USA > Pennsylvania > Montgomery County > Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, a history, Volume III > Part 4
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Mr. Logan married, on October 27, 1920, in Norristown, Margaret Bollinger, daughter of James and Emily Bollinger, and they reside at No. 216 West Wood street, Norristown.
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GEORGE REEDER HUFF-Well known fraternally, a director of one of the town's building and loan companies, and a leader in his pro- fession, George Reeder Huff, of Lansdale, has for a number of years been closely associated with the life and civic affairs of his city, making a conspicuous place for himself, and has an influence that is felt in all movements for the betterment of his home locality.
The son of John W., an undertaker and formerly a judge of Bedford county, Pennsylvania, and Martha F. Huff, he was born at Shybeaver, Huntington county, Pennsylvania, on June 15, 1888. Educated in the grammar and high schools of Saxton, Pennsylvania, from both of which he was graduated, he entered the undertaking profession, and has given
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his life to a study and practice of this vocation. His father's example and aid have been of much benefit but his success is due, rather to his own native ability and personality.
He came to Lansdale in 1915 and took over the undertaking establish- ment of Samuel B. Conover, which was founded in 1878 and is the oldest in the borough of Lansdale. He has modernized all equipment and is a funeral director of tact and kindliness that wins a warm place for him in the hearts of the bereaved.
Mr. Huff is a director in the Honor Building and Loan Association of his town. Fraternally he is a Mason, a member of Everett Lodge, No. 524, Free and Accepted Masons ; Lansdale Chapter, No. 301, Royal Arch Masons; Hutchinson Commandery, No. 120, Knights Templar, of Nor- ristown; Lu Lu Temple, of Philadelphia, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and the Loyal Order of Moose. He is a communicant of the Reformed church.
At Saxton, Pennsylvania, on December 30, 1914, he was married to Martha H. Steel, daughter of Calvin W. and Carrie Ida (Fluke) Steel, of that place. Mr. and Mrs. Huff have two sons: George R., Jr., born Jan- uary 29, 1916, and Herbert S., born November 19, 1920.
U. S. GRANT JENKINS-Born during that year of the Civil War when the successes of the Army of the West were turning all eyes toward the "Great Commander," the man child that came into the home of Milton and Sarah (Ellis) Jenkins was given the name U. S. Grant. Since 1886 he has been engaged as a plumber in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, and is there well established in a profitable business. He is a grandson of John (3) and Ann (Todd) Jenkins ; great-grandson of John (2) and Eliza- beth (Lukens) Jenkins; great-great-grandson of John (1) Jenkins, who bought land in Gwynedd, adjoining Lansdale, in 1746; he died in 1803 or 1804; great-great-great-grandson of Jenkin Jenkins, who came from Wales and settled in Hatfield township, Montgomery county, Pennsyl- vania, in 1729.
John (2) Jenkins, born in 1742, died in 1805, was an officer of the Revolutionary Army, first lieutenant. He married Elizabeth Lukens, widow of Andrew Lukens, and one of their six children, John (3) Jen- kins, was grandfather of U. S. Grant Jenkins.
John (3) Jenkins married Ann Todd, daughter of John Todd, and a grandniece of General Porter, who fought in the Revolution. John (3) Jenkins was a farmer of Hatfield township, Montgomery county, and was widely known as "Assessor" John, having held the office of assessor of taxes in Gwynedd township. He lived to the great age of ninety-six, . dying October 5, 1880. He owned the land on which East Lansdale is now built, that part lying south and east of the railroad. He enlisted to serve in the second war with Great Britain, 1812-14, but the following day broke his leg. He died in North Wales, Montgomery county, at the home of his daughter Naomi. John (3) and Ann (Todd) Jenkins were the parents of six children: Naomi, married Abel Lukens; Charles Todd, married Sarah Lukens; Jane, married Samuel Rhoads ;
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Silas T., married Eliza Morgan ; John S., married Eliza Stoner ; Milton, of whom further.
Milton Jenkins, youngest of the children of John (3) and Ann (Todd) Jenkins, was born March 9, 1825, died May 23, 1909. He grew to man- hood at the home farm in Hatfield township, and obtained a good educa- tion in the public schools, supplemented by two years 1868-69 at Free- land Seminary, now Ursinus College. He later became a butcher and after becoming expert in the business as then conducted, he engaged in business for himself at Colmar, Montgomery county.
