History of Lehigh county, Pennsylvania and a genealogical and biographical record of its families, Vol. III, Part 13

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: 854

USA > Pennsylvania > Lehigh County > History of Lehigh county, Pennsylvania and a genealogical and biographical record of its families, Vol. III > Part 13

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The children of Wilhelm Lorentz and his second wife, Elisabeth, were: John, born Sept. 3, 1800, and married Catherine Krammer, Gottlieb (Nov. 7, 1802), was twice married, the first time to Magdalena Steininger. She died in 1858 and a second time to a Miss Hood, of Philadelphia. He, like all his sisters, spent the greater part of their lives in Philadelphia. He left no issue. Elizabeth was married to a Mr. Schuler and had one son, Jacob. Magdalena was married to a Mr. Veil, and had one son and three daughters. Barbara was married to a Mr. Seemiller, and had one son, Gottlieb, and two daughters, Louisa and Elizabeth.

To John, the eldest son of Wilhelm, and his wife, Catherine, nee Krammer, who resided in Upper Saucon township, and followed the occupa- tion of farming were born the following chil- dren: William, Anna, John K., Elizabeth, Charles K., Henry, and Sarah. William, mar- ried Lucy Ann Schaeffer, resided in Upper Mil- ford township, and raised a family of three. Sarah Elmira, married to Revere Lehman, Ame- lia, was married to Samuel Treichler, and Mary, was married to Henry Souder. Anna, married Peter Wagner, and raised a family of four chil- dren; Frank, Henry, Emma, Eliza. John K.

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL.

was born Nov. 3, 1833, and married Catherine Rothrock. Elizabeth married Lewis Smith and resides at Emaus. She was the mother of two sons : Edwin and . -; Charles K., married Susan Orth; their union was blessed with one son, Alfred J., who follows the trade of coach- making at East Greenville, Pa., his wife having died Oct. 3, 1870; he was married a second time to Kate Roeder, a daughter of Daniel Roe- der, of Hosensack. Henry F. (June 23, 1840- Dec. 21, 1904), was married to Maria Elisabeth Ortt. They resided at East Greenville. Sarah Ann was born in the month of February, 1843; married to Daniel Dimmich, and resided at East Greenville. In January, 1896, they both took sick with diphtheria, from which he died on the 15th, and she on the 17th day of the same month, and were buried in one grave. They raised the following children: John L., Kate, Charles, Elisabeth, Sallie, and William.

John K., son of John and the father of Edwin E., was born Nov. 3, 1833, in Upper Saucon township. He was confirmed as a member of the Upper Saucon Lutheran congregation by Rev. William German. He learned the trade of wheelwrighting with John M. Ritter, of Emaus, and upon the serving of his apprenticeship, he opened a shop at Hellertown. On Oct. 10, 1857, he was married to Catherine Rothrock, a daugh- ter of Jonathan and Susanna Derr Rothrock. In the spring of 1857 he moved to Emaus and en- gaged in the trade of coach making from which he retired about twelve years ago. To him and his wife were born two children: Edwin E. and Emma C., the wife of Daniel Miller. Mrs. Lorentz died September 20, 1901, aged 68 years, 4 months, and 4 days.

EDWIN E. LORENTZ, son of John K. Lorentz and his wife, Catherine, nee Rothrock, was born June 27, 1857, in the borough of Emaus in the house in which he resided all his life. He was baptized by the Moravian pastor, the Rev. Re- gemus, Aug. 23, 1857. He was educated in the public schools of Emaus, was a student of the Keystone Normal School at Kutztown, and stud- ied bookkeeping under Mr. Blackman, at Allen- town. He was a coach maker by trade, which he successfully followed for many years in the shop adjoining his residence on Main street, Emaus, until 1904, when he became the cashier of Emaus National Bank, which opened its door for business April 19, 1904. He continued to serve as its cashier up until the time of his death. He was a life-long member of the Salisbury Lu- theran congregation, where he was confirmed by Rev. William Rath, Nov. 9, 1873. He was united in holy wedlock with Catherine Romig, a daughter of Reuben and Mary Wieand Romig.

