USA > Pennsylvania > Montgomery County > Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, a history, Volume III > Part 32
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
A member of the Perkiomen Valley Business Men's Association, Mr. Carl has always taken the deepest interest in the business affairs of Montgomery county and the State in general. He is an advocate of town planning and better roads, and no one takes greater pride in the achievements of the Montgomery county farmers than he does. A great believer in good fellowship and the personal power and inspiration that comes to a man from friendly association with his fellows, Mr. Carl is an active and enthusiastic member of three orders. He is a Mason and holds membership in Warren Lodge, No. 310, of Collegeville, and likewise in the Philadelphia Consistory. He also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being a member of Perkiomen Lodge, No. 367, of that order. Likewise, he is a member of the Loyal Order of Moose, with his name on the roster of the Pottstown Lodge. In religion, Mr. Carl fol- lows the faith of his ancestors and is a member of the Dutch Reformed church at Schwenkville.
Mr. Carl's principal sport is fishing. He is one of the most ardent dis- ciples of the gentle art of angling that may be found in Montgomery county. A subscriber to many outdoor journals, and a keen student of fishing paraphernalia, he keeps up with each new development of the royal sport and interests himself very actively in all measures designed to protect the streams and watercourses of the Schwenkville region from destructive pollution and other evils. As a sportsman, he believes in all conservation measures and especially in the conservation of what is left of the Pennsylvania woodlands. The havoc that has been wrought by short-sighted policies of exploitation of the natural resources of the State and Nation is a matter of deep regret to him, and he is deaf to all argu- ments that tend to encourage further destruction. A good shot as a boy, Mr. Carl has kept up his practice, and next to his ability as a fisherman he excels as a gunner. He knows every inch of his home country, and strangers who come to Schwenkville esteem it a privilege to go out with him.
On September 22, 1888, at East Greenville, Pennsylvania, Mr. Carl married Laura E. Kemmerer, daughter of Daniel and Mary (Getter) Kemmerer. Mrs. Carl's father was a cigar manufacturer of Lehigh county, Pennsylvania. He was born in 1834, and died in 1906. Mrs. Carl's
592
HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY
mother, born April 8, 1846, is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Kem- merer had seven children : Horace, the owner of a cigar factory ; Emma, who married L. K. Stickler, the present agent of the railroad at Norris- town, Pennsylvania; Laura E., who married Mr. Carl; Allen, who is a shoe manufacturer of Allentown, Pennsylvania; Henry, who died at the age of seven years; Katherine, who died at the age of four years; and Wayne, who is connected with the Central Railroad of New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. Carl have had three children: Eva May, born December 30, 1889, died one year after her graduation with the class of 1907 from the Perkiomen Seminary, her death occurring April 12, 1908; Elmer, born October II, 1892, now a telegraph operator at Schwenkville; and Lane, born November 1, 1905, a student at the Schwenkville High School.
SAMUEL AUGEE, A. B .- One of the names which will long be remembered in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, although more than a decade has already passed since he went out into the Great Unknown, is Samuel Augee, and soon the generation which knew him as a man of action and business interests will also be gone. To the community of which he was so long a resident, to the nation to which he gladly gave his sworn allegiance, to the wife to whom he was devoted, and who now survives him, he early dedicated his life, and in every relation he is remembered as one of the noblest men of his day.
Mr. Augee was born in Norristown, Montgomery county, Pennsyl- vania, October 16, 1835, and died in Collegeville, in the same county and State, January 13, 1912. He was a son of Valentine Augee, who died in 1836, and his mother died when he was only nine years of age. The children of these parents numbered five: William, Charles, Wallace, John, Samuel.
