USA > Pennsylvania > Lehigh County > History of the counties of Lehigh and Carbon, in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Pt. 1 > Part 56
USA > Pennsylvania > Carbon County > History of the counties of Lehigh and Carbon, in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Pt. 1 > Part 56
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William 11. Taylor received a rudimentary educa- tion, and at an early age evineing a talent for mechan- ies, was apprenticed at the age of eighteen to Charles Dantforth, at Paterson, N. J., with whom he remained until the completion of his apprenticeship. Desiring a more extended knowledge of mechanies, he spent several years visiting the most prominent works. gain- ing new ideas, strengthening his mechanical abilities, and attaining proficiency in all departments of me- chanical labor.
In 1851 he was married to Catharine G. Deeths, daughter of Nicholas and Ann Deeths, of Paterson, N. J., to whom were born three children, -Emma G., married to Arthur D. Troxell ; Cassie G., married to Albert G. Wheeler ; and William H., all of whom sur- vived him.
In 1852, Mr. Taylor visited California, but returned in a short time to assume a responsible position. In 1865 the failing health of his wife compelled a trip to Europe, and while abroad additional mechanical knowledge was acquired. On his return, in 1866, he assumed an interest in the Watson Manufacturing Company, Paterson, N. J. This continued until the following year, when he embarked in a new enterprise, in which was laid the foundation for his subsequent extensive trade in machinery and machinists' supplies. His previously acquired knowledge of machinery and his natural mechanical genius now came into full ex- ereise. Accompanying these was decided capacity for business, great energy of character, and remarkable discernment in the prosecution of his enterprises.
A large portion of his trade emanating from Penn- . sylvania made it advisable to seek a location more
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THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN.
convenient to his patrons. This faet influeneed his removal to Allentown, Pa., in 1868, where his trade assumed large proportions, his establishment be- coming the largest machinery and machinists' supply depot in Eastern Pennsylvania. Desiring rest in 1876, in company with his wife, he again visited Europe, contemplating a continental tour, but re- turned the same year, his business in this country demanding his attention.
In 1879 he associated with him as partner his son, William H., who, on his father's death, succeeded to the business, which has greatly increased in its pro- portions, the trade extending to all parts of the United States.
During the period of Mr. Taylor's active business life in Allentown, he brought his establishment into such prominence, by fair and legitimate channels of trade, that the firm-name and the interests it repre- sented became synonymous terms among the indus- trial establishments.of Eastern Pennsylvania.
William H. Taylor was a man of the strictest in- tegrity in all his business relations. Whatever he thought worth doing he believed worth doing well. The work that his hands found to do he did with his might. A man of strong convictions and tenacious of his opinions, he was ever fair and just in his daily intereourse with the world.
On the 4th of June, 1880, after a brief illness, his diligent and honorable life calmly terminated. He had only attained his fifty-third year, his mind had lost none of its peculiar endowments, nor had his body yielded to the decrepitude of age. To his last moments his intelleet was vigorous, his mind clear, and his will strong.
In the commercial circle, had he lived, he would have added to his already attained honor, but the hand of the Unseen, who disposes all things, closed his career, and by His touch consecrated the memory of this useful, honored eitizen, and enterprising, suc- cessi'nl business man.
STEPHEN BARBER.
Mr. Barber is of English descent, and was born in Lower Nazareth township, Northampton Co., on the | Nathan, Catherine, Susan, Sally, Henry, Charles, and Ist of March, 1813. Having when but a lad been left fatherless, he found a home with a Mrs. Brown, a friend of his parents, with whoin his youth was spent on a farm in the same township. On reaching a suit- able age he repaired to Bethlehem and learned the trade of a carriage-builder, having previously acquired ; a common English education. Three years later he removed to New York State to perfect himself in his trade, and eventually settled in Fogelsville, where carriage-building was continued for a brief time.
Mr. Barber was married on the 9th of January, , chased by him was sold for ten times its original cost, 1838, to Miss Abigail Kuhns, daughter of John and . and Mr. Landenslager retired from active business, Mary Kuhns, of Lynn township, Lehigh Co., to whom
though still identified with the Catasauqua National was born one son, Allen F., on the 15th of February, , Bank as a director. He was married in July, 1834,
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1839. He married Henrietta, daughter of Rev. Wil- liam Minig, whose children are Harvey S., born March 6, 1862; John William, deceased; Alice A., whose birth occurred Jan. 6, 1865; and Allen E., born March 15, 1867. Allen F., was associated with his father in business until his death, which ocenrred April 24, 1874.
