USA > Pennsylvania > Northampton County > History of Northampton County [Pennsylvania] and the grand valley of the Lehigh, Volume II > Part 32
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Dr. John Mock was a graduate of Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; his private preceptor was Dr. Field of Easton. He practiced his professcion in Easton until his death at the age of fifty-nine years. He married Josephine Drew, and they were the parents of an only child, Wil .. liam (2) Mock, of Easton.
William (2) Mock was born in the village of Williamsburg, Upper Mount Bethel township, Northampton county, Pennsylvania, August 9, 1860. and attended private schools. He chose the profession of medicine, but prepared for veterinary practice instead of the regular school of medicine as practiced by his father. He received his degree, V.S., from Ontario Veteri- nary College, Canada, at the end of a complete course, March, 1892, and the same year he opened an office in Easton, Pennsylvania, and is located there vet at No. 53 North Fourth street. with his hospital and infirmary on Southwest street. He is a skilled veterinarian whose services are in constant demand from stock owners in a wide section around Easton. He is also connected with the Messenger Teaming Company, of which he is secretary. Dr. Mock is a member of the American Veterinary Association, the Penn- sylvania Veterinary Association, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and in politics is independent.
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WILLIAM B. BURG-William B. Burg, alderman of Bethlehem, Sec- ond Ward, South Side, is a native of the city, having been born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, on March 6, 1877. And he has spent practically the whole of his life in the city, the greater part of his business life being seriously handicapped and at times incapacitated by the effect of an injury he received on the football field when a boy.
William B. Burg is the son of Peter and Catherine (Cressman) Burg. His father was from the French province of Alsace, and came to America with his brother, when in his teens. For a time the brothers settled in Philadelphia, and conducted a successful merchandising business in that city. Several years later the brothers, Peter and Charles Burg, removed to South Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. That was in the early fifties, and they established what was then the first business of its kind in Bethlehem, or in Eastern Pennsylvania. They were greengrocers, and established a splendid business in Bethlehem. Eventually the brothers dissolved partnership, and Peter became sole owner, continuing the business alone for many years, in fact, until he was so old that he could not effectively continue it longer. He was one of the pioneer residents of Bethlehem, and when he died in October, 1917, he was seventy-six years old, and had been a merchant in Bethlehem for more than half a century, esteemed and respected by all with whom he came in contact. His wife, Catherine Cressman, survived him, but died November 3, 1918, aged seventy-three years. Her parents were Jesse and Catherine Cressman, the former a prosperous farmer at Zeiglersville, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, and one of the pioneers of that district. The children of Peter and Catherine ( Cressman ) Burg, other than William B. Burg, were. I. Harvey, who died in infancy. 2 and 3. Matthew and Genevieve, who both succumbed in infancy. 4. Alfred, who is identified with the Allentown High School, and is now conducting the high school cafeteria, married Ida Cash- ner, of South Bethlehem. Their sons, Robert and Richard, died in infancy, but their daughter, Ruth, graduated from the Allentown High School, and is now employed in stenographic capacity by the International Motor Company, of Allentown, and their second daughter, Esther, is still in public school. 5. Charles Burg, who is a traveling salesman for the Van Camp Packing Com- pany, of Pittsburgh, married Emma Baum, formerly of Wilkes-Barre. They have three children living : Catherine, Charles, Jr., and John. 6. Harold, who is in the employ of the Bethlehem Steel Company, married Florence Dottier. of Allentown, who bore him three children: Robert, Althea and Caroline; all live with Mrs. Catherine (Cressman) Burg, and Alderman William B. Burg, at Bethlehem.
William B. Burg, the subject of this article, received his elementary education in the public school of Bethlehem. That closed his academic edu- cation, though he had studious inclinations and perhaps felt that he might by his own efforts be able to take a college course. It may have been with this thought that he became an employe of the Lehigh University Library. As library boy he retained connection with the university for two years, when came the accident which was to have such bearing on his after life. He injured his knee joint during a football game, and for twenty-five years thereafter was lame; in fact, it eventually became necessary to amputate the leg. The operation took place in 1916, twenty-five years after the accident had occurred. Not able after his injury to take active outdoor occupations, or to continue in his library work which necessitated much movement. Wil- liam B. Burg took employment in clerical capacity with the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company, with which company he remained for eight years, although during the period he had to attend many hospitals for treatment. Later he was for two years in the employ of the Bell Telephone Company, as solicitor. For four years he worked in the office of the recorder of deeds at Easton, Pennsylvania, and during the illness of the borough secretary, William B.
