USA > Pennsylvania > Lehigh County > History of Lehigh county, Pennsylvania and a genealogical and biographical record of its families, Vol. III > Part 18
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122 | Part 123 | Part 124 | Part 125 | Part 126 | Part 127 | Part 128 | Part 129 | Part 130 | Part 131 | Part 132 | Part 133 | Part 134 | Part 135 | Part 136 | Part 137 | Part 138
COL. CARSON W. MASTERS.
John Masters, the progenitor of the American branch of the family of which Colonel Carson W. Masters, one of the prominent and influential citizens of Allentown, is a worthy representative, was a native of Manchester, England, from whence he emigrated to this country in the early part of the nineteenth century, settling in Lan- caster county, Pa., where he followed agricul- tural pursuits, his death occurring near Lititz, Pa. He was honored and esteemed in the com- munity, where he led an active and useful life. He was the father of a number of children, among whom was Henry Martin, of whom further.
Henry Martin Masters, son of John Masters, was born at Lititz, Lancaster county, Pa., March 2, 1842, died April 5, 1906, leaving an honorable record both as a soldier and a citizen. Some time previous to his marriage he located in White Deer township, Union county, Pa., and enlisted from that county during the Civil War, in Com- pany D, One Hundred and Fiftieth Pennsyl- vania Bucktails. On July 2, 1863, he was wounded during the Battle of Gettysburg, and
862
HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
was honorably discharged from the service. Sub- sequently he returned to Union county, where he spent the remainder of his days. He married, in Union county, Pa., Hannah Rebecca Snyder, born June 11, 1842, resides at Williamsport, Pa., active and strong, never having had a day's sick- ness, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Rother- mel) Snyder, the former named, a native of Le- high county, Pa., removing later to Union county, and the latter named, a native of Fleetwood, Berks county, Pa. Children of Mr. and Mrs. Masters: Emma Jane; Carson Willard, of whom further; Henry Ward Beecher; Catha- rine Irene, who died in childhood.
Colonel Carson Willard Masters, son of Henry Martin Masters, was born in Union county, Pa., Sept. 11, 1868. He received his
COL. CARSON W. MASTERS.
education in the public schools of Union and Co- lumbia counties, Pa. His first employment was in a paper-making mill, where he remained until the mill was destroyed by fire. He then went to Milton, Pa., where he secured employment in Godcharles Nail Plate Mill. After a short res- idence in Shamokin, Pa., where he was in the employ of the Reading Railroad Company, serv- ing first as brakeman, and later promoted to the position of conductor on one of the fast freights running between Shamokin and Williamsport, being then only eighteen years of age, the young- est employee in that position. He removed to Allentown, Pa., Aug. 8, 1888, and there became
acquainted with Colonel John H. Harris, of Washington, D. C., who at that time conducted the Hotel Allen, and on September 21, 1890, Mr. Masters accepted a position in that well- known hostelry. Later, his faithfulness to duty and natural ability won for him promotion, and he was appointed manager, in which capacity he served until April, 1906, when he became pro- prietor, and he is still conducting the house suc- cessfully, the patronage, under his excellent man- agement, increasing steadily year by year. He has been actively identified with every enterprise that tends toward the advancement of the inter- ests of Allentown, and therefore ranks high in public estimation. He is a member of the Lu- theran Church, and a Progressive in politics. He belongs to the Sons of Veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Jordan Lodge, F. & A. M., and the Clover Club. He, being an accomplished musi- cian, having taken prominent parts both in con- cert and opera, for a number of years.
Colonel Masters married, Aug. 5, 1897, Min- nie Elizabeth Rohn Young, of Allentown, daugh- ter of Prof. Edwin A. Young, who served at one time as county superintendent of schools. Children : Willard Harris, born Nov. 12, 1898, died Aug. 5, 1903 ; Jean Elizabeth, born Jan. 21, 1900; Carson Willard, Jr., born June 26, 1902. Mr. and Mrs. Masters are popular in the social circles of Allentown.
WILLIAM F. MASTERS.
William F. Masters, a public school teacher of Lowhill, since 1908, was born at Allentown, Jan. 30, 1890, and when one year old his parents. moved upon a farm in Weisenberg township where he was reared and educated in the town- ship school, graduating in 1904. He then at- tended the Keystone State Normal School and was graduated in 1912. During the summer months he assisted his father on the farm; and since 1908 has taught public school in Lowhill.
In 1913, he was married to Irene Hummel, daughter of Tilghman (farmer of Weisenberg, near the Appel School, who was married to. Alice Stein). She was graduated from the town -. ship schools in 1899, and since then has followed the profession of teaching in the public schools. of Lowhill. He purchased the superior 20-acre farm of Sylvanus F. Heberly, in Weisenberg,. half a mile west of Claussville.
