USA > Pennsylvania > Montgomery County > Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, a history, Volume III > Part 19
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46
(VII) Lewis Taws Matlack, son of Mason and Matilda Eveline (Deayman) Matlack, was born November 4, 1842, and died in April, 1909. He was a blacksmith by trade but later was a steel salesman, a dealer in coal, a manufacturer of springs, and a jobber of hardware. He enlisted in the Union army as a private and was mustered out a lieu- tenant. He married, October 17, 1861, Clementina G. Cressley, born January 19, 1844, and died May 19, 1922. They were the parents of five children : I. Laura Cressley, born November 4, 1863, died November 22, 1863. 2. Lewis Henry, born December 2, 1864, married Laura J. Lewis. 3. Ellwood Compton, of whom further. 4. Clementina, born November 7, 1871, married John Lindauer. 5. Evelyn D., born January 9, 1874, married Charles W. McCue.
(VIII) Ellwood Compton Matlack, son of Lewis Taws and Clemen- tina G. (Cressley) Matlack, was born July 7, 1867, and died February 27, 1923. He was a hardware jobber and later a manufacturer of tex- tiles, at Royersford, Pennsylvania. Ellwood Compton Matlack married, October 17, 1888, Laura J. Lewis, born September 2, 1868. To them were born three children: Florence Josephine, born March 31, 1890, married Frederick A. Fenton ; Gertrude, born October 25, 1893, died October 25, 1893; Lewis Taws (2), of whom further.
(IX) Lewis Taws (2) Matlack, only son of Ellwood Compton and Laura J. (Lewis) Matlack, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jan- ยท uary 23, 1896. He was educated in Philadelphia primary and grammar schools, West Philadelphia High School, Brown's Preparatory School, Institute of Technology, and The Wharton School, University of Penn- sylvania, receiving his diploma from the last named in 1917. His first year in the business world was spent with Solomon Stearns, Limited, commission workers, he then going with Matlack, Smith & Matlack, No. 366 Broadway, New York, commission merchants, as one of the firm. That firm handled a full line of ladies' knit goods, underwear, and hosiery, and for two years Lewis T. Matlack remained with the firm. He then retired to become general manager of the Progressive Knitting
488
HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Mills, Royersford, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, his present posi- tion. Mr. Matlack is a Republican in politics, a member of Memorial Baptist Church, of Philadelphia, and of Polar Star Lodge, No. 245, Free and Accepted Masons, of New York City. He married, in Philadelphia, August 14, 1918, Nettie Green, daughter of Frank and Freda (Berg) Green. Mr. and Mrs. Matlack are the parents of two children: Lewis Taws (3), born July 4, 1919; and Barbara, born February 17, 1922. The family home is in Royersford, Pennsylvania.
WILLIAM D. RENNINGER-In 1907 William D. Renninger entered the service of the Collegeville National Bank and from that year until the present he has known no other business home nor a greater business interest. The long term of service as cashier has made him well known in the community where he is held in the highest esteem.
Henry H. Renninger, father of William D. Renninger, was born in Douglass township, Montgomery county, April 11, 1845, and died there May 25, 1915. He was a bricklayer by trade and also engaged in cattle dealing. In politics he was a Democrat. He married Mary Derr, of Washington township. Mrs. Renninger now resides in Collegeville. Mr. and Mrs. Renninger were the parents of seven children: Ellen, wife of Henry F. Gerhart, of Red Hill; Harry, of East Greenville; William D., of further mention ; Elizabeth, wife of Dr. John R. Baer, of Philadel- phia; Frank, of Boyerstown; Alvin, a resident of Gilbertville; and Rufus, who resides at Metuchen, New Jersey.
William D. Renninger was born in Washington township, Berks county, September 4, 1869. He received his early education in the schools of Douglass township and the Perkiomen School, at Pennsburg, and then entered Kutztown State Normal School some years later, going in the meantime to Boyerstown, where he learned the bricklayer's trade. After finishing normal school he taught during the winter months and worked at his trade in the summer time. But not yet had Mr. Renninger found the particular line of business which he wanted to make for his life work, so he took a course at Pierce's Business College, Philadelphia, and after graduating in 1896, secured a position as teller in the Penns- burg Farmers' National Bank, where he remained for eleven years com- ing thence to Collegeville as cashier, which position he still holds.
