USA > Pennsylvania > Northampton County > History of Northampton County [Pennsylvania] and the grand valley of the Lehigh, Volume II > Part 43
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WILSON H. HOFFERT-Connected with the business interests of Bethlehem through his forty years' association with the dry-goods house of Reigel & Cortwright, Mr. Hoffert is more widely known through his activity in the public service. His present position is as a member of the Board of Aldermen, to which he was elected by a large majority in 1918, after a long career of usefulness in the City Council. Mr. Hoffert is a staunch supporter of Republican principles, and has been called to the councils of his party in the city, county and State, his record in political and public life one of which he may be justly proud. Wilson H. Hoffert is a son of Benjamin Hoffert and a grandson of Samuel Hoffert, his grandfather one of the first Moravian farmers on Fountain Hill, Hoffert street, in that section, named in his honor. Benjamin Hoffert was a lumber merchant of Bethlehem, active in business until his death, which occurred in 1888 at the aged of fifty-seven years. He was a Democrat in political belief. He married Maria Transue, daughter of Jacob and Sarah Transue, her father a farmer of Williams township, Northampton county, who died in 1905, at the age of seventy-six years. Benjamin and Maria (Transue) Hoffert were the parents of ten sons and three daughters, of whom the following survive at this time: Jennie, married L. D. Sensenbach, a veteran of the Civil War, now deceased, and Mrs. Sen- senbach is the proprietor of a general store in Allentown, Pennsylvania : Elmira, married Charles Fradeneck of Bethlehem, employed in the First National Bank; Laura, married and living in Allentown ; Andrew J., em- ployed by Hess Brothers, of Hellertown, Pennsylvania; Harry, an employee of the Traylor Engineering Company, of Allentown, Pennsylvania; William. an employee of the Philadelphia Rapid Transit Company, of Philadelphia; and Wilson H., of further mention.
Wilson H. Hoffert was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, August 30, 1850. He was educated in the schools of his birthplace and in the year that he attained his majority he entered the hardware establishment of S. J. Krause. For seven years he remained in this employ, at the end of that time forming the association with Reigel & Cortwright that has endured to the present time. Mr. Hoffert's long term of service has been one of mutual satisfaction and profit, and he is held in high esteem by his associates of this old and well known house. Mr. Hoffert has been a lifelong supporter
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of the Republican Party, aided in the organization of his ward, and in the formation of the first City Council, of which he was a member, filling that position for a period of twelve years. In January, 1918, he was elected to membership in the Board of Aldermen, his decisive majority proving the value placed upon his abilities by his fellow citizens. Mr. Hoffert has aided in the enactment of legislation that has been of great benefit to the Bethlehem community and has constantly wielded his influence in behalf of progressive and business-like administration of the city's affairs. The growth and development of the city during the period of his incumbency of office has been large, and his influence has been a recognized factor in the adjust- ment of the local government to meet the changing conditions and to accom- modate the increased responsibility thrown upon its every branch. Since 1866, Mr. Hoffert has been a member of the Lutheran church, and for seven consecutive terms he has served in the Church Council, six terms of that time as secretary. He is a member and president of the Laymen's Association of Salem Lutheran Church.
Mr. Hoffert married, in September, 1871, Sarah A. Smith, daughter of John M. and Sarah (Walp) Smith, her father a farmer of Bucks county, Pennsylvania. Children : Ada Mae, married S. J. T. Ritter, M.D., deceased, and they were the parents of Ruth Marie and Ada Irene; Arthur W., a farmer of Leithsville, Pennsylvania, married Mary Schultz, and they are the parents of four children ; Harvey, a machinist in the employ of the Bethlehem Foundry & Machine Company of Bethlehem, married Rosa Koehler, of Macada, Pennsylvania, and they are the parents of one son, Merritt W .; Robert, a graduate of Bethlehem High School, class of 1914, employed in the cost department of the Bethlehem Steel Company, married Naomi Christman, and has one child, Pauline; Walter, a graduate of Bethlehem High School, an electrician in the employ of the Lehigh Electric Company, married Mazie Miller.
