History of the counties of Lehigh and Carbon, in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Pt. 1, Part 17

Author: Mathews, Alfred, 1852-1904; Hungerford, Austin N., joint author
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : Everts & Richards
Number of Pages: 948

USA > Pennsylvania > Lehigh County > History of the counties of Lehigh and Carbon, in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Pt. 1 > Part 17
USA > Pennsylvania > Carbon County > History of the counties of Lehigh and Carbon, in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Pt. 1 > Part 17

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dednetions. In his intercourse with men his friend- ships were unfaltering, while his aversions were equally sturdy. This did not, however, affect his generosity nor modify his kindly instinets. He was known as a man of integrity, unblemished, pure in thought, honorable in motive, frank, manly, and gracious in all his ways. To no trust was he ever disloyal, to no principle recreant, to no friend insin- eere. His death occurred Nov. 26, 1883, in his sixty- third year, not less sincerely mourned in professional than in private life.

Rebecca, a daughter of Dr. Charles H. Martin, became the wife of Dr. John Mickley, who settled at Milton, Northumberland Co. Matilda, another daughter, married Dr. Jolm Romig, of whom a sketch is given in this chapter.

IV. Peter, the fourth son of Dr. Christian Freder- ick Martin who chose to follow the medical profes- sion, after a few years' practice with his father, settled on the Little Lehigh River, in Macungie township, and practiced medicine in the surrounding country until his death, about 1846.

Mary, the daughter of Dr. Christian Frederick Martin, was the wife of John Dickenshied, and the mother of Dr. Charles H. Dickenshied, and a daugh- ter of Dr. Charles HI. Martin became the wife of Dr. Samuel Young.

About 1794, Dr. John Frederick Ruhe, a native of Germany, came to Allentown, after spending three or four years in New York and Philadelphia. He had practiecd in London, England, for about twenty-seven years, being an assistant to the king's apothecary. In Allentown he opened what was the first store ex- clusively for the sale of drugs, and his practice, as he was advanced in years, was confined to his office.

Some time prior to 1809, Dr. James Jameson came to what is now Allentown from Adams County. Ile was a large owner of stock in the chain bridge which was built a few years later, and he erected and lived in the toll-house at the end of it with the keeper, and had his office there also. He was considered a good surgeon and had a large drive, attending principally upon that class of cases where the knife rather than physic was needed. He left a son, James, who is now in Reading.

Dr. Charles F. Dickenshied was one of the old-line practitioners who enjoyed great professional popn- larity through a long period of active duty. He was born in what is now Lower Milford township, near Emaus, Jan. 22, 1791, and was the son of John and Mary ( Martin) Dickenshied, his mother being the daughter of that progenitor of a famous family of physicians, John Frederick Martin. His father died when the subject of this sketch was eight years of age. He then lived in the family of his grandfather. Dr. Frederick Martin, the grandfather of Dr. Charles L. Martin. When about eighteen years of age he studied medicine with his maternal uncles, Drs. Charles and Jacob Martin. He entered the Medical Department

HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

of the University of Pennsylvania and attended the lectures of such eminent doctors as the Bartons, James, and Physick, who in their day ranked at the head of the profession. After his graduation in 1817, he practiced medicine in the Milfords and surround- ing country and soon had a large practice. He re- mained in the profession until 1858, when he retired after he had acquired a handsome competency. He was a strict allopath. He relinquished his practice to his sons, Drs. J. H. and Charles Dickenshied, the lat- ter of whom died at the Trappe, in Montgomery County, thirty odd years ago. In 1858 he moved to Allentown, which has been his home since. With the exception of a few years, he has lived all the time at his late residence. When the war of 1812 broke out he entered the service as a surgeon's mate, and he was one of the latest lingering veterans of that war. He died Oct, 24, 1881, at the age of eighty-nine years

and twenty-six days, probably the oldest male citizen of Allentown at that time. Hle left four children, one son and three daughters. They are Dr. J. H. Dicken- shied, of Lower Milford, Mrs. Dr. Samuel Young, Mrs. Rev. N. S. Strassburger, and Miss Rebecca Dickenshied. His wife survives, and is eighty-four years of age. She is a sister of Michael D. Eberhard, who is eighty-five.

