USA > Pennsylvania > Schuylkill County > History of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, Vol. II > Part 24
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assisted him with the office work in connection with his extensive business, as does, also, his daughter, Miss Margaret, when not en- gaged with her school duties. The only child born to the second marriage of Mr. Heiken was Marie, born March 10, 1903, and died on April 3, of the same year. Mr. Heiken is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and several social and beneficial societies within the jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic church, of which the entire family are members.
Heiser, Dr. Edward .- The venerable Dr. Heiser has been a familiar figure on the streets of Pottsville for many years. His entire life of seventy-seven years has been spent in Schuylkill county. He was born in the borough of Schuylkill Haven Sept. 8, 1829, and is a son of George and Catherine (Koenig) Heiser. His father was born in what is now North Manheim township in this county, but then in Berks county. He located at Schuylkill Haven in 1830, and died there six years later. He was a millwright by trade, and followed that and contracting and building for the greater part of his life. During the later years of his life the question of the adoption of the public school system created a great deal of discussion in Manheim township, the majority of the residents being at first violently opposed to the "pauper schools," as that system was then called. George Heiser was one of the few advocates of the policy of universal education at public expense, but did not live to see the full fruition of his hopes. He served several years as a director of the schools in North Manheim. He was an ardent supporter of the political principles advocated by Henry Clay, and was a devoted admirer of that great statesman. His family comprised three sons and four daughters. Dr. Edward Heiser was educated in the public schools of his youthful days, but by reason of the then crude system, did not enjoy the educa- tional advantages possessed by the children of the present day. He was variously employed until he attained his majority, when he engaged in the livery business at Schuylkill Haven, and also began a careful and systematic study of his profession. He be- came well skilled in the diagnosis of diseases peculiar to the do- mestic animals, and has been engaged in the successful practice of veterinary medicine and surgery for more than fifty years. He remained at Schuylkill Haven, engaged in practice and also dealing in horses and mules, until 1870, in which year he became proprietor of the Lone Star hotel, between Pottsville and Schuyl- kill Haven. This he conducted for two years, when he returned to his birthplace, and has since confined himself exclusively to his professional work. The doctor is well and favorably known throughout Schuylkill county, and though he has survived the three-score and ten years allotted to man he is well preserved, and bids fair to see many more years of usefulness. He enlisted under the emergency call in 1863, and served during the invasion of the State. Dr. Heiser has been twice married, his first wife having been Isabella Labe, who bore him two sons, Clarence and George. His second marriage was solemnized in 1868, when he led to the
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alar Miss Mary Logan, a daughter of Benjamin Logan, of L.cba- non, l'a., and to this umion was born one daughter-Sarah.
Heiser, Henry James, a well-known business man of Mahanoy City, was born in St. Clair, Schuylkill county, Ang. 12. 1850, a son of Wilham and Lucy Ann (Womer) Heiser, both natives of Lewistown, Pa. For a more complete ancestral history, see sketch of Robert L. Heiser, appearing in this volume. Henry James Heiser was educated in the public schools of Mahanoy City, and has been engaged in active business in that city for many years. He now owns and conducts an extensive hardware business, which has been his principal employment, and in which he has been very successinl. Mr. Heiser is an active Republican in his political affiliations, and takes more than ordinary interest in the success of party principles. He is also an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is at present the secretary of the board of trustees. He was married on Oct. 10, 18%, to Miss Alzina Latham, a daughter of Charles and Ann (Hughes) Latham, the former deceased. and the mother living in Mahanoy City. Two daughters have been born to this union, the elder of whom. Marian Latham, is a student at South Broad street school of 1111sic at Philadelphia, and Dorothy Grace is a student in the pub- lic schools of Mahanoy City.
