USA > Pennsylvania > Montgomery County > Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, a history, Volume III > Part 3
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Mr. Pennepacker is a son of John Boyer and Elizabeth (Wagner) Pennepacker, the father being engaged in farming in Perkiomen town- ship, and is one of six children, named as follows: Isaac, living in Schwenkville; Jonas Wagner, the subject of this sketch; Mary, wife of Dr. Knipe, of Limerick; Esther, who died in infancy; Elizabeth, wife of F. K. Schwenk, of Schwenkville; Sarah, wife of Stanley Bartman, of Schwenkville.
Jonas Wagner Pennepacker was born in Perkiomen township, Mont- gomery county, Pennsylvania, January 7, 1870, where he attended the rural schools and later Ursinus Academy, taking a two-year general course, and still later studying one year at the Pierce Business College, in Philadelphia. After completing his education he engaged as a clerk
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for McNulty & Prizer, from 1891 until 1899. Then, in 1900, he became a partner with Frank McNulty, son of the former owner, which continued until the death of Mr. McNulty in 1901. He then took over the manage- ment of the store and was its sole proprietor until in February, 1902, he accepted Jacob Bromer as partner, and from that time until November 1, 1922, the firm name was Pennepacker & Bromer, when the partnership was dissolved as above stated. This store is the largest in this section, keeping in stock a large assortment of articles, and consists of three floors and basement in a building 30 x 90 feet. In addition they have a warehouse, 20 x 30 feet, providing two floors.
In politics Mr. Pennepacker is a Republican, and was borough auditor from its organization until 1920. In fraternal orders he is a member of Warren Lodge, No. 310, Free and Accepted Masons, of Collegeville, Pennsylvania; Norristown Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Hutchinson Commandery, Knights Templar, of Norristown; the Consistory of Phil- adelphia ; and Lu Lu Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, Philadelphia. He is a member of the Pottstown Lodge, Loyal Order of Moose; and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks ; also of the Patriotic Order Sons of America, of Schwenksville. He was director of the Eastern Pennsylvania Business Men's Association for about four years ; of the Merchants' Wholesale Association for eight or ten years ; and is a member of Acacia Club, of Collegeville; the Masonic Lu Lu Automobile Club ; and of the Philadelphia and Perkiomen Valley Business Men's Association. In religion he is a member of the Reformed church and was deacon for several years. He is much interested in horse racing as a diversion.
Mr. Pennepacker was twice married (first) in Green Lane, April 18, 1906, to Hetty Thomson Lukens, daughter of John B. and Margaret (Patterson) Lukens, and her death occurred April 9, 1911. He married (second), January 28, 1914, Ida Linder (Hampton) Rimby, widow of Harry Rimby, at Norristown. There were no children by either mar- riage.
ROBERT L. WOOD is a son of R. Francis Wood, a well known lawyer, who was born May 15, 1850, and Mary Emlen (Leaming) Wood, born September 19, 1852, died May 11, 191I.
Robert L. Wood was born at Merion, Montgomery county, Pennsyl- vania, November 1, 1886, and prepared for college in the Protestant Episcopal Academy of Philadelphia, graduating with the class of 1903. Matriculating in the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, in the civil engineering course, he was graduated in 1908. He began his busi- ness career in the Phoenix Iron Works, remaining for a short time, leav- ing to go with the United Gas Improvement Company as a cadet engi- neer, where he spent the years from 1909 to 1912. From 1912 until 1923 he was secretary and assistant treasurer of the Cruse-Kemper Company of Ambler. At the beginning of this year, he resigned to become a part- ner in The John Clark Sims Company, Ltd., general advertising agents, of Philadelphia.
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Mr. Wood is an independent Republican, a member of the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity of the University of Pennsylvania, and finds his outdoor sport principally with the Sunnybrook Golf Club. He is a communicant of the Protestant Episcopal church of St. Thomas, White Marsh.
Mr. Wood married, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 9, 1912, Sophia Wilcox Wheeler, daughter of Andrew and Mary (Watson) Wheeler, of that city. Mr. and Mrs. Wood are the parents of three children : Mary Wheeler, born May 12, 1913; Robert L., Jr., born August 27, 1914; and Eleanor Peace, born November 7, 1918.
