History of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, Vol. II, Part 57

Author: Schalck, Adolf W.
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: State Historical Association
Number of Pages: 700

USA > Pennsylvania > Schuylkill County > History of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, Vol. II > Part 57

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Snyder. Amos Franklin, a substantial farmer and dealer in farm implements, was born in Barry township. Schuylkill county. July 18. 1861. a son of Michacl and Salome ( Schrope) Snyder, the former of whom was born in Northumberland county, and the latter in Hegins township. Schuylkill county. The subject of this sketch attended township and district schools until he was eighteen years of age and then started to earn a livelihood by following agricultural pursuits. Subsequently, in 1886. he began a jobbing business in farm implements as a matter of diversion rather than business, but at the present time

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461

BIOGRAPHICAL

it has grown to such dimensions as to absorb a large part of his time. He does considerable market gardening besides his general farming, delivering his produce to dealers and private customers in Barry. On Feb. 22, 1885, Mr. Snyder married Miss Abbie Erdman, daughter of Abraham and Mary (Troutman) Erdman, and six children-three sons and as many daughters-have blessed this union. They are : Charles N., Leon E., Raymond F., Mamie I., Grace V. and Elsie A. The family are all members of and devout workers in the Lutheran church of Barry. For six years Mr. Snyder was superintendent of its Sunday school until about two years ago, when the church organ- ized a branch school and he was given charge of it. In politics he is a leader in the local councils of the Democratic party and as the can- didate of that political organization has been honored with election to the offices of assessor and school director. Fraternally he was at one time associated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Patriotic Order of the Sons of America, but of late years has not been actively identified with any secret organization. He is a public- spirited, Christian gentleman, enterprising, active and enthusiastic.

Snyder, Charles A., a well known attorney of Pottsville, is a native of the Keystone state, having been born at Pillow, Dauphin county, April 16, 1867. His father, William Herb Snyder, was born in Schuylkill county, Oct. 6, 1844, and his mother, whose maiden name was Leah Hoeffer Brua, was born at Pillow, Dec. 23, 1843. The grandparents on both sides were among the early settlers of the Tulpe- hocken region of Berks county, and were prominent in the formation of the Lutheran church in America, one of the ancestors, Peter Brua, being a delegate to the first Lutheran synod. The ancestors were also participants in the Indian and colonial wars and the war of the Revolution, while the family has been represented in all the subse- quent wars in which the United States have been involved. William H. Snyder served throughout the war of the Rebellion in the 108th and 172nd Pennsylvania volunteer infantry. Charles A. Snyder was educated in the public schools and afterward took up the study of law. Upon his admission to the bar he began practice in Pottsville, where he has ever since continued, and where he has a representative clientage. He is a Republican in his political affiliations and takes an active interest in all public questions, particularly those affecting the public schools. He has served as city solicitor, deputy district at- torney, comptroller, and for three terms, from 1903 to 1907, repre- sented the Fourth district of Schuylkill county in the state legislature. In religious matters, his family belong to the Methodist Episcopal church, and in fraternal circles Mr. Snyder belongs to the Improved Order of Red Men, the Knights of the Golden Eagle, and the Pro- tective Order Sons of America. On May 21, 1891, Mr. Snyder was united in marriage to Miss Laura, daughter of Charles D. and Ellen (Hoffman) Arters, of Churchtown, Lancaster county. Her father was long and favorably known as one of the most prominent educa- tors of Schuylkill county, where he came in the early '70s. Mr. and

402

WHATKILL LOUNTY

Hrs Smodet have two children: Ruth, born Det. 9. 1802, and Droz. Bruta, born April 12, tom.

