USA > Pennsylvania > Northampton County > History of Northampton County [Pennsylvania] and the grand valley of the Lehigh, Volume II > Part 57
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Mr. Reinheimer married, in 1879, Martha Welty, of Bushkill township, but there have been no children of the marriage. It is possible that this had some bearing on their action in manifesting a marked parental love to three other children : Florence Laubach, whom Mr. and Mrs. Reinheimer adopted at the age of five years, and reared as their own daughter. She is now mar- ried and living in Philadelphia. Hazel Welty, whom they took into their home when a child of two years, with her son John Chapman, is still a mem- ber of the Reinheimer household. Mr. and Mrs. Reinheimer are devout members of the Lutheran church, and substantial in their support of it.
Mr. Reinheimer is a Democrat. and for some years was able to interest himself actively as a local leader in its affairs. On more than one occasion he was delegate from the district to the State convention. However, of late years he has not been able to continue in such activity, and his chief interest is the insurance company, the conduct of which depends so much upon him.
JACOB D. UPDEGROVE, M.D .- As a specialist in nose and throat diseases, Dr. Updegrove has fully proved his skill to the people of Easton, among whom he settled in 1890, when he came with his newly acquired diploma from the University of Pennsylvania. He comes of an ancient Penn- sylvania family, and his ancestors were on the Welcome, which brought William Penn to Pennsylvania in 1683.
Dr. Updegrove is a grandson of Jacob Updegrove, born in Oley, Berks county, Pennsylvania, March 17, 1798, died November 8, 1873, a farmer and a Lutheran. He married November 13, 1819, Elizabeth Shaffer, born in Decem- ber, 1796, died October 13, 1881. They were the parents of three sons: Wil- liam, Levi S., and Frederick. Their one daughter was Elizabeth. The third child and second son, Levi S. Updegrove, was the father of Jacob D. Upde- grove, of Easton.
Levi S. Updegrove was born in Oley, Berks county, Pennsylvania, De- cember 16, 1830, died October 22, 1899. He grew to manhood at the home farm in Oley, and when choosing his own life work he continued an agricul- turist, settling in his native county on a farm near Monocacy. He continued farming until his death, and was one of the substantial men of his town. He was a Lutheran in religion, a Republican in politics. He married. March 17. 1850, Sophia Davidheiser, and they were the parents of ten children, as fol- lows: Amos. Sarah, George A., Caroline, Mahlon, David, Harrison, Jacob D., of whom further ; Levi and Lilly.
Dr. Jacob D. Updegrove was born in Monocacy, Berks county, Pennsyl- vania, July 24, 1862. His education, begun in the public schools of Mono- cacy, was continued in Reading schools, and in 1884 he completed his studies at Lafayette College, whence he was graduated A.B., with the class of that year. Later he decided upon a profession and entered the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, there continuing until graduation with the class of 1890. He at once located in Easton, and during the twenty-nine years that have since elapsed he has continued in practice as a specialist in diseases of the nose and throat, and has steadily grown in the public favor and con-
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fidence. His practice is large, and he is one of the leading specialists of the city. From 1884 until 1890 he was adjunct in physical training department of Lafayette College, and from 1890 he held the chair of director of physical training, and from 1890 to 1910 was lecturer on hygiene. He took a special course in nose and throat diseases in 1897 in the Philadelphia Polyclinic. He is a member of the local and State medical societies, lodge and chapter of the Masonic order, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Improved Order of Red Men. In religious preference he is a Lutheran.
On February 23, 1884, Dr. Updegrove married Susan S. Beck, of Berks county, a daughter of Henry and Leah (Swavely) Beck. Children: Harvey C., Henry T., Leah E. and Alice. A daughter Maude died in infancy. Har- vey C., the eldest child, was educated in the public schools, and graduated from Lafayette College, A.B., class of 1907, then went to the University of Pennsylvania, graduated M.D. in 1911. Then for two years and three months he was under the special tutorship of the eminent Dr. J. B. Deaver, after which he located in Easton in general practice, but is preparing to specialize in surgery. Since 1914 he has been a member of the staff of Easton General Hospital. He is a member of Northampton Medical and Pennsylvania State Medical societies ; Easton Lodge No. 152, Free and Accepted Masons ; Easton Chapter No. 173, Royal Arch Masons ; Hugh De Payen Commandery No. 19, Knights Templar ; the Pomfret Club ; and the Northampton County Country Club. He enlisted in the United States Army, and was commissioned June 8, 1917, and after preparation in Washington Army Medical School, was sent across to France, August, 1917. He was brigaded with the English Thirteenth Field Ambulance, and was on the firing line all through the Ypres campaign. From December, 1917, to March, 1918, he was in Italy. He went thence to Flanders, and was wounded in the second big drive by the Germans at Armentieres. His wounds were of a severe character, pieces of high explosive shell piercing his lung and liver, and he was confined to the hospital for nine months, most of the time in London at the American Red Cross Hospital No. 22. From there he was sent home. He landed December 23, 1918, and was discharged January 29, 1919. He was commissioned captain, November 14, 1918, and was awarded the British Military Cross in October, 1917.
