumer) Helfrich, was born Nov. 11, 1876, in Lower Macungie township, Lehigh county. He was educated in the public schools of New York city, graduating from school No. 86 in 1890; graduated from the Keystone State Normal School, at Kutztown, in 1897; taught school in his native township for six terms. Afterwards for two years he was an agent for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Com-

pany in Allentown. In 1903 he became book- keeper for James F. Butz, coal, wood and ice dealer, and in 1906, he became a partner in the business. He is a member of the firm of Hel- frich, Geary and Company, real estate and in- surance dealers. He and family are members of Salem Reformed church, which he served as a deacon from 1909 to 1912. He has taught the English Bible class in the Sunday school since 1903. Socially he has membership in Jor- dan Lodge, No. 673, F. & A. M .; Washington Chamber, No. 18, O. K. of F .; the F. O. E .; the Protective Home Circle, and the John Hay Republican Club.

Edgar H. W. Helfrich was married, Oct. 9, 1907, to Emma M. Wehr, daughter of Joel and Matilda (Metzgar) Wehr, of Heidelberg township. Their children are: Harold W. and Elwood V. Helfrich. The oldest, Harold W., graduated from the Allentown high school in 1914, at the age of 16 years.

Solomon Helfrich, son of Michael, was a cabinet maker and later a furniture dealer at Allentown, where he died on Sept. 2, 1900, aged 63 years. He was one of the founders of the firm of Heimbach & Helfrich, which was lo- cated at 734 Hamilton street. They were an established firm and dealt largely in furniture and enjoyed an extensive trade in the under- taking business. They made their own coffins and had employed a large force of men in their various enterprises. The firm of Heimbach & Helfrich later developed in to the present house of Helfrich, Bohner & Company, who are still located at 734 Hamilton street.

Mr. Helfrich was a pillar in the Evangelical Church, having been a member of the old Salem church until the division in 1891 when he became a member of the so-called "minority" and hence- forth up to the time of his death he was a faith- ful and esteemed member of Trinity United Evangelical church, which he served in various official capacities. Socially he had membership in Allen Lodge, No. 71, I. O. O. F., and po- litically he was a Republican.

Solomon Helfrich was married to Matilda Elizabeth Beidelman, a daughter of Samuel and Henrietta (Stuber) Beidelman. She died on April 4, 1910, aged 70 years. They are buried on the family plot on the Allentown cemetery. They had two children as follows: Mary Hen- rietta, who is unmarried and resides at 313 North Ninth street, Allentown; and William Samuel, whose history follows.

WILLIAM S. HELFRICH, a native citizen of Allentown, was born Feb. 6, 1866. He was educated in the public schools of Allentown and the Allentown Business College. Afterwards he

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HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

entered the employ of Helfrich & Weaver from whom he learned the trade of a cabinet-maker and finisher and later he also learned the uphol- stering trade. He continued a faithful journey- man of this house for ten years after which he became a salesman in the store at 734 Hamilton street. In 1908 he formed an association with G. F. Schoenberger, under the firm name of Schoenberger and Helfrich. The firm conducted a furniture store on the business street in the borough of Siegfried, Pa., for a period of three years, at which time Mr. Helfrich bought out the interest of his partner and conducted the busi- ness under his own name up to 1905 when a fire occurred which consumed some of his stock, but notwithstanding this loss he continued in business there until 1907, when he sold the stock to Benjamin Coleman. Mr. Helfrich then re- moved to Allentown where he accepted a position as salesman for one year with Gately & Fitzger- ald. In 1909 he engaged in the upholstering business at No. 16 North Eighth street, but later moved to his present location at 44 South Ninth street. He employs seven skilled mechanics and enjoys a large patronage.

He and family are active members of Trinity United Evangelical church; and socially he has membership in St. James Commandery, No. 68, Knights of Malta, and the Independent Order of Americans.

William S. Helfrich was married in 1886 to Alice J. Savitz, a daughter of Charles Savitz. Unto them are born the following children: I. W. Stanley, a machinist. 2. May G., married to Prof. J. Warren Fritch, a teacher in the Al- lentown high school. 3. Doris. 4. Charles S., a professional bookkeeper. 5. W. Lewis.

HENDRICKS FAMILY.

James Hendricks, of Salford township, Mont- gomery county, Pa., married Miss Oaks, a native of the same place. Their children were: Frank O. and Joseph O., both of Green Lane, Pa., and John O.

John Oaks Hendricks, son of James Hen- dricks, was born about 1850, in Salford town- ship, Pa., where he now resides ( 1913). He attended the public schools and was reared upon the farm. He first engaged in the hotel busi- ness, at various points, in Montgomery, Berks and Lehigh counties, the last one being the Union Hotel in Allentown. He conducted this for over eight years, when he sold out to his son, and returned to his native township, pur- chasing 200 acres, where he has since resided. He directs the work of farming and stock raising of which he has made a success. Himself and chil- dren are members of the Lutheran church, while

Mrs. Hendricks is a member of the Reformed church.

In politics, Mr. Hendricks is an Independent- voter, and has been a member of the I. O. O. F., since he became of legal age.

John Oaks Hendricks, married Sarah Bard- man, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Boardman.

Their children were: Jacob, in hotel busi- ness; James, also in hotel business; Horace, a brewer, of Allentown; John Boardman, of whom below; Wilson, a wire worker of Allentown; Sallie; LeRoy; Hulda; Wallace; Ralph; and Lucy, all yet at home.

JOHN BARDMAN HENDRICKS, son of John Oaks and Sarah (Bardman) Hendricks, was born Feb. 3, 1886, in Upper Salford township, Montgomery county, Pa. He was reared on the farm, and attended the public schools and also the High school of his township. He first was in the hotel business with his father, then entered the employ of the American Steel Wire Co., of Allentown, remaining three years. In 1911, he bought his father's interest in the Union Hotel, which he now operates.

He is a member of the Lutheran church, and also of several fraternal societies.

John Bardman Hendricks married in Janu- ary, 1908, in Allentown, Ida S. Kuhns, daughter of Simon and Mary (Lorish) Kuhns. They have a daughter, Helen Viola Hendricks, born Aug. 22, 1909.

HENDRICKS FAMILY.

Tobias Hendricks, a native of York county, Pennsylvania, was a pioneer settler of Snyder county, this state, and in his new home perform- ed an important part in its history, Fort Hen- dricks, at Kreamer, having been named after him or his father.

Samuel Hendricks, son of Tobias, was born in Penn township, Snyder county, and is buried at Row's Church, to which he donated twenty acres of ground with the provision that: "No Hen- dricks shall be refused burial in the cemetery of Row's Church." The transfer of the deed is recorded in the court house at Sunbury. He was a prosperous farmer, and his large farm has been divided into three farms. His wife was Eliza- beth De Wees.

They had one son, Benjamin, who was born Sept. 25, 1811, in Snyder county, and his active life was spent in farming merchandising and lime burning. He moved to Sunbury in 1824. At one time he owned what was known as the Hunter farm, on which Fort Augusta was built in 1756. At the time of his death in 1883, he possessed valuable property in Carolina county,

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History of Lehigh county, Pennsylvania and a genealogical and biographical record of its families, Vol. II, Part 108

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: 948

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: 948