USA > Pennsylvania > Northampton County > History of Northampton County [Pennsylvania] and the grand valley of the Lehigh, Volume III > Part 49
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Mr. Knouss married Netta Trostel, daughter of H. W. and Hannah (Bream) Trostel. Mrs. Knouss is a graduate of Irving College, Mechanics- burg, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Knouss are the parents of a son, Francis C. (2), born in Bethlehem, March 27, 1915.
EDWIN JACOB GERLACH -- Three generations of Gerlachs have re- sided in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, John Traugott Gerlach, grand- father of Edwin Jacob Gerlach, coming from Saxony about 1790, and settling in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, his home the site of the present Young Men's Christian Association building, he owning that property at the time of his death. He was a carpet weaver by trade, also a dealer in earthenware. His son, Louis A. Gerlach, was born in Nazareth, January 17, 1820, and died January 16, 1892. He was proprietor of the Bethlehem Tannery for years, but prior to his coming to Bethlehem conducted a currier and finished leather establishment at Nazareth, he being a currier and tanner by trade. During the Civil War period he was a resident of Springtown, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, settling in Bethlehem in 1865, and there residing until his death. He married Louisa Weaver, who died April 3, 1895, surviving her husband three years.
Edwin Jacob Gerlach, son of Louis A. and Louisa (Weaver) Gerlach, was born at Nazareth, Pennsylvania, July 9, 1852. He began school life at Applebachsville, in Bucks county, continuing there about one year, John S. Stahr being his first teacher. The family then returned to Nazareth, where the lad attended parochial school for eighteen months, his parents then mov- ing to Springtown, in Bucks county, where he attended school for two years and where he went to work while his parents continued to reside there for four years. After removal to Bethlehem, in 1865, he attended the Moravian Parochial School, this completing his school life. He began business life as his father's assistant at the Bethlehem Tannery, there remaining until 1870. He then began learning the carriage builder's trade under Samuel Y. Kern, at Coopersburg, Pennsylvania, and after completing his apprentice- ship, remained with Mr. Kern as journeyman. He then was with Holtzer- mann Brothers, at Lymeport, Pennsylvania, for a time, then, in March, 1875, began business for himself at Lymeport, beginning in a small way as a carriage builder, the Lymeport business soon being transferred to Hickstown, and was conducted by Mr. Gerlach alone until 1889, when he was admitted by George W. Grube, of Bethlehem, as a partner in the junk business. Two years later, in 1891, he bought Mr. Grube's interest and continued the business alone until 1907, when he sold out and retired, retaining, however, an interest in the real estate. He repurchased the business in 1911, and is still its sole owner and active managing head. He has a large yard devoted to his busi- ness located at Nos. 60-70 Water street, and in addition to the junk depart- ment, deals heavily in fertilizers, bonemeal, hides, tallow, scrap-iron and metal. He has built up a very large and profitable business, and conducts it upon very well defined and honorable lines. He is well known and highly regarded as an able business man, and has kept his name an honored one in the business world. Before the consolidation of the Bethlehems he served for two terms on the West Bethlehem Borough Council. He is a faithful member of the Moravian church.
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Mr. Gerlach married (first) March 7, 1874, Castila I. Bitting, who died May 31, 1876, daughter of Edward R. and Tewillia Bitting, of Lehigh county, Pennsylvania. They were the parents of a son, Elmer H., who married Leona Frey, daughter of A. H. Frey, of Bethlehem, and they are the parents of two children: Jacob A. and Veola. Mr. Gerlach married (second) February 13, 1879, Sarah N. Hartzell, daughter of Benjamin and Anna Maria Hartzell, of Lower Nazareth township, Northampton county, and they are the parents of three children: Anna L., married Lewis Schafer; Edwin B., married Anna Kemmerer, and they are the parents of eight children: Edwin, Jonathan, Marie, Louise, Alma Sarah and Anna (twins), Richard, and Dorothy ; Emma Mabel, resides with her parents, is a divorceé, and has one child, Lewis Jacob Gerlach, who resides with his grandparents.