He married, December 26, 1849, Sarah Ellis, born December 6, 1826, died June 30, 1904. daughter of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Jones) Ellis, her parents married, October 16, 1818. Jonathan Ellis was born April 10, 1797, died August 18, 1875, son of William and Sarah (Barnes) Ellis, his father a well known citizen of Montgomery county, who died aged seventy-eight. Sarah (Barnes) Ellis, died aged eighty. Elizabeth (Jones) Ellis, was a daughter of John and Esther (Conard) Jones. Seven children were born to Milton and Sarah (Ellis) Jenkins: Earl A., born November 21, 1850, married Elizabeth Clark; Ida, born Sep- tember 24, 1852, died October 8, 1854; Horace M., born December 28, 1853, married Mary Clark; Elma, born February 29, 1856, married George E. Brecht; Anson B., born November 2, 1857; Elizabeth, born January 19, 1860, married Gilbert M. Clark; U. S. Grant, of further mention.
U. S. Grant Jenkins was born in Colmar, Montgomery county, Penn- sylvania, January 3, 1863, and was educated in the public district school of Hatfield township, Montgomery county, and later in Doylestown Seminary. After leaving school he learned the plumbing trade and business, serving four years as an apprentice prior to locating in Lans- dale, Pennsylvania, in 1886. He is master of his trade, and a thoroughly reliable and energetic business man, his success being well earned and richly deserved.
A Republican in politics, Mr. Jenkins has, for several years, served as town constable, and in religious faith is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a member of the Masonic order, affiliated with Shiloh Lodge, No. 558, Free and Accepted Masons; Lansdale Chapter, No. 301, Royal Arch Masons ; is a member of the local tribe, Improved Order of Red Men; the Knights of the Golden Eagle; and the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows.
Mr. Jenkins married, November 15, 1893, in Lansdale, Cora L. Sholl, daughter of Jonathan and Sarah (Beans) Sholl. Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins are the parents of: Milton Carl, born August 22, 1894, married Christine Clymer, and has a son, Robert Carl; Hazel S., born June 3, 1898, a gradu- ate of West Chester School ; Byron Everett, born June 19, 1899, deceased. .
JOHN P. KLINE-"Squire" Kline came to the village of Red Hill, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, in 1887, a young man of twenty- five, and has been one of the important factors in the growth and develop- ment of that prosperous borough. He has served the village and borough
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in many capacities, and for many years has been a justice of the peace, thereby acquiring the title "Squire," and under that title he is widely known. "Squire" Kline is a great-grandson of Jacob Kline, a Revolu- tionary soldier, who died at the wonderful age of ninety-three ; a grand- son of Philip, and son of Reuben M. and Sophia (Graber) Kline, his father a miller, his mother a daughter of Mrs. Dinah Graber, who also lived to attain the great age of ninety-three years. Old age then is a heritage due "Squire" Kline, and although he has drawn sixty years on account, there is little evidence of their passing.
John P. Kline was born in Upper Hanover township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, September 18, 1862. He was educated in the township district schools and at Perkiomen Seminary, his attendance there, however, covering but two terms. After leaving school he taught for five years in Upper Hanover and Marlborough schools, then was employed as a miller, a calling with which he had become familiar in boyhood, working with his father, who was an expert grist-miller. He continued a miller until 1887, then came to Red Hill, where he formed an association with Mr. Miller, the cigar manufacturer, and in 1890 became his partner. The partnership prospered, and in 1897 a model modern cigar factory was built that in normal times employs two hun- dred and fifty hands. The company's output has a secure place in the retail market and the business is a prosperous one. "Squire" Kline is a director and vice-president of Schwenksville National Bank, and since April 20, 1888, has held the office of justice of the peace.
In politics "Squire" Kline is a Democrat, and while he has been a justice for thirty-four years, he has given much time to other branches of the public service. For approximately twelve years he has been a school director, and to his influence is due the sentiment which cul- minated in the remodeling of Red Hill's school building, and in the creation of Red Hill High School. Since Red Hill's incorporation as a borough "Squire" Kline has been secretary of council. He has erected buildings and worked with other pioneers of the village to bring it up to modern standards, his service particularly helpful in securing elec- tricity and pure water. He is secretary-treasurer of the Red Hill Electric Light Company, and of the Red Hill Water Company; chairman of the Red Hill Board of Trade, and interested in all that pertains to the wel- fare of the community of which he has so long been a member.
In the Masonic order, "Squire" Kline is affiliated with Perkiomen Lodge, No. 595, Free and Accepted Masons; Pottstown Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; and Nativity Commandery, Knights Templar. He is also a noble of Rajah Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine ; a night of the Golden Eagle ; a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Patriotic Order Sons of America ; and treasurer of the Knights of Friendship. In religious faith he is a Lutheran, con- nected in membership with St. Paul's Church.