This union was blessed with one son, Howard Wieand, born March 27, 1880; was baptized by Rev. William Rath, May 30, and died Aug. 16, in the same year, aged 4 months, and 17 days.

Mr. Lorentz was of a quiet and retiring dis- position, happy in the comforts of his own home, which was always open to his and his faithful wife's, friends. Though he never aspired to any political honors, he, however, served his com- munity as school director several terms and was keeper of the borough funds for many years. He died in 1913. Mrs. Lorentz deeply feels the loss of her true and devoted helpmate. She con- tinues to reside in the old homestead and takes delight in entertaining their many friends as she was wont to do before she was bereft of her husband.

C. F. LOSCH.

John Losch, a native of Germany, was born Jan. 27, 1801, and emigrated to America, where he settled at Allentown. He established a nur- sery and was the pioneer of this industry in the county. The later years of his life were spent with his son, C. F. Losch. He died Sept. 24, 1888, and was buried in Fairview cemetery. His wife, Regina, was born Oct. 17, 1812, and died June 24, 1877. They were members of the Re- formed Church. They had ten children: Con- stantine F .; Charles ; John A., born Dec. 2, 1832, died March 6, 1897; Mary A .; William, born Aug. 25, 1836, died March 8, 1878, in Cali- fornia; David, born Oct. 26, 1838, died Oct. 29, 1861, in Virginia, while a member of Co. I, 47th Regt., P. V., in the Civil War; Sarah; Jacob, of West Point, Neb .; Walter, born June 16, 1845, died June 19, 1882, who also served in the Rebellion; and Alfred C., born Sept. 25, 1849, died Dec. 13, 1871, in Louisiana.

Constantine F. Losch, son of John and Regina Losch, was born Oct. 31, 1847, at Allentown. He attended the public schools and at the age of sixteen, the Rebellion having broken out, he en- listed in Co. G, 47th Regiment, in which he served three years.

Upon his return home he worked for several years for his brother, Charles; then engaged in a general teaming business at Church and Chest- nut streets. He there continued for some years, until his place was burned down. He then re- built, and after a few years sold his freight line, and became engaged in the livery business, in which he became very successful. In politics, Mr. Losch was a Republican, and from 1890 to 1893 he served as a city assessor. He was a very popu- lar citizen and by his cheerful disposition made many friends. He died July 2, 1896, from a stroke of apoplexy.

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HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

Constantine F. Loscu was married, Feb. 22, 1876, by Rev. S. K. Brobst, to Eleanora Lydia Elizabeth Keiper, daughter of Owen and Mary Ann (Moll) Keiper. Since her husband's de- cease, Mrs. Losch has made her home on North Seventh street. In 1904, she accompanied the Knights Templar on their trip to California.

FERDINAND LORSBACH.

Ferdinand Lorsbach, merchant, of Allen- town, was born October 26, 1858, in Rheinish Prussia, the son of Heinrich Lorsbach, who was born near Cologne, in 1832. He was a mer- chant, hotel proprietor and farmer. His wife, Henrietta Brühle, died in 1872, aged 42 years. Their children were: Carl, Ferdinand, Maria, and Joseph.

Ferdinand Lorsbach assisted his father in his various business enterprises until he came to America in 1880. He located at Allentown and worked as a heater in the rolling mill until 1896, when he engaged in the grocery business, suc- ceeding his mother-in-law, Pauline Stüenn. He enlarged the store and increased the business con- siderably. He is prominently identified' with the German Catholic church, having been presi- dent of the St. Joseph Society. In 1881 he mar- ried Anna Stuenn, a daughter of Peter Stüenn, who hailed from the same place in Germany as the Lorsbach family. To Mr. and Mrs. Lors- bach the following children were born: Mary, Charles, Pauline, Rosa, Emma, Clara, Margaret and Elizabeth.

LOTTE FAMILY.