Samuel Augee's education was begun in the public schools of Skip- pack township, and he later had the advantage of a course at Freeland Seminary, from which institution he received his degree of Bachelor of Arts. As a young man he taught school in Berks county, Pennsylvania, also in Skippack township and Frederick township, both in Montgomery county, and was thus engaged until the outbreak of the Civil War. On April 16, 1861, the day after President Lincoln's first call for volunteers, Mr. Augee enlisted in Company E, Fourth Regiment, Pennsylvania Vol- unteer Infantry, under Captain G. Avery and Colonel I. F. Hartranft. He served at Annapolis and Washington, District of Columbia, at Blad- ensburg, Shunter's Hill, Blackburn's Ford and Butlerville, and received his honorable discharge at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, July 27, 1861. On August 20, 1861, Mr. Augee reenlisted as musician of the Second Regi- ment, and participated in the many activities of the regiment until his discharge on July 8, 1862, which was occasioned by the act of Congress abolishing all bands. Again reënlisting in the service, Mr. Augee was commissioned first lieutenant of Company C, One Hundred Seventy- ninth Regiment, on November 5, 1862, to serve under Captain J. S. Jones, and he did garrison duty at Fort Monroe and at Yorktown, Virginia, until
593
BIOGRAPHICAL
his final discharge on July 27, 1863. Not long after returning to his native State (1864) he established a restaurant in Collegeville, which he continued until 1881, with great success. He then retired from all active business interests, devoting his attention to the care of the property which he had acquired and to the quiet and unheralded good deeds for which he is now affectionately remembered. He was a member of War- ren Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Collegeville. In the early history of the organization he was a member of Joshua White Post, No. 45, Grand Army of the Republic, of Phoenixville, and later for many years was a member of Post, No. 1I, of Norristown, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Augee married, in Freeland Seminary, in Collegeville, Pennsyl- vania, in April, 1864, Sarah E. Bates, daughter of Bennoia and Mary (Sanders) Bates. Mr. Bates was a prominent man of Cementine town- ship, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, and there conducted a store and hotel during his active life, but died at a comparatively early age in the year 1860. The family consisted of eight children: John; George; William ; James; Charles; Thomas; Sarah E., of further mention; and Annie, who became the wife of the late Charles Yost, and survives him, residing in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The two daughters of the above family are the only members now living.
Sarah E. (Bates) Augee was born in Cementine township, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, October 20, 1844. Her education was received in the rural schools near her home, which she attended until seventeen years of age. She then learned dressmaking under Hannah Bellis, a leading modiste of Philadelphia, and was engaged along this line of endeavor until her marriage. Mrs. Augee has always been a familiar figure in the social life of Collegeville, and in the work of the Reformed church, of which both she and her husband have been members for many years. Mrs. Augee still cherishes, as mementos of Lieutenant Augee's military service, his sword, scabbard, sash and canteen, also the first cracker, or piece of "hard-tack," which he received as rations. She has also records of service and his discharge papers, which he presented to her on August 15, 1902. Mrs. Augee is very highly esteemed by her friends and acquaintances of Collegeville, and is still active and in good health, although she is approaching the four-score mark, and the recollections of a day now gone, told in her sprightly and fascinating style, are of great interest to the young people about her.
ALEXANDER RAE EVANS, M. D., who holds a foremost position in professional circles in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, comes of a very prominent English family, and was himself born in England, where he received his early education.
William Evans, grandfather of Dr. Alexander R. Evans, was a noted gentleman farmer of England, and William L. Evans, his son, and father of Dr. Alexander R. Evans, succeeded to his extensive estates. William L. Evans married Janet Seaton Rae, daughter of Alexander and Janet
Mont-38
594
HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY
(Seaton) Rae, the Seaton line reaching back directly to Lady Jane Sea- ton, a lady-in-waiting to Mary, Queen of Scots. William L. Evans died in 1890, at the age of sixty-two years, and his wife died in 1914, at the age of eighty years. They were the parents of six children: William ; James Martin; Alexander R., of further mention; Janet; Kathleen Sea- ton ; and Grace.
Alexander Rae Evans was born at Ely, Cambridgeshire, England, April 14, 1866, and is the third son of William L. and Janet Seaton (Rae) Evans. His elementary education was received in the Cathedral school of his native land, and he also studied chemistry and pharmacy in Eng- land. Coming to the United States at the age of twenty years, he was active in the drug business for a number of years as a graduate pharma- cist, then in 1894 established his own drug business at Bryn Mawr. He was very successful, and carried the business forward for a number of years, but feeling that larger opportunity of service to his fellowmen awaited him, he determined to take up the study of medicine. Entering the University of Pennsylvania, he was graduated from that institution in the class of 1905, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Taking up the practice of this profession in Ardmore shortly afterward, Dr. Evans has continued here successfully until the present time, a period of eighteen years, and is now counted among the broadly significant professional men of the day in Montgomery county. In connection with his private practice Dr. Evans has become noted in this vicinity in public service and institutional work in line with his profession. He has served for years on the Lower Merion Board of Health, and has also acted as phy- sician to Villa Nova College, still fulfilling these responsibilities. Dr. Evans is a member of the American Medical Association, the Pennsyl- vania Medical Society, and the Montgomery County Medical Society. He is a member of Cassia Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Mont- gomery Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; and of Merion Lodge, Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows.