JAMES IRVIN DONAGHY-At the age of three score years and ten Mr. Donaghy looks back on a life of broad usefulness and constant activity, and is still prominently identified with his earlier field of endeavor in the capacity of chief of police of Lower Merion township. Mr. Donaghy was for many years a member of the Philadelphia Police Department, and his experience in dealing with criminals has given him only an unshakable faith in the inherent good in all men, and the con- viction that, given rational treatment and reasonable opportunity, this good can be brought out. Mr. Donaghy comes of Scottish antecedents, and is a son of James Hood and Mary (Walker) Donaghy. James Hood Donaghy was born in Clyde, Scotland, and coming to America as a young man, founded the first boat-building establishment on the Schuyl- kill river, in Montgomery county. A man of large ability and of high ideals, he was cut down in the prime of life, passing away when his son was only six years of age.
James Irvin Donaghy was born in the city of Philadelphia, December 22, 1852. Receiving his early education in the public schools of that city, he had the advantage of a course at Girard College. As a young man Mr. Donaghy became identified with the Philadelphia "Inquirer," with which he remained for one year. He then entered the employ of the old and well known firm of George Metz & Sons, brush and bellows makers, at No. 815 Market street, with which he was associated until the year 1874. He was then appointed to the Philadelphia Police force, first in the capacity of supernumerary. Later promoted to patrolman, his rise in the service was steady, from patrolman to sergeant, then to lieutenant, then to captain of detectives, then to inspector of the Phila- delphia Detective Bureau. Eventually, Mr. Donaghy retired, his health being broken, but in 1910, after a brief convalescence, he took up again the work to which he had given the best years of his life, becoming chief of police of Lower Merion township. In all his work in connection with the human derelicts which come before the bar of justice, Mr. Donaghy has advocated in no uncertain terms the necessity of giving to youth an opportunity to make good, even though an unguarded act has brought them under the displeasure of the law. "It is our business," says Chief Donaghy, "to make good citizens, not criminals." And many a young man has recovered from a false step through the inspiration and encour- agement given by this leader of men who is not above reaching a hand to him who stands outside the pale, and calling him "brother." Mr.
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Donaghy yields no allegiance to arbitrary political dictation, but reserves the right to independent thought and action, supporting the man or the ticket which he believes will best serve the welfare of the people. Dur- ing the World War he was active as chairman of the Draft Board, and did all within his power to promote the various activities in support of the American Expeditionary Forces. Fraternally Mr. Donaghy is well known, being a member of Cassia Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Ardmore, and of Humane Council, Order of United American Mechanics. His religious affiliation is with the Presbyterian church.
Mr. Donaghy married, in Philadelphia, on September 13, 1882, Sarah R. Kaekle, daughter of Philip and Anna Kaekle, and they are the parents of five children: Harry; James, Jr .; Anna Regina; Philip; and Edna Marie. The family home is at No. 143 Cricket street, Ardmore.
FRED FELIX RENNINGER-Since completing his studies, Mr. Renninger has been associated with the firm of Renninger & Renninger, in the real estate and insurance business, with offices at Glenside, Pennsyl- vania. In every movement pertaining to the welfare and advancement of Glenside, his birthplace, he takes a keen and active interest : is well known and deservedly popular, and commands the respect, esteem and confidence of all with whom he is in any way associated.
Fred Felix Renninger was born in Glenside, Pennsylvania, December 2, 1897. He attended the primary and grammar schools of his native place and then entered Cheltenham High School, from which he was graduated in 1915, subsequently matriculating at the University of Penn- sylvania, class of 1919. Immediately after graduating from college, he returned to his native place and became associated with his brothers in the real estate and insurance business, the firm being known as Renninger & Renninger. Mr. Renninger is also director of the Remlu Building and Loan Association.
Mr. Renninger is a Republican in politics and is staunch in his sup- port of its principles and policies. He is prominent in Masonic circles, being a member of Friendship Lodge, No. 400. Free and Accepted Masons ; a member of Lu Lu Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; and Philadelphia Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scot- tish Rite. He also affiliates with Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, Uni- versity of Pennsylvania; Patriotic Sons of America; Lu Lu Temple Country Club ; Lu Lu Temple Auto Club; and the Rosemore Club of Glenside.
