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 112

Author:
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Chicago : Chapman Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1006

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 112
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 112
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 112

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Broder, Mr. Miller is a well informed man, and for several years had a good praetiee in this county as a veterinary surgeon. He is a thoughtful reader, a elose observer, and keeps himself posted on all topies of general interest, and has won his way with no special advantages in his youth to a posi- tion of prominence.

6 ETER M. LEIDICH. No man has done more for the upbuilding of Williams Town- ship, Northampton County, than Mr. Leid- ieh, who has proved a valuable acquisition to the citizenship of this locality. His prompt and meth- odical business habits, good finaneial talent, and tact in the management of affairs, have brought him before the publie at various times, and in every position he has promoted the interests of his eom- munity. Though he has met with reverses in his eareer, he has by strong determination overcome these, and has worked his way upward to a posi- tion among the prosperous citizens of the county. He is a resident of the village of Stouts, in the vi- cinity of which he owns two hundred acres of well improved land.

Born in Northampton County, August 8, 1845, our subject is the son of Samuel and Sarah (Mit- man) Leidich, also natives of this county. His grandfather, Joseph Leidieh, who founded the fam- ily in this county, was a soldier in the Revolution- ary War, and a son of a Pennsylvanian, a native of Montgomery County. The subject of this sketch was reared to manhood in Lower Saucon Town- ship, where he was born, and the school of which he attended for some years. He was also for a short time a pupil in a private school at Bethlehem, after whielt he taught school five successive winter sessions. From that time he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and as a farmer has been prospered, meeting with fair success in his work. In 1865 he secured a school in Williams Township, and four years later settled in Stouts, where he still resides.

Taking a warm interest in all public matters, Mr. Leidich has represented his fellow-eitizens in num-

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erous positions of trust. For three years he was Auditor of Northampton County, and has also served as Judge of Elections in Williams Township. Politieally a Democrat, he is firm in his allegiance to that party, the principles of which he believes best adapted for our country's progress. Identi- fied with the Evangelical Lutheran Church at Dur- ham, lie has for many years been a member of the choir of that congregation. Socially he is con- nected with Durham Grange, of which he is the present Master.

The marriage of Mr. Leidich and Miss Elizabeth Raub took place in 1868. Mrs. Leidich was born in Northampton County, March 2, 1844, and is a daughter of David and Catherine (Badder) Raub, natives of this county. The Raub family was early established here, and her great-grandfather was a resident of Williams Township. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Leidich were born six children, namely: Cath- erine E., Otis O., Ida M., Annie C., Sarah E. and Mary R. In religious belief Mrs. Leidich holds membership in the Evangelical Lutheran Church, which the children also attend. The family is highly regarded socially and is one of prominence in the community.

AMES R. ZEARFOSS, an enterprising and well-to-do business man of Easton, is one of her prominent citizens. For about fifteen years he has devoted his energies to the man- agement of his large general lumber trade, in ad- dition to which he, in company with others, owns and operates a wholesale ice business, known as the Easton Ice Company, of which he is President. He is a member and one of the Directors of the Easton Board of Trade, and has been an important factor in many of the industrial enterprises of this place.

The birth of our subject occurred in Riegelsville, Hunterdon County, N. J., July 13, 1840, his par- ents being Thomas and Mary A. (Raub) Zearfoss. His ancestors were natives of Germany, and his paternal grandmother was reared in the Quaker faith. George Zearfoss, his grandfather, was a na- tive of New Jersey, a farmer by occupation, and a

very successful man in business affairs. Thomas Zearfoss, his son, was born on the old homestead, and on arriving at man's estate became Superin- tendent of a division of the Delaware Canal. Aft- erward he was made Superintendent of the mines of the Durham Iron Works, situated about a mile from Riegelsville. In later years he was engaged in the lime and sand business. In politi-' cal affairs he took an active part, being a stanch Democrat, and was a good citizen in the best sense of the word. Religiously he belonged to the Luth- eran denomination, taking an intelligent interest in all church affairs, and in the congregation to which he belonged occupied official positions. On his death, which occurred in 1887, he was placed to rest in the cemetery of Riegelsville. His three children are all living. G. F. Zearfoss is engaged in the lumber business in Easton; and Emma J., who became the wife of John Bellis, of Riegels- ville, resides on the old homestead.