Heiser. Robert Lincoln, a representative of one of the promi- nent pioneer families of Schuylkill county, was born at Preston Hill, near Girardville, on Ang. 15, 1868. He is a member of a family of five sons and one daughter now living, born to William and Lucy Ann ( Womer) Heiser, these parents being natives of Lewistown, Schuylkill county, Pa. Both the paternal and mater- nal ancestors of this family were among the first settlers of the territory now known as East and West Brunswick townships, on the southern border of Schuylkill county. Their homes were established in the wilderness, many years before the organization of the county of Schuylkill, and they were identified with the In- dian troubles of their time and with the first efforts of civilization. Later they took up arms in the cause of American independence. and served under "Mad Anthony" Wayne in the Revolutionary war. William Heiser, father of the subject of this article, was one of the first breaker-builders in Schuylkill county, in which busi- ness he was noted in his day. lle erected most of the carliest coal-breakers in the Schuylkill Valley and at St. Clair, and was the inventor of the first mine cage in use. He continued his busi- ness successfully until his death, in July, 1874. At that time he was completing his last contract, namely, an addition to the breaker at St. Nicholas colliery, when a plank fell on his head, killing him instantly. It was his purpose to retire from business on com- pletion of this contract. His widow and his daughter. Miss Bertha Mary, are living at the old home in Mahanoy City. Henry James. one of the sons, whose sketch appears more fully under a sepa- rate title, is a hardware merchant in Mahanoy City : William John is vice-president of the Hazle Mountain Coal Company : Benjamin
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Washington is a skilled mechanic, and Elmer Ellsworth is a breaker-builder, all residents of Mahanoy City. The subject of this sketch received the elements of a practical education in the public schools of Mahanoy City, and this was largely augmented by the thorough training afforded by the printing office. He learned the "Art Preservative" in the offices of Mahanoy City, served a number of years as a reporter on metropolitan dailies, and was appointed to a position in the government printing office in Washington in 1893. He left this position to accept an appoint- ment in the county controller's office at Pottsville in 1897, but since Nov. 20, 1899, he has been in the general insurance business in Mahanoy City. Mr. Heiser was appointed justice of the peace on April 5, 1904, and served until the succeeding election. He was married on Sept. 2, 1898, to Miss Mary Helen, daughter of Andrew and Esther (Walborn) Frenk, of Mahanoy City. The only child born to this union is Master Robert Franklin Frenk Heiser, born Jan. 5, 1900. Of the social fraternities, Mr. Heiser is affiliated with Mahanoy City Lodge, No. 695, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Young Men's Republican club of Mahanoy City, and Columbia typographical union, No. 101, of Washington, D. C.
Held, Rev. Cyrus E., pastor of St. John's Lutheran church of Shenandoah, was born in Fogelsville, Lehigh county, March 23, 1863, a son of Amandus W. and Maria L. (Smith) Held. The parents were both natives of Lehigh county, where the mother is still living. The father was a manufacturer of bricks and a build- ing contractor, besides which he conducted a grain, coal and lum- ber business. His demise occurred on July 7, 1902. Of the children born to the parents the subject of this memoir is the second in order of birth. Richard A., the eldest, a mechanic by vocation, died in No- vember, 1901, in his fortieth year, leaving a wife and child; Frank- lin J. E. resides in Fogelsville; Albert L. is principal of the high school at Fullerton; Annie M. is the wife of William H. Moore, of South Allentown; John O. is a farmer in Weisenburg township, Lehigh county ; and Edgar G. is a teacher at Tatamy, Northampton county. Rev. Mr. Held received his preliminary education in the common schools of Fogelsville and his collegiate and theological training in Pennsylvania college and theological seminary at Gettys- burg. He was granted a degree by the college in 1889 and three years later completed the course offered in the seminary. He was first licensed to preach the gospel in 1891, and the following year was ordained by the East Pennsylvania synod at Harrisburg. The first church he was assigned to was the one at Hamilton, Monroe county, where he assumed his duties on June 1, 1892, and he retained the charge for three years and nine months. On leaving Hamilton he accepted a call to serve Bethany Mission at Brunswick, Md., and remained two years and nine months, at the end of which time he was compelled to resign on account of malaria. His next charge was New Chester, Adams county, Pa., where he rendered excellent service for the same length of time
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as at Brunswick From New Chester he came to Shenandoah and assumed charge of St. John's church. The organization of this congregation was effected on June 5. 1870, by Kes. M. Schimpf, then pastor of the Lutheran congregation at Mahanoy City. The membership at the time comprised some fifteen iam he's and the church which they had used had formerly been the property of the disorganized Baptist society. The lot and building were purchased at a sheriff's sale, and the frame structure which Strand on the lot at the time of the purchase served as a church until 1873. when the present edifice was created at a cost of $0,oo. About this time Rev. J. Grubler, who for eighteen years had been a missionary in the far east, was installed as pastor and from that time until Rev. Mr. Held's assumption he continued in the capacity, his resignation coming because of age and ill health. The church roll to-day embraces a membership of about 475 and the Sunday school has an average attendance of 100. The societies under the church domination are the senior and junior Luther leagues, with memberships of Go and 40, respectively; German and English ladies' aid societies of 35 and to members, respectively, and the boys' brigade, a semi-military organization for the teaching of good citizenship. On June 23, 1802, Mr. Held married Miss Annie B. Heffner, born in Allentown, and a daughter of Charles H. and Caroline Heffner, natives respectively of Lehigh and Berks conn- ties. Three children have been born to this union, of whom two are living. They are Annita May, born Nov. 24, 1844, and Al- c'estis D., born May 25, 1806. The other child. Martin Luther. born Nov. 7. 1901. died on April 23, 1903. Mr. Held is a scholarly broad-minded citizen, and conducts services in both English and German. He is always prominently identified with all measures looking to the betterment of the social and moral status of the community and is recognized as a leader in public thought.
