USA > Pennsylvania > Montgomery County > Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, a history, Volume II > Part 37
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aclarence Energi
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He was a member of the Southern Methodist denomination in his relig- ious affiliation.
On March 6, 1865, at New Cranford, Virginia, George W. Robertson married Eliza Jane May, daughter of Daniel and Eliza Anne (Bateman) May, and descendant of an old Virginia family of Huguenot descent. Mr. and Mrs. Robertson are the parents of eight children, three dying in infancy, the others being: Martha Alice, deceased; Anne Moore, deceased; Lulu; Charles ; and Frank, deceased. Lulu and Charles are the only two living at the present time. Lulu married J. Howard Shewell, September 5, 1894, at Baltimore, Maryland. Their children are as follows: Earl, deceased ; Myrtle, deceased ; Jessie, married Percy E. Supplee, and they have one child, Earl; George Henry, married Myrtle Snyder, and they have one child, George; Lulu Eliza, at home; Agatha, at home.
A. CLARENCE EMERY-Since 1907 A. Clarence Emery has been practicing law in the borough of Norristown, Pennsylvania, and the years which have intervened have brought him substantial results, for in these many years he has always been actuated by a spirit that recog- nizes the fact that efficiency and capability are the only qualities which really entitle one to advancement.
Louis F. Emery, father of A. Clarence Emery, was born at East Pikeland, Chester county, Pennsylvania. Early in life he removed to Norristown, where he remained until his death, engaged for many years in the retail grocery business at the corner of Main and Chain streets. Politically, he was a Democrat, but in no sense of the word took an active part in politics, preferring to devote himself entirely to his busi- ness and home affairs. He married Clara Whitehead, a native of Nor- ristown, who died in 1909, at the age of fifty-eight years. Mr. and Mrs. Louis F. Emery were the parents of two children: A. Clarence, whose name heads this review; and Lillian, who married Herbert R. Evans, who is connected with the Land Title and Trust Company of Philadel- phia, but resides in Norristown.
A. Clarence Emery was born in Norristown, September 25, 1878. He attended the public and high schools of his native place, graduating from the last-named institution in 1896. He then matriculated at Ursinus College, where in 1901 he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Having in the meantime determined to take up law as his life work, he accordingly entered the office of Henry W. Brownback, an attorney of Norristown. While reading law here he was also court reporter for three daily papers, and was deputy clerk of the court until he was admitted to the bar in 1907. He then stayed with Mr. Brown- back for a short time, subsequently establishing himself in his chosen profession, first in the Boyer Arcade, then at No. 6 East Airy street, where he remained until his removal to his present location at No. 501 Swede street. He is a notary public, and has been solicitor for the bor- ough of Hatfield since 1912.
In politics Mr. Emery is a Republican. He holds membership in the
Mont-19
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Ersine Tennis Club of Norristown, and affiliates with the Montgomery County Bar Association. He attends the Grace Lutheran Church. Mr. Emery's hobby is photography and he has become quite skilled in the art. He is also a lover of tennis and during the summer season spends considerable time at this latter-named sport.
On June 1I, 1913, A. Clarence Emery was united in marriage with Marion A. Famous, daughter of James P. and Ellie (Henninger ) Famous. Mr. Famous was superintendent of brick construction of the various plants of the United Gas Improvement Company of Philadelphia, and in this capacity traveled all over this country, also Cuba and Porto Rico. He is a Republican in politics, has been borough treasurer and served on the local school board for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Emery are the parents of two children : Elinor Marie, born August 27, 1915; and Edgar Roland, born January 31, 1920. The family home is at No. 232 East Fornance street, Norristown.
PAUL DAWSON HANLEY, M. D .- Since 1913 Dr. Paul Dawson Hanley has been actively engaged in the practice of medicine in Potts- town, devoting himself in large part to the surgical branch of the pro- fession. The years have brought him the honors of his, the oldest of professions, while his large clientele have learned to regard his skill as of the highest quality.
George W. Hanley, father of Dr. Hanley, was born in Pottstown, in 1856. After completing his education he entered the grocery business, in which he is still active. He was also a member of the local school board, and is generally active in town affairs. He married Catherine Zeigler, a native of Greshville. Mr. and Mrs. Hanley are the parents of two children : Paul Dawson, of further mention ; and George Robert, a graduate of Pottstown High School, and now manager of a department store in Connellsville, Pennsylvania.