Dr. Samuel Young, a native of Upper Sancon, who has been spoken of as a son-in-law of Dr. Charles F. Dickenshied, was a regularly educated physician, who began practice at Cold Brook, Bucks Co., subsequently removed to Milford, and in 1872 to Allentown, where he died in 1883, in his seventy-fourth year.

Dr. Charles Dickenshied, son of Charles F., had a son Charles, who became a physician, and now prac- tices in Trenton.

Dr. Samuel Young, who married a daughter of Dr. Charles F. Dickenshied, had a son Oliver, who prac- ticed medicine in Berks County, and died there in 1863.

and John H. The death of Dr. Dickenshied occurred in October, 1881. His son, John H., was born June 4, 1826, on the homestead in Upper Milford, the home of his boyhood having been also his residence in later years. He was educated at Allentown and the Aca- demie Department of the University of Pennsylvania, and choosing the profession of medicine, entered the office of his father as a student. He graduated from the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania in 1847, and at once became identi- fied with the active practice of medicine as associate with his father. On the removal of the latter to Allentown in 1857, the doctor assumed control of the whole field of labor. His thorough course of study, excellent judgment, and wide experience from years of practice have placed him among the leading phy- sicians of the county in point of skill and reputa- tion. The doctor, in November, 1856, married Miss Amanda MI., daughter of George Steinman, and has children,-Eugene H., Emma S., Ida MI., Frederick S., Agnes L., Annie C., Charles F., and Mary E. Eugene H., after graduating at the Medical Depart- ment of the University of Pennsylvania, became as- sociated with his father, and divides the labor attend- ing their very extended practice. Dr. Dickenshied many years since became a member of the Lehigh County Medical Society. He is a director of the First National Bank of Allentown, and one of the board of managers of the Goshenhoppen Mutual Fire In- surance Company. He finds little leisure for matters of political concern, though a Republican in politics. Both he and Mrs. Dickenshied are members of the German Reformed Church.

Dr. George Van Buskirk, who attended lectures as early as 1801-2 at the University of Pennsylvania and the Jefferson Medical College, practiced at Mil- lerstown during the war of 1812, and subsequently removed to Pottstown. A son now practices dentis- try in Allentown.

Dr. Jonas Rothrock, a native of Northampton

Dr. John H. Dickenshied is a grandson of John Dickenshied, who settled in Milford township, Lehigh ! County, after attending a course or so of lectures, be- Co., where he was industrionsly employed as a sad- gan practicing in 1818 at Freemansburg, and soon afterwards moved to Macungie, where he followed his profession for a short period. He removed to dler. He was mited in marriage to a Miss Martin, and had children,-Charles F., Mary ( Mrs. Klotz), and Elizabeth ( Mrs. Paul Knanss). Charles F. was . Haines Hill, in Berks County, where he died, after born in Upper Milford township, Sept. 29, 1792, where keeping a tavern for a number of years. much of his life was spent. Hle early chose medicine Dr. Jacob Stine, a native of Allentown, studied with Dr. Charles H. Martin during the years 1816-18, and afterwards practiced ten or fifteen years, or until his death. The attorney, Jacob Stine, is his son. as a profession, graduated at the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania, and after a brief interval of practice at adjacent points in Lehigh County, located in Upper Milford, where he puesned Dr. Matthias began practice at Millerstown about 1820, after being for a short time at Trexlerstown. Hle was popular and had fine abilities. About 1825 he left for Philadelphia, selling his practice to Dr. James B. Hahn, who five or six years later removed to New York State. his profession uninterruptedly for a period of forty years. Dr. Dickenshied was regarded as a successful practitioner, well skilled in the healing art. Ile even- tually removed to Allentown and retired from active labor. He married Annie Catherine Eberhard, daugh- ter of Ileury Eberhard, of Allentown, and had chil- About 1821, Dr. Zangerly, a native of Germany, who had graduated at Philadelphia, commenced prac- dren,-Anna Maria (Mrs. Sammel Young), Diana .

