USA > Pennsylvania > Montgomery County > Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, a history, Volume III > Part 5
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FRANK F. SOWERS-Both as an instructor and as a business man, Frank F. Sowers has been eminently successful and has rendered valuable service to his community. Born in Marlboro township, October II, 1877, son of John Sowers, who was for thirty years superintendent of roads in Marlboro township, and of Catherine (Faut) Sowers, he was the ninth of eleven children, his brothers and sisters being: Adam, Christi- ana, Kate, Samuel, Elizabeth, Louisa, Nora, John, Maggie, and Stella.
Frank F. Sowers attended the public schools of his district and then entered Sumneytown Academy, later completing his education in Perkio- men Seminary. With this careful preparation he engaged in teaching, which profession he successfully followed for fourteen years. At the end of that time, realizing that though the rewards of teaching are large in a moral and spiritual sense, but exceedingly small economically, he decided that the time had come when he ought to engage in some more lucrative employment. Accordingly, in 1910, he established a general store at Green Lane. To this venture he gave the same careful attention that he had given to the profession of teaching, and with characteristic energy and thoroughness was content with nothing less than the best. He steadily bent his energies to the work of making his store as useful and as profitable both to himself and to his patrons as it was possible to make it. So well has he succeeded that at the present time he is proprietor of the most up-to-date general store in Northern Montgomery county, and his patrons know that whatever their need may be, it will be served if possible.
Mr. Sowers takes an active part in public affairs. Politically he gives his support to the Democratic party, and is now a candidate for the State Legislature. He has served faithfully and well as justice of the peace, as town commissioner, and as a member of the Board of Burghers for five years. He serves as a member of the Green Lane Fire Company, of which he is president, and during the World War was a member of the Liberty Loan Committee and of the Registered Draft Board. Frater- nally he is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Norristown Lodge, No. 128; Improved Order of Red Men, of Green Lane, all chairs; and Patriotic Order, Sons of America, all chairs. His religious connection is with the Green Lane Union Chapel, of which he is one of the organizers, and which he serves as superintendent of the Sunday school.
Mr. Sowers married, on February 21, 1900, at Green Lane, Mary A. Smith, daughter of Isaac R. and Catherine (Ruckstool) Smith, and they are the parents of three children: Stella, born June 25, 1904; Forrest, born April 22, 1907 ; and Wilma, born April 18, 1910. The children were all born at Green Lane.
ARTHUR H. LANDES-The financial world of Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, counts among its most honored names that of Arthur H. Landes, who has been identified with its progress for many years, and although retired from active business interests, generally speaking, still
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serves the institution with which he was so long connected when special occasions arise.
Jacob C. Landes, Mr. Landes' father, was born in Hatfield township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, and came to Souderton as a young man. Early in life he became identified with the National Bank of Souderton, and continued with the same institution for a period of forty years, his service ending only with his death, which occurred November 28, 1915. He was a man of the most estimable character, public-spirited to a marked degree, and possessing the highest standards of personal responsibility in every relation in life. He was for many years active as borough treasurer, and also served as a member of the school board. He married Ellaweria Hartzell, and they were the parents of two chil- dren: Arthur H., whose name entitles this review; and Bessie, wife of Charles M. Saxe.
Arthur H. Landes was born in Souderton, Pennsylvania, November 6, 1873. His education was begun in the public schools of his native place, and was completed with his course at the Souderton High School. As a youth he entered the Souderton National Bank, of which his father was cashier, and beginning in the capacity of clerk, continued with the institution for twenty-five years, rising to the position of assistant cashier. Mr. Landes retired from active business life in 1915, but has since handled stocks and bonds to keep in touch with the world of finance and retain an interest in life, and he also acts as carrier for the Sellersville Bank when large sums are to be transferred. His record is one of which any man might well be proud, and he is held in the highest esteem by his fellow-townspeople. A Republican by political affiliation, Mr. Landes was elected borough treasurer of Souderton in 1915, and still serves in the same capacity. He has few other interests except in his beautiful home, at No. 304 East Broad street, Souderton, one of the handsomest houses in the township, which he built after his retirement, and where he spends his leisure among the delightful grounds or in the rooms which are largely of his own designing. His religious faith places his member- ship with the Reformed church.