CONSTANTINE COLLINS-Constantine Collins, member of the real estate and insurance firm of Friebley & Collins, of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and reputed to have successfully negotiated some of the largest real estate transactions of recent years in the city of Bethlehem, is a well regarded resi- dent of that place, in which he has been active in responsible capacity for many years. He was born in Friedensville, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, on September 5, 1875, son of Louis L. and Emily C. (Hoffman) Collins. His father, Louis L. Collins, who was born in 1843, was a physician in active practice until his death, which occurred in 1888; and his mother, Emily C. (Hoffman) Collins, who was educated at the Moravian Seminary, Bethlehem, is still living in Bethlehem. He is one of five children born to his parents. Further details regarding the children of Louis J. and Emily C. (Hoffman) Collins are: I. Eugene, the eldest son, is departmental superintendent in the employ of the Bethlehem Steel Works; to him and his wife, who was Anna Pfleuger, of Seidersville, have been born seven children. 2. Viola, who died in 1915, leaving two children, was the wife of Robert Schadt, of Allentown, Pennsylvania. 3. Gustave, who died at the age of eighteen years. 4. Guy, who is a responsible official of the Bethlehem Steel Company : married Marie Snyder, of Hellertown, who bore him five children. 5. Constantine, the sub- ject of this article.
The early schooldays of Constantine Collins were passed in Bethlehem, where he attended the public schools, afterwards going for a course to Allen- town, Pennsylvania. Later, having decided to engage in business, he entered Banks Business College at Philadelphia, where he was well prepared for a successful business career. His first employment was with the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company ; for fourteen years he was in the office of the general claim department, latterly as claim adjuster. Then he turned his attention
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to banking, and for five years thereafter was in the employ of the South Side Banking Company of Bethlehem, leaving that banking connection in 19II to enter into partnership with Mr. Friebley, of Bethlehem, to conduct an already long established real estate and insurance business in that city. Since that year, 1911, the partners have conducted the business under the firm name of Friebley & Collins, and the business has developed considerably since Mr. Collins became associated with it. Especially in real estate operations has the business developed, Mr. Collins becoming identified with some of the largest deals of recent years in real estate of the vicinity. The firm is now used largely by corporations requiring appraisals of property. Mr. Collins is part owner and secretary of the Wydnor Realty Company of Bethlehem, and is also secretary of the Enterprise Telephone Company, Bethlehem.
He is a man of active habits and pleasing personality. In politics he is affiliated with the Republican Party, and although he has never taken office. in national affairs, he has identified himself with local activities; for three years he was school director on the school board of Fountain Hill borough. His fraternal affiliations are many ; he is prominent in the local activities of many of the principal secret and fraternal societies ; he has a long record in office among Masonic bodies ; is past master of H. Stanley Goodwin Lodge No. 648, Bethlehem; was a charter officer of Ezra Chapter, Royal Arch Ma- sons ; and he was the sixth master of H. Stanley Goodwin Lodge. He belongs to the Bethlehem Lodge of the Knights of Pythias, and is a member of the Keystone Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has been collector for the Grand Fraternity Insurance organization for twenty years. He be- longs also to the Rotary Club. Mr. Collins is a consistent and constant churchman, having been a member of the Episcopalian church since his youth. He has been a vestryman for eight years, and has actively supported the church, both financially and personally.
On June 26, 1897, Mr. Collins was married, at Seidersville, Pennsylvania, to Estella, daughter of Reuben R. and Alice (Clewell) Weidner, which family is a prominent one of that section of the State. Her parents are still living in comfortable retirement in Seidersville. To Constantine and Estella (Weidner) Collins three children have been born: Earle W., born July 7, 1899, and at present an undergraduate at Lehigh University, class of 1922; Paul W., born June 23, 1903, and now attending high school at Bethlehem; and Walter W., who was born on November 26, 1907.