Harry P. Masters, the father of William F., was born Aug. 24, 1864, at London in England, and when four years old, his parents emigrated to Pennsylvania, locating at Allentown, in Le- high county, where he was reared and educated until he became thirteen years old; then he-
863
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL.
worked on a farm for Oscar Troxell in White- hall township for three years, and in the Fuller- ton Car Shops for two years. In 1882 he learned the trade of bricklaying and he followed this at Allentown for nine years, then he directed his attention to farming, having purchased a planta- tion of 85 acres in Weisenberg township, near Lyon Valley, and this he has carried on until now. From 1882 to 1888, he was interested in military affairs, and served in Co. D, N. G. P., commanded by Capt. Wm. D. Mickley, of Al- lentown, filling the position of corporal and O. M. Sergeant. In 1886, he was married to Mary Jane Brong, daughter of Levi, a farmer of Whitehall township, and they had three chil- dren: George (m. Athena Rupp), William F. (above), and Esther.
William H. Masters, the grandfather of Wil- liam F., was born at London, in England in 1843, and there learned the trade of plasterer, and when of age he married Mary M. M. Thomas, daughter of George, a saddler, of Lon- don. In 1868 he, accompanied by his wife and three children, emigrated to Pennsylvania, locat- ing at Allentown, where he followed his trade until his decease in 1913. He had fifteen chil- dren: Harry P. (above), Florence (m. Charles Fenstermacher ), Rosa (m. E. E. Fogel), Wil- liam (m. Rebecca Weimer ; Charles (m. Mary Wagner) ; Beatrice (m. John Koch), Mamie (m. William Reeser, who was accidentally killed in 1905 in the Bethlehem Steel Works), Mabel (m. C. Shimer), Ruth (m. Ray Gehry), and six died young.
Levi Brong, his mother's father, was married to Lucinda Walp, daughter of Stephan, of Slat- ington, and they had eight children: George (m. Alavesta Frantz), Mary Jane (above), Miami (m. James Rau), Emma (m. Wilson Kehm, Birdie, Amanda, Alfred and Milton, the last four having died young.
MATCHETTE FAMILY.
The ancestors of this family were originally from Normandy and came to England during the time of William the Conqueror. Richard Matt- chette was born in Ireland where he engaged in business as a butcher and stock dealer. Emi- grating to the United States he settled in Cum- berland county, Pa., where he remained until he died. Joseph, a son of Richard, was born, reared and married in Armaugh, Ireland, whence he re- moved to Liverpool, England, and secured em- ployment in a brick yard. Later he went to Sea- combe, where he worked in the Ultra Marine blue factory. In 1852 he came to America with his family. Three of his sons had preceded him to this country. He located at Catasauqua where
he was employed by the Crane Iron Works. He died June 27, 1862. He was married to Susanna Truman also a native of Armaugh, Ireland. They were the parents of the following children : Richard, mentioned below; Anna B., born Nov. 12, 1812, died April 15, 1888; Susanna, John, born Oct. 13, 1836, died May 13, 1901; Eliza- beth ; Joseph, mentioned later ; Mary, George and James. Three sons John G., George and Jo- seph and two brothers-in-law served in the Civil War.
Richard Machette, son of Joseph, was born in England, March 27, 1829, and died Feb. 22, 1860. He was employed as conductor by the Thomas Iron Company in hauling ore from Beth- lehem to Hokendauqua. He was a member of the Methodist church and took a very active in- terest in church matters. He was married to Elizabeth Smith, born Sept. 23, 1833, died Jan. 15, 1871. Their children were James and Emma E. (Mrs. Wilson Keck) of Philadelphia.
JAMES MATCHETTE, son of Richard, was born in Catasauqua, Sept. 14, 1856. At the age of thirteen he started to learn the trade of ma- chinist. After working at the trade eighteen months he returned to school for six months after which he again followed his trade and has fol- lowed it with the Thomas Iron Company ever since. In 1909 he was promoted to foreman having thirty-six men under his charge. He was auditor of Whitehall township for two terms and served ten years as school director of Hodendau- qua Independent School District, being secretary of the board four years. He is a member of Cata- sauqua Lodge 269, I. O. O. F., being a Past Grand of the order ; St. Alban Commandery No. 46, K. of M. He and family are members of Grace Methodist Episcopal church, Catasauqua. In 1879 he was married to Mary Ellen Kay, a daughter of Joseph and Eleanore (Sharpeless) Kay. Isuse: Emma, died in infancy ; Richard K., of Hokendauqua; Sarah E., a graduate of Hokendauqua High School, 1899, and Millers- ville Normal School, 1904, died Sept. 13, 1907; Nelson Joseph Keith, Esther, who died in in- fancy and James G.
