USA > Pennsylvania > Montgomery County > Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, a history, Volume III > Part 33
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Mr. Buckwalter was one of a family of nine children, his brothers and sisters being: Benjamin; Charles; Manuel; Mary, who married Jacob Riser ; Katharine, who married Joseph Pile; Berlina, who married John Shaeffer ; Emily, who married - Lachman, and lives at Collegeville ; and Hannah Ann, who died in infancy.
Mr. Buckwalter married, at Norristown, Pennsylvania, Mary Shuler, daughter of Tobias and Katharine (Miller) Shuler. Mrs. Buckwalter's father, who was a tailor by trade and had a tailoring establishment at Sumneytown, was a veteran of the Civil War, in which he served with great distinction as a member of a cavalry regiment, taking part in many famous engagements, including the battle of Gettysburg. Mr. and Mrs. Buckwalter have no children.
SUMNER HAYFORD CROSS, M. D., has been established in the practice of medicine in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, since 1902, and the years which have intervened have brought him the rich returns which are the result of ability and skill of a high order.
Dr. William A. Cross, father of Sumner Hayford Cross, was born in Ohio. A few years after receiving his medical degree he removed with his family to Jenkintown, where for thirty years, or until his death in 19II, he was engaged in the active practice of his chosen profession. He possessed a deep and comprehensive knowledge of the underlying prin- ciples of medicine, and was conscientious and practical in his applica- tion of it, having a sympathy with human suffering and a sense of per- sonal responsibility which made him unusually able in his chosen field. He married Harriett Hayford, of Oberlin, Ohio, and they were the par- ents of the following children: Sumner Hayford, of further mention; Howard S., a banker of Philadelphia, and a resident of Rydal, Pennsyl-
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vania ; Edwin L., a banker ; Hannah M., wife of A. K. Borden, of Jenkin- town; and Helen, wife of Ralph Eaton, of Providence, Rhode Island.
Sumner Hayford Cross was born at Oberlin, Ohio, March 28, 1878. At the age of six years he was brought by his parents to Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, where he has since continued to reside. He attended public school in Jenkintown, and later Cheltenham Military Academy, graduating from the latter in 1894. The following two years he spent at Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio, subsequently matriculating at the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania, from which institution he won the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1898, and the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1901. In 1902 Dr. Cross returned to Jenkintown, having in the meantime deter- mined to make the town which was the scene of his father's medical activities his chosen field as well. From the start he was successful, his ability being widely recognized in professional circles.
Dr. Cross served for several years on the staffs of the Howard and Polyclinic hospitals; has been inspector of the district of Cheltenham Polyclinic many years; member of the general medical staff of the Abington Memorial Hospital for many years; affiliates with the Ameri- can Medical Association; Pennsylvania State Medical Association ; Montgomery County Medical Society; Philadelphia College of Physi- cians ; Phi Kappa Psi and Phi Alpha Sigma fraternities of the University of Pennsylvania ; and holds membership in the Hunting Valley Country Club; the Hunting Valley Hunt Club; and the Rose Tree Hunt Club. In religion Dr. Cross is an Episcopalian, and has served as vestryman in the Church of Our Saviour of Jenkintown many years.
In 1904 Dr. Cross was united in marriage with Anna Ridgeway, and to them have been born two children: Susanna, whose birth occurred at Ogontz in 1906; and William R., who was born in 1909. Dr. Cross is devoted to horses, as his membership in the above-named hunt clubs indicate.
JOHN K. KLINK-Among the prominent and representative men of Pottstown, Pennsylvania, none stand higher nor possess a wider circle of friends than John K. Klink, burgess of the borough. A self-made man by his natural leadership, initiative and unswerving principles of honor, he has risen rapidly through the several positions necessary to gain him his present ones, those of purchasing agent of the Birdsboro Steel Foundry and Machine Company; president of the borough coun- cil; and Burgess of Pottstown. In every capacity he has measured up to the highest standards of efficiency and more than satisfied the expecta- tions of his friends and party.
John K. Klink was born in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, October 13, 1885, the son of Charles B. and Mary (Davidheiser) Klink, the former a locomotive engineer with the Philadelphia and Reading railroads, both parents residents of Pottstown. John K. Klink received his education in the public schools of his native place, and after terminating his studies he entered the employ of the Birdsboro Steel Foundry and Machine Com-
Charles & Kieninger
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pany in 1903. Thus he began his connection with the firm of which he subsequently became purchasing agent, the position he still holds (1923).