John P. Kline married, in Pennsburg, Pennsylvania, October 4, 1884, Elizabeth J. Pffeiger, daughter of Jacob and Lena (Moyer) Pffeiger. Mr. and Mrs. Kline are the parents of three daughters: I. Amy, born
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February 10, 1886, married Alton N. Huttel, and resides in Chicago, Illinois. 2. Eva P., born July 11, 1889, married Ralph Collins, and resides in Montreal, Canada. They have one son, John Alton Collins. 3. Sadie P., born December 16, 1893, who resides at home.
FRANK ALLISON BUNTING-One of the pioneers in the business affairs of Souderton, Pennsylvania, is Frank Allison Bunting, who two decades ago founded its first drug store. Experienced and far-sighted, he believed in the future of the place and was ready to supply a much-felt need. The years have proven his choice to be wise, and he is now one of the prominent citizens and business men of Souderton.
Frank Allison Bunting was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, July 6, 1874, the son of William A. and Rachael (Mac Pherson) Bunting. After attendance in the grammar schools of his locality, he entered high school to prepare for college. After graduating, he entered the Philadel- phia Pharmaceutical College, from which he was graduated in 1894. He engaged in the practice of his profession with William Stahler, of Norris- town, and thus laid the foundation for his later successful career. For a time Mr. Bunting was chief druggist in the Polyclinic Hospital of Phil- adelphia, and also managed a drug store for J. W. Harrigan of that city. On August 9, 1902, he started in Souderton its first drug store, and for twenty years has been improving his place of business and equipment, and to-day has a most modern establishment on Main street.
Mr. Bunting usually votes with the Republican party, and is frater- nally affiliated with the Masons, belonging to the Blue Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons ; Lansdale Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of which he is a past high priest; Hutchinson Commandery, Knights Templar ; and he also is a member of the Mystic Shrine. Mr. Bunting and his family are communicants of the First Presbyterian Church of Norristown, Pennsyl- vania.
Frank Allison Bunting married, on January 23, 1901, at Easton, Penn- sylvania, Cora S. Richards, daughter of Jacob L. and Millie (Hughes) Richards.
PHILIP RENNINGER has been in the real estate and insurance business ever since his school days and understands it in principle and detail, his experience being salient elements in his success. He has always taken an active interest in community affairs, being in hearty sympathy with all movements to advance the permanent interests of Glenside, Pennsylvania, and has won a wide circle of friends who hold him in the highest estimation for the many sterling traits of character which he has evidenced in many ways throughout his career as a citizen of Montgomery county.
Philip Renninger was born in Glenside, Pennsylvania, January 12, 1891, and received the elementary portion of his education in the public schools of his native place. After graduating from the Cheltenham High School in 1910 he took a course at Pierce's Business College, in Philadelphia, after which he became associated with the real estate and
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insurance firm of Renninger & Renninger, at Glenside, and has continued successfully in this particular line of endeavor ever since. Mr. Renninger is a director of the North Glenside Building Association.
On July 7, 1917, Mr. Renninger enlisted in the First Regiment, National Guard of Philadelphia, and was subsequently sent to Camp Han- cock, Georgia, later serving with Company C, 109th Infantry, Twenty- eighth Division, overseas, with the rank of corporal. On July 31, 1918, he was wounded at Fismes, France, and on May 15, 1919, was honorably discharged from the service, returning at that time to his home and business.
Mr. Renninger is a Republican in politics, giving to that party the interest and support which is demanded of every good citizen. He affiliates with Friendship Lodge, No. 400, Free and Accepted Masons ; Lu Lu Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; and holds all the degrees up to and including the thirty-second, being a member of the Philadelphia Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. He is also a member of the Improved Order of Red Men, Saw Waw Tribe, No. 233, of Glenside; the Patriotic Order Sons of America; Lu Lu Temple, Legion of Honor ; also the Veterans of Foreign Wars, North Penn Post, No. 676, of which he is a trustee, and American Legion Post of Glenside ; and St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Glenside.
On November 25, 1918, Philip Renninger was united in marriage with Mrs. Elizabeth K. Fox, widow of Fred R. Fox, of Glenside, and the daughter of George and Jennie Kritler. Mr. and Mrs. Renninger are the parents of one child, Philip Kritler Renninger, born October 30, 1920. The family home is at No. 35 Roberts avenue, Glenside. Philip Ren- ninger is essentially a man of business, but always counts as happiest the hours which the demands of his business permit him to spend at home.