JOSEPH MATCHETTEE, of Catasauqua, was born in Seacombe, county of Chester, England, March 18, 1841. Before coming to America he attended the Episcopalian schools of England. After coming to America he was employed for a few seasons as towboy on the canal during the summer. The winter months were spent in the public schools. At the age of fourteen years he secured employment with the Crane Iron Com- pany and was employed in various capacities : hauling iron ore, running a stationary engine, firing locomotive, etc. Later he ran an engine
864
HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
between Catasauqua and Trexlertown. In 1860 he entered the machine shop of the same com- pany. Shortly after the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in August, 1861, in a company organized by Captain Arnold C. Lewis, a veteran of the Mexican War which was known as Com- pany C, Forty-sixth Pennsylvania Infantry. The war record of Mr. Matchette is one of which any man can justly feel proud of. As an officer of the army he received his commissions as fol- lows: Corporal August, 1861, at Harrisburg; Sergeant, April, 1862, at Winchester ; First Ser- geant, winter of 1862, at Maryland Heights ; First Lieutenant at Fairfax Court House; Cap- tain May 25, 1863, at Dallas. The Captain had a number of narrow escapes and was se- verely wounded in the abdomen in the battle of Cedar Mountain. He took part in fifty-two battles. He was mustered out at Harrisburg, July 22, 1865. After the war he returned to Catasauqua, where he again entered the machine shop of the Catasauqua and Fogelsville Railroad. Three years later he resigned and engaged in building railroads being thus engaged in the Saucon Valley, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Selina, and other Southern cities. In 1870 he located at Catasauqua again where he was engaged in a rolling mill, later in the machine shops of the Crane company, also running a steam drill in the Jordon quarry for the Crane and Thomas com- panies. From 1882 to 1906 he was agent for the Atlantic Dynamite Company and the Inger- soll-Sergeant Drill Company. He also carried a full line of quarry equipments and contractors supplies. In politics Captain Matchettee is a staunch Republican and for several years has served as a member of the Republican County Committee. He was a member of the Catasau- qua School Board for many years and for two years he was President of the Board. He was nominated by his party for treasurer of the county and for the Legislature. Socially he is Past Master of the Masonic fraternity and repre- sented the Knights of Honor in the Grand Lodge. He has been Past Commander of Fuller Post No. 378, G. A. R. He is a member and has been major of the Union Veteran Legion of Allen- town. He is a member of the Presbyterian church of which he has been an elder and super- intendent of the Sunday school for many years. On April 8, 1863, he was married to Fannie E. Lazarus, a daughter of Joseph Lazarus. Mr. and Mrs. Matchette are the parents of nine chil- dren : Minerva L., Adah S., wife of John E. Walters, of Catasauqua; J. D., who was in busi- ness with his father; Blanche T., Fannie M., Thomas T., Sophie S., John Logan and T. Sher- man.
JOHN S. MATCHETTE, editor of The Catasau- qua Dispatch, a weekly newspaper of Catasuqua, is well known among his townspeople and takes a keen interest in the progress and material de- velopment of the town, and being progressive and energetic, has attained a place among many in- fluential and public-spirited citizens of the Iron borough.
The subject of this sketch was born in Catasau- qua on May 1, 1890, where he has resided con- tinuously ever since. His father, also named John, was born in Seacombe, County of Chester, England, in 1836, his ancestors being of Irish and French descent. The father emigrated to Cata- sauqua in 1850, but later removed to Canal Dover, Ohio, and was employed there in running blast engines, from which place he enlisted in the War of the Rebellion, serving in the Fifty-first Ohio Infantry Volunteers, and was honorably discharged in 1865. In 1874 he returned to Pennsylvania and located at Iron Bridge. Later he entered the employ of the Catasauqua & Fog- elsville R. R. Co., and upon his retirement from this position conducted the store near the Lehigh Valley station at Catasauqua. He died in 1901. The subject's mother was Adeline E. Steiner, born at Canal Dover, Ohio, July 5, 1850, and who traced her lineage to Germany.