Snyder, Simon P., now operating a mill near Barry, to a son of Michael and Salome (Schrope) Suvder, and was born in the township where he now restles, May 2, 1800. He attended the public schools of his native township until he was sixteen years of age and then for a number of wars assisted In- father in the management of the farm. When he started business for himself he embarked in the mill industry and has followed no other line. He is also known as a maker of ex- cellent ender, which has attained quite a reputation for its purity, and is a manufacturer of picket fencing. On July 15. 1888. Mr. Snyder married Miss Emma Schucker, a daughter of John Schucker, and to this union have been born fourteen children. Of these but four survive-Harry A. Mande S., 11. Lottie and Mary Ethel. The family are all carnest and conscientious members of the Lutheran church of Barry, of which Mr. Snyder has for many years been one of the deacons. In politics he is a Democrat of the old school and has been the recipient of many official honors at the hands of his party, among them those of supervisor, tax collector and auditor. For many years he was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, but of recent years has been inactive. He still claims active membership. however, in Barry Camp, No. 441, Patriotic Order of the Sons of America. Mr. Snyder comes of a fine line of pioneer Pennsylvanians. his father having been born in Northumberland county and his mother in Begins township of Schuylkill county. His paternal grandfather. John Snyder, was a man of prominence in his day, and his maternal grandfather. Andrew Schrope, married a member of the Crawford family, famous in the annals of Keystone state history.

Spayd, Prof. H. H., a well known educator in Schuylkill county. is a native of Myerstown, Lebanon county, Pa., where he was born on Oct. 20. 1845. At the dawn of young manhood he left his studies to enter the service of his country and served three years as a mem- ber of Company C. 149th Pennsylvania volunteer infantry. He par- ticipated in many of the hard-fought battles with the Army of the Potomac, among which may be enumerated Pollock's Mills, Fred- ericksburg. Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Laurel Hill, North Anna, Spotsylvania. Cold Harbor, Todd's Tavern. Totopotomy, Six Mile House. Boydtown Road. Petersburg (battle and siege) and the two battles of Hatcher's Run. The campaign from the Wilderness to l'eter-burg was one continuous battle when the soldier at the front Was never out of range of the enemy's bullets. It must also be re- membered that every battle was preceded by skirmishing as an initia- tive measure and that there were often hot skirmishes which were not immediately followed by general engagements. These were equally as disastrous to the men engaged and usually involved greater physical exertion than the battle-front. Mr. Spayd was thrice wounded during his term of service. He received a serious wound at the battle of Gettysburg and was left on the field, which subsequently fell into the enemy's hands. Being unable to walk, he was allowed to be retaken

463

BIOGRAPHICAL

by his friends and was cared for by them in hospitals at Gettysburg, Baltimore, Md., and Germantown, Pa., until he was sent to the front in December, 1863, after being nearly six months under treat- ment. In May, 1864, began the very active campaign which ter- minated at Appomattox and the subject of this article participated in the stirring events of the time. He received two slight wounds during the battles of the Wilderness campaign and while besieging Peters- burg took part in the battle at Weldon railroad in an effort to cut the enemy's source of supplies. He was discharged as color-bearer of his regiment. Mr. Spayd returned to his parental home at the close of the war and resumed his educational work so summarily inter- rupted. His educational opportunities were of the best and after com- pleting the work of the public schools of Myerstown and the Academy at the same place he took courses at the Millersville state normal school, the Palatinate college at Myerstown and at the Elmira, N. Y., business college. He engaged in teaching at the age of nineteen and this has been practically his life work. His first teaching was in Lebanon county, but subsequently he secured a position on the teach- ing force of Rush township, Schuylkill county. In 1871 he was elected principal of the Minersville grammar school, to accept which he retired from the principalship of the Llewellyn schools where he had been employed during the preceding two years. For thirty-five years Professor Spayd has been identified with the Minersville schools in the capacity of an instructor or superintendent. In 1883 he was chosen to the position of superintendent, which he has since occupied. He is thoroughly identified with educational interests in the state. being a life-member of the state teachers' association; a member of the national educational association; one of the councillors of the American institute of civics; a member of the National geographic society ; the American association for the advancement of science ; the history teachers' association of the Middle States and Maryland ; and a charter member of the Schuylkill county historical association. In Grand Army circles he has held nearly all positions in the gift of the local post, as well as appointments on the staff of the department and national commanders. For a number of years he served as inspector- at-large for Schuylkill county. Professor Spayd has always been an active worker in local institutes, and a wise and helpful counsellor in the administration of educational affairs in Schuylkill county. He is popular among all classes of people and the many young people who have gone out into the world of business from his careful train- ing are his best friends. His scholarly attainments and exemplary life entitle him to all the honors bestowed upon him. H. H. Spayd is a son of John and Catherine ( Haak) Spayd and is descended from German ancestors, though several generations removed. His paternal grandfather, George Spayd, was born in Ephrata, Lancaster county, Pa., but located in Lebanon county about the year 1826. He was a farmer by occupation and a German Baptist in religious affiliations. He died in the vicinity of Myerstown about 1875. His wife, who in maidenhood was a Miss Conrad, became the mother of eight children,