Paul Dawson Hanley was born in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, October 4, 1886. He attended the public schools of his native place, and after graduating from the local high school in 1905, entered Franklin and Marshall College, subsequently graduating from this institution, and thence matriculating in the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, from which he received the degree of Doctor of Medi- cine in 1912. After spending the following year as interne in the Potts- town Hospital he established himself in his chosen profession at No. 440 High street, which continued to be his headquarters until July, 1916, when he removed to his present location, No. 410 High street, since which time he has devoted himself in large part to the surgical branch of the profession.
During the World War he was examiner for Draft Board No. 5 of Montgomery county. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Pottstown ; the American Medical Association ; the Pennsylvania State Medical Asso- ciation ; the Montgomery County Medical Society ; Phi Kappa Sigma col- lege fraternity, and Omega Upsilon Phi medical fraternity ; and affiliates with Stricter Lodge, No. 254, Free and Accepted Masons ; Pottstown Chap-
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ter, No. 271, Royal Arch Masons; Nativity Commandery, No. 71, Knights Templar; Philadelphia Consistory, having attained the thirty-second degree; Rajah Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; is also a member of the Royal Arcanum; Woodmen of the World; Knights of Friendship ; Foresters of America; and the Brookside Country Club, being associated with this last-named on account of his particular interest in golf, which is his chief recreation. He is a member of the staff of Pottstown Hospital, and a member of Trinity Reformed Church.
On June 24, 1916, at Sharon, Pennsylvania, Dr. Hanley was united in marriage with Elva Foxall, daughter of William and Mary (Wilks) Foxall, the former, president of the Wilks Rolling Mill Company at Sharon. Dr. Hanley and his wife are the parents of two children: Mar- guerite Foxall, born August 31, 1917; and James Wilks, born March 24, 1919.
At all times Dr. Hanley has been actuated by a spirit that recognizes the fact that efficiency and capability are the only qualities which really entitle one to advancement. He possesses a deep and comprehensive knowledge of the underlying principles in medicine, and is conscientious and practical in his application of it, making him a leader in the profes- sion in Pottstown.
EDWIN DANIEL REITER-For more than forty years a resident and merchant of Hoppenville, Pennsylvania, Edwin D. Reiter stands among the foremost citizens of this community. For many years active in the public service, he has done much to advance the general welfare and keep this borough abreast of the times.
Edwin Daniel Reiter was born in Upper Hanover township, Mont- gomery county, Pennsylvania, near Hoppenville, July 31, 1855, and is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Hallman) Reiter. Attending first the public schools near his home, he then entered Perkiomen Seminary, after which he had a course at Washington Hall Institute, from which he was graduated in the class of 1872. His studies were completed at Mount Pleasant Seminary, at Boyertown. For two terms Mr. Reiter taught school in Upper Hanover township, but a professional life did not appeal to him, and he went to Berks county, where he learned the shoe- maker's trade, spending two years in his apprenticeship. In 1876 he took up mercantile activities at Huff Church, in Berks county, acting as clerk, and was thus engaged for two years. In 1878 he removed to Dillingsville, Lehigh county, where he had charge of a general store for three and one-half years. Then, in 1881, Mr. Reiter came to Hoppen- ville and established a store, dealing in general merchandise of every kind. Erecting a new building especially designed to meet the require- ments of such an enterprise, he soon gained an extensive patronage. His trade has expanded largely, and he has for years been a leading merchant of this section.
The practical ability which carried Mr. Reiter to success was soon recognized by the leaders of progress in Hoppenville, and in 1882 he was
-
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brought forward in the public service as school director, a position for which his excellent education well fitted him. He was made justice of the peace in 1897, and has since held various minor elective offices in the local administration. He supports the Democratic party in matters of local and national import, but the welfare of the people he holds above all partisan interests. A stockholder in the Perkiomen National Bank, he takes a deep interest in all that pertains to the economic progress of the people. Fraternally he holds membership in the Improved Order of Red Men, of Green Lane, Pennsylvania. For more than a quarter of a century he has been active in church work. He became a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, for eight years served as deacon and for twelve years as elder, and for six years was president of the church council. Many times he has been sent as a delegate to the Lutheran Church Conference at Norristown.