John S. received a good general education in the Catasauqua schools, graduating in the class of 1907. During his school days learned the rudi- ments of the printing business. He became news- boy for the Dispatch, February 1, 1900, and sev- eral years later was employed during his spare time as a compositor. Upon graduation from school he pursued the printing trade until Jan- uary 1, 1908, when the Lehigh National Bank of Catasauqua, being in need of a new clerk, looked around among the ambitious young men of the town and selected him for the position. On account of his ability, personality and courteous manner, he was successively promoted and on October 1, 1912, was advanced to the bookkeep- ership, which position he filled with credit to him- self and the institution until April 6, 1914, when he took up the editorial mantle of the Dispatch, and under whose capable management a success- ful and profitable business is being conducted. A year prior to his entering the newspaper business, Mr. Matchette became secretary of the borough, which position he relinquished upon assuming his new duties.
He is also interested in public school affairs, being treasurer of the Alumni Association of the Catasauqua High School, and in which he takes an active part.
Mr. Matchette is a self-made man, and one who by perseverance and an honorable and upright
865
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL.
course in life commands the esteem and confi- dence of the entire community. From general observance he is presumed to be the youngest edi- tor and publisher of a newspaper within a large radius and fills the office most acceptably, having become efficient in the mechanical end of the work as well as having been thoroughly schooled in financial matters.
Socially he is a member of Catasauqua Lodge, No. 269, I. O. O. F .; Washington Camp, No. 301, P. O. S. of A .; Porter Lodge, No. 284, F. & A. M., of Catasauqua, and is also identified with Catasauqua Chapter, No. 278, R. A. M. He is also a member of the Phoenix Steam Fire Co.
In his religious belief he is an Episcopalian, beng a vestryman in St. Stephen's church and sec- retary of its Sunday school.
MATTERN FAMILY.
The name Mattern .- Among the tall moun- tains of Switzerland, there is one by the name of "Matterhorn." Presumably some of the early people, living near, were called after this moun- tain. But the name was long, and inconvenient. By euphuism it was shortened. The three syllables wre cut down to two. Soon more con- sonants were dropped, until at last, the name as- sumed the form it has at present.
The Nationality of the Matterns .- Sore years ago, sixty per cent. of the people, living in this region of Europe, spoke the German language, about twenty per cent. the French, twelve per cent. the Italian, and the rest used the Roman dialects. From such a mixture of nationalities and blood, and consequently of languages, we can readily understand the origin of the people, and the change of names, from the originals.
The First Matterns .- The origin of the fam- ily must be traced to Peter Mattern, who land- ed in Philadelphia, on Sept. 26, 1732. His wife's name was Maria Catherine. She was born in the year 1702 on the 10th of February, and died on Sept. 10, 1758, bringing her age to fifty-six years and seven months. Peter Mat- tern must have worked his way northward slow- ly, for next we find him at the "Six Cornered" church, in Upper Hanover township, Montgom- ery county, where he had a son, John Peter, bap- tized in the year 1743. He is mentioned as one of the first members of Lehigh church in Lower Macungie township, in the region of Alburtis. Some of his sons migrated and formed the large Mattern families in Center and neighboring counties, in our state. He himself, undoubtedly remained in the region of Lower Macungie, for his wife was buried here, and in the year 1756 ¿ two sons and one daughter were confirmed as
members of Lehigh church. His children were Anna Margaret, born 1727, died 1801, married, 1753, Gottfried Diefenderfer; Margaret, born 1734; Henry; Peter; and Agnes.
HENRY MATTERN.
Some details in his life rust necessarily be wanting, but perhaps more important matters stand out in startling distinctness. He was a blacksmith by trade, a Christian by profession, and a soldier patriotically. He served as a patriot in the eighth class, seventh company, under Captain Charles Greenmayer, in 1782. His confirmation and communion record is very clear and his occupation is undisputed. The census of Macungie township mentions him, in the year 1790, as having a wife and three children, two sons and one daughter. His wife's name was Gertrude.
The Children of Henry Mattern .- The two sons were George and John Mattern. The daughter, Catharine, was born in 1767. The two sons, above mentioned, lie side by side in the ceme- tery of Lehigh church, and both were married to two sisters by the name of Reiss, and lived all their days on a tract of land, a short distance northwest of Macungie. George was the father of five daughters, and all of them were married: Mrs. Samuel Kiefer, Mrs. Jacob Christman, Mrs. John Shaffer, Mrs. John Bower, and Mrs. Reuben Trexler, who was the mother of Edwin Jonas and Willoughby Trexler, and Mrs. Henry Leh, and the grandmother of Harry, Edwin, and Judge Frank Mattern Trexler, the present judge of the Superior Court.
John Mattern, the other brother was born Sept. 10, 1774. He was baptized on Oct. 16, of the same year. The sponsors were John Diefenderfer and Margaret Baer. He was the father of eight children. Among the daughters were Mrs. Catherine Shiffert, who died at the old homestead; Mrs. Hannah Yingling, who died in Allentown and Mrs. Mary Christman, who passed away in her home in Macungie. Among the sons were John, Isaac, and William.