(Mrs. N. S. Strausberger), Charles H., Rebecca M., i tice in Lynnville, Lynn township, and continued

THE MEDICAL PROFESSION.

until his death in 1859, achieving the reputation of being an unusually good physician.

Dr. Christopher Hoffstetter, a native of Wurtem- berg, eame to Emaus about 1825, and abont 1836 re- moved to Illinois, where a few years subsequently he found the ills of life unbearable and committed suicide.

Dr. Griffith Schall, who practiced in Lehigh County for a very long period, was a native of New York State, and was born in the year 1800. He was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, and im- mediately afterwards began practice in Heidelberg. In 1829 he succeeded Dr. John Romig, in Fogelsville, and about 1850 removed to Hecktown, where he practiced until within a few months of his death, which occurred in 1882. His praetice had extended through sixty years. He left a son, Joseph Schall, who is now a physician in Meadville, Crawford Co., Pa. A son, William, studied with his father, and praetieed a few years, but died in early manhood.

Dr. Henry Schall, a brother of the subject of the foregoing mention, born in New York State, was also a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania. He practiced in Saegersville and in Heidelberg town- ship. He died in 1837, aged thirty-eight. His wife, Rachel Steckel, being aware that his end was near, his disease being consumption, studied medicine with her husband, and upon his death took up his praetiee and supported her family of six children. Three sons were sent to and graduated from the Jefferson Medi- cal College, becoming physicians. John D. settled at home, and there followed his profession. Griffith HI. located near Lehighton, in Carbon County, after- wards moving to Slatington, where he died in 1881. James practiced in Whitehall and Breinigsville, re- moved to Meadville, Pa., and subsequently to Texas, where he died about 1866, aged thirty-five years.

Dr. Jesse Gritlith was quite a well-known prae- titioner in Millerstown and vicinity for eight or ten years succeeding 1830. He came from and returned to Philadelphia.

Dr. Joseph Young, a native of Bavaria, who studied medicine and graduated at Freiburg, in the Grand Duchy of Baden, came to this country about 1890, and three years later settled in Emans. After prae- ticing there a few years he returned to his native land, and marrying there, brought his bride to this country and settled in Macungie in 1842. Four years later he removed to Milwaukee, where he spent the re- mainder of his life.

Dr. William F. Danowsky, of Poland, who studied medieine, graduated, and married in his native land, eame to this country in 1836, after serving as phy- sician and surgeon on a Polish whaler for eighteen months. He settled in the Saucon Valley, where he practiced for a short time, and then moved to Emans, where he remained a number of years. He then lo- cated in Allentown, and in 1853 commenced the manufacture on a small scale of illuminating gas. .

This resulted in the establishment of the Allentown gas-works, of which Dr. Danowsky may be considered the founder.1 In 1860 he went to live on a farm in Union County, but subsequently returned to Allen- town, where he died in 1875. Dr. E. J. Danowsky, druggist, is his son.

Dr. Christian F. Schultz, a native of Brunswiek, Germany, who graduated in medicine in Utrecht, Holland, and in anatomy from a school of his native town, came to this country in 1840 and settled in Emaus as a partner with Dr. William Danowsky. In 1842 he removed to Maryland, and thence to the West Indies, but in 1844 returned to this country and again located at Emans, where he still lives.