Helms, Peter D., deputy United States marshal, was born in Myerstown, Lebanon county, l'a., June 10, 1843. His early ances- tors in this country were natives of Holland, his great-grandfather emigrating from that country in early pioneer days. This family settled at Reading. Pa., among the earliest settlers of that locality. From there they removed to Philadelphia county, thence to Pike county, where the great-grandfather died. It was this American ancestor who changed the name from the original Dutch spelling by adding the letter "s." thus rendering the name Helms instead of Helm, the original form. He was the father of a numerous family, one of his sons being Peter. the paternal grandfather of Peter D. Helms, of this sketch. He was born in Philadelphia county, accompanied the parental family to Pike county, but after- ward returned to Philadelphia, and spent his life mostly in the distilling business in Bucks and Lebanon counties. Both he and his father served in the Indian wars of the period in which they lived. The grandfather, Peter Helms, died at Mount Etna, Pa .. in 1850, at the age of sixty-two years. Peter D. Helms is a son of Peter and Lucy AA. (Hirchhold) Helms. The father was born
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in Lebanon county, P'a., Jan. 12, 1816, and remained in the locality of his birthplace until 1852. In that year he came to Schuylkill county, crossing the mountains from Myerstown to Pottsville with teams and wagons, being then in advance of railroad transporta- tion in the region. After one year's residence in Pottsville, the family moved to Philadelphia, where they remained until 1859. In this year the family home was established at Schuylkill Haven, where the father followed his trade of merchant tailor. In 1876 they removed to Pottsville, and during the later years of his life Mr. Helms held the office of jury commissioner and was a justice of the peace for five or six years. He figured conspicuously as an official during the historic days of the "Molly Maguires." He died in 1873, and his son, Peter D., succeeded him as jury commis- sioner, serving through the latter years of Molly Maguireism. Peter Helms had a family of three sons and one daughter, all of the former serving with honor in the Civil war. The daughter, Susan E., the eldest of the family, married Capt. John Chambers, of Philadelphia. James K. served during the three months' term in the 6th regiment, Pennsylvania infantry, and reenlisted for three years in Company D, 48th Pennsylvania. By reason of merito- rious conduct he was promoted, successively, from private to the rank of captain. He was severely wounded, and crippled for the remainder of his life, at the battle of Petersburg, in 1864. After the close of the war he served for many years as justice of the peace in Schuylkill Haven. Jeremiah H. enlisted in 1861 in Com- pany B, 50th Pennsylvania infantry, and was killed in the battle of Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862. He was the youngest of the family. the subject of this sketch being the third in order of birth. Peter D. Helms was educated in the public schools of Philadelphia, and began his business career as a liveryman at Schuylkill Haven. He was also engaged as a canal boatman for a year previous to the Civil war. He learned the trade of a house and sign painter, paper- hanger and decorator, and this has been a favorite business on two or three occasions during his later life. But, in keeping with the patriotic record of the family, he enlisted among the first three years' troops called into service during the rebellion, his enlist- ment dating from July 30, 1861. His company was at first desig- nated as the "Cameron Dragoons," but later known as Company H, 5th Pennsylvania cavalry. He served three years in the active duties required of the cavalry arm of military service : was never absent at roll-call by reason of sickness; escaped disabling wounds, and was honorably discharged at Petersburg, Va., at the close of the war. Mr. Helms was on a special detached service for a few months at Nashville and Chattanooga, Tenn., after which he settled down to the peaceful vocations of life. He was in the livery business for a year, when a lucrative position was tendered to him in the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Com- pany, and he was storekeeper and yardmaster at Gordon for two or 'three years. Resigning this position in 1868, he came to Potts- ville and engaged in working at his trade and as a contractor in
