USA > Pennsylvania > Schuylkill County > History of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, Vol. II > Part 42
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SCHUYLKILL COUNTY
and in the promotion of enterprises tending to augment the industrial and commercial prestige of his town and country. Though connally and pre eminently a business man, he is mundial of the higher duties ni citizenship and has rendered most effective service as a member of the city council, of which he has been a member consecutively since IM He has well overcome the handicap of early years in the matter of education, and by well directed reading and by active association with the practical affairs of his has rompled out his fund of knowl edge and become a man of broad general information. Concerning the mother of Mr. Nowenter i may be said that her maiden name was Mary Mckinney and that she was of stanch Irish lineage: her husband came of sterling German stock. They became the parents of tive sons, of whom the subject of this sketch was the firstborn The devoted mother survived her husband by many years Mr. Niswenter is dentified with the coal business on a somewhat extensive individual scale. He is the owner of an excellent productive colliery and is also the owner of land which is certain to show good results when developed for coal, besides having one hundred and sixty acres of land which is productive of oil and gas. He is affiliated with Lodge No. 515. Free and Accepted Masons, at Bethlehem. He is one of the five surviving charter members of the historic old Rescue hook and ladder company of Shenandoah. Mr. Niswenter married Miss Hannah Ludwig, who was born in Minersville, this county, and they have two daughters Gertrude, who is a graduate of the Shenandoah high school and who is now incumbent of the office of clerk of the registered-letter depart- ment in the postoffice of her home city, and Adelaide, who is attend- ing the public schools.
Norton, Rev. Lemuel B., is one of the able and honored members of the priesthood of the Catholic church in Schuylkill county, where he holds the pastorate of St. Mary's parish in Coahlale. He is a native son of the old Keystone state of the Union, having been born in the city of Philadelphia. Jan. 31, 1867. He completed a course in La Salle college, a leading church institution of his native city, after which he entered Philadelphia Theological seminary of St. Charles Borromeo, at Overbrook, where he prosecuted his divinity course and was grad- uated in 1800. He finally entered the Catholic University of America. Washington, D. C., in which he received the degree of S. T. B. in ISO1. In 1800 Father Norton was ordained to the priesthood by Arch- bishop Ryan, in Philadelphia, and he was forthwith assigned to the position of assistant pastor of St. Agatha's church. West Philadelphia. where he remained five years, at the expiration of which, in July, 1806. he was appointed to his present pastorate. His administration of the spiritual and temporal affairs of St. Mary's parish has been most beneficent and fruitful. the church membership having been increased by two hundred persons within his regime and the total membership being now go. In 180% he created the fine parish house, at a cost of three thousand dollars, and the entire church property is free from in- debtedness. Father Norton has the affectionate regard of his parish- ioners and the unqualified confidence and esteem of the entire com-
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munity in which he is laboring so zealously and effectively, ever deeply appreciative of his high stewardship.
Nungesser, William H., an enterprising real estate dealer and in- surance agent, is a public-spirited and substantial citizen of Ringtown. He was born in Union township, July 4, 1855, and is a son of Martin and Rebecca (Dormbach) Nungesser. His father died when the son was but eighteen years of age, compelling the latter to leave school and go to work to help in the support of the family. His first em- ployment was with a trestle-building gang of railroad employes, and during the winter months, when the severity of the weather made outside labor impossible, he attended school. For six years thereafter he was engaged in pedagogic work and then, in partnership with Francis Rumbel, he engaged in the general merchandise business. After thirteen years the firm was dissolved, Mr. Nungesser receiving an appointment as assessment clerk in the office of the county commis- sioners. When his term of office had expired he returned to Ring- town and started in his present line of business. He was appointed a justice of the peace in 1898 and this office he still holds. He is affiliated with no political party or organization, exercising his right of franchise as his best judgment directs him. Notwithstanding this, he has been the incumbent of three of the most important of the town- ship offices-those of clerk, assessor and supervisor. His fraternal relations are with Ringtown Lodge, No. 287, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Castle No. 500, Knights of the Golden Eagle. Mr. Nungesser has been twice married. His marriage to Miss Johanna Zimmerman occurred on Apr. 18, 1880. Two sons, Galen W. and Roy C., living at Elizabeth, N. J., and Detroit, Mich., respectively, blessed this union. Mrs. Nungesser's death, on Dec. 30, 1889, an- nulled the marriage, and on Jan. 1, 1891, Miss Kate Stauffer became Mr. Nungesser's wife. No children have been born to the second marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Nungesser are devout members of the Luth- cran church and he was at the head of the committee which had in charge the erection of the new edifice. He also oversaw the building of Odd Fellows hall.
