USA > Pennsylvania > Montgomery County > Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, a history, Volume III > Part 25
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Mr. Dannehower married, at Norristown, Pennsylvania, November 30, 1886, Bessie Bierly McCarter, daughter of Colonel Samuel and Martha McCarter. Their children are: I. Frances Bessie, born November 23, 1887, married Wallace B. Stroud of Norristown. 2. William Franklin, Jr., born July 28, 1890; he was graduated from Lafayette College in the class of 1912 and Yale Law School in 1915. He practiced his profession in his father's law office until May, 1917, when he went to France as an orderly of Pennsylvania Base Hospital No. 10. He was promoted to the rank of first-class sergeant and, after the signing of the armistice, served in the transportation department of the Red Cross at Paris until 1921, then returned to the United States and resumed his professional work. 3. Gilbert Lane, born January 18, 1892, a graduate of Lafayette College, class of 1914, now president of the Hutchinson Manufacturing Company, Inc., of Norristown.
John In Detta
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JOHN M. DETTRA-Well known in legal circles of Montgomery county, Mr. Dettra is a member of the law firm of Evans, High, Dettra and Swartz, corporation lawyers. He is a man who has demonstrated his knowledge, understanding and ability in various public positions along professional lines and has made an enviable record in the office of his work, being distinguished by his intelligent work. During the long period which has elapsed since his coming to Norristown he has never been found remiss in his duties of citizenship, and he can still be depended upon to further any movement brought forward for the advancement of the general welfare.
John M. Dettra was born at Jeffersonville, Pennsylvania, November 21, 1861, the son of Augustus W. and Susan (Murphy) Dettra, the for- mer for many years a merchant at North Wales, where he was very active in political affairs, and in later life identified with the Philadel- phia and Reading railroad. He died in 1915, at the age of seventy-six years. Mrs. Dettra is a native of Willow Grove, and now resides in Norristown, aged eighty-six years. John M. Dettra received the pre- liminary portion of his education in the public schools of North Wales, after which he attended Professor Brunner's Academy preparatory to his entering Muhlenberg College, from which latter institution he was graduated in 1884, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. That year he came to Norristown and entered the office of Judge Swartz, where he remained for three years, or until 1887, when he was admitted to the bar and formed a partnership with Judge James B. Holland, the firm being known as Holland and Dettra, with offices in Borough Hall, Penn street. Later Montgomery Evans became associated with the firm and the organization continued as Evans, Holland and Dettra, until Mr. Holland was appointed to serve on the United States bench, when the firm con- tinued under the name of Evans and Dettra for many years. Later Samuel H. High and Aaron S. Swartz became associated, the firm being now Evans, High, Dettra and Swartz. Mr. Dettra is secretary and director of The Lee Tire and Rubber Company, of Pennsylvania, and of The Lee Rubber and Tire Corporation, of New York; director and vice-president of the Peerless Manufacturing Company ; secretary, treas- urer, and director of the Merion Lime and Stone Company; and a director of the Recreation Service Corporation. Professionally he is affiliated with the Montgomery County Bar Association, and at one time held the office of assistant district attorney. He is a Republican in politics. Socially Mr. Dettra holds membership in the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity of Muhlenberg College; the Ersine Tennis Club, Plymouth Country Club, and Norristown Club.
In September, 1889, John M. Dettra was united in marriage with C. Mabel Huntzinger, and they were the parents of one child, Aaron Levan, who was born February 21, 1891, and died in 1910. After graduating from Norristown High School, Aaron Levan Dettra entered the William Penn Charter School, of Philadelphia, from which he was graduated in 1908 with honors, having made one of the finest records ever made in the history of the school. The Yale Alumni Association, of Philadelphia,
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having opened to Philadelphia and vicinity an opportunity to contest for a scholarship, many availed themselves of the opportunity and among the number was Aaron Levan Dettra, who was the winner. In 1910 when scarlet fever raged through the college he became afflicted with the disease and passed away just in the flower of his youth. It is needless to say that he was greatly missed by his college chums as well as his own family, for he was a great favorite with his instructors and friends, being an earnest student and a staunch companion. He was a great athlete, and was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity of Yale University.