W.B. Burg.
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Burg, for a term temporarily filled that office with much credit to himself. When the two Bethlehem boroughs were consolidated in January, 1918, William B. Burg took office as alderman of Bethlehem, Second Ward, South Side, which office he will probably hold for many years, since his popularity in the ward is strong.
Alderman Burg is staunch in his allegiance to the Democratic party, in the local affairs of which he has always taken some part. In his ward his influence is strong, and in the city generally he is much respected by those who know him. He is a member of the Lutheran church, and conscientious in his observance of its doctrines. Both he and his mother take much interest in church affairs.
WILLIAM WERNER -- Thoroughly democratic, kindly disposed and friendly, William Werner, of Easton, is one of the substantial men of the city whom prosperity has not unfavorably affected, but, as a generous friend and supporter of all that is of interest to his fellowmen, he holds closely the friends he has made during a lifetime of business activity. His father, John E. Werner, when a young man came with his wife from Germany to escape militarism and settled in Whitehall township, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania. He was for many years a contractor at the Lehigh Carwheel Company of Fullerton, Pennsylvania, and passed away at a ripe old age.
William Werner was born in Whitehall township, Lehigh county, Penn- sylvania, and until eleven years of age attended the public schools of Pleasant Hill, nearby. He then studied under private teachers until beginning busi- ness life under the direction of his father, contractor at the Lehigh Car- wheel Company. He continued with that company until 1877, then located at Nazareth in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, there beginning his apprenticeship to the watchmaker's trade. He completed the years he had contracted to serve with Richard O. Beitel in Nazareth. Ile then went to Bangor, Pennsylvania, started in the jewelry business, taking his brother, George A. Werner, in partnership under the firm name of Werner Brothers. A music department was added to the Bangor jewelry store, and prosperity attended both. In 1895 a branch music store was opened at Easton, and when later Werner Brothers dissolved, William Werner took the Easton store as his share of the division, while George S. retained the Bangor estab- lishment.
The original Werner music store in Easton was in the Drake building on Third street, but two years later it was removed to the Warren Building on Northampton street. After becoming well established the business grew rapidly, and larger quarters were then found at the corner of Northampton and Fourth streets. In 1906 the present commodious modernly equipped building at Nos. 432 and 434 Northampton street, was occupied. and to the former music department was added a line of Phonographs. The Werner Company being the first jobbing agency ever established by the Thomas A. Edison Company. In 1908 a complete line of fine furniture was added to the business, and at a factory and warehouse, on Bushnell street, devoted to the repair and refinishing of furniture, orders are filled for pianos of special design and wood. The same year, 1908, the business was incorporated as The Werner Company, with William Werner, president ; Walter Loux, secretary- treasurer, and William Werner's three sons, and one brother, John 11. Werner, as directors.
The founding and developing. of the business known as The Werner Company have been the crowning work of William Werner's life, but by no means does it represent its full scope and interest. He is a man of broad mind, and through various agencies has kept in close touch with the great world outside his own circle. He is a member of the National Retail Piano Merchants' Association, and of the National Talking Machine Dealers' Asso-
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ciation. Through these he has kept The Werner Company alive to the needs of modernizing every department, and the business has always been most intelligently directed. When the time came that his close personal attention was not urgently demanded he began indulging a long-cherished ambition, and with his appreciative wife, he has toured the United States, Canada, Continental Europe, Great Britain, Cuba, the Bahamas, and other parts of the West Indies. He is a member of Easton's Board of Trade, and has always been a supporter of the movements for a better and improved Easton. IIe is affiliated with lodge, chapter, council and commandery of the Masonic order, is an Independent in politics, and a member of the Luth- eran church. All good causes appeal to him, and he is one of the most highly esteemed men of his city.
