USA > Pennsylvania > Northampton County > History of Northampton County [Pennsylvania] and the grand valley of the Lehigh, Volume II > Part 50
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Mr. Reinhard married, March 18, 1880, Mary Margaret, daughter of Martin and Elizabeth (Steele) Frey, of Easton. They have had four children, none of whom are living.
EDGAR C. NAGLE-The Nagle family was founded in Pennsylvania, by two brothers, John and Leonard Nagle, who were born in Germany, and came to the United States when the former was a lad of twelve years. They found a home in Philadelphia, and there John Nagle learned the butcher's trade, which he followed until his removal to Easton, where he resided until death. His wife, a Miss Clemens, was born in Scotland. They were the parents of four sons: John, Charles, Stephen, and William, the branch of which Edgar C. Nagle of Northampton, Pennsylvania, is representative, de- scending through the second son, Charles. Leonard Nagle, the second of the brothers, appears upon a list of house owners in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in 1781. One of his sons, Leonard (2), was recorder and register of wills of Lehigh county, 1812-1821.
Charles Nagle, son of John Nagle, the pioneer, was born in Easton, and later in life settled in Allen township, Northampton county, Pennsylvania, where he died. He married Maria Kuntz, and among their children was a son, William G., of further mention, and Thomas S. Nagle, who, for nearly forty years, was a practicing physician and druggist at Allentown until his death, August 28, 1914. He married Sabina Lichtenwalner, and they were the parents of an only son, Davis J. Nagle, of Allentown.
William G. Nagle, son of Charles and Maria (Kuntz) Nagle, was born in Allen township, Northampton county, Pennsylvania, in 1846, and died in Allentown, Pennsylvania, April, 1910. He was educated in the public schools
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of the district, and fitted himself for a business career by acquiring a knowl- edge of bookkeeping, and until 1898 continued a bookkeeper, holding good positions with important firms. In 1898 he moved to Allentown, Pennsyl- vania, and there, too, held a bookkeeper's position, being in the employ oi the Allentown Rolling Mill until his death at the age of sixty-four. He was a Republican in politics, and a member of the Reformed church, which he served as an elder. He was a man of honorable, upright life, highly esteemed by a wide circle of friends. William G. Nagle married Amanda Steinmetz. who yet survives him, a resident of Allentown. They were the parents of six children : Annie A .; Gertrude E. ; Miriam, married J. Donald McFetridge, and resides in Allentown; Irwin E., of Allentown ; Howard A., of Philadel- phia ; and Edgar C., of further mention.
Edgar C. Nagle, eldest son of William G. and Amanda (Steinmetz) Nagle, was born in Northampton, Northampton county, Pennsylvania, No- vember 3. 1874. He completed grade study in Northampton, finished a high school course with graduation from Catasauqua High School in 1892, then entered Pennsylvania State Normal School at Bloomsburg, whence he was graduated in 1893. After these courses of preparatory study he entered Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, receiving his degree A.B. with the graduating class of 1899. Three of the years intervening be- tween 1893 and 1899 he spent in teaching, and three years after graduation he taught in the Northampton school and Perkiomen Seminary, and in Allen- town schools.
Deciding upon the profession of law, Mr. Nagle entered the law offices of R. J. Butz, of Allentown, there continuing his studies under the preceptor- ship of Mr. Butz until admitted to the Lehigh County bar at Allentown in 1905. He was admitted to the Northampton County bar later, and opened a law office in the borough of Northampton, where, for the past thirteen years, 1905-1918, he has been very successfully engaged in the general practice of law. To professional learning and ability he adds sound judgment and ster- ling character, qualities which admirably blend to produce a strong per- sonality. He is a man of public-spirit and progress, interested in all that interests his fellow-men, and anxious always to cooperate with them in all that promises to advance the welfare of their community. He serves the borough of Northampton as solicitor, is a Republican in politics, and in religious connection a member and deacon of Coplay Reformed Church, active in both church and Sunday school. In this present great national and inter- national crisis his Americanism is staunch and true, and his patriotism runs high. He is a member of Chapman Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Sig- fried Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Allen Commandery, Knights Templar of Allentown; Rajah Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of Reading, Pennsylvania; Patriotic Order Sons of America. He also is a member of the county and State bar associations.