Mr. Reiter married, at Sumneytown, Pennsylvania, on June 2, 1877, Emma Rohrbach, daughter of George B. and Elizabeth (Moyer) Rohr- bach, and they have four children: Elizabeth, Edwin Thomas, Katie, and Elmer George.
EDWIN H. ALDERFER-In various branches of industrial and mercantile activity, Edwin H. Alderfer has for some twenty-five years or more been engaged, both as employee and owner, and has won his way to a position of more than usual prominence in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. Born and reared in this State, Mr. Alderfer is a member of a well-known Pennsylvania family, and is a son of Abram S., and Susan (Hackman) Alderfer, his father throughout his lifetime active as a farmer.
Edwin H. Alderfer was born in Elroy, Pennsylvania, March 10, 1876. Receiving his education in the public schools of Souderton, where the family removed in his childhood, he entered the world of industry at an early age, securing a position in the local mills. But Mr. Alderfer's ambitions were not satisfied with a subordinate position in the employ of other interests, and possessing practical business ability, his early ventures were successful. His first enterprise was in the wholesale dis- tribution of confectionery, and after a few years in this line, he estab- lished a bakery in Souderton. In 1920 he started a coal and lumber busi- ness, of which he is still the head, and he is active in a large way as a cattle dealer and shipper. In addition to these varied and prosperous enterprises, Mr. Alderfer owns a large stone quarry, doing a very exten- sive business. Many years ago his energy and ability were recognized by the people of Souderton, who felt that these very qualities were needed in the public service. While a staunch supporter of the Repub- lican party, and willing to bear his part in the public progress, Mr. Alder- fer felt no interest in the political game, but he was elected to the Town Council, and has served as president of that body for the past twenty years. During the World War he was a leader in all the welfare activ- ities of the time. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, No. 612, of Souderton, and has been through all chairs
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of that order, also holding membership in the Encampment. He is a member of the Lutheran church, and president of the church council.
Mr. Alderfer married, in Souderton, June 9, 1900, Ellen Frederick, daughter of Edwin and Mary Frederick. Mr. and Mrs. Alderfer have three children : Paul, Lester, and Norman.
ROBERT E. RITTER-Founder and president of the well known furniture company, Robert E. Ritter and Son, Mr. Ritter began his career in the cattle business. Robert E. was born at Coopersburg, Pennsyl- vania, the son of Wilson and Matilda (Graybill) Ritter. His father, who died in 1920 at the age of fifty-one years, was widely known for his extensive cattle interests in upper Montgomery county.
Mr. Ritter received his education in the public schools of his native county. When his school days came to an end he decided to associate himself with his father in the cattle raising industry. He remained with his father until 1900 and found the various activities connected with the business agreeable and interesting. He acquired a thorough knowledge of the best methods of raising and fattening cattle and came to under- stand the values of different breeds during the years of his association with his father, and the experience thus gained has always been of great value to him although he has since turned to other fields of busi- ness activity. Finally, in 1908, having come to the conclusion that he would do well to seek a change of occupation and surroundings, he left his father's business and accepted a position in the silk mills at East Greenville. He found this connection interesting and profitable and remained in the mills until February, 1916, when he decided to estab- lish an independent business of his own.
After careful consideration of various fields of business activity, Mr. Ritter decided to become a retail dealer in furniture. He founded the Ritter Furniture Company, which has since become the firm of Robert E. Ritter and Son, opening a store on Main street, East Greenville. The business prospered from the outset and Mr. Ritter's policy of dealing only in goods of the highest quality soon won him a wide reputation as a reliable and progressive merchant. At the end of four years, in 1920, the volume of sales had increased to such an extent that Mr. Ritter felt justified in opening a branch store at Macungie, Pennsylvania, which he still maintains. His present establishment at East Greenville is remark- able for its fine equipment and convenient arrangement which make it one of the most attractive stores in the county. The firm which became Robert E. Ritter and Son when Mr. Ritter took his son Victor into part- nership with him, now occupies an enviable position in the business world of Montgomery county. The store numbers among its regular customers many prominent and influential families throughout the county, and all its customers, whether of long standing or more recent patronage, show their appreciation of the high business standards main- tained by the Ritter company through their fidelity and hearty endorse- ment of the store's aims and ideals. Mr. Ritter is independent in poli- tics, and takes a firm stand on the side of progressive legislation and
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movements. He holds membership in East Greenville Lodge, No. 76, of the Woodmen of the World; and belongs to the Fraternal Order of Eagles, in which he is a member of East Greenville Lodge; the Knights of Pythias, and the Improved Order of Red Men, of East Greenville. In religious faith he is a member of the Evangelical Church, of East Green- ville, and is a staunch supporter of all the congregational activities.