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY

one of whom, John Spasd, was the father of the subject of this sketch John Spayd was born at Ephrata, Lancaster county, Pa. in 1810 He married a daughter of William Haak of Myerstown, by whom he had a famh of ten children. He was a farmer during the active years of his lite, took active and intelligent interest in public affairs, and was one of the organizers of the Republican party. 1hs death occurred at Schaefferstown in 18at, his wife surviving him for a number of years. Professor Spayd married Miss Sarah, a daugh- ter of David D. and Sarah Donaberger, of Myerstown. They have no cluldren, but reared and educated a nephew. A. B. Warner, who is now engaged in business on his own account. Professor Spaye is an independent Republican in his political views and has taken an active interest in the supremacy of party principles, though never an office secker. He is opposed to dishonest politics on the same prin- ciple that he opposes dishonesty in private affairs and if the disrup- tion of the party is necessary to purge it of corruption and "Kraft." he accepts the alternative. In religions affiliations, he has been a hie-long adherent to the doctrines of the Baptist church, and has been a zealous worker in the cause of Christianity. In the Baptist church of Mmersville he has been ever active as a working Christian and has cheerfully borne the burdens and honors of official positions. The Sunday school has also engaged his attention, both as a teacher and superintendent.

Speacht. Jacob F., of Pottsville, is a prominent contractor in all kinds of concrete work and controls a large and important business in this section of the state, and is a scion of one of the honored pioneer families of Schuylkill county, which has been his home from the time of his birth. He is a son of John and Barbara ( Gottshall) Speacht, both of whom were likewise born and reared in Schuylkill county. The paternal grandparents of Mr. Speacht were Gottlieb and Lena ( Wagner ) Speacht, who immigrated to America from the historic old city of Strasburg. now the capital of the German province of Alsace-lorraine but at that time a part of France. Gottlich Speacht had served for six years in the French army under the great Napoleon. His immigration to America took place in 1830 and he located in Pottsville, where he engaged in the work of his trade-that of gunsmith-and also did an extensive business in the manufacture of copper utensils for the pioneers of this section. Both he and his wife continued residents of the county until their death, honored by all who knew them. The maternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch was a native of Germany and he also was one of the sterling pioneers of Schuylkill county, where he assisted in the early develop- ment of the coal mines. John Speacht was born and reared in Potts- ville and for an average lifetime was here employed as a night watch- man, having been in the employ of one concern for thirty-seven years and of another for sixteen years. He is now living retired and he and his wife have a pleasant home on West Market street. Pottsville. in which house they have resided for almost a half century. The children of this honored couple are: William. John, Charles, George,

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465

BIOGRAPHICAL

Jacob F., Emma, Henry and Robert. The only daughter is now the wife of Harry Boughey. The subject of this sketch is indebted to the public schools of Pottsville for his early educational training and he remained at the parental home until he had attained to the age of twenty-seven years, having in the meanwhile been engaged in various pursuits. In 1900 he purchased a farm in South Manheim township and gave his attention to the management of the place for the ensu- ing three years; he still owns the property, which is well improved and under effective cultivation. In 1904 Mr. Spcacht returned to Pottsville, where he established himself as a general contractor in all kinds of concrete work. He has built up a large business, gives employment to a large number of men in the busy season, and utilizes from eight to ten teams. He takes a loyal interest in all that concerns the progress and general welfare of the community and in political matters he is independent of partisan dictation. He and his wife are members of the German Lutheran church. Jan. 22, 1898, Mr. Speacht was united in marriage to Miss Cora Werner, daughter of Daniel Werner, of Elizabethville, Dauphin county, Pa. They have no chil- dren.

