USA > Pennsylvania > Schuylkill County > History of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, Vol. II > Part 52
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Schwalm, Alfred A., justice of the peace of Hegins and a market gardener on a small scale, is a son of William and Sarah ( Diebert ) Schwalm. At the time of his birth, May 23. 1857, his parents were occupying a portion of the grist mill which the father owned in Hub- ley township, their house not having been completed. The father was a native of Hubley township and the mother of Orwigsburg. For some years the father was proprietor of what is known as Hoffman's mill. in Hubley township, and subsequently he and his brother Peter operated the Hartman mill, now owned and operated by E. M. Stiely. The Hoffman mill is a landmark in Schuylkill county, having been erected in the early days of its history. The subject of this sketch acquired an early preliminary educational training in the public schools of Hubley, and then matriculated at the Shippensburg normal school. After leaving that institution and receiving a certificate as a teacher he engaged in pedagogie work and was at it for nineteen years, all of the time in Hegins. In 1885 he was elected justice of the peace and at successive elections since that time he has been re- elected to the office. When he retired from his work as a teacher he purchased a tract of 20 acres of land just outside of the cor- poration limits and here he has since been farming in a small way. more for recreation than remuneration. Sixteen of the 26 acres are under cultivation, mostly in garden stuff- and fruits. In 1877 Mr. Schwalm was united in marriage to Miss Alvaretta Fisher and four children are the result of this union. Leonora. the eklest. is the widow of Alfred A. Otto, her husband having died in April. 1005 : Sarah Louise, a graduate of the Keystone state normal school at Kutz- town. is now engaged in teaching: John De Witt i- an operator for the Philadelphia & Reading railroad ; and .Anna .\., the youngest, is at home attending school. The family are all members of and workers in the Reformed church of Hegins, of which Mr. Schwalm is an eldler and secretary. Fraternally he is prominent throughout the county. being a member of Lodge No. 720, Independent Order of Odd Fel- low4: Camp No. 145. Patriotic Order of the Sons of America ; the Knights of the Golden Eagle, and Grange No. 1.242, of the Patrons oi Husbandry. In all these organizations he is either a past officer or
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the incumbent of some official position at the present time. His po- litical relations are strongly Democratic, and as the successful candi- date of that party he has held the office of township clerk. Mr. Schwalm is a public-spirited citizen, popular with his fellows and a sagacious business man.
Schwalm, Joseph W., a prosperous merchant, whose general store is one of the largest in Pine Grove, was born in Schuylkill county on Nov. 22, 1870, a son of William and Sarah (Diebert) Schwalm, both natives of the Keystone state. The father was for many years a miller, and when he retired from that work he took to farming, which he still follows in a small way. although he is seventy- five years of age. His wife died in the spring of 1904 at the age of sixty-eight. There were six children in the family. Alfred A. is a justice of the peace at Hegins and is a farmer ; Oliver died in in- fancy; Charles A. succumbed to typhoid fever at the age of twenty- one years; Mary, the wife of Samuel Buffington, died in July, 1902, at the age of thirty-seven years; and Jackson M. is a farmer near Valley View. The subject of this sketch is the youngest. He re- ceived a common school education and after the completion of his scholastic labors he spent his time on his father's farm until he was sixteen years of age. Then for three years he taught school in the winter and did farm work in the summer months. When he was twenty years of age he removed to Pine Grove and became employed as a clerk, remaining in that capacity until 1895. In April of that year he embarked in the general merchandise business for himself and has been most successfully conducting it since. Two years after starting in business he purchased the property on which the store is located, as well as the dwelling and the lot adjoining. The patronage of the store has increased from year to year until now Mr. Schwalm employs three clerks and in the busy seasons even requires more help. He has by careful management been able to keep his industry going through the hard times occasioned by strikes and lay-offs, and his industry, perseverance and honesty have made for him a high place among the leading merchants of the town. In July, 1889, Mr. Schwalm married Miss Lizzie Saltzer, of Schuylkill county, a daughter of the late Henry C. and Ellen ( Kemble) Saltzer. After Mr. Saltzer's death his widow became the wife of Edward Aungst, and is living in Pine Grove. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Schwalm has been blessed with seven children, viz .: Allen Quay and Alvin Clay (twins), Harry William, Guy Joseph, Stanford Saltzer, an unnamed son (deceased), and Esther Elizabeth. The parents are both devout communicants of and earnest workers in the United Brethren church, and the father is treasurer of its Sunday school. He is also prominently identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of the Golden Eagle, the Independent Order of America, and the Improved Order of Red Men. Mr. Schwalm takes an active interest in local politics and in 1898 was elected to the borough council on the Demo- cratic ticket. In his second year of service he was president of that body and it was during his term that the paved roads movement was
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introduced and about half a square mile paved as an experiment In long he was rocketed tog a term of three years and continued presi- dent of the conned, while the paving of Main street was kept up each year. During his adminstration the borough also pant off a certain amount of its indebtedness each year, and at the end of his teri Mr. Schwalm was nominated for a third time, but declined, owing to the press of his personal business affairs.