On October 25, 1921, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Fred Felix Ren- ninger was united in marriage with Nannett Stevens Miedel, daughter of the late George and Maria (Stevens) Miedel, the former having been for many years engaged in the delicatessen business in Philadelphia which is now being carried on by Mrs. Miedel.
GEORGE I. BARTLESON-Manager of the entire plant of the Nor- nis Pattern & Machine Company, Mr. Bartleson has had a varied career in the steel and metal working industry. He was born at Ambler, Penn-
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sylvania, January 4, 1888, son of George W. and Minnie (Stevens) Bartle- son. His father, who was employed as a chemist in the laboratories of Kesbey & Madison, at Ambler, was born in 1863. Mr. Bartleson's mother was born November 13, 1864. Mr. Bartleson's early youth was spent in Philadelphia, where his parents lived at that time.
Mr. Bartleson received his education in the public schools of Phila- delphia, and completed his studies at an unusually early age. After leav- ing school in 1902, he turned his attention to various kinds of work and spent some time in special study with a view to choosing a life occupa- tion. In 1905, at the age of seventeen, he finally decided to learn the trade of a pattern maker, and accordingly entered the employment of the Midvale Steel Company at Philadelphia, as an apprentice. He found this work very interesting and made rapid progress in learning the trade. He remained with the Midvale Company for seven years, at the end of which time he left them in order to accept a more advantageous con- nection with another firm. In 1914 he came to Norristown, where he has ever since lived, and formed a connection with R. S. Newbold & Sons. He worked for this firm until 1918, spending the last two years as a pat- tern maker. In 1918 he joined the Norris Pattern & Machine Company, with which he is still associated. He began his career with this com- pany as a pattern maker at the bench. His thorough mastery of his trade and the energy and enthusiasm with which he devoted himself to his work soon brought him recognition, and at the end of a year and a half he was promoted to the position of foreman of the shop, having two apprentice workers under him. Before he had held this position for a year, the company's force was greatly increased, owing to the demands for metal work arising from the need of the Allied governments for war materials. The shop force was increased to eight men, who worked under Mr. Bartleson's direction. This condition lasted for about a year and a half and then the depression following the war, and the almost total absence of orders in the metal industries, caused the firm to reduce its force to the minimum and to exert every effort in order to weather the storm safely. During the troubled period of business depression the firm retained only two men and a boy in the shop and thus by careful management and rigid economy in all departments succeeded in main- taining its footing in the industrial world and was fully prepared for the influx of orders which came in 1922 when trade began to revive. On April 10, 1922, they increased their working force and at the present time they employ seven men in the shop at all times during normal seasons. Mr. Bartleson, who has been with the firm constantly from the beginning of his association with them, is now the manager of the entire plant, and the present prosperity of the business is due in no small degree to his efforts and the care with which he supervises even the smallest details of production. His fidelity and devotion to the interests of the company are greatly appreciated by its officers and they regard him as an energetic and capable administrator.
In religious faith Mr. Bartleson is a member of the Protestant Epis- copal church. Himself a great lover of fishing, hunting, and all outdoor sports, he is a firm supporter of the Boy Scout movement. Believing
William S. Musselman
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thoroughly in the Boy Scout principles of fair play, good sportsmanship, and healthy physical and mental life, he served for two years as scout master of the Gwynedd Valley Troop, No. I, of the Boy Scouts. His work for this troop was greatly appreciated, not only by its members, but by the higher officials of the movement, who received his resignation with regret when his other duties obliged him to give up his post as scout master. In politics Mr. Bartleson is an Independent, and takes the greatest interest in political affairs, understanding fully the vital con- nection between legislative policies and business prosperity. Mr. Bartle- son is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and belongs to Lodge No. 1006, of that organization, at North Wales, Pennsylvania.
On June 8, 1912, Mr. Bartleson married, at Doylestown, Mary H. Hanson, daughter of Augustus and Ella (Anson) Hanson. Mrs. Bartle- son was born April 19, 1893. Her father, who was a stone mason by trade (now deceased), was the owner and manager of a fine farm prop- erty at Ambler. Mr. and Mrs. Bartleson have one son, George I. Bartle- son, Jr., who was born December 31, 1916.
