USA > Pennsylvania > Schuylkill County > History of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, Vol. II > Part 18
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over his adopted village, lending his aid and influence in support of all measures and enterprises which would make for the up- building and prosperity of the town. He invested much money in buildings which were needed, but which gave no immediate evi- dence of substantial profits. However, by a combination of favor- ing circumstances, these investments proved to be profitable. Always a firm friend of popular education, Mr. Ferguson became a member of the school board very soon after locating in Shenan- doah, and he held this position consecutively for many years there- after. At that crucial and formative period in the history of the schools the influence of this broad-minded, intellectual citizen had much to do with shaping their policy and defining their destiny. The excellence of the present school system of Shenandoah is recognized and is a matter of favorable comment in rival towns. For the attaining of this high standard all credit and honor is due to Mr. Ferguson and his able confreres. In 1868 Mr. Fer- guson was appointed local agent of the Lehigh Valley Railroad and he also became express agent at this point, serving the two companies continuously for nearly forty years and having been claim agent for the same during the latter years of his identifica- tion with the two companies. He was one of the organizers of the First National bank of Shenandoah and served as its president for many years. Though still active in the business world, with large capitalistic interests in the town and county, his efforts along individual lines have relaxed somewhat within later years. The Hotel Ferguson and numerous business blocks and dwelling- houses in the town remain as evidences of his progressive ideas and the efforts which he has put forth in connection with the material upbuilding of the little city in which he has so long main- tained his home. To him is accorded the unequivocal confidence and esteem of all who know him, and a more generous and gra- cious personality is not to be found in Schuylkill county. He is a stalwart supporter of the principles and policies of the Demo- cratic party and he and his family are communicants of the Cath- olic church. He has held various offices of public trust in the village and county, and has at all times stood as a type of loyal citizenship. In 1874 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Fer- guson to Miss Mary A. O'Connor, and her death occurred in 1889. She is survived by one son, Daniel J., who is one of the repre- sentative younger members of the bar of Schuylkill county. He was graduated in Georgetown University, Washington, D. C., as a member of the class of 1898. after which he completed the pre- scribed course in the law department of Columbia University, New York city. He is a young man of fine scholarship and high pro- fessional attainments, and is engaged in the active practice of law in Shenandoah. In 1894 the subject of this review was united in marriage to Mary A. Dillon, and they became the parents of four sons, of whom Harry and Dillon died in childhood. James and Thomas are attending the home schools.
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Fertig. John, of Pottsville, holds precedence as one of the lead- ing contractors and builders of his native county, and is a citizen who has ever commanded uniform confidence and esteem. He was born in Cressona, this county. Sept. 4. 1868, and is a son of John W. and Catherine (Loubry) Fertig, both of whom were likewise born and reared in this county, where the respective families were established in the pioneer days. John W. Fertig was educated in the schools of this county and as a young man he learned the carpenter's trade. For many years he was one of the successful contractors and builders of the county. In 1870 he located in Pottsville, where, in addition to his contracting en- terprise, he was also engaged for some time in the dry goods business and retail grocery trade. He owned and operated a good farm, and through his well-directed efforts accumulated a com- peteney. It is worthy of note that he was one of the first men to cut timber on Sharp mountain, for which purpose he walked a distance of eight miles and return each day to do his work. He is now retired from active business, and with his devoted wife resides in an attractive home in Pottsville, being seventy-two years of age (1907). The seven children who attained naturity are all living, namely: William H., Abraham I ... Kate, John, Annic. Caroline, and Angusta. Kate is the wife of F. L. Billig, Annie is the wife of P. L. Knowlton. Carrie is the wife of George Umholtz, and Augusta is the wife of Heber Medlar. The subject of this sketch attended the public schools of Pottsville until he was sixteen years of age, when he entered upon an apprenticeship at the carpenter's and builder's trade, under the able direction of his father. U'pon attaining his majority he engaged in railroad work, which he followed for six months, at the expiration of which he became an employe in the Tilt silk mill at Pottsville, in which establishment he remained two years. He then resumed the work of his trade and since 1897 he has been engaged in contracting and building, in which he has been most successful. He has erected many business blocks and private houses in the county, and in 1897 he built the West End engine house in Pottsville. He is one of the progressive and public-spirited citizens of Pottsville, and in politics is a stalwart Republican. In 1901 he was elected a member of the borough council of Pottsville. as a representative of the Fourth ward, and in 1907 he was again called to this office, for a term of three years. He is affiliated with Miners' Lodge, No. 20, and Franklin Encampment of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and for twenty years he has been a member of Com- pany H. 8th regiment, National Guard of Pennsylvania, in which he served four years as private, four years as corporal, and seven years as quartermaster's sergeant ; in October. 1902, he was elected first lieutenant of the company, of which office he is still incum- bent. He is a member of the West End hose company, and both he and his wife hold membership in the English Lutheran church. Dec. 24. 1889. Mr. Fertig was united in marriage to Miss Sally E.