O'Hare, Bernard V., a rising young attorney of Shenandoah, was born at St. Nicholas, Schuylkill county, March 1, 1882, and is a son of Michael D. and Catherine (Higgins) O'Hare, the former a native of New Philadelphia, Pa., and the latter of Ireland. The paternal an- cestors were also Irish, as the name indicates. Michael D. O'Hare is an engineer and at the present time is employed in the borough water- works at Brandonville. Of the children of Michael D. and Catherine O'Hare, James is a sales agent for mine explosives; Leander and Henry are engineers; Bernard is the subject of this sketch; May, Arthur, John and Felix are in school. Bernard V. O'Hare was edu- cated in the public schools of Shenandoah. graduating with the high school class of 1901. He then entered the law office of Martin M. Burke as a student, completed his studies, took the examination before the state board of law examiners at Philadelphia, and was admitted in Oct., 1906, to practice in the state and county courts. Although
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one of the youngest members of the bar in Schuylkill county, he has von the confidence of his clients, the admiration of his brother at- torness, and the respect of the bench, by his manly and dignified con- duct im all the litigations with which he has been connected. Blessed with youth, good health and ambition, it is safe to predict a successful professional career for hun m his chosen calling. In politics Mr. O'Hare is a firm and unyielding advocate of the principles of the Democratic party, and he takes a commendable interest in all questions touching the public weal. Educated in the faith of the Roman Catholic church, he affiliates with that religious organization, and also belongs to the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal society.
O'Haren, James F., traveling salesman for Reese, Parvin & Co .. of Philadelphia, with residence in Shenandoah, was born at Tamaqua, Schuylkill county, Apr. 23. 1860. His parents, Thomas and Catherine ( Knowles ) O'Haren, were natives of Queens county, Ireland, where they were married, som after which they came to America, settling in Schuylkill county, where they passed the remainder of their lives. the father following his occupation of miner. He died Dec. 31. 1886, at the age of seventy-two years. The mother survived him a number of years and passed to her reward in May, 1800. Their children were Elizabeth, John. Timothy, Margaret, Mary, James, Thomas and Michael, all living except Mary, and all married but Michael. Margaret. Timothy and Michael are at Waterbury, Conn., operating the Pennsylvania merchandise store: John is a fire boss at the Silver Creek colliery and lives in New Philadelphia; and Thomas is asso- ciated with the subject of this sketch in business, as appears below. James F. O'Haren received his education in the schools of New Phil- adelphia and Shenandoah. He began his life's work as a slate-picker in the mines, passing to the positions of breaker boss and outside as-
sistant foreman. He then secured a place as clerk in a grocery in Shenandoah, but left this place to become bookkeeper for the Shen- andoah Baking Company. In 1886 he started as a traveling sales- man in the employ of Samuel Lees & Co., of Philadelphia, selling produce, and he remained with this firm for five years, after which he entered the employ of B. W. Andrews & Co., wholesale grocers, of the same city. He remained with this concern until the retirement of Mr. Andrews, in 1001, when he accepted his present position. His territory extends from Hazleton to Shamokin and covers all the inter- mediate towns. Mr. O'Haren is also interested in several business enterprises outside of his regular occupation. He is manager of the Crew-Levick Oil Company, of Philadelphia, for the territory north of Broad mountain in Schuylkill county, his brother Thomas directing the movements of the delivery wagons and superintending sales. Hc is also a stockholder and director in the Kimber Run Coal & Coke Company, of Bedford county, Pa. Mr. O'Haren is a Democrat in his political views, was for three years a member of the board of school directors in Shenandoah, and is the present treasurer of the school district. He is prominently identified with social and benevolent societies, being president of the Phoenix fire company. the fire depart-
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ment pension fund, and the Knights of the Annunciation ; a member of Council No. 618, Knights of Columbus; Ashland Lodge, No. 384, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; and the Annunciation temperance society ; and, with his family, he belongs to the Annuncia- tion Roman Catholic church. Mr. O'Haren has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Martha Lamb, of Shenandoah, who died in May, 1894, leaving one daughter, Katic, now a student in the grammar school and a young lady of more than ordinary accomplishments, few girls of her age being her equal as a performer on the piano. In June, 1896, he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Morris, of Ashland, and to this union have been born four children, John, James, Mary and Joseph. He owns a nice home at No. 109 South White street, and it is no disparagement to the other people of Shenandoah to say that his family is one of the most refined and cultured in the city, or that his home is one of the most hospitable.