The boyhood years of James R. Zearfoss were passed on his father's farm, and his education was obtained in the public schools. For two years he was in the employ of his grandfather, and after- ward became bookkeeper for Peter Uhler. With that gentleman he remained, giving him his faith- ful services for eigliteen years, and was associated with him in several branches of his trade, that of grain and lumber. For two years subsequently lie was engaged in the lime business at Riegelsville, and with his former employer carried on a mer- cantile business. In 1869 he came to Easton and engaged in the lumber trade, in connection with Mr. Uhler, and at the time of the latter's death, in 1877, he leased the mill, which he carried on inde- pendently for two years. In 1879 the mill was sold by the executors of Mr. Uhler's estate, Mr. Zearfoss becoming the purchaser. He then took in Mr. Hilliard as a partner, and together they have continued the business up to the present time.

In politics Mr. Zearfoss is a Democrat, and, like a true citizen and patriot, he is interested in every- thing that relates to the country's interests. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and endeavors to put in practice in his daily life its exalted teachings. Fraternally he is a member of the Ma-

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sonic order, belonging to the blue lodge, chapter, council, commandery and Lulu Temple of thic Mys- tic Shrine of Philadelphia. January 17, 1892, he was united in marriage with Mrs. M. A. Glanz, daughter of Henry Rinek, of Easton. She was born in this city, received a good education here, and has always held a high place in social circles.

AFENES H. LICHTENWALNER, one of the most prominent citizens of Lehigh County. is the proprietor of the Lichten- walner Flouring Mill, which is located in Cedars- ville. This property was purchased from Charles Mertz by Solomon Lichtenwalner, the father of our subject, who at his deathi was probably the most well known man in the county, and his loss was sincerely and deeply mourned by all who knew lim.

He of whom we write is a native of this county, having been born December 20, 1849. He is a son of Solomon and Maria (Stetler) Lichten walner, who are also natives of this section. He was reared to man's estate in Upper Macungie Town- ship, and thereafter followed farming for several years. When abandoning that kind of work he engaged in milling, which business he has found to be very profitable, and which he lias carried on since that time. He received his primary educa- tion in the common school, and also carried on liis studies in the normal at Kutztown, and the high school at Myerstown. Later he took a course in Blackwell's Business College at Allentown, from which he was graduated, and when ready to suc- ceed his father in the milling business was thor- oughly prepared to manage affairs in a satisfactory way.

The Lichtenwalner Flouring Mill is a stone structure four stories in height, and was first built by Charles Metz. Our subject first rented the property for a number of years, during which time he operated it under the old system, but the second year of its ownership he put in a full roller process, which enables him to turn out the very finest flour

in a very short time. He makes a specialty ' of merchant flour, besides also doing considerable custom work. The mill has a capacity of about fifty barrels in twenty-four hours, the machinery being run by water-power, and in the busy season it is kept working night and day. Our subject gives employment to three men, and in addition to manufacturing flour also makes at his mill the celebrated granulated bran, so well known through- out the county.

He of whom we write was married April 12, 1873, to Miss Agnes L., daughter of Charles and Rosa Folk, natives of Berks County, this state, and their union has been blessed by the birth of the follow- ing-named six children: Elmer C., Frank P., Edgar H., Ellis E., Bessie -and Wilber. Though not a partisan in politics, Mr. Lichten walner is faithful to the interests of the Republican party, and always supports the principles of that organization. Re- ligiously he is a member of the Lutheran Church, in which he has been Deacon and Superintendent of the Sunday-school for many years. He has met with good success in his business career, and though he began life empty handed, is now num- bered among tlie substantial citizens of the com- munity.

ILLIAM J. YOUNG. Among the res- idents of Lehigh County who have prosecuted their life work successfully and are now enjoying the fruits of their prudence and energy is Mr. Young, who was formerly one of the large contractors and builders of Catasauqua, where he still makes his home. He is a native of Northampton County, and was born in Weavers- ville, August 4, 1825. His father, John Young, was also a native of that county, while his grand- father, who bore the name of Michael, likewise claimed that locality as the place of his nativity. The latter was of Scotch-Irish descent, and by trade a brick and stone mason.