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Richard, daughter of Joseph and Susan (Erdman) Richard, of Pottsville, and they have one child, Naomi Augusta.
Filbert, Frederick Victor, a prominent young attorney of Pinc Grove, and a clerk in the auditor-general's department of the state government at Harrisburg, was born at Pine Grove, July 17, 1871. He is a son of Edward T. and Mary J. (Clayton) Filbert. His father, who was compelled to retire from active life a few years ago, because of defective hearing, was justice of the peace for thirty-five years. He is now about seventy-five years of age, and his wife is some ten years younger. They are both members of the Lutheran church. Their four children are Charles Edward, a physician in Atlantic City ; Frederick V .; and the Misses Char- lotte E. and Mary J. The subject of this sketch received a pre- liminary educational training in the schools of his native town, and in 1892 was graduated at Gettysburg college. Three years later, in 1895, he received a diploma from the law department of the University of Pennsylvania and was admitted to practice in the courts of Philadelphia. In 1897 he was granted the privileges of practice in the Schuylkill county courts, and since that time has been continuously engaged in his professional labors in this county, at Pottsville and Pine Grove. While his practice is in various lines, it is mostly confined to civil and orphans' court cases. Besides the position of public trust which he holds at Harrisburg he is a school director of his town and also borough solicitor. Nov. 16, 1899, Mr. Filbert married Miss E. Luella Quail, a daugh- ter of Hon. Charles E. and Emma C. Quail. Mr. Quail is at the present time the representative of his district of Schuylkill county in the upper house of the state legislature. Mr. and Mrs. Filbert have three children-Marion Louise, Frederick Quail, and Edward Stuart. Mr. and Mrs. Filbert are members of the Lutheran church, of which he is an elder, and for the past three years he has been superintendent of the Sunday school. He is a young man of great promise and his many friends predict for him a splendid future.
Fink, John H., who is a pioneer locomotive engineer on the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad, and whose home is in Tamaqua, was born in Berks county, Pa., Aug. 16, 1837. He is a son of Henry and Rebecca (Hossler) Fink, both natives of the Keystone state. The father, who was a farmer, died in 1901, at the age of eighty-five years; the mother died in 1894 within two months of her eighty-fifth birthday. Of the six children living, William is also a locomotive engineer, who makes his home in Tamaqua; and besides the subject of this sketch there are Henry, Benjamin and Tobias, who live in Berks county. After completing a course in the common schools John H. Fink clerked in a store at Auburn for two years, and then for a period of two years managed a hotel in Port Clinton. In 1866 he entered the employ of the railroad as a brakeman. After a time he went to firing on an engine, and in 1869 was given a locomotive. Since that time he has been at the throttle almost continuously, having lost no time because of
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accidents and very little because of sickness. He has the dis- tinction of being the oldest in point of service of all engineers on the Shamokin divisjon. In November, 1863, Mr. Fink married Miss Mary Bover, who was born in this county, a daughter of the late Charles and Sarah Boyer. To Mr. and Mrs. Fink fourteen children have been born, of whom seven are living: Lillie Cath- erine, married William Lauer, and resides in Tamaqua; Charles Henry, who married Margaret Morgan and has three children, is an engineer residing at Mauch Chunk: Annabelle, who is the wife of Dr. Harry Gilford, of Bangor, Pa., is the mother of two) children : John, who married Martha Swenk, by whom he has two children, is a conductor : Thomas B. is a clerk in a Tamaqua store ; Edgar is a brakeman on the railroad; and Miriam is at home. Mr. and Mrs. Fink are devout and conscientious members of and workers in the Reformed church. Fraternally Mr. Fink is a mem- ber of the blue lodge of the Masonic order.