William Werner married May 28, 1884, Anna F. Heller, a graduate of Trach's Academy, daughter of Stephen A. and Sibylla (Bowers) Heller, of Windgap, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Werner are the parents of four children: George W., born February 24, 1885, associated with his father in The Werner Company, and a member of the board of directors of the same ; Charles and Robert, twins, born February 3, 1887, also associated with The Werner Company, and directors of the same. Charles is now (1918) ser- geant in the United States Army at Camp Wadsworth, Spartanburg, South Carolina. He married Ethel McKenna, of Chicago. Robert, twin with Charles, also was in the United States Army at Camp Meade, Maryland, but illness compelled his honorable discharge from the service, and he died October 1I, 1918, at "Willana Lodge," Pocono Pines. Dorothy, the only daughter, resides with her parents.
The city home of the Werners is on Burke street, College Hill, Easton, and their summer home, "Willana Lodge," is at Lake Naomi, Pocono moun- tains. There the summers are spent, and Mr. Werner indulges there in his favorite recreation, fishing, and there his sons delight in fall hunting and winter sports.
HOWARD ROBERT McNEILL-On both maternal and paternal lines, Howard R. MeNeill traces to Scotch grandparents. His paternal grand- father, came from Scotland, his birthplace, in 1830, and settled on a farm in the State of Ohio. His maternal grandfather, Daniel Fee, was born in Scotland, and also settled in Ohio. Their children, James McNeill and Mary Fee married in Ohio, and settled in Richmond, Indiana, and there their son, Howard Robert McNeill, president of the MeNeill Cooperage Company, of Easton, was born and spent his youth. He is a son of Pro- fessor James McNeill, and a grandson of Harbison McNeill, the latter born in Scotland, and the founder of this branch of the family in the United States. James McNeill, son of Harbison McNeill, was born at Point Pleasant, Clermont county, Ohio, a village twenty-five miles above Cincinnati, on the Ohio river, noted as the birthplace of General Ulysses S. Grant. James MeNeill was a man of education and culture, a college professor, and during his later active years was superintendent of schools in Richmond, capital of Wayne county, Indiana, an important industrial center and seat of Earl- ham College, under the direction of Friends. Professor McNeill married Mary Fee, daughter of Daniel and Matilda (Lane) Fee. Both her parents were born in Scotland.
Howard Robert McNeill, youngest of the four sons of Professor James and Mary (Fce) McNeill, was born in Richmond, Indiana, September II, 1869, and was there educated. After completing his years of educational preparation for the battle of life he entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, became an expert telegrapher, and for eight years was employed in that capacity on several of the railroads of the West and North- west. He then established in the cooperage business in Cleveland, Ohio,
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there continuing until 1911, when he removed to Easton, Pennsylvania, his present location. In Easton he has continued in the same business, and as president of the McNeill Cooperage Company is head of a very large and prosperous business enterprise. The company has a plant located across the Delaware in Phillipsburg, another at Elizabeth, New Jersey, with mills in the timber districts of Virginia and South Carolina. At the mills the staves and parts used in the barrels, casks, hogsheads, tanks, etc., manufac- tured by the company, are sawed from a log, and at the Elizabeth and Phil- lipsburg plants are converted into the manufactured product and shipped by sea and rail to distant points. The business of the company is very large, and, as its managing head, Mr. McNeill most thoroughly demonstrates his executive ability. He is a member of the Associated Cooperage Industries of the United States, and of the New Jersey Manufacturers' Association. He is a man of energy and public spirit, aiding with his influence and personal effort the advancement of all good causes.
A Republican in politics, he serves his party and his city only in private capacity, for the strife of political conflict and the cares of public office hold no attraction for him, although he is mindful of his every obligation as a good citizen. He is a member of the Easton Board of Trade, and Rotary Club, two organizations whose primary object is the advancement of Easton's best interests. In Masonry he has attained the thirty-second degree of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and is a noble of Rajah Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, Reading, Pennsylvania ; and is a member of the Benevo- lent and Protective Order of Elks. Golf and motoring are his favorite recreations, but he continues to apply himself closely to his business, and through an intimate knowledge of its technicalities has mastered its prob- lems and won success. His social club is the Pomfret, of Easton.
Mr. McNeill married, June 21, 1893, Ella M. Hastings, daughter of John M. and Jeannette (Elliott) Hastings, of Dublin, Indiana. Mrs. McNeill takes a prominent part in Red Cross and charitable work, is a member of the Woman's Club, and of the board of managers of the Old Ladies' Home. Both Mr. and Mrs. McNeill are birthright members of the Society of Friends.