Schwalm. Morris S., a well known farmer of legins township, was born on Oct. 27. 1800, a short distance west of Valley View, Pa. His parents, Emanuel and Maria (Coleman) Schwalm, were both born m Hubley township, where the father followed farming in his carly life. He was for thirteen years an assistant in the survey of Schuylkill county, then for nine years managed a farm for Preston Miller in Hegins township, and was for three years engaged in the merchandise business at Locustdale. He has always taken an active interest in politics as a Republican ; was tax collector for six years; served three terms as constable, and for the last seven years has been postmaster at Hegins. He is a member of the Reformed church. Emanuel and Maria Schwalm had eight children, of whom four are now living. Alice B. is the wife of AA. B. Kechler, of Locustdale ; Morris S. is the subject of this sketch ; Charles is foreman in a chair factory at Sheboygan, Wis. ; and Clara is the wife of J. T. Hardy, of Ontario, N. Y. Morris S. Schwalm attended the home schools until he was fifteen years of age, when he learned the trade of butcher and followed that occupation for twenty years at Locustdale and Barry. Pa. On April 28, 1905, he bought the farm known as the Fred Ebert place in Hegins township, built a new nine-room house, in which he now lives, and has since that time devoted his attention to farming. He has 75 acres of good land. well improved, and is regarded as one of the progressive farmers of the township. Although he does a general farming business, he makes a specialty of raising Poland China and Chester White hogs and Rhode Island Red chickens. Mr. Schwalm is an ardent Republican in his political views. In 1902 hc was the candidate of his party for the state legislature, but was de- feated in the election. While living at Barry he joined Camp No. 441. Patriotic Order of the Sons of America, and he is a charter member of Hegins Camp. No. 145, of that order. Mr. Schwalm has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Laura Young, of Ash- land. To this union were born four children-Marie, Lauretta, Ger- trude and Alverona. Mrs. Schwalm died in March. 1899, and in June. 1001, he married Miss Carrie Billman, a teacher of Barry. Mr. Schwalm was tax collector of Barry township for six years, and with his wife belongs to the Lutheran church. He began life with small capital, but by industry and good management he has achieved suc- cess.
Schwalm, Peter, a retired farmer of Reiner City, was born in Hubley township. Schuylkill county, Ang. 21. 1836. a' son of Frederick and Catherine ( Stein ) Schwalm. both natives of Schuylkill county. The paternal grandparents. John and Tillie Schwalm, came from Ger-
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many and were among the pioneers of Hubley township. Frederick Schwalm was a farmer all his life and a member of the German Re- formed church. He and his first wife had thirteen children, of whom six are now living. William is a retired farmer and lives at Valley View; Emanuel is the postmaster at Hegins; Daniel is a farmer in Hubley township; Peter is the subject of this sketch ; a twin sister of his, Catherine, lives in Indiana; and Louisa lives in Illinois. After the death of Catherine Schwalm the father married Sarah Sufing. She died without issue, and he married Harriet Dieter, by whom he had three children. Otilla and Elizabeth are deceased and Jackson lives in Hegins township. Peter Schwalm was educated in the sub- scription and public schools, his father being a director of the first free school in the township, and lived at home until he was twenty- five years of age, when he took charge of his brother Samuel's farm for a year and a half while the latter was in the army, where he served for three years and one month during the Civil war. Peter then bought the Schrob grist mill, which he operated for several years, when he sold out and came to Porter township, where he had purchased 129 acres of land in the spring of 1866, paying $5,500 for it, though it was only partially cleared and had old buildings on