USA > Pennsylvania > Montgomery County > Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, a history, Volume III > Part 34
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Mr. Brusher married, in 1865, Isabella Hamell, who died in 1880, leav- ing a daughter, Lida, now the widow of Reuben Kenworthy, a woolen manufacturer of Philadelphia. Mr. Brusher married (second), in 1888, Janet McClean, of Lewistown, Pennsylvania, and they were the parents of two children: Mary, now deceased; and John B., Jr., of further mention.
J. B. Brusher, Jr., was born in Bristol, Tennessee, April 14, 1893. After completing his education in public and private schools, he was for three years identified with the Overland Automobile Company as a dem- onstrating salesman, after which he became associated with his father, and beginning at the bottom, thoroughly familiarized himself with the
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business to which he has since given his undivided attention. The Nor- ristown plant is located at the intersection of Barbadoes street and the Reading railroad, and in addition to the items already mentioned, the out- put includes picker, sweep and treadle sticks. The Pennsylvania railroad and the Midvale Steel Company have adopted the Brusher product as standard, and other concerns are considering the same move favorably. In July of 1921, J. B. Brusher, Jr., assumed control of the business, at his father's retirement, and in January of 1922, became sole owner. The family has resided in Norristown since 1908, at which time they came from Roxborough, Philadelphia county, Pennsylvania. J. B. Brusher, Jr., is a member of Charity Lodge, No. 190, Free and Accepted Masons ; Lodge No. 714, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Tall Cedars of Lebanon. He served in the Pennsylvania National Guard for three years, is a sustaining member of the Young Men's Christian Asso- ciation, is a member of the Norristown Club, and of the Keystone Auto- mobile Club. His religious affiliation is with the First Presbyterian Church.
J. B. Brusher, Jr., married, on October 27, 1915, Marian G. Bean, daughter of Harrison W. and Edna (Pennypacker) Bean. Mr. and Mrs. Brusher have one daughter, Dorothea Kenworthy, born February 13, 1917. The family home is at No. 1219 West Main street, Norristown.
AMANDUS EDWARD SPECHT-Among the substantial, up-to- date business men of Tylersport, Montgomery county, Mr. Specht has taken a prominent place since he established his garage here in 1921. Mr. Specht is a native of this section, having been born near Green Lane, Marlboro township, July 17, 1889, a son of Henry, a prosperous farmer, and Malinda (Carver) Specht, they the parents of a family of four chil- dren : William; Malin; Lucinda, the wife of Samuel Barnat, and the mother of two children : Kate and Alma; and Amandus Edward, of fur- ther mention.
Amandus Edward Specht attended the public schools of his home community during his boyhood, living on his father's farm until 1921 and assisting in its cultivation. In October of that year he came to Tylers- port, and opened a garage and has ever since been doing a good business here in that line. While the most of his time is given to his business Mr. Specht also exercises the duties of a public-spirited citizen and is a well- known factor in leading social and civic circles. In his political principles he adheres to those represented by the Democratic party, to which he gives his support. His religious affiliation is with the Lutheran church, and he is a member of the St. Paul parish of that denomination.
Mr. Specht married, on August 21, 1920, Lillian Hildebrand, daughter of Milton and Amanda (Erb) Hildebrand, the ceremony taking place at Telford.
ABRAM C. LOUX-Among the substantial citizens of Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, who are living upon homestead places which have
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been in the family for several generations is Abram C. Loux, one of the successful farmers of Franconia township.
Mr. Loux was born in Franconia township, near Franconia, February 17, 1888, and is the son of Jacob Loux, who cultivated the homestead farm now owned by his son to the time of his death, and Henrietta (Clemmer) Loux. He has one sister, Elizabeth, who married Harvey Aldefer. After receiving a substantial practical education in the public schools of his native district, Mr. Loux engaged in farming, as his father's assistant on the homestead place, and this connection is still con- tinued. This homestead has been in the possession of the family for four generations. Politically he gives his allegiance to the Republican party, and his religious affiliation is with the old Mennonite church.
On February 9, 1910, at Souderton, Pennsylvania, Abram C. Loux married Martha Landis, daughter of William and Mary Landis, and they are the parents of three children : Curtis, born July 6, 1911; Jacob, born July 7, 1913; and Norman, born June 3, 1919.