WILLIAM REESER-In 1915 William Reeser retired from mercantile business, having been a grocer's clerk and proprietor of his own store for nearly half a century, 1866-1915. Fifteen of those years were spent as clerk, the remainder as owner and manager. The business he founded he turned over to his son Floyd, who, in turn, was succeeded by Joseph H. Brown, a son-in-law of William Reeser. The old firm name, William Reeser, is yet borne by the present management, and is a silent tribute to the business ability of the founder.
William Reeser is a son of Charles and Eliza (Bauer) Reeser, and a grandson of Philip Reeser, a farmer of Northampton county, Pennsylvania. Charles Reeser was born at the Northampton county farm of his parents and spent his life engaged in agriculture, his farm just outside the limits of the city of Easton. He married Eliza Bauer, who died aged seventy, he dying aged seventy-two years, both members of the Arndt Lutheran Church. They were the parents of nine children: William, who is of further mention : Edwin, Charles, Jacob, Emmeline, Christian, Jane, Susan and Mary, all liv- ing save the last named and Jane.
William Reeser, eldest son of Charles and Eliza (Bauer) Reeser, was born at the home farm near Easton, Pennsylvania, March 12, 1844, and now is living a retired life at No. 138 South Fourth street, Easton. Hle grew to manhood at the home farm, obtained his education in the public school and continued his father's assistant until reaching his twenty-second year. In 1866, he left the farm to become a grocer's clerk, and has ever since made that city his home. He continued in the grocery business as a clerk for fifteen N. H. BIOG .- 8
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years, then, in 1881, established in the same line of business under his own name. He prospered abundantly, built up a very profitable business, and gave himself wholly to its management. For thirty-four years he continued its capable head, then having attained man's allotted "three score years and ten" and secured a competency, he retired from business, and was succeeded by his son. He is a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, of long standing, his service to the church including membership on the official board. He is affiliated with the Improved Order of Red Men, and in his political faith is a Democrat.
William Reeser married, December 25, 1875, Annie E. Hay, daughter of Peter and Juliana Hay. They are the parents of a son, Floyd H., and a daughter, Helen. Floyd H. Reeser was for many years his father's assistant, and in 1915, his successor in business. He is now a silk manufacturer asso- ciated with Rowland Pettinger & Company of Easton. He married Mar- garet Anner, and they are the parents of a son, William H., and a daughter, Anna Elizabeth Reeser. Helen Reeser married Joseph Brown, of Easton, who succeeded Floyd H. Reeser in the grocery business founded by William Reeser, his wife's father. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are the parents of a son, William H. Brown.
CLINTON THIELENS HILLIARD-Although a young man in point of years, Mr. Hilliard is a veteran in business experience and responsibility, and the positions he fills are numerous and exceedingly weighty. Even prior to the death of his honored father in 1914, the young man had practi- cally transferred the business burdens of the father to his own capable should- ers, and since that year he has succeeded to the executive control and direc- torial management of important corporations including the Zearfoss-Hilliard Lumber Company, and the Scitz Brewing Company. He is a grandson of Edward and Sabina (Sandt) Hilliard of Northampton county, Pennsylvania, and a son of Clinton Hilliard, who, until his death, was one of Easton's prominent and progressive business men.
Clinton Hilliard was born at the home in Easton, Pennsylvania, Febru- ary 5, 1854, and died at his home there, August 1I, 1914. He prepared in the city public schools, finishing with graduation from high school in 1870, then entered Lafayette College, whence he was graduated, Civil Engineer, class of '74. He was variously employed until 1880, then formed a partner- ship with James R. Zearfoss, and engaged in the lumber business under the firm name, Zearfoss & Hilliard. They conducted a large and prosperous business as a firm until 1903, when they incorporated as The Zearfoss-Hilliard Lumber Company ; Mr. Zearfoss, president; Mr. Hilliard, secretary-treasurer. Three years later Mr. Zearfoss passed to join the "innumerable caravan" and was succeeded in the presidency of the company by Mr. Hilliard. The executive management of a great lumber company was but a part of the business burden carried by Mr. Hilliard. He was vice-president of the Seitz Brewing Company, a director of the First National Bank, succeeding his father, Edward Hilliard ; one of the organizers and director of the Northamp- ton Trust Company, and secretary-treasurer of the Delaware Ice Company.