Mr. Landes married, in Souderton, March 23, 1899, Stella Althouse, daughter of Oliver N. and Elizabeth (Rosenberger) Althouse, and they have one daughter, Mazie, born in Souderton, and now a leading figure in the social circles of the community.
REYNOLDS D. LINDERMAN-Broadly active in real estate circles in Norristown, Mr. Linderman, although still a young man, is taking a position among the progressive and enterprising business men of the borough. A native of Montgomery county, Mr. Linderman is a son of Isaac W. and Mary E. Linderman, his father being a prosperous farmer.
Reynolds D. Linderman was born in Limerick township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, July 13, 1894. His early education was acquired at the public schools of his native place, and he prepared for his career at the Pottstown Business College, from which he was graduated in the class of 1911. Mr. Linderman's first business experience was as agent
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for the E. A. Strout Real Estate Company, with which concern he was identified for eight years. He then opened an independent office at No. 9 Airy street, Norristown, and as a member of the Reese & Linderman Real Estate and Insurance Company, is taking a very practical part in the public advance. The firm is doing a large and steadily increasing business in both lines of activity, and holds high rank in local business circles. Mr. Linderman is a director of the New Building and Loan Asso- ciation, and is a member of the Presbyterian church.
Mr. Linderman married, on May 3, 1918, in Sanatoga, Pennsylvania, Annie M. Drumheller, daughter of Horace Drumheller.
ELI CASSEL KRUPP-The life of the successful man who by sheer pluck, determination and ability, lifts himself from the ruck of ordinary humanity to a place with the highest, is worthy of deep consideration, if only for the help and inspiration it gives to others. Eli Cassel Krupp, the retired manufacturer of Lansdale, Pennsylvania, was a farmer's son, who went to work at so early an age that it was only by using the few spare moments of his time that he secured an education. While still a boy, he learned the trade of iron moulding, and with it a liking for strong drink. Ambitious and determined to set up in business for himself, he in his need tried to borrow five dollars and was refused. He was quick to see that credit must be secured if he were to succeed in his venture and quicker to see the reason why he could get none, and from that time he never touched a drop of intoxicants. He finally managed to get a start in business in a small barn, and became a jobber in iron castings. Prosperity came to him from this small beginning. In a short time he had twenty-five men in his employ, and taking in partnership Henry Fried, enlarged the scope of his operations and founded the Krupp Pipe Works of Lansdale, now probably one of the leading manufacturers of pipe in the United States. To-day all over the country the products of this company are used, and the name of Eli C. Krupp is known and respected in our many States.
He is the son of Jacob and Sarah (Cassel) Krupp, both now deceased, the former of whom was a farmer and at one time a manufacturer of coffee essence. Eli C. Krupp was born in Montgomery county, Septem- ber 8, 1864, and attended school until he was nine years old, when he went to work on the farm and remained until fifteen. He then branched out for himself and in the next two years became an iron moulder, which trade he followed until setting up in business for himself. Starting in a small way, working day and night, with his wife and children helping at times, he became eventually a leading manufacturer of pipe in the United States, and has now retired from the more active side of his business. His sunset days are being spent in his beautiful home in Lansdale, and in his commodious residence at the seashore at Ocean City and St. Petersburg, Florida, where he spends five months of each year. Surrounding the Lansdale place is his tract of forty-seven acres, laid out in building sites, on which most of his children have their homes. With his family he attends and is a communicant of the Baptist church.
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In 1885, at Skippack, Pennsylvania, he was married to Sallie Landis, of Hatfield township, the gifted daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Kindig) Landis, well known citizens of that locality. Mr. and Mrs. Krupp are the parents of nine children : 1. Viola L., is the wife of Edwin Biedler, now of Lansdale. Their children are: Adelaide, Edward, Nor- man Clarence and Dorothy. 2. Marvin, married Anna Clemmer. Their children are: Allison Eli, Marvin and Sarah C. 3. Norman, married Marguerite Nattey, deceased ; they had one child, Marguerite. 4. Lily, married Charles Hilles. Their children are: Charles, Lillian, Russel and Betty. 5. Clarence, married Josephine Swartz. 6. Blanche, married Wilson Cassel. Their children are: Lester and William H. 7. Carrie, married Elmer Gehman. Their children are: Elmer, Sarah M., Harrison and Lester. 8. Emma. 9. Mamie, married Russel Proctor.
