USA > Pennsylvania > Montgomery County > Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, a history, Volume III > Part 41
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Mr. Mallen married, in Conshohocken, on September 13, 1880, Alice Carney, daughter of James and Mary Carney, highly respected farming people of Ulster, Ireland, and Mrs. Mallen still survives her husband, residing in Conshohocken. Their children are as follows: John, de- ceased; John (2), also deceased; Mary; Eleanor, deceased; Evelyn ; Arline ; George; Joseph ; and Francis.
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The death of William Joseph Mallen removed from this community a man whose thought was ever for others in civic and commercial activ- ities, and also in the social circles in which he was so highly esteemed. He is remembered by all as one of those men who are an active force for good, and although he is gone, the spirit which inspired him to gen- erous effort still lives in the record of what he did for his friends, for the public generally, and for the welfare and progress of the borough of which he was for so many years a resident.
THOMAS FRANCIS McCOY-Thirty-five years ago, or to be exact, on December 8, 1888, Thomas F. McCoy, pharmacist, started in business at No. 49 Fayette street, Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. There he remained about five years, when in 1893 he purchased the drug business of Harry Kroh at Second avenue and Fayette street on the post office side of the block, and there remained until 1898. He then bought of H. G. Hallowwell the building at the corner of Fayette street and Fourth avenue, and the same year moved his drug business from Second avenue to the new location. He has now occupied the corner at Fayette street and Fourth avenue for a quarter of a century, and this store, like its proprietor, is firmly established in the confidence of the community in which both were born. Mr. McCoy made a notable addition to his activities in 1903, when he bought the building and drug business at No. 241 East Hector street from James H. Steen, which he has since conducted as a branch.
Thomas F. McCoy, son of Patrick and Mary McCoy, who settled in Conshohocken in 1853, was born in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, Janu- ary 13, 1867. His brothers and sisters were: Cornelius J. and David McCoy, both deceased ; and Isabel M. McCoy and Mrs. Ellen Mulholland. Thomas F. McCoy attended school at St. Matthew's Parochial School and gained his professional education at Philadelphia College of Phar- macy, whence he was graduated, class of 1888. He began business as a pharmacist on December 8, 1888, at No. 49 Fayette street, Consho- hocken, as previously stated, and yet continues in the drug business, prosperous and esteemed.
Mr. McCoy is president of the Matson Ford Building and Loan Association ; a director of the Security Building and Loan Association ; director of the First National Bank; treasurer of the Conshohocken Realty Corporation; treasurer of the Conshohocken Community Center and a member of the executive committee; treasurer of St. Vincent de Paul Society ; member of St. Matthew's Roman Catholic Church, and of the Knights of Columbus; and a former district deputy of the Twenty- third district.
Mr. McCoy married, in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, August 30, 1899, Elizabeth O'Neill, daughter of James and Elizabeth O'Neill. Mr. and Mrs. McCoy are the parents of two children: Agnes Elsie, and Thomas Francis, Jr.
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JAMES JOSEPH GORMAN-Among those who are contributing a valuable share to the great work of training and developing the powers of the young men of the country is James Joseph Gorman, who as assistant treasurer of athletics in the University of Pennsylvania is not only helping to build strong bodies and develop physical skill, but is also exerting a wholesome moral influence among the students of the university.
Born in Plymouth Meeting, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, son of James and Ellen Gorman, the former associated with the Pennsyl- vania and Reading Railroad Company as track foreman, Mr. Gorman received his early education in St. Matthew's School at Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, and then became a student in Schissler's Business College at Norristown, Pennsylvania. He later became assistant manager of athletics at the University of Pennsylvania, and in that capacity has been rendering efficient service. Fraternally Mr. Gorman is a member of the Knights of Columbus, and now occupies the office of district deputy of the Twenty-third District of Pennsylvania, which has jurisdiction of councils located at Ardmore, Conshohocken, Norristown, Phoenixville and Pottstown, Pennsylvania. He is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of Norristown, Pennsylvania ; of the Young Men's Athletic Association of Conshohocken; and of the Conshohocken Chamber of Commerce. His religious affiliation is with St. Matthew's Roman Catholic Church.
FRANCIS WILLAUER WACK-One of the best known men in Schwenkville, Pennsylvania, is Mr. Wack, whose public benefactions and aggressiveness in fostering local improvements have brought him the esteem of his fellow-citizens. The public high school in this borough is the result of his efforts, aided by F. H. Beltz, H. B. Kratz, Daniel Miller, William Bromer and Rev. M. F. Schultz. Highland Park, con- sisting of twenty-five acres, is a part of the one hundred and ten acre farm purchased by him and set aside for the use of the borough.