Since reaching young manhood Mr. Klink has always taken an active part in public affairs. He has been a member of the council since 1914 and for the past four years has been president of that body. On Novem- ber 8, 1921, he was elected burgess of Pottstown, which spells the popu- larity of the man in his home community. Prominent also in fraternal circles, Mr. Klink has been past master of Stricter Lodge, No. 254, Free and Accepted Masons, for some time, and is a member of Trinity Reformed Church, of Pottstown.
On July II, 1907, John K. Klink was united in marriage with Bertha Wilson, a native of Stowe, Pennsylvania, and from this union have been born three children : John K. (2), Charles Joseph, and Robert W. The family home is at No. 20 Walnut street, Pottstown, Pennsylvania.
CHARLES E. RENNINGER-A director of the Schwenkville Bank, and the proprietor of a large stock farm at New Hanover, Pennsylvania, Mr. Renninger is a man of substance and influence in the community. He was born at New Hanover Square, January 24, 1871, son of Solomon and Katherine (Ehl) Renninger. His father was a farmer and the owner of a splendid property at New Hanover. To Mr. and Mrs. Renninger twelve children were born, as follows: Ida; Hannah, deceased; Alfred, deceased ; Amanda ; Charles E., of whom further ; Katie ; Sally ; Wetallas ; Solomon ; William; Alice; and Carrie.
Mr. Renninger received his education in the public schools of his native township and completed his studies at an early age. A country lad, brought up amid farm surroundings, he naturally decided to follow in his father's footsteps by becoming a farmer. He, therefore, associated himself with his father, assisting him in the work of managing the home farm from the time he completed his studies until he came of age. During these years he acquired a thorough knowledge of agricultural methods, taking especial interest in the care of the livestock and dairy cattle. In 1892 he commenced farming on his own account, and in 1896 he bought a farm and mill property, operating the two until 1901. In that year Mr. Renninger prospered to such an extent that he decided to enlarge his business. He disposed of his farm and feed mill to good advantage and purchased Weand's place at New Hanover, for the pur- pose of establishing a stock farm. Already skilled in the management of cattle, and preferring cattle raising to other forms of agricultural employ- ment, he found the work very agreeable and prospered from the begin- ning. He is still actively managing the property and is widely known as one of the leading cattle men in Montgomery county. He ships cattle to the market in large quantities and makes a specialty of various fine breeds, applying the most scientific methods to their raising, mainte- nance, and stabling. An authority on all subjects connected with his chosen field, his judgment is regarded with respect by all ranks of the industry and his advice is frequently sought by younger and less experi-
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enced stock farmers, who appreciate the readiness with which he enters into their problems and advises them.
Mr. Renninger served for three years as an inspector of elections, and was for nine years a director of the school board of New Hanover town- ship. He is a director of the Schwenkville Bank, and holds membership in the Knights of Friendship of Gilbertsville, and the Junior Order United American Mechanics of New Hanover. He is a member of the executive committee of the Montgomery County Farmers' Bureau, and of the Montgomery County Poultry Association; has been treasurer of the Farmers' Union the past twelve years; and is a director of the Renninger Family Association. Mr. Renninger is now specializing in the raising of poultry. In religious faith he is a member of the Lutheran church and takes the greatest interest in all the church activities. He was formerly a deacon, and held office as a member of the board of trustees, and of the official board, and rendered invaluable service in the work of these organizations.
Mr. Renninger married, on February 28, 1891, at New Hanover, Katie Johnson, daughter of Henry and Mary (Koons) Johnson. Mrs. Rennin- ger's parents were both natives of Frederick township. Mr. and Mrs. Renninger had fourteen children, all but one of whom are living, and have, like their parents, strong and vigorous characters and consti- tutions. They were as follows: Edna, deceased ; Stella Alverda; Cleta ; Minnie ; Elizabeth ; Franklyn ; Charles; Annie; Lloyd; Newton; Katie : Elmer ; Roy ; and Earl.
JOHN L. SCHULZ-As a purveyor of the "staff of life" to the people of Pottstown, Pennsylvania, John L. Schulz has become widely and favorably known, for the Schulz Baking Company distribute every day 15,000 loaves of bread fresh from the ovens of the Schulz bakery in Potts- town. He is a son of Charles L. and Mary (Meckert) Schulz, his father born in Germany. John L. Schulz has a brother, William, who is a resi- dent of Chester, Pennsylvania, they the only children of their parents. John L. Schulz has spent his life in Pottstown, and has won a host of friends through his upright, manly life and his strict integrity as a busi- ness man. Mr. Schulz is devoted to his business, but is broad-minded and public-spirited, his greatest interest the securing of open air playgrounds for the children, that they may indulge in healthful sports.