Fisher, Joseph, a contractor and builder of Pottsville, was born at Fountain Springs, Schuylkill county, Feb. 17, 18;1. His father, Peter Fisher, was born in Germany, but came to America when a young man and located in Schuylkill county, where he married Amelia Dinger, who was born in Ashland. Her father. Rev. Rudolph Dinger, was a pioneer minister of the Reformed church in Schuylkill county and is still living at Ashland, in the ninety- ninth year of his age. Peter Fisher was for many years a resident of Fountain Springs. For thirty years of his life he was in the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad, first as repair hoss and later as a watchman. He died about 1892. The children of Peter and Amelia Fisher were John. Ella. Joseph and Rudolph, the last two being twins. Ella is now the wife of Augustus Kehler. Joseph Fisher was reared and educated at Fountain Springs. After leaving school he learned the carpenters' trade, with Adam Waldrus, of Ashland. In 1889 he came to Pottsville. where he has ever since made his home, and since 1900 he has given his attention to contract work, in which he has been suc- cessful, because of his good taste, mechanical skill and the prompt- ness with which he carries out his agreements. Mr. Fisher is a Democrat in his political opinions, but he can hardly be called an active political worker. He is a member of the Patriotic Order of the Sons of America and belongs to the Reformed church. which represents the faith of his ancestors. In 1893 he married Miss Sarah Kehler, of Locustdale. and they have five children : Marguerite. Leroy. Ruth. Edna, and Earl., He lives in a nice resi- dence at the corner of Third and Fairmont streets and is regarded as one of the progressive, substantial and representative citizens of Pottsville.
Fisher, Luke, is a native of Schuylkill Haven, and was born in 1864. He received his education in the public schools and in 188t entered the employ of G. C. Lauterbacher, who conducted a marble yard on Main street. He remained in Mr. Lauterbacher's employ about five years, after which he purchased the business
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and has since conducted it. In 1893 he removed the business to the present location. The yards and workshop arc modern and up-to-date, and the business controlled by Mr. Fisher has grown to be a very large and important one. He manufactures monu- ments, head-stones, coping, etc .- everything in that line usually turned out by a first-class establishment. Mr. Fisher is a man highly esteemed by all who know him, and is an important factor in both social and business circles. Ile takes much interest in educational matters and has served as secretary of the board of school directors of the borough.
Fisher, Michael J., justice of the peace and member of the firm of Fisher Brothers, dairymen, of Coaldale, was born in that town, Aug. 16, 1877. His parents, James and Cecilia (Melly) Fisher, were natives of County Donegal, Ireland. The maternal grand- father, John Melly, was one of the pioneers of Coaldale, where he lived for many years, finally returning to Ireland, where he died at a ripe old age. James Fisher came to America in 1869, located at Coaldale, where he learned the shoemaker's trade, which he followed for a number of years, frequently having as many as five helpers employed in his shop. In the latter part of his life he was engaged in mining. He died in 1894, at the age of forty- seven years. The children of James and Cecilia Fisher were eleven in number, of whom eight survive, viz: Michael J., the subject of this sketch; Maggie, wife of Condy McHugh; John P .; Annie, wife of William Sharp; James, a member of the firm of Fisher Brothers; Kate, wife of Michael McHugh ; and Cecilia and Lizzie. Michael J. Fisher was reared to manhood in Coaldale, where he received his education in the public schools. Before he was sixteen years of age he passed the requisite examination for a teacher's certificate and for four terms he taught in the Coaldale public schools. In 1899 he formed a partnership with his brother James and engaged in the dairy business, in which he still con- tinues. About the same time he was elected justice of the peace, as a Democrat, with which party he has been affiliated ever since reaching his majority, and he still retains the office, his present term expiring in 1909. In 1906 he was the candidate of his party for representative in the legislature from the Third district of Schuylkill county, but was defeated by the small plurality of eighty-eight votes. He is a member of the Young Men's Bene- ficial Library association. Mr. Fisher stands well as a business man and a citizen in the community which has been his home from the time of his birth, as is evidenced by his election to office and the confidence and respect shown him by those who have known him all his life.