LLOYD NAPIERRE COOPER-Among the men who constitute the professional circle in Glenside, Pennsylvania, one of the most tal- ented and progressive is Dr. Lloyd Napierre Cooper, Doctor of Dental Science, whose offices are at No. 121 East Mt. Carmel street. Dr. Cooper is a native of Point Pleasant, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, where he was born October 3, 1891, his parents being William R., a well known prac- ticing physician of that place, and Mary (Shaddinger) Cooper. Dr. Cooper is the older of their two children, the younger one being his sister Dorothy. The family are among the old settlers of Bucks county, and both father and son are active members of the Bucks County His- torical Society.
The educational advantages enjoyed by Dr. Cooper were of a superior character. After finishing the elementary studies in the public schools, he later attended Riegelsville Academy, then took a course at the West Chester Normal School, from which he graduated in 1912, and following this entered the University of Pennsylvania, from which institution he received his degree in 1915. Immediately after graduation, Dr. Cooper came to Glenside and began to practice, opening dental offices at the corner of Mt. Carmel street and Roberts avenue. His practice had begun to assume large proportions when his professional career in civil life was interrupted by his enlistment in June, 1917, for United States army service as a member of the Dental Corps. He was stationed at Camp Lee, Virgina, for seven months, then on May 22, 1918, sailed for France with the Ist Battalion of the 308th Infantry, going directly to the battle- fields. He served through several of the important engagements in which the American troops figured prominently, including the battle of Argonne. Twice he suffered from wounds, but was obliged to remain on duty, others of his company having been killed or more severely hurt. He left France with his regiment on August 8, 1919, and was sent to Camp Dix, New Jersey, for mustering out, receiving his discharge on August 10, 1919. After recuperating from his war service, Dr. Cooper again took up his dental practice at Glenside, and now has offices at No. I21 East Mt. Carmel street, as previously mentioned, where he is serving a steadily increasing clientele.
Dr. Cooper is a member of a number of the leading professional and social organizations, including the Academy of Stomatology; the State and National Dental Associations ; the Glenside Lawn Tennis Club ; the
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Artisans of Glenside ; Patriotic Order Sons of America ; Improved Order of Red Men; Doylestown Lodge, No. 245, Free and Accepted Masons ; and the Philadelphia Consistory. His religious affiliation is with the Point Pleasant Baptist Church.
On August 18, 1922, Dr. Cooper was united in marriage with Helen Hailey Custer, the wedding taking place in the Valley Forge Memorial Chapel, and the ceremony performed by its well known rector, Rev. W. Herbert Burk. Mrs. Cooper is a daughter of Urias D. and Deborah (Hallman) Custer, who reside at No. 553 Haws avenue, Norristown, and who have three other children : Marion, the wife of Ray Sterling ; Grace, who is single; and Margaret, connected with the Public Health Service in Baltimore, Maryland.
CHARLES AUGUSTUS GEHRET-As president and treasurer of Gehret Brothers, Inc., Charles A. Gehret is head of a business-fabricat- ing structural steel and ornamental iron work-which he began under his own name nearly a quarter of a century ago. The commodious plant of Gehret Brothers is located at Bridgeport, Montgomery county, Penn- sylvania, the company maintaining a New York office as well. Charles A. Gehret is a grandson of Levi Gehret, who resided at Bridgeport, Pennsylvania, many years of his life; a son of Augustus R. Gehret, a life-long resident of Bridgeport, engaged in manufacturing since 1904.
Charles A. Gehret, son of Augustus R. and Anna (Dysher) Gehret, was born in Bridgeport, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, July 16, 1876. He attended school until reaching the age of twelve, then spent two years learning watchmaking, but was compelled to leave, and at the age of fourteen, in 1890, he formed a connection with the business in which he has since been engaged, the manufacture of ornamental iron work. Twenty-four years ago Mr. Gehret started in business in Bridge- port as the Bridgeport Wire and Iron Works, associated with Alexander K. Coates. After three years, however, this partnership was dissolved and the firm name changed to the Gehret Brothers. Although he started with a very small capital and in a modest way, the business prospered, and in 1913 was incorporated, the officers of the company being: Charles A. Gehret, president and treasurer ; A. R. Gehret, vice-president ; John K. Gehret, secretary.
Charles A. Gehret is a director of the Bridgeport National Bank, a Republican in politics, and a member of the Lutheran church. He served the borough as councilman for three years, and holds all degrees of the Masonic order, up to and including the thirty-second, being affiliated with Norristown Lodge, No. 620, Free and Accepted Masons ; with Nor- ristown Chapter, No. 190, Royal Arch Masons; Hutchinson Command- ery, No. 32, Knights Templar; and all bodies of the Philadelphia Con- sistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. He is also a Noble of Lu Lu Temple, Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; a member of the Tall Cedars of Lebanon; Pennsylvania Fish and Game Associa- tion ; Camp and Trail Club ; a life-member of the Manufacturers' Club
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of Philadelphia ; member of the Old Colony Club ; the Plymouth Country Club ; Young Men's Christian Association ; Rotary Club ; the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of Norristown, Pennsylvania, and many other similar organizations.