Edward Lotte, a native of Paris, France, was born in the year 1811, and became a leather merchant and an influential member of the Re- publican party. Owing to the overthrow of the French Republic in 1852, under Emperor Louis III, he was eventually forced to flee from his native country to England in 1855 and there he remained three years, when he went to the United States and located at Reading, Pa., but not finding suitable employment there, he re- moved to Philadelphia, and there engaged in the stamping and embroidery business, and hav- ing been a man of keen intellect and large busi- ness ability, his efforts were rewarded with great success.

Mr. Lotte died October 5, 1864, and was buried at Philadelphia. His wife was Mar- guerite Rufferoy, and she died in July, 1892.

Edward A. Lotte, their son, was born in Paris, France, May 28, 1845. While his father lived in Philadelphia, Edward A. was appren- ticed to learn the trade of skein silk dyeing, which he made his life-work. He was in the

employ of different persons until 1879, when he began business for himself by entering into part- nership with Phillip Mazeres, trading under the firm name of Lotte and Mazeres. The busi- ness was carried on successfully by Mr. Lotte until his death Sept. 12, 1884, when his interests were continued by his widow. The business was subsequently incorporated by the three sons of Mr. Lotte and Mr. Mazeres as the Lotte and Mazeres Company. Mr. Mazeres later retired from business and the corporation became the Lotte Brothers Company.

In 1866 Mr. Lotte was married to Pauline E. Gerbron, a young lady of French parentage, who was born in Liverpool, England, on Sep- tember 20, 1849, and was brought to this country in her very early childhood. Her parents were John Gerbron and Anna, his wife. Mr. and Mrs. Edward A. Lotte were the parents of eight children, of whom the following survive:

Edward, F. L., Charles E., Lucie C., Walter C., and Blanche M.

Mrs. Lotte resides at present at IIO South Thirteenth stret, Allentown, and has five grand- children, three residing in Paterson, and two in Allentown.

The children named were all properly edu- cated, and as the sons attained suitable ages, their father associated them with him in business, in- structing them carefully in the art and secrets of skein silk dyeing, so that upon his decease they should be able to conduct it successfully. Since his death they have carried it on along modern and progressive lines, and in a more extensive manner than heretofore had been done.

The business was continued until 1905, when the company was organized under the name of Lotte Brothers' Company, skein silk dyers, Al- lentown, and this company continued to pros- per and expand until January 1, 1909, when it became the nucleus of the great National Silk Dyeing Company, which has come to operate six large plants and give employment to three thou- sand persons. The plants at Allentown and Wil- liamsport, Pa., and Paterson, N. J., are engaged in skein-silk dyeing, and the plant of Dundee Lake, N. J., in piece dyeing and finishing. The officials of the Lotte Brothers' Company were Edward F. L. Lotte, president ; Walter C. Lotte, vice president; and Charles E. Lotte, secretary and treasurer. Edward F. L. Lotte is at present general manager, and Charles E. Lotte, treasurer of the National Silk Dyeing Company, and Wal- ter C. Lotte, manager of the Allentown Plant.

The first of their dye works was established on Second street at Philadelphia, by Edward A. Lotte, the founder of the business. and it was continued there until in 1899, when the Lotte

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL.

Brothers, wishing to be nearer the center of their trade, sold the Philadelphia plant and es- tablished the present growing plant at Allen- town. At that time they employed about 100 operatives in their establishment, but now they have come to employ upwards of 700. They do much work for mills throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Maryland and the New England states. Their plants are modern with a complete equipment of machinery, and they are conducted with marked efficiency in all their various departments.

The Lotte Brothers are not only practical silk dyers, but masters in the art; and they also possess an intimate knowledge of business affairs which enables them to intelligently manage and control their large forces of men with the best obtainable results. Charles and his brother, Ed- ward, are located in Paterson, N. J., and Walter the manager of the plant at Allentown, resides here.

They are members of the Baptist church and take an active interest in the affairs and prog- ress of this religious denomination. Charles is a high degree Free Mason; and he and his broth- er, Walter, are members of the Livingston Club at Allentown.