WILLIAM S. MUSSELMAN-Among the younger business men of Norristown, Pennsylvania, is Mr. Musselman, who by perseverance and technical knowledge is forging his way to the front as an electrical con- tractor, and has become known as a skilled radiotrician. He is a son of William H. and Emma M. (Lape) Musselman, the father, a contractor and builder, living at No. 909 West Marshall street, Norristown, Penn- sylvania. His ancestors came to this country from Holland about 1810 and settled in Dolphin county, Pennsylvania. An ancestor of the mother's came to this country from Germany about 1827, settling in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania.
William S. Musselman was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, December 21, 1898, and when his family moved to Norristown he attended the public schools there, graduating from the high school in 1916. He spent two and one-half terms, 1917 and 1918, at Drexel Insti- tute, Philadelphia, studying electrical engineering, and then entered Pennsylvania State College, at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, but after six months of study entered the United States army. After leaving the service he engaged with the Diamond State Fibre Company, at Consho- hocken, Pennsylvania, with which concern he remained four and one- half years, and then established his present electrical contracting busi- ness at No. 506 Swede street, Norristown, November 16, 1921.
In politics Mr. Musselman is a Republican. He enlisted, September I, 1918, in the Students' Training Corps at Penn State College, from which he was discharged January 1, 1919, without engaging in active service. He is a member of Sigma Phi fraternity of Norristown; Phi Gamma Delta National fraternity; and the Patriotic Order Sons of America, in Norristown. He is a member of Christ Reformed Church.
Mr. Musselman was married, at Norristown, Pennsylvania, September I, 1921, to Katherine Seltzer, a daughter of H. S. and Anna (Wills) Seltzer, and has one sister, Sarah Louise. One child was born of this marriage, Ray Seltzer, at Norristown, August 5, 1922.
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CLAYTON L. BROWN, one of the leading men in the field of real estate and insurance in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, was born in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, December 26, 1877, son of Ezra H. and Emma S. (Sheppard) Brown. Ezra H. Brown, the founder of the busi- ness, for thirty-five years carried forward under the firm name of Brown, Cloud & Johnson, latterly Brown & Cloud. The family removing to Norristown in Mr. Brown's boyhood, his education was begun in the public schools of this community. He later attended West Town Board- ing School, where he covered his preparatory course. He then entered the University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, from which he was graduated in the class of 1899. He at once became identified with the real estate firm of Brown, Cloud & Johnson. This concern, which is located at No. 41 East Main street, Norristown, was established in 1888, by Ezra H. Brown and Charles F. Cloud. The partnership continued thus until about 1890, when Charles Johnson was admitted to the firm. Clayton L. Brown entering the employ of the firm in 1899, as above noted, continued in a clerical capacity for four years, meanwhile master- ing the details of the business and familiarizing himself with its various details. In 1903 he was made a member of the firm, and during the suc- ceeding period of seventeen years he was a leading factor in the progress of the business. Much of the later success of the firm was due, in great measure, to Mr. Brown's progressive ideas and their working out under his energetic direction and forceful personality. In the year 1920 he suc- ceeded to the business and has since been at the head of this interest, one of the most important in its field in Montgomery county.
Mr. Brown has for many years given the weight of his influence to the various organized bodies which have to do with the general advance in real estate and kindred interests. He was one of the leaders of the movement which eventuated in the organization of the Norristown Real Estate Board. He was made the first president of this body, and has since continuously been retained in that office, still serving at the present time (1922). He has long been connected with the People's Building and Loan Association, and a member of its directorate. He is also a promi- nent member and the treasurer of the Trooper Heights Building and Loan Association, his residence being in the suburb of Trooper. He is identified fraternally with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and politically with the Republican party, and active in all endeavors tending to advance its interests. His religious affiliation is with the Society of Friends.
Mr. Brown married, on September 1, 1903, Anna Miriam Grubb, of West Chester, Pennsylvania, and they are the parents of five children : Miriam; Clayton L., Jr .; Alfred; Elizabeth ; and Robert.
GEORGE M. WELKER-The man who invests time and energy in the youth of his locality is making an investment which brings rich rewards and pays dividends in priceless coin to the end of time. George M. Welker has devoted much time to the improvement of the educational system of his county, and many boys and girls of that section owe to him
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their opportunity for securing a higher education. Mr. Welker is pro- prietor of the general store in Red Hill, and he makes a success of the business, but he looks beyond the mere matter of dollars and cents and has centered his interest and his efforts in the attempt to improve educa- tional opportunities in the county.