John Romig, M.D., was descended from a family of German origin which early emigrated to America. John Adam, the grandfather of the doctor, was a resident of Lehigh County, where his son John was born, and followed during his active life the business of a miller. He married Hannah Koehler, of the same county, and had children,-Joseph, Peter, John, Charles, William J., Judith, Rebecca, and Mary. John, the subject of this biographical sketch, was born Jan. 3, 1804, in what is now known as Centre Valley, Lehigh Co. Here and at Allentown the years of his youth were spent in pursuit of such advantages of education as were afforded by the schools of the day. In the fall of 1820, when seven- teen years of age, having decided upon a professional career, he entered the office of Dr. William I. C. Banm, formerly of Reading, who had recently re- moved to Allentown, as a student of medicine. His studies were continued under his preceptor for four years, during which period three courses of lectures were attended at the Medical Department of the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania, where he graduated in 1825. Fogelsville was the scene of his earliest professional labors, after which he removed to Allentown, and in 1838 engaged in active practice of a general character. With the exception of a brief interval as a prac- titioner in the city of Baltimore, it has since been his residence. He was married in 1826 to Miss Eliza Fogel, danghter of Solomon Fogel, of Fogelsville, whose death occurred in 1828, when he was again married in 1830 to Miss S. Matilda Martin, of Allen- town, to whom were born a large family of children. The survivors are John, William HI., George M., Hannah L. (Mrs. Joshua Hunt), Auna J. (Mrs. Joseph Hunt), and Matilda. The death of Mrs. Romig occurred Oct. 2, 1883. The professional labors of Dr. Romig in Lehigh County extended over a period of more than half a century, during which time he enjoyed a large family practice, and was re- garded as a physician of skill, diseretion, and a wide experience. In response to the demands of his pa- tients, and in accordance with his convictions, Dr. Romig, in 1834, embraced the principles of the

1 See history of Allentown.

HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

homeopathic school, to which for a brief period he devoted himself exclusively. In connection with Dr. Constantine Hering, of Philadelphia, and Dr. II. Det- willer, of Easton, be in 1836 established the North American Academy of Homeopathy at Allentown, which was the first homeopathie school of medicine in America. He graduated from this institution on the 14th of August, 1888, and subsequently, as one of its faculty, filled the chair of obstetrics.

In 1880 he retired from active practice, having been succeeded by his sons, Drs. William H. and George M. Romig, the former of whom graduated from the Medieal Department of the University of Pennsyl- vania in 1867, and from the Hahnemann Medical College in 1871. George M. received his diploma from the University of Pennsylvania in 1868, and from the Hahnemann Medical College in 1870. They are exponents in the practice of both schools of med- icine.

Dr. Romig was early made a member of the State Medical Society, though in later years not among its active workers. His political convictions are in har- mony with the platform of the Republican party, though he has found little leisure for participation in the exciting arena of politics. He has been for years an elder of the Presbyterian Church of Allentown.

Dr. William J. Romig, one of the best known med- ical men of the county, was a younger brother of Dr. John Romig, and was born June 18, 1821. Hle studied with his brother and at Jefferson Medieal College, and commenced practice at Catasauqua, though he subsequently located at Allentown. Hle retired from practice in 1872, and was preparing to resume when he died suddenly of pneumonia on April 10, 1883, aged nearly sixty-two years. Dr. Romig was favorably thought of in a very wide circle, not less for his qualities as a man than because of his abilities as a physician. He was one of the earliest and sturdiest leaders in the anti-slavery movement, and was fore- most in almost every good canse, deeply interested in Christianity and the welfare of the church, a strong advocate of temperance, and a vigorous agitator for the advance of the cause. Dr. Romig was twice mar- ried. His first wife, with whom he was united Dee. 9, 1845, was Miss Mary Royer, of Allentown, by whom he had four children. He was married to his second wife, Miss L. Anna Matthews, of Philadelphia, Jan. 2, 1855.

The first person who attended to the medicinal wants of the people in Weissenberg and the surround- ing country was the Rev. John Helfrich. His suc- cessor was his son, Dr. John Henry Helfrich, who was a very successful physician and enjoyed a large practice.

Dr. Frederick A. Wallace, of Easton, went to Hynemansville, in Weissenberg township, in 1845, and practiced there until 1850, when he moved to Philadelphia. Subsequently he removed to Fox Lake, Wis., where he now lives. He was succeeded

by Dr. Frank Nice in 1852. Dr. Frederick Seiber- ling, now of Lynn township, practiced in Weissenberg about eight years, dating from 1862, and I. A. Saylor for four years subsequent to 1871, when he served a term as prothonotary of Lehigh County, and then re- turned to Hynemansville and resumed the duties of his profession. Dr. Joshua Seiberling began practice in this locality in 1875, and Dr. John Brunner about the same time.