Mr. Ritter was married at Pennsburg, Pennsylvania, to Hannah Bossert, daughter of George and Catherine Bossert. Mr. and Mrs. Ritter have six children: Tillie, John, Grace; Wilson, who is named for his paternal grandfather ; Ruth ; and Victor, who is associated with his father in the business establishment of Robert E. Ritter and Son.
ROBERT WESLEY RANDALL, M. D .- In the town of his birth, Royersford, Pennsylvania, Dr. Randall, since establishing himself in the practice of medicine here on January 15, 1919, and devoting himself largely to diseases of the eye, has already made a name for himself which well might be the envy of a much older man. Together with his labors here he spends some time in Philadelphia, where he is engaged in this particular branch of the profession at the Episcopal Hospital, being associated with Dr. Frederick Krass.
Albert Henry Randall, father of Dr. Randall, was born in Stafford- shire, England, but at the age of two years was brought by his parents to this country, locating in New Haven, Connecticut. After complet- ing a common school education he learned the stove moulder's trade and was thus employed by the Grander Stove and the Buckwalter Stove companies of Royersford for more than twenty-five years. He was a Republican in politics and served on the Borough Council as president. He married Mary E. Robinson, of Royersford, and they were the parents of the following children: Robert Wesley, of further mention; Helen M., a resident of Royersford ; Marion, deceased ; Richard, deceased; and Albert, Jr., connected with Bush Brothers, builders of millwork, of Roy- ersford. The family attend the Baptist church.
Robert Wesley Randall, son of Albert Henry and Mary E. (Robin- son) Randall, was born in Royersford, his birth having occurred there June 14, 1890. His elementary education was obtained in the public schools of his native place and after graduating from the high school there in 1908 he entered the Medico-Chirurgical College at Philadelphia, completing the prescribed course four years later, when he received from that institution the degree of Doctor of Medicine. After serving an interneship of fourteen months in the college hospital, he served the next three months in the Phoenixville Hospital, and the following three months in the Chester County Insane Hospital, at Embreeville. Upon the completion of this extensive training Dr. Randall removed to Hack- ettstown, New Jersey, where he engaged in the general practice of his chosen profession for the next five and a half years, acquiring a large practice.
In July, 1918, Dr. Randall enlisted in the Medical Corps of the United States army, and served with the rank of first lieutenant until his honor-
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Robert It. Gandal .
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able discharge in December, 1919. The following month, having in the meantime returned to his native place, he associated himself with Dr. Tyler and resumed practice, but as has been previously stated, he devotes himself in large part to the diseases of the eye on the staff of the Phoenixville Hospital, also the Pottstown Hospital, and assistant sur- geon of ophthalmology at the Episcopal Hospital, Philadelphia, besides devoting some time to an ever increasing clientele in Philadelphia.
Dr. Randall is a member of the American Medical Association; the Pennsylvania State Medical Association ; Montgomery County Medical Society ; Warren County Medical Association of New Jersey, of which he was president two years; New Jersey State Medical Association ; and the Tri-County Medical Society. He is also medical examiner for the local Board of Health, and affiliates with the Phi Chi college fraternity ; is a member of the alumni of the Medico-Chirurgical, and the University of Pennsylvania ; Independent Lodge, No. 42, Free and Accepted Masons of Hackettstown; Knights of the Golden Eagle, Royersford; Modern Woodmen, Royersford Chapter; the Phoenixville Country Club; and Midnight Sons Club, which is a local organization.
On December 31, 1914, in Spring City, Pennsylvania, Robert Wes- ley Randall was united in marriage with Rebecca Taylor Currey, daugh- ter of Duncan M. and Laura (Taylor) Currey, the former is now, 1923, engaged in the real estate and insurance business in Spring City. He was formerly recorder of deeds of Chester county for two terms. Dr. and Mrs. Randall are the parents of two children: Jane Currey, born March 27, 1917; and Robert Duncan, born March 2, 1920. The family home is at No. 452 Main street, Royersford.