Since coming to this community Mr. Renninger has identified him- self with the life of the community and has given his earnest support to whatever pertains to civic advancement. He was a member of the school board of Pennsburg, has been borough treasurer since 1914, and politically favors the Democratic party. He affiliates with Perkiomen Lodge, No. 595, Free and Accepted Masons; Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Malta, and St. Mark's Lutheran Church, at Penns- burg, of which he was formerly a trustee. He also holds membership in the Acacia Club, of Collegeville. Mr. Renninger is devoted to all out- of-door sports, especially fishing and hunting, and much of his spare time is spent at these favorite recreations.
On December 20, 1890, William D. Renninger was united in mar-
489
BIOGRAPHICAL
riage with Leanna Koch, daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth Koch, the former a farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Renninger are the parents of four chil- dren : Nevin, born April 3, 1892, is identified with the Collegeville National Bank; Mary, born June 25, 1896, died September 13, 1899; Eliz- abeth, born May 12, 1908, a graduate of Collegeville High School, class 1925 ; Mabel, born June 27, 1913. The family home is in Collegeville.
WESTON K. HARTZELL, who is proprietor of a sales agency and service station for Chandler and Cleveland cars at Souderton, Pennsyl- vania, is conducting a prosperous and growing business. His grand- parents, Henry C. and Matilda (Rodenbush) Hartzell, were both natives of Bucks county, and his parents, Harry R. and Elizabeth (Kulp) Hart- zell, were proprietors of a hotel in Souderton, the former also being engaged in farming, so Mr. Hartzell has the advantage of a wide and long acquaintance in his section of the State.
Mr. Hartzell was born in Franconia township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, June 16, 1886, and received his early education in the local schools and then entered Souderton High School, following his high school course with careful training in Pierce Business College. When his education was completed he became associated with Allen & Com- pany, Inc., of Philadelphia, engaged in the shoe manufacturing business, of which corporation he was secretary and general manager until the business was sold in 1915. He purchased the modern hotel on Main street, in Souderton, in 1919, and further extended his business interests by establishing at Souderton a sales agency and service station for Chandler and Cleveland cars. Under his vigorous and efficient manage- ment the last-named enterprise has grown rapidly and is steadily increas- ing its usefulness to the public which it serves. He is well known throughout the township as an able and enterprising business man and as a public-spirited and worthy citizen. Politically he gives his support to the Republican party, and his religious affiliation is with the New Mennonite church. Mr. Hartzell is the eldest of a family of six, his brothers and sisters being: Clarence, Arthur, Jacob Robert, Amanda Eva, and Grace Iona.
On October 7, 1908, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Weston K. Hart- zell married Bertha A. Freed, daughter of Isaac K. and Elizabeth A. Freed, and they are the parents of one son, Edgar Willard, who was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 24, 1909.
HENRY B. SHISLER-It is seldom that a man who has been engaged in one line of business for nearly half a century establishes him- self in an entirely new line, making as marked a success in the later as in the earlier enterprise. Such, however, is the achievement of Henry B. Shisler, who was born in Franconia, Souderton township, Montgom- ery county, Pennsylvania, January 30, 1860, son of John K. Shisler, a well known farmer of that locality, and of Elizabeth Shisler.
Henry B. Shisler attended the public schools of Salford township, his parents having removed to Vernfield, in the latter township, when he
490
HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY
was four years of age. When his school training was completed, he learned the wheelwright's trade, and establishing his shop in Harleysville gave the people of that locality honest and efficient wheelwright service. Well known and highly esteemed throughout that section of the county, his friends supposed that he would continue in that line until age com- pelled him to retire to inactivity and the well earned rest of life's even- ing. He did not do so, however. Before his powers had begun to wane, he established, in February, 1904, at Harleysville, an undertaking and embalming business, and this he has continued to conduct to the present time (1923). Known and respected throughout the locality, he is most highly esteemed, and the thoughtful, considerate service rendered by him in performing the last offices for loved ones has won for him the warm regard of his numerous clientele, who are also the friends and neighbors of a lifetime. Politically, Mr. Shisler casts his vote for the candidates of the Republican party, and he takes a quiet interest in the public affairs of his community, as a citizen only. His religious affilia- tion is with the German Baptist church.
On February 6, 1899, at Lederach, Pennsylvania, Mr. Shisler married Irene M. Frederick, daughter of William and Barbara (Metz) Frederick, and they are the parents of six children: Alice, Emma, Wilma; Flor- ence, wife of Wilmer S. Nice, whose sketch follows; Mabel, Raymond.
