USA > Pennsylvania > Carbon County > Portrait and biographical record of Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties, Pennsylvania. : Containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 109
USA > Pennsylvania > Lehigh County > Portrait and biographical record of Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties, Pennsylvania. : Containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 109
USA > Pennsylvania > Northampton County > Portrait and biographical record of Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties, Pennsylvania. : Containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 109
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Mr. Boyer was united in marriage with Miss Sallie, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Butz, of Warren County, N. J. This union has been blessed by the birth of two children: Anna, who is the wife of Renben Emery; and Henry. Mrs. Boyer is a native of Warren County, N. J., and was born May 10, 1829. Her aneestors were pioneers of the Delaware Valley, in New Jersey, and made their home there until their death. She was one of eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Butz, four of whom
are living: Catherine, the widow of Samuel Hill; Caroline, the widow of Abram Steine; Henry, who resides in New Jersey; and Mrs. Boyer. Philip Butz, an uncle of Mrs. Boyer, was a soldier in the War of 1812.
Politically our subjeet is a Republican, and is always found in the front ranks of that party. He and his excellent wife are members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, and are earnest workers in the eause of Christianity, and as such well deserve the high regard and esteem in whieli they are held.
H ENRY L. ODENWELDER, who is of- fierating as Justice of the Peace of Palmer Township, Northampton County, was born here on the 5th of February, 1842, being a son of Jacob B. and Mary A. (Gratwhole) Odenwelder, also natives of this eounty. His paternal grand- father, Philip Oden welder, was likewise born here, and it is said that his grandfather was the founder of the family in Palmer Township, whither he eame in a very early day and became one of its pioncer settlers.
During his earlier years the father of our sub- ject was employed as a tiller of the soil, but in later life he was for a time proprietor of the well known Forest House, which is situated in Palmer, adjoining Easton Township. His death occurred April 15, 1884, at a ripe old age. Of his children, five are now living, namely: Robert, who makes his home in Forks Township, Northampton Coun- ty; Sabilla, wife of Enos Ott, a resident of Easton, Pa .; Henry L., of this sketch; Tilghman, who lives in Palmer Township, near the Forest House; and Aslıer J., a resident of Easton, Pa.
In the district schools of Palmer Township the subject of this sketch was enabled to gain a rudi- mentary knowledge of the three R's, after which he attended a private school in Easton. Starting out in life, he beeame proprietor of the Forest House, where for about a quarter of a century he offieiated as "mine host," and by his genial hospi- tality won the friendship of the traveling public, so that those who were once his guests looked for-
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ward to a second visit with pleasure. For a short time he made his home in Easton, and in October, 1891, moved to his present home.
Taking a deep interest in everything pertaining to the public welfare, Mr. Odenwelder has long been an important factor in promoting the prog- ress of town and county. In politics a Democrat, that party has no supporter more loyal than he. For a time he served as Auditor of Palmer Town- ship, and in February, 1893, he was elected to his present position, that of Justice of the Peace, which he holds for a term of five years. Socially he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, belong- ing to Castle Hall, Amana Lodge No. 77, at Easton.
The marriage of Mr. Odenwelder united him with Miss Emilina Breinig, who is a daughter of George Breinig, a resident of Lehigh County, liv- ing near Bethlehem. One child blesses this union, Emma C. In addition to his other interests, our subject is a stockholder in the South Side Land Company. He is a man who enjoys to the fullest extent the confidence and regard of the people among whom his entire life has been passed, and while he has not gained great wealth, he has se- cured a competence which will enable him to spend his declining years in comfort.
R OBERT ODENWELDER, who is well known throughout Northampton County as an influential citizen of Forks Town- ship, is a member of a family long connected with the history of this county. He is the descendant, in the fourth generation, of the founder of the family in America, who emigrated from his native Germany and settled in what is now known as Palmer Township. The parents of our subject, Jacob B. and Mary A. Odenwelder, were natives of Northampton County, where the father followed the occupation of an agrieulturist in Palmer Town- ship until his death. A .man of strict integrity and kind heart, he had a large circle of friends in this community, and was frequently chosen to rep- resent his fellow-citizens in official capacities.
Born in this county September 28, 1835, the
subject of this biography was educated in the pub- lic schools of Palmer Township and in a private school in Easton. After leaving school he was engaged in teaching for a short time. January 27, 1859, he was united in marriage with Miss Cather- ine A. Ott, a native of this county and a daugh- ter of Samuel Ott. Of the six children born to this union but one is living, Mary A., wife of E. J. Richard.