it. Some parts of the farm were so wild and overgrown with underbrush that the foxes came close to the farm house in broad daylight and carried off the chickens. Peter trapped thirty foxes during the first few years. This farm he improved and put in good condition, living there until 1895, when he built his present residence at Reiner City, his son, George M., taking charge of the old home farm. He also owned an- other farm in Hegins township, which is now owned by his son Ells- worth. Mr. Schwalm is an unswerving Republican in his political opinions ; has served on the school board, as tax assessor and tax collector, and belongs to the Reformed church at Orwin. On April 23, 1861, he married Miss Maria Schrob, born Oct. 29, 1843, in Hegins township, her parents, John and Elizabeth (Holdemann) Schrob, having been among the early settlers in that part of the county and both died there. They were members of the Lutheran church and of their six children four grew to maturity. Jacob died at the age of sixty-five years; Amos lives at Valley View, Schuylkill county, and Catherine lives in Kansas. To Mr. and Mrs. Schwalm have been born seven children : Elizabeth, now deceased, married Alfred Hand and had two children, Harry and Ira W. Harry died in infancy and Ira married Elizabeth Jobe and has one son, Elbert. Ellsworth is a farmer in Hegins township as already mentioned; he married Jane Kessler and his children are Elmer, Ralph, Ruth, Beulah, Effie and Lloyd. One son, Claude, died in infancy. Elmer married Gertrude Stutzman and has one daughter, Eva. George, who runs the old home farm, married Agnes Haertter, and his children are Lottie, Lil- lie, Corine and Elma. Albert T. has for eighteen years been a teacher in Porter township. William O., a retired merchant at Tower City, married Annie Bixler, and his children are twin sons, Ira and Ray, and one daughter, Merle. Mary E. married Thomas Moser, a teacher
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of Porter township, and their children are Irma, clair, 1.vle, Glenn. Ruth and Paul John P. is a hardware merchant at Remerton. He married Catherme Lebo and has two children-Beatrice and Harold.
Schwenk, John P., formerly foreman of the storage yards of the Philadelphia & Reading Coal and Iron Company at Schuylkill Haven, was born in that borough on Dec. G. 1858, a son of Jacob R and Mary A. I Krebs, Schwenk. He was an attendant of the town schools until he reached hus eighteenth year, driving mules on the canal tow- path during his vacations. For a time after leaving school he worked on the canal landings loading boats, etc., and continued in that occu- pation until March, 1882, when he became a clerk in the office of the coal clerk at Mine Hill crossing and remained there for more than six years. In August, 188%, he went to work in Weber Bros.' shoe factory, but did not remain there long, leaving in January of the fol- lowing year to accept a position in the shops of the Philadelphia & Reading Company as car repairer. On June 10, 1890, he was ap- pointed to the responsible position of foreman of the Schuylkill Haven storage yards, but resigned that position on Feb. 28, 1907. since which time he has been employed in the bleachers of the Union knitting mills as receiving and shipping clerk. On May 25. 1878, was solemn- ized the marriage of Mr. Schwenk and Miss Kate C. Pflueger, daugh- ter of Emanuel B. and Amanda ( Feger) Pflueger, of Schuylkill Haven. Two children were born to this union, a son and a daughter. both of whom died in infancy. Mr. Schwenk is a member of Web- ster Council. No. 23. Junior Order of U'nited American Mechanic .. He is an intensely religious man and one who carries out the precepts of the Golden Rule and the Ten Commandments in his daily life. Both he and his wife are members of and earnest, devout workers in the United Evangelical church. For the past twenty-three years he has been superintendent of the Sunday school, and for fifteen years has been a member of the board of trustees. Besides these offices he is choir master and assistant leader of the prayer meeting clas -.