WALTER C. LOTTE, manager of the National Silk Dye Works, at East Allentown, was born at Philadelphia, Oct. 12, 1875. He was educated in the Philadelphia High school, graduated in 1894; then he took a course in chemistry and dyeing, in the Pennsylvania museum and school of industrial arts, at Philadelphia. He engaged in the dyeing business in 1896 in connection with his brothers. Upon the incorporation of this company in 1899, he was made one of the vice presidents, which position he retained until the company was merged into the National Silk Dyeing Company. Under the new management he became the manager of the Allentown plant. In 1911 Mr. Lotte was one of the organizers of the . Ridge Avenue and Deposit Bank, and he serves it as one of its directors. Socially he is a member of the Livingston Club; Lehigh Country Club; Jordan Lodge No. 673, F. & A. M. Mr. Lotte and family are members of the Zion U. B. church. He is a trustee since 1910.

In 1904 he married M. Catharine Hertz, a daughter of Obediah Hertz, whose full history appears in this volume. They have one daughter, Eleanor May.

LOUX FAMILY.

Among the prominent families of Pennsylvania and New York is the Loux family, who trace their family history to Philip and Nicholas, two

brothers who came from Hesse Darmstaat, land- ing at New Amsterdam, now New York City, in June, 1710. Philip Laux had four sons: Wil- liam, Peter, Cornelius and Andrew. Peter came to Pennsylvania in 1738. He was married to Anna Barbara Kershner. They had two sons: George and Dewald. One branch of the family settled in Bucks county, near Pipersville, where they were members of the Mennonite Church. Mr. Loux was married to Susan Lutz. They were the parents of six children: Peter, lived at Hilltown, Bucks county, where he operated a linseed mill and also followed farming. He was the father of the following children: Rev. Enos, a Mennonite minister, Jacob a farmer, and Sam- uel, a carpenter ; Elizabeth; a daughter married to Jesse Alum; Christian, lived near Perkasie, where he followed farming; Martin, a farmer, residing in Tinicum township, Bucks county. John Laux was born Aug. 26, 1798, and died in Tinicum township, March 21, 1879, and is buried at Red Hill. He was married to Barbara a daughter of Jacob Frank. She was born Jan. 13, 1804, and died March 26, 1899, and is buried at Allentown. They were the parents of the following children : Franklin, born Feb. 17, 1823, died April 10, 1861 ; Elvey, born Feb. 12, 1825; William, born Jan. 20, 1827, died Dec. 5, 1843; Lewis born Feb. 19, 1829; Mary Ann, born July 4, 1831, died June 11, 1850; Levi, born Feb. 6, 1834; Reed, born July 27, 1836; Eliza, born April 14, 1839; John, born May 12, 1842, died Oct. 8, 1850; Emeline, born March 8, 1846.

Elvey Laux, an aged resident of Allentown, was born in Bucks county, Feb. 12, 1825. He followed farming for 25 years in his native place and in 1874 he moved to Allentown and for six years had charge of Henry Leh's shoe factory. In 1881 he and his son, Edwin M., engaged in the general merchandise business which he conducted twelve years, when he retired. Mr. Laux and family are members of Ebenezer Evan- gelical Church, in which he has served as an of- ficer for a number of years. He was married in 1847 to Magdalena Mill, a daughter of George and Elizabeth (Good) Mill. She died Nov. 5, 1898. To them five children were born: Edwin M., merchant of Allentown; Violetta, married to John S. Jacoby, died Feb. 22, 1895; Clara, married to V. G. Tice, and Wilson M.