For several years, in connection with farming, Mr. Oden welder also carried on a mercantile busi- ness. In the spring of 1884 he moved to Forks Township, where he has since made his homc. As a farmer he has been very successful, and also met with success as a dealer in agricultural implements, in which he was engaged for a time. In politics he is a Republican, and upon that ticket has been clected to numerous local positions. He has serv- ed as Overseer of Roads for his district, and also filled the office of School Director of Palmer Town- ship. It was largely through his influence that macadamized roads were secured in the town- ship of Forks. In religious belief he is a member of the Third Street Reformed Church of Easton.
The present estimable wife of our subject was Mrs. Sabina Sandt, daughter of Charles J. Messin- ger, formerly a resident of Forks Township. She was born in this township October 27, 1838, and her parents, Charles J. and Nancy (Bonten ) Messinger, were also natives of Northampton County. It is said that the first representative of the family in this locality was her great-grandfather Messinger, who was a pioneer of Forks Township. Her fa- ther for many years engaged in farming, also served as a Director in the Northampton County Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and was a man of prom- inence. In politics he was a Democrat. He was a member of the Board of School Directors of Forks Township and for several years was its Secretary. In religious belief he was connected with the Re- formed Church in Forks Township. Of his chil- dren the following survive: Sarah A., wife of Aaron Dewalt, of Forks Township; Josiah, a resi- dent of Palmer Township; and Sabina. The lat- ter was first married to Steplien Sandt, and by that union became the mother of two children, namely: Matilda, wife of Harry Rolling, and John
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C. Mr. Sandt died in October, 1867, in the faith of the Lutheran Church, to which he had belong- ed for many years. Mrs. Oden welder is a lady of amiable disposition and many graces of character, and with our subject occupies a high place in the confidence and regard of the people.
D AVID KUNTZ. This prominent citizen of Northampton County needs no introduc .. tion to our readers, for he is widely and favorably known, and is at present living retired in Treichler's. He is a native of this county, and was born November 10, 1834, being the son of Solomon and Saloma (Saeger) Kuntz.
The father of our subject was born in this city, while his mother was a native of Lehigh County. The Kuntz family is an old and promi- nent one in this section, the first of the name hav- ing located here early in the last century. Solomon Kuntz, who followed the occupation of a farmer, departed this life in 1883. He rcared a large fam- ily of children, of whom the following four arc living: Mrs. F. M. Hower, who resides in Daniels- ville, this state; Elizabeth, also making her home in that place; David, of this sketch, the next in order of birth; and Stephen, who makes his home in Allentown:
The original of this sketch was reared to man's estate on his father's farm, and in the mean time ac- quired a goodly amount of knowledge in the com- mnon schools and in the academy at Norristown, this state. In 1867 he left home and accepted the po- sition of station agent for the Central Railroad Company of New Jersey, serving in that capacity until 1884, when, on account of ill health, he was obliged to resign from that business.
April 5, 1858, David Kuntz and Miss Mary A., daughter of Charles and Mary (Brown) Berlin, were united in marriage. The lady was born July 22, 1837, in Northampton County, of which section her parents were also natives. The family had the honor of naming Berlinsville, where they resided for many years. Mr. Berlin was a blacksmith by
occupation, and departed this life in 1867, greatly respected and mourned. Of the family of chil- dren of whom he became the father, six survive, namely: Mrs. Kuntz; Cecelia, the wife of Abram Buck, living in Topcka, Kan .; Edwin, a resident of Cherryville, this state; Elizabeth, the wife of James Scheirer, a resident of Lehigh County; James, a prominent physician of Bath, this state; and Allen, engaged in business in Slatington.
To our subject and his estimable wife there have been born three children: Elwood M., living in Mauch Chunk; Wellington W., a mechanical en- gineer in the Cornell (N. Y.) University; and Jen- nie, attending high school at Mauch Chunk. Mr. Kuntz is now serving his second term as School Director. With his wife, he is a member in good standing of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Lehigh Township, and aids in every way possible to further the cause of Christianity in his community. In politics he is a stanch adherent of Republican principles.