W. A. MOYER-The Moyers of Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, as in other counties in which descendants of the American ancestor have settled, are people of substance and character, good farmers, careful busi- ness men, and of the best type of citizenship. W. A. Moyer, of this review, one of Souderton's younger business men, is a son of Samuel and Susan (Anders) Moyer, his father passing away in September, 1908, at the youthful age of thirty-five, and leaving besides his son a daughter, Elizabeth, who is now the wife of Samuel Landes.
W. A. Moyer was born at the home farm in Lower Salford township, near Skippack, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, December 26, 1895. He secured a good public school education in the schools of Lower Sal- ford township, then placed himself under the instruction of M. S. Landes, electrician, of Souderton, Pennsylvania, and continued with him until 1920, when he succeeded to the business. Mr. Moyer is an expert in his particular line of electrical work and is well established in the business he has followed since boyhood. He is a Republican in politics; a mem- ber of the New Mennonite church, and a young man highly regarded in the community.
Mr. Moyer married, in Souderton, Pennsylvania, September 26, 1919, Mary Ellen Alderfer, daughter of "Squire" Alvin and Mary (Moyer) Alderfer. Mr. and Mrs. Moyer are the parents of a son, J. Wesley A. Moyer, born August 7, 1921.
CHARLES S. CARVER-One of the newer firms in Lansdale, Penn- sylvania, was established by Charles S. Carver in connection with Wilson S. Cassel, they specializing in the care and repair of automobiles. Mr. Carver had a thorough preparation for his new venture, and there is every prospect of its meeting with marked success. His grandfather was the popular proprietor of the Graterford Hotel, Graterford, Pennsylvania,
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and died in the year 1910. His grandmother, formerly Mary Wambold, died in 1916.
Charles S. Carver is the son of William Oscar and Sophia (Swartley) Carver, the former a stone-cutter and moulder by trade. The latter was born in 1868, and died in 1915. They were the parents of five children : Charles S., the subject of this sketch; May, born in 1894; Frank, born in 1897; Della, born in 1900; Anna, born in 1902.
Charles S. Carver was born at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 25, 1892. His education was acquired in the Lansdale and Norristown (Penn- sylvania) public schools. He early began to contribute to his own sup- port by securing a position as a machinist with the Diamond Slate Fibre Boat Company, of Bridgeport, where he remained for three years. He left this concern to go with the Central Radiator Company of Lansdale for the next four years. In January, 1922, he became a partner of Wilson S. Cassel, the firm name being Carver & Cassel, their plant at Broad and Market streets, Lansdale, where they have an increasing business in the fixing and equipment of automobiles and motor trucks. Mr. Carver is a Republican in his political views, is fond of sports, particularly fishing and baseball, and is affiliated with the Reformed church of Lansdale.
Mr. Carver married, on June 21, 1912, Hannah Katherine Kenderdine, born in 1894, daughter of Henry and Johanna (Coates) Kenderdine, and they are the parents of one child, Dorothy May, born May 21, 1914.
WILLIAM F. SHISLER, who is successfully conducting a farm near the village of Wexall, Pennsylvania, was engaged in the merchandise business for fifteen years, but for the last seven years has been culti- vating his farm acres. Mr. Shisler was born at Harleysville, October 26, 1879, son of James B. Shisler, a minister of the Church of the Brethren denomination, and Sarah (Fredericks) Shisler.
William F. Shisler received his education in the public schools of Lower Salford, Pennsylvania. When his formal school training was completed, he became associated with a general merchandise store as clerk and continued to act in that capacity for a period of nine years, remaining during all of that time in the store in Wexall in which he had begun his active career. At the end of that time he purchased the store building and the business, and as proprietor and manager continued to successfully conduct a lucrative trade until 1913, when he sold the busi- ness and purchased a farm near the village of Wexall. Since that time he has been continuously engaged in tilling the soil and in poultry farming, and in the active, vigorous out-of-door life of the farmer he is finding health and pleasure after his years of confinement in the store. Politically he gives his support to the principles and the candidates of the Republi- can party, and for several years he has served as auditor of Upper Sal- ford township. Widely known in the township, and highly respected for his ability and for his sterling qualities of character, he enjoys a high place in the esteem of a very large circle of friends and acquaintances. His religious affiliation is with the Church of the Brethren.