While in the hospital, Dr. Updegrove met Gladys Rhodes Collins, one of the nurses in charge, and on November 26, 1918, they were married. She is a daughter of Charles Collins, of London, England.
FRANK RAYNOR BROWN-Just at the threshold of life, with brilliant business and social prospects, Frank Raynor Brown closed his earthly career. His grandfather, John Brown, came from New York, passed through a wide and varied business experience, and was succeeded by his son, Robert S. Brown, father of Frank R. Brown.
John Brown was born in Newburgh, New York, June 9, 1808, and died at Easton, Pennsylvania, November 4. 1889. After leaving home he became an employee of the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company, rose to his place among the best paid men of that company, and continued with them for forty years. After resigning his position he moved his residence from White Haven, Penn- sylvania, to Easton. After moving to Easton. he became interested in the slate quarries at Bangor and acquired large holdings in several corporations of the slate belt. The active management of the properties which he con- trolled he turned over to his son, Robert S., but he kept in touch with the business until his death. He had other large business interests, and was one of the prominent, substantial men of his times. John Brown married Maria Stoddart, born July 23, 1819, died in Easton, March 11, 1883, daughter of Leonard and Maria (Ellis) Stoddart. Both Mr. and Mrs. Brown were mem- bers of Brainerd Presbyterian Church, now Brainerd Union. The only sur-
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vivor of their four children is a daughter, Elizabeth, a resident of Easton, No. 123 North Third street.
Robert S. Brown, only son of John and Maria (Stoddart) Brown, was born at Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, July 27, 1857, and died May 15, 1909. He was trained in business methods by his father, whom he succeeded in 1889, and rose to the very forefront among slate operators. He was president of the American Slate Company, and held similar position or controlled many other corporations which he managed with rare judgment. Ile was also inter- ested in the financial institutions of Easton as a director, and gave his close. personal attention to his large business interests. He married (second) Ida M. Keiper Brown, who died in the year 1919. They were the parents of four children: Robert S., a resident of Easton; Frank R., to whose memory this review is dedicated : Elizabeth M., of Easton ; and L. Renton, of Easton.
Frank Raynor Brown was born December 31, 1891, in Easton, Pennsyl- vania, and died in the city of his birth, May 16, 1916, son of Robert S. and Ida M. (Keiper) Brown. Frank R. Brown was educated at Nazareth Hall, Nazareth, Pennsylvania, and at Mercersburg College, completing his course at the last-named institution with the graduating class of 1912, and later attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York. After gradua- tion, Mr. Brown engaged in the slate business, a line of activity in which both his father, Robert S. Brown, and his grandfather, John Brown, had been conspicuous. Hc at once assumed responsible position, but his business career was cut short, and ere he had fully demonstrated the abilities he pos- Reformed Church, a Republican in politics, a member of the Spartan Club of Easton, and of Easton Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Club of Easton, and of Easton Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He was very popular in these orders, and everybody was his friend.
Frank R. Brown married, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, June 11, 1914. Edith M. Lynch, of Phillipsburg, New Jersey, born at Royersford, Pennsyl- vania, August 31, 1891. She was educated at St. Michaels' Parochial School, at Reading, Pennsylvania, and at Villanova Academy, near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They were the parents of a posthumous son, John Renton, born in Easton, December 6, 1916. Mrs. Brown is a member of St. Bernard's Roman Catholic Church, Easton. She is a daughter of Daniel Francis Lynch, born in Monocacy, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, an extensive building contractor and hotel proprietor, a Roman Catholic in religion, active in church work. He died in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, July 16, 1916, aged fifty-two years. He married Ida Elizabeth Oberlin, who survives him, a daughter of Levi Oberlin, of Shafferstown, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Lynch were the parents of two children : Harry, who died aged three and one-half years, and Edith M., widow of Frank Raynor Brown, of Easton.