DAYTON G. KNIPE-The borough of Telford, Pennsylvania, is fortunate in having so progressive a business man and municipal leader as Dayton G. Knipe. A native of Montgomery county, the most of his life has been spent within its borders, and he is one of its prominent manufacturers and citizens. The son of Amos Knipe, a harness-maker, and Matilda Knipe, he was born in Lower Salford township, Pennsyl- vania, August 5, 1886. After attending the public schools of his native place, he began to contribute to his own support by various activities. He had his own road to make before he could travel on it, and there was no one to help him do it. Starting in the tobacco business in one of the lowest positions, he learned the trade in all its departments, and is now the principal cigar manufacturer of the borough of Telford.
Mr. Knipe's devotion to business has not prevented his taking a leading part in the civic life of his town, for he is president of the Borough Council, the collector of taxes, and was for three years, constable. His religious affiliations are with the Reformed church.
Mr. Knipe married, on March 20, 1909, at Telford, Pennsylvania, Maimey Stackel, daughter of Adolph and Clara Stackel, and they are the parents of three children: Carrie, born March 3, 1911; Lawrence, born May 8, 1912, and Thelma, born January 6, 1920.
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FREDERICK ARTHUR CLAYTON-In good opinion and respect of the residents of Lansdale, Pennsylvania, Frederick Arthur Clayton, the banker, ranks very high. He is the son of Dr. A. H. and Sarah E. (Stuckart) Clayton, very well known citizens of Bucks county. Dr. Clay- ton was a veteran of the Civil War, an eminent physician, and served a long term as a school director in his county.
Frederick Arthur Clayton was born in Richboro, Bucks county, on November 2, 1870. His early education was attained in the public schools of his native place. His taste for bookkeeping and his ability with figures were soon noticed and every effort was made to give him a chance to develop them. He had a private instructor in the art of keeping books and accounting and his first essay in business proved his special study most valuable. After trying several lines of work he finally entered upon his banking career in the private house of J. Hart & Company, of Doylestown, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, with which he remained for several years. He went from there to Doylestown National Bank and spent twelve very prosperous years as teller in this bank. In 1908 he became interested in the Citizens' National Bank of Lansdale, Pennsyl- vania, and was elected cashier, in which capacity he has been engaged for the last fourteen years.
Mr. Clayton's well known business acumen and unimpeachable probity have made him one of the most consulted men of his city. He is a Republican in his political views; fraternizes with the Moose Lodge of Lansdale, and is a member of the Citizens' Club of Lansdale. He is a communicant of the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church of this city.
On May 7, 1892, at Doylestown, Pennsylvania, he was married to Matilda H. Livezey, daughter of Whittingham J. and Susan Livezey. Mr. Livezey was a printer by occupation. Mr. and Mrs. Clayton have ten children : I. F. Arthur. 2. Sarah C. 3. B. Ralph, who during the World War saw eighteen months of service in the 79th Division. Almost from his enlistment poor health overtook him and prevented his getting over- seas. 4. Byran P., who was in the Marine Corps during the World War. He was first stationed on Paris Island, but was later sent to Pensacola, Florida, where he remained until mustered out. 5. George L. 6. A. Harrison. 7. Robert L. 8. Edward H. 9. Paul L. 10. Dorothy, deceased.
ABRAM K. BURGSTRESSER, attaining a position of prominence in the industrial world of Montgomery county through his own energy and demonstrated ability, now holds the responsible offices of vice-presi- dent and superintendent of the Norristown Magnesia & Asbestos Com- pany. Mr. Burgstresser is a member of a well known Pennsylvania family and is a son of Isaiah Burgstresser, who was born at Erwinna, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, March 5, 1840, and died at Lansdale, Penn- sylvania, December 28, 1921. The father's lifetime was spent in farming at Kulpsville. He married Sophia Kriebel, a Towamencin Schwenk- felder, and they were the parents of eight children : Abram K., of whom extended mention follows; Annie, wife of Abram R. Lox, of Lansdale ; Mary, now Mrs. I. H. Pool; Elizabeth, deceased, wife of W. H. Wolf;
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Emma, who is a nurse; Martha, a clerk in Philadelphia; Hannah, ยท deceased ; and George, deceased.
Abram K. Burgstresser was born in Kulpsville, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, on October 26, 1880. He was educated in the Lansdale public schools and high school, from which he was graduated in 1897. He then entered the employ of the Reading Railroad Company, at Lans- dale, as clerk in the freight department and continued here for seven years. In 1904 he went to work for the Magnesia and Asbestos Company of Norristown, beginning at the bottom and working his way up until to-day (1922) he holds the responsible positions of vice-president and superintendent.