Mr. Kuntz has been very successful in life, and besides owning his valuable estate is a stockholder in the Second National Bank of Allentown. With others he was instrumental in securing the build- ing of the bridge connecting Cherry Ford and Treichler's, and has been President and Treasurer of the Franklin Bridge Company for many years. Hc is a wealthy and prominent resident of this county, one who by his upright and honest life commands the confidence and esteem of all who have the honor of his acquaintance.
OHN REDINGTON, one of the prominent citizens of South Bethlehem, has been for thirty years an efficient employe of the Le- high Valley Railroad, and is one of the most practical men in the railroad business in the coun- try. He was appointed June 1, 1894. to the im- portant post of Supervisor of the Lehigh Divis- ion, his office being at South Bethlehem, and his division comprising the territory from Easton to Mauch Chunk. A native of Ireland, Mr. Reding- ton was born in County Galway, in 1842, being a
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son of John and Bridget (Fallon) Redington, who werc likewise natives of the Emerald Isle, where they passed their entire lives. The father followed agricultural pursuits, and in religious faith was a member of the Catholic Church.
The subject of this record is next to the eldest of eight sons and one daughter, who are all living, and his boyhood was passed on liis father's farm in Ireland until he was fourteen years of age. In 1856 he came to America, and on landing at New York City proceeded to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he had several uncles living. He went to school in that city for some time, and during the va- cations drove a team from the refinery to the docks, one of his uncles being superintendent of the concern by which he was employed. At the age of sixteen he commenced teaming, steadily following that vocation for nineteen months, and during that time making one trip to New Or- leans with Captain Simins. The war breaking out, he entered the Government employ, being en- gaged for nearly fifteen months at work on the construction of tracks near Nashville, Tenn. He next went to New Jersey, working on the Morris & Essex Railroad until 1864, when he came to the Le- high Valley. Here he worked for nearly a year as a section hand at Mud Run, and when the track was laid over Wilkes Barre Mountain, between White Haven and Wilkes Barre, he was engaged in assist- ing on the same until June, 1867, when he became foreman of a section of the Wyoming Division. He was later employed on this division until 1869, when he took charge of a gravel train at Wilkes Barre, continuing in that capacity until 1876. From that time until 1884 he was stationed in the vicin- ity of White Haven, in charge of construction work. Next he was Roadmaster of the Wyoming Division, laying the track on the mountain cut- off. In 1890 he commenced laying the track of the Pottsville Division, of which he was Road- master from the start, and in 1894 was promoted to his present place.
In January, 1869, Mr. Redington married, in Wilkes Barre, Miss Mary Fox, who was born in Birkenhead, Lancashire, England, and was brought to America in her infancy. To Mr. and Mrs. Red- ington has been born one son, John, Jr., who is a
member of the Class of '96, of the Jefferson Medi- cal College. The family are members of the Church of the Holy Infancy, and have many warm friends in this city. For fifteen years Mr. Redington, while a resident of White Haven, served as a Coun- cilman, at the end of which time he refused further service. Though a Democrat, he is not a radical one, but believes in voting for the best men, re- gardless of party lines. He is a member of the Roadmasters' Association of America, and makes his employer's interests ever paramount to all others.
H ENRY L. REICHENBACH, a leading busi- ness man, being a manufacturer of awn- ings and a sign painter, is conducting a thriving trade in the city of Allentown, which is his native place. His birth occurred here Decem- ber 12, 1856, and he is the son of William and Anna (Stahler) Reichenbachı, natives of Lehigh County, but both now deceased. There were six children in the parental family, viz .: Caroline, who married William Gangwer, and lives in Allentown; Alfred L., City Treasurer of Allentown; Henry L., our subject; William; Catherine; and one who died in infancy.
He of whom we write received a good education in the public schools of Allentown, and on reaching his eighteenth ycar learned the trade of a sign painter, working under the instruction of William Fink. That gentleman dying in 1876, our subject assumed control of the business, which he is still carrying on. In 1878, however, he added the manufacture of awnings to his already prosperous business, and soon the product of his establishment found a ready sale throughout the Lehigh Valley. He stands at the head of his profession as a sign and coach painter, and the amount of work which he is called upon to perform in that line necessitates his employing several men.
April 6, 1876, our subject and Miss Ella M. Wolle were united in marriage. Mrs. Reichen- bach was the daughter of William and Mary (Koh- ler) Wolle, natives of Egypt, Lehigh County. The father is deceased, but the mother survives and
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makes her home in Allentown. By her union with our subject, Mrs. Reichenbach has become the mother of two sons, William and Charles. With her husband she is a consistent member of the English Reformed Church.