Mr. Nagle married, September 30, 1908, Mabel Laubach, daughter of Edward Laubach, of Northampton. Mrs. Nagle is also a member of Coplay Reformed Church, and interested in all good works. Mr. and Mrs. Nagle are the parents of three children : Elizabeth L., born June 26, 1909; Louise L., born February 17, 1911 ; and James L., born July 15. 1912.
WILLIAM H. HAZZARD-Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Mr. Hazzard there resided until thirty-five years of age, then made Easton, Penn- sylvania, his home and there now resides, a retired business man. But his settlement in 1872 was not his first introduction to Easton, for when still an apprentice boy he with his uncle, Lemuel Hazzard, visited the city and made a short stay. Lemuel Hazzard was a wall paper manufacturer of Phila- delphia, and under him. William H. learned his trade and worked until his coming to Easton in 1872. Nearly half a century has since elapsed, and thirty
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years of that period, 1872-1902, Mr. Hazzard spent as a wall paper merchant of Easton, then succumbing to bodily infirmities he retired from all active business participation. His home in Easton is the historic old building, cor- ner of Front and Ferry streets. But Mr. Hazzard is not only a veteran of the business world, but his name is enrolled among those who in 1862 ral- lied to the Union cause and for three years endured the dangers and hard- ships of battle, march and camp. Now an octogenarian, Mr. Hazzard reviews the years of his life with satisfaction, for until physically unable he met every responsibility fairly and shirked no private nor public duty. William H. Hazzard is a son of John and Lydia Hazzard, of Philadelphia, his father a cabinet maker. John and Lydia Hazzard lived to old age, both dying in Philadelphia.
William H. Hazzard was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, December 4, 1837. He there attended public school for a time, but he early became self- supporting, and his education, like many other good things which he pos- sesses, was acquired through his own personal effort. His first dollar was earned through service as errand boy in a paper box factory in Philadelphia, that position being followed by others in various lines, but cach one a little higher in rank and more remunerative. Finally he entered the employ of his uncle, Lemuel Hazzard, a wall paper manufacturer of Philadelphia, and as apprentice and journeyman spent the years until 1872, becoming an expert in all that pertained to the wall paper business. In 1862 he enlisted as a private in Company G, Captain Young, Sixty-eighth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volun- teer Infantry, Colonel Tippin, and for about three years served with the Army of the Potomac, participating in many of the battles fought by that famous army, on whom fell the brunt of the hard fighting of the Civil War. During all the years of his army life he carried a small Testament in his left inside pocket, and at Chancellorsville the little book stopped a bullet which would no doubt have taken his life. After the war was over, he returned to Philadelphia with an honorable discharge, and there resumed work at his trade, so continuing for seven years.
In 1872 Mr. Hazzard moved with his wife and children to Easton, Penn- sylvania, which city has ever since been his home. He bought the wall paper store of Theodore Du Boise. No. 140 Northampton street, and there for thirty years he conducted a very prosperous mercantile business, specializing in wall paper and kindred lines. In 1902 he suffered a paralytic stroke which caused his permanent retirement from business life. He was highly regarded in Easton's business circles as a man of energy and integrity, his management of his business being in accord with the best principles of equity and fair dealing. In former years Mr. Hazzard took a deep interest in the Grand Army of the Republic, belonging to Post No. 8. He was also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and other orders popular in his active years. In politics he is a lifelong Republican.
Mr. Hazzard married, in Philadelphia, in 1859, Julia Weick, born in Germany about 1838; when a child of about five years was brought to thie United States by her father, Dr. Michael Weick, a physician, educated at Heidelberg University, Germany. Dr. Weick practiced his profession in Philadel- phia for many years, and there died aged about eighty-six, continuing professional work until his very last years. He married a Miss De Meier. Mrs. Ilazzard was active in the First Presbyterian Church of Easton, and took an active part in all forms of church work. She was a woman greatly beloved by all who knew her, and in her home life exemplified the womanly virtues to the highest degree. She died December 17, 1902. Mr. and Mrs. Hazzard are the parents of fourteen children : 1. William, born in Philadelphia, died in 1917; he married Annie Bond, and left two children, Sarah and William Henry. 2. John, now a resident of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; married Jennie Barnet,
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and they are the parents of Gertrude, Harold, Marion, John, Jr., Lola, Har- riet, and Henry-twin of Gretchen, deceased. 3. Anna, married Thomas Malcolm, and resides in Newark, New Jersey (Belleville), and has children, Grace, William, Hazel, Mary, David, Helen and Julia. 4. Mary, married John C. Tomer, of Easton, and has a daughter, Sarah. 5. Sarah, married Mark Danby, of Cumberland, Maryland, and has two children, Margaret and Frances. 6. Julia, married Dr. F. J. Drake, of Phillipsburg, their children, Frances and Alberta. 7. Frank Ashton, of Easton, married Norma Goodyear, and has a daughter, Elizabeth. 8. Martha Washington, residing at the old home with her father. 9. Margaret Anna, also residing at home. Five other children died young.