In 1838, Mr. Barber made Allentown his residence, where his trade was followed for five years, after which he engaged in the sale of coach trimmings and hard- ware, dealing largely in various iron materials. His business prospered, the demand for his wares being so great as to make importation a matter not only of advantage but necessity., Jie thus became the first importer of iron in the city. He took into partner- ship Messrs. Joseph and Mark Young, the former of whom now conducts the business. Mr. Barber was in polities a Republican, but neither a strong partisan mor an active politieian, choosing eligible men for office irrespective of party. He was a public-spirited citizen, and actively interested in matters pertaining to the advancement of the city of Allentown and her educational and municipal interests. In religion he was a member of Zion's Reformed Church, as was also his wife. Mr. Barber visited Europe both for pleasure and business, having intimate relations with the Shef- field cutlers, who bestowed upon him many polite at- ! tentions. He repaired to the South in search of health in 1858, and survived his return but two years. His death occurred March 7, 1860.
NATHAN LAUDENSLAGER.
George II. Laudeuslager, the grandfather of Nathan, emigrated from Germany about the year 1776, and settled in Macungie township, then Northampton County, where he followed the weaver's craft. Hle married Catherine Aget, and had four sons and two daughters. His sou, Henry, was born Oct. 28, 1790, in the present Lehigh County, his life having been chiefly spent in Macungie township and Allentown, to which city he removed in 1831. Here his death occurred in 1871. He married Lydia Hamman, of the same township, to whom were born children,-
Elizabeth. Nathan was born July 5, 1814, in Ma- cungie township, where his youth until his fifteenth year was spent. He then removed to Bethlehem and became an apprentice to the trade of a tinsmith, which was continued in Allentown until 1838, when he sold his business and purchased a half-interest in the Allentown Gas-Light Company, meanwhile man- ufacturing and supplying the city with gas. Under his management the works were enlarged, and the property greatly improved. In 187t the interest pur-
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IHISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
to Miss Rebecca, daughter of Abram Horn, of Allen- town, to whom were born children,-George II., Wil- liam A., Charles L., Mary, Eliza ( Mrs. George Seis- love), and Sally (Mrs. Charles H. Edwards). Mr. Lawdenslager is in politics a Democrat, but has as- pired to no office other than that of water commis- sioner, which he held for four successive years. He is a member of the German Reformed Church, as was also his wife, whose death occurred June 3, 1883. He is an active Odd-Fellow, member of Allen Lodge, No. 71, of I. O. O. F., and of Union Encampment, No. 12, of which he has been for thirty-three years treasurer.
EDWARD B. YOUNG.
Edward B. Young, the grandson of Christian and Catherine Young, and the son of Joseph Young and his wife, Hannah Blimer, was born in Allentown on the 6th of September, 1836. He was educated at the Allentown Seminary, then under the administration of Rev. Dr. Kessler, and as a school-boy he was distin- guished for his close application to his studies and the high sense of honor which characterized him through life. When between fifteen and sixteen years of age.he removed to Bellefonte, Centre Co., Pa., and served an apprenticeship of nearly three years at watchmaking, which trade he never followed, having been called home to enter the hardware house of Barber, Young & Co. He remained with this firm as general clerk and sales- man until 1860, when he was admitted as a partner, and continued so until his death. As a business man he was prompt, energetic, and enterprising. In Feb- ruary, 1860, he was married to Miss Mary A. Kuhns, daughter of the long-since deceased Peter Kulms. One daughter and two sons are the children of this marriage.
Col. Young's career as a citizen is one reflecting honor and credit upon himself and his native city. All matters affecting the welfare of the city, State, and country had his active support, and all the public trusts reposed in lin were sacredly guarded. As a citizen he was progressive, publie-spirited, and liberal. He served the Second Ward of Allentown in Select Conneil, and in various other capacities. For many years he was the treasurer of the Columbia Fire Com- pany, and felt a great interest and pride in the excel- lent fire department. In 1862, when the rebels first invaded Pennsylvania, he entered the service with the State militia, and in June, 1863, on the second inva- sion, enlisted as second lientenant in Co. II, Twenty- seventh Pennsylvania Militia. This regiment was subsequently mustered into the United States service, and joined the Army of the Potomac at Waynesboro. In the engagement at Wrightsville, Lient. Young showed great coolness and bravery.