O'Hearn, John J., a prosperous and well known business man of Shenandoah, was born at Silver Creek (now the postoffice name of New Philadelphia), Schuylkill county, Pa., Aug. 15, 1867. He is a son of Jamies J. and Mary (Connor ) O'Hearn, the father a native of Cork, Ireland, and the mother of Montreal, Canada. The former was born in 1845 and the latter in 1843. They came to Schuylkill county during their early married life and here reared their children-John J., Jeremiah F., Henry. Agnes, Lucy, and Frank. John J. O'Hearn was educated in the public schools of Shenandoah, graduating from the high school in the class of 1887, after which he continued his studies for some time at Villanova college, at Villanova, Pa., and completed a course at Eastman's business college, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. He began his business career at the age of twenty, and was employed as a book- keeper at Shenandoah for the succeeding five years. He was a mem- ber of the firm known as the Shenandoah Lumber & Feed Co., Ltd., for the next five years, and in 1898 he became the owner of a half interest in the firm of Glenn & O'Hearn, until recently doing business under that firm title. His partner was William H. Glenn, who died July 20. 1906. In 1894 this firm started in the lumber business at Mount Carmel, Pa., and both enterprises are now owned and operated by Mr. O'Hearn. The business is large and prosperous, and includes not only lumber and all kinds of building material, but general con- tracting, which is an important feature. It gives employment to a large corps of skilled mechanics, while the store and lumber business connected employ several clerks and laborers. It is undoubtedly the largest business of the kind in Shenandoah, if not in Schuylkill county. Since the death of Mr. Glenn, as above stated, Mr. O'Hearn has been the sole owner and manager of the two business enterprises, and also of the contracting features, which, in season, demand much at- tention. He held the office of borough auditor for three years, and is a director in the Citizens' Electric Light Company. In addition to the business interests previously mentioned, Mr. O'Hearn was one of the promoters of the Price & Glenn Coal Company, in which he owns a one-third interest. This company opened and developed the High
SI Ht VI.k.H.L. COUNTY
Fint colher, near Malas City. in Jong Is business interests are varied and extensive, the most complicated of which is the man- agement of las mercantile business in Shenandoah. This melod & not only lumber and builders supplies in connection with contracting and binding, but a general stock of hardware, paints, only, wall paper, tour, fred, die He was married Apr. 27. Who, In Rev. Il. I. O Reilly, to Miss Mary E. Whalen, a daughter of Michael J. and Elizabeth Hurley ) Whalen, of Shenandoah. The family are mem bers of Annunciation Roman Catholic church, under the pastorate of Rev. U'Really for the last thirty -seven years. Mr. and Mrs. O'leary have three clubdren. Marin, born March 15. 1000; Elizabeth, born March 31. 1912; and Catherine, born June 12. 1MM).
Olesinski, Rev. S. M., pastor of St. Stanislaus Polish Catholic church of Shenandoah, was born in Russian Poland in 1871. He received his theological training in Austria and came to the L'united States in 1800, the year of his ordination to the priesthood. His first charge was St. Stanislaus church. This congregation was first organ- ized in INS. Rev. Father Abramaitis, of the Lithuanian church, being one of the moving spirits in its inception. It has had a number of pastor, among them Rev. Fathers M. Kopytkiewicz, Joseph Lambert, Venceslaus. Mutulajtis. Mark Januszkiewicz and Joseph Konnrick. Father Olesinski after a year's service as pastor was transferred to Mahaney City and Me Adoo, and in 1003 was recalled to take charge of the St. Stanislaus congregation. Under his pastorate the elegant church which is now the home of the congregation was created, at it cost of $25,000. The furnishings and finishings of the structure are handsome and complete and include beautiful Gothic style altars, pur- chased in Europe and representing an expenditure of $2.000. The membership comprises some 200 families, all of the Polish nationality. Father Olesinski is popular with his people and is held in high esteem by all classes of the community.