Fitzpatrick, James C., owner and active manager of the Fitz- patrick Shirt Company, of Tamaqua, was born in Tilden town- ship, Berks county, Pa., Jan. 7. 1859. He is a son of John and Bridget (Curry) Fitzpatrick, and one of eleven survivors of a family of eighteen children. His parents came to the United States from Ireland, his father from County Fermanagh and his mother
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from County Cavan. The father worked as a stationary engineer during his residence in this country. The father died in 1878, at the age of sixty-one years, The mother died in 1895, at the age of sixty-six years. The subject of this review received his educa- tional advantages in the public schools. The first two years after the completion of his scholastic labors were spent driving mules along the Schuylkill canal. For a year he was clerk to a railroad contractor, building railroads. He then learned teleg- raphy and at different times and for varied periods was employed by the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad and the Western Union Telegraph Company. Subsequently he was train dispatcher and station agent at various points on the Reading railroad. Mr. Fitz- patrick's connection with his present business dates from 1898, when the factory was in the old shoe-factory building. Within the eight years in which Mr. Fitzpatrick has had charge he has built a new factory and the business has increased about 500 per cent. There are 150 employes and the annual output amounts to $100,000. Oct. 15. 1803. Mr. Fitzpatrick was united in mar- riage to Miss Catherine E. Allen, a native of Tamaqua, and a daughter of George S. and Mary (Galey) Allen. Her parents are both living, making their home in Tamaqua. To Mr. and Mrs. Fitzpatrick have been born four children-Paul. Mary Eugenia (who died in infancy). James C., Jr., and Mary Il. The family are all communicants of the Roman Catholic church. Fra- ternally Mr. Fitzpatrick is identified with the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks and the Knights of Columbus. He is a man of genial, courteous manner, sound business sense and unsullied honor.
Flaherty, William F., proprietor of a livery and undertaking establishment at 13-15 North Jardin street, Shenandoah, was born in that borough, Ang. 21, 1881. He is a son of Patrick and Mary (Gallagher) Flaherty, both natives of the Emerald Isle. whence they came to the United States in childhood, being married in this county. The father was employed in the mines as blasting foreman. At his death, which occurred in May, 1894, he left, be- sides his widow, a family of six sons and two daughters-Harry, Patrick. Thomas, Anthony. Bernard. William F .. Kate and Adelia, four of whom are married. The subject of this sketch received a limited education in the public schools of Shenandoah and while still a youth embarked in the livery business. That he has been highly successful is apparent from the increase of business he has had from year to year. The undertaking feature was added in March. 1903, and he has an excellent stock of horses and vehicles, a good hearse and all the necessary equipment for carrying on a first-class, satisfactory business. He is the owner of the building in which his industry is housed and together with the stock the property is valued at $10,000. Mr. Flaherty is unmarried and makes his home with his mother and a brother and sister. The family are all communicants of the Church of the Annunciation. under the pastorate of the Rev. Father H. F. O'Reilly. Mr.
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Flaherty's political views are not governed by any party or fac- tion and he exercises his right of franchise as his good judgment dictates. He is connected fraternally with the Ancient Order of Hibernians and with a temperance society under the domination of the Catholic church. Early thrown on his own resources by the death of his father, he has by hard work, frugality and tem- perate living secured for himself a fine start in business and is even to-day considered one of Shenandoah's most enterprising citizens.