Whatever services Col. Young may have rendered his fellow-citizens and country, it is as mayor of Al-
lentown that he is held in the highest esteem. In the spring of 1876, after a stubborn contest, he was elected by a majority of sixty-nine. His administration of the office demonstrated the wisdom of his election. As the "Centennial mayor" he gave the city a mu- nicipal government which was eminently judicious and successful. During the memorable labor riots of 1877, Mayor Young displayed those desirable quali- ties which great emergencies call forth. By his in- flexible will, cool determination, and wise forethought he saved the city from scenes of violence and blood- shed which marked the suppression of the riots in other cities of the State. He saw the gravity of the situation, and saved Allentown from the turbulent scenes which might have followed the administration of a less determined man.
Col. Young was a man of more than local reputa- tion. He was one of the prominent men of the State. lle was a member of the staff of Governors Hartranft and Hoyt. He represented Lehigh County in the Republican State Central Committee, and for a num- ber of years was chairman of the Republican County Executive Committee. He was a delegate to the Na- tional Convention at Cincinnati in 1876, and fre- quently represented the county as delegate at State conventions. As a politician he was active and en- thusiastic, contributing liberally of his means to the successful termination of campaigns, He was one of the best workers in the Republican party, free and outspoken in his convictions, and commanded the respect of his political opponents.
Col. Young's standing in the Masonic order was very exalted. He had conferred upon him the thirty- second degree by the Philadelphia Consistory. Ile was a member of Barger Lodge, Allen Chapter, Allen Council, and Allen Commandery, and a past officer of each. He was recognized as one of the brightest Masons in the State, and exercised great influence in the fraternity.
He was an active member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and one of the originators of Post 87, of this city, now E. B. Young Post, of which he was the first commander. At the time of his death he was quartermaster of the post. He was also an ex-member of the Council of Administration of the State Depart- ment, Grand Army of the Republic, and represented his post at many encampments.
In the capacity of prison inspector he exercised the same excellent qualities that characterized all his business and administrative relations, and demon- strated the fitness of his appointment.
Hle was a supporter and trustec of the Presbyterian Church, and ever ready to liberally aid the cause of Christianity and morality.
The death of Col. Young occurred Dec. 80, 1879, in his forty-fourth year.
Martin Kommerci
M. D. EBERHARD.
229
THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN.
MARTIN KEMMERER.
Mr. Kemmerer is both on the paternal and mater- nal side of German descent, the families having been very early settlers in the State and county. His grandfather, Henry Kemmerer, resided in Salisbury township, where he cultivated a farm. His children were Jacob, George, John, Adam, Henry, Martin, and three daughters. Martin, the youngest of these sous, married Deborah Walter, and had children, -Maria (Mrs. Adam Laudenschlager), Philip, Henry, David, Solomon, Martin, and Daniel. Mr. Kemmerer removed in 1821 to Upper Milford township, where his death occurred in 1854. His son, Martin, was born in Salis- bury township, Dee. 28, 1818, and at an early age re- moved to Upper Milford. Here he enjoyed but meagre advantages of education, and until his twentieth year found active employment on the farm of his father. He then sought a broader field of ac- tivity in the West, and, making Ohio his residence, en- gaged for a while in trafhe. On returning he was married to Miss Sarah, daughter of J. W. Bruner, of Upper Milford township, whose children are William (deceased), Mary Ann (Mrs. Jacob M. Backenstoe, of Salisbury township), Sarah A. (Mrs. Philip B. Kem- merer, of Illinois), Leah ( Mrs. Thomas Leidy, of Berks County ), and Martin (deceased). In 1842 Mr. Keu- merer purchased the homestead farm and engaged for twenty-four years in its cultivation and improvement and in the business of mining and lumbering, after which, in 1867, he removed to Allentowu, his present residence. Here he is occupied in the purchase and sale of real estate on a considerable scale. He is in- terested in many of the important business ventures of the city, as vice-president and director of the Second National Bank of Allentown, director of the Lehigh Furnace, etc. In politics he is a stanch Republican, and in 1845 was in a township largely Democratic elected justice of the peace, and served during an ex- tended period of twenty years. Other offices of minor importance have at various times been held by him. Mr. Kemmerer is in his religions faith a Lutheran, and member of St. Michael's Lutheran Church of Allentown.
MICHAEL D. EBERHARD.