ROYDEN L. HUNSBERGER -- Before he had reached the age of thirty, Royden Hunsberger, of Souderton, Pennsylvania, was famed among collectors of antiques for his knowledge of peculiarities of the works of antique clocks and his ability to adjust and repair them. The son of a jeweler, he not only followed his father's trade, but made a special study of the intricate and delicate mechanisms of time-pieces of a past age, and as a result occupies a unique position among jewelers.
Royden L. Hunsberger was the son of Cornelius and Leah Hunsberger, and was born at Souderton, Pennsylvania, December 2, 1891. After the usual education in the local schools, he began to contribute to his own support by working at the jeweler's bench. His ability and industry soon made him skilful in his vocation, and in 1906 he established a jewelry store in his native city, which has proven a very successful venture.
Mr. Hunsberger is a Republican in his political views, although too busy to take a very active part in politics. Fraternally he is associated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is a past grand master. He is a communicant of the New Mennonite Church of his city.
Mr. Hunsberger married, in October, 1913, at Hill Town, Pennsyl- vania, Laura Bloom, daughter of Frank and Addie Bloom. Mr. and Mrs. Hunsberger are the parents of three children: Blanche, Mildred and Violet.
GEORGE H. SAYLOR-The Pottstown "Blade" was founded by Louis Reigner Saylor in the year 1890, he a practical printer and news- paper man. The first "Blade" was a four page, three column sheet eight by eleven inches, but it was soon enlarged and finally reached its pres- ent size, seven columns and from four to eight pages. Its circulation is confined to Pottstown and vicinity, and the date of issue Saturday morn- ing. The greater part of the energy of the "Blade" force is directed toward the job department of the paper and in that department the "Blade" ranks with the best county papers, the office being one of the best equipped in the upper end of Montgomery county. The plant is located in the Blade building, especially erected for the business, the paper occupying two floors. Five people are employed in the printing office
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and the plant is modern in every particular. The "Blade" job office is noted for the high quality of the work done there and is a splendid monu- ment to its founder and to his sons who succeeded him.
Louis Reigner Saylor was born at Saylor's Mills, East Coventry, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, one of the fourteen children of John C. and Rosanna Saylor. He died in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, May 28, 1917. After school years were over he was employed around his father's mill for some years, then he learned the printer's trade and worked for several years in Philadelphia. Later he became associated with his brother, Alfred, in publication of the "Chronicle," now the Pottstown "News." That connection was broken later and in 1890 Louis R. Saylor started the newspaper which, as the Pottstown "Blade," has now had a prosperous existence, covering a period of thirty-two years, 1890-1922. In February, 1911, he sold the "Blade," but after a few months with a friendly plant in Phoenixville and with a plant on Walnut street, in Pottstown, he returned to the "Blade," in September, 1913, and con- tinued its publication until his passing.
Mr. Saylor was for years Pottstown correspondent for the Reading "Eagle," and for Philadelphia papers, and was vice-president of the Bucks-Montgomery Press League. He was a member of the Philadel- phia Fire Company and was always interested in community life. He served for two terms as borough councilman and while a member intro- duced the sidewalk ordinance and the front foot paving plan.
He married, March 19, 1884, Lizzie R. Harley, daughter of Joseph and Martha Harley, of East Coventry, who survives him. To Mr. and Mrs. Louis R. Saylor were born nine children, four of whom are living : George H., of whom further ; Frances, Emma, and Herman.
After the death of his father May 28, 1917, George H. Saylor con- ducted the "Blade" for the L. R. Saylor estate until April, 1922, since which date the publishers have been L. R. Saylor's Sons, George H. Saylor, editor and manager.
George H. Saylor, son of Louis R. and Lizzie R. (Harley) Saylor, was born in Pottstown, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, June 10, 1895. He was educated in Pottstown public schools and entered college but did not graduate, leaving to enter journalism. He began at the bottom in the "Blade" plant and learned every detail of the business, and served in every position from devil to editor. As the head of the business, L. R. Saylor's Sons, printers and publishers, he fills a place for which he is eminently fitted, and the "Blade" prospers under his guidance.
He is a member of the United Typothetae of America, Bucks-Mont- gomery Press League and of the Weekly Newspaper Association of Montgomery county. He is an active Democrat, member of the Phila- delphia Steam Engine Company of Pottstown, and of the Young Men's Christian Association.