JOHN EDWARD SCHAIBLE-This family name, formerly spelled Scheible, has been borne in Easton by John Scheible (2) and John Edward Schaible, present proprietor of Schaible's bakery, an institution. The former has gone to his reward, but his widow and children reside in Easton or nearby. Mrs. Scheible lives at No. 246 Philadelphia road, Easton. John (2) Scheible is remembered as a good business man and citizen, a prominent Odd Fellow, and a man much interested in the organization of the Sons of Veterans. John (I) Scheible, who came from Würtemberg, Germany, to the United States prior to the Civil War, enlisted in the Union Army during the War between the States, serving in the Ninth Regiment, New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, and at Newbern, North Carolina, was wounded. He was a carpenter and wood carver by trade, and at the time of his death was a resident of Phillipsburg, New Jersey, but died at Bristol, Pennsylvania, and was buried in the National Cemetery, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. John (2) Schaible, son of John (I) and Catherine Schaible, the American founders of the family, was born at Penn Haven, Pennsylvania; and died in Easton, Pennsylvania, December 25, 1908. He learned the baker's trade, and later established the baking business in Easton known as Schaible's Steam Bakery, now owned and managed by his son, John Edward Schaible. He married Caroline Christina Gossman, and they were the parents of two sons: John Edward; and Jacob, who died at the age of three years; also two daughters : Caroline Frederica ; and Anna, deceased.
John Edward Schaible, son of John (2) and Caroline Christina (Goss- man) Schaible, was born in the College Hill district, at No. 216 McCartney street, Easton, Pennsylvania, November 20, 1881. He was educated in the public schools, Wood's Business College, and Free's Business College, and completed full courses of musical study, becoming an accomplished violinist. Until 1908 he made music his profession, being a well known instructor and performer in orchestra. Upon the death of John (2) Scheible, his father, in 1908, he became manager of Schaible's bakery in the interest of the heirs, and in I91I purchased the business, and has since been its sole owner and proprietor. He has developed strong business quality, has greatly increased the volume of business transacted, and has kept Schaible's among the lead- ing bakeries of this section of Pennsylvania. The plant is located at Nos. 165-167 Nesquehoning street, South Side. He gives employment to forty people. The plant is modern in every respect, and the machinery is operated by electricity.
Independent in politics, and viewing public questions from a non-partisan standpoint, Mr. Schaible avoids the errors into which the strongly partisan mind is led by party loyalty, and forms his opinions with a broad-mindedness that is in keeping with the public-spirited interest he takes in all public movements, including the Liberty Loan and War Chest drives. He is affili- ated with Easton Lodge No. 152, Free and Accepted Masons; Easton Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Pomp Council, Royal and Select Masters; Hugh de
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Payen Commandery, Knights Templar ; Rajah Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and Valley of Philadelphia, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; and the Pomfret and Rotary clubs. He is a member of the board of elders of Zion's Lutheran Church, and is deeply interested in the welfare of that church. He is active in the Young Men's Christian Association.
Mr. Schaible married, January 4, 1909, Sarah Ann Roney, daughter of John and Mary Catherine (Roberts) Roney, of Easton. Her father is an, assistant trainmaster of the Lehigh Valley railroad, and an instructor in air- brake manipulation, training army students from Camp Lafayette for their duties of the future. Mrs. Schaible is an active war worker, aiding in the work of the Red Cross, the Navy League, the Young Women's Christian Association and the Needlework Guild. Prior to her marriage she had been matron of Pottsville Hospital for five years, having graduated from that institution in 1901 as a trained nurse. She is a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and of Zion's Lutheran Church. Mr. and Mrs. Schaible are the parents of three sons: John Frederick, born November 5, 1909; Edward Roney, July 8, 1911 ; and William Douglas, February 13, 1913.
ROBERT EUGENE MILLER-Prior to 1911, Mr. Miller was one of the Lehigh Valley corps of trusted engineers, but since that -date he has operated a machine shop and auto repair plant in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. He is an expert machinist and engineer, and in his business has gained a liberal patronage. Robert E. is a son of Cyrus Miller, who for thirty-five years has been an employee of the Bethlehem Steel Company. Cyrus Miller married Julia Kitt, still living, and the mother of thirteen children, eight of whom survive: Elmer, with the Bethlehem Steel Company, married Annie Queer and has ten children; Clara, married Dan Detweiler, and has two children; Mary, married James Clayton, of the Bethlehem Steel Company, and has two children; Namo, married Frank Fine, with the Guerber Engine Company, and has one son; Lillian, married Victor Trauger, with Eberts Wholesale Grocery Company, and has one child; Elsie, married Albert Fletcher, who died in 1914; Harvey, foreman of the Guerber Engine Com- pany, married, and has a son; Robert Eugene, of further mention.