Francis F. Wack, a butcher, married Mary Willauer, and their chil- dren are: Emma, wife of Christian Drissell, of Lansdale, Pennsylvania ; Katherine, a milliner in Lansdale; Edith, wife of Carl Zartman, of Cleve- land, Ohio; Anna, who died in 1875 at the age of three; Wilson and William, twins, both of whom died when three months old; and Francis W., of further mention.
Francis Willauer Wack was born at Mainland, in Lower Salford township, June 6, 1879. He began his education in the rural schools, and later entered Perkiomen Seminary, attending only the spring terms, teaching school the balance of the year. He first attended the seminary in 1896 and began teaching at Lederach the following year. In 1900 he left the seminary and took a two-year course at West Chester Normal School, graduating in 1902 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. The year he entered the Normal school his relations with the Lederach school were severed, and when he graduated from the former he taught in a school at Marble Hall, near Plymouth Meeting, for two years. Then
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he established the high school at Schwenkville in 1904, and taught there until 1914. The next year he entered the real estate and insurance business. In 1920 he built the Schwenkville water works and has recently completed a line to supply the outlying rural districts. The Frederick Water Company was also formed by him, and in each of the two he holds the office of president. On the remainder of the Highland Farm which he purchased, he has erected the first modern hotel building in this section and improved the property generally.
A Republican in politics, Mr. Wack was elected justice of the peace in 1909 and actively carried on the office in 1914, which he still retains. During the World War he served as instructor at Ursinus College at Collegeville, and was a member of the advisory board, assisting in ques- tionnaire work. Fraternally he is a member of Warren Lodge, No. 310, Free and Accepted Masons, in Collegeville; the Schwenkville branch of the Patriotic Order Sons of America ; Knights of Friendship, of Zieg- lersville; Improved Order of Red Men; a charter member of Lederach Lodge; Acacia Club, of the Free and Accepted Masons of Collegeville ; also a member of the Perkiomen Valley Business Men's Association. In religion he is a deacon of the Reformed church at Schwenkville. His favorite form of recreation is baseball.
Mr. Wack married, June 2, 1906, Florence Wismer, a daughter of Henry (deceased), who was a Civil War veteran, and Mary (Weirman) Wismer, also deceased. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Wismer were: Mary, wife of Clayton Isett of Philadelphia ; Annie, wife of Harry Keller, of Bucks county ; Elizabeth, wife of Dr. Allen Keeler of Philadelphia; Jennie, wife of Walter Slonacker of Philadelphia; Alma, wife of Dr. Herman Nailer of Philadelphia ; Florence, who married Francis Willauer Wack, above mentioned ; Ella, wife of Abram Ruth of Franconia ; John, living in Schwenkville; Harry, engaged in the post office department at Collegeville; and William, who died in 1920. Mr. and Mrs. Wack are the parents of the following children : Henry, born September 19, 1909; Curtis, born August 10, 1912 ; Francis W., Jr., born September 17, 1917; and Elizabeth, who was born July 24, 1922.
DANIEL ROBERT ARNOLD-A well known business man of Kulpsville, Pennsylvania, who in earlier years gained an extended repu- tation for his achievements in the athletic field, is Daniel Robert Arnold, since 1919 a general merchant here. Mr. Arnold was born October 4, 1886, at Dublin, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, a son of Frank D. and Marietta (Accar) Arnold, the former a wheelwright and carriage builder of Dublin, where he also owns a barber shop. He is the oldest of a family of eight children, the names of his brothers and sisters being, in order of their age: Claude, Luther, Leon, Stanley, Maude, Ethel and Mabel, all of whom are living but Mabel, who died when she was seven years old.
Daniel R. Arnold attended the schools of his home community as a young boy, and assisted his father in the barber shop until eighteen years of age. He then secured employment in the steel mills at Bethlehem,
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and worked there for six years. Mr. Arnold possesses a splendid physique and has always been interested in athletics, and his efforts in that line having been crowned with much success, he decided at the end of that period to take up athletic work as a profession. As a result he soon became known as one of the best athletes in Montgomery county, and won the amateur foot racing championship by running nine miles in the record time of one hour and five minutes. For several years Mr. Arnold acted as instructor in athletics for various organizations, then decided to settle down in the mercantile business, and came to Kulps- ville in 1919, opening the store he now conducts.