Orlovsky. Andrew, proprietor of the Eagle hotel in Coaldale, con- ducts a well appointed house and receives an appreciative patronage, which is augmented by his personal popularity in a local way and with the traveling public. Andrew Orlovsky was born in Salina, Galician Austria, on Nov. 13. 1866, and is a son of John and Caro- line ( Lutz Orlovsky. He was reared on a farm in his native district and had the advantages of the common schools of the locality. At the age of twenty years. in accordance with the exactions of the government. he entered the Austrian army, and thereafter had the valuable educational opportunities afforded in the military school. He served the required four years in the army and then received his honorable discharge, with the rank of sergeant, indicated by the in- signia of three stars. In 1800, at the age of twenty-four years. he severed the home ties and came to America. He took up his residence in Clearfield county, l'a .. where he was employed in the bituminous coal mines for four years, at the expiration of which he removed to Westmoreland county and entered the service of the Pennsylvania Railroad, in which connection he was employed four years. In 1898
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he took up his residence in Coaldale, Schuylkill county, where he en- gaged in the hotel business, in which he has since successfully con- tinued. He purchased his present hotel property in 1904 and has modernized and otherwise improved the building. Mr. Orlovsky was made a naturalized citizen in 1897, and is arrayed as a loyal sup- porter of the principles of the Republican party. He is a communicant of the Polish Roman Catholic church, and is affiliated with St. John's Greek society and St. Peter's society at Lansford, and with the local aerie of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. In Nov., 1897, Mr. Orlovsky was united in marriage to Miss Anna Orlovsky, daughter of Albert and Mary (Galont) Orlovsky, of Salina, Galician Austria, and they have five children-John, Paul, Joseph, Anna and Andrew, Jr.
Otterbein, Martin, is one of the honored citizens of the borough of Yorkville and has maintained his home in Schuylkill county for many years. He has been prominently identified with business and civic interests here and is now living practically retired, after having accumulated a competency through his own well directed efforts. Mr. Otterbein was born in Germany, Dec. 2, 1844, and is a son of Henry and Margaretta Otterbein. He was reared on a farm and was afforded the advantages of the excellent schools of his fatherland. He served three years in the German army and took part in the war between Germany, Austria and the Prussian states in 1866. In the following year he immigrated to America and took up his residence in the borough of Yorkville, where he has since maintained his home. His present dwelling was erected by him in that year but has since been enlarged and remodeled and is one of the attractive homes of the town. Having learned the trade of stone mason, Mr. Otterbein followed the same as a vocation until 1892, during the greater part of the time as an independent contractor along various lines. He began his work at the trade in 1875 and in 1880 began contracting, especially in the enterprise of building railroad bridges. His ability and good execu- tive powers gained to him success and prestige and his business career is one of which he may well be proud. In 1893 he engaged in the coal business, in which he continued until 1897, and in the autumn of the following year he purchased a brick yard in Yorkville. He operated the same four years and then sold the plant and business. For the past thirty-one years he has held an interest in a grocery store in Yorkville, and he is also the owner of valuable real estate both in Yorkville and Pottsville. At all times Mr. Otterbein has held himself loyal to the best interests of enlightened citizenship and has done all in his power to further the advancement and wellbeing of his home borough and county. His political allegiance is given unreservedly to the Demi- ocratic party, and he served fourteen years as a member of the borough council and three years as chief burgess. He and his family are com- municants of the Catholic church. May 17, 1868, Mr. Otterbein was united in marriage to Miss Theresa Barber. of Pottsville, and they have six children-Mary D., Emma, Frank G., Joseph, Frederick and Albert.
