USA > Pennsylvania > Northampton County > History of Northampton County [Pennsylvania] and the grand valley of the Lehigh, Volume II > Part 54
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Long an active member of Easton's Board of Trade, he was a trustee and first vice-president, and now ( 1920) president. He was elected president ( 1918) of the Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society, is a vestry- man of Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church and also is the church treasurer. He has held the highest office in each of the Masonic bodies of which he is a member, being a past master of Delaware Lodge No. 52, Free and Accepted Masons; past high priest of Easton Chapter No. 152, Royal Arch Masons ; past thrice illustrious master of Pomp Council No. 20, Royal and Select Masters ; past eminent commander of Ilugh De Payens Commandery No. 19, Knights Templar ; and a past district deputy grand master, Free and Ac- cepted Masons, of the State of New Jersey. He is also a noble of Rajah Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Reading. When Easton's Rotary Club was organized, he was chosen its first president, and for three terms he continued to preside over that body of Easton's lead- ing business and professional men. He is a member of the Pomfret Club and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, also of the Knights of Pythias. His political faith is Democratic. During the years from 1908 to 1911, he was a member of Easton's Common Council. By autographic letter from Presi- dent Wilson, dated July 17, 1916, he was appointed a presidential elector for the State of Pennsylvania. He has been very active in all local war activities. He captained a team in each of the five Liberty Loans, is a member of the executive committee of the Liberty Loan Committee of Northampton county, Pennsylvania, and captained a team in the Young Men's Christian Associa- tion War Relief Campaign, was chairman of the War Camp Community Service at Camp Lafayette, and fairly outdid himself in his enthusiastic serv- ice as captain of a War Chest team in its 1918 drive, and is a member of the executive committee of the Easton War Chest Association. He is one of the Four Minute Men, who will go down in history as most valuable workers in the cause of patriotism.
In the year 1886, Mr. Heiberger moved to Phillipsburg, New Jersey, and on October 26, 1886, was married to Ella Walton, of Phillipsburg, New Jer- scy, daughter of John and Mary (Naylor) Walton. Mrs. Heiberger died, February 9, 1889, leaving two daughters: Ethel, who married Daniel F.
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Little, of Pittstown, New Jersey; they have four sons: Daniel F., John Walton, Wesley Heiberger and Porter Christie. Ella, who married Dr. II. Crozier Leigh, of Easton, their only child being a daughter, Helen Heiberger Leigh. Mr. Heiberger returned to Easton in 1897, and on October 19, 1897, was married to Mary A. Jacobs, of Easton, daughter of the late Frederick and Harriet (Moycr) Jacobs. The family home is No. 303 High street, College Hill, Easton.
This review shows the high lights only in the career of a remarkably busy and successful man. He has not lived sordidly, but has always held his time and talents at the disposal of his fellow men and needed only to know how he could best serve them. He has energetically prosecuted his own affairs, but just as energetically has served the cause of the common good.
HOWARD CHESTER WILLIAMS-Since the year 1902 Mr. Williams has been a resident of Easton, Pennsylvania, and associated with the mant- facturing interests of the city. He is of an ancient New Jersey family, son of Hampton Cutter Williams, son of Job S. Williams, son of Samuel Williams, a Revolutionary soldier from New Jersey. Hampton Cutter Williams was a dry-goods merchant of Elizabeth, New Jersey. He married Mary Esther Glasby, and they were the parents of Howard C. Williams, of Easton, Pennsylvania.
Howard C. Williams was born at Elizabeth, Union county, New Jersey, October 12, 1875, and obtained his education at the J'ingry School, a famed institution of his native city, and at Rutgers Preparatory School. He entered business life as a clerk with the well known New York City dry goods house, Arnold, Constable & Company, continuing until 1902, when he came to Easton, here becoming interested in the manufacture of foundry facings. as manager of the Vulcan Facing Company. About four years were later spent in various departments of the Edison Portland Cement Company, and for three years with the Alpha Portland Cement Company as their special rep- resentative. After severing his connection with the last-named corporation he became associated with Montgomery & Company, investment securities, and has since continued in that line of business activity. He has served the First District of Pennsylvania, consisting of Monroe, Northampton and Pike counties, as secretary during the first, second, third, fourth and fifth Liberty Loan campaigns, filling the same official capacity, covering Easton and North- ampton county, Pennsylvania. He is also the business manager and treas- urer of the Easton War Chest, taking a deep interest in this important phase of war work. He is a member of the Easton Board of Trade, and bears his full share in all movements of a public character, tending toward civic better- ment. He is a member of the board of governors of the Pomfret Club, the Country Club of Northampton, and the Rotary Club, all of Easton, and through the patriotic service of his Revolutionary great-grandfather, Samuel Williams, has been admitted to the New Jersey Chapter, Sons of the Ameri- can Revolution, and to Pennsylvania Chapter, Sons of the Revolution. His recreations are golf and motoring.