Fleming, Michael J., a prominent attorney of Schuylkill county and a substantial citizen of Tremont, was born in this county Oct. 6, 1860, a son of Andrew and Catherine (Lawler) Fleming, both of whom were born in Ireland, and left there with their parents while still young. The father became a miner when he grew to manhood and followed that vocation all his life. He was active in politics on the Democratic side and was for many years the incumbent of some one of the minor offices. He died in Donald- son, April 19, 1887, at the age of seventy years, and his widow passed away May 17, 1906, at the age of seventy-five. The sub- ject of this sketch is the sixth in order of birth of the eleven chil- dren born to his parents. Jane, the eldest, is the wife of Edward Purcell, of Tremont; John is a merchant in Tremont; Margaret, deceased, was the wife of Philip P. Lynch, of Philadelphia; Cath- erine is the wife of Michael Madden, a stationary engineer living in Centralia; James F. is an assistant mine foreman at Good Spring, Pa .; Mary is the wife of Martin Walsh, assistant foreman in the Brookside colliery; Ellen is a school teacher, now in Boulder, Colo .; Andrew died at the age of one year ; Thomas J. is a physician of Philadelphia; and Anna, the youngest, is a trained nurse in Philadelphia. Michael J. Flemming received his educa- tional advantages in the common schools of this county, com- pleting with a course at the Millersville normal school. For some time he was employed in and about the mines, holding dif- ferent positions for varying periods of time. From that work he went to teaching, and for thirteen successive years he was en- gaged in pedagogic work. For ten years of that time he was principal of the Donaldson high school and in the last few years devoted his spare moments to the reading of law. In June, 1896, he entered the law offices of John F. Whalen, Esq., of Pottsville, and there completed his legal studies, being admitted to practice in the courts of Schuylkill county in July, 1897. He at once opened offices in Tremont and Pottsville, making his home in the former place. Since that time his practice has been continually on the increase and he has taken his place among the leaders of his profession. For eight years he was a member of the board of school directors of the borough of Tremont, and for six years was secretary of the board. His long service as a teacher has made him an authority on educational matters and his advice and coun- sel are often sought. Among his other business interests may be mentioned his connection as solicitor with the Tremont National
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bank, the Hancock Building & Loan association, and the Mer- chants' Protective association. Aug. 12, 1800, Mr. Fleming mar- ried Miss Hannah A. Murphy, of Tremont, a daughter of Barthol- omew and Johanna (Shechan) Murphy. Both Mr. and Mrs. Fleming are devont communicants of the Roman Catholic church. Mr. Fleming is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Royal Arcanum, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
Focht, William H., who conducts a modern livery on Rome street in Tamaqua, was born at Summit Hill, Pa., April 27. 1870. lle is a son of Horace and Rebecca (Haldeman) Focht, both na- tives of the Keystone state. The father in the early days of the county drove the stage between Tamaqua and Mauch Chunk, later between Allentown and Easton, and still later between Allen- town and Quakertown. In the early '6os he came to Tamaqua and embarked in the livery business, in which he continued most successfully the rest of his life. He was born in Lehigh county, in 1833, and his death occurred in February, 1900, about two years after his wife's demise. Both parents were members of the Re- formed church and the father was known as a man of the most upright character and honorable dealings. The subject of this sketch is the youngest of the three children. Emma died when sixteen years of age and Ella is now Mrs. John H. Ichter, of Tamaqua. William 11. Focht received such education as was afforded by the public schools of Tamaqua, and after he had com- pleted his studies he became associated with his father in the livery business. Upon his father's death, in 1900, he assumed entire control of the business. Altogether he has about fifteen horses and the most up-to-date, serviceable turnouts. Jan. 9. 1896. Mr. Focht married Miss Lavina Oschman, a native of Tamaqua and a daughter of Baltzer and Lavina Oschman. Mrs. Focht's father was a miner, but both he and his wife are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Focht have been born three daughters-Emily. Rebecca, Florence Elizabeth, and Ella. Mrs. Focht is a member of the Lutheran church, and her husband is associated fraternally with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Follweiler, Charles P., a pioneer merchant of Tamaqua, was born in Lehigh county, Pa., April 26. 1836, a son of Daniel and Magdaline (Stein) Follweiler. Charles P. Follweiler had but limited educational advantages, the earlier part of his life being passed on a farm. When he was sixteen years of age he started out to seek his fortune and in 1854 he secured a position as clerk in Heaton & Carter's store. After two years in that capacity he went to Jacksonville and opened a store, and the course of another two years found him conducting a general store in Albany, Berks county. Two years later he returned to Tamaqua and embarked in business. This was in 1862, and since that year he has been continuously engaged in the mercantile business. Nov. 2, 1862. Mr. Follweiler married Miss Catherine Heinly, of Berks county. a daughter of David and Rufena (Fussulman) Heinly. To Mr. and Mrs. Follweiler have been born five children. The eldest, War-
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