Joshua Kern, a native of North Whitehall, studied medicine with Dr. John Romig, of Allentown, and graduated in 1846 from the Jefferson Medical Col- lege, commencing practice immediately afterward at what is now Orefield, in South Whitehall. He is still in practice.

Thomas B. Cooper, the son of Peter and Susannah Cooper, was born Dec. 29, 1823, at Coopersburg, Lehigh Co., Pa. He, after a preliminary course of study, received a thorough scholastic training at the Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, and, choosing medicine as a profession, entered the Medical De- partment of the University of Pennsylvania, from which he graduated on the 1st of March, 1843. He was, on the 14th of October, 1845, married to Miss Elmina C. Shantz, whose children are Alice Blanche, Oscar F., Tilghman S., Llewellyn H., Thomas E., and Elmina.

Dr. Cooper began his professional career at Coopers- burg, and very speedily achieved both reputation and an extended practice. His love for his profession was strong, and his ability to respond to the demands of a great number of patients so remarkable that his field of labor was supplied on his death by four physicians, with practice suthicient for each.

The doctor, as a relaxation from the arduous duties of his profession, devoted much attention to the politi- cal issues of the day. As a Democrat, he was in 1860 elected to Congress from the Sixth Congressional Dis- triet, composed of Lehigh and Bucks Counties, the canvass being a very closely contested one, and suc- cess the result of his untiring energy and personal popularity.

Dr. Cooper; in his business methods, was thorough and upright, and in all his professional career keenly alive to the important interests intrusted to his skill and judgment. He possessed a vigorous mind, acute perceptions, and great energy. In his religious pref- erences he was a Lutheran, having connected himself with that church while a student at Gettysburg. His death occurred April 4, 1862, at his home in Coopers- burg.

Dr. William Herbst is of German parentage, his grandfather, John, having been a manufacturer of German cloths in Mueselwitz, Saxony. Among his children were two sons, who emigrated to America, -John G., a resident of Northampton County, and Frederick William, who graduated from the Jef- ferson Medical College, Philadelphia, in 1827, and settled in Pike township, Berks Co., where he prac-

Milliana Herbst

Aaron & miller M.D

THE MEDICAL PROFESSION.

ticed for a continuons period of forty years. Later ! in life the city of Reading became his home, where his death occurred in 1880.

He married Miss Catharine, daughter of George Schall, of Pike township, Berks Co., and had chil- dren,-George, Mary (wife of Rev. G. A. Hinterleitner, of Pottsville, Pa.), William, Hannah (Mrs. E. W. Gil- bert, of Reading), and John (deceased). William was born Sept. 24, 1833, in Pike township, Berks Co., and received his education at the Williston Seminary, Easthampton, Mass., after which he began the study of medicine, and graduated from the Jefferson Medi- cal College, Philadelphia, in 1855. He located at Trexlertown, Upper Macungie township, and has since enjoyed an extended practice. Ilis skillful treat- ment of the many forms of disease has brought him into intimate professional relations with the leading families in a large area of territory, and given him an exclusive field in the village of his residence, where he is the only physician. The doctor has made , gent reading of the standard works of the day. The a specialty of the science of botany, his attainments doctor was married in 1863, to Miss Sarah K., daugh- ter of William Mosser, of Albany, Berks Co. Their children are Cora A., Peter W., Maggie S., Sophia R., and Franklin A. The doctor is in politics a Re- publican, but so exclusively devoted to his profession as to have little leisure for matters of public concern. He is the owner of a productive farm, and is also a director of the Saegersville Slate Mining and Manu- facturing Company, and engaged in other business operations. He is in religion a member of the Ger- man Reformed Church, of Heidelberg. having seenred for him a professor's chair in Muhlen- berg College, Allentown, which he filled for seven years. He has been since 1860 a member of both the State and County Medical Societies. He was for thirteen years associated with the Lehigh County almshouse as physician. The doctor was married, in 1858, to Elnora B., daughter of David Schall, of Trexlertown. Their children are H. Herbert, a grad- uate of Muhlenberg College, and of the medical de- partment of the University of Pennsylvania, who is a practitioner at Wilmington, Del., and one daughter, Carrie. Dr. Herbst is a director of the Allentown National Bank, and actively identified with the busi- ness interests of the township in which he resides. In religion he is a Lutheran, and member of the Lutheran Church of Trexlertown. In polities he is a Democrat, but not active in the arena of politics.