Mr. Williams married, July 2, 1912, Winifred B. Mason, of Lewisburg, West Virginia, daughter of Silas B. and Elizabeth (Montgomery) Mason. Silas B. Mason was a large contractor and railroad builder of the South, whose father, also Silas B. Mason, served on the staff of General "Stonewall" Jackson during the War between the States, 1861-65. Mrs. Williams is a graduate of Lewisburg Seminary, and like her husband was deeply interested in war work, especially in that form coming under the management of the Red Cross.
HARRY G. SEIP-Is the business life of Easton, Harry G. Seip won his way to foremost position, and through energy, perseverance and thrift
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he was able to become head of the business which he entered as a youth. As a restaurateur, he knew the business thoroughly, and few small cities pos- sessed his equal. His restaurant was far famed for the excellence of its cuisine, and became a favored stopping place for tourists and travelers as well as for a large clientele of permanent patrons. His heart was in his business, and no detail was too trivial to escape his personal attention. For inany years he was a leading figure among Northampton Republican poli- ticians, being an uncompromising adherent of the old school, middle of the road style of Republican, "regularity" his Gospel never under any circum- stances to be departed from. He was an ardent follower of General Frank Reeder and his political adherents for many years, and when the general retired from party leadership, Mr. Seip, who had allied himself with Senator Penrose, became undisputed master of the machinery of the Republican party in Northampton county. Under his leadership the party achieved more success in the county than it had at any former time.
As a politician, Mr. Seip was astute, energetic and resourceful. To a very rare degree he possessed the faculty of being able to judge in advance the effect of any measure on public opinion. He was seldom wrong about this. This quality coupled with the fact that he surrounded himself with good advisers and freely sought their judgment, counted for much of his success. He made it an invariable rule, no matter what his opinion might be, to listen to another's. A discussion of political affairs was a matter of keen delight to him, and he was always accessible when anyone wanted to talk politics. Through pursuing this course he came into contact with many persons in all stations of life, and made the most of what he gathered during his intercourse with them. He made mistakes, but always freely acknowl- edged them after they were pointed out. There were times when members of his party talked of contesting his authority in controlling its affairs and nominations, but no one had the hardihood to take issue with him. What- ever opposition there was to him after he became the local leader was never formidable. He was a trusted leader of the Penrose forces, and in return he could always rely upon the senator's support whenever occasion required. Loyalty was a strong characteristic of Mr. Seip, and his friendship could always be relied upon. His generosity was unbounded. No appeal for help was ever made to him in vain, for it was a great source of happiness to him to be of service to his friends and acquaintances. He was a native son of Easton, and his parents were Roseberry and Emma (Glessner) Seip.
Roseberry Seip was born in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, March 30, 1843, died in Easton, April 22, 1913. He was a veteran of the Civil War, serving in the 129th Pennsylvania, and with the Pennsylvania Cavalry dur- ing the entire war period. In 1883 he was appointed a member of Easton's first free mail delivery force, he being the second carrier appointed. For eighteen years, 1886-1904, he resided in Brooklyn, New York, then again became a resident of Easton, continuing until his death. He was always active in Republican politics in the first ward, and was for years a leader in his ward. He married Emma Glessner, and among their children was a son, Harry G .. to whose memory this review is dedicated.