Edmund Grafferty
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On January 3, 1903, William F. Shisler married Flora S. Keyser, daughter of Daniel R. and Mary (Shaner) Keyser.
RICHARD LINBERG-One of the most energetic and prosperous business men of this community is Richard Linberg, who at the present time (1923) owns and conducts a garage at Gwynedd Square, Pennsyl- vania. Mr. Linberg is of German birth, having come originally from Regan, that country, where he was born September 12, 1879. He was but three years of age when brought to this country by his parents, August and Bertha (Pressing) Linberg. His father served twelve years in the German army and was a participant in the War of 1870 with France. The family landed at Philadelphia when they first arrived in the United States, and remained there until 1909, the father being employed as a sugar refiner. The elder Mr. Linberg was a loyal citizen of this country throughout his residence here, and secured his naturalization papers as soon after his arrival as possible under the law. His death occurred on July 13, 1919. Although four children were born after the family came to this country, all died in infancy, and Richard Linberg is the only sur- viving child of his parents.
After completing his education in the public schools of Philadelphia, Mr. Linberg learned the trade of silversmith under the tutelage of Davis & Galt, remaining with that firm through the years 1895 to 1899. The following ten years he was connected with Simons Brothers in the same line of work. In 1903 he purchased a farm at Lansdale, in order that his father might have the advantage of country life, and in 1909 Mr. Linberg left Philadelphia and went to live on the farm. The following ten years he was engaged as agriculturist, meeting with gratifying success in this line. In 1919, however, he sold out his farm and purchased a garage at Lansdale, securing the agency for three kinds of cars. The success of this venture induced him to enlarge his operations and he accordingly leased a garage at No. 575 East Main street, Norristown, in 1922.
Mr. Linberg is a public-spirited citizen and takes an active part in the social, civic and religious affairs of the community. He is a member of North Wales Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Lansdale Camp, Woodmen of the World; and the Keystone Auto Club, while in his religious affiliation he belongs to the North Wales Lutheran Church.
In June, 1900, Mr. Linberg was married to Emma Katharine Bidwell. She is a daughter of John Bidwell, deceased, and Emma (Henry) Bid- well, who now (1923) lives at No. 110 North Front street, Darby, Penn- sylvania. She is a member of a family of three children, her sister, Mar- tha Washington Bidwell, being the wife of George Polsen, and her brother is John Bidwell. Mr. and Mrs. Linberg have two sons and two daughters, the names of their children being, in order of their birth: Selma, Richard, Dorothy and George.
EDMUND JAMES RAFFERTY-A descendant of Irish ancestors, Edmund James Rafferty is an American born citizen, living all his life in
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Conshohocken, where he has taken a prominent part in the affairs of his town.
Born in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, October 8, 1876, Edmund James Rafferty is the son of Patrick and Mary (Davis) Rafferty, the latter hav- ing died here March 30, 1885. Patrick Rafferty was born in Drogheda, Ireland, in 1846, the son of James Rafferty, a general merchant there. Patrick Rafferty came to this country when quite young and spent most of his life in Conshohocken, being engaged as an iron worker; he died in 1896, at the age of fifty years, and is survived by two sons: Edmund James, of this review; and George, who is a resident of this city also, connected with the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. The father of Patrick Rafferty, James Rafferty, was a resident of the United States when the Civil War broke out and, like the true Irishman that he was, he helped fight our war in the 13th New Jersey Troops, working his way upward to the rank of colonel, returning after the close of the war to Ireland, where the rest of the family resided.
Edmund James Rafferty acquired his education at the parochial school of St. Matthew's Church, Conshohocken, and after that went into the Long Mead Iron Works, where he continued for fifteen years, leaving it to accept a position in this city with the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, which he held for six years. In 1915 Mr. Rafferty received the appointment of postmaster of Conshohocken and he is still filling that office (1922).
Having always been a Democrat in politics, Mr. Rafferty has taken a prominent part in the work of that party; he has held the office of chairman of his ward committee and, prior to our last election for Presi- dent, he was a member of the President Wilson Club here. During the World War Mr. Rafferty was most helpful, taking a leading part in all war work, assisting materially in all drives for war funds. He is a mem- ber of Conshohocken Lodge, No. 1603, Knights of Columbus, and is one of the organizers of the Young Men's Athletic Association, in which he has taken a keen interest, furthering its welfare in every possible way.
In Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, on June 1, 1904, Edmund James Rafferty was married to Lydia M. Ryan, the daughter of Patrick J. and Jane (Caine) Ryan, all residents of Conshohocken. Five children had been born of this marriage: Frances Elizabeth ; Helen Madeline ; Edmund James, Jr .; Catherine; and James, died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Raf- ferty and their family are members of St. Matthew's Roman Catholic Church here, Mr. Rafferty being one of those who took a particularly active part in raising funds to build the present beautiful edifice. He has also been collector of dues for the parochial school for the past twenty years.
REIN G. GODSHALL-For four generations the Godshall family have owned the homestead on Morwood road, now occupied by Rein G. Godshall, who has lived there all his life, and been an active participant in the affairs of Franconia township. Mr. Godshall was born on the family
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homestead, October 6, 1880, where his parents have lived for forty-three years. Rein G. Godshall is the youngest of a family of five children, his older brothers and sisters being Andrew T., Harris, Jacob, and Rosa, the latter the wife of Henry Clemens.
Rein G. Godshall attended the schools of his local neighborhood, and later attended the Perkiomen and Worcester seminaries, thus preparing himself to engage in teaching, which he engages in during the winter months. His farm consists of sixty-five acres under cultivation, this requiring his time and attention during planting, summer and harvest times. He is well and favorably known throughout Montgomery county, and is a charter member of the Montgomery County Farm Bureau. In the social, civic and religious life of the community he also takes a lead- ing part, and served Franconia township as a committeeman for ten years, and as a school director for eight years. In his religious affiliation he is an influential member of the Reformed church, of which he is presi- dent of the board of directors, and was to a large degree instrumental in securing the erection of the $15,000 parsonage for the minister of that denomination.
Mr. Godshall married, at Morwood, on June 6, 1903, Levina S. Moyer, a daughter of William and Maria (Sholl) Moyer, her family also being one of the old Pennsylvania pioneer settlers. Mr. and Mrs. Godshall have a family of four children : Idella, born April 18, 1907, at Franconia ; Margarette, born November 22, 1908, at Morwood; Marian, born May 12, 1911, at Morwood, and Jacob, born November 13, 1912, at Morwood.
G. CARROLL HOOVER-For more than two decades Mr. Hoover has practiced law at the Montgomery county bar and holds a strong and honorable position among the men of that bar. He is a son of George G. Hoover, and a descendant of Jacob Huber, one of the four brothers, Christian, John, Martin and Jacob Huber, who came from Germany on the ship "Pink Plesance," arriving in Philadelphia, September 21, 1732. Jacob Huber was then under sixteen years of age, and following the lead of his brothers, he changed his name to Hoover. It seems to be well established that he was the father of Henry Hoover, who was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, in 1751, married Margaret Kern, and in 1797 moved from Hilltown township, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, to Gwynedd township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, where he bought a farm of two hundred acres. He was an elder of the Reformed church, a Democrat in his political faith, and a man of determined will. He died April 9, 1809, his wife surviving him until November 27, 1813, dying at the age of sixty-two.
Philip Hoover, third of the five children of Henry and Margaret (Kern) Hoover, was born at the home farm in Montgomery county, July 20, 1782, and became a man of considerable importance, holding several offices, the most important being as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He settled many estates, and was held in high regard in his community. He rendered military service during the War
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of 1812, holding the rank of lieutenant, later holding the rank of colonel in the militia. He served Boehm's Reformed Church at Blue Bell, Mont- gomery county, Pennsylvania, as deacon, from 1810 until 1823, and from 1823 until his death, about forty years later, held the office of elder continuously, with the exception of three years.
Philip Hoover married, November 13, 1804, Mary Conrad, daughter of Frederick W. Conrad, member of Congress from Pennsylvania, sitting in the Eighth and Ninth Congresses, March 4, 1803, and March 4, 1807. Philip and Mary (Conrad) Hoover were the parents of thirteen children, six only reaching maturity, one of these a son, Albert C., grandfather of G. Carroll Hoover, of this review.
Albert C. Hoover was born in Gwynedd township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, and died at his home, No. 34 East Oak street, Nor- ristown, Pennsylvania, August 24, 1902. He married Elizabeth Geatrell, who died June 26, 1909, daughter of George and Ann Geatrell, both born on the Isle of Wight, an island in the English channel and an adminis- trative county of England, but married in Montgomery county, Pennsyl- vania, in 1823, George Geatrell coming to Pennsylvania on July 4, 1821.
