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 116

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 116
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 116
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 116

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Our subject occupies a high position in political circles, voting with the Republican party, and is also a Mason of prominence, holding membership with the lodge at Catasauqua. He was married in 1885 to Miss Minnie Boyer, daughter of Reuben Boyer, who is now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Seaman have been born two children, Louise and Henry.

Our subject is likewise a member of the Insti- tute of Mining Engineers, and is looked upon as one of the most prominent residents of this sec- tion. The Atlas Cement Company also own four hundred acres of land in Northampton County, on which they have erected a large mill for the man- u facture of Portland cement.

ICTOR D. BARNER, proprietor of the Grand Central Hotel of Allentown, is one of the native sons of Lehigh County, . his birth having occurred in Lower Macungie Town- ship, on the 22d of July, 1857. He is the second son of David L. Barner, who served for some years as County Commissioner, and was a leading and influential citizen of this locality. In his political views he was a stalwart Democrat, and one of the active workers of his party. Thic grandfather, Nathan Barner, was a prominent and successful farmer of Lehigh County, and at one time owned the farm upon which is now located the Lehigh Iron Company's plant. The mother of our sub-

ject bore the maiden name of Angeline Schaffer, and is a daughter of the late George Schaffer. She is still living with her husband in the borough of Macungie.

In the usual manner of farmer lads, Victor D. Barner spent the days of his boyhood and youth, and during that time became familiar with farm work in all its departments. His early education was acquired in the district schools, and was sup- plemented by study in the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown. He also attended the Millers- ville State Normal, and is a graduate of the East- man Business College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. After leaving school he engaged in teaching in Lehigh County, following that profession for six years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Allentown, where from 1878 until 1881 he served as Commissioner's Clerk. He then received an ap- pointment as Court Crier and Auditor of the courthouse offices, and in the discharge of the duties of that position his time was passed until 1886, In that year he turned his attention to the hotel business, becoming proprietor of the Eagle House, which he successfully conducted until 1891, making it one of the most popular hotels of Allen- town. This proved a profitable investment for him, as he received liberal patronage and gained a handsome competence.

In 1891 Mr. Barner purchased the old Black Bear Hotel, which for fifty years had stood upon Hamilton Street, and after removing everything he began the erection of what is now known as the Grand Central Hotel. This is the largest hotel in the city, having one hundred and forty-seven rooms, and is a five-story structure, built of brick in a modern style of architecture, and supplied with all the conveniences and accessories found in a first-class establishment of the kind. It is well lighted and ventilated, heated by steam, conven- iently arranged and tastefully furnished. The table is always well supplied with the luxuries of the season, and the hotel since its opening has rapidly found favor with the traveling public.

Mr. Barner has found in his wife a faithful com- panion and helpmate. In 1878 he was united in marriage with Miss Lillie E, Straut. They have one son, J. Winslow. Mr. Barner is a stockholder

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and Director in the Second National Bank of Al- lentown, is a member of the Allen Mutual Fire In- surance Company, is Treasurer of the Lehigh County Agricultural Society, and is also a Director in the Keystone Mutual Benefit Association. Pleas- ant and genial in manner, he is well adapted to his present business, in which he is meeting with sig- nal success. He and his wife belong to the Luth- eran Church.

HARLES F. BECK. Few of the citizens of Lehigh County are more widely, and none more favorably, known than the gentle- man with whose name we introduce this sketch. At the present time he is engaged as traveling salesman for the R. J. Allen Son Company, Philadel- phia, dealers in oils and crockery. He has been a resident of this city since the fall of 1855, and no enterprise has been originated in this community since that time to which he has not given his cor- dial support.

Born in Nazareth Township, our subject is a na- tive of Northampton County, his birth occurring March 14, 1831, to George H. Beck. His father came from Germany, and made his home in the above county, where he lived and died. The fa- ther of our subject was a farmer by occupation, and owned one hundred and thirty-four acres of land in Northampton County, which he cultivated to good advantage until his decease in his eighty- first year. He was a member of the Lutheran Church, and in politics was a true-blue Repub- lican.