Mr. Arnold is well known as a public-spirited citizen, active in the various phases of community life. In political matters he is a believer in Republican policies. He holds membership in a number of prominent clubs and organizations, including the Century Club of Souderton ; Perkasie Lodge, Woodmen of the World; Souderton Lodge, No. 12, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and Souderton Lodge, No. 6, Patriotic Order Sons of America. His religious affiliation is with the Lutheran church.
On November II, 1913, at Perkasie, occurred the marriage of Mr. Arnold to Hazel Clarina McGargol, a daughter of Isaac Newton and Annie (Robinson) McGargol. Mr. and Mrs. Arnold have a family of three children: Anna Mabel, born March 1, 1915; Dorothy Hazel, born November 28, 1917; and Robert F., born September 13, 1921.
CLARENCE F. GAST-The young business men of Ambler, Penn- sylvania, are an inspiration and example to all in its commercial life, and one of the most energetic and farsighted is Clarence F. Gast. Although in 1922 he had not celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of his birth, he had established a taxicab business that was a complete success, and was looking forward to an immediate increase in his cars and chauffeurs. Wide awake, popular, quick to see opportunity, and with the courage to take advantage of it, he is making rapid strides toward prominence and prosperity. He is the son of Jacob and Iola Gast, his father a painter, and has two brothers, Edward and Albert, and two sisters, Evelyn and Myrtle.
Clarence F. Gast was born at Langhorne, Bucks county, Pennsyl- vania, July 15, 1898. He was graduated from the grammar school of Ambler in 1916, and attended high school until he left to go in business with A. Heath in a garage on Main street. The partnership was con- tinued for a year and a half with marked success, but recognizing the need of a better taxi service in Ambler, Mr. Gast, in March, 1919, bought cars and hired chauffeurs, and struck out by himself. The venture proved profitable from its inception, and he has added to his equipment and force from time to time, with headquarters on Butler avenue. Mr. Gast is a member and actively interested in the Ambler Building and Loan Association. He cast his first presidential vote with the Republican party, and is a close follower of political events. Religiously he is an adherent to the Methodist Episcopal faith.
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EMILY D. (BUCKWALTER) LACHMAN-For many years the people of Collegeville have honored and esteemed Mrs. Emily D. (Buck- walter) Lachman, who has been a resident of this community since her marriage, and during the fifteen years of her widowhood has devoted her time to her daughters and their families, and to the many good deeds of neighborly kindness and Christian charity which it is her pleasure to do. Mrs. Lachman is a daughter of David and Sarah (Favinger) Buckwalter, also long residents of Collegeville, who are the parents of eight children: Benjamin, Charles, Emanuel, David, Mary Ann, Kath- arine, Emily D., of further mention, and Berlina.
Emily D. Buckwalter was born at Yerkes, near Phoenixville, Chester county, Pennsylvania, May 15, 1849. She attended the public school at the Mennonnite Meeting House at Upper Providence township until the age of fifteen years, after which she resided at the home farm with her parents until the year 1868. On June 29, 1868, Miss Buckwalter became the wife of Samuel Lachman, the ceremony taking place at Mount Kirk, Lower Providence township, in this county. Mr. Lachman was a son of Samuel C. Lachman, a wheelwright by trade, and a resident of Fruit- ville, Pennsylvania, until the time of his death. The mother, Mary (Ceber) Lachman, is also long since deceased. Samuel Lachman learned the trade of wheelwright under his father's instruction, and in the year 1861 established his own business at Collegeville, carrying the interest forward until his death, which occurred in 1907. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Norristown, of the Knights of Pythias of Collegeville, and by political affiliation was a Democrat. Samuel and Emily D. (Buckwalter) Lachman were the parents of two daughters: I. Flora L., who was born December 21, 1869, and attended Sunderland's Female College at Trappe, and Ursinus Academy. She became the wife of Clement E. Fry, of Graterford, Pennsylvania, who has been a customs inspector at the port of Philadelphia for the past twenty-eight years. During the World War he served in the Quarter- masters' Corps, from 1917 until 1919, stationed at Camp Zachary Taylor, at Louisville, Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Fry have had four children : Mildred, now deceased ; Helen ; Emily ; and Flora. 2. Elizabeth B., who was born April 28, 1885 ; she was educated at the Collegeville public and high schools, being graduated from high school in the class of 1902, also spent two years at Irving College (1902-03) after which in 1905, she entered Combs Conservatory of Music, at Philadelphia, and was grad- uated from that institution in the class of 1908. She studied music under such famous professors as Dr. Hugh H. Clark, Gilbert Reynolds Combs, Stanley Addicks, Russell King Miller and Preston Ware Orem. Giving much time to theoretical work, and receiving special training in the Normal department of the school, Miss Lachman became an instruc- tor of rare ability, and, opening a private conservatory of music, has won a high position in musical circles in the East. On August 14, 1920, Elizabeth B. Lachman became the wife of Frederick H. Santer, an estimator for the Link Belt Company of Philadelphia. Since her mar- riage Mrs. Santer has continued her conservatory.