George G. Hoover, son of Albert C. and Elizabeth (Geatrell) Hoover, was born in Gwynedd township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, May 28, 1853, and there attended the public schools. He finished his edu- cation at Treemount Seminary, Norristown, and then for a time taught school. He graduated from the National School of Elocution and Ora- tory in Philadelphia. Later he studied law under Charles Hunsicker, and on June 18, 1877, was admitted to the Montgomery county bar. In 1889 he was appointed by President Harrison a special examiner of pen- sions, an office he held for over thirty years, residing in Washington, D. C. He was also in field service and later became chief of division. He married Eva Fisher, who died December 30, 1915, a daughter of Leonard Fisher, who was born in Montgomery county, April 19, 1818, and died in Philadelphia, December 22, 1872. Four children were born to George G. and Eva (Fisher) Hoover: I. Ethel, married Frederick W. Johnson, and removed to New York City, later to Salmon, Idaho; she died in Asheville, North Carolina, September 18, 1918, leaving two chil- dren: Dorothy and Faris. 2. Norma E., married Paul D. Connor and resided in Washington, D. C., where she died, January 22, 1914, and her husband on June 26, 1914. 3. Harriet N., intermarried with Marcus A. Walker, a graduate of Lehigh University, and now mechanical engineer of the Delaware & Hudson Coal Company at Scranton, Pennsylvania. 4. G. Carroll, of further mention.
G. Carroll Hoover, only son of George G. and Eva (Fisher) Hoover, was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, March 7, 1877. He attended Nor- ristown schools until the removal of the family to Washington, D. C., in 1890, and there he completed his preparatory education with graduation from Central High School, class of 1894, and became sergeant in the High School Cadet Regiment. He then entered Columbian University, Washington, whence he was graduated A. B., class of 1898. He returned
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to Norristown after graduation, and there studied law under the precep- torship of Henry M. Brownback, and after examination was admitted to the Montgomery county bar, July 1, 1901. He at once began practice the same year, with offices in the Shoemaker building, and has steadily pursued the practice of his profession during the twenty-two years which have since intervened, and now devotes much attention to Orphans' Court practice. He is an eloquent, forcible pleader, and has built up a lucrative practice. He is a Republican in politics and is held in high regard in the city of his birth and his lifetime home. He is secretary and director of the Riverside Cemetery Company, and solicitor of the Second Saving Fund and Loan Association.
Mr. Hoover married, October 14, 1903, Meta I. Moore, daughter of Samuel M. and Savilla P. Moore, her father deceased.
HARRY C. YEAGER-For more than sixty years the Yeager family have been well known factors in the nursery and florist business of Nor- ristown, the large and highly improved premises now owned by Harry C. Yeager, being the representation of the early florist business which his father established in 1860. It was on this same homestead that he was born and has lived throughout his life, his parents being William and Susan (Kranich) Yeager. William Yeager was born at Baden, Germany, in 1835, and came to America in 1850, founding the nursery in 1860, and conducting the business for many years. On his retirement, it was taken over by his son, Harry C., with whom he now lives. Harry C. Yeager is the oldest of a family of five children, his brothers and sisters being : Katherine, the wife of Otto Bilger, of Norristown; Mary, wife of George Bartle, of Roxboro; Rose, the wife of Joseph Sinclair, of Norristown, and William R., a sketch of whom follows.
During his boyhood days Mr. Yeager attended the public schools, and as soon as old enough to make himself useful, began to assist his father in the greenhouses. He learned the business of handling and selling flowers and other nursery products in every detail, and when his father's advanced years made it necessary for him to retire from active participa- tion in the work, he took over the place, and has ever since been con- ducting operations. The property, which is bounded by Oak, Cedar, New Hope and Tremont streets, contains six acres of ground, and improvements have been added from time to time, so that now there are seven glass houses, which comprise approximately 10,000 square feet of space. Mr. Yeager sells his products to the wholesale trade, and enjoys the patronage of an exceedingly large and growing clientele. While giv- ing his chief attention to the exacting duties of his business, he is inter- ested in furthering the welfare of this community in its social and civic affairs, and is known as one of the most substantial and progressive citi- zens here.
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