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Otto, Aaron H., proprietor of the Edgewood Farm m Hem
tabul have lived for three generations His grandfather. William the came from Berks counts when a young man, bought 300 acres of land mn Hegms townslup, and was one of the pioneers of this part of Schuylkill counts. He was born the 25th day of May, 108, was married to Margretta, nee kessler, who was born on the 5th day of March, 178g. and thirteen children were born to them-Anna, Maria, Christiana. Magdalane, Catherine, Jonathan, Salome, Daniel, Daval, Peter, Simon, Henry, Gertrude, William Otto followed farming and carpentering and in early days made cabinets. David Otto grew up on his father's farm, which farm he purchased at public sale. ile married Catherine Hauberacher, and they became the parents of nine children-Caroline. William, Marie, Lydia, Aaron, Hiram, Isabella, David. Tobias-of whom only two are living : Aaron on the old home- stead. and William at No. 529 North Centre Street, Pottsville. David Otto was a Democrat, served on the school board, and belonged to the Reformed church. He died in the year 1874, at the age of fifty- nine years, and his wife died in 1898, aged eighty-four years. Aaron received a common-school education and has always been a farmer on the old homestead. He devotes considerable attention to raising vege- tables and small fruits for Donaldson. Tremont and Minersville markets, and is also interested in poultry raising, especially Rhode 1sland Reds and white Wyandottes. He is a Democrat in his politics. was for two years tax collector and was for seven years treasurer of the school board. He is a member of Star of the Valley Castle. No. 451, Knights of the Golden Eagle, of Hegins: Hegins Grange. No. 1242, Patrons of Husbandry : and Pomona Grange, No. 55. of Potts- ville. In 1860 he married Rebecca Bressler, and they have had three children. Rufus R. died at the age of twenty-three years ; he fell from a cherry tree and broke his spine and was bedfast for sixteen weeks. He was a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle. Patriotic Order of the Sons of America, and the Hegins band. Calvin F. is a rural letter carrier on Route No. 2 from Hegins. Harry E. is a farmer and acts as substitute for his brother on the rural mail route. Both are unmarried and live at home with their parents. Calvin be- longs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Patriotic Order of the Sons of America. Knights of the Golden Eagle, Hegins and Pomona Granges, and is the leader of the Hegins cornet band. Harry is a member of the Grange and Patriotic Sons of America, and the family belong to the Reformed church at Begins.
Otto. Henry H., an enterprising furniture dealer. undertaker and embalmer, of Tremont, was born in Helfenstein, Pa .. on June 26. 1876. a son of Bodo and Rebecca ( Harter) Otto. The father i- a retired teamster and miner. During the great Civil war of the 'Gos he was a member of the Union army as a teamster, having enlisted, in 1861. in Company D of the 48th Pennsylvania infantry. The regiment was in the Army of the Potomac throughout the struggle and participated in all the engagements. Mr. Otto was never wounded, but had many
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narrow escapes, once having eight bullets pass through his sleeves and again having a ball pass through his shoe, without injury to his foot. At the second battle of Bull Run he was captured but in the confusion incident to the Confederate victory he managed to effect his escape. He was promoted to the office of sergeant. Since his retirement from active labor he has made his home at Mount Carmel. His wife dicd in Dec., 1903, at the age of fifty-four years, leaving four children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the youngest. The latter was edu- cated in the public schools of Mount Carmel and when he had com- pleted his course he learned the cabinet-maker's trade. For nine years he was employed by S. H. McConnel, of Mount Carmel, and at the end of that time he came to Tremont and established his present busi- ness. His headquarters are finely equipped for his furniture and undertaking business and he controls a large patronage. In Sept., 1903, Mr. Otto married Miss Katie Keller, daughter of Charles and Sarah (Wetzel) Kehler. Mr. Kehler died in 1895, and his widow is still living, a resident of Mount Carmel. To Mr. and Mrs. Otto have been born two children-Grace Winona and Willard B. Both parents are members of the United Evangelical church and Mr. Otto is sec- retary of the board of trustees of the same. He is also a past officer of Camp No. 231, of the Patriotic Order of the Sons of America, at Mount Carmel. By industry, thrift and enterprise he has made for himself a prominent place in the commercial life of Tremont.
Ovens, Thomas W., the proprietor of the Ovens School, is a native Canadian, having been born at Duntroon, Ontario, on Jan. 8, 1879. He is a son of William J. and Sarah (McAllister) Ovens, both born in Ontario and both now living there, the father operating a fruit farm of considerable size. On the paternal side the family is of Irish extraction and on the mother's comes of fine Scotch ancestry. There were three sons' in William J. Ovens' immediate family, the youngest is now dead, and the elder of the two surviving is Archie, who is engaged in the grain business in Everett, Ont. Professor Ovens was reared to young manhood in his native country and received his education in the high and normal schools of Collingwood, grad- uating at both institutions. He also attended the Ontario business university at Belleville, from which institution he was graduated with honors. After devoting about a year to general office work in the employ of leading Toronto firms Professor Ovens volunteered his services to the Presbyterian church as a home missionary, and after due examination he was accepted and sent into the wilds of New Ontario, to cover a section of wide extent, some of it hitherto little traveled by the foot of white man. After overcoming many difficulties and making many long overland trips by snow-shoe and dog-sled, he succeeded in establishing two churches and several Sunday schools in these remote regions, and all of these are to-day flourishing institu- tions. Professor Ovens began his pedagogic career as a commercial school instructor in the Wisconsin business college at Sheboygan, Wis., which position he held about three years. At the end of that period he became the founder of the State business college at Sheboy-
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