William A. Welker, father of Mr. Welker, also conducted the general store, and took an active interest in the community. He married Angelina Hebener, and they became the parents of five children: George M., of whom further ; Alice L .; Harvey A., who is a minister of the Reformed church; William H., who is a professor in the Institute of Technology in Chicago, Illinois, and won a $2,000 prize for an essay on the human structure ; and John Allen.
George M. Welker was born in Upper Hanover, Pennsylvania, in the home which the family had occupied for a century, September 24, 1863. His early education was received in a Subscription School and in the public schools of his native district, and was completed with a course in Perkiomen Seminary. When his academic education was completed, he became associated with his father's business, the general store of Red Hill, in the capacity of clerk, and continued that connection until he became the owner of the store in 1893. With a prosperous, well-estab- lished business, Mr. Welker has not been content to give all his time and energy to the earning of a living or to the accumulation of property. As a member of the board of directors of the East Greenville Bank and of the Perkiomen National Bank, he has shown himself to be a man of marked business ability, but the interest that has been uppermost during a large part of his active life has been the securing of better educational opportunities for the boys and girls of his section of the State, and in this aim he has been successful to a very large degree. Politically he gives his support to the Democratic party on general principles, but his political action has always been based upon considerations that are above party lines, the character and fitness of the candidate, and the intrinsic value of measures proposed being for him the determining fac- tor. He serves as postmaster of Red Hill.
Fraternally Mr. Welker is affiliated with the Masonic order, being a member of Perkiomen Lodge, No. 595, Free and Accepted Masons ; Pottstown Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; and Pottstown Commandery, Knights Templar. He is also a member of the Knights of Friendship and of the Patriotic Sons of America. His religious affiliation is with the new Gossenhoppen and old Gossenhoppen, both of which he serves as organist. He is also widely known as a choir singer.
George M. Welker married, on June 3, 1884, at Red Hill, Pennsyl- vania, Anna Pfeliger, daughter of Jacob and Lena (Moyer) Pfeliger, the latter a member of one of the old and highly esteemed Pennsylvania families. Mr. and Mrs. Welker are the parents of two children: I. Melvin G., who is a chemist for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company ; he married Bertha Lingfelder, and they have two sons: Robert Henry, and John William. 2. Grover L., who is a well known athlete, having won some twenty cups in various contests, including two from the
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University of Pennsylvania, one from Perkiomen Seminary, and four from Westchester. During the World War Grover L. served with the 79th Division, 316th Headquarters Company, winning two gold chevrons. He has taught school for one term.
FRANK A. LOGAN-Of the younger men of Montgomery county many are holding positions of trust, which involve large responsibilities. Among these may be numbered Frank A. Logan, cashier of the Bridge- port National Bank. Mr. Logan is a son of Morris M. and Blanche S. Logan, his father a farmer by occupation.
Frank A. Logan was born in Audubon, Pennsylvania, January 25, 1892. He is a graduate of both the grammar and high schools of Norris- town, and at the age of eighteen years started life as a clerk in the Penn Trust Company, of Norristown. Rising from one position to another, each a step higher, Mr. Logan became receiving teller of this institution in December 7, 1915. In January, 1917, he became identified with the Bridgeport National Bank in the capacity of teller. His connec- tion with this institution has been interrupted only by his service in the World War. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, July 5, 1918, serving for about seven months and receiving his honorable dis- charge on February 8, 1919. Meanwhile, in January, 1919, Mr. Logan was elected cashier of the Bridgeport National Bank, and immediately upon his return, took up the duties of this responsible position. Widely known in this section, Mr. Logan is interested in every phase of public progress, and in political affairs is an independent Republican. Frater- nally he holds membership in Charity Lodge, No. 190, Free and Accepted Masons, and Lodge No. 502, Patriotic Order Sons of America. His favorite relaxations are outdoor sports, and he is a member of the Ersine Tennis Club of Norristown. He is finance officer of the George U. Althouse Post, No. 39, American Legion; treasurer of Upper Merion Building and Loan Association, and director of the Schuylkill Valley Protective Building and Loan Association. He is identified with the First Methodist Episcopal Church.
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