HARRY H. ZIMMERMAN, who for a quarter of a century has been actively identified with the progress and growth of the borough of Nor- ristown and its vicinity as a real estate and insurance broker, is a son of Sylvester and Harriet Zimmerman, highly respected farming people.
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Harry H. Zimmerman was born in Whitpain township, Pennsylvania, November 3, 1858. He was graduated from the local public schools, then covered the high school course in Norristown and was graduated in due time. He then attended Tremount Seminary, of Norristown, for a period of two years, after which he was associated with his father in the work of the farm. Remaining with his father for twelve years, Mr. Zimmer- man then became identified with the Montgomery Oil Company, as man- ager, and was thus engaged for eight years. Upon severing his connec- tion with this concern Mr. Zimmerman opened an office at No. 325 Swede street, in Norristown, and has since been actively engaged in real estate brokerage, handling also a general line of insurance. He has been largely successful, and his activities, which have included much significant and constructive effort in both branches, have placed him among the leading citizens of the community. In political affairs Mr. Zimmerman is an independent Republican, and fraternally he is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, also of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a member of the Penn Gun Club, and his religious affiliation is with the Reformed church.
Mr. Zimmerman married, in Plymouth township, Pennsylvania, on October 14, 1880, Carmoletty Harley, daughter of Samuel G. and Eliz- abeth Harley. Mr. and Mrs. Zimmerman have three children: Emma ; Mabel, now Mrs. Livsey ; and Horace C.
SAMUEL L. MILLER-United States postmaster at Schwenkville, Pennsylvania, Mr. Miller is one of the youngest men that has ever held a Federal office in the State of Pennsylvania. He was born at Schwenk- ville, November 7, 1897, son of Edwin L. and Laura (Longaker) Miller. Mr. Miller's grandfather, Joseph Miller, now deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War. He enlisted February 21, 1865, in Company I, 13th Regiment of Pennsylvania Cavalry, and was discharged July 14, 1865. He had enlisted for one year, but was discharged at the end of the war. Mr. Miller's father, Edwin L. Miller, who is a miller, was formerly a member of the firm of Horace B. Kratz & Company, of Schwenkville, and is now a salesman for S. F. Scattergood & Company, of Philadelphia.
Samuel L. Miller has two brothers, the elder of whom, Jonathan Miller, was born April 30, 1896. He married Eva Smith, and resides at Schwenkville, where he is employed as a clerk by the Schwenkville National Bank. He is a veteran of the World War, having served with the American Expeditionary Forces. He enlisted, November 3, 1917, at Camp Meade, in Company G, 316th Regiment ; sailed overseas July 7. 1918, and saw service in the Meuse-Argonne Forest, and at the time of the signing of the armistice, had been in the Troyon sector, Montagny sector, and Montfaucon. He was discharged June 9, 1919, at Camp Dix, New Jersey. Mr. Miller's younger brother, J. Edwin Miller, was born October 20, 1899, and is now in charge of a garage at Schwenkville, as a machinist's foreman.
Samuel L. Miller received his education in the public schools of Schwenkville. After he was graduated from the high school he entered
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Schissler's Business College, at Norristown, and spent fifteen months acquiring an expert knowledge of stenography, typewriting, and business methods. His business ability and the accuracy of his work were very marked, and after his return to Schwenkville he became the official stenographer of the squires and judges of that place. Mr. Miller occu- pied himself with this work until 1921, when he was appointed to the postmastership by President Harding.
A conscientious and hard-working official of the government, Mr. Miller finds his chief recreation in gunning and fishing. As a sportsman, he is keenly interested in the legal protection of fish and game and believes that the interests of sportsmen, no less than those of the general public, are best served by a hearty cooperation between State and Fed- eral officials charged with the duty of enforcing closed seasons and the bringing of offenders to justice. As a former pupil of the public schools, Mr. Miller is a tireless advocate of inter-school athletics and of increased recreational facilities for the schools of Montgomery county.
In political faith he is a Republican, and political issues are matters of great interest to him. He is a member of the Lutheran Congregation at Schwenkville, and is keenly interested in the social and religious activities of his church. A member of the Masonic order, Mr. Miller holds membership in Warren Lodge, No. 310 of Collegeville. He is also a member of the Patriotic Order Sons of America, Lodge No. 387, of Schwenkville, and belongs to the Zeiglersville Lodge of the Knights of Pythias.