Daniel Francis Lynch was a son of Michael Lynch, born in County Tip- perary, Ireland, who came to the United States when a young man. Ile married, in Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania, Catharine Burk, and located on a large farm at Monocacy, Pennsylvania. He was the owner of a fleet of canal boats which he operated on the Schuylkill canal, carrying coal to the Phila- delphia markets. He also owned and operated large stone quarries at Linfield, Pennsylvania. He was a strong Democrat, and active in party affairs.
JAMES CHARLES MCINTYRE-As superintendent of markets in the city of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, since 1914, Mr. McIntyre has served his constituency well, his administration of his department having been marked by the efficiency of its personnel and by the great increase in the benefits both producer and consumer derive from its intelligent, public-spirited opera- tion. James C. McIntyre is a son of Patrick Mclntyre, a stone mason, who was accidentally killed while at his work. Patrick McIntyre married Mary Gartland, daughter of James and Rose (O'Neil) Gartland, both her parents
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born in County Meath, Ireland, but later coming to the United States and making their home in Northampton county, Pennsylvania. Mr. Gartland was an iron mill worker and until within fifteen years of his death, in 1918, was superintendent in charge of the Thomas Iron Company plant in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Mclntyre survives her husband, the mother of four children : 1. Agnes, married Harry Phillipi, an electrician with the Bethlehem Steel Company, and they are the parents of four children, Harry, Mary, Phillip and Joseph. 2. John P., born in 1880, accidentally killed in 1901, while at his work in a department of the Bethlehem steel plant. 3. James Charles, of further mention. 4. Joseph, born in 1891, now residing at Tarentum, Penn- sylvania ; he married Anna Johnson, of Catasauqua, Pennsylvania, and has a daughter, Rose, residing with her mother.
James Charles McIntyre was born at South Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, but obtained his education in Jersey City schools, New Jersey. He entered the employ of the Bethlehem Steel Company in early life and was finally advanced to the position of foreman, a post he ably filled until resigning to engage in the laundry business. He operated his laundry in South Bethlehem for three years, then until 1914 he was in the employ of the Philadelphia Record. In May, 1914, he was appointed superintendent of markets by the borough of South Bethlehem, a position he yet holds under the consolidated boroughs constituting the city of Bethlehem. The North Side Market, estab- lished on March 21, 1918, with but two dealers, had grown to fifty-eight deal- ers January 1, 1919, and this number increased to one hundred on the first anniversary of its founding. A building of permanent construction was erected, housing seventy dealers and having the latest sanitary equipment. The Bethlehem markets have attracted upward of seven hundred farmers of Lehigh, Bucks and Northampton counties.
Mr. MeIntyre has administered his department with the sole view of giving to the citizens of Bethlehem fresh, healthful food products, handled and sold under the highest sanitary conditions possible. He traveled and investigated other market towns and cities, seeking for the best. The results of his investigations he embodied in his conduct of the Bethlehem markets, and on every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday the Bethlehem market basket can be filled direct from the farmers' wagons which line the appointed places for the purpose of bringing producers, to the number of one hundred and fifty, and consumers in closest relation. Cleanliness and honorable dealing are cardinal principles which must be observed, and to this end all possible assistance is rendered by the introduction of modern methods and appliance.
A Democrat in politics, Mr. McIntyre has long been active in the public life of his community, and when consolidation of the Bethlehems under one municipal government was proposed, he was a member of the consolidation committee and worked very hard to bring about the change, which went into effect in January, 1918, the city of Bethlehem arising on the graves of the borough of Bethlehem, South Bethlehem and West Bethlehem.
Mr. McIntyre married, June 22, 1904, Nellie R. Martin, daughter of John J. and Mary Margaret Martin, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, her parents both deceased. John J. Martin was one of the oldest of Allentown's grocers, and prominent in the Democratic party of the city. He served as assessor of Allentown, being elected by the largest majority ever given a candidate for the office. He was for many years a foundryman and assistant superintendent of the historic old Durham furnaces on the Delaware river. He died at the age of seventy-six. Nellie R. Martin was educated in Allentown public schools, and was graduated from both Allentown High School and Allentown Business College. Mr. and Mrs. McIntyre are the parents of seven children : Leo Robert, born March 21, 1905; Margaret, born in October, 1907; John Martin, born April 21, 1909; Eleanor, born in March, 1911, died two months later ; Marian, twin with Eleanor; James Charles (2), born April 21, 1913; Joseph, born March 25, 1916.
TL 1 PUBLI L'
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Chas E Knecht.