REV. WENCSLAUS VINCENT MATULAITIS-Lithuania in the Middle Ages constituted an independent realm, but in 1569, with Poland a single commonwealth, and on the dismemberment of Poland (1772, 1793, 1795) passed to Russia. The Lithuanians, a separate division of the Aryan (Indo-European) peoples, number about 3,000,000, and are found mainly in the governments of Kovno, Vilna, Grodno, Suwalki and in the Russian prov- ince of East Prussia. They are for the most part Roman Catholic in their faith. What the fate of this people will be in the reorganization of Europe by the Peace Conference is problematical. It was from this ancient race that Rev. Wencslaus Matulaitis springs ; his family, Lithuanians, as far back as records go. He was born in Ludvinavas, Lithuania, Russia. September 28, 1870. He is a son of Joseph and Ursula (Varauka) Matulaitis, his mother's family being large land owners and containing many priests and physicians. Father Matulaitis is one of a family of nine children. Ilis eldest brother, a physician, was sent to Siberian exile by the Russian government, and died there; he had been active in a revolutionary movement to accom- plish Lithuania's freedom, and paid the supreme penalty. A younger brother also was exiled to Siberia, but his offence was condoncd, and he was per- mitted to return to Lithuania, and he is now living on the old farm. Another brother, Frank, was doomed to punishment for the same offence, but he
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escaped to the United States, finished a medical course at Baltimore College, Baltimore, Maryland, and is now successfully practicing his profession in Boston, Massachusetts.
Father Matulaitis spent his boyhood on a farm in Lithuania, and attended the native schools of the locality. He entered college at Mariampol, whence he graduated in 1888, after which he began the special study of theology in preparation for the priesthood of the Roman Catholic church. For that pur- pose he entered the seminary at Seinai, but was compelled to leave before ordination, because he was one of those who rebelled against the attempt of, the Russian government to make the Russian supplant the Lithuanian tongue in the province. He made his escape over the border to Germany, where he met his older brother Peter, who was studying medicine in Berlin. Peter furnished him with tickets and saw him board the train ; but they had over- looked the matter of passports, and when questioned on the train the young Matulaitis was unable to show any papers. He finally secured a passport which enabled him to reach Tilsit in Prussia, and there he spent three weeks with friends. He at last reached Bremen, where he took the ship for New York, arriving September, 1894. He spent a few days in New York, then joined a boyhood friend, Father Sutkaitis, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Soon afterward he entered St. Vincent's College near Latrobe, Pennsylvania, but, three months later Archbishop Ryan, of Philadelphia, called him to finish his study at the diocesan seminary of St. Charles Borromeo at Overbrook, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, five miles from Philadelphia. There he was graduated and ordained by Archbishop Ryan in June, 1895. The young priest was at once assigned to priestly duty as assistant to the rector of St. George's Church at Shenandoah, Pennsylvania. He remained there for one year, going thence to become pastor of the congregation at Minersville, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania. While there, he organized a mission at New Philadelphia, and labored faithfully until transferred to the Harrisburg. diocese and placed in charge of the Lithuanian and Polish congregation at Shamokin.
While stationed at Shamokin, he returned to Europe to visit his parents. Although he was not allowed to cross the boundary, he did succeed in having his parents and a sister spend a day with him at the little station of Eidkunen. He then stayed for a year at the Roman Catholic university in Fribourg, Switzerland, capital of the canton of Fribourg. Returning to America, he worked for a time in Newark, organizing a parish there, and built a temporary structure to serve for the church purposes. Next he went to the diocese at Scranton and took charge of the Lithuanian parish for two years. After a short stay in Chicago, he went to the Grand Rapids, Michigan, diocese. There he organized a parish of Lithuanians and built a church, laboring earnestly and successfully for seven years. The monument of his devoted work in Grand Rapids is the parochial school, a fine brick building which he erected at a cost of $45,000. Father Matulaitis remained in Grand Rapids until climatic conditions were impairing his health, when he returned to the Philadelphia diocese, and assumed the pastorate of the mission which he had founded at New Philadelphia. The mission had grown to a large and pros- perous parish. In turn, Father Matulaitis enlarged and beautified the church. In May, 1918, he took charge of St. Michael's congregation at Easton, Penn- sylvania, which had a membership of 180, with a large impending debt, was in deplorable condition, and there was no residence for its priest, for until 1916 it was only a mission. Father Matulaitis purchased and furnished a residence at No. 114 Spring Garden street. His congregation is composed of different nationalities, and he is compelled to preach each Sunday in Eng- lish, Polish and Lithuanian. He has also a mission in Bethlehem with a Lithuanian congregation. In his new field, Father Matulaitis is rapidly gain- ing the love and confidence of his people, his ability and high standing as a pastor assuring him that Easton will prove as fruitful a field as his other charges.