Robert Eugene Miller was born at Chapmansville, Northampton county, Pennsylvania, April II, 1873, and was educated in the public schools of Bethlehem. After leaving school he spent two years as a machinist's appren- tice, after which he entered the employ of the Lehigh Valley railroad in the operating department. For five years he was a fireman, then was promoted to the position of engineer, and for ten years he rode on the right-hand side of the cab. In IQII he resigned and opened a machine shop in Bethlehem and there continues. His shop is 30 by 60 feet, and is well equipped with lathes, shapers, drill presses and all the requirements of a first-class shop. He devotes the upper story of his building to his machine shop and auto repairing, using the first floor for storing cars. He also controls a garage on the opposite side of the street, 43 by 120 feet, with a capacity for the accommodation of fifty cars. All this did not come at once, but little by little has grown into the present complete plant.
Mr. Miller is an independent in politics, and a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, having aided in the erection of the present church building thirty- five years ago, and served the congregation as deacon for twelve years. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Improved Order of Red Men, and the Patriotic Order Sons of America.
Mr. Miller married in 1896, Annie , and they are the parents of the following children : Lillian, Frank and Dorothy.
HARRY MAHLON SCHULER-Harry M. Schuler, a plumbing and heating contractor of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is a son of Jacob Schuler,
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a machinist, born in East Texas, Pennsylvania, died November 23, 1914, aged fifty-nine years. He married Tivilia Roth, of East Texas, who survives him. They were the parents of four children: Charles, Mary, Harry M., and Leidy. Mary married William F. Frick, a confectioner, of Bethlehem (q.v.). Tivilia Roth's father, Samuel Roth, was a veteran of the Civil War.
Harry M. Schuler was born in East Texas, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, and there attended the public schools, finishing his studies in Bethlehem schools. He learned the plumbing trade under Peter Kern, of Bethlehem, and for ten years was in Mr. Kern's employ as apprentice and journeyman plumber. On July 1, 1917, Mr. Schuler began business under his own name, opening his present store, No. 302 North Main street, on that date. He is an expert plumber and steamfitter, making contracts for completing all plumbing and heating features of buildings and dwellings. He is building up a good business and gaining high reputation as a reliable contractor and skilled workman.
Mr. Schuler married August 1, 1906, Annie Keiper, daughter of Levi and Louisa (Davidson) Keiper, of Bushkill Center, Northampton county. Her father was a shoemaker of No. 229 East Garrison street. Mr. and Mrs. Schuler are the parents of two children : Hilda Naomi, born August 11, 1915; and Paul Keiper, born June 21, 1917. Mr. Schuler is fond of all outdoor sports, and was particularly interested in football and baseball during his school days, but his present hobby is his Bible conference work in the World's Bible Conference, and he attends all important conferences in this section, and his work is generally recognized as to its influence. He is interested also in all Christian work.
CHARLES HARDEN EDWARDS, JR .- Charles Harden Edwards, Jr., . owner of the Electric Laundry, Bethlehem, and now owner of the All Ameri- can Laundry Company, the largest laundry in the city of Allentown, Penn- sylvania, vice-president and treasurer of the F. C. Herrington Furniture Company of South Bethlehem, has not lived in Bethlehem for very long, but the developmnet of his business in the short period of his residence there indicates him to be a man of the enterprising, thorough and aggressive, also progressive type, such as most thriving cities like to encourage.
He was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, on July 18, 1882, and is the son of Charles H. and Sallie L. (Laudenslager) Edwards. His father, Charles H. Edwards, who was born on March 23, 1849, and is now living in retire- ment at Doylestown, Pennsylvania, where his hobby is farming, was a contractor in his active business days at Allentown. Politically he is a Demo- crat ; he is a Lutheran by religious conviction; and fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was a charter member of the Livingston Club. Sallie L., wife of Charles H. Edwards, and mother of the subject of this article, is the daughter of an Allentown merchant, long estab- lished in that place in the roofing and tinning business. The mother of Charles H. Edwards is still alive, and in possession of moderately good health. The grandfather, Nathan Laudenslager, and Donasky, were the pioneers to install illuminating gas in Allentown. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Edwards; they are: Clara L., who married F. C. Herrington, a manufacturer of Allentown; Jesse, who now lives in Cleveland ; Helen, who married Edward Hellyer, a cloth weaver of Doylestown, Pennsylvania ; Frances Jane, who is unmarried and lives at home; and Charles Harden, Jr., the subject of this sketch.