JACOB BOEHM RATH-The life of the Rev. Jacob B. Rath, although it was terminated many years before the completion of the allotted three- score years and ten, and although the last few years of it were ones of sick- ness and suffering, was yet an exceptionably valuable one, the service which be rendered to the cause of his church and to the advancement of the virtue and happiness of the congregation over which he presided being such that it will long remain in the hearts of his fellow worshippers and in those of the community-at-large. His death, which occurred on August 6, 1885, at the age of fifty-one years, five months and twenty-two days, was felt as an irreparable loss by his devoted flock, who mourned him as a faithful friend and a loving pastor.
Rev. Jacob B. Rath was born February 14, 1834, in Lower Saucon town- ship, Northampton county, Pennsylvania, a son of Jacob and Susanna (Boehm) Rath, old and highly respected residents of that place. His early home life was a most happy and fortunate one, his parents being Christian, God-fearing people, and the atmosphere of the home was calculated in the highest degree to develop the excellent spiritual traits already possessed by the lad as an inheritance from his ancestors. During his childhood he at- tended the local common schools, and at the age of seventeen he was con- firmed by the Rev. Joshua Yeager, in the Lutheran church. The next few years were spent by him in teaching in the schools of the surrounding region, for although he had been confined in his school course to the common or grammar grades, he was a youth of unusual intelligence and ambition, and had gained from this limited schooling far more real education than many a youth from far greater advantages. His brother, the Rev. W. Rath, had already taught in these schools, and the younger man was greatly influenced by his example. It was this example that later turned his attention to a career in the ministry, an idea which rapidly took shape and grew in his mind until he finally determined upon it. In 1853 he entered the preparatory de- partment of the Pennsylvania College at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and graduated with honor, being the salutatorian of the class of 1858. He then entered the Gettysburg Theological Seminary and completed his course at that institution in 1860. The ministerium of the Lutheran church in Penn- sylvania was at that time in session at St. Paul's Church, Philadelphia, and thither went the young man as a candidate for ordination. He successfully passed his examinations and was ordained, the Rev. G. F. Krotel, D.D., preaching the ordination sermon.
The young minister received two calls within a very short time of one another, the first from York, Pennsylvania, and the second from Nazareth. Although the York call antedated the other somewhat, he accepted the latter as it was in his native region, for which he had the strongest affection. He thus took up his first ministerial work in the Lutheran church at Nazareth, and soon showed himself especially well fitted for his work. He remained there until the year 1865, and then received a call from Salem congregation, Bethlehem, which he accepted. His congregation at Nazareth were loath to
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lose him, but Mr. Rath felt it was for the best and came to Bethlehem, where a larger field of endeavor awaited him. In connection with his work with this congregation he also served at different times the congregations at Dry- land, Farmersville, South Easton, Altoona, Freemansburg and South Bethle- hem. He rightly felt that this was too large a charge, and exerted his influ- ence to have it divided up, which he finally succeeded in doing, so that what was originally one charge under a single pastor became four with a resident pastor to each. This important alteration was effected in the period from 1865, when he first came to Bethlehem, to 1872, when the last division was made. Another change was made during the same time, which, if not exactly analogous in nature, at least brought about some of the same results. This was the division of the Lutheran from the Reformed congregations at Salem, which was also largely his work. He continued in charge only of the Lutheran section, and this grew rapidly larger and more important under his fostering care. So great was its growth that Mr. Rath and several of his colleagues felt that the time had come for the establishment of a purely English Lutheran congregation in Bethlehem. His attention and energy was largely occupied with his new plan, to which he won over a number of the most influential men in the congregation. Eventually he went out with his followers, and shortly afterwards founded Grace Church, erecting for the new congregation one of the handsomest church edifices in the city. For a number of years he worked with indefatigable devotion for the new church and had the hanpi- ness to see it, before his failing strength had rendered it necessary for him to withdraw, one of the most prospreous and successful religious bodies of the community and possessed of a spirit of intense devotion, both to their general ideals and to the faithful pastor who had been their inspiration and leader. At length the progress of the dread disease which had seized him forced him to give up the work he so greatly loved, and he then devoted the last few years of his life to settling his own affairs and to the happiness of his family. Although he suffered greatly during these latter years, his cour- age and patience never faltered, and his example to those who were fortunate enough to enjoy his friendship and associate with him personally was not one soon to be forgotten. As his life drew to a close he turned with ever- increasing affection to the consolations of his religion, and exhibited a faith so complete and a confidence so entire in the truths it had been his lifelong task to teach, that precept became doubly convincing backed up by actual example.