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The family are members of the Roman Catholic church, Mr. MeIntyre a member of the Knights of Columbus, and during the recent war with Ger- many has earnestly worked for all Red Cross, War Chest, Liberty Loan and other war activities. He is a member of the Foresters of America, Court Manhattan, of Allentown, Loyal Order of Moose, and Yo Eddie Club, and was very active in the war work of this club, managing their athletic mects at Brodhead Field and Market street, which cleared over fifteen hundred dollars for the soldiers' tobacco fund. He served on committees for enter- tainment of home-coming soldiers, his special duty being the care of the men of foreign birth, taking part in the great welcome parade of May 22, 1919. He was largely responsible for raising, through athletic meets, minstrel show and through personal solicitation, over $125,000 for the soldiers' tobacco and comfort fund.
CHARLES E. KNECHT-Knecht is a name long and favorably known in Northampton county, two generations in this branch having been very prominent in the business and public life of Nazareth: O. H. Knecht, a merchant on Main street for thirty-six years, and his son, Charles E. Knecht, postmaster since 1914. Their progenitor, Isaac Knecht, settled on a farm south of Nazareth. Northampton county, Pennsylvania, which later passed to his son, Richard. His son, John Knecht, was born in 1830, died in 1907, after a life devoted to farming and the operation of a livery stable. He married Sabina Breidinger, who survived him a few years. O. H. Knecht, son of John and Sabina Knecht was born at Tannersville, Monroe county, August 2, 1855, died December 25, 1912. He married Emma Santee, who survives him, residing at the old home in the borough of Nazareth, Penn- sylvania. O. H. Knecht, from boyhood lived on a farm, his home being with Charles Young, whose farin was near Belfast, Northampton county. At the age of nineteen he abandoned farming and became a clerk in the store of John F. Beitel, then located on Main street, Nazareth, now used as an ice cream and confectionery shop. For three years he remained a clerk with Mr. Beitel, then bought the business and for thirty-six years continued the successful owner and manager of the business. From a comparatively small beginning he built up a large and profitable business, becoming one of the best known merchants of the Nazareth section. He was highly esteemed as a citizen, and when he passed to another world he was genuinely mourned by a very large circle of friends and acquaintances. He served on the school board for twenty-four years, was treasurer of the Northampton County Fair Association ; during a long period of time was interested in the Portland Cement Company ; and was a director of Nazareth National Bank, having other interests of importance. He was a Democrat in politics and frequently sat as a delegate in State conventions of his party. He was long an elder of the Lutheran church. O. H. Knecht and his wife, Emma (Santee) Knecht, were the parents of two sons, Charles E., of further mention, and John Il., now connected with the hosiery industry in Nazareth.
Charles E. Knecht, eldest son of O. H. and Emma (Santee) Knecht, was born at the family home on Main street, Nazareth, Pennsylvania, October 9. 1876. He was educated in the public schools and was a member of the first class to graduate from Nazareth High School, 1893. He completed the fresh - man year at Lafayette College, then began his mercantile career as book- keeper in a Newton, New Jersey, silk mill, employing about five hundred hands. There he remained three years, during which time he married, and later with his bride returned to Nazareth. He next was employed in the Kraemer Hosiery Mill in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, and placed in charge of the night operators. He remained in that position until 1914, when he was appointed postmaster at Nazareth, assuming the duties of that office Septem- ber I of that year. He has since held his office continuously, his position one
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of constantly increasing importance. Free delivery was established in 1907, three rural free delivery routes leave the office, and a large force of assistants are kept busy with the details of the office. Mr. Knecht was for five years secretary of the Borough Council, chief of the fire department, and for four years has been a member of the school board. In politics he is a Democrat, and is one of the recognized leaders of the party in his section.
In religious faith Mr. Knecht is a communicant of the Reformed church. He is a past noble grand of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, elected when twenty-one years of age, probably the youngest member of the order in the State to fill that high office. He is also a member of Easton Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and takes more than an ordinary interest in these orders. His recreations are those of the open air, the sports of forest and stream particularly appealing to him. His vacations are spent with rifle and rod in the haunts of the wild things of the wood and brook, if it is possible for him to take the time.
Mr. Knecht married in Newton, New Jersey, May 27, 1898, Emma Grover, and they are the parents of three sons: Harold, a United States marine, was killed about June 10, 1918, in Belleau Woods Battle; Francis, now employed in Bethlehem, with Bethlehem Steel Company ; and Gerald, in the chemical laboratory of the Penn Allen Cement Company.
WILLIAM FRANKLIN COPE, M.D .- Two physicians by the name of Cope have practiced their healing art in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, Dr. Thomas Cope, of Nazareth, and his son, Dr. William Franklin Cope, of Easton. Both are eminent and successful in their professional work.