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painting and paper hanging. This engaged his entire attention for eighteen years, or until 180, when he established a plant for the manufacture of butchers supplies and machinery. This was a profitable business venture which has been continued successfully to the present time, his son now having charge of the industry. Mr. Helms was one of the organizers of the Pottsville Steam Heat and Power Company in 1885, and served as president of the corporation during its early years of existence. He was appointed a trustee of the State hospital for injured persons in 1887, but resigned the position two years later. He has served many years as a member of the Pottsville borough council, and has always taken an active interest in the affairs of the town and county. In 1800, Mr. Helms was appointed deputy United States marshal and has since devoted his entire time to his official duties, which necessitate much travel and almost constant absence from home. It is nothing unusual to take a trip across the continent in the discharge of business per- taining to his office. In furtherance of the provisions of the Chi- nese exclusion act. he once left home with three Chinamen, took in others in the towns and cities through which he passed, until he reached New Orleans, when he had 72. From there he went to San Francisco, and by the time he reached there he had three cars loaded. They were all shipped back to the country from which they came. This incident illustrates but one of the many unpleas- ant duties connected with the administration of the office. Mr. Helms was married on June 13. 1867. to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Richard Edwards, of Pottsville, and six children have been born to this union, viz: Richard, Jeremiah H., Lucy A., Peter 1). Jr .. Birch and Clinton It. Mr. Helms is a member of various social and beneficial societies, among which may be mentioned the Masonic fraternity, the A. Y. M., of which he is a past master. and the Grand Army of the Republic, being a past commander in this semi-military organization.
Henry. Frank Walter, janitor of the Garfield school of Potts- ville, and a member of the cabinet-making firm of Henry Bros .. was born in the borough where he now resides, Ang. 20. 1874. Hc is the third in order of birth of the five children of Edward and Mary (Speacht) Henry, the others being William E., Robert C .. Caroline M. and Mary E. The Henry family were among the carly settlers of Schuylkill county, Daniel Henry, the grandfather. locating in Pottsville in 1820. Mrs. Daniel Henry was a member of the Bensinger family, who are closely identified with the his- tory of the "Old Red Church." Edward Henry was born in Potts- ville on July 28, 1836, and his wife first saw the light of day in Union township, on March 16, 1842. The father was a carpenter and followed that vocation all his active life, until his death on March 11. 1899. During the War of the Rebellion he served three years in Company D. 26th Pennsylvania infantry, and after the cessation of hostilities he remained in the south until 1868, being employed as a carpenter. In 1877 he received an appointment as janitor of the Spark Mountain school and served in the capacity,
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in connection with his carpentering, until 1894, when upon the erection of the Garfield school he was placed in charge of the new building. The mother died on April 11, 1906, and the four unmar- ried children arc today occupying the old homestead. Robert is married and engaged in the confectionery business. The subject of this sketch received his educational advantages in the Pottsville schools, and when he had completed the courses offered there learned the carpenter's trade under his father. During his spare hours he also assisted the father in his duties as janitor, and so was fully qualified to take up the work when the father's death occurred. One of the requirements of the position was that the applicant be a practical carpenter, which Mr. Henry easily fulfilled. Together with his brother, William E., he carries on a cabinet-making busi- ness which is yearly growing in its proportions. Mr. Henry is a communicant of the Lutheran church and fraternally is asso- ciated with the Junior Order of American Mechanics and the Pa- triotic Order of the Sons of America. He is a skilled workman in his line and is recognized as a worthy, substantial member of the community.