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HARRY N. LANDIS-One of the men of foresight and initiative of Elroy, Pennsylvania, is Harry N. Landis, who is probably best known for his untiring endeavors to secure better roads for his locality. A successful agriculturist, he has seen what good roads mean to his own as well as all classes, and has entered vigorously in all movements that aimed at the improvements of these connecting links between town and farm.
Harry N. Landis, son of Benjamin and Sara (Nace) Landis, was born on July 6, 1865, in Franconia township, Pennsylvania. He attended the local schools up to the time of his having to go to work on the farm, and for a number of years was a tiller of the soil. He has also been a mail carrier, and knows his part of Montgomery county as do few others. He has the honor of being president of the road board, and is supervisor of roads, and much of his time is taken up in painstaking, conscientious work, doing the important duties of his offices. Mr. Landis is a com- municant of the Reformed church.
On April 24, 1909, Mr. Landis was married to Katie Sellers, daughter of Samuel and Mary Hunsicker Sellers. Mr. and Mrs. Landis are the parents of three children, as follows: Henry, born August 5, 1910; Ella May, born July 22, 1912; and Allan, born June 13, 1917.
ALBERT RUDOLPH SKIBBE-One of the younger set of business men who is coming to the fore in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, is Albert Rudolph Skibbe, the superintendent of Mill No. 3 of the Rambo & Regar Company. He is the son of Albert Charles Skibbe, a contractor, who lost his life in an accident in 1908 when fifty years old, and of Agnes (Cayser) Skibbe, now living in Conshohocken. They were the parents of five children: Charles Louis; John George; Elsie Caroline, who is married to Harry Davis; Mary Deborah, who married Connie Coyle; and Albert Rudolph Skibbe, who was born at Conshohocken, Pennsyl- vania, on April 10, 1891. His education was gained in the grammar and high schools of his native place, and he at an early age began to contribute to his own support.
Mr. Skibbe started as an errand boy in the singeing room, but soon was given charge of a singeing machine, and was later made stock clerk. He then entered upon a contract for three years as a knitting apprentice, and was in line for the further promotion that came in 1917 as superin- tendent of Mill No. 3 of the Rambo & Regar Company, manufacturers of hosiery. His career to date has been one of rapid development and success with every evidence of attaining greater heights in the years that lie before him.
Mr. Skibbe is associated with several fraternities, among which are: The Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Lodge No. 239; Patriotic Order Sons of America, No. 114; and the Junior Order United American Me- chanics, No. 82 ; all of Norristown, Pennsylvania. His church member- ship is with St. John's Episcopal Church.
On June 5, 1912, at Norristown, Pennsylvania, Mr. Skibbe married
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Nellie May McDonald, daughter of William and Louisa (Boswell) McDonald. Mr. and Mrs. Skibbe are the parents of two children: Ger- ald Albert, born August 31, 1914, and Edith Louise, born July 17, 1917.
M. B. SCHRACK-For many years a resident of Upper. Providence township and now of Trappe, both communities in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, Mr. Schrack has spent a long and useful life in agricultural pursuits, meeting the misfortunes of life with courage, and bearing a part in the general welfare. He is now retired from active work, but is still contributing to the continued advance of this section through his connection with the world of finance and his public service. Mr. Schrack is a son of Michael and Mary (Buckwalter) Schrack. His father was a plasterer and in later years conducted a farm to which his son succeeded upon his death. They were the parents of three children : M. B., Daniel, and Laura, widow of Jacob Lewis.
M. B. Schrack was born in Upper Providence, October 16, 1857. He received his education in the rural schools of his native place and then attended business school at Trappe, for one term. He worked on his father's farm until 1882, when he started for himself on a forty-seven acre farm, where he remained until 1903. In 1901 a disastrous fire destroyed his house and all records and documents. He rebuilt, but later sold out and removed to Trappe. Mr. Schrack is interested in all civic and State affairs and strongly believes in every advance for the better- ment of the community. He is a staunch Republican and for eighteen years (1904-1922) was a member of the Town Council. He is also the organizer and president of the Trappe Fire Company. In his recrea- tive interests he seeks the out doors, for he is a great lover of nature. He is also a member of the Lutheran church of Trappe.