Seibert, David H., president of the Pennsylvania National bank of Pottsville, Pa., is a native of Indianapolis. Ind., where he was born on April 28, 1839. He is a son of Philip and Catherine ( Hummel ) Sei- bert, the former a native of Chambersburg, and the latter of Harris- burg, Pa. The early life of Mr. Seibert was spent in the Keystone state, which has also been his home since about the close of the Civil war. He enlisted in 1862 as a private in Company A. 120th Pennsyl- vania infantry, and served about one year. In recognition of his business qualifications, he was appointed chief clerk in the quarter- master's department in the department of the Susquehanna, and later occupied a similar position with the post quartermaster at Philadel- phia. His clerical position relieved Mr. Seibert of the menial services of the camp and field, yet he filled an important post, as essential to the well-being of the armie, as that of carrying a gun or "policing" the camp. The young soldier was especially fortunate that he pos- sessed the necessary ability to perform such service -. Mr. Seibert was educated at Chamber-burg academy. On Jan. 14. 1873. he entered
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the employ of the Pennsylvania National bank in Pottsville and served eighteen years in the position of teller. Following this long period of apprenticeship his advancement was rapid until he reached the high- est honors within the gift of the corporation. He was promoted to assistant cashier on Jan. 20, 1891, and three months later was elected cashier, a position which he held for almost ten years. On March 19, 1901, Mr. Seibert was chosen president of the institution which he had served so long and faithfully, and this is the position he still holds. It is needless to give the people of Schuylkill county any introduction to the Pennsylvania National bank, as it is one of the few monetary institutions in Pottsville which has stood the test of years and passed through the financial panics of four decades with an unsullied record. It was opened for business on Sept. 18, 1866, with a capital stock of $100,000. The capital was doubled in 1875, and the institution has been growing in popular favor with all the passing years. Mr. Seibert was married on March 15, 1865. to Miss Ellen E., daughter of John S. C. and Charlotte E. (Lewis) Martin, of Reading. Pa. The only living child of Mr. and Mrs. Seibert is Dr. Albert A. Seibert, of Potts- ville, a specialist on diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat. He married Miss S. Elizabeth, daughter of Gen. Henry L. Cake, of Tam- aqua. They have no living children. The subject of this article is a Republican in political views, but has neither sought nor held political office. The family are Presbyterians in religious affiliations, and Mr. Seibert belongs to the Masonic, Odd Fellows and Grand Army of the Republic fraternities.
Selgrade, John J., Jr., an enterprising insurance man of Girard- ville, is a son of John and Mary ( Rutton) Selgrade, and was born in the borough where he now lives on July 21, 1872. He is one of a family of five sons and two daughters, the other members being Jacob. Roman, Joseph, Harry, Mary and Barbara. After completing his work in the public schools the subject of this sketch at the age of twelve years found employment as a breaker boy. Labor of some kind around the mines and collieries furnished him a livelihood until 1896. when he left the work to embark in the insurance business. The field offered a larger opportunity for the exercise of his inherent ability and his success shows plainly his fitness for the position. On July 26, 1899, Mr. Selgrade was united in marriage to Miss Mary Sheran. daughter of Michael and Katherine ( McGuire) Sheran. The Sherans were both born in County Mayo, Ireland, and came to the United States early in the decade between 1870 and 1880. To Mr. and Mrs. Selgrade have been born four daughters, Marguerite, Mary, Helen and Anna. The family are all communicants of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic church and Mr. Selgrade is a member and secretary of St. Joseph's Catholic Legion. In politics he is a stanch believer in the principles of the Democratic party, and as the candidate of that po- litical organization he has three times been elected to the office of auditor. At the present time he is the representative of the Pruden- tial Life Insurance Company of Newark, N. J., and is one of the oldest solicitors in point of service. He comes of a family of pioneers and
SOIL YLKILL COUNTY
patriots on the maternal side, having had three uncles in the army of the United States both during and after the Civil war. One uncle, Armour Rutton, was killed in the last day of fighting in the Willer- ness ; another. Roman, was a member of the company sent out to assist General Custer and arrived at the Little Big Horn just too late to be of service to that distinguished leader and hus gallant band. Ferdinand Button, the mother's youngest brother, is now living in Philadelphia, but for fifteen years was a soldier in the regular army. Mr. Selgrade is a man of fine business capacity, excellent judgment and genial, hearty manner which makes him a host of friends.