Genial, generous and friendly, he sought means by which he could add to the happiness of his fellowmen, and make Easton a "better place to live in." To that end he co-operated with the Board of Trade and with philan- thropic institutions in their efforts, and was ready to aid any forward move- ment. A movement entirely his own, was the creation of a public bathing beach at "Eddyside" on the Delaware river, and "Eddyside" became a popular resort visited by thousands of grateful bathers during the summer months.
In Masonry, Mr. Hilliard held all degrees of the York Rite, being affili- ated with and a past master of Dallas Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; past high priest of Easton Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; past thrice illus-
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trious master, Pomp Council, Royal and Select Masters ; past eminent com- mander of Hugh De Payne Commandery, Knights Templar; and was a noble of Lulu Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Philadelphia. He was a Heptasoph, a Phi Gamma Delta, a member of the Pennsylvania Lum- berman's Association, and the Pomfret Club. He was a deeply interested citizen, but sought no office, and was strictly independent in political activi- ties. In religious connection he was a member of Christ Lutheran Church.
Clinton Hilliard married, in 1882, Marie Louise Thielens, daughter of Edward and Emma (Perrin) Thielens. Her father was born in Louvain, that now stricken Belgian City, and her mother was born in Paris, France. Mr. and Mrs. Hilliard were the parents of a son, Clinton T., of whom further mention, and a daughter, Marie Louise, a graduate of Dana HIall. Mrs. Hilliard continues her residence in Easton.
Clinton T. Hilliard, only son of Clinton and Marie Louise (Thielens) Hilliard, was born in Easton, Pennsylvania, February 20, 1884. After finish- ing public school courses he prepared at Lerch Academy, then entered Lafa- yette College, taking an electric engineering course which he completed with graduation, class of '04. The third year following graduation he spent at the General Electric Company's school as designing engineer, and his work was confined to direct current motors and generators. He returned to Easton in 1908, and at once took his place in the large business enterprise of which his honored father was head. In 1909 Clinton T. was elected treasurer of the Zearfoss-Hilliard Lumber Company, and in 1914 succeeded his father as president and treasurer of the company. In 1915 he was elected vice-presi- dent of the Seitz Brewing Company, and in 1916 became president, secretary and treasurer. In 1914, he succeeded his father on the directorate of the First National Bank, and the Northampton Trust Company, and since 1914 has carried all the burdens of managing the estate and business interests left by Clinton Hilliard. He has developed into the strong, self-reliant man of affairs, and is a young man who can be relied upon to bear his full share of any burden in any emergency.
During his college years, Mr. Hilliard was prominent in athletics, and made both the football and baseball teams. He has never lost that interest, and is a patron of all out-of-door recreations, and might even be termed a devotee of the same. He supports all good causes, and was particularly active in the War Chest and Liberty Loan campaigns. He is a member of the Easton Board of Trade, Easton Rotary Club, the Kiwanis Club, Pomfret Club, Easton Anglers' Association, Phi Gamma Delta; Christ Evangelical Church, and president of the church council.
Clinton T. Hilliard married, October 19, 1915, Mary Sleator Willson, daughter of Harvey and Fannie (Sleator). Willson, of Richmond, Virginia.
JOSEPH W. PASCOE-When Harry G. Seip's death created a vacancy in the office of chairman of the Republican Central Committee for North- ampton county, Joseph W. Pascoe, ex-postmaster of Easton and general contractor, was chosen to succeed to the honor, one which he had once before held for a term of two years. Mr. Pascoe is a man eminently qualified to lead, his long years of experience under varying conditions in different sec- tions of the country giving a broad outlook in life, while the years have matured his judgment and added to his wisdom. Joseph W. is a son of Richard W. and Jessie MacDougall (Campbell) Pascoe, his father of English and his mother of Scotch parentage and ancestry.
Richard W. Pascoe was born in Cornwall, England. and there spent his minor years. He was engaged in mine operation there and became well known as a man of great ability in his business. About the year 18.46, he was selected to go to Scotland, and to open up and develop a copper mine which was owned in England. While there engaged, he met and married
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