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 113
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 113
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 113
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In February, 1857, Mr. Balliet entered the em-
ploy of the Allentown National Bank in the ca- pacity of Teller, which responsible position he has continued to fill to the present time. For some timc he filled the office of President of the Coplay Cement Company. For thirty years he served as Deputy County Treasurer, and also was the incuin- bent of the office of City Auditor.
Socially Mr. Balliet is a member of Lehigh Lodge, I. O. O. F., and has served as Past Grand of that organization. In addition to his other valuable interests he is the owner of two good farms, which he rents to reliable tenants. All measures calculated to promote the welfare of the people receive his hearty support. He is public- spirited and progressive, a generous contributor to philanthropic projects and a champion of needed reforms. He is a man of sincere religious belief, and for some time served his church as Vestryman.
S R. BUSH is a member of the firm of Bush & Bull, an incorporated concern, which has a capital stock amounting to $100,000. The house is the largest of the kind in Easton, af- fording employment to about sixty clerks, and the stock carried is largely dry goods, notions and similar articles. The firm own a branch store at Williamsport, Pa., and one at Watertown, N. Y., and in these various locations do an immense busi- ness each year. Their specialty is in handling bankrupt stocks of goods, and their success lias been quite unprecedented.
A native of Wayne County, Pa., Mr. Bush was born August 17, 1845, to M. T. and Margaret A. (Royce) Bush. His ancestors originally lived in Norwich, Conn., but his paternal grandfather, George Bush, was born in Wayne County, where he followed farming and lumbering. He was a prominent man, and at one time was a representa- tive of his district in the State Legislature, and was a member of the State Commission which had for its business the improvement of the Delaware River, that it might be made thoroughly navigable. Polit- ically he was a Democrat, and was greatly interested in public affairs. His son, M. T. Bush, was born
41
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in the year 1813, and was both a farmer and mer- chant. In his early life he was a school teacher, and at one period was an oil operator. He had two children : George B., a real-estate dealer of Rochies- ter, N. Y., and our subject. Like his father before him, he was a Democrat, and held several local of- fices. He was a member of the Methodist Church, and for a number of years was Superintendent of the Sunday-school. His father was prominent in Masonic circles. while he held membership with the Odd Fellows' fraternity.
The early years of S. R. Bush were quietly passed on his father's weil kept farm, and his clementary education was such as was afforded by the public schools of Wayne County. Afterward he was a student in Liberty Academy, of Sullivan County, N. Y., and also in Damascus Academy, of his na- tive county. Upon the completion of his education he went into his father's store as a clerk, and there remained for about five or six years. On the expiration of that time he went to the celebrated Pennsylvania oil-fields, in the north western section of the state, and became an extensive dealer in real estate. When two years had elapsed he went to Newburg, N. Y., where for about four years he was employed in a dry-goods store.
It was about 1871 that Mr. Bush came to Easton to take charge of the store for A. K. Chandler, of Newburg, N. Y., and some nine months later, in connection with Mr. Bull, he purchased the store which has since been conducted by the firm. From time to time its facilities and stock have been greatly increased, until it is by far the finest store of the kind to be found in Easton. The firm's other branch enterprises have met with good success, and their trade is very extended. Messrs. Bush and Bull are interested in the Easton Transit Company, and are always foremost in any movement which has for its object the industrial upbuilding of the city.
In 1875 Mr. Bush wedded Mrs. Susan Fisher, daughter of Samucl Steavenson, of Hunterdon County, N. J. To Mr. and Mrs. Bush has been born one son, F. Royce, who is now engaged in fitting himself for college. Mr. and Mrs. Bush arc mem- bers of the Lutheran Church. of Easton, and num- ber many warm friends in this city. Politically
the former is a Republican, and though fully alive to the duties of citizenship pays but little attention to political affairs, finding his time fully occupied by his extensive mercantile interests.
ROF. L. B. LANDIS, until recently Super- intendent of Schools of Allentown, and one of the most prominent citizens of this city, was born in Bucks County, Pa., his early life being spent upon a farm. The neighboring dis- trict school afforded fair educational advantages, and gave him a love for study and an carnest de- sire to prepare himself for the work of teaching. With this end in view, he began to earn the money which would be required to pay his tuition in the Bucks County Normal and Classical School. His attendance thereon necessitated a daily walk of eight miles, but, undaunted, he entered the school, and at the end of two years of earnest effort and close application he began teaching in the rural schools of the county. After a few years of labor in the ungraded schools, with the means which he had thereby acquired, he was enabled to enter upon a full course of study in the Millersville State Nor- inal School. from which he was not only graduated, but also completed the post-graduate course.
As an educator and instructor Professor Landis has been most successful. On leaving the State Nor- mal School, he accepted a position in the West- chester Academy, and then, at the end of the first year, left that institution, as he had been offered a more lucrative position in the public schools of Allentown. Here he remained for seven consecu- tive years, winning the confidence and high com- mendation of all concerned. On the expiration of · that period, however, he accepted a call to be- come Principal of the schools in Hokendauqua, Pa. There he at once re-organized the schools and started them on the road to their present high standing in the county. After four years of very successful work in Hokendauqua, he was called back to Allentown, for the people appreciated his services and offered him the position of City Su- perintendent, which position he held for twelve
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consecutive years, being twice unanimously re- elected, each time at a large increase of salary. As Superintendent of Schools, Professor Landis was re- garded as a man of progressive ideas, a hard, en- thusiastie and untiring worker. He possessed most marked executive ability, and he always won and retained the confidence and regard of the students under him. At the expiration of his fourth term as City Superintendent of Allentown he retired from the profession to which he had devoted over thirty years of his life.
Professor Landis organized the Leader Publisli- ing Company, of which he was Manager and Treas- urer for a period of one year, at the end of that time disposing of his interests. He has a wide ac- quaintanee in this community, and is held in the highest regard by all.
H ENRY D. MICHLER, M. D., a prominent physician engaged in the practice of his profession at Easton, is also chief surgeon of the hospital in this city. He was born here January 9, 1856, and is the son of Francis Michler, also a native of Easton. The grandfather of Dr. Michler, Peter S. Michler, was born in Nazareth, where also the great-grandfather of our subject first saw the liglit. The latter, Nathaniel Michler, lived at Jacobsbury, Bushkill Township, Northamp- ton County, during his early life, and in that place served as Justice of the Peace. He later went to Nazareth, and while residing there was a teacher of Latin in Nazareth Hall. Subsequently he was ap- pointed by Governor Snyder Register of Wills and Recorder of Deeds for Northampton County, and he was also Clerk of the Orphans' Court for many years. He was a member of one of tlie Colleges of Electors for President and Vice-President. He was the son of Bishop John Wolfgang Michler, a native of Herrnhut, Germany, who emigrated to America in 1743. He landed at Savannah, Ga., thenee going to Salem, N. C., being one of a band of Moravian missionaries. John Wesley, the father of Methodisın in this country, came over in the same ship. Mr. Michler located among the Indians, going to
Bethlehem, later to Nazareth and finally to Leb- anon, where he died. Peter S. Michler was a mer- chant in Easton, and was one of the organizers of the First National Bank of that place, of which he was President for many years. He was also one of the men interested in developing the coal in- dustries of the Upper Lehigh Valley. He departed this life while residing in Easton. His wife was a descendant of John Hart, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
The father of our subject was finely educated, being a graduate of the law department of Yale University. After completing his profession he located for practice in Easton, but later he aban- doned the practice of law and engaged in the coal business, carrying on a large trade until retiring in 1865. He now makes his home in this city, where he has a comfortable residence and is sur- rounded by a host of warm friends. Francis Michler had three brothers who fought in the late war, the first serving as a General, the second as Surgeon of a division, and the youngest as Captain of his company in the cavalry service.
The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Julia Lachenour. She was a native of Easton, and the daughter of Dr. Daniel Lachenour, who was born in Salem, N. C. Her father was a gradu- ate of the University of Pennsylvania and was one of the most prominent physicians in Easton, where his decease occurred in 1875. The parental fam- ily included six children, of whom our subject was the eldest. He was educated first in the private , schools of his native city, after which, in 1872, he entered Lafayette College, from which he was graduated in 1876 with the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, and three years later the degree of Master of Science was conferred upon him. While in college the Doctor was a member of the Theta Delta Chi.
On completing his literary education Dr. Mieh- ler began reading medicine in the office of his unele and grandfather, and in 1878 entered the University of Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated with the Class of '81. He at onee lo- cated in Easton and practiced with his unele until the death of the latter, in 1893, since which time he has carried on the business alone. He makes a
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specialty of surgery, and stands very high in the profession. He was instrumental in securing the location of a hospital in this city, in which he served on the first medical staff. In May, 1893, the Doctor was appointed chief surgeon of the in- stitution, and in 1889, by the appointment of President Harrison, was made a member of the Board of Pension Examiners, on which he served until 1893, when his term expired.
Dr. Michler was married in this city, in 1890, to Miss Emily, daughter of Jacob Heath, a prominent business man of South Easton. He belongs to numerous social organizations, among them being Dallas Lodge No. 396, F. & A. M., and Easton Chapter; Hugh de Payen's Commandery No. 19; and Lulu Temple of the Mystic Shrine in Phila- delphia. He takes a great interest in medical as- sociations, and stands high in the Easton Medical Society and the H. C. Wood Medical Society of Philadelphia. In religious affairs the Doctor is a devoted member of Trinity Episcopal Church, in which he is Vestryman. In politics he never fails to cast a vote for Republican candidates, and is classed among the most public-spirited citizens of Easton.
HARLES LARAMY, of Bethlehem, is en- gaged in the undertaking business, and is also very active in religious work. With the pastor of the Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church he was prominent in organizing the Fritz Memorial Church, which was dedicated October 16, 1887, and of which he is a Trustee. The members of this denomination living in South Bethlehem were organized into a class, of which he was leader, and their first meetings were held in private resi- dences. From this small beginning grew the pres- ent congregation, which was liberally endowed by Jolin Fritz, and named the Fritz Memorial Church.
The birth of our subject occurred in Lausaulet, Glamorganshire, Wales, August 24, 1839. His fa- ther, Charles, who was a native of Bristol, Eng- land, removed to Wales, and near Neath married
Margaret Price, a native of that place, and the daughter of Reese Price, at one time a prominent man in Wales, but later a resident of St. Clair, Schuylkill County, Pa. The Laramy family is descended from French Huguenots, who settled in England during the days of the persecution in France.
After his marriage Charles Laramy, Sr., engaged in farming in Wales until 1842, when lie brought his family to Pennsylvania and settled in Schuyl- kill County, becoming an engineer in the coal mines. He and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died at the age of fifty-four and she when eighty years of age. They were the parents of four children. three of whom are living: William, a resident of Reading; Charles and a daughter.
In the spring of 1842, when a child of four years, our subject set sail with his parents from Liverpool for New York City. Arriving in the United States, he was taken by his parents to Minersville, Pa .. where his boyhood was passed. When twelve years old he began work in the mines, where he learned engineering. Later he occupied a position as engineer in a planing-mill for two years. Then he served an apprenticeship of two years at the cabinet-maker's trade and continued thus engaged until 1859. From that time until 1862 he was in the employ of a railroad company as carpenter.
August 8, 1862, Charles Laramny enlisted as a member of Company A, One Hundred and Twenty- ninth Pennsylvania Infantry, and was mustered in at Harrisburg. He took part in the battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, and in May, 1863, was mustered out, on the expiration of his term of service. Returning to his trade, he then took charge of the carpenter work in a colliery, being thus employed until the year 1866, when he went to St. Clair and engaged in the furniture and undertaking business, manufacturing nearly all of his supplies himself.
In 1870 Mr. Laramy settled in Catasauqua, be- ing employed in the same business on the present site of the Catasauqua Manufacturing Company's office. In 1872 he was burned out, but rebuilt, con- tinuing for six years, when he removed to a larger
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shop on Third Street, there pursuing his trade until 1886. That year witnessed his removal to Beth- lehem, where he succeeded S. S. Schueller as un- dertaker, his office being at No 21 North New Street until 1892, when he removed to his present location at No. 81 Broad Street. In this place, which he purchased and remodeled, he carries the largest stock of coffins and caskets in the city, and owns a hearse and undertaker's wagons.
In Minersville, in the fall of 1861, Mr. Laramy married Miss Elizabeth McDaniel, a native of Mil- ton. Pa. To them were born four children: Ella; Margaret; Robert, a graduate of the school of cni- balming of New York City; and Anna. Mr. Lar- amy is Chaplain of J. K. Taylor Post No. 182, G. A. R. He was a charter member of Fuller Post at Catasauqua, and served as its Commander for three years. In politics he is a Republican and is a member of the School Board.
EORGE A. GAUMER, the genial and pop- ular hotel-man, who owns the "Half-way House " in South Whiteliall Township, was born in this county August 10, 1857. He is the son of Jonas Gaumer, now deceased, who was likewise a native of this county, and resided in Upper Macungie 'Township. He was an agri- culturist of much influence in his vicinity, and departed this life in the fall of 1886. His widow, who still survives, and is living in Orefield, this state, has passed her sixty-fifth birthday. Jonas Gaumer was a Lutheran in religion, and in politics always cast a Republican vote.
George A., of this sketch, grew to man's cstate in his native county, seeing it gradually devel- oped and improved until it lias reached its present state of prosperity. His schooling was received in the home district, alternating attendance at school with his work upon the farm. When reaching his eighteenth year he left home, and, learning the trade of a miller, followed it for about thirteen years.
In 1891 Mr. Gaumer became proprietor of the " Half-way House," which he is managing in such
a manner as to bring him in a comfortable income. The lady to whom he was married, December 11, 1886, was Miss Ellen J. Bastian, also a native of this county, and the daughter of D. H. Bastian, now deccased. Mrs. Gaumer was given a good education in the public schools of her native placc, and also attended for a short time in Allen- town
Our subject is an attendant and member of the Lutheran Church, and has been prominently con- nected with many important measures looking toward the progress of this community. He is a stanch Republican in political faith, and has the high regard of all who know him. The father of Mrs. Gaumer was born in this county, as was also her mother, who died in 1855. The former departed this life in 1891.
He whose name introduces this sketch is a Ma- son, holding membership with Lehigh Lodge No. 326. He is also a member of Encampment No. 118, I. O. O. F .; of the Lowhill Mutual Aid Associa- tion, and the Trexlertown Mutual Aid Association, and is also connected with the same organization at Fogelsville. He holds membership with the Jun- ior Order of United American Mechanics, belong- ing to Pioncer Lodge No. 380, at New Smithville. As an influential Odd Fellow he belongs to Lc- high Encampment in Fogelsville. He is a man whose pleasant, genial nature makes him friends, and in all the relations of life he has borne himself as a kind husband, father and true friend should, as well as an honest man of business.
ILLIAM O'BRIEN, one of the most successful men of Catasauqua, is pro- prietor and manager of the Chestnut House, located on the corner of Front and Chest- nut Streets. He has been a resident of this city since 1854, and for several years prior to embark- ing in business of his own he was clerk, first in a store, and later in a hotel, where he became well and favorably known to the traveling public.
Our subject was born in County Tipperary, Ire- land, in 1830, and is the son of John and Mar-
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garet (Hickey) O'Brien, also natives of the Emer- ald Iste, where the father was a well-to-do farmer. William, of this sketch, was the youngest of the children, of whom there are only two living.
Mr. O'Brien learned the trade of a baker in his native land, and in 1854, determining to try his fortunes in the New World, he crossed the Atlan- tic and made his way directly to this city. The first month after arriving here he worked in the iron factory of Cranc & Co., and for a short time thereafter was clerk in a store. This was followed by the occupation of a teamster, and the follow- ing five years, after abandoning that kind of work, he was employed as a bartender. In 1867 he purchased his present hotel, which he named the Chestnut House. He is one of the oldest hotel- men in the city, and has built up an enviable rep- utation in the years that he has been engaged as mine host.
Mr. O'Brien has been liberal in his contributions toward the support of the St. Lawrence Catholic Church, of which he is a member. Politically hc is a Democrat, and a most ardent advocate of the principles of his chosen party.
A LFRED H. FREEMAN, one of the self-made men of Lehigh County, has through his own unaided efforts won a place among the substantial citizens of Catasauqua. He is a prominent railroad man, and a popular engineer in the employ of the Lehigh Valley Railroad. A native of this county, his birth occurred in North Whitehall Township, on the 5th of April, 1849. His father, Charles Freeman, was also born in that locality, while his grandfather, Michael Freeman, lived and died there. The latter was a patriot in the War of 1812, and after its close was made an officer in the state militia.
The father of our subject made his home with Alfred H. for many years prior to his decease, his death occurring May 30, 1891, when in his eightieth year. His wife, prior to her marriage Miss Lavina Steckel, was also a native of North Whitehall Town- ship, and the daughter of Daniel Steckel, who was
born in this county, where he spent his entire life in agricultural pursuits. The parental family in- cluded eight children, of whom our subject is the fourth in order of birth. His brother Amos is also engaged as an engineer on the Lehigh Valley Railroad, his run being from Easton to this city.
He whose name heads this sketch spent the first seventeen years of his life on the liome farm, and received his early education in the district school. He then began to make his own way in the world, his first work being in a brickyard, and after be- ing thus engaged for two years he came to Catasau- qua. This was about 1868, and the first two years after coming here he was employed by Robert Miller, a brick manufacturer. Two years later Mr. Freeman purchased the interest of his em- ployer in the yard, which was located at Lower Catasauqua, and was engaged in the manufacture of brick on his account for the succeeding four years. He was successful during that time, turning out each year about five hundred thousand brick. The panic of 1874, however, stopped the sale of this article, and he was obliged to close out his business.
When again working for other parties our sub- ject found employment in a stone-quarry, and shortly afterward went to Egypt, where he was similarly employed. In 1881 he abandoned that kind of work, and accepted the position of brakc- man on the Lehigh Valley Railroad. He worked for seven months as brakeman on a freight train, when he was promoted to the position of fireman, running between Perth Amboy and Packerton. He worked thus until 1885, when he was made engineer for the same road, and now runs the "Mogul" engine, of which he has been engineer since it was built. He has a run of one hundred and four miles, and during the nine years in which he has held that position he has been very fortunate, never having had a serious accident.
Alfred H. Frceman was married in Coplay, December 5, 1869, to Miss Mary E. Roth, who was born in North Whitehall Township. Their union has resulted in the birth of ninc children, of wliom Mackey and Charles are deceased. Those living are Remitta, Ida, Lizzie, Mary, Daisy, Ella and Ray. Our subject occupies a high position in the
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Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, in which he was Chief for two years. In politics he is a stanch and influential Republiean, and his many excellen- ces of character have won him high regard, and it is with pleasure that we present to our readers this record of his life. Religiously he belongs to the Reformed Church.
H ENRY DIETRICH is the genial proprietor of the Lehigh Valley Hotel, located on the corner of Second and New Streets, which has the reputation of being the most orderly and well conducted hotel in South Bethlehem. It stands on the site of the old Lehigh Valley Hotel, and has been remodeled and greatly improved.
The subject of this sketch was born March 5, 1822, in Manheim Township, Lancaster County, this state. His grandfather, who bore the given name of Henry, was a native of Germany, and was one of the early settlers of Lancaster County, where he be- eame a well-to-do agriculturist. He was a devoted adherent of the Lutheran faith, and was a practical business man. Adam Dietrich, our subject's father, was a native of the same township as he of whom we write, and like his father devoted his life mainly to farming. Later he became interested in a hotel in Rohrerstown, Lancaster County, which he car- ried on successfully. In polities he voted with the Democratic party, and in religious faith was a Luth- eran. At the time of his death, which occurred when he was over ninety-five years of age, he was the oldest man in the community where he dwelt. His wife, who was his devoted companion and help- mate for sixty years, died in her seventy-seventh year. Her maiden name was Mary Swote, and her birth occurred in Lancaster County, where her fa- ther was engaged in farming.
Henry Dietrich is the fifth in his father's family, and two of his brothers took part in the Civil War. Our subject was reared to manhood on his father's farm, and he obtained a fair education for that day in the common schools of the neighborhood. In Eden he learned the butcher's trade, and later be- came a stock-dealer, shipping cattle to Philadelphia,
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