Mr. Schrack married, in December, 1882, Dora Hoyer, daughter of Jonothan and Mary (Goodwin) Hoyer, who was born in Upper Provi- dence, in 1861, and died in August, 1903. They were the parents of two children : I. Elmer, who was born August 31, 1883; married Bertha Benderald, of Royersford, Pennsylvania, where he now resides. He is employed by the Buckwalter Stove Works. 2. Mary, who was born July 10, 1886; now living at home.
PATRICK JOSEPH O'BRIEN was one of the solid, industrious citizens of Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, whose death left the city and his friends the poorer for his departure. An honest, friendly, big-hearted man, he had a host of friends. Always helpful, a shrewd advisor, a lover of his home and family, there are many who realize the good in their lives and character that is owing to his good offices.
The son of Joseph and Mary (Goff) O'Brien, Patrick J. O'Brien was born in Dublin, Ireland, on May 5, 1846, but later came to this country, where he died August 8, 1897, at the age of fifty-one. His earliest edu- cation was received from the grammar schools of his native city, and he was a graduate of Dublin Academy. He emigrated to this country,
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and locating at Conshohocken, went to work in the A. J. March quarries. His ability and hard work won him promotion, and for some time previous to his death he had been the able superintendent of the quarries.
Mr. O'Brien always believed in the views of the Democratic party and cast his vote regularly for its nominees. His fraternal affiliation was with the Ancient Order of the Hibernians, No. 6, and he was a com- municant of the St. Matthew's Catholic Church of Conshohocken.
Mr. O'Brien was survived by his wife, Mary O'Brien, daughter of John and Anna (O'Brien) Brennan, whom he married at Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, September 6, 1873. They were the parents of six children : Jennie, Mary, Catherine, Elizabeth, William, and Sadie G.
CHARLES YELLES CASSEL-Every community owes much to those who are no longer numbered among its citizens, to those who have contributed their best to the advancement of the welfare of those among whom they lived, and have passed on to the Great Beyond, leaving their influence to live and grow long after they themselves have passed beyond our ken. One of the citizens of Montgomery county who completed his work nearly three decades ago, is Charles Y. Cassel, who was engaged in farming throughout the entire period of his active life.
Mr. Cassel was born in Lower Salford, Montgomery county, Penn- sylvania, January 16, 1844, and died February 16, 1896, at the compara- tively early age of sixty-nine. He was a son of Abraham H. Cassel, a well known farmer and cattle dealer of the Lower Salford township, and of Elizabeth (Rhoads) Cassel, both of whom are deceased. He received his early education in the public schools of Lower Salford, and then completed his training in Perkiomen Seminary. When his seminary course was completed, he returned to Lower Salford and went to work on his father's farm, where he remained until his marriage. He then purchased his father's farm near Harleysville, and there he was success- fully engaged in farming throughout the remainder of his active life. He was widely known in Lower Salford and throughout the township, and though he has for more than twenty years been among those who have left the scene of their early labors in Lower Salford, he is still remem- bered and highly esteemed by a large group of those with whom he was associated during his life. Politically he gave his support to the Repub- lican party, but he was a man of independent views and insisted upon the right to cast his vote for those local officials whom he considered best prepared to efficiently discharge the duties of the office. He was a member of the German Baptist, or Dunkard, church.
On February 10, 1866, near Harleysville, Mr. Cassel married Sarah Harley, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Johnson) Harley. Mr. and Mrs. Cassel are the parents of five children: Edwin, who was born January 22, 1867; Henry, born October 1, 1868; Samuel, born March 26, 1870; Elizabeth, born November 20, 1873; and Abraham, born February 2, 1882.
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LEIGHTON F. HACKER, one of the best known men of Hatfield, Pennsylvania, is a native of Lansdale, and after courses in the grammar and high schools struck out for himself and became a printer. He is the son of John W. and Laura M. Hacker. His industry and ability is bringing him a standing in the community, and a prosperity thoroughly merited. He is now the publisher of the "Inter-Borough Press," of Roy- ersford and Spring City, Pennsylvania. He is associated with the Knights of the Golden Eagle, the Loyal Order of Moose, and the O. S. Club, of Lansdale, Pennsylvania. He is a communicant of the Reformed church of Lansdale.
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