John Young during the active years of his life followed the weaver's trade, and died in Seems- ville, when past seventy-three years of age. He

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was connected with the Lutheran Church, and by his large acquaintance was held in high regard. His wife, Mrs. Betscy (Deschler) Young, was a na- tive of Northampton County, and the daughter of Peter Deschler, who was a blacksmith in Weavers- ville. Later he removed to Whitehall Township, this county. where his death occurred. The mother, however, survived him many years, and died at the home of our subject, at the advanced age of eighty-three.

William J. was the younger of the two sons born to his parents, his brother being a prominent con- tractor. Our subject was reared near Weavers- ville, and after acquiring his education in the dis- trict school learned the trade of a carpenter, at which business he apprenticed himself when seven- teen years of agc. On thoroughly mastering it, he worked for a twelvemonth as a journeyman carpenter, and from Bethlehem came to this city, where he was engaged in contracting for two years. He then moved on to property adjoining the city, but in 1862 made his permanent residence here. Three years later he was engaged by Charles Fuller, a prominent contractor and builder, to travel in his interest, and for seven years our subject super- intended his work in different parts of the county, having under his charge as many as fifty or sixty men. During that time he erected buildings in Wilmington, Del., the rolling-mill and machine shops in Reading, and also factories in Harrisburg. In 1873 he superintended the construction of the rolling-mill in Columbus, Ohio, which was the last he built in the interest of that gentleman. Since engaging in business for himself, however, he has erected many bridges, the most prominent one crossing the Schuylkill River. He was also a con- tractor during the building of .J. W. Fuller's resi- dence, and the Mansion House, and during two years in which he was in partnership with Mr. Sum- mers he built the English Lutheran Church. He also did a great deal of work for the McKee & Fuller shops, the Crane Iron Company and the Thomas Iron Company. .

Miss Mona Keiper became the wife of our sub- ject in 1847. Their marriage was celebrated in Bethlehem, and by their union have been born six children: Amanda J .; Clara, Mrs. Keiffer, a

widow; James, who manages his father's business; Oscar, also a carpenter in this city; Milton J., en- gaged as a merchant tailor here; and George W., who is also a carpenter. With his family, Mr. Young is a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Politically he affiliates with the Republican party, and is one of the most worthy citizens, being public spirited and enterprising, and always in- tercsted in enterprises of a laudable nature.

H ENRY SHORT, of East Bangor, Northi- ampton County, Pa., was born August 27, 1828, near Calmford, in the county of Cornwall, England. His father, who in his relig- ious belief was a Methodist, was a shoemaker by trade, and had a family of eight children, four sons and four daughters, for whom he comfortably pro- vided, though he was unable to give them time or opportunity to get such educational advantages as the neighborhood afforded. At an early age Henry began to earn something to help his father, by working in the slate quarries in the neighborhood of his home, where both his parents, Henry and Honor (Brown) Short, were born and lived all their days. All the brothers and sisters of our subject are living, one brotlier in Australia, a sis- ter in England, and the other two brothers and three sisters in East Bangor.

For more than fifty years Henry Short has been connected with the slate business, and few men in the United States have as thorough and practical a knowledge of the quarrying and manufacturing of slate as he. In 1856, in company with Josepli Bray, a native of the same place, Mr. Short crossed the ocean to look at the region around Pen Argyl, Northampton County, Pa., where he had learned that some extensive beds of slate had been discov- cred. He found employment very readily among the slate men of the new neighborhood, his expert knowledge of slate formations and of the methods of quarrying, etc., enabling him to be of great serv- ice to his employers. In 1857, while prospecting around the hills and valleys beyond Bangor, North-

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ampton County, he saw such indications as, to his practiced eye, were assurances that enormous beds of slate were awaiting development in the region now known as East Bangor. He talked with his friend Bray on the subject, and the two went to- gether and prospected the region. Their researches confirmed Mr. Short's first impressions, and they agreed that if capital could be obtained great quar- ries of splendid slate could be opened there. But at that time it was a hopeless task to endeavor to interest capital in the slate business, and such efforts as they made werc without encouragement.