The Eberhard family are of German descent. The grandfather of the subject of this biographical sketch was Michael, whose son, Henry, married Miss Anna Maria Dubbs, who was the mother of three children, Michael D., Jacob, and Catherine (Mrs. Charles F. Dickenshied). Michael D. was born on the 20th of September, 1796, in Upper Milford township, Lehigh Co. (then Northampton County), and removed with his father in 1810 to Allentown. His earliest advan- tages of education were received at a school in the vicinity of his home, after which he pursued his studies in Philadelphia. He then engaged in teaching, and being also proficient in music, became a musical in-
structor and an organist. This profession he followed for many years, and later embarked in the lumber business, which was continued for several years.
Mr. Eberhard was married, in 1821, to Miss Eliza- beth Knepply, daughter of Matthew Knepply, of Upper Saneon, Lehigh Co. Their only child is a daughter, Maria E., now residing with her father. The death of Mrs. Eberhard occurred on the 1st of October, 1879. Mr. Eberhard has been, sinee the organization of the party, an active Republican, and though not an aspirant for position, has held several minor offices in the city of Allentown. He was for- merly a director of the Northampton Bank, and other- wise interested in publie and business measures. Mr. Eberhard is in religion'a member of Zion's German Reformed Church, in which he has officiated as elder and was for many years treasurer.
REV. EDWIN WILSON HUTTER, D.D.
Edwin Wilson Hutter, who was named for his ma- ternal grandfather, James Wilson, was the son of Charles L. and Mary Wilson Hutter. He was of German ancestry, and born in Allentown, Lehigh Co., l'a., Sept. 12, 1813. His grandfather, Christian Jacob Ilutter, settled in Lancaster before the Revo- lution, but later in life removed to Easton, where he established the Sentinel newspaper, and where Charles L., the father of Edwin W. Hutter, was born. In 1811, Charles L. Hutter removed to Allentown, and continued the publication of the Republikaner, which had been started by his father. Upon the death of Charles L. Hutter, Edwin W. Hutter returned from school at Nazareth, and at the age of sixteen took the editorship of his father's papers,-the Independent. Republikaner and the Lehigh Herald, and at the same time assumed a parental relation towards a large family of younger brothers and sisters.
While yet in his minority Mr. Hutter was ap- pointed, in 1832, by Governor Wolf, prothonotary of Lehigh County, and afterwards, by Amos Kendall, postmaster of Allentown. He continued in the latter position until 1889, when, under the administration of Governor Porter, he accepted a position in the Surveyor-General's office at Harrisburg. Ile was next called to the editorship of the Keystone. While at Harrisburg he established a German paper,-the Pennsylvania Staat Zeitung, and was elected State printer two successive terms. He next became editor of the Democratic Union, the organ of that party, and at the beginning of Governor Porter's second term was appointed deputy secretary under Hon. Anson V. Parsons, Secretary of the Commonwealth, At the commencement of President Polk's administration Mr. Hutter removed to Washington, where he was for three years private secretary to Hon. James Bu- chanan, then Secretary of State, at the close of which he returned to Pennsylvania, and became the editor
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HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
and proprietor of the Lancaster Intelligencer and Jour- nul. During his connection with the Intelligencer he delivered a culogy upon Mr. Polk, which was praised for its grace and the ability displayed, and was re- published in several newspapers. Before Mr. Hut- ter decided to enter the ministry, as an inducement to keep him in political life, President Polk offered him the position of minister to Rome, which he de- clined.
He was married to Miss Elizabeth E. Shindel, daughter of Col. Jacob and Elizabeth Shindel, and granddaughter of Baron Peter Shindel, of Lebanon, Lebanon Co., Pa., though natives of Germany. Their children were two sons,-Christian Jacob, who lived to be two years and twenty-four days old, and James Buchanan, whose godfather was James Buchanan, ex- President of the United States, who died when three years and a half old. On the death of these children Mr. Hutter felt impelled to devote the remainder of his life to the preaching of the gospel.
In the summer of 1849 he was urged by the Lutheran Board of Publication, at Baltimore, to take charge of the Lutheran Book Concern, and to assist in conduct- ing the Lutheran Observer, to which he assented, read- ing theology, in the intervals, under Rev. Benjamin Kurtz, D.D., its senior editor. Hle was licensed to preach by the Synod of Pennsylvania (the mother Synod of the Lutheran Church), it Pottsville, June, 1850, and preached one of his first sermons at Allen- town. During the summer he visited Philadelphia, and preached two sermons in the old Pine Street Presbyterian Church, where he was heard by some of the members of St. Matthew's Church, at whose in- stance he was invited to preach in the pulpit of the latter, which had shortly before become vacated by the resignation of Dr. Stork. The discourse was so satisfactory io the congregation that on the following day they convened a meeting, and extended to Mr. Hutter a unanimous call, which he accepted, and entered upon his pastoral duties carly in September, 1850, where he continued to labor until his death.