Mr. Gehret married, in Covington, Kentucky, April 25, 1895, Elizabeth O. Miller, daughter of Lawrence and Catherine Miller. Mr. and Mrs. Gehret are the parents of a daughter, Sarah Catherine, who was born February 16, 1899.
GEORGE M. LONGAKER-A native of Pottstown, in which place he has passed practically all of his life to the present time, George M. Longaker, assistant secretary and trust officer of the Security Company of Pottstown, has given much attention to banking, keeping in touch with banking operations throughout the State, and is also treasurer and a director of the Pottstown Cold Storage and Warehouse Company.
Mr. Longaker is descended from early Colonial stock, Ulrich and Daniel Longenecker, brothers, being the ancestors of the Longenecker and Longaker families in America, members of which are numerous in Montgomery, Lancaster, and Chester counties, Pennsylvania. Ulrich and Daniel Longenecker were German Quakers, affiliated with the Eng- lish Quakers, and were highly educated. Daniel Longenecker, as a Mennonite preacher, came to America to escape persecution, and Ulrich Longenecker, immigrating in 1733, at the age of sixty-nine years, brought with him his wife and two sons, Ulrich, Jr., aged twenty-two years, and Jacob, aged nineteen years. He located upon a tract of land containing 229 acres and lying upon the west side of the Schuylkill river, now Coventry township, Chester county. About 1746 Ulrich Longénecker sold his lands along the Schuylkill river and went to Lancaster county with his son Ulrich, Jr. He acquired no other lands. Daniel Longenecker may have first settled in New York State, but some few years earlier than 1727 he was officiating as preacher at Manatawny, Berks county, Pennsylvania. He and Jacob were delegates to the Convention of Quakers held at Germantown in September, 1727. On May 1, 1733, John Penn, Thomas Penn, and others conveyed to Daniel Longenecker 230 acres of land on the southeast side of the Schuylkill river, then Phila- delphia county, at Mingo creek, and extending along the river to the land now known as the Almshouse Farm at Black Rock. The descendants of those two pioneers have formed an association which now numbers between four and five hundred members, and of which Reuben L. Long- aker, of Bayside, Long Island, is president.
George M. Longaker was born April 4, 1886, son of Charles W. and Mary (Malsberger) Longaker, the former named a grocer of Pottstown, and a member of the local township board. George M. Longaker received his early education in the public schools of Pottstown, attending the high school of that place until he had reached the second years. He then entered The Hill School, from which he was graduated in 1904, and from which, the following fall, he entered Lehigh University, leaving at the
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end of his freshman year in 1905. He at once began his business career by entering the employ of the Security Company of Pottstown in the capacity of clerk, and with this concern he has remained to the present time. Able, faithful, and energetic, he has advanced through various promotions to the responsible position he now holds, that of assistant secretary and trust officer. From the beginning he has been interested in and given close attention to banking throughout the county and State. He attends all the meetings of the State Banking Association, and is recognized as one of the well informed and skillful men in that field.