Mr. Miller married on October 14, 1922, Minnie Stevens, daughter of Frank and Mary (Hutt) Stevens, both deceased, of Schwenkville. Mr. Stevens was in the creamery business before his death, at Mainland, Pennsylvania. They now reside at Schwenkville.
ISAAC MULLEN, now nearing nonagenarian honors, reviews a life of business activity and usefulness which began in the city of Philadel- phia, April 16, 1833, and in its course has viewed many of the great happenings in government, invention, church and business, seeing the beginning of many things that even old men have been accustomed to all their lives. To recount them would be to call the roll of America's greatest achievements, but it is of interest to know that Isaac Mullen was a part of his nation's development of business life in 1917, he then having reached the age of eighty-five. He is a son of Robert and Letitia (Barnwell) Mullen, the father born and reared in Philadelphia, son of Irish parents who were born in the Emerald Isle. Robert Mullen left Philadelphia after the birth of his son, Isaac, and some years later settled at Gulph Mills, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, where he followed the weaver's trade, an art he had acquired in Philadelphia. Eventually he became foreman of the weaving department of the McFarland Mills and so continued for a long time. He was a Democrat in politics. a Protestant in religion and a man of great industry. He married Letitia Barnwell, daughter of Henry Barnwell, who served with John Paul Jones on the "Bon Homme Richard" when he sunk the English man-of-
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war "Serapis." Robert and Letitia (Barnwell) Mullen were the parents of three sons: Isaac, of whom further ; Henry, and Alfred.
Isaac Mullen, son of Robert and Letitia (Barnwell) Mullen, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 16, 1833. When a child he was brought by his parents to Gulph Mills, Pennsylvania, and there attended the public schools. He began business life as a clerk in a store at Mechan- icsville, where he remained until 1851, then went to Radnor for three years as clerk in a store, going to Strafford for three years in the same capacity, and then went to Green Tree, where he spent six years as clerk, and then to Philadelphia, and for ten years was bookkeeper for mercan- tile houses of that city. He then returned to Gulph Mills, where he opened a general store which he successfully conducted until his retire- ment in 1917.
In 1863, when General Lee marched with his men into Pennsylvania, Mr. Mullen enlisted in a militia company and fought at Gettysburg, where he was taken prisoner, but was paroled on the battlefield. Later he was regularly exchanged and honorably discharged. In 1873 he was appointed postmaster at Gulph Mills and held the position as long as he remained in business. He served for many years on the school board ; was township auditor four years ; is a Republican in politics, and a mem- ber of Potter Lodge, No. 441, Free and Accepted Masons.
Isaac Mullen married, in Philadelphia, December 24, 1863, Margaret W. Whistler, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Gristock) Whistler, her father a veteran of the War of 1812, serving under Captain John Wessler. Elizabeth (Gristock) Whistler was of English ancestry, her father, Thomas Gristock, becoming an American citizen after his coming from England and settling in Chester county. To Isaac and Margaret W. (Whistler) Mullen four children were born: Clara M., married John McFarland; Gertrude, died in 1914, married Samuel Tinker, and had three children ; Clara, Julia, and Walter; Sue, of Gulph, Pennsylvania ; and Walter, married Emily Stillwagon, and has two children: Walter and Gertrude.
On Christmas Eve, 1921, Mr. and Mrs. Mullen celebrated the fifty- eighth anniversary of their wedding day, he now in the ninetieth year of his age, she in her eighty-fourth. They are dearly beloved by all who know them.
JOSEPH RODGERS, JR .- One of the men who settled in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, when it was simply a bit of farming country was the father of Joseph Rodgers, the prominent realtor and postmaster, who himself has spent most of his life there. Joseph Rodgers, Sr., was a painter and contractor by trade, who came with his wife, Emma J., in 1861, to Lans- dale, and lived there until their death. He was one of the original signers of the borough charter of Lansdale.
Joseph Rodgers, Jr., was born in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, July 2, 1872. He attended the public school, but left at an early age to go in a paint shop with his father to learn the painter's trade. Later he became a partner in the business and eventually was the sole owner. However,
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