In 1862 Henry Short became interested with Jo- sepli Kellow in an invention connected with blast- ing powder, and returned to England with him for the purpose of taking out a patent upon it there. In 1863 they formed a powder company, which was very successful, and in 1864 Mr. Short sold out his interest therein for a sufficient amount to give ample funds to return here and open and dc- velop a quarry at the place where he had made his discovery, and of which spot he had never lost sight. He bought a tract of land at East Bangor for $6,000, associated his friend, Joseph Bray, with him in the enterprise, and together they went to work, with a few hands to aid thein, developing what in a few years became famous as the Bray & Short Quarry. In 1882 they sold out to the East Bangor Consolidated Slate Company, which was capitalized for $250,000, and which now, in the extent of its operations, number of hands em- ployed, etc., is only rivaled by one slate company in the United States.

The partners retained a considerable interest in the new company, but the death of Mr. Bray in 1889, and Mr. Short's desire to rest after his labors, induced him to retire from the superinten- dency of the quarries, in which he still retains a large amount of stock, in addition to several part- nership interests in slate and other properties with William Bray, the son of his former partner and the present Secretary and Treasurer of the East Bangor Consolidated Slate Company.

In 1858 Henry Short was married to Miss Cece- lia, daughter of John Field, of Devonshire, Eng- land, and their pretty and hospitable homc at East Bangor is located on an eminence which commands

a view of the famous Delaware Water Gap of the Blue Mountains. Here the pioneer of the East Bangor slate region, and one of the fathers of the slate industry in this country, enjoys his well earned leisure from business cares and entertains his numcrous personal friends. Attending and supporting the Methodist Church, contributing to religious and charitable enterpriscs, and taking a lively interest in projects for the benefit of hu- manity, he and his estimable wife enjoy the respect of all who know them .. With a firm belief in the beneficial influence of protection in a growing country, Mr. Short, though abstaining from any active part in politics, has generally supported the Republican ticket. He has a sure conviction, too, that the time is not far distant when large capital will be combined and control the output of tlie numerous quarries of the country, and that then the slate industry will be the chief of all Pennsyl- vania's sources of wealth.

EORGE ORMROD, Secretary and Treasurer of the Donaldson Iron Company, has a large establishment in Allentown, where are manufactured cast-iron gas and steam pipes. The company employ two hundred and sixty men, to whom they have given constant work for seven years, and the employes have never been laid off for a single day, with the exception of legal holi- . days. The factory has in connection with the de- partment already mentioned a large pattern-shop, where are employed six expert pattern-makers. They manufacture goods of a very superior quality, which find a ready market in Philadelphia, New York City, and indeed throughout the East.

George Ormrod, the father of our subject, died when his son George was an infant. His wife, whose maiden name was Margaret Donaldson, still resides in England, and has attained the advanced age of ciglity-seven years. George Ormrod, of this sketch, was born in July, 1839, in Preston, Lanca- shire, England, where he was reared and remained until the year 1859. Then, determining to come to America, lie crossed the Atlantic, and on land-

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ing on American shores made his way to the home of his uncle, William Donaldson, in Schuyl- kill County, this state. His relative was the owner of a colliery in the above county, and our subject remained working for him for some time.

In 1861 he formed a partnership with his father- in-law, John Johnson, and the firm, which oper- ated under the style of Ormrod & Co., built and carried on a large colliery at Raven Run. In ad- dition to this enterprise, in company with other parties, they helped to operate another large mine, the firm being called the St. Michael Coal Com- pany. The firm of George Ormrod & Co. owned a inine at Raven Run, of which our subject was the President for several years.

In 1880 he of whom we write became engaged in the iron business at Emaus, conducting busi- ness in company with John Donaldson and H. H. Fisher. The firm was styled Ormrod, Fisher & Co., and manufactured pig iron, in which business they were engaged until 1883. In that year was built the present plant, which is the largest of its kind in the Lehigh Valley. Our subject, who has led a very busy life, was instrumental in the or- ganization of the Whittaker Cement Works, lo- cated on the Lehigh Valley Railroad, three miles from Phillipsburg, N. J., in which he is a large stockholder and Director.