In addition to his work as pastor of the Salem and Grace congregations, the Rev. Mr. Rath served in several capacities of great value to the com- munity. He was twice elected by his synod to the office of English secretary, and twice to that of treasurer, and only resigned the latter shortly before his death when his weakness made it impossible to discharge any longer its duties. The synod also elected him a trustee of the Muhlenberg College, where he served for a time as professor of the German language and literature, and where his advice and counsel was always sought and greatly appreciated. Another activity in which he took great pleasure and which was a valuable element in the church work of the region was his conducting, in association with the Rev. F. W. Weiskotten and William Ashmead Schaefer, the Church Messenger, a monthly publication which had a large circulation in Lutheran circles.
The Rev. Mr. Rath married, June 25, 1861, at Nazareth, Pennsylvania, C. Elizabeth Sellers, a daughter of Dr. Sellers, a well known physician of that place. Mrs. Rath survives her husband. Their children were: 1. Mary E., resides with her mother in Bethlehem ; was for some . cars employed in the offices of the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company. 2. Charles I ... born March 24, 1868; was baptized and confirmed by his father in Grace Intheran Church of Bethlehem, of which church his father was then pastor; he was
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educated in the public schools of Behlehem, and in 1892 enlisted in the United States Army and served as a private, and retired as first sergeant; in the Spanish-American War he was with his regiment in Cuba, before Santiago; soon after this he was transferred with his regiment to the Philippines, where he served for three years, returning then to the United States, but later was sent again to the Islands with his regiment, and after returning the second time to the United States was transferred to another regiment and served a third term in the Islands ; he was later retired on a pension ; he was a member of the fraternal Order of Eagles of Bethlehem, and of the United Spanish War Veterans ; he died August 22, 1913, at Fort Bayard, New Mexico, where he had gone for his health. 3. Bessie S., born October 13, 1871, died March 8, 1895.
The death of Mr. Rath was the occasion of a remarkable number of trib- utes from all his personal friends, and the many associates he had had in the carrying on of the work of his life, consisting of expressions of keen sorrow and regret, and testimonials to his high character and lovable personality. Various periodicals, religious and secular, added their words to this chorus of praise and sorrow, among which was the Lutheran, one of the principal church organs in Pennsylvania, from which we quote. Speaking of the service ren- dered Grace Church, Bethlehem, the Lutheran says :
To this congregation he gave his last days and strength, and succeeded in huilding up an active and influential congregation in the Lutheran church. Repeatedly he received most flattering calls from older and larger English churches, but he invariably refused them, believing that duty called him to remain with Grace Church. Here he remained until the Lord called him away. Devoted as he was to his people, they were equally devoted to him, and nothing short of the clear and unmistakable decree of Providence could have reconciled them to the separation that was finally brought about by the hand of disease and death.