Aaron Miller, M.D., traces his lineage for several | generations to Christian Miller, Sr., who was born June 5, 1706, and died July 11, 1785. His son Christian, Jr., was born Jan. 6, 1741, and died Oct. . 21. 1763. The birth of Peter, son of the last named, and grandfather of Dr. Aaron Miller, occurred Jan. 19, 1772, and his death Aug. 22, 1855. He was married to Maria Bachman, daughter of Nicholas Bachman, with whom he spent sixty-two years of married life. His son Peter was born Dec. 4, 1802, and married Magdalena, daughter of the late Joseph Saoger. Their children are Maria L. (married to Levi Kranss), William F. Miller (deceased), Matilda (married to Hon. Samnel J. Kistler), Joseph F. Miller (deceased), Owen H. Miller, Aaron S. Miller, M.D., Edward P. Miller, M.D., Sophia R. (married to Dr. William G. M. Seiple, of Lehighton), and Sarah A. Miller (deceased).

Aaron, the subject of this sketch, was born July 1, 1839, in Saegersville, Lehigh Co., Pa., where his early life was passed. He received his earliest education at

the village school, and later became a pupil of the leading school of Allentown, after which he prose- cuted his studies at Kingston, Luzerne Co., Pa. He carly decided upon a professional career, and in 1859 began the study of medicine with Dr. David O. Mosser, of Breinigsville, . Lehigh Co., which was continued with Dr. D. D. Shade, of Steinsville, Pa. He attended lectures at the Medical College of the University of New York, and graduated from that institution in the spring of 1862. Hle first located at Germansville, Pa .. and after a successful practice of two years removed to Saegersville, where he has since followed his profession. From the first Dr. Miller enjoyed an extended practice, which has also been successful and lucrative. Like most country prac- titioners he engages in a general practice, including such occasional cases of surgery as come under his observation. He is a close student, drawing his wisdom not less from experience than from intelli-

Jacob S. Shimer, M.D., son of Charles B. Shimer, - born in Shimersville, in Upper Milford, April 4, 1836, -studied medicine in the University of Pennsylvania, and gradnated in the spring of 1857. The same year he entered into partnership with Dr. Samuel R. Rit- tenhouse, in Macungie, where he practiced medicine for eleven months. Married the same year Miss Caro- lina C. Smith, of Philadelphia. Removed in the year 1858 to Bethlehem, where he practiced his profession for only a few months, and removed to his native place (Shimersville), and practiced medicine for about six years. He sold his property in 1865 to Dr. .. M. Sigmund. In 1863 Dr. Shimer united himself with the Evangelical Association, and was licensed in the spring of 1866 as a minister of the gospel. Hle continued to preach the gospel in several circuits of the church, in Montgomery County, Camden, N. J., and Philadelphia for several years. Ile was then compelled to resign his ministerial charge on account of poor health, and returned to his medical profession, and is since practicing medicine in Phila- delphia. Besides his medieal business, he has been since 1880 a corresponding editor of a non-sectarian quarterly magazine, Vierteljahrschrift für Wissenschaft- liche und Praktische Theologie (in German), published by Lauer & Yost, Cleveland, Ohio.

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History of the counties of Lehigh and Carbon, in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Pt. 1, Part 17

Author: Mathews, Alfred, 1852-1904; Hungerford, Austin N., joint author Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : Everts & Richards Number of Pages: 948

Author: Mathews, Alfred, 1852-1904; Hungerford, Austin N., joint author
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : Everts & Richards
Number of Pages: 948