The lady whom, in 1861, our subject chose as his wife was Miss Permills, daughter of John and Catherine Johnson. Mr. and Mrs. Ormrod have · become the parents of four daughters and one son, namely: Margaret, who is married and is a resi- dent of Easton, this state; Catherine, the wife of Thomas D. Whittaker, also residing in the above place, her husband being President and Treasurer of the Whittaker Cement Works in that city; Mary A., who resides at home; Fannie; and John D., assistant superintendent of the pipe works in this city.

While his private affairs naturally receive the major part of his time and attention, our subject is also prominent in matters of public interest, and takes a leading part in local affairs. The Republi- can party finds in him one of its stanchest adher- ents. With his wife he is a devoted member of the Episcopal Church, and, being progressive,

fearless and honest, he is well known for his sturdy championship of every measure calculated to bene- fit the community. The family occupy a beauti- ful residence at No. 135 South Fourth Street, and enjoy the cstecm and confidence of many friends.

DWARD H. RENINGER, a history of whose life is herewith presented to the public, is Secretary and Treasurer of the Lehigh Val- ley Trust and Safe Deposit Company. He is a na- tive of Pennsylvania, having been born in Allen- town, April 23, 1857. He is the son of Aaron G. and Eliza (Schrieber) Reninger, natives of Penn- sylvania. The father was for many years one of the prominent merchants of the city. The elder Mr. Reninger was a great benefactor to the com- munity, being at all times interested in public mat- ters. His death took place in March, 1894. His widow is still a resident of Allentown. The pater- nal grandfather of our subject, John Reninger, was a native of Pennsylvania, and one of the pio- neers of Montgomery County.

Edward H. was the youngest but one in his parents' family of five children, and received his early training in the common schools of Allen- town. Later he entered the academy in that city, and completed his studies in Franklin and Marshall College at Lancaster, this state, from which he was graduated in 1878. Returning to Allentown, he entered the law office of Morris L. Kauffman, with whom he read law for some time, and was admitted to practice September 23, 1882.

After completing his law studies he began the practice of liis profession in partnership with his preceptor, the firm name being Kauffman & Ren- inger. They are widely known throughout this county and are well established in business. Their large practice, however, was somewhat broken into in 1893 by the election of our subject as Secre- tary and Treasurer of the Lehigh Valley Trust and Safe Deposit Company, of which he took charge October 2, 1893.

The lady to whom our subject was married, April 24, 1884, was Miss Clara L., daughter of

JOSEPH E. BALLIET.

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Henry and Rebecca (Saeger) Weinsheimer. In his political relations Mr. Reninger is a pronounced Republican. He served several years as Chairman of the Republican County Committee, and ren- dered efficient service on the School Board, of which he was a Director for ten years. Mr. Ren- inger has contributed largely to the financial pros- perity of this part of the county, and with true public spirit has aided every enterprise that would in any way advance the welfare of the city. He was one of the parties who were instrumental in securing the location of the Adelaide Silk Mills in Allentown; the Iowa Barbed Wire Mill, which is one of the largest factories of its kind in the state; the Allentown Spinning Company, and the Allentown Hardware Works. He also aided greatly in the establishment of the Lehigh Valley Traction Company, and lent his influence toward securing the street railway lines in the city. With his good wife, he is a member of St. John's Reformed Church, and has proved a valuable acquisition to the citizenship of this locality. Mr. and Mrs. Ren- inger have three children, a son and two daugh- ters.

J OSEPH E. BALLIET, Teller of the Allen- town National Bank, was born in this city September 18, 1837. He is a son of Bar- tholomew Balliet, whose father, John, was of French descent. The parents of our subject arc both deceased, the father having died in 1858, and the mother, whose maiden name was Ann Leonard Weiss, in 1882. The former was for many years engaged as a contractor and builder in Allentown.

The subject of this sketch was the youngest of ten children, of whom seven attained years of ma- turity. The rudiments of his education were ac- quired in the public schools of Allentown, and later he was a student in the academy and semin- arv of this city. He then secured a position as telegraph operator, and was stationed at Mauch Chunk and other points in the employ of the Le- high Valley Railroad Company, continuing in this capacity for fourteen years. Afterward he had charge of the express office at Mauch Chunk for a number of years.

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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 112

Author: Publication date: 1894 Publisher: Chicago : Chapman Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1006

Author:
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Chicago : Chapman Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1006