Charles H. Edwards, Jr., was educated primarily in the public schools of Allentown, later taking collegiate education in the Muhlenberg College, of that place. After his schooling there, he entered business life, at the outset being employed by his father in a furniture business he then conducted in Allen- town. In 1906 the son branched out for himself, being convinced that there
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was a good prospect of success in a properly conducted laundry business in Catasauqua. He acquired later the Troy Laundry in Allentown, which, after he had reorganized it, was reputed to have then been the largest and most up-to-date laundry plant in Allentown. It was known as the Model Troy Laundry, and was maintained in successful operation by Mr. Edwards until 1914, when he saw an advantage to be gained by disposing of it, and purchasing a similar plant in the city of Bethlehem. The Bethlehem plant, which he then acquired, was placed upon a similarly efficient running basis, and now it is generally conceded that the Bethlehem plant controlled and directed by Mr. Edwards is the most modern and efficient laundry business in the city. Thoroughly progressive, Mr. Edwards is ever ready to install in his plant any new labor-saving device that promises greater success and quicker service. Mr. Edwards' laundry at Bethlehem covers a lot 100 by 100 feet, and finds employment for a large force. He also was the prime mover in the establishment of the F. C. Herrington Furniture Company, of South Bethlehem. The company was organized and incorporated in 1914, when Mr. Edwards, the principal owner, became its treasurer and vice-president. The business is developing satisfactorily, specializing in living room and library furniture.
Mr. Edwards is actively affiliated with the Republican party in Bethlehem, and is a member of the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce, but he has never sought office in political or civic affairs. He is, however, well thought of in the community, and is a man of strong personality. He also interests himself in the activities of the Rotary Club of Bethlehem. Fraternally, Mr. Edwards is an Elk, a member of Allentown Lodge No. 130, and belongs to the Bethle- hem Lodge No. 267, Knights of Pythias. He is also a member of the H. Stanley Goodwin Lodge No. 648, Free and Accepted Masons.
He is an active church worker, attending St. Mark's Lutheran Church, being a member of the church council.
On December 29, 1913, Mr. Edwards married, at Catasauqua, Mabel O., daughter of James C. and Emma (Kahler) Beitel, of that place. Both parents of Mrs. Edwards are still alive; her father, James C. Beitel, is still very active, although now over seventy-six years of age. He is the son of Josiah Beitel, one of the pioneer settlers of Nazareth, Pennsylvania, and was born in June, 1842. Like most whole-hearted and able-bodied North Americans of that time, he volunteered for national service during the Civil War, and gave good service to the cause of the Union. He was assigned to duties in the commissary department, and was present at the battle of Gettysburg. In later life he became a jeweler at Catasauqua, Pennsylvania, and as such prospered, so that for many years he has been able to live in comfortable retirement. He is a much esteemed resident of Catasauqua, where his finan- cial interests have caused him to take active part in the administration of the Lehigh National Bank, of that place; for many years he has been president of that institution. He is one of the oldest members of the Catasauqua Lodge of Masons. Emma (Kahler) Beitel, his wife, and mother of Mrs. Edwards, was born in August, 1844; their daughter, Mrs. Edwards, had every educational advantage in her youth, and eventually, in 1901, graduated from the Catasauqua High School.
Mr. and Mrs. Edwards have two children: John Beitel, who was born October 5, 1914; and Douglas White, born October 19, 1916. The Edwards family reside at No. 826 Tombler street, Bethlehem.
ANTONY USAS-The recent European War has brought into the public eye a region of Europe which has cruelly suffered, Lithuania. In the Middle Ages Lithuania constituted an independent realm (grand princi- pality) which, in 1569, was united with Poland (with which a dynastic union had already for some time existed) into a single commonwealth. On the
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dismemberment of Poland between Austria, Prussia and Russia (1772-93-95) Lithuania passed to Russia, its area at the time of partition of Poland being approximately 100,000 square miles. The Lithuanians, a rustic people, are mainly found in the governments of Kovno, Vilna, Grodno, Suwalki and the Russian province of East Prussia. Although Lithuania also includes the Russian governments of Vutebsk, Minsk and Mohilev, it was in Kovno, a government which borders both Poland and Russia and nearly reaches the Baltic Sea, that the home farm lay upon which Antony Usas, now of Easton, Pennsylvania, was born and spent his youth. He is a son of Charles Usas, a farmer of Kovno, who yet conducts his farm there so far as his son has information (1918). He married Mareanna Columbus, also a native of Kovno, and still living. They were the parents of six children: Antony, of further mention ; Eva, married in Europe; Stanislaus, a soldier in the Russian Army, captured by the Austrians and held a prisoner until the signing of the armis- tice, and now (January, 1919) probably has been returned to his Lithuanian home; he was a resident of the United States for two years, but in 1914 returned home to visit his parents and could not escape when the Russian armies were mobilized against Germany and Austria. Three daughters- Alice, Mary and Helen-reside with their parents in Kovno.