John L. Schulz was born in Pottstown, Montgomery county, Pennsyl- vania, February 15, 1874, and obtained his education in the public schools. After finishing grammar school study he was employed by the Pottstown Iron Company in their nail factory for a year, then for another year was with the Pottstown Bridge Company. At the age of sixteen he appren- ticed himself to Mr. Trout, the baker, at No. 511 High street, Pottstown, with whom he remained for two and a half years. He then returned to the employ of the Pottstown Iron Company as a puddler's helper, but three months later he went with Smith, Kline, French & Company, of Philadelphia, wholesale druggists, remaining with that company three
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and a half years. He then returned to the baker's trade, going first for eight months with John Wall, of Pottstown, then for two months was with Wade Emery, of Kimberton; later was with the Port Kennedy Company, and in 1899 he established his own bakery. In June, 1902, he opend his own store and bakery in Pottstown, giving up the store in Port Kennedy. He began business in an old frame building in Pottstown, 16x20 feet, with a small brick oven, but four years later he put in the Durkop oven and added a 20x20-foot annex and then employed three people. In 1912 he built a large brick store and plant, modern in every particular, 60 feet front and 140 feet in depth, two stories high. He now employs forty-eight people, owns and operates twenty trucks, and every day makes 15,000 loaves of Schulz' butternut bread. In 1920 he added an addition, 67x140 feet, to the plant, built a 45x67-foot garage, a 30x67-foot loading shed and packing room. In April, 1913, Mr. Schulz incorporated his business as the Schulz Baking Company.
Mr. Schulz is a member of the Master Bakers' Association, Montgom- ery County Manufacturers' Association, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Loyal Order of Moose, Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, Modern Woodmen, Foresters of America, Young Men's Christian Association, Rotary Club, and the Lutheran church, all of Pottstown.
Mr. Schulz married, in Pottstown, April 19, 1898, Sarah J. Miller, daughter of Harry and Jane (Roberts) Miller, of Spring City, Chester county, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Schulz are the parents of a son, Charles L., born in Pottstown, July 30, 1900.
OLIVER S. ROSENBERGER-United States postmaster at Penllyn, Pennsylvania, Mr. Rosenberger comes of pioneer Pennsylvania stock. He was born at Kulpsville, Pennsylvania, May 17, 1875, son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Snyder) Rosenberger. His father was a son of Martin and Christiana Rosenberger. Martin Rosenberger was one of the lead- ing men of Orvilla, Pennsylvania, where the first American members of the family settled, and donated the land upon which the Orvilla Evan- gelical Church now stands.
Mr. Rosenberger received his education in the public schools of Kulpsville, and at the Westchester, Pennsylvania, Normal School. An ambitious lad and an unusually devoted student, Mr. Rosenberger com- pleted his studies with great credit, and received a teacher's certificate. He began his career as a teacher in the public schools of Salford town- ship, and later in Towamencin, the home township, and met with such complete success in the educational field that he continued in this connec- tion for a period of nine years. During his teaching days, Mr. Rosen- berger had a lasting influence upon the lives and characters of many scores of young students, and many of his pupils were destined to achieve success in future life and to become men of power and substance. But all alike, whether in positions of great influence and importance, or leading simpler, though not less constructive, lives at home, freely acknowledge the large part played in their success by Mr. Rosenberger's wise teaching
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and counsel, and, even more, by his example of upright and public- spirited citizenship. It was with great regret that his associates in the teaching world learned of his decision to abandon an educational career for business.
In 1906, however, Mr. Rosenberger had come to the conclusion that he would do well to seek a change of employment and surroundings, and accordingly he accepted a position as clerk in the general store of L. S. Besson at Ambler, Pennsylvania, and began his business career during the same year. Mr. Rosenberger found this new work agreeable and spent seven years with Mr. Besson, acquiring during this time a thorough knowledge of trade conditions and mercantile practice. In 1914 he resigned his position, greatly to Mr. Besson's regret, and formed a con- nection with the Metropolitan Insurance Company. In 1919 Mr. Rosen- berger decided to establish an independent business of his own and, accordingly, after careful consideration, purchased a general store at Penllyn, Pennsylvania. This venture proved immediately successful, and the experience acquired during his connection with Mr. Besson at Ambler was of the greatest value to Mr. Rosenberger in the management of the business. His customers have steadily increased in number since the opening of the establishment under his direction, and in all ranks of the business world Mr. Rosenberger is regarded as an energetic and progres- sive man of affairs.