Spencer, George, deceased, for many years a prominent coal operator of Minersville, Pa., was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1806, where he was reared to manhood. He was a son of George and Hannah (Hearst) Spencer. In 1828, at the age of twenty-two years, he immigrated to America and located in Schuylkill county, where he followed the vocation of mining for a number of years, having held the position of mine boss at the old North America mines near Pottsville. In the early '30s, he began mining operations on his own account and followed this line of endeavor until his accidental death, which occurred on Jan. 4, 1862, due to a gas explosion at the Harper colliery which he was operating at that time. Mr. Spencer was a pioneer in the anthracite industry in the Schuylkill region, where he opened and operated a number of the most productive mines, and by thrift and industry, amassed a comfortable fortune. He was a man of unflinching integrity and always to be found in the foremost ranks on all questions pertaining to the welfare of his community. Among his numerous coal operations was the old Spohn vein, where the Williams colliery now stands at Fishbach. In 1837 he located in Minersville, Schuylkill county, where he became interested in the mines at Wadesville; later in partnership with others he operated a colliery at Beaver Meadow and opened a new colliery in Carbon county, Pa., where they founded the village of Jeansville. In 1850 he removed to Jersey City in order to take charge of the coal ship- ments from the mines in which he was interested, but in 1853 re- turned to Minersville where he opened the Peach Orchard colliery and later the Oak Hill colliery in South Cass township. He then leased the Harper colliery at Minersville where he lost his life. Mr. Spencer was an earnest member and supporter of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics was originally an old time Whig, becoming a Republican on the organization of that party. He married

30-Vol. II

M HUYLKILL COUNTY

Mary, a daughter of John and Mary Withans and they became the parents of the following children: William, deceased, a review of whose hte will be found on other pages of this volume: Thomas. deceased. Hannah, widow of Edward Cooke of West Bethlehem ; John, deceased, George, agent for the Dupont Powder Company at Ashland, Pa ; Rachel, widow of Dr. Thomas Patterson, late of Mahaney City; and Mary, deceased, who was the wife of Wm. Taylor, manager of the stores of the Forest Improvement Company at Heckschersville and Forestville. Schuylkill county.

Spencer, William, deceased, for many years identified with the coal mining industry of Pennsylvania, was born in Norwegian town- ship. Schuylkill county, about 1830. His father, George Spencer, a sketch of whom appears in this volume, was a pioneer coal operator of Schuylkill county, conducting collieries at Duncanville, in the Black valley, and about Minersville. William Spencer received an academic education and upon leaving school became associated with his father in mining operations, acting as superintendent of the col- lieries at Oak Hill, and later at Buck Mountain, near Hazleton. P'a. In 1844. When the discovery of gold in California drew hundreds of young men in that direction, he left Pennsylvania for the new El Dorado, making the long, tedious voyage around Cape Horn to San Francisco. He did not remain long in California, and after his re- turn to the east he conducted coal yards at Paterson, N. L .. in connec- tion with his father's mining interests in Schuylkill county. When the war broke out he enlisted in the 5th Pennsylvania volunteer infantry. under Col. Benjamin C. Christ, for the three months' service. The regiment was on camp duty most of that time at Harrisburg. Wash- ington. D. C., and Alexandria, Va., and was never actually engaged with the enemy. The 5th was mustered out on July 25. 1861. and Mr. Spencer immediately re-enlisted in a Pennsylvania cavalry regi- ment, where he rose to the rank of major and served with distinction until the close of the war. After peace was restored he became superintendent and general manager of the Buck Mountain colliery and company store near Hazleton. Luzerne county. His early training and long experience in mining and handling coal made him a practical expert in that line, especially in the anthracite field, where most of his active career had been passed. About 1881 or 1882, he became asso- ciated with Andrew Robertson, of Pottsville. in the development of the bituminous coal fields of West Virginia. Their mines in that state were located near Vivian. McDowell county, where his death occurred on Dec. 13. 1004. He had gone there to look after his extensive interests. contracted pneumonia. and died after a short illness. the event causing deep and widespread sorrow in Minersville, where he had resided for many years. Mr. Spencer was one of the most public- spirited citizens of Minersville, and was always foremost in every movement for the upbuilding of the city and its institutions. He was one of the organizers of the Minersville Electric Light Company : a director in the Minersville Water Company ; and was connected with the First National bank. Through the exercise of good judgment