WILSON M. LOUX, secretary and treasurer of the Loux Creamery Co., of Allentown, was born Feb. 16, 1870. He received his education in the public schools of Allentown and the Allentown Business College from which institution he gradu- ated in 1887. He was engaged in various busi- ness pursuits, working for his father until he was of age. The Laux Creamery Co. was organized

VOL. III-5

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HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

in 1887 by Elvey Laux and his son, Edwin M. In 1891 the father retired and the firm was made up of E. M. Laux, W. M. Laux and V. G. Tice. In 1898 the company was incorporated with a capital of $25,000, of which company Wilson M. is the secretary and treasurer, being the leading spirit of the company. This company manufac- tures a superior grade of creamery butter, oper- ating three creameries, located at Spring Creek, Macungie and at Fogelsville. They also sell milk by the wholesale, handling 700 gallons daily. This company also manufactures Laux celebrated ice cream which is shipped extensively over east- ern Pennsylvania. The factory and place of business in Allentown, is located at 429 North 8th street. The factory is equipped with all the modern machinery for the manufacturing of but- ter and ice cream. Mr. Laux owned and con- ducted the Keystone Potato Chip Company for three years, when he sold it to the present owner. He holds membership in the following fraternal organizations : Greenleaf Lodge, No. 561, F. and A. M., Knights of Malta, Commandery No. 68; K. of G. E., P. O. S. of A .; J. O. U. A. M., all of Allentown. Mr. Laux and family are mem- bers of Ebenezer Evangelical Church. He was married Sept. 15, 1891, to Ellen Miller, daugh- ter of Manasses and Harriett (Best) Miller, of Tannersville, Monroe Co. They are the parents of two children : Raymond M., a graduate of the Allentown Business College, assists his father in his business, and Clarence M.

LOY FAMILY.

Matthias and Hans Jurigh Ley, brothers, were pioneers in Pennsylvania, from the Pala- tinate. Matthias emigrated on the ship "Sam- uel," which landed at Philadelphia Aug. 17, 1733. His age on the "original list" was given as 28 years, and that of Anna Maria Ley, on same list, as 24 years, she having been his wife. Hans Jurigh came on the ship "Elizabeth," which qualified Aug. 27, 1733. Where these pioneers lived immediately after coming to Penn- sylvania is uncertain; but in 1756, Matthias and George were taxables of Greenwich town- ship, in Bucks county. The name Ley, origin- ally may have been of French extraction and these ancestors Huguenot refugees. It is known that a number of Huguenots settled in Green- wich and Albany townships. The will of Mat- thias Loy, who died in 1783, is of record in the Court House at Reading, being recorded in Book B, page 74. The will is signed, Matthias Loy. . It mentions the following children : George (to whom was given 150 acres of land) ; Matthias (whose wife was Mary) and to him was likewise given a tract of 150 acres of land;

Adam; Margaret; Catharine; and Mary. Anna Maria, the wife of Matthias, survived him until 1787. She made a will in 1786 which is also of record at Reading.

Georg Loy settled in Windsor township, where he owned 220 acres of land. His wife was Barbara Bossart, of Windsor; and they had children: Susanna (married John George Focht, who later purchased Mr. Loy's homestead) ; Molly( who died single) ; Jacob (married to a Miss Billig, and was the father of Leah, Charles and Nathan) ; Charles (married Deborah Leiby and was the father of Catharine, Henry W., and Alfred W., who married Esther Anna Folk, and they have two sons, Alfred B. and William D. F.).

Matthias Loy, son of Matthias, was the first of the family to settle in Albany township, where he located prior to the Revolutionary War. His homestead is now owned by Levi Sechler, at the New Bethel (Corner ) Church. He was a farmer, married to Mary ; and their children were: Adam and Michael.

Adam Loy, son of Matthias, Jr., was a weav- er and farmer in Albany township, where he owned the homestead of his father. He was an officer of the New Bethel church; was overseer of the poor of Albany in 1817 and a man of prominence. He died on his farm in 1844, and his will was probated April 22, 1844. His wife was Susanna Focht and they had twelve children : Samuel, Michael, George, Jacob, Jesse, Jeremiah, William, Mary (married Samuel Unger), Susanna, Adam, Elizabeth (married Michael Hendricks), and Joseph.