Harry G. Seip was born in Easton, Pennsylvania, November 28, 1870, died in his native city, September 1, 1918. During his boyhood he attended school, sold papers, and, as he grew older, drove a team and clerked in a store. At the age of eighteen he entered the employ of Jacob Garren, whose oyster house was the most famous in Easton. He began as an oyster opener but rapidly advanced until he became the mainstay of the business, thor- oughly trusted by his employers and practically manager. In 1902 Mr. Garren died and Mr. Seip succeeded to the ownership. He continued the business at the old stand for several years, then enlarged and improved, his restaurant and café becoming famous as the best in the Lehigh Valley. Later
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he erected a modern fireproof building on South and Third streets which he planned with a view to perfection in restaurant construction. Later when the property in which he had formerly conducted business was sold, he pur- chased it from the Viele Estate, that being another step toward the consum- mation of a long cherished ambition, a large modern hotel which should be the pride of his city and a monument to his memory. But "Seips" as a restaurant was perfection, five hundred persons not overcrowding its differ- ent dining rooms, while everything was the latest in design for comfort, utility and safety. Even the water used was drawn from an artesian well on the premises.
Following the example of his father, Mr. Seip early made his entrance into politics, and at the age of twenty-one was the recognized leader of the Republican party in the first ward. For a number of years he was a mem- ber of the Republican county committee, its chairman and treasurer, later becoming a member of the State central committee, and at the time of his death was a member of the resolutions committee which would draft the State platform of the party. In 1900 and 1910 he was the census enumerator for this section of the State, receiving such high praise for the excellent character of his work on both occasions that he had expressed the hope to supervise the same work in 1920. He represented the first ward in common council from April 1, 1903, to December 4, 1911, yielding office when the Clark Act became effective. His record as a councilman was subject both to praise and censure, but he supported and through his influence had enacted considerable legislation of a commendable nature. His greatest pride was in the fact that he fathered the "anti-sign and awning" ordinance which resulted in the removal of many obstructions and eye sores. At various times he served as chairman of the department of highways, and department of water and light.
Mr. Seip was a member of more fraternal and social organizations than probably any other Eastonian. He held life membership in a number of Masonic bodies, including Dallas Lodge No. 396, Free and Accepted Masons ; Pomp Council, No. 20, Royal and Select Masters; Easton Chapter, No. 173, Royal Arch Masons; Hugh De Payen Commandery, No. 19. Knights Tem- plar ; Rajah Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; and Caldwell Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. He was also a member of the Manufacturers' Club of Philadelphia; the American Auto- mobile Association ; the Easton Board of Trade; the Optimist's Club of New York; Lehighton Lodge, No. 244, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Sara- nac Tribe. Improved Order of Red Men ; Easton Lodge, No. 121, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Easton Aerie No. III, Fraternal Order of Eagles ; Easton Lodge, No. 45, Loyal Order of Moose; Loyal Legion ; Triple City Council; Judson Kilpatrick Camp No. 233, Sons of Veterans; the Law Order and License League; the Heptasoph Association's insurance branch ; the American League of the American Travelers; the Franklin Fire Company ; the Humane Fire Company No. 1; the Pen Argyl Republican Club ; the Lincoln Republican Club of Bethlehem; the Northampton Repub- lican ; and the Mckinley Club of Easton ; the Kiwanis Club, and St. John's Lutheran Church.
Mr. Seip married May 12, 1909, Helen M. Barron, born October 6, 1886, daughter of Philip H. and Emma (Schaffer) Barron, who survives her hus- band with three sons, Raymond J .; Jacob G. ; and Harry G. (2) Seip.
PHILIP H. BARRON-The Barrons in this branch originally settled in Bucks county, Pennslyvania, and there Jacob Barron operated a small distillery and a blacksmith shop at his home near Riegelsville, where he lived and died, leaving a son, Jacob, who died unmarried, and a son. Charles, born in Bucks county. He married Margaret Slough and settled in Easton, Penn-
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sylvania, where he followed the blacksmith's trade which he had learned under his father in Bucks county. He died in Easton in 1895, aged eighty- three, his wife preceding him to the grave in 1890. They were the parents of four children : William, who died in Easton ; Philip H., of further men- tion ; Annie, deceased, married Samuel Irwin ; John, married Margaret John- son, and resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, an assistant superintendent with the Baltimore & Ohio railroad.
Philip H. Barron, son of Charles and Margaret (Slough) Barron, was born in Easton, September 9, 1839, died May 29, 1912. He was educated in the public schools, but early in life began helping around his father's black- smith shop which stood at what is now the corner of Seventh and North- ampton streets. He literally grew up in the business and in time was pro- ficient in both branches of work carried on at the shop, blacksmithing and wheelwrighting. For a time he was with an uncle at the latter's farm in Bucks county, but most of his life was spent at the shop in Easton, which he inherited at his father's deatlı. He was an excellent mechanic, and after coming into possession of the blacksmithing and wheelwright shops operated them very profitably until his death. Philip H. Barron was not only a splen- did mechanic but strong in those attributes which go to make a manly char- acter. He conducted the business upon principles of honor, and took a just pride in his reputation for good work. He was highly esteemed as a citizen and beloved by all who knew him. He was a lifelong member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Easton, serving as a deacon for more than twelve years. In politics he was an earnest Republican. His great interest in life was his home and family, all that he did being with their welfare and happi- ness in view.