An ardent Republican, Mr. Rosenberger has always taken the great- est interest in the policies of his party and the maintenance of the highest ideals of service in public office. On March 17, 1920, he was appointed United States postmaster at Penllyn, and this office he has filled with the utmost fidelity and devotion ever since. In religious faith Mr. Rosen- berger follows the beliefs of his ancestors and belongs to the Lutheran Church of St. John at Ambler. He is an active worker for the good of the church, and supports all the undertakings of the parish with zeal.
On June 7, 1911, Mr. Rosenberger married, at Ambler, Pennsylvania, Bessie Ruby, daughter of Joseph and Elmira (Sipler) Ruby. Mr. and Mrs. Rosenberger have one son, Joseph, who was born May 18, 1918, and who is named for his mother's father.
U. S. GRANT FUNK-Since the inception of his business career Mr. Funk has been identified with the Keasbey & Mattison Company, of Ambler, and throughout these many years he has proved. himself trust- worthy and faithful in business, progressive in citizenship, loyal to all claims of friendship, and he has thus commanded and kept the esteem and high regard of all who are associated with him.
George K. Funk, father of U. S. Grant Funk, was born in Cheltenham township, and throughout his entire lifetime, or until 1872, when he passed away, he followed agricultural pursuits. He married Mary Ann Faringer, who passed away in 1906 at the age of sixty-eight years. Mr. and Mrs. George K. Funk were the parents of two children: Clara H.,
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who married George R. Wallace, general manager of the H. K. Wampole Company, of Philadelphia ; and U. S. Grant, of further mention.
U. S. Grant Funk was born in Cheltenham township, October 30, 1864. After receiving his elementary education in the Whitemarsh pub- lic schools, he entered Pierce's Business College, Philadelphia, and upon completing his studies at this institution he went to Ambler and secured a position as bookkeeper with Keasbey & Mattison, chemists. Gradually Mr. Funk worked his way through force of ability to the position of influ- ence and responsibility which he now holds as treasurer of this great concern, and it is worthy of note that this success and achievement in the business world have been wholly his own. He is also a director of the First National Bank of Ambler.
Mr. Funk has never entered politics, preferring to devote his time to his home, church and business. He has always taken an active part in the affairs of St. Paul's Church at Fort Washington, where he is an elder, and is every ready to give his earnest support to the welfare of the church. He affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Fort Washington Lodge, No. 1023, the Order of Independent Americans, Wissahickon Lodge, No. 100, and gives much time and attention to local activities of the Improvement Association and the Fort Washington Fire Company, having been president of the latter for several years.
On July 10, 1895, U. S. Grant Funk was united in marriage with Olga Louise Sommers, daughter of Henry William and Marie Louise Som- mers, and to them have been born three children: Marie Louise and Gertrude Jeanne, twins, born June 26, 1896; and Harold Sommers, born November 12, 1897, who is a salesman for the Asbestos Shingle, Slate and Sheathing Company, of Ambler.
IRWIN HARTRANFT POOL-There are few men who know the clothing business in all its phases as thoroughly as Irwin Hartranft Pool, of Lansdale, Pennsylvania. He began at the bottom of the ladder and is familiar with every round that he trod on his way to the top as a manu- facturer. His prosperity is the result of industry, and no one need envy his success for it came from well-applied ability and hard work. He is a member of a long-lived ancestry, many of whom reached a remarkable age. His father is actively engaged in his clothing plant, at the age of eighty-eight, and his mother, Malara (Hartranft) Pool, born 1839, is now eighty-three. Irwin Hartranft Pool was born in Montgomery county, September 12, 1868. He attended the public schools of his local- ity but early left to learn the tailor's trade. He has been associated with his father in business as a manufacturer of clothing in Lansdale, since 1901, and has developed one of the important industries of the city. He is interested in other lines of business, being a director of the Citizens' National Bank, and also of the Lansdale Building and Loan Association. Politically Mr. Pool is a staunch Democrat. He is a member of the Lans- dale Board of Trade, the Citizens' Club, and the O. S. Club. He fra- ternizes with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of the
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Golden Eagle; Shiloh Lodge, No. 558, Free and Accepted Masons; Lansdale Chapter, No. 301, Royal Arch Masons; Hutchinson Com- mandery, No. 52, Knights Templar; Philadelphia Consistory, Sovereign Princes of the Royal Secret; and Lu Lu Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Mr. Pool is a communicant of the Evan- gelical Lutheran Church, of Lansdale.