Michael Loy, son of Adam, was born on his father's homestead. After owning it for some years he sold it and bought another farm, which he kept three years, then sold that and bought the one on which he died. This is now owned and occupied by his son, Phaon, in Albany. He was a democrat and for many years served as. supervisor and tax-collector. He and his fam- ily were Lutheran members of New Bethel church which he served as deacon, elder and trustee, and as a member of the building com- mittee. He married Polly Behler and their children were: Louisa (who is unmarried and has her home with her brother Phaon) ; Wil- liam; Phaon; and Ellen (married Lenius Rein- hard, a carpenter at Trexlertown).

Joseph Loy, son of Adam, was born Oct. 25, 1828, in Albany township, and he lived there until he became sixteen years old, then went to Windsor township, where he bought and carried on a plantation. He was a wheelwright by trade and did much work for the farmers of

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL.

that community. His retiring years he is spending with his son, Walter S. His wife, Catharine Smith, died Dec. 29, 1905, in her 8Ist year. They had an only son, Walter S., a prosperous farmer in Windsor township, whose wife is Hettie M. Kline, and they have three children: Prof. Sylvester K., Carrie, and Jo- seph.

William Loy, son of Michael, was a farmer near Trexler Station, in Albany township. He and his family were Lutheran members of New Bethel Church, and he served it for a time as a deacon. His wife was Mary Ann Graver, a daughter of Samuel and Catharine (Donat) Graver, and their eight children were: Frank; James W .; Herman; George; Clara, married to Nathan J. Weiss; Annie, widow of Thomas Metzger; Mary; and Herbert.

JAMES W. LOY, merchant and justice of the peace of New Tripoli, is a native of Albany township, in Berks county, born June 24, 1871. He was educated in the public schools, and reared on a farm until he was eighteen years of age; then he entered a store at Steinsville and served for three years. With this experience he went to New Tripoli and was employed in the store of W. F. Krause for four years; then he engaged in the wholesale produce business for himself at that place, which he has carried on successfully until the present time. On Feb- ruary 13, 1905, he also embarked in the general store business at New Tripoli, in the public house of M. O. Bachman, and this he has con- ducted until now, assisted by two clerks. He also operates a huckster route through the coun- try districts, disposing of the produce collected at Allentown.

Mr. Loy is a Democrat in politics. In Feb- ruary, 1910, he was elected a justice of the peace of Lynn township, and by reason of his qualifi- cations and fitness for the office he has developed considerable business in scrivening and legal mat- ters. He has also been elected as registry and township assessor, notwithstanding the district is republican. He has served as the Democratic Committeeman of the township for two terms.

He was married on September 23, 1893, to Annie E. Follweiler, daughter of John B. Foll- weiler of Wanamaker, by whom he has three children: Hattie E., Ezra W., and Herman J. He and the family are members of the Lutheran denomination worshipping in the Ebenezer church. He has served the congregation as a deacon, and since 1909 has officiated as treasurer.

LUDWIG FAMILY.

Matthias Ludwig, born in Hesendorf, Ger- many, in 1735, emigrated to America in the ship

"Edinburgh," and arrived at Philadelphia on Sept. 30, 1754. He settled in Macungie town- ship, where he became the owner of 145 acres. In 1762 he was assessed £20 and in 1786 was taxed £2.0.0 on his land, four horses and five cows. He was a member of the Lutheran con- gregation at Lehigh church, where he was buried on his death, Jan. 22, 1794. His wife, Anna Elizabeth Walbert, was born Dec. 18, 1719, and died Feb. 21, 1804. They had one son, Henry, and a daughter, Anna Elizabeth, who married George Graeber.

Henry Ludwig, son of Matthias, was born March 20, 1763, and died April 18, 1820, and was buried at Lehigh church. He married Chris- tina Barbara Saeger, a daughter of Christian Saeger. She was born Sept. 29, 1763, died Sept. 6, 1836, and is buried in the old Allentown ceme- tery. They had ten children : John George, Daniel, Benjamin, Peter, Elizabeth Heinly, Susan Yoder, Polly Steckel, Hettie Weaver, Hannah Weaver, and Lydia.

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History of Lehigh county, Pennsylvania and a genealogical and biographical record of its families, Vol. III, Part 13

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: 854

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: 854