Dr. Evans married, in 1890, Kate L. Blake, and they have five chil- dren : Evelyn, Katherine L., Muriel Seaton, Alexander Rae, and Doro- thy Lee.
GEORGE BODENSTEIN-One of the foremost figures in the man- ufacturing interests of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and one of the most active of men in all of his numerous affairs and undertakings until the day of his fatal illness, was George Bodenstein, of Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, who attained national note as a manufacturer of chairs. A native of Germany, Mr. Bodenstein came to the United States with his parents while still a child, prior to the Civil War. He was a son of Andrew Frederick and Carlotta Wilamenia Bodenstein, his father a linen weaver by trade, both parents now long since deceased. Andrew F. Bodenstein served for three years in the German Imperial army as a member of the King's Guards before coming to this country. Called to the Western World by the same spirit of freedom which inspired the
+
Mitr
Leo Bodenstein
595
BIOGRAPHICAL
earlier adventurers, he enlisted in the Civil War, joining the 26th Regi- ment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He participated in the battle of Gettysburg, and the first battle of Bull Run, and died as a prisoner of war in Libby Prison, December 18, 1863.
George Bodenstein was born at Hesse Cassel, Germany, February 8, 1851, and died May 13, 1923, after an illness of nine days, having suf- fered a stroke while at his work. His education was received in the public schools of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which he attended for only five years. Then at the age of thirteen years, being left fatherless and the responsibility of the family maintenance largely depending upon him, the lad entered the employ of Hess & Brother, chair manufacturers of that day, at No. 223 South Second street, Philadelphia. Entering this organization on February 29, 1864, he continued in that connection until May, 1872, mastering the trade of chair-making and gaining the exper- ience which brought him to a point of the highest efficiency and skill, his natural artistic ability adding greatly to the value of his work. On the latter date the business of his employers had become slack, and they reluctantly informed him that they would have no more work for him for a temporary period. Mr. Bodenstein was never a man to calmly await the movement of events. He at once secured a location at No. 204 Callowhill street, Philadelphia, and began the independent manufacture of chairs on May 10, 1872, employing a boy, William Weaver, who, until his death, on March 1, 1916, remained with Mr. Bodenstein. The enter- prising chairmaker and his faithful assistant made chairs all summer entirely by hand. Mr. Bodenstein's first customer, Nathan Marple, of Ger- mantown, Pennsylvania, arrived in September of the same year, and pur- chasing a bill of goods amounting to $156, for which he paid cash, took home his purchases in his own wagon. Mr. Bodenstein in those early years sold most of his goods on consignment, to be paid for when sold, largely to retailers. Later he made special patterns for jobbers, but this was discontinued after a time. Meanwhile, during the first year, he made thirteen different designs of chairs, all for bedroom or boudoir except two, of poplar, and stained walnut. He then formed a partnership with John King, who owned some machinery, this association lasting until Septem- ber, 1877. More machinery was bought, and the premises next door leased, then the manufacturing plant was removed to No. 116 Edward street, the earlier premises being used as a warehouse. They began the manufacture of new designs, also of dining room chairs, and soon rented a building at No. 1310 North Lawrence street. Later a warehouse was leased at No. 432 North Second street, the Callowhill location still being retained. After the dissolution of the partnership, which was by mutual agreement, Mr. Bodenstein sold novelties for a time, but was soon again manufacturing chairs, purchasing machinery from Gleason & Brother and leasing a plant at the corner of American and York streets. In addi- tion to his former lines he made parlor suite frames for upholsterers. Meanwhile he had formed an acquaintance with Gustave A. Kuem- merle, who became his partner February 8, 1881. This association, which became a corporation in 1903, endured until Mr. Bodenstein's death. Soon
596
HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY
after the partnership was formed the rapid expansion of the business brought about their removal to a large building on Front street, above Master street. Two years later these premises began to be inadequate, and the site of the present factory was purchased, on Lawrence, Leithgow and Cambridge streets, a very short distance below Girard avenue. The present plant was erected in part, at once, and additions have been made from time to time, all buildings representing the most approved factory construction at their erection. Mr. Bodenstein and Mr. Kuemmerle were actively at the head of the affairs of the plant up to May 4, 1923, when Mr. Bodenstein was taken seriously ill, and on May 13th passed away. Further structures had been added to the plant in recent years, includ- ing a large lumber yard and warehouse at Nos. 1206-1210 Orkney street, and a garage at Nos. 1237-1239 Leithgow street. On May 10, 1922, Mr. Bodenstein celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of his entrance upon the manufacture of chairs. A resident of Fort Washington for thirty-six years, he received the most cordial congratulations from his many friends and business contemporaries.