The bank of the Security Company of Pottstown was established June 24, 1887, the organizers and the first board of directors being as follows : President, Jacob Legley ; secretary and treasurer, H. J. Meixell; and other members of the board, Isaac Legley, Henry Kulp, William H. Morris, and John H. Short, all of whom are deceased except the two last named. Much of the initial success of the institution was due to the wisdom and skill of Jacob Legley. His policy was to make the bank a bank of the people and of the utmost value to the community. His interest was in the city of Pottstown, and perhaps more than any other of his generation he is credited with having been an important factor in the progress of the town. He worked to build up the sum of deposits and succeeded in raising the amount from $200,000 to $2,000,000, remain- ing active in this work until the time of his death. Since his death the bank has continued his policy of building up the town. It has assisted new enterprises, has been the intermediary between industries and the people, and has a very large list of depositors. It has become in the truest sense of the word a "bank of the people." It has backed the new man going into business, has assisted others through financial crises, and in many instances has advanced money when the security was the character of the individual rather than his financial assets. For a time the bank was in the same building with the Security Company's Bank and Mr. Legley was president of both, but in 1889 the new building was erected, then the finest in the city, and the Security Bank moved in. The company is a trust company as well as a banking company, and acts as trustee for many estates. Many who have passed on to the next world have served as members of the board of directors and in that capacity have contributed to the present prosperity and usefulness of the institution. Dr. John Davis, Jared W. Evans, Dr. M. Goodsell, Abraham Weitgenkorn, Calvin Legley, and William E. Wright, all have rendered valuable service in making the institution the safe, useful, and prosperous institution it has become. After President Legley's death Mr. George M. Malsberger became president, and remained in that office until January, 1922, when he was succeeded by Dr. J. Elmer Porter. The active, managing director for many years was Samuel Franheiser, who was devoted to the interests of the bank, and to the time of his death, February 25, 1913, he was a power in building up deposits. At the present time the institution is in a most prosperous condition, its statement issued June 30, 1922, showing deposits to the amount of $2,608,926.72, exclusive of trust funds amounting to $841,-
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085.18. The present officers are: Dr. J. Elmer Porter, president ; A. J. Bernhart, vice-president; W. M. Bunting, secretary and treasurer ; and George M. Longaker, assistant secretary and trust officer.
In addition to his responsibilities in connection with the Security Company, Mr. Longaker is treasurer and a member of the board of directors of the Pottstown Cold Storage and Warehouse Company. Politically, he gives his support to the principles and the candidates of the Democratic party, and takes an active interest in the public affairs of his community. In 1915-1916 he was a member of the City Council, representing the Sixth Ward, and he has served as an official in the local campaign organizations. He attended the Convention of 1912, support- ing Woodrow Wilson as nominee for President, and takes a deep interest in all the activities of his party. He is a member of the board of directors of the Mount Zion Cemetery Association, and is also secretary and a director of the Young Men's Christian Association. In fraternal circles he is well known, being a member of the lodge, chapter, council, and commandery of the Free and Accepted Masons, and a member of Rajah Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of the Brook- side Country Club. His religious affiliation is with the First Presby- terian Church of Pottstown.
Mr. Longaker married (first) at Pottstown, Pennsylvania, November 30, 1911, Olivia Hoffman, daughter of Benjamin F. Hoffman, a tobacco packer of Bainbridge, Massachusetts, and of Grace (Stauffer) Hoffman. Mrs. Longaker died September 26, 1918. Mr. Longaker married (second) at Pottstown, July 9, 1921, Anna Slinghoff, daughter of Charles H. and Sarah L. (Tyson) Slinghoff, of Tower City, Pennsylvania. To the first marriage two children were born: George M., Jr., born September 13, 1913; and Benjamin L., born September 13, 1916.
CHARLES ARTHUR WALTER, M. D., since 1911 has been num- bered among the representatives of the medical profession of Glenside, Pennsylvania, and is daily adding to an already extensive practice. Dr. Walter combines with his professional activities those of a public-spirited citizen, giving keen interest to all things pertaining to the welfare and advancement of the community in which he resides.
John Walter, father of Dr. Walter, was born in Point Pleasant, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, and for many years, or until his death in 1896, was engaged in business as a general merchant there. He always took an active part in politics and business affairs, being affiliated with the Republican party, and director of the National Bank at Doylestown. He married Susanna Shaddinger, a native of Gardenville, Bucks county, and they were the parents of three children: J. Willis, a physician at Point Pleasant ; Ella, wife of Jordan Shibler, a hotel man of Hackensack, New Jersey; and Charles Arthur, of further mention.
Charles Arthur Walter was born at Point Pleasant, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, November 17, 1882. After attending the public schools
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at Point Pleasant he entered Stewart's Business College at Trenton, subsequently matriculating at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, from which he was graduated in 1904, and then entered the employ of Mr. Deitrich, a druggist, located at Sixtieth street and Girard avenue, Philadelphia. Having, however, determined to follow a medical career, he entered Jefferson Medical College and received from this institution the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1910. His next year was spent as interne in St. Francis' Hospital at Trenton, after which he moved to Glenside and established himself in his chosen profession, since which time he has continued in this particular line with marked success.