WILMER S. NICE, son of William S. and Emma B. (Sell) Nice, and of an ancient Montgomery county family, was born in Franconia township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, August 11, 1891.
He was there educated in the public district school, and has spent his life in his native county, being now a resident of Harleysville. He learned the painting and decorating trade, but since his marriage has been the assistant of his father-in-law in the undertaking business. To perfect himself in modern methods of caring for the dead, he took a course in Eckels Surgical College of Embalming, whence he was grad- uated, April 4, 1922. Mr. Nice is a Republican in politics, and a member of Schwenkville New Mennonite Church, and of the advisory council of the church. He was one of the organizers and is chief of the Harleys- ville fire department, and an ex-president of the Alumni Association of Graduates of the township schools.
Mr. Nice married, in Schwenkville, Pennsylvania, June 6, 1914, Flor- ence Shisler, daughter of Henry B. and Irene M. (Frederick) Shisler, whose sketch precedes this. Mr. and Mrs. Nice are the parents of a daughter, Pauline S., born December 26, 1920, and have an adopted son, Roland S. Sholl, born March 24, 1915.
JOHN M. MOYER, son of a Montgomery county farmer, during his four decades of life has continued a resident of the county, but, choosing a business career, he has grown to influential position in that field of human endeavor. Mr. Moyer, however, is that type of man who would have made a success of any business or occupation to which he would ally himself, but his energy and ability having been applied to manu-
John M. Hover
Franklin R. Doper
491
BIOGRAPHICAL
facturing, he must be considered from that angle. He is one of Telford's public-spirited, progressive citizens, and to him the employees of the United States Gauge Company, of Sellersville, owe the transportation facilities which enables them to reside in Telford. So, too, he worked for the introduction of gas to the borough, and from his seat in the Bor- ough Council he championed every movement looking toward a better, bigger Telford.
John M. Moyer, son of Samuel D. and Mary M. Moyer, was born at the Montgomery county farm of his parents, November 7, 1881, and in the district schools of Morwood obtained his early educational training. To the knowledge gained in the school room he has added the practical education which comes from contact with the world, and which every successful man furnishes himself. Mr. Moyer was employed at the home farm and in other ways until reaching the age of twenty-five, then, in 1906, began his connection with the United States Gauge Company, at Sellersville, and there he continues, having worked his way from the bottom to high and responsible position.
Mr. Moyer is a Republican in politics, and is now serving a second term in Borough Council, an office to which he was first elected in 1916. He is a member and a deacon of Trinity Reformed Church (elected in 1919), and is treasurer of The Forward Movement of the Reformed Church. He is interested in good roads, a cause for which he is an untiring worker, and during the war period, 1917-18, he rendered valu- able service in loan drives, and in every way possible "did his bit." Among his souvenirs of that time of stress and storm, he treasures a certificate given him by the Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, in apprecia- tion of the patriotic service rendered during the Fourth Liberty Loan sale in 1918. He is a member of the Loyal Order of Moose, and of The Mystic Circle, of Philadelphia.
On November 19, 1904, in Telford, Pennsylvania, Mr. Moyer mar- ried Emma, daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Horning) Rosenberger. Mr. and Mrs. Moyer are the parents of four children : Verna Marie, born October 8, 1907 ; Marion Viola, born September 20, 1909; J. Harold, born September 3, 1912, and Grace Pauline, born September 26, 1919. The family home is in Telford, Pennsylvania.
FRANKLIN KULP MOYER-From 1914 to the time of his death, which occurred August 12, 1921, Franklin K. Moyer was engaged in business as a public accountant, in Philadelphia, in association with George Schectman, under the firm name of Moyer & Schectman.
Mr. Moyer was born in Souderton, Pennsylvania, son of Enos H., now retired, and of Sarah S. (Kulp) Moyer, and received his early educa- tion in the public school of his native district. Upon the completion of his public school training he became a student in the Pierce Business School, of Philadelphia, from which he graduated. He then engaged in the feed commission business in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where he remained for a period of six years. At the end of that time he removed his business to Souderton, where he continued in the feed commission
492
HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY
business for some time. Later he became a bank clerk in Philadelphia, and still later accepted a position as accountant in the employ of the Pennsylvania Lead Company, of Philadelphia, and of the C. W. Todd & Company. In 1914 he formed an association with Mr. Schectman, and under the firm name of Moyer & Schectman engaged in business for himself as a public accountant. This venture met with marked success. and the partnership was successfully maintained until terminated by the death of Mr. Moyer, August 12, 1921.