Mr. Bodenstein was vice-president of the Ambler Building and Loan Association, a director of the Jenkintown Bank and Trust Company, and of the Philadelphia Life Insurance Company. Politically holding inde- pendent convictions, he supported all forward progress. He was a member of the Manufacturers' Club of Philadelphia, also of the City Club; was a member of the German Reformed church of Philadelphia.
Mr. Bodenstein married (first), in November, 1873, Margaret Bletz, who died in 1881, leaving five children: Carlotta Wilamenia, Ellen, George, Jr., Emma, and William. Mr. Bodenstein married (second) Elizabeth Hartranft, daughter of Edward and Sarah Hartranft, and they were the parents of four children: Paul H., Helen, Jeanette, and Elizabeth.
CHARLES R. LEIDY-Many of the sons of Franconia township, Pennsylvania, remain in the locality of their birth, contributing to that section the economic, social, and civic advantages of their active careers. One of these is Charles R. Leidy, who, as farmer and as proprietor of a thriving express business, has demonstrated his ability and his worth as business man and as citizen.
Born in Souderton, April 16, 1885, son of Andrew M., a farmer of Franconia township, who owned and tilled the homestead farm, and of Ellen Leidy, Mr. Leidy was the third of a family of eight: Pierce; James ; Charles R., of further mention; Elmer; William; Oscar ; Laura ; and Elverta.
Charles R. Leidy received a practical education in the public schools of his native district and then became his father's assistant on the home- stead farm until he was twenty-one years of age. He then became inter- ested in the express business, and in 1911 established a business of his own in that line. His venture was successful, and has steadily grown and prospered to the present time. Able, energetic, and willing to oblige, as well as being possessed of considerable executive ability, Mr. Leidy is
597
BIOGRAPHICAL
well and favorably known both as a successful business man and as a worthy citizen. Besides his interests and responsibilities as owner and manager of an extensive business, Mr. Leidy is also a member of the Souderton Building and Loan Association.
Politically he gives his support to the candidates and the principles of the Democratic party, and he has always taken an active interest in the welfare of the community. Projects planned for the public good receive his hearty support, and in many quiet ways he has contributed to the advancement of the economic and civic interests of the town. His reli- gious affiliation is with the Reformed church.
Charles R. Leidy married Irene Gwenhold, daughter of Abraham Gwenhold, and they are the parents of two children: Donald, and Ellen.
JESSE N. ARBUCKLE-With practical experience in transportation activities, Mr. Arbuckle has for the past six years been engaged in lum- ber, coal, and affiliated interests at Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, and is doing a thriving and steadily growing business. Mr. Arbuckle was born in the State of Pennsylvania, and is a son of William R. Arbuckle, who was born February 2, 1858, and died January 31, 1916, and for the greater part of his life was head clerk for the Pennsylvania railroad. The mother, Elizabeth L. (Nice) Arbuckle, was born May 24, 1863, and is still living.
Jesse N. Arbuckle was born at Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, September 6, 1886. The family removing to Fort Washington in his boyhood, he was educated in the schools of this community, and at Drexel Institute, from which he was graduated in 1904. Beginning his career as a clerk in the employ of the Lehigh railroad, Mr. Arbuckle continued in that capacity until 1908, then went to New York City, to the metropolitan offices of the same road, as a rate clerk, filling the duties of this position until 1910. He then went to their Philadelphia offices in the same capac- ity, remaining for two years, after which he was promoted to assistant chief clerk, which position he filled for six years. Mr. Arbuckle then came to Fort Washington, and taking over the business theretofore con- ducted by Samuel Yeakle, has since been a leading figure back of the building industries in this section, also in the distribution of coal and feed. On June 12, 1917, he received as partner Robert Gordon, but after a number of months of association together, Mr. Gordon withdrew to enter another line of endeavor for himself. Mr. Arbuckle now handles a very extensive business in the distribution of lumber, cement, coal and feed. His buildings cover one acre of ground. He has one three-story feed shed, one two-story lumber shed, one coal shed, and one two-story garage of specially heavy construction, built for the housing of trucks. With his own motor delivery system, his business extends over a very wide radius, and he employs eight people.