On November 18, 1896, in the Lutheran church of Lansdale, Mr. Pool was married to Mary K., daughter of Isaiah and Sophia Burgstresser, well known citizens of the city of Lansdale. Mr. and Mrs. Pool have one son, Russell B.
JOHN CAMERON, SR .- Approaching man's allotted span of three score and ten years, with a record of usefulness which does honor to his pioneer parents and reflects credit upon the community of which he has long been a resident, John Cameron, Sr., is a highly esteemed citizen of Lower Merion township. Mr. Cameron's parents, John and Sarah Cam- eron, came to Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, shortly before the mid- dle of the nineteenth century, settling in Lower Merion township, where they founded a homestead for their family, and established their name among those which the people honor and esteem. The old homestead which John Cameron built is one of the attractive and dignified homes which make this county one of the most beautiful in the State. A farmer by occupation, John Cameron took a leading part in the early progress of the community, forseeing the importance of this section as it stands to-day, and encouraged all kinds of community advance.
John Cameron, Sr., was born on the homestead, May 6, 1855. His education was acquired in the district schools of the time, principally in the "Crooked Lane" School, all pioneer schools of a still unsettled town- ship before the days of the modern school. Always interested in the activities of the home farm, Mr. Cameron, upon leaving school, took a man's place beside his father, and spent the greater part of his life tilling the soil. Later, however, he entered the business world, going to Phila- delphia, where he became associated with Foggart & Company of that city, in the capacity of salesman, and now for sixteen years he has been thus engaged, still (1923) residing on the homestead farm. For many years Mr. Cameron has been active in local affairs of a community inter- est, supporting the Republican party. He has long been a member of the Town Council and also has served on the school committee. He is a prominent member of the Roman Catholic church.
John Cameron, Sr., married on May 6, 1878, Cora Jamison, daughter of James and Cora Jamison. Mr. and Mrs. Cameron have one son : John J., Jr., a sketch of whose career follows.
JOHN J. CAMERON, JR .- The third generation of his family in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, and all prominent in the various phases of community advance, John J. Cameron, Jr., is counted among
John B. Brushes Jr.
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the broadly enterprising young men of this section, and as an electrical contractor he is achieving marked success.
John J. Cameron, Jr., was born in Lower Merion township, Montgom- ery county, Pennsylvania, November II, 1883, and is a son of John Sr., and Cora (Jamison) Cameron (see preceding sketch), and grandson of John and Sarah Cameron. His education was acquired in the public and high schools of his native township, and from boyhood interested in those modern industries which are the outgrowth of the development of elec- tricity and the application of its marvels to daily life, he entered this field of endeavor. First serving an apprenticeship to the trade of electrician, he took up his career when only nineteen years of age, establishing in the electrical contracting business in this county. He has attained a high position in the trade, both as contractor and as dealer in electrical appli- ances and fixtures, and is now one of the very successful men of the day in this section. Alert to all branches of progressive activity, Mr. Cam- eron is a Republican by political affiliation, and is a member and treasurer of the I. C. B. U., of Rosemont. He is a member of the Roman Catholic church of Bryn Mawr.
J. B. BRUSHER, JR .- Among the industrial enterprises of Norris- town which reach a wide territory through the departments of distribu- tion, a noteworthy example is the woodworking plant founded by J. B. Brusher, Sr., of which J. B. Brusher, Jr., is now the head, and where are manufactured in great numbers axes, picks, sledgehammers and hatchet handles.
The Brusher family is of French origin, the early spelling of the name, Brushier. J. B. Brusher, Sr., founder of the above-mentioned busi- ness, is a native Pennsylvanian, born near Philadelphia, in March, 1844, a son of John Brusher, an old-time hotel keeper and later a road contrac- tor. J. B. Brusher, Sr., is still living, and a resident of Norristown, aged seventy-eight years. He established the original business about 1870, at Chester, Pennsylvania, thence going to Port Royal, Pennsylvania, after which he located at Red Boiling Springs, Tennessee, where the factory he established is still operated. In 1899 he came to Norristown and started the business now conducted by his son, who for a number of years was his father's assistant.
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