Dr. Walter has been medical inspector of the public schools of Abing- ton township since 1919; member of the local Board of Health since 1920; medical examiner for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company ; the Artisans' Assembly No. 2, of Glenside ; the Loyal Order of Moose, of Jenkintown; and for the Patriotic Order of the Sons of America, Glenside Chapter. He holds membership in the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks, Philadelphia Lodge No. 2; the Artisans' No. 72; Patriotic Order of the Sons of America; Improved Order of Red Men; Loyal Order of Moose; Independent Order of Odd Fellows; American Medical Association ; Pennsylvania State Medical Association ; Bucks County Medical Society ; Phi Rho Sigma fraternity of Jefferson College, and Zeta Delta Chi fraternity of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy. He also holds membership in the Cedar Brook Country Club, of which he is one of four hundred active members. In religion Dr. Walter is a Baptist and attends the First Church of that denomination at Point Pleasant.
On March 1, 1911, at Philadelphia, Dr. Charles Arthur Walter mar- ried (first) Cecelia T. Wardoska, of Pottsville, who died. Dr. Walter married (second) on March 3, 1917, Lillian Barker, of Philadelphia. From the first union there was one child, Charles Arthur, Jr., born July 2, 1912. The family home is at No. 21 North Easton road. Dr. Walter is devoted to golf and fishing, and what little time he can take from his professional duties he devotes in large part to these particular sports when in season.
MORRIS DANIEL FINK-An American billiardist who holds the championship of his native State of Pennsylvania and who has won the Tri-State championship of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, as well as the Eastern Pool Championship of the United States, and many other events arranged for billiard players, Mr. Fink is known from coast to coast as a player of the most brilliant skill and strategy. One of the foremost referees in the world for pool and billiards and an abso- lute authority on all matters connected with the game, he has a large following in the Eastern States, and his pool and billiard rooms at Norris- town are the headquarters of all Pennsylvanians who love the ancient pastime.
Mr. Fink was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, July 8, 1879, son of Tobias Lilliman and Emma (Stump) Fink. His father was the owner
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and proprietor of a one-hundred-acre farm in Berks county and devoted his entire lifetime to the care of his fields, the raising of farm animals, and the management of a small dairy. A great lover of flowers, Mr. Fink's mother had a garden that was a show place for miles around, and very few homesteads in a countryside, famous for their beautiful farms and gardens, have ever been brought to a higher state of cultiva- tion and orderly arrangement than the Fink farm near Albany. Mr. Fink's father, who was never entirely robust, died at a comparatively early age. He was survived by his widow, who is now living at Phila- delphia with her only daughter. Mr. Fink is one of a family of four children, as follows: Samuel, who was born in 1869 and who is no longer living ; Albert, who was born in 1874 and who occupies the family home- stead; Morris Daniel, our subject; Elizabeth, who married George Fink and who is now a widow and a resident of Philadelphia, where she lives with her mother, Mrs. Emma (Stump) Fink.
Mr. Fink was educated in the public schools of Reading, Pennsyl- vania. He left school at the age of fourteen years to study the watch- maker's trade under a German jeweler named Ebezell, who had learned his trade in the old country and who had built up a small but extremely high-class business at Reading. Mr. Fink spent one year at watchmak- ing, and his fine hand and good eyesight might have enabled him to achieve success as a jeweler if his love of billiards had not prompted him to give up the jeweler's business in order to follow the more con- genial occupation of working in the billiard parlor of the Mansion Hotel at Reading. His skill as a marker and his ability to handle a cue in such a manner as to make him a formidable opponent for any traveling man who cared to try a game with him, gave the Mansion Hotel the reputation of being the best place in the neighborhood for spectators who wished to see a good game of billiards. For five years Mr. Fink enlivened the scene with his presence, and then, to the great regret of all concerned, he departed to Philadelphia, resolved to settle down either as a salaried worker or as a business man. At Philadelphia the young man-he was only nineteen years of age-obtained remunerative em- ployment with the firm of H. A. Eams and Company, manufacturers of ladies' straw and felt hats. He continued in this position for several years, but his billiard ability and the enthusiasm he felt for the game of kings could not be downed and, although he devoted himself very strictly to business during business hours, he spent practically every hour of his leisure time among cues and ivory balls. This constant practice improved his game, and his reputation as an amateur player and billiard enthuiast grew. His opinion was frequently sought and he was urged by many of the local players to open an establishment where they might have the benefit of his companionship and advice. In 1906 he took this step, giving up his connection with the firm of H. A. Eams and Company and establishing a billiard parlor at No. 802 Vine street. This place immediately became the mecca of all the Philadelphia players. Mr. Fink maintained it for five years and then moved his paraphernalia to
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