Mr. Arbuckle is still a young man and is considered one of the leading men in his line in Montgomery county to-day, with a future of great promise before him. He is interested in the various lines of civic and
1
598
HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY
social advance, and is a director in the Wissakickan Building and Loan Association and the Fort Washington Building and Loan Association. An independent Republican in political convictions, Mr. Arbuckle has served as treasurer of the school board of Upper Dublin township for some years, being now in his third term. Fraternally he is a member of Fort Washington Lodge, No. 308, Free and Accepted Masons; Fort Washington Chapter, No. 220, Royal Arch Masons; Philadelphia Coun- cil, Royal and Select Masters; American Commandery, No. 36, Knights Templar ; Philadelphia Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and is a noble of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of the Artisans Assembly, the Order of United Ameri- can Mechanics, and the Sons and Daughters of Liberty. He is a mem- ber of the Philadelphia City Club, and of St. Paul's Reformed Church, of Fort Washington, of which he is trustee.
Mr. Arbuckle married, June 28, 1911, at Fort Washington, Margaret Anna Hahl, daughter of Conrad and Margaret (Ninestrel) Hahl, and they have one son : William J., born September 12, 1914.
DAVID BUCKWALTER-A retired builder and contractor, Mr. Buckwalter is an influential member of the community at Collegeville, Pennsylvania, where he has lived for many years. He was born at Yerkes Station, Upper Providence township, Pennsylvania, May 15, 1848, son of David and Sarah (Favinger) Buckwalter. His father, who was a mason by trade, was also a farmer, and owned a fine farm property in Upper Providence township, where Mr. Buckwalter spent his boy- hood and early youth.
Mr. Buckwalter received his education in the rural school in his native township. From his earliest days he took a part in the work of the farm, performing many of the easier tasks, and acquiring a thorough knowledge of farming methods. He continued to work on the farm after having completed his studies, devoting all his time to helping his father, until he was twenty-two years old. He then decided that he would find a better field for the exercise of his abilities as a mason than as a farmer. His father, who was himself a master of this trade and from whom Mr. Buckwalter undoubtedly inherited his liking for constructive work, was heartily in favor of this plan, although he was sorry to lose his son's assistance, and accordingly, Mr. Buckwalter associated himself with Wil- liam Ladd, of Trappe, Pennsylvania, a master mason, for the purpose of acquiring the trade. A ready student, he learned quickly and soon com- pleted his apprenticeship, becoming an expert at the work. He con- tinued to work with Mr. Ladd for some time and then associated himself with Jacob Stern, a well-known contractor and builder. He remained with Mr. Stern for some years, acquiring an excellent knowledge of build- ing and contracting and the factors determining the management of this field of business. At length, fully equipped by training and experi- ence, he established an independent business as a contractor and builder. He soon became widely known, and many important commissions were
599
BIOGRAPHICAL
entrusted to him. Among the other notable buildings constructed by him is an addition to Ursinus College, which may truly be considered a model piece of work, both in design and execution. Mr. Buckwalter continued with increasing success until 1913, when he sold his interests and retired from active participation in business affairs.
In politics Mr. Buckwalter is a Republican. A man of influence and substance, he takes an active interest in political affairs, and is a firm supporter of progressive legislative policies, especially in regard to such matters as better transportation facilities, better roads, and the mainte- nance and improvement of agricultural standards of quality and produc- tion, so vital to the continued prosperity of the nation. Mr. Buckwalter is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and belongs to the Collegeville lodge of that order. He is also an active member of the Farmers' Grange, and attends its meetings regularly. In religious faith he is a member of the Reformed church at Trappe, Pennsylvania. He finds his chief recreations in gunning and fishing, and takes full advantage of the splendid opportunities afforded for these pastimes by Pennsylvania's woods and streams, which constitute ideal hunting and fishing grounds for the sportsman.
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.