Antony Usas, eldest child of Charles Usas, was born at the home farm in Kovno, Lithuania, Russia, June 13, 1884. He obtained a good education in the State schools, and during his life in Kovno acquired a speaking acquaint- ance with four languages, Lithuanian, Polish, Swedish and Russian. He left school at the age of fifteen, and from that age until his coming to the United States in 1905, was employed by the farmers of his section. Had he remained in Kovno until 1906 he would have been compelled to enter the Russian Army, having reached the age of compulsory military service. This giving up thirty-three years of his life did not seem good to the young man, and in 1905 he came to the United States, arriving in New York City, June 13. Upon his arrival in this country he joined his stepbrothers in Mechanicsville, New York, and there found employment in the paper mills. Six months later he located in Easton, Pennsylvania, there becoming a silk weaver at the Simon Mill. From that mill he was transferred to the Standard Silk Mill, but soon returned to the Simon Silk Mill and there has since continued. In May, 1913, he revisited his Lithuanian home, there remaining one year with his parents, brothers and sisters, enjoying the family re-union and regaining his impaired health. He fortunately terminated his visit and left for the United States prior to the outbreak of the great European War, his brother Stanislaus not having the same good fortune, but being compelled to enter the Russian Army. Antony Usas is now a citizen of the United States, having recently (1918) received his final naturalization papers. The prevailing reli- gion in Lithuania is Roman Catholic, and with that church both he and his wife are united. He was instrumental in organizing the Lithuanian congregation of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church on Spring Garden street. He was made president of the building society. They held their first meeting in September, 1907, in Mannechor Hall, where he was made its president and served until he went on a visit to his old home in Europe; and on his return, May 30, 1914, was again made president and served one year.
Antony Usas married, in Easton, June 17, 1911, Marianna Columbus, born in Kovno, Lithuania, Russia, March 15, 1881, who came to the United States in July, 1908, arriving at Baltimore and joining there her brother Anthony, they the children of Adam and Lodovika Columbus. She came to Easton soon after her arrival, and there now resides, the family home, No. 663 Spring Garden street, as in 1916. They are the parents of four children : Vladeslov, born September 12, 1912; Antonina, April 12, 1914; Vladovslava, May 24, 1915; and Helena, March 3, 1917.
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GIUSEPP MAIORANA-On the north coast of the province of Messina, in Sicily, Italy, lies the town of Santo Stefano di Camastra, a beautiful section in which many generations of the Maiorana family have made their home. Giusepp Maiorana, now the American representative of the family in Easton, Pennsylvania, was there born, and until the year 1902 there resided. In that year his American residence began, and two years later Easton became his home. He has been successful as a merchant and business agent for his coun- trymen, and is high in their confidence. He is a son of Antonio Maiorana, and a grandson of Salvatore Maiorana, of Santo Stefano, Messina, Italy, the latter born in Cephalo, but living and dying in Santo Stefano di Camastra, as did his wife, Vincenza (Patti) Maiorana.
Antonio Maiorana was born in Santo Stefano di Camastra, Italy, in 1839. His home being on the north coast of Sicily, he naturally adopted the calling so common among the inhabitants, and followed the sea in various capacities, thus spending his entire life until its close in April, 1910. He married Maria, a daughter of Arcangelo Zaffiro and Serafina Azzolina, her parents both dying in Italy. After her husband's death, Mrs. Maiorana came to the United States and has since lived with her children in New York City and Easton, Penn- sylvania, well preserved and active for her age of seventy years. Chil- dren : Serafina, married Gaetano Vitale, and resides in new Durham, New Jersey ; Salvatore, married Josephine Franco, and resides in Union Hill, New Jersey ; Josephino, married Antonio Gerbino, and resides in New Dur- ham, New Jersey ; Archangelo, marricd Angela Anfusa, and resides in West New Jersey ; Giusepp, of whom further ; Conscettina, married Antonio Franco, and is a resident of South West street, Easton, Pennsylvania; Giovannina, married Joseph Mazzeo, and resides in Easton; John, married Rosina Zaffiro, and makes his home in Reading, Pennsylvania.
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