Mr. Barron married, May 12, 1879, Emma Schaffer, born in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, daughter of Charles and Margaret (O'Neil) Schaffer. Emma Schaffer grew to womanhood in Phillipsburg, was educated in the public schools, and there lived until her marriage. The young couple began their married life in a little home which stood on the site of the present house which they built at No. 670 Northampton street, and there Mrs. Emma (Schaffer) Barron yet resides. Her father, Charles Schaffer, was born in Baden, Germany, but came to the United States when young. He was a moulder by trade and located in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, his home until the end of his life. He married Margaret O'Neil, born in County Cork, Ireland, who came to the United States when a girl. They were the parents of five children: Mary, deceased, married Joseph Gebhardt; Margaret, married Charles Volkman, of Phillipsburg, New Jersey ; Emma, now the widow of Philip H. Barron; Francis, unmarried, of Phillipsburg; John, married Mary Smith, and resides in Chicago, employed with Swift & Company, of that city.
Philip HI. and Emma (Schaffer) Barron were the parents of four chil- dren: Margaret Roth, residing at home with her mother ; Annie E., married Raymond Peifer, of Easton, and has two children, Ruth and Margaret Peifer ; Helen M., widow of Harry G. Seip, of Easton ; Philip H. (2), born in Easton, October 15, 1893, and educated in the public schools, finishing with two years of high school work. At the age of eighteen he began learning the black- smith's trade under his father, and when the latter died, the son succeeded to the business, being the third in direct line to operate and own the shop. On June 1, 1918, he entered the service of the United States, and until mus- tered out, January 17, 1919, was on duty at Camp Lafayette as an instructor. He was regularly enlisted in the United States Army, serving in the Quarter- master's Corps on detached service. In the classes he instructed in mechan- ical work were boys from all walks of life but all inspired with the same high purpose as their teacher, and all anxious to "do their bit." Mr. Barron is a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church; Dallas Lodge, No. 396, Free and Accepted Masons; Easton Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Pomp Council,
THI PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR. LENOX AND TILPEN DRE JALONS K
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Herbata Smogdans
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Royal and Select Masters; Hugh De Payen Commandery, Knights Templar; Rajah Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine ; and in politics is a Republican.
HERBERT D. SNYDER-For twenty-eight years prior to his entrance into the political arena Herbert D. Snyder, register of wills for Northampton county, taught continuously in his home town school, the last few years being principal. Since 1912 he has been prominently in the public eye as deputy recorder of deeds and register of wills. He is a son of Josiah C. and a grandson of John Snyder, both natives of Northampton county and well known substantial cittizens of Lower Bethel township. John Sn; der was one of the leading Democrats of the township and held many of the local offices. He was a devoted Lutheran, active in church work and for many
years was a member of the church council. He married Elizabeth Kline, also of a Lower Bethel township family, and they were the parents of seven children : Josiah C., of whom further ; Lorenzo; Enos, a soldier of the Union during the Civil War; John; Louis; Elizabeth, married Reuben Gruver; Mary, married Reuben Uhler; Cecilia, died unmarried; William, who is a contractor of Easton, Pennsylvania. John Snyder, the father, is buried in Forks Cemetery in Forks township.