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DAVID D. WAGENER-Among Easton's native sons, Mr. Wagener holds a prominent position, and he is of a family settled in the city since 1773. In that year his great-great-grandfather, Judge David Wagener, made Easton his home, and until this date, 1919, the city of Easton has not been without leading citizens by the name of Wagener, for cach succeeding genera- tion has taken active and conspicuous place in the county's history and has given to Easton some of her most valued citizens. David D. Wagener, of the sixth generation of the family, is a worthy twentieth century representative. He operates the homestead farm of five hundred acres, which he devotes to general farining, fruit and dairying.
(I) Anna Wagener, widow, immigrant ancestor of David D. Wagener, came from Silesia, Germany, with her two sons, Christopher and David Wagener, arriving in Philadelphia between the years 1737 and 1741 on the ship Snow Molly. While the date is uncertain, the best evidence indicates that Anna Wagener and her sons came on the Snow Molly on the trip which ended in Philadelphia, October 2, 1741. They settled in Worcester township, Philadelphia county, Pennsylvania, as it was then, that locality being in Montgomery county now. This branch descends through David Wagener, the second son.
(II) David Wagener, born in Silesia, Germany, May 24, 1736, died in Easton, Pennsylvania, May 9, 1796. He grew to manhood in Philadelphia county. Then, about 1773, he purchased a large tract of land on Bushkill creek in Northampton county, at Easton, upon which he located. He was one of the substantial men of his day and section, known far and near as "Judge" Wagener from the fact that for five years, 1791 to 1796, he served as associate judge of Northampton county. He married Susannah Umsted, the line continuing through their eldest son Daniel.
(III) Daniel Wagener was born at the homestead in Easton, Pennsyl- vania, to which his parents came about 1773, about three years after the arrival from Philadelphia county, and there died in 1842. He was one of the most eminent men of his day, and for thirty-nine years was a judge of Northampton county courts. He married Eve Opp; their eldest son, David, succeeded his father in public favor and estecm.
(IV) David D. Wagener was born at the homestead in Easton, Penn- sylvania, October II, 1792, and died there October 1, 1860. He was one of the most prominent men of his period and added a new lustre to the Wagener name. From 1816 to 1829 he was captain of the Easton Union Guards; from 1832 to 1840 he represented his district in the national Congress, serving four terms; and from 1852 until his death he was the honored president of the bank, now the Easton National. He was a man of large means and gener- ous, hospitable disposition, and the Wagener home under him was the abode of good cheer and neighborly association. He married Mary Knaus, and their youngest son, John O. Wagener, was the next in line, head of the fifth generation, and grandfather of David D. Wagener, the present owner of the homestead.
(V) John O. Wagener was born in Easton, Pennsylvania, May 19, 1832, and died July 28, 1900. He carried the name to higher fame in the mercantile and financial world than his predecessors, and was ranked as one of the leading business men of the city. He founded the firm of J. O. Wagener & Company, and was closely identified with Easton's banking affairs ; he con- ducted large real estate operations, handling quarry tracts, farming proper- ties, city property and contributing largely to the prosperity of his city, in addition to the management of the homestead. He was for many years a member of the Humane Fire Company, was a devout churchman, and many years vestryman of Trinity Episcopal Church, and its treasurer. He was a Democrat in politics, as was his father Congressman Wagener, but unlike his father had little taste for public life. He married Matilda Adams, daughter
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of Samuel and Anna Maria (Knecht) Adams. They were the parents of David D., of further mention, and a daughter, Mary, who married Frederick Green.
(VI) David D. Wagener, only son of John O. and Matilda (Adams) Wagener, was born at the homestead in Easton, Pennsylvania, July 25, 1859. After completing private school study, he prepared for college under the ( rection of a private tutor, B. F. Stem, and entered Lafayette College, whence he was graduated A.B., class of 1880. Upon completing his college course he began his business career in association with his honored father, becoming a member of the firm John O. Wagener & Company, and manager of the homestead farm. This has been his life work, building up, cultivating, "(lling to, and marketing the product of the tract which his great-great-grand- father bought, which now has been in the Wagener name one hundred and forty-six years, 1773-1919. The homestead farm now comprises five hundred ¡vres, the entire estate of modernly perfected farming methods. Fruit " hards and high grade cattle compete for first honors, and in every depart- ent the greatest efficiency prevails. Mr. Wagener is head of the firm D. D. egener & Company, which conducts the farm, and an equal partner in 1 O. Wagener & Company, manufacturers of soapstone products. A man cound judgment, clear brain and energy, he is a perfect representative of " e successful farmer and business man who is brought to the highest plane " excellence under American condition.