As a marked evidence of his sincerity it may be . Northern Home for Friendless Children and Soldiers' mentioned that in accepting his first and only call the question of salary was a matter of no moment to him. !
Immediately before he accepted the ministry of St. Matthew's a colony of some forty families had gone out from it, with Rev. Dr. Stork, to Spring Garden and Thirteenth Streets, but these vacancies were speedily filled, and during Mr. Hutter's ministration over eight hundred members were added to the church. All the indebtedness was extinguished, and several Lutheran churches in the city have grown ont of the missions originating under his ministrations.
The numerical growth and financial condition of St. Matthew's have been sneh that at various times in its history it has been instrumental, through its mem- bers, in originating and establishing other prosperous church enterprises. St. Mark's, on Spring Garden Street, near Thirteenth ; St. Luke's, on Fourth Street,
near Thompson; St. Peter's, on Reed Street, near Ninth ; Grace Church, Spring Garden and Thirty- fifth Streets; and Messiah, Sixteenth and Jefferson Streets, were severally started and fostered by this congregation. Together with the parent church these congregations are all in a growing condition.
In addition to his other labors, Mr. Ilutter was one of the editors of the Lutheran Observer from 1857 to 1870, and upon the death of Rev. Benjamin Kurtz, on Dee. 24, 1865, pronounced the eulogy on his life and character, at Selinsgrove, Pa.
Mr. Hutter was much opposed to the dissolution of the Union, and equally energetic in his opposition to the war, preaching strong and powerful sermons in defense of the Union, which were extensively printed in the leading papers of the city of Philadelphia and throughout the State. But when the confliet seemed inevitable, he assumed a decided position as an ad- herent of the government and the flag which was so dear to his heart. During the most memorable days of the struggle he did much to relieve the sick and wounded soldiers, laboring upon the battle-field of Gettysburg, where, with characteristic kindness, he ministered alike to Union and disunion soldiers.
At the first battle of Bull Run President Lincoln telegraphed for Mr. Hutter, who with his wife first passed through the Union lines. He enjoyed the confidence and respect of the President, who often summoned him for consultation. Mr. and Mrs. Hutter frequently visited the sick and wounded soldiers in the hospitals at Washington, through the Shenandoah Valley, and at City Point, distributing money, food, and clothing, and doing much by their presence to soothe and cheer the sufferers. Mr. Hutter was one of the managers of the Refreshment Saloon, which fed many thousand soldiers on their way to the battle- field. He was one of the originators of the Soldiers' Orphan Schools throughout the State, and in frequent consultation with Governor Curtin. He was one of the founders of the Industrial Home for Blind Women. lle was a member of the board of trustees of the
and Sailors' Orphans, and dedicated the first Soldiers' Orphan School in America. By order of the board of trustees of this institution his bust in marble was placed in the large committee-room of the building. There is also erected in the large chapel of the Home a memorial window, depicting the ascension with the inscription, " He being dead yet speaketh." Ile left Lehigh County in 1839, and labored successfully for the last twenty-three years of his life in Philadelphia, but ever maintained the warmest attachment for the connty of his birth and the friends of his youth.
In 1868, Mr. Hutter received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from the Pennsylvania College at Gettys- burg. In 1871 his health began to fail in conse- quence of his severe and too often self-imposed labors i in his parish. Nothing was too hazardous or trying i in aid of his church. In the pulpit, in the Sunday-
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BOROUGH OF CATASAUQUA.
school, and especially among the poor and infirm, the sick and the dying, as friend and counselor, he was ever ready, never thinking of himself or his personal comfort. He was a prodigious worker, and spoke Eng- lish and German with uncommon facility. In society he was agreeable and refined, especially among people of learning. He had a rich fund of humor, and his short newspaper paragraphs abounded in wit. A deep thinker and a close reader, he gave tone and dignity to everything he discussed, and all the newspapers he : bers of St. John's Lutheran Church of Allentown. condneted were marked by his strong and vigorous style.
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