Along with his various business responsibilities Mr. Moyer found time for public service and for fraternal associations. He served as a member of the board of school directors for eight years, during which term he was president of the board, and he was several times nominated by the Republican party to serve as assemblyman. He was one of the Republican party who stood for progress and reform during the time of ex-President Roosevelt's break with the "standpat" portion of the Grand Old Party, and was one of those who earnestly and whole-heartedly sup- ported Roosevelt in the formation of the short-lived Progressive party during the campaign which resulted in the election of President Wilson. During the World War he rendered valuable service as chairman of the Liberty Bond commission, and gave his aid to all the various war drives. As a successful business man, a public-spirited citizen and a greatly valued friend, he held a large place in the esteem of a host of friends and associates, and his death was felt as a distinct loss to the commu- nity. Fraternally he was affiliated with the Woodmen of the World, of Allentown, Pennsylvania. He was a member of the Zion Mennonite Church, of which Mr. Landis is pastor.
On October 24, 1895, at Souderton, Pennsylvania, Franklin Kulp Moyer married Anna Zendt, daughter of Milton D. and Mary (Hallman) Zendt. Mr. and Mrs. Moyer had three children born to them: Clif- ford Z., Margaret Zendt, and Leon D.
FRANK S. NICE-Every community is indebted to many of the quiet lives lived faithfully and without ostentation which have made the simple but invaluable contribution of ordinary, everyday right living. Some one has said that the true values of life are found along the ordinary ways where the sun rises and sets upon simple duties simply performed. Among those who have made their contribution and passed on to the land "beyond our ken" is Frank S. Nice, who passed his entire life of more than five and a half decades upon a farm, and died July 6, 1917.
Born in Franconia township, May 3, 1871, son of John and Catherine (Schoemaker) Nice. Mr. Nice received his education in the public schools of his native district. At an early age, even before his school days were ended, he assisted his father upon the farm, and when his school training was completed, made farming his life work. In the simple and healthful life of the agriculturist he found not only his daily bread but the breadth of outlook and the peace of mind which, along with a simple and direct faith in the wisdom and care of an all-wise Provi- dence, makes the performance of the simplest duties a source of joy and
493
BIOGRAPHICAL
satisfaction. As a member of the Mennonite church he was loyal to the faith of his fathers, and was well known in his community as one of those who could be depended upon to "do his bit" in whatever project he undertook to forward or support.
On March 2, 1895, Mr. Nice married Rachel A. Cassell, daughter of Samuel K. and Mary (Alderfer) Cassell, and they became the parents of five children : Mary, born January 19, 1897; Katie, born January 22, 1899; Edna D., born September 7, 1903, deceased ; Elmer, born August 10, 1907 ; and Garrett, born May 31, 1909, deceased.
JONAS L. SHOEMAKER-The character of a man is often reflected in the enterprise in which he is engaged, and when one sees the model, carefully cared-for farm of Jonas L. Shoemaker, of Franconia, Pennsyl- vania, one knows that it is a thrifty, optimistic, industrious man who has made it what it is. When one enters the pleasant home, and meets the happy, contented family, one realizes that its head must be gifted in many ways.
Jonas L. Shoemaker, born in Franconia, Pennsylvania, August 14, 1891, is a son of Abraham A. and Mary M. (Landis) Shoemaker, his father an agriculturist and miller. His early education came from the district school, which he left to begin the career in which he has been engaged ever since, farming. He has studied and worked at his voca- tion, and has had his efforts meet with success. Setbacks came and have been heroically encountered, such as the burning of his barns and out- buildings in 1920, which, undismayed, he set out promptly to rebuild, and has now an equipment finer than his former one. In religion he is affil- iated with the Old Mennonite Church.
Mr. Shoemaker married, May 17, 1913, Bessie B. Moyer, daughter of William K. and Lizzie W. (Wile) Moyer. Mr. and Mrs. Shoemaker are the parents of three children : Curtis M., born October 1, 1914; Abra- ham M., born April 9, 1918; and Jonas Harry M., born June 26, 1921.