Hepler, Jesse, was born on the old homestead of the Hepler family, in Eldred township, June 6, 1847. His father, Jacob B. Hepler was born in the same township, and was a son of George Hepler, who came into the county from Berks in early pioneer days. George was a son of Casper Hepler, also a pioneer of the township, and thus the genealogy of four generations of the family is traceable to Schuylkill county. George and Casper Hepler, father and son, were the founders of the family in this county. They each secured farms in Eldred township, and both died there. Jacob B. Hepler, father of the subject of this biographical review, married Hannah, daughter of John and Magdalena (Klutz) Maurer. They were residents of Eldred township at the time of this mar- riage, but Miss Maurer was born in Northumberland county. These young people established a home on the farm where the subject of this sketch was born, and which he now owns and occu- pies. It comprises 130 acres, now well-improved, but then in its virgin state. The father worked very hard all his life in improving and beautifying his home, and did a great deal of the clearing neces- sary to render it subject to cultivation. He also erected the farm buildings, some of which remain to this day as monuments to his industry. He held many of the township offices, and always took an active interest in political and religious affairs. The family were Lutherans in religious views, and assisted in establishing the first churches in the township. Concerning the children born to these parents the following record is given: Harriet is
the widow of Peter R. Federoff and now lives at Llewellyn, in this county ; Catherine died in 1857; Rebecca became the wife of Irwin Boyer, a farmer in Eldred township; John died in 1869; Amelia is also dead ; Jesse is subject of this sketch ; Lydia married Elias Wetzel, of Eldred township. The father was twice married, his second wife being a widow named Mrs. Martha Snyder. No
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children were born to this union, but his widow survives hin. and lives in Barry township Mr. Hepler, of this sketch, has also been twice married, first in 187, to Miss Catherine P. Daniels. who died in 1885, leaving four children, viz; Ida, wife of Robert Swank. Francis, a stationary engineer at Lebanon, Pa., married Selinda Wolfgang. Elmer married May Wolfgang and died in tom, at the age of twenty nine years: Kate lives with her sister lda Mr. Hepler married again in 1880, his second wife being Miss Louis Klock, of Northumberland county, and two children have been born to this union: Jesse Raymond, a popular young teacher and universal favorite among the young people of Eldred township, and Luella May, a popular young lady at home. Miss Hilda Hepler is an adopted daughter in the family. Mr. Hepler is engaged in market gardening. general farming and fruit raising. He has too acres under cultivation, with excellent farm buildings and improvements. He owned and operated a saw mill for some ten years, and was also engaged in merchandising for a like period. He has served twenty-one years as a school director : has filled other offices in the township: is a Democrat in political affiliations. and the family are Lutherans in religious views. The family are prominent and highly esteemed in the community where they have spent their lives, and where at least three generations have pre- ceded the present ones.
Hepler. John D., of l'itman, stands as a representative of one of the honored pioneer families of Schuylkill county and is a citizen to whom is accorded the utmost confidence and esteem. He was born in Eldred township. June 27. 8828, a son of John M. and Eliz- abeth ( Deriger ) Hepler. the former of whom was born in Eldred township and the latter in legins township. The paternal grand- father of the subject of this sketch was John Hepler, born in Berks county. Pa., a son of Casper Hepler, who came from Ger- many and numbered himself among the pioneers of Berks county. John M. Hepler was reared, educated and passed his en- tire life in Eldred township. He was a successful farmer. an honored and influential citizen, a man of deep re- ligious convictions and a clergyman of the Church of God. He was originally a Democrat but later affiliated with the Repub- lican party and wielded much influence in local affairs. He was one of the first school directors elected in his native township. where both he and his wife were held in high regard and where both died. Their children are here mentioned: Kate. Emanuel. and Elizabeth are deceased ; the subject of this sketch was the next in order of birth : Magdalene is the wife of Levi Schrope: Susan. Rebecca, and Richard are deceased. John D. Hepler received the advantages of the somewhat primitive subscription school main- tained in the vicinity of his birthplace, in which he was instructed in both German and English. He was reared to maturity on the old home farm, which was heavily timbered at the time when his father located on the place. having only a small clearing and log buildings of the pioneer type as the only improvements. John D. assisted his
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