Josiah C. Snyder, son of John and Elizabeth (Kline) Snyder was born at the farm in Lower Bethel township, Northampton county, Pennsylvania, in 1836 and died September 23, 1911. He was educated in the district pub- lic school, and in youth learned the wheelwright's trade. He became an expert at his trade, opened his own shop and was known far and wide as a builder of good wagons. He located his shop and residence in the village of Martin's Creek in Lower Bethel township, and there his after life was spent. He took an active part in township affairs, was a Democrat in poli- tics, and a warm friend of education's cause, serving on the school board for twenty years and aiding all in his power to increase the benefits to be derived from the public school system. For years he sat in the council of the local Lutheran church, he a lifelong member of that denomination. He was one of the charter members of Martin's Creek Lodge, No. 745, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, passed all the chairs of the lodge and while life lasted held the sincerest regard of his brethren of the order. He was a man of high principle, proud of his reputation as a wagon builder, and always held his word sacred. He married Louisa Teneous, born in Nazareth township, Northamption county, January 15, 1841, who survives him and still resides at the old home at Martin's Creek, that having been her home since mar- riage. Mrs. Snyder is the daughter of John and Antionette (Miller) Tencons, her father a native of Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, who when a lad of six- teen years came to the United States, locating in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, where he spent his after life, a miller and lime burner. John Teneous was a finely educated man, bitterly opposed to German militarism, but loval to the land of his adoption. He was quiet and retiring in nature but very active in church work, being a member of the Moravian church. Both he and his wife are buried in the Moravian Cemetery at Schoenick, he having been sexton of the church there for many years. John and Antoinette Teneous were the parents of two sons and four daughters: Levin; John (2) ; Louisa, who married Josiah C. Snyder ; Sallie, married Alfred Hope, of Phila- delphia ; Maria, married Allen Lowall, of Bethlehem ; Ellen, married Richard Newhard, of Bethlehem. Josiah C. and Louisa (Tencous) Snyder were the parents of three sons and a daughter: Charles N., who is a resident of Martin's Creek; Herbert D., of whom further mention is made; Reverend Elmer E., of Easton, formerly pastor of Christ Lutheran Church of that city ; Stella, married Thomas O. Werner, superintendent of the F. S. Flory Manu. facturing Company of Bangor, Pennsylvania.
Herbert D. Snyder was born at the home of his parents at Martin's
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Creek, Lower Bethel township, Northampton county, Pennsylvania, August 20, 1864. He was educated in the public schools, Easton College of Business, finishing his course at the latter institution, class of 1882, Pennsylvania State Normal School at Westchester, Pennsylvania, and Lafayette College, com- pleting his studies at Lafayette in 1884. He then began teaching school, a profession he followed without interruption for twenty-eight years, from 1884 to 1912. He was elected justice of the peace in 1904, and at the time he laid down the rod of authority he was principal of the Martin's Creek schools, his entire life as an educator having been spent in those schools, a high testi- monial from his neighbors and friends of a lifetime.
In 1912 Mr. Snyder resigned as principal to enter another department of public life and the same year was appointed deputy recorder of deeds for Northampton county. He held that position six years and filled it so well that in 1918 he was the choice of the majority of voters of the county for the office of register of wills for the same county, an office he is now filling with the same satisfaction to the people which he has given in every public position held. He is a Democrat in his political faith ; member and secre- tary of Mount Zion Lutheran Church of Martin's Creek and for years has been superintendent of its Sunday school ; is a member and a past noble grand of Martin's Creek Lodge, No. 745, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and a member of Muscanetcong Tribe, Improved Order of Red Men, of Martin's Creek. He is a man of progress and public spirit, willing and anxious to aid in every movement tending to promote the public good.
Mr. Snyder married, June 29, 1899, Sallie E. Sandt, born September 28, 1875, daughter of Adam W. and Emma (Hellick) Sandt, of Lower Mount Bethel township. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder are the parents of a son, George Elwood Snyder, born March 17, 1906.
ELLERSLIE WALLACE RICHARDS, M.D .- Dr. Richards is a name that for many years has prevailed in Easton, three of that name at least hav- ing borne the title of M.D., all eminent in the profession, Dr. Daniel W. Richards, his son, Dr. Ellerslie W. Richards, and his cousin, Dr. Oscar M. Richards.
The founder of the family was Joseph Richards, who came to Williams township. Northampton county, Pennsylvania, from England. He owned one hundred and twenty acres of good land, married, and was succeeded by his son, Joseph (2) Richards, born in Williams township, who spent his life a farmer of that township, serving, however, in the War of 1812. He mar- ried Elizabeth Miller, also born in Williams township, who bore him seven sons : John, William, Joseph, Charles, Jacob, Aaron, Henry, and a daughter, Elizabeth. John Richards, the eldest son, was born at the Williams town- ship homestead, and there spent his life, a farmer. He married Catherine Bachman, and among his children was a son, Daniel W., father of Dr. Ellers- lie W. Richards, of Easton.
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