110

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William Spencer

467

BIOGRAPHICAL

and his superb business acumen, he amassed a considerable fortune, every dollar of which he gained by upright methods. On Nov. 3, 1853, Mr. Spencer married Miss Amelia J. Prevost, a daughter of John Prevost, a brief biography of whom will be found in this vol- ume, and she alone survived him, their one child having preceded the father to the Great Beyond. Mr. Spencer's remains were brought to Minersville, and were followed to their last resting place by a large concourse of friends. He has gone from the scene of his earthly endeavors, but he left his impress indelibly stamped upon the industries and institutions of Schuylkill county, and his infinence will doubtless be felt for years to come.

Sperbeck, Rev. Henry C., until Nov. 1, 1906, the pastor of the Presbyterian church at Port Carbon, was born in Hadley, Mass., Nov. 21, 1871, a son of William H. and Mary (Saphore) Sperbeck, and one of their five children, the others being William, Edwin, Daniel and Lillian. After due preliminary discipline in the common and high schools of his native town. Rev. Mr. Sperbeck matriculated at New Windsor college, New Windsor, Md., and after a full course of four years he was graduated with honors. He then entered the theological seminary of Princeton university and after a three years' course was ordained a minister of the gospel of the Presbyterian faith. His assignment to the Port Carbon pastorate came in the fall of 1904 and he preached his first sermon in that city on Nov. 7. The Presbyterian church of Port Carbon was built in 1834 and the first pastor was Rev. Sylvanus Haight, who served for two years. In 1836 Rev. W. M. Sellars, a German Reformed minister, assumed charge, and he was followed by Rev. Robert McCartee of New York state. During the nine years from 1841 to 1850 several different pastors were in charge and in the latter year Rev. T. H. Wardlaw took the charge. He was followed in turn by Rev. A. M. Lowry and Rev. Silas A. Davenport, the latter serving from 1853 to 1877; from 1878 to 1882 Henry S. Bell was the pastor, and from the latter year to 1886 A. A. Murphy was the minister. Rev. Mr. McAskie, who succeeded Mr. Murphy, resigned in 1890 and his place was taken by Rev. Henry Tolson. Mr. Tolson's term ended in 1893 and from Jan. 25, 1894 until the April before Mr. Sperbeck assumed the charge, the pastor was Rev. James Boal. Since the erection of the church in 1834 there have been in it one hundred and fifty-six baptisms and sixty-two weddings. During Mr. Sperbeck's incumbency of the pastorate the church was in a most flourishing condition. The size of the congregation increased and numerous repairs were made on both the church and the parsonage. In1 1900 Mr. Sperbeck married Anna N. Null, a daughter of George F. and Louisa ( Ecoff) Null of Wilmington, Del. Two children, Miriam and Warren, have blessed this union. On Nov. 1, 1906, Mr. Sperbeck accepted a call to the pastorate of the Watsontown Presbyterian church. His going was a loss not only to the congregation to which in two years he had be- come endeared and respected, but to the community as a whole.

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History of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, Vol. II, Part 57

Author: Schalck, Adolf W. Publication date: 1907 Publisher: State Historical Association Number of Pages: 700

Author: Schalck, Adolf W.
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: State Historical Association
Number of Pages: 700