John Mattern of Macungie was the father of Mrs. James Singmaster of the same place, the grandfather of Mrs. Ella Weaver, of Macungie, and Dr. John Alden Singmaster, president of the theological seminary in Gettysburg. He was also the father of Mrs. William Wetherhold, the grandfather of Mrs. Daniel Z. Walker, of Allentown, Mrs. Emma More, of Philadelphia and John A. Wetherhold, of Catasauqua.
Isaac Mattern was the father of Mrs. Bill- ings, Mrs. Hendricks, Mrs. Moyer, Mrs. Cus- ter, and Mrs. Harley. Most of them reside in Montgomery county and in Philadelphia. Dr.
866
HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
William Mattern, the coroner's physician of Philadelphia, was the distinguished son of Isaac. He served as coroner's physician to the day of his death in April, 1896.
Lesher Mattern, a prominent business man of West Point, Montgomery county, is the remain- ing and youngest son of Isaac.
WILLIAM MATTERN.
William Mattern was born at the old home- stead, a short distance northwest of Alburtis. When a young man he came to Allentown, and was apprenticed to Levi Woodring, who had his home and place of business at 623 Hamilton street, where he learned the saddler's trade, which, however, he never followed. In the course of time he became acquainted with Re- becca Eckert, one of the daughters of John Eck- ert, who lived on Seventh street, between Ham- ilton and Linden, whom he married.
The marriage ceremony was performed by Rev. Joshua Yeager, on Feb. 15, 1838. William Mattern brought his wife to Macungie. This place was not congenial to the young wife, and she became homesick. Then John Eckert, who owned a piece of ground on Linden street, gave it to his daughter. Here William Mattern built his home, which in the course of time be- came 727 Linden street. Here all his children were born. The young wife forgot all about her homesickness, and surrounded by relatives and familiar faces, became attached to her residence. The old home has since changed hands, and has become a business house. It has also been re- modelled, but the original wall on the east side still stands.
William Mattern secured a piece of ground, comprising probably nine acres, bordering on Liberty and Sixth streets. This tract he farmed until he sold it to the Lehigh county agricultural society. A life-membership ticket was secured in partial payment for the land. Then he bought a tract of land, comprising probably fifteen acres, lying somewhat north of the Allentown hospital. This tract adjoined that of William Weaver, on the west, the Seagreaves farm on the east, the Kichline property on the north, and a public road, now abandoned, on the south. In the course of time, this tract was sold and the prop- erty known as the "Mattern brickyard" was se- cured. This tract consisting of a dozen acres of ground, borders on Tenth street. It is inter- sected by Tilghman, Green, and Washington streets, and is bounded otherwise by the old Mauch Chunk road on the north and the Guths- ville road on the south. The property holders, bordering this tract was Daniel Schmoyer, Huber and Egge, Manasses Schwartz, and Nathan
Dresher. William Mattern formed a partner- ship with William Egge, and together they car- ried on the brick-making business. In the course of time the partnership was dissolved and Wil- liam Mattern continued in the business to the day of his death, Feb. 12, 1884.
At one time he was an officer in St. Paul's Lu- theran church on Eighth street, and he continued his membership therein, until the church changed its synodical relationship. From prejudice and inclination, he was opposed to any synodical change. Ecclesiastical matters were never quite clear to him after that period.
He served as a borough official of Allentown in the years 1855 and 1858.
In disposition he was kind and approachable, but he always maintained a certain reserve or pride which perhaps is a trait in the family. His father was described by one who knew him per- sonally, as the "soul of kindness," but at all times reserved and dignified. He was a good provider in his home and was judiciously fond of the good things of life. His later years were given to much reading. He was fond of his own Bible which reveals much use, and religious literature, of a general character, was acceptable to him. He was fond of company, enjoyed the companionship of others, beside those of his own family, and he was always hospitably inclined. The motto which he left behind, for his chil- dren is characteristic of him: "Whatever knowl- edge you acquire, you secure for yourself." Phy- sically he was above medium in size, well-formed, weighing in the neighborhood of 200 pounds, and in other respects a typical Pennsylvania Ger- man.
The Descendants of William Mattern .- The marriage of William Mattern to Rebecca Eck- ert was a fruitful and happy one. To them were born six children, the oldest of whom was the daughter Emma, who was married to Robert Fatzinger. Both she, her husband and a son have passed away, leaving with us Miss Jennie Fatzinger, who resides in her home on North Eighth street.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.