After many years of intimate acquaintance with the deceased brother, we can most heartily indorse the following estimate of his character, given in his obituary on the day of his funeral: Ile was a man of unsullied private character, and of good report in the community where he lived and labored. His piety was sincere, consistent and modest. He was firm and decided in his convictions, and the aim of his life was to adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things. As a preacher he was clear and logical, and possessed special powers to illustrate the truth of God's word. As a pastor he was faithful, sympathetic, and succeeded in winning and retaining the love and esteem of those to whom he ministered. Even those from whom duty compelled him to differ were constrained to honor and esteem him for his fidelity to his convictions.
Ye servants of the Lord, Each in his office wait, Observant of his heavenly word, And watchful at his gate; O happy servant he, In such a pasture found ! He shall his Lord with rapture see And be with raptures crowned.
RICHARD HENRY BECK, M.D .- Newburg, Northampton county, Pennsylvania, has been the scene of the life labors of Dr. Richard Henry Beck, long a leading representative of the medical profession of Northampton county, where his family has long been resident. Dr. Beck has been in con- tinuous practice since 1874, and now, after nearly fifty years of service, is still found in his office and at the bedside of members of families he has attended through almost five decades. Dr. Beck has associated with him his youngest son, Dr. Sem Grim Beck, whose professional work with his father was interrupted by a period of army service in France with the American Expeditionary Force. Dr. Richard H. Beck is a son of Jacob and Susanna (Reinheimer) Beck, and grandson of George Henry and Elizabeth (Johnson) Beck, residents of the old family homestead in Lower Nazareth township, Jacob Beck becoming a farmer of Bethlehem township.
Dr. Richard H. Beck was born in Bethlehem township, Northampton
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county, Pennsylvania, December 20, 1850. After attending the public schools of Lower Nazareth township, the Moravian Parochial School at Nazareth, and a select school at Bethlehem, he took a course in the preparatory depart- ment of Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, then entering Muhlenburg Col- lege as a member of the first class to complete a four years' course in that institution. He was awarded the degree of A.B. in 1871, then entered the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, whence he was gradu- ated M.D. in the class of 1874. His initial professional work was in associa- tion with Dr. J. G. Scholl at Hecktown, but soon afterward he began practice in Newburg, where he has since remained. His work has been of a general nature, and during the long years of his practice he has covered a great mileage of Northampton county roads. Since 1882, Dr. Beck has been con- tinuously physician to the County Poor House, but has never filled any other public office. Dr. Beck's professional standing is of the highest, and he is widely honored for a fidelity to and usefulness in his profession that is seldom equalled. The passing years, filled with study and diligent application to his pressing professional duties, have increasingly endeared him to his fellows and have brought him close to his community with the ties that are distinct- ively and entirely those of the family doctor. He is identified with the North- ampton County Medical Society, the Pennsylvania State Medical Society, and the American Medical Association, and in every act of his professional life has striven for the maintenance of the highest ethics and principles of his honored profession. Dr. Beck is a member of the Dryland Lutheran Church, and has served as superintendent of the Sunday school of that congregation almost continuously for forty years, a record quite as remarkable as his long profes- sional activity.
Dr. Beck married, November 3, 1876, Annie Hester Herman, daughter of Rev. A. J. and Isabella (Grim) Herman, her father a member of a family which has contributed many eminent clergymen to the Lutheran church, her grandfather being sent to Pennsylvania as a pioncer missionary of the denomi- nation. The four children of Dr. Beck are all followers of professions. They are: I. Charles Gurley, a minister of the Lutheran church, his present charge North Wales, Pennsylvania ; married Cora Smith ; they have two sons, Rich- ard Albert and Carl. 2. Florence Corinne, a graduate nurse and superintend- ent of the Kensington Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 3. Edwin Her- man, a civil engineer of the Central Railroad of New Jersey, with headquar- ters at Dunellen, New Jersey. 4. Dr. Sem Grim, who was graduated from Muhlenburg College, then took the degree of M.D. from McGill University, of Canada, whence he was graduated with honors ; he became associated with his father in professional work, and was among the first physicians of the county to offer his services to the government after the entry of the United States into the World War; he was assigned to the Ambulance Corps and attached to the Ninety-first Division in France and Belgium, experiencing much front line service, working for a time in one of the emergency hospitals in the line; he returned from duty with the American Expeditionary Force in May, 1919, and resumed professional duties with his father. Dr. Sem Grim Beck holds the thirty-second degree in the Masonic order, also affiliating with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
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