Mr. Wagener is a member of Trinity Episcopal Church and has served the parish as secretary of the vestry since 1880, and for many years has been a cacher in the Sunday school and generally useful in church and charitable ork. He is a member of the Pomtret Club, Zeta Psi fraternity, and politi- molly is an independent thinker and voter. He is a patron of all out-of-door torts, and is particularly fond of fishing, but spends many hours in his 'ibrary. for his literary tastes lead him to standard authors, of whom Dickens, perhaps, is his prime favorite.
ROBERT EDWARD LARAMY-Dr. William White Cottingham had « unique distinction of serving sixty years as school superintendent in Easton, 1853 to 1913. After his death in March, 1913, the board of directors ed a former school man of Northampton county, Robert E. Laramy, to complete the unexpired term. His re-elections in 1914 and 1918 have seemed to justify the wisdom of their selection.
He is the son of Charles Laramy, who was born in Wales. His grand- Father, also Charles, of French Huguenot ancestry, had moved from the fam- ily home in Devonshire, England, to Glamorganshire, South Wales, where he married a Welsh girl, Margaret Price. The young couple moved to the United States in 1841 and settled at Minersville, in Schuylkill county, where the younger Charles enlisted in 1862, serving in Company A, 129th Penn- sylvania Volunteers, which saw nine months service, including Antietam, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. In 1862, before entering the army, he married Elzabeth A. McDaniel, and they resided for a time at St. Clair, but m( ved in 1870 to Catasauqua, and in January, 1887, to Bethlehem. He largely organized the Grand Army Post at Catasauqua, and was a past commander of the post at Bethlehem.
Ile served several terms as a school director in Bethlehem, and first as class leader, then later as Sunday school superintendent organized what later became the Fritz Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church on the South Side. Charles laramy died on January 15, 1914, and his wife on March 9, 1918. Tour of their seven children survived. Ella and Margaret, residents of Beth- 1. bem ; Anna, wife of W. Lathrop Meaker ; and Robert E., of whom further. Robert Edward Laramy was born in Catasauqua, Lehigh county, Penn- Wania, on January 18, 1875. He was educated in the public schools of
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Catasauqua and Bethlehem, and graduated from the high school of the latter in 1890. Further preparation for college was made with two years in the Ulrich-now Bethlehem-Preparatory School, 1890-92. He entered Lehigh University in 1892, graduated in 1896, and received the M.A. degree in 1899. He was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity and was elected to member- ship in the honorary fraternity, Phi Beta Kappa. He was a member of the Epitome board of his class. In 1894-95 he served as president of the Penn sylvania Intercollegiate Oratorical Association, and in his senior year served as class president of the class of 1896, to which position he was later chosen for life. In the year 1910-II he was president of the Alumni Association of Lehigh University.
On graduation from college in 1896 he became an instructor in the academic department of the Moravian parochial schools at Bethlehem, under Superintendent Albert G. Rau. Here he laid the foundations of his success in school work, taking a deep interest in the literary and athletic activities of the school. In 1901 he was elected to the Borough Council of Bethlehem, and for three years had control of the street and sewer work. For two years, 1903 to 1905, he was principal of the Bethlehem High School, under Superintendent F. W. Robbins, and was especially useful in reorganizing the student activities of this school, of which he was also for four cars president of the Alumni Association.
In 1905 he was elected superintendent of schools of Phoenixville, Chester county, and served eight years, until his removal to Easton in 1913. Hiere he entirely reorganized the schools and their course of study. The material equipment of the schools was greatly improved, and a large concrete high school was erected in 1911.
On coming to Easton in 1913 and following an administration of such great length, he met many conditions requiring improvement. The six years in Easton have been years of progress, though handicapped greatly by a reduced school income, the enormous increases in salaries and in costs of supplies, and the general slowing up of affairs caused by the war. The course of study was improved, better textbooks were provided, and teachers were led to study and to adopt modern methods, drawing was introduced. the courses along manual and domestic lines were extended, examinations and promotions were handled carefully, with a resulting more satisfactory grading of the pupils, night schools and summer grade schools of excellent character were opened, higher standards were set for teachers and special schools were established.
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