Mr. Reichenbach is a Democrat, and is interested in local and national issues. He is a liberal-spirited man, ever ready to aid in all matters of public in- terest.
F RANCIS EDWARD FENNER, the subject of this sketch, was born September 29, 1846, in Bethlehem, Pa. He is the off- spring of an old Moravian family, his father being the late Felix Fenner. His mother. who in maid- enhood was Mary E. Christ, is at the time of this writing one of the oldest residents of Bethlehem.
Until his fifteenth year Mr. Fenner attended the Moravian Parochial School of his native town. In 1862, when in the seventeenth year of his age, he en- listed as a member of the One Hundred and Fifty_ ninth Pennsylvania Infantry, on an emergency call, being mustered in at Harrisburg. During his serv- ice he did provost duty in Reading, and later in Philadelphia, where he was stationed until mus- tered out by special order.
After his military service Mr. Fenner served an apprenticeship, at the conclusion of which, in 1868, he became a partner with his father in the firm of F. Fenner & Sons. The business was car- ried on successfully until 1883, when the subject of this sketch retired for the purpose of connecting himself with the management of the South Bethle- hem Supply Company. This company owns and operates one of the largest general stores in this state. Their building, a commodious three-story brick, has entrances on Broad and Fourth Streets, South Bethlehem, with a floor space of twenty thou- sand three hundred and seventy square feet. It is fully equipped in all its departments, and enjoys a large patronage. One of the chief departments is the buying, preparing and selling of meats, which is under the supervision and management of Mr. Fenner. In 1886 he superintended for this com- pany the erection and construction of one of the
finest and best equipped packing and refrigerating plants in this section of the country. The success of this department is largely due to his conserva- tive business policy since he has devoted his un- tiring energy to catering to the wants of the public. Besides being one of the managers, Mr. Fenner is also a large stockholder in the above company. He is interested also in other business ventures, being a Director of the South Bethlehem Niagara Land Company and of the Fair and Driving Park Association. He is President of the Schiller . Mining Company, of Aspen, Colo., and the owner of real estate in the three Bethlehems.
In 1867 Mr. Fenner was married, in Bethlehem, to Miss Emma, daughter of Jacob Fenstermacher. Eight children were, born to bless their home, five of whom survive. These are: Marie, now Mrs. A. K. Leuckel, of Trenton, N. J .; Anna; Francis E., Jr .; Lillie May; and Harvey.
Mr. Fenner believes in liberally educating his children, in consequence of which Marie and Anna graduated from Linden Hall Seminary, Lititz, Pa .; Litlie from the Moravian Parochial School, Beth- lehem; Francis attended Orchard Lake Military Academy, Orchard Lake, Mich., and Lehigh Uni- versity; and Harvey attended Pennington Semin- ary, at Pennington, N. J., and East Greenwich Academy, at East Greenwich, R. I.
Politically Mr. Fenner is a Republican, and in religion is a member of the Moravian Church. He erected in 1884 one of the finest residences on Fountain Hill, South Bethlehem, at the corner of Fourth and Wyandotte Streets, where he now resides.
S IMON D. VON STEUBEN, one of the well- to-do farmers of Bethlehem Township in former years, is now making his home in Hecktown. He still owns his farm in the afore- said township. comprising some seventy-one acres, and in addition to this owns a one-third interest in one hundred and fifty-five acres of land in Bethlehem Township. He comes of a renowned German family, his grandfather, Peter M. Von Steuben, having been a near relative of the famous
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Baron Von Steuben, the gallant soldier of Revo- lutionary fame.
Our subject is a son of Augustus L. and Hannah (Dreisbach) Von Steuben, and was born October 9. 1833, in Northampton County. The parents were natives likewise of this county, and the father spent his entire life in this locality, where his death occurred in 1886.