Fraternally Mr. Burgstresser is well known, being a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, Norristown Lodge, No. 620; Norristown Chapter, No. 190; and Hutchinson Commandery, all of Norristown. He is also a member of the Norristown Club. Along political lines he stands by the Republican party. Most of his leisure moments are spent on his farm "On the Hill," at Port Indian, Montgomery county, which is one of the delightful spots in Montgomery county ; the residence stands on an elevation affording a broad view of the Schuylkill river, and hills of Valley Forge, and is run by a capable manager; he also enjoys touring, baseball and quoits. His religious affiliation is with the First Baptist Church where he is now a deacon and also superintendent of the Sunday school.
Mr. Burgstresser married, in Norristown, on October 26, 1903, Kath- arine Detwiler, of Norristown, daughter of Christian and Elizabeth (Allebough) Detwiler, also natives of Norristown, the father being teller at the First National Bank. Mr. and Mrs. Burgstresser are the parents of two children: Marion, who was born on September 10, 1907, and will graduate from high school in 1925; and Harvey, born December 3, 1913.
HOWARD S. HUNSBERGER-One of the solid business men of Souderton, Pennsylvania, is Howard S. Hunsberger, who in 1905 became manager of an up-to-date pharmacy on Main street. His wide experi- ence in the trade, and his well-balanced ability and mental equipment have won for him a conspicuous place in the city life. He is the son of Christian Hunsberger, a farmer, and his wife, Mary Hunsberger, and he has a brother who is a prominent druggist, president of the National and Philadelphia Druggists' associations, and who is also a trustee of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy.
Howard S. Hunsberger is a native of Souderton, Pennsylvania, born there May 27, 1882. He attended the Souderton public schools, and upon the completion of his education went to work for himself. Four years of his early life were spent at cigar-making, but his tastes were inclined toward a mercantile life, and he acquired a general store, which he con- ducted successfully for more than eight years. He finally entered the drug business, and has for seven years had a thoroughly modern phar- macy in Souderton. Alert, business-like, progressive, his place of busi-
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ness has all the newest and best fixtures, and is one of the most popular stores of its kind in the locality.
Mr. Hunsberger is a Republican in politics. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Hatfield (Pennsylvania) Benefit Society, and is religiously con- nected with the Lutheran church.
Mr. Hunsberger married, on December 3, 1913, at Souderton, Miriam A. Allderfer, daughter of Christian A. Allderfer, and they are the par- ents of two children: Miriam, born June 19, 1917; and Bernice, born July 26, 1920.
OSWIN D. REITER-In the village of Red Hill, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, Oswin D. Reiter made his home and established the milling and mercantile business to which he has since devoted him- self. He was with the pioneers there, and has been one of the factors of its growth, his contribution to its attactiveness as a residential district being the erection of thirty-four houses. His coming has meant more than these additional homes, for his business has given employment to many during the near quarter of a century that has passed since his coming, while his public spirit has been an influence to encourage others. Oswin D. Reiter is a son of Daniel and Edith (Weidner) Reiter, his father a miller of Upper Hanover at the time of the birth of his son, Oswin D.
Oswin D. Reiter was born in Upper Hanover township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, March 27, 1855, and there educated in the district school. He was taught the secrets of the miller's trade and business by his skilled father, with whom he worked until obtaining a position as mail carrier, a position he held for five years. In 1879 he married and moved to Finland, in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in the milling business and remained for twenty years. In 1899 he returned to Montgomery county and located at Red Hill, where he yet remains, engaged in milling, also in the operation of a coal and lumber yard and in the hay, grain, and feed business.
A Democrat in politics, Mr. Reiter has served as town auditor for sixteen years. He is a member of the Knights of Friendship, and the Junior Order United American Mechanics. He is enrolled as a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church.
Mr. Reiter married, in Upper Hanover township, March 8, 1879, Amanda Hendricks, daughter of John F. and Angelina (Roeller) Hend- ricks. Mr. and Mrs. Reiter are the parents of five children: Ida R., born March 3, 1880, married George Mayberry; Daniel Henry, born June 25, 1882, married Stella Brey, and they have two children: Alma Estella, and Esther Irene; Franklin O., born December 25, 1886, a soldier with the American Expeditionary Forces in France, serving in the infantry ; Thomas A., born December 3, 1888, also with the Ameri- can Expeditionary Forces in France, attached to a Base Hospital ; Eva P., born February 26, 1897. The family home is at Red Hill, Pennsyl- vania.
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