Seltzer, Henry H., the genial register and clerk of the orphans' court, is a representative of one of the pioneer families of Schuylkill county. He is the youngest son and ninth child in a family of twelve children born to Conrad and Dorothea Seltzer. One member of this family died in childhood and eleven are now living. Conrad Seltzer and his wife were both natives of Germany, but were married in Schuylkill county. Pa .. Dec. 10, 1830, whither Mr. Seltzer had immi- grated in 1832, a portion of his father's family accompanying him at that time. Conrad Seltzer was among the pioneers in the butchering business in Pottsville and Minersville, and established a large and profitable business as a dealer in live stock-the nucleus of the present Seltzer Packing Company, operated by his sons. He served one term as county treasurer. being elected in 1864 by the Democratic party, with which he affiliated. He was an active and conscientious member of the German Lutheran church, in which he held the positions of elder and trustee for many years, and his wife, who in maidenhood was Dorothea E. Rochrig, was a consistent Christian woman and a devoted wife and mother. Conrad Seltzer was a worthy example of the results which may be achieved by industry, economy and intelli- gent effort. He began his business career in America in a very hum- ble manner, occupying a small log house at Fishbach, a suburb of Pottsville, where the Seltzer packing house is now located. This, one of the largest industries of its kind in eastern Pennsylvania, is the outgrowth of his business sagacity, augmented by that of his pos- terity. He died in Pottsville. Sept. 2. 1800. Following are the names of the children of Conrad and Dorothea Seltzer: William H. and Albert W. are engaged in the meat packing business and proprietors of the Seltzer Packing Company: Amelia is the widow of Dr. R. F. Krebs, late of Reading : Charles F. is a harness dealer in Pottsville : Josephine became the wife of C. R. Kear and resides at Minersville, in this county : John C. is manager of Swift & Co.'s business at Read- ing: G. Fred is in the plumbing business in Pottsville; Edward is en- gaged in farming and fruit growing at Shelton. Maryland : Clara is the wife of F. P. Mortimer. a prominent merchant in Pottsville : Henry H., of this sketch, was the next in order of birth, and Bertha E. com- pletes the family circle. She is the wife of Frederick E. Zerhey, superintendent of the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company. with home at Wilkes Barre. Henry H. Seltzer was born in Norwegian township, Schuylkill county. Dec. 1. 1863: was educated in the public schools
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of Pottsville, and was employed with his brothers in the packing busi- ness for some thirteen years. He learned the brewing business with the firm of D. G. Yuengling & Son, and was employed by this firm as brewer of ale at their establishment in Harlem, N. Y., for six years. He was deputy sheriff of Schuylkill county in 1904-05, and was elected to his present position from that office at the general election of 1905. He took possession of his office on Jan. 1, 1906, and has surrounded himself with a corps of capable and obliging deputies and clerks. He is a Democrat in political affiliations, and a recognized leader in the councils of his party. Besides the offices mentioned, he has served as a member of the borough council and school board. On Aug. 11, 1886, Mr. Seltzer married Miss Carrie E., daughter of Ed- ward and Susan (Wagner) Nagle, of Pottsville. His wife's family, like his own, is one prominently identified with the history of Potts- ville. Mr. and Mrs. Seltzer are without children, but their domestic lives are happy and congenial. The subject of this article sustains relations with a number of fraternal societies, the most prominent among which are Camp No. 14, Patriotic Order of the Sons of Amer- ica, of Pottsville; Lodge No. 207, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Aerie No. 134, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Humane Fire Company.
Seltzer Irvin A., for many years a prominent and distinguished teacher of Schuylkill county, was born in Ringtown, where he now resides, on Dec. 20, 1866, and is one of five sons born to Benjamin and Barbara (Breisch) Seltzer. The others are Arlen F., Harper A., Richard R. and Emerson B. The subject of this sketch has been an educator the better part of his life. In 1885 he began teaching in Ring- town in the ungraded school. Four years later he was graduated at the Keystone state normal school at Kutztown and spent the school year of 1889-1890 as principal of the Milford, Pike county, schools. In 1890 he returned to Ringtown and was elected principal of the high school. For fifteen years he was the incumbent of the position, resigning during the term ending in June,'1905. He attended the nor- mal school at Valparaiso, Ind., for a time, taking a scientific course in that institution, and in 1905, after successfully passing the exam- inations given at the Bloomsburg state normal school, he was granted a teacher's certificate in the new normal course. Since his resigna- tion as principal of the high school he has relinquished all pedagogic work and confined himself to market gardening. He owns a farm of 108 acres just outside of Ringtown, beautifully located at the base of a mountain. It was formerly a portion of the old Dresher place and contains within its boundaries the famous Dresher spring. On Sept. 27, 1902, Mr. Seltzer married Miss Anna S. Dresher, a daughter of Samuel and Anna (Lindermuth) Dresher. She is one of thirteen children, all of whom are living, the others being Peter, Boyd. George, Henry, Charles, David, Mahala, Elizabeth, Nima, Emma, Fannie and Ida. The Seltzers worship at the Ringtown Lutheran church. Mr. Seltzer's name in connection with any educational project in the bor-
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