Dr. William Franklin Cope, son of Dr. Thomas and Camilla (Hagen- lach) Cope, was born in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, September 17, 1878. Hc was educated at historic Nazareth Hall Military Academy, going thence to Lafayette College, whence he was graduated B.S., class of 1898, and later received the degree M.S. From Lafayette he passed to Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, whence he was graduated M.D., class of 1902, he then beginning professional work as interne at St. Luke's Hospital at Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, there remaining nine months. He then went abroad for study, and in the Silex Clinic at Berlin, Germany, pursued a special course of study on the eye and its diseases. Upon his return to the United States he located in Easton, and there until 1911 he was in continuous prac- tice as an eye, car, nose and throat specialist. Since 1911 he has restricted his practice to the eye and its diseases exclusively. He is highly esteemed by the medical profession and is a leader in that branch of medical science. He is a member of the Northampton County Medical Society, Pennsylvania State Medical Society, American Medical Association, National Association of American Surgeons, the Masonic order, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Delta Kappa Epsilon. Pomfret and Kiwanis clubs, First Presbyterian Church, and politically is a Democrat. Dr. Cope enlisted in the United States Medical Corps, served at Camp Greenleaf, Fremont and Shelby, at Base Hos- pital No. 132, and was there awaiting orders for overseas service when the armistice was signed.
Dr. Cope married, November 18, 1902, Sarah Bleckley, daughter of Ed- ward and Louisa (Rouse) Bleckley, of Easton. The family residence in Easton is No. 324 March street. Their summer home is at Harmony, New Jersey.
GEORGE J. KOEHLER, JR .- Now a merchant of Easton, Pennsyl- vania, Mr. Kochler owes his present position to the accident which compelled him to abandon the career he had chosen and along which he had so far advanced, the profession of music. He is a son of George J. Kochler, and a grandson of George Kochler, the former the founder of this branch of the family in Pennsylvania. George Kochler, the founder, came from his home
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in Germany with his wife and two young sons in 1850, and settled on a farm in Carbon county, Pennsylvania, and there died, well advanced in years. He became quite well known in his town, and served in his latter years as town- ship supervisor. His wife, Caroline, died in Carbon county. They were the parents of George J., of further mention.
George J. Koehler was born in Germany in 1849, and when eighteen months old was brought to the United States by his parents. The family settled at Walnutport, Pennsylvania, and there and at a farm in Berlinsville, he grew to manhood, obtaining but a limited education so far as schools were concerned, but by self-study and experience became a well informed man. He became a contract coal miner, and in 1889 established a retail coal busi- ness in Easton. The business he developed to a profitable point, and later sold out to his son, George J. Koehler, in whose interest he now manages a branch coal yard at Twenty-fourth street, Easton. George J. Kochler mar- ried Ella A. Brown, of an old county family, born at Cherryville, Pennsyl- vania, daughter of Jonas and Maria (Seip) Brown. Mr. and Mrs. Kochler are members of Christ Lutheran Church, he an official member for years, and a member of both lodge and encampment of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Their children are: Clinton A., of Easton ; George J., Jr., of further mention ; and a son, twin with George J., who died at birth.
George J. (2) Koehler, son of George J. (1) and Ella A. (Brown) Koehler, was born in Ebervale, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, December 17, 1870, but when a small boy his parents moved to Easton. Penns Ivania. He was educated in the Easton public schools, his first teacher, Miss Kate Guiley, and in turn he passed all grades until graduated from high school, class of 1890. From youth he was passionately fond of music, and during his carlier vacation periods he began seriously to study, and as he progressed in knowl- edge his love for the art grew until every hour that could be taken from other study or work was devoted to his musical education. Finally he became an accomplished pianist, and when that point was reached he began giving lessons on the piano, continuing most successfully as a teacher for fourteen years, becoming very popular in musical circles, and for seven years was organist of Christ Lutheran Church. An accident to his left arm put an end to his usefulness in the musical line for the time being, and he retired to a commercial business, purchasing the retail coal business formerly conducted by his father. He gave himself to the business with all his energy, and is one of the successful merchants of his city. In 1914, Mr. Koehler resumed his musical activities, each week visiting New York, where he is the assistant to J. S. Danielson, who was associated with the late Raphael Josseff. His work is confined to the piano. Mr. Kochler is a Republican in national politics, but in municipal affairs knows no partisanship, choosing his candi- dates for their known fitness. He is a member of Lehicton Lodge No. 244, and Encampment No. 139, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has passed all chairs of both bodies. He is a charter member of Easton Lodge. Benevo- lent and Protective Order of Elks, and is much interested in the fraternal and social features of these orders.
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