In his early years Simon D. Von Steuben was in- itiated into the duties of carrying on a farm, con- tinuing to give his assistance to his father until his majority. He received very fair school advan- tages, his education being obtained in the public schools of the period, and for a short time he was also permitted to attend the schools of. Bethlehem. Not content, however, with this moderate share of education, he has continued assiduously the pur- suit of knowledge, believing it to be the duty of every true citizen of this great Republic to keep well informed on general topics relating to her wel- fare. At the age of twenty-one years the subject of this notice started out to carve his own way as best he could, and after serving a brief apprentice- ship followed the trade of milling for a short time. However, as his years had been mainly devoted to agricultural labors, he felt himself out of his true element, and returned to farming, which occupa- tion he followed for the succeeding eleven years. Later on he built a gristmill at Hecktown, where he engaged in the milling business once more for a time. Of late years this mill has been utilized as a creamery, and portions of it have also served as a hall for the Grangers' and Junior Mechanics' meetings.
September 25, 1855, Simon D. Von Steuben wedded Eliza N. Koehler, who was born in this county April 1, 1838. The parents of the lady were David and Lavina (Schortz) Kochler, who were both born in Northampton County. The Koehler family are carly and favorably known settlers of this locality, and the same might be said of the Schortz family. Mrs. Von Steuben's grand- father on her mother's side is said to have been a soldier in the War for Independence, and, at any rate, it is well known that the men of the family have always been patriots, in peace or war. Eight children came to bless the union of our subject
and wife: Milton R., deceased; Irvin, Asher, David, Laura, Liddia A., Minnie L. and Ellen C. These children were given good educational advantages, and were faithful attendants on the services and Sunday-school of the Lutheran Church, to which both parents belong. Mr. Von Steuben has for many years officiated as Superintendent of the Sunday-school, and is a zealous worker in the church. In politics he casts his vote in favor of the candidates of the Republican party. In all gen- eral and local affairs he is sure to be found on the side of progress and advancement of the public prosperity.
ILLIAM J. GILBERT. Well known among the citizens of Coplay is the popular ticket and freight agent at this place, who is also agent for the United States Express Company. His entire life has been passed in the Keystone State, of which his ancestors for several generations were residents, and with the development of which the family has long been intimately connected. Now in the prime of life, lie has worked his way upward to his present re- sponsible position, and has gained the respect of his large circle of acquaintances.
The subject of this notice was born in Catasau- qua. Pa., March 27, 1855, being a son of Augustus H. and Rebecca (Biery) Gilbert, natives respect- ively of Northampton County and Catasauqua, Pa. While little definite information can be obtained concerning the ancestral history, it is supposed that the Gilbert family originated in England, while the maternal progenitors were of German stock. Augustus H. Gilbert was for many years bookkeeper for the Lehigh Car Wheel and Axle Works at Catasauqua, where his death occurred September 14, 1886. His widow is still living, and makes licr home in Allentown.
The rudiments of his education our subject ob- tained in the common schools of Catasauqua, after which he was for two years a student in Union Seminary, at New Berlin, Pa. In the spring of 1873 he entered upon his active business career, becoming at that time connected with the Lehigh Valley Railway Company at Fullerton, Pa. After
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several years spent in that place he returned to Catasauqua, where he secured a position as freight clerk for the Lehigh Valley Railroad, remaining thus employed for three years. The year 1881 witnessed his arrival in Coplay, where he has since filled the position of ticket and freight agent.
More than ordinary interest has been taken by Mr. Gilbert in educational matters, and he is at present serving as School Director in Coplay. He bears an honorable reputation among his neighbors and fellow-citizens, and is regarded as a man of great capability, who has contributed his quota to promote the growth of the village, and has aided in elevating the social and moral status of the community. Politically he always votes the Re- publican ticket. He and his wife are connected with the Lutheran Church, and are regular attend- ants at its services. As an intelligent and pro- gressive man he receives the regard and respect of his associates.
J OHN PRICE WETHERILL, of South Beth- lehem, is one of the most prominent zinc manufacturers in the United States, the con- cern with which he is connected having been established here by his father about half a century ago. The Lehigh Zinc Works, as it is now known, ranks among the most important industries of the Lehigh Valley, and they afford employment to hundreds of men. Step by step this enterprisc has advanced from a very small beginning to its pres- ent vast proportions.
The subject of this sketch, who is general man- ager of this company, comes from one of the old families of New Jersey, his ancestors having set- tled in Burlington in 1660. They were English Quakers, and were among the first manufacturers in the United States, first as cloth-weavers and aft- erward branching into the manufacture of white lead. Our subject's grandfather, Jolin Price, who was born in Philadelphia, was an extensive manu- facturer of white lead in that city, and was Chair- man of the Select Council there for twenty years. The Wetherills were Quakers until the Revolution-
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