FREDERICK K. KLEINBACH-Among the prosperous and sub- stantial business men of this section of Montgomery county, Mr. Fred- erick K. Kleinbach has made for himself a place of prominence. He was but eight years of age when he came to the United States with his fam- ily from Wittenberg, Germany, where he was born September 1I, 1881. His parents were Christian and Margaret (Knarger) Kleinbach, and his father's occupation was that of a farmer. The family made their home in Upper Salford when Mr. Kleinbach was a boy, and he acquired his education in the schools of that community. He worked on a farm in the village of Woxall until he reached the age of twenty-one years, then in 1902 secured employment in Brey's Feed Mill, near Perkiomen. His diligence and ability were rewarded three and a half years later, by his employer taking him in as a partner in the business, and when Mr. Brey died, in 1918, Mr. Kleinbach took over the entire ownership and has since conducted operations independently. He also carries on a coal and
494
HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY
lumber business at Green Lane, dividing his time between these two enterprises.
As a man of progressive character and a public-spirited citizen, Mr. Kleinbach takes an active interest in whatever makes for the best wel- fare of the community in which he resides, and gives a share of his time to political, social, and religious affairs. In politics he supports the prin- ciples and candidates of the Democratic party, and he is a prominent member of Perkiomen Lodge, No. 595, Free and Accepted Masons. His religious support is given to the Lutheran church at Old Gossenhoppen, of which he is a highly-esteemed member.
On August 19, 1905, at Perkiomen, Mr. Kleinbach married Rosa Spiess, a daughter of Charles and Ida (Schell) Spiess. Of this union a family of seven children have been born: Margaret, Alma, Charles, Dor- othy, Edward, Edith and Wilmer.
HESTON R. LEIDY, the successful, up-to-date farmer, who has made of the old homestead farm inherited from his father, a model, mod- ern agricultural plant, is also interested in pedigreed stock. Known throughout the locality as a most able and successful farmer and breeder, he is also known as a progressive, public-spirited citizen, and a much esteemed friend and associate.
Heston R. Leidy was born in Franconia township, Montgomery county, May 15, 1894, son of Andrew and Ellen (Roming) Leidy, the former for forty years owner and cultivator of the homestead farm now owned by Heston R. Heston R. Leidy received his education in the public schools of his native district. Even before his school training was completed, he was, during spare time and vacations, his father's assistant, and when his formal school training was completed, he at once became associated with his father in the work of the farm. Under Mr. Leidy's vigorous and efficient management, the ninety-six acres of the homestead, which is a beautiful farm situated on the Elroy road, are under careful cultivation. Modern machinery and scientific methods of cultivation have produced splendid results, and in addition to the raising of crops, Mr. Leidy is an expert in stock raising. His stock is of the best, pedigreed and registered, and the animals are housed and cared for in the most modern and scientific way. Politically, Mr. Leidy gives his sup- port to the Democratic party, and his religious affiliation is with the Reformed church.
At Souderton, Pennsylvania, September 23, 1916, Heston R. Leidy married Minnie Detwiller, daughter of Theodore and Mamie (Moyer) Detwiller, and they are the parents of two children: Heston, Jr., born December 13, 1917; and Althea, born December 5, 1919.
EARL JAMES HEMMIG, now assistant manager of the plant of the Norris Pattern & Machine Company of Norristown, was born in Reading, Pennsylvania, April 16, 1896, son of George and Alice (Her- bert) Hemmig; his father, a rolling mill heater, died in October, 1901, in Reading. Reading was then the family home, but later the Hemmigs
495
BIOGRAPHICAL
moved to Philadelphia, where the lad, Earl J., attended public school until 1910, when he began working in a pattern making shop and became an expert pattern maker. He learned his trade with the Newbold Machine Company of Norristown, remaining in that employ for six years. The succeeding two years he was with the Charles O'Hara Pattern Shop in Norristown, then entered the employ of the Norris Pattern & Machine Company of Norristown, and since April 10, 1922, has been assistant manager of the plant of that company.
Mr. Hemmig is Independent in his political action, and in religious faith a Lutheran. His fraternal order is the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, his lodge, Norristown, No. 57.
Earl James Hemmig married, in Norristown, Pennsylvania, January 31, 1917, Margaret Kinderine, born July 4, 1893, at Norristown, daugh- ter of Henry and Joanna (Coates) Kinderine ; her father, deceased, was a successful building contractor. Mr. and Mrs. Hemmig are the parents of two children, both born in Norristown, Pennsylvania: Alvin, born October 26, 1917; and Leon Howard, born July 3, 1922. They reside at No. 1300 Arch street. There is one sister beside Earl James Hemmig, Helen, who married Leon Kohl, who is in the real estate business in Norristown, Pennsylvania.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.