Already the ability of Dr. Randall has become widely recognized as of the highest quality and this has won him the respect of the medical fraternity, while his large clientele have learned that to professional skill he adds a warm sympathy and deep interest in all the details of his labors. His recreations are fishing, hunting, golf and football, and at this last-named sport he played tackle on the college football team for two years.
J. ELWOOD LEE-One of the eminently successful business men of Conshohocken, who has left behind him an enduring monument in the form of a great business organization, is the late J. Elwood Lee, founder of the late J. Elwood Lee Company, manufacturers of bandages, liga- tures, and surgical supplies, who began business in 1883, investing in the enterprise twenty-nine dollars and eighty-five cents, and developing a million-dollar business which sends its products to all parts of the civilized world. Mr. Lee comes of a very old family, being connected through his paternal grandfather with the New Jersey and Virginia branches of the family, and through his paternal grandmother with the family of Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams.
Thomas Lee, grandfather of J. Elwood Lee, was born in Delaware county, Pennsylvania, in 1799, and was three times married. He married (first). Tune 11, 1829, Ann Nottingham Adams, daughter of Edmund
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and Jane Adams. Edmund Adams was born May 20, 1769, his wife Jane, whom he married June 14, 1792, was born September 2, 1772. Their children were: James, born December 1, 1793; Elizabeth, born October 21, 1794; Mary, born March 24, 1797; Rebecca N., born December 23. 1800; Jonathan, born July 26, 1803; Elisha, born November 26, 1805; and Ann Nottingham (wife of Thomas Lee, as previously noted), born Feb- ruary 16, 1808. Jane Adams died February 16, 1845, her husband having died January 28, 1817. Mrs. Lee died October 24, 1844, and Mr. Lee married (second), Rebecca N. Adams, a sister of the first wife. She died July 18, 1848, and he married (third), September 8, 1849, Sarah Logue. To the first marriage five children were born: Edmund Adams, born April 23, 1830; William, October 21, 1831 ; Daniel W. Coxe, February 12, 1834 ; Mary Jane, July 5, 1836; and Elisha Bradford Adams, of whom further. No children were born to the second marriage, and by the third marriage there was one daughter, Elizabeth. The third wife died on July 29, 1854, having survived her husband just eight days, both being victims of cholera.
Elisha Bradford Adams Lee, son of Thomas and Ann Nottingham (Adams) Lee, was born in Newcastle county, Delaware, October 29, 1838. He came to Pennsylvania with his parents when he was four years of age, in 1842, at which time they settled in Conshohocken. He attended the public schools until he was eleven years of age and then went to work in the rolling mills of J. Wood & Brother, where for more than thirty-five years he rendered faithful and efficient service. He then having thriftily saved a fair proportion of his earnings, engaged in mer- cantile business, and after a time became interested in the business estab- lished by his son, J. Elwood Lee, with which company he was later iden- tified, for many years holding various responsible positions. He mar- ried, July 3. 1859, at Conshohocken, Sarah A. Raysor, daughter of Wil- liam and Elizabeth (Culp) Raysor, born March 8, 1841, and they were the parents of the following children: J. Elwood, of whom further ; Conrad Berk, born April 23, 1862, married, October 12, 1887, Anna May Hendron, and died May 8, 1897, leaving no children; Mary Elizabeth, born January 20, 1865, married June 14, 1899, William Cleaver; Maria B., born August 1, 1870; Harry Adams, born November 3, 1879. Mrs. Elisha Bradford Adams Lee, mother of these children, died July 8, 1886.
J. Elwood Lee, son of Elisha Bradford Adams and Sarah A. (Raysor) Lee, was born in Conshohocken, November 15, 1860, and received his education in the public schools of that place, graduating from the high school with the class of 1879. Upon the completion of his high school course, he, in association with William Snowdon, engaged in the sur- gical instrument business in Philadelphia, and this connection was maintained for a period of five years. At the end of that time, in Novem- ber, 1883, Mr. Lee severed his connection with the Philadelphia busi- ness, and investing twenty-nine dollars and eighty-five cents in mate- rials, began making bandages, ligatures, and a few other surgical sup- plies. From this small beginning has grown the great industrial enter- prise, The Lee Tire and Rubber Company, formed in 1910, which with
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