Mrs. Elizabeth (Johnson) Beck, the mother of our subject, was likewise born in Nazareth Town- ship, and was the daughter of a farmer in that lo- cality, and of Scotch descent. She reared a family of eleven children, and died in 1876. Six of the family are still living, of whom C. F. is the young- est. He remained on his father's farm until seventeen years old, and then, going to Easton, found a position as clerk in a grocery store. He remained there for a while, after which he returned home for six months, and then went again to East- on, this time as an employe in a lumber-yard. In

1852, however, in company with his brother Jacob, he removed to Nazareth, and for two years owned and operated a general merchandise store.

The lady to whom our subject was married in this city, June 6, 1854, was Miss Catherine, daugh- ter of Solomon Biery. The latter was born in this county, and his father, Frederick Biery, originally owned the site where now stands the flourishing city of Catasauqua. The Biery family was a very prominent one in this locality, and the father of Mrs. Beck at one time owned the Catasauqua Mills in partnership with his brother. He also was the proprietor of the American Hotel, which he oper- ated as "mine host" for sixteen years and then lived retired until his decease, January 20, 1874. His wife, Mrs. Mary M. (Frederick) Biery, was born in Bucks County, this state, and was the daughter of George Frederick, a farmer, who formerly lived where are now located George Johnson's Steel Springs Shops. There her father located in 1831. He departed this life in this city, when eighty-two years of agc. Mrs. Beck was the only child of her parents, and received a good education in the Mo- ravian schools of Bethlehem.

After his marriage our subject took charge of the American Hotel, which was owned by his fa- ther, and operated it for nine years. In 1856, however, the postoffice was located in South Cata- sauqua and our subject's father-in-law was made Postmaster, and he was selected as his assistant. The office was located in their hotel, and the gen- tlemen held the position until the election of Lin- coln in 1861. That year they both resigned, but our subject continued to manage the hotel until 1864, when he retired from active business for two years. At the expiration of that time he formed a partnership with Thomas Frederick, and the firm known as Frederick & Co. started the car shops in Fullerton. The panic of 1873, however, caused them to close ont their business, and the next year Mr. Beck was given the position of traveling sales- man for the Allen, Son & Co., of Philadelphia. He left their employ after eight months and became general agent for the McKee & Fuller Car Works, of Fullerton. He remained with them until 1879, when he again associated himself with Allen, Son & Co., with whom he has remained ever since. He

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travels over a large territory and is on the road every day, visiting his customers every five weeks. The house for which he travels is one of the finest in the Quaker City, and does a large business, handling oils, all kinds of lamps, crockery, queens- ware and glassware.

The five children who were born to Mr. and Mrs. Beck are George F., an accomplished musician and a graduate of the New England Conservatory of Bos- ton; David J., who makes his home in Catasauqua; Franklin C., engaged as a newsdealer in this city; and Henry S. and an infant, deceased. Mr. Beck is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, and in pol- itics is a strong Democrat.

EWIS ISRAEL TROXELL. Lehigh Coun- ty has won an enviable reputation as a prosperous farming community, and tliis reputation has been acquired through the enter- prise and energy of such agriculturists as Mr. Trox- ell. He has been prominently identified with the development of the county, and with its advance- ment in every worthy particular. He is one of the most successful agriculturists of Whitehall Town- ship, where he is residing, and the county owes its prosperity to just such men as he.

Like many of the best residents of Lehigh Coun- ty, our subject was born within its bounds, the date of his birth being March 7, 1838. He is the son of Adam and Lidia Troxell, also natives of this county, where they were well-to-do farmers. The first representative of the Troxell family in Amer- ica was Michael Troxell, who came from Germany during the early part of the eighteenth century, and established a home in Pennsylvania. Our sub- ject has in his possession the original patent for two hundred acres of land acquired by Michael and Nicholas Troxell, which was issued in 1737.

The father of our subject departed this life in 1879, and the mother died when Lewis I. was fif- teen years of age. The other members of the fam- ily who still live are Edmund E., Lucas J., Will- iam, Mary J. and Lidia E. The subject of this sketch has followed farm pursuits his entire life,

which occupation has brought him substantial re- turns. He carried on his studies in the district school, and secured a very fair education for his time and day.

In 1862 Miss Mary A., daughter of Jonathan and Polly Henninger, became the wife of our subject. She was born in this county, and her parents were natives of Germany. Mrs. Henninger is still liv- ing at an advanced age, and makes her home in North Whitehall Township. To Mr. and Mrs. Troxell six children have been born, namely: Lil- lie, the wife of Jesse Warmkesser; Emma L., Mrs. Wilson Butz; Cora, now Mrs. Erwin Koch; Oliver A., who married Sadie M. George; Eva and Min- nie M.

In 1870 Mr. Troxell located upon his present farm, which is a valuable estate, comprising two hundred and twenty-four acres. He has been very successful in a financial way, and has thoroughly identified himself with the section in which he re- sides, and all moral public measures which com- mend themselves to his excellent judgment find in him a hearty and liberal supporter. He has al- ways used his influence in behalf of Democratic candidates and principles, in which respect hc fol- lows in the footsteps of his worthy father. Hc is a faithful member of the German Lutheran Church, to which denomination his wife also belongs.

J AMES L. FOOTE, a prominent business man of Slatington, is manager of the Slatington- Bangor Slate Syndicate, and was born in Merrimac County, N. H., April 15, 1856. He is the son of Thomas and Lydia (Talm) Foote, na- tives of Massachusetts. The boyhood of our sub- ject was passed in New Hampshire, where he con- tinued to live until reaching liis majority, receiv- ing a good education in the common schools, and pursuing his higher studies while living in Merri- mac County.

The business carcer of Mr. Foote began in New York City, where for several years he kept books, and in March, 1887, he came to Slatington, becom- ing identified with the Slatington Slate Company,

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

with which firm he remained for six years, learn- ing the details of the business. In January, 1893, the present partnership was formed with Joel Neff, under the firm name of the Slatington-Bangor Slate Syndicate, of which Mr. Foote was made manager. A further description of this well known firm may be found in the sketch of his partner, Mr. Neff, which appears on another page of this work. Suf- fice it to say that Mr. Foote is thoroughly conver- sant with this business, and is recognized as an able and efficient business man. Under his manage- ment the concern is rapidly gaining in prestige in this community, and also among their customers, who are to be found in all states of the Union.

Since becoming a resident of Slatington Mr. Foote has become identified with all movements pertaining to her welfare, and is actively interest- ed in promoting the same. He is President of the School Board of this place, and is interested in educational movements. Politically lie is a pro- nounced Republican, believing that that party is unquestionably the one which enhances the pros- perity of the land, and in whose hands his busi- ness interests are safe.

On the 6th of February, 1878, James L. Foote married Miss Ara L. Platt, a native of New Hamp- shire, and a lady of good education. Their pleas- ant home is favorably located in the city and is the abode of hospitality.

T ILGHMAN OCHS, contractor and builder, is now at the head of an extensive busi- ness in Allentown. A native of North- ampton County, Pa., he was born on the 12th of March, 1832, and is a son of Jacob Ochs, a native of the same county. The grandfather, Jacob Ochs, Sr., was also born in Northampton County, was of German descent, and was numbered among the pioneer settlers of the Keystone State. The great- grandfather, Michael Ochs, had there located at a very early day, founding the family in this local- ity. He was a member of the Reformed Church. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Sarah Nagel, was born in Lehigh County, and

was a daughter of Jacob Nagel. Her death oc- curred in Allentown on the 26th of December, 1859. By her marriage she became the mother of eight children, six sons and two daughters, of whom our subject is the fourth in order of birth. They are: Charles, a resident of Northampton Coun- ty; William; John, deceased; Tilghman, of this sketch; and Josiah, John Jacob and Sarah J.

In the usual manner of farmer lads Mr. Ochs of this sketch spent the days of his boyhood and youth. Hc aided in the labors of the farm through the summer months, and in the winter seasons at- tended school, thus acquiring a good English ed- ucation. When his school days were over, he came to Allentown, where he learned the trade of a brick-layer under the instruction of Jacob Nagel and Joseph Seip. When his term of apprentice- ship had expired he worked as a journeyman with Jacob Nagel for three years. On the expiration of that period he embarked in business on his own account and began building blast furnaces at dif- ferent places in the iron regions. In 1885 he ad- mitted his son, Milton T. J., to partnership, and the firm style became T. Ochs & Son. He has built many of the present dwellings, flats and stores of Allentown, and has just completed the high-school building, which is a credit to the city. He has also erected many important business blocks, including the Allentown Atlas Silk Mill plant, the Allentown Thread Mill plant and the Allen Hotel, besides many other structures of less importance.

In 1854 Mr. Ochs was united in marriage with Miss Sarah S. Long, of Allentown, a native of Montgomery County, Pa., and a daughter of Jacob S. Long. To them were born twelve children, of whom nine are yet living, four sons and five daughters. The mother of this family was called to her final rest on the 29th of August, 1889, and her loss was widely and deeply mourned by many friends, as well as by her iminediate family. She was a member of the Salem Reformed Church, to which Mr. Ochs also belongs. Our subject has led a busy and useful life, and through the legitimate chan- nels of business has achieved a well merited suc- cess. He always faithfully lives up to his part of the contract, and as the work which he undertakes is done in first-class manner, he has won and re-

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

tains a liberal patronage. He is a public-spirited and progressive citizen, in whom the best interests of the community find a friend, and aside from his work he has always borne his part in the prog- ress and advancement of the county.

EWIS S. JACOBY. A simple narration of facts regarding the life of an individual is undoubtedly the best biographical history that can be written of him. Therefore, we shall not endeavor to elaborate upon the incidents in the career of the subject of this sketch, who is a prominent architect and civil engincer of Allen- town.

He of whom we write is the son of Peter L. Jacoby, a native of Bucks County, this state, who departed this life in 1876. He was a farmer by occupation, and the son of John Jacoby, who also was born in the Keystone State. The family, which originally came from Germany, first located in New Jersey in an early day, and the later gen- erations lived in thatstate. Mrs. Barbara (Shelly) Jacoby, the mother of our subject, who has at- tained the age of seventy-eight years, was, like her husband, born in Bucks County, and is still liv- ing, making her home in Bethlehem. She is the daughter of John Shelly, who during his life was an influential farmer in this section. Mrs. Jacoby is also of German descent.

Lewis S., of this sketch, spent the first sixteen years of his life in his native place, and conned his lessons in the public schools of Springtown, where his birth occurred April 4, 1848. Later he took a course of study in the academy of that place, after which he was engaged in teaching school for some time. In the spring of 1868 he came to Allentown, and at once prepared to study civil engineering under the instruction of Col. S. D. Lehr. Later he carried on his studies in that line with G. C. Aschbach, and in 1872 formed a partnership, conducting business under the firm name of G. C. Aschbach & Co. On the death of the senior partner, which occurred in 1875, Mr. Jacoby continued the business, and is successfully

conducting the same at the present time. He has erected many of the fine buildings in the city, among which are Zion Reformed Church, Acad- emy of Music, Hotel Allen, the Breinig and Bach- man Buildings, the First, Fifth and Seventh Ward schoolhouses, the high school and F. Hersh & Sons hardware establishment.

In 1889-90 Mr. Jacoby was elected City Engin- eer on the Republican ticket. Socially he is a member of Lehigh Lodge No. 83, I. O. O. F .; is a charter member of Allentown Lodge No. 90, K. of P .; and is a Patriotic Son of America, being con- nected with Lodge No. 63. Our subject drew the plans for the magnificent court house of Carbon County, at Mauch Chunk. It is a fine stone struct- urc, and when completed will cost $120,000.

