History of Lehigh county, Pennsylvania and a genealogical and biographical record of its families, Vol. III, Part 48

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 48

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Conrad Raker and wife had these children: Frederick, Jacob, William D., Enoch D., Isaac D., John, moved to Illinois and died there; Maria (Molly), married E. Peifer and they lived and died at Raker, Pa .; Barbara Alice, married

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL. :

Joseph Gass; Esther, married D. Zartman; a daughter married to George Savage; Kate.

Frederick Raker (1) was born Dec. 21, 1804, in Rockerfeller township, and he spent all his life in his native county, except about four years, which after his marriage he spent in Lycoming county, Pa. Afterward he settled at Emanuel's Church, in Little Mahanoy township. He was a blacksmith, carpenter and a farmer, besides

He keeping "Raker's Hotel" for some years. died Aug. 4, 1844, and is buried at Raker, Pa. In 1825 he married Elizabeth Hoffman, who died in 1903, aged eighty-seven. Their seven children were: Conrad H .; Susanna, died young; Jeremiah; Harriet; Catharine; John H. died Jan. 14, 1862, while in the Civil War, at Rolla, Mo., and Lovina Jane.

Jacob Raker (2) was born April 26, 1808, in Little Mahanoy township. He died upon his farm Dec. 28, 1869. His wife, Margaret Zart- man, was born in 1813 and died in 1883. They had the following children: Lucinda; Harry; William; Samuel Z .; Enoch; Daniel Z. (1836- 1898) ; Abbie; Rebecca; Conrad; Cornelius; Al- ice and Joseph.

William D. Raker (3) was born June 7, 1812, and he died in Little Mahanoy where he was born in Feb., 1887. His wife was Catharine Fink and their children were: Martin, deceased ; Henry, deceased; James F., deceased; Isaac F .; Lewis, deceased; Galen; Elizabeth; Mary; Sarah ; Hettie; Lovina; Rebecca; and Susan.

Enoch D. Raker (4) was born June 7, 1822, and he died June 23, 1888. He was a farmer and owned the 120 acre farm now owned by his son, Edward A. He married Sarah Bingaman and their children were: Edward B., Alice and Jane B., twins.

Isaac D. Raker (5) was born Dec. 6, 1825, and died at Shamokin, Pa., March II, 1907. He was a farmer in Little Mahanoy township until his removal to Shamokin. He was a county com- missioner during the Civil War and subsequently a jury commissioner. His wife, Phoebe A. Wit- mer, was born in 1824 and died in 1890. Their children were: Alvin, Wilson, Clinton, Nelson, Laura, Minnie and Jennie.

Conrad H. Raker the oldest son of Frederick, was born in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, Nov. 8, 1828, and when he was about three years old his parents removed to Northumberland county. He was reared upon the farm and as- sisted his father in tilling the soil until he learned the trade of a gunsmith and this he followed in Little Mahanoy township in addition to his farm work the rest of his active life excepting four years which he spent in the Western States. In 1899 Mr. Raker retired and lived with his

daughter Lydia, Mrs. John Schlege, at Shamokin, Pa., until his death, Sept. 24, 1911, aged 82 years, 10 months, 16 days. He was active in public affairs and was the first postmaster at Raker P. O., which was named in his honor. He was a Democrat, and in his religious faith was a Lutheran, and served the Emanuel's church as a trustee. On April 27, 1856, he married Susan Dornsife, a daughter of Daniel and Mary (Herb) Dornsife. She was born March 22, 1832, and died on Nov. 5, 1899. Both are buried at Raker, Pa., in the Emanuel's church cemetery. Their children follow:

Dr. Frederick D. Raker was born at Raker, Pa., Dec. 21, 1856. After attending the public schools, he attended the Freeburg and Eylsburg academies and taught school at the age of twenty years. He read medicine with his uncle, Dr. Daniel Dornsife, and was graduated from Jeffer- son Medical College, Phila., Pa., in the class of 1881. In 1889, together with Dr. Hollenbach, he established the drug business, still conducted under the name of Hollenbach and Raker. He was twice elected coroner and also county treas- urer of Northumberland County, Pa. In ad- dition to his extensive practice, he is president of The East End Lumber Company, president of The Shamokin and Coal Township Saving Fund, director of The Shamokin Banking Company and The Leader Publishing Company. He was mar- ried to Ada Deppen in 1890 and has the follow- ing children: Conrad J. M., a graduate of Muhlenberg College, Allentown, Pa., in the class of 1913. Ralph E., a sophomore at Muhlenberg College; Susan Eva, and Alma Elizabeth.

Mary E. Raker was married to Alvin Raker, proprietor of three cent novelty store in Sha- mokin, Pa. The following children were born to them: Florence, married to Robert Swank; Helen, married to Selin Weist and Walter, Mrs. Raker died from an accident in her home September 6, 1911.

REV. JOHN H. RAKER, founder and superin- tendent of The Good Shepherd Home, Allen- town, Pa., was born at Raker, Pa., Jan. 1, 1863. After attending the public schools, at Raker, Pa., a select school at Northumberland Pa., and teach- ing public school for two years, he entered the preparatory department of Muhlenberg College in the spring of 1884, and was graduated in the class of 1889. In the physiological depart- ment he received the prize of ten dollars in gold for the best skeleton. During his college course he was superintendent of the Union Sunday school at South Allentown for three years, and as Dr. Wackernagel said, "was the chief agitator in organizing St. Stephens mission" in Allentown. · - He was one of the state speakers for the con-

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HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

stitutional amendment in the spring of 1889 and spoke two and three times a day for over one month. In the spring of 1892 he was graduated from the Lutheran Theological Seminary, Mt. Airy, Phila., and the Neff College of Oratory. During the summer of 1891 he had charge of St. John's Lutheran Church, Pen Argyl, Pa., and after graduation accepted a call from this church and served as pastor for seven years. He traveled extensively and prepared illustrated lectures on the Reformation, and on Vesuvius Herculaneum and Pompeii. The latter was delivered before many county teachers' institutes. In 1898 he re- ceived and accepted a call from Trinity Church, Lebanon. On June 5, 1899, he was married to D. Estella Weiser, a daughter of Jonathan and Rose ( Moser) Weiser, a descendant of Conrad Weiser, the great Indian interpreter, and first judge of Berks county.

He received and accepted a unanimous call to become the second superintendent of the Topton Orphans' Home, and took charge on Oct. I, 1900, and served as superintendent and Mrs. Raker as matron until April 1, 1907. While superintendent of this home, he presented the cause before every conference, and in most of the congregations of the Ministerium of Penna., speaking as often as seven times on one Sunday. The subscription list of the Orphans' Home paper was increased from 1,500 to 5,200. The debt of $20,000.00 was paid many improvements were made, current expenses were met and $5,000.00 was subscribed for an Old People's Home and over one-half was paid. The greatest work, how- ever, was not the raising of money, for that was only a natural result when interested people saw that the children were properly cared for, and were being prepared to meet the battles of life. He was the chief agitator in starting the Topton Bank of which he is still a director.

He accepted a call from Grace Lutheran Church, Allentown, Pa., March, 1907, with the understanding that he would start his "great life plan," of caring for the crippled orphans, blind orphans, infant orphans, destitute children, old people and aged or disabled ministers, regard- less of creed, color or nationality. The first crippled orphan child was received in his private home on Feb. 21, 1908. The Rev. Jer. H. Rit- ter suggested the name, "Good Shepherd Home," which was accepted. The home has had a won- derful development. The great need for such a home was seen by all and it has been liberally supported from the beginning. He resigned as pastor of Grace Church to devote all his time to the home in the spring of 1911. "Sweet Chari- ty," the official organ of the home has a sub- scription list of over 8,000 subscribers, price 50

cents per year. They have three children living, Ruth Dorothea, Roberta Naomi and Conrad Weiser Raker.

Lydia J. Raker, married to John Schlegel, of Shamokin, Pa. Mr. Schlegel is employed by the Philadelphia R. R. Signal Company. Their only son, W. Clarence, is a graduate of Muhlenberg College, class of 1913.

Ida Raker, married to John Hilbush, of Sha- Shamokin, Pa. Mr. Hilbush is a contractor and builder, also treasurer of the East End Lumber Company of Shamokin, Pa. They have the fol- lowing children: Edward O., Susan and Reu- ben, deceased.

Hattie Raker, married to Samuel Moyer, of Shamokin, Pa. Mr. Moyer is a contrator and builder, also a director of the East End Lumber Company. They have only one child, Leila M.

Conrad D. Raker, Dornsife, Pa., is extensively engaged in the lumber business. He is married to Tama Wert. Two children were born to them: Frederick D., and Arlington.

Albert Raker, of Raker, Pa., farmer and lum- berman. He married Katie Raker. Two chil- dren were born to them: Frances and Lydia. Mr. Raker died from injuries received in an accident.

Edward Raker, the youngest of the family, taught public school at the age of 15 years. Pre- pared for college in the preparatory department of Muhlenberg College, and was graduated with honor in the class of 1899. He read law under W. H. M. Oram and was admitted to the Nor- thumberland county bar in 1902. In addition to his extensive law practice he was twice elected chairman of the Northumberland County Demo- cratic Committee. He is vice president of the Leader Publishing Company and a director of the East End Lumber Company. He was appointed postmaster of Shamokin, Pa., by President Wil- son in June, 1913. He was married to Bertha Graeber, of Shamokin, Pa. Three children were born to them: Marion, Grace, and John Peter.

EDWARD J. RAPP.

Adam Rapp, who was born in Coopingen, Wurtemberg, Germany, Aug. 14, 1837, died in Allentown, Lehigh county, Pa., on Oct. 27, 1888, and is buried on the family plot in Fairview cem- etery. He emigrated to the United States in 1857, and made his home at Lehigh Gap, Pa., where he was employed in a tannery about three years. Removing to Weissport he, in company with his brother, George, learned the butchering business, in which he was employed as a journey- man until 1862. He then established himself in this line of business at Mauch Chunk, continu- ing there for seven years, then removed to Al-

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL.

lentown, where he resided and was active in busi- ness life until his death. Before settling in Al- lentown he had lived for a time at Salisbury, back of the "Blue Jacket Mill," which was operated by Joshua Schnurman, many years, remained there until 1872, and is now known as the South Al- lentown Hotel. Mr. Rapp was an active work- er in the field of religion; he was a member of Salem Evangelical church, on Linden street, spent much time and thought on Sunday school work, and served as a teacher of the German Bible class for many years. Mr. Rapp married Isa- bella, a daughter of George and Johanna (Lues- ler) Schuler, of Easton, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Rapp was born in Easton, Jan. 26, 1842. Of their eight children, six died in infancy, the others being: Edward J., of further mention ; Frederick D., who is the general secretary of the Young Men's Christian Association, at Fair- mount, West Virginia, married Hattie A., a daughter of Charles and Francisca Bachman.

Edward J., son of Adam and Isabella (Schu- ler) Rapp, was born at Easton, Pa., Feb. 27, 1866. He was three years of age when his parents removed to Allentown, and made that city their permanent home, and it was there that he received his education in the public schools. Upon the completion of his education, he learned the butcher's trade under the super- vision of his father, and he is of the fourth gen- eration to have followed this calling in a direct line. He remained associated with his father in the business founded by the latter, and upon his death succeeded him in it and has carried it on successfully since that time. He is a progres- sive and resourceful in his methods, and keeps abreast of the times in every particular. His business is located at No. 224 North Ninth street, with a branch at No. 126 North Eleventh street, and he has five men constantly in his employ, and sometimes has need of additional help. His pri- vate residence is in a commodious house at No. 226 North street.

In political opinion Mr. Rapp is a Republi- can, and has served as a member of the select council for four years. In religious affairs he is one of the leading spirits of the town. He is a member of the United Evangelical Church, and has served in every office of Trinity church, of Allentown. He has been a trustee of the church since 1900, and is the teacher of the Men's Bible class, this consisting of 53 members. As superin- tendent of the Sunday school for seven consecu- tive years he has rendered inestimable service, and is considered one of the pillars of the church. He was a delegate to the Eastern Pennsylvania An- nual Conference for a number of years, and is a church member of Allentown. His fraternal

connections are as follows: Patriotic Order Sons of America, Camp No. 406, in which he has held all the offices, and has officiated as county president; St. James Commandery, Knights of Malta; Constantine Lodge, No. 11II, Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows; Jordan Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 673 ; all of Allentown. He is a direction of the Waldheim Camp-meeting Asso- ciation, being in office as vice-president; a char- ter member and a director of the Young Men's Christian Association, of Allentown; and is sec- retary of the Allentown Cemetery Association.

Mr. Rapp married, Dec. 29, 1887, Emma, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Reinhart) Donecker, of Howertown, Pennsylvania. They have children: William C., who has gained a fine reputation as an accomplished violinist; and Minnie E.

JOHN T. RASELY.

In 1738 three brothers left their native home In Germany and came to America. (The name was originally spelled Rasli). One of these brothers was named Conrad, who first settled in Bucks county, then some of the famliy settled in Lower Mount Bethel township, where some of those named now reside.

Robert J. Rasely was born in Stroudsburg, Pa., where he was educated in the public schools and when he had attained manhood followed the trade of butcher. He continued to reside in his native town for some time then removed to South Bethlehem, where he also followed the same line of business. He remained for eighteen years, when he returned to Stroudsburg, where he opened a shop, and is at the present time (1913) yet conducting the business.

Robert J. Rasely was united in marriage with Emma, daughter of Dr. John Hartman, of Mon- roe Co., Pa. Issue: Ardella, died, aged twelve years; John F., (sketch follows) ; Lela, married Elmer E. Frederick, of Stroudsburg; Lizzie, married Raymond Schreiber ; and Milo Rasely.

JOHN F. RASELY, the eldest son of Robert, was born in Stroudsburg, Monroe county, Pa. He was educated in the public schools of his na- tive town and at Bethlehem; took a course of in- struction at a business college at South Bethle- hem. He then became the local representative for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Co., at Bethlehem. He was next connected with Taylor & Son, Allentown, and in 1904 entered the em- ploy of the A. & P. Tea Co., at Allentown, where he eventually became manager of the busi- ness. He has been energetic, economical and prudent, and owns his present home. Dec. 23, 1903, he married Viola May, daughter of Har- vey and Agnes E. ( Haines) Zellner.

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HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

ROBERT S. RATHBUN.

Robert Schwenk Rathbun, engineer and contractor, a son of George W. and Rebecca Schwenk Rathbun, was born at Rahtbun, Elk County, Pennsylvania, September 6, 1869.

George W. Rathbun, the father, was born in New London, Conn., in 1807, the ninth generation of his family in America. He was a blacksmith by trade. He invented and manufactured the first iron cook- ing stove to burn anthracite coal. He came to Le- high County in the 1850's, that he might have his stoves cast at Balliet's charcoal furnace, located at the base of the Blue Mountains. He left Allentown prior to 1860, to engage in the pioneer lumbering business and oil prospecting, in Elk County, Pa., where he established a settlement known as Rathbun, now a thriving station on the Philadelphia and Erie Railroad. He latterly disposed of his stove interests to Rathbun, Sard & Company, of Albany, N. Y., now the greatest stove manufacturing concern in the world. He died on his farm at Rahtbun, April 25, 1870.

On December 31, 1866, he married his second wife, Rebecca Schwenk, born at Allentown, Dec. 28, 1825. She was the daughter of Martin and Catharine ( Rieb) Schwenk, of Palatinate German stock, on her pa- ternal side, being the fourth generation descended from Martin Schwenk, who landed in Philadelphia from either Manheim or Zweibruecken, on October 7, 1749, and who settled on the farm which he later bought in that part of Lehigh County now known as Lower Milford township. March 6, 1750, he mar- ried Anna Maria Dillinger. On her maternal side she was of the fourth generation descended from Andrew Rieb, a patriot of the American Revolution, of German descent, born in Salisbury township, in 1747, who served as a private in what was known as the Flying Camp, he having participated in the battles of Trenton and Princeton.

Rebecca Schwenk was a woman of unusual fore- sight, untiring energy and deep religious convictions, the ideal type of motherhood. She died June 30, 1897, after living a life of earnest devotion to the possible interests of her son, the subject of this sketch.

He was educated in the public schools of Allen- town, and later graduated as a civil engineer from Lehigh University in 1892. He was engaged as en- gineer of construction on the Ohio extension of the Norfolk and Western Railroad, in the States of West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky; later he was employed as a designer of bridges for the Wilkes- Barre and Eastern Railroad of the Erie system; was city engineer of Allentown from April, 1894, to June, 1897. From 1897 to 1898 was actively engaged in the practice of his profession, which he combined in 1908 with the contracting business. This enter- prise has developed into an extensive and profitable business, having involved since its inception the handling of millions of dollars' worth of work, either connected with the construction or design of industrial plants and kindred strucutres located in the eastern part of Pennsylvania and vicinity, requir- ing at various times the employment of hundreds of men, as well as a score of engineers.

On October 17, 1898, he married Lilly L., daugh- ter of Walter H. and Sarah E. (Nolf) Biery, of Al- lentown. They have four children, all of whom are living: Sarah H., George R., Miriam R., and Ed- ward B.

SOLOMON RAUB.

Jacob Raub was a farmer in Northampton county, near Raubsville, Pa. He owned a large tract of land and died there and was buried at Raubsville. He married Susan, nee Raub, and they had a son, Isaac.

Isaac Raub, son of Jacob and Susan (Raub) Raub, was born Oct. 13, 1785. He had but a meagre education in the common schools. His early life was spent in the ore industries of Le- high county. He subsequently engaged in boat- ing on the canal between Mauch Chunk and Bristol, Pa., carrying coal and other freight. At the close of his active life he lived with his son, Solomon, where he died May 18, 1875, and was buried in Union cemetery, Allentown. He was a Democrat and a member of the Lutheran Church.

Isaac Raub married Eleanora Sterner, who died May 5, 1864, and was interred by the side of her husband. Issue: John; Aaron; Isaac; Maria (Mrs. Amandus Hufford) ; Jonas; Solo- mon; Ellen ( Mrs. William Transue) ; William ; Emma (Mrs. Harrison Kilo, of Philadelphia), and one who died young.

Solomon Raub, son of Isaac and Elenora (Sterner) Raub, was born Aug. 15, 1832, near Trexler furnace, in Longswamp township. His educational advantages were very limited, as at an early age he assisted his father and brothers on the boat. He subsequently learned the trade of molder in the Allentown foundry, following this vocation for some years. During the Civil War he did much teaming, hauling supplies for the army. Being of an adventurous make-up, he became a seaman on ocean vessels, both on the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, also sought wealth in the Australian gold fields. He spent upwards of seven years away from his "native heath," then returned home and resumed his trade as an iron molder, in the Allentown foundry and ma- chine shops. He subsequently engaged in the teaming and trucking business, operating sev- eral teams, continuing this vocation for several years. In 1878 he was, for eighteen months, farming in Queen Ann county, Md. He next returned to Allentown, residing at his old home, No. 202 North Front street, where he lived un- til his decease, March 3, 1905. Interment was made in the Union cemetery, by the side of his parents. He was a Republican, and a member of the Reformed Church.

Solomon Raub married, Sept. 20, 1866, Amelia C. Moll, of Allentown, daughter of Peter and Rebecca ( Hunsberger) Moll. Issue: Two chil- dren, who died in infancy; Edwin, died, aged nine months; Myra R. (Mrs. Eli P. Clause) ; Emma M. Raub.

lohest S. Statham

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL.

Mrs. Raub and her daughter, Emma, reside in the old homestead. Emma has always been an active member of Zion Reformed church, and Sunday school work.

RAUCH FAMILY.

James G. Rauch, proprietor of the Slatington News, belongs to the class of men to whom suc- cess has come as the direct result of integrity and strict attention to his chosen business. He is a native of Lehigh county, Pa., having been born in Lowhill township, May 1, 1868, and is a de- scendant of Andreas and Elizabeth Rauch, who was one of the pioneer settlers of Lehigh county, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits.

Andreas and Elizabeth Rauch had a son, An- dreas, born Dec. 2, 1769, who followed the same occupation that his father had followed, and through his thrift and perseverance won a repu- tation as an enterprising business man.

Michael Rauch, son of Andreas, and grand- father of James G., was born on the old home- stead in Heidelberg, learned the trade of cabinet maker, and after thoroughly mastering all the details of the business, he engaged in business for himself. He made the wood-work for a New York party that was used in the construction of a great many grandfather's clocks. In the upper end of the county may be found a number of fancy old-fashioned bureaus that were turned out by Michael Rauch. He was married to Salome Krum, a native of Heidelberg township, with whom he had the following children: Israel, de- ceased ; Flora; Mary; Fietta, m. Jeremiah Pet- ers; Joseph; and William, who died in Heidel- berg, where he was a wheelwright.

Joseph Rauch, father of James G., attended the common schools of his native township, mak- ing good use of his time spent in school, which was a great help to him later in his large and successful business career. After learning the trade of cabinet maker under his father's instruc- tions, he turned his attention to carriage and wagon building, in which line he became as suc- cessful as his father had become in his work. A wagon with the stamp of Joseph Rauch's name on it was regarded as one of the best that could be gotten anywhere. Mr. Rauch, on account of his superior workmanship, is well known, especi- ally in the upper end of the county. In 1867 Joseph Rauch was married to Amelia Hausman, to whom were born the following children : James G., married to Emma J. Smith; Maggie J., married to Frank Hensinger; Malissa, mar- ried to Amandas C. Handwerk ; Victor D., mar- ried Mabel Kemmerer; Daisy, married Phaon Scherer; George, deceased, and a child, who died in infancy. Mrs. Rauch was born Jan. 8, 1846, died Dec. 20, 1909. Mr. Rauch married

the second time, Sarah Semmel, a daughter of Joshua and Mary (Zimmerman) Semmel.

JAMES G. RAUCH, oldest son of Joseph Rauch, was educated in the schools of his native town- ship. After leaving school he learned the trade of wheelwright in his father's factory at Pleasant Corner. In 1893 he moved to Weissport, where he engaged in the job printing business and con- tinued there until 1898. Seeing an opportunity for enlarging his usefulness and business capacity he moved to Slatington where he purchased the plant of the Slatington News. The business soon increased to such an extent that he found it nec- essary to look for larger quarters to accommo- date the increase of business. In 1903 he erected the present office and residence at 420 Main street. The present printing equipment is thor- oughly up-to-date. He employs seven men and is in a position to turn out large amount of work, as well as most artistic work. Mr. Rauch has met with marked success in his chosen occu- pation as a printer as did his father as carriage builder and his grandfather as cabinet-maker.

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History of Lehigh county, Pennsylvania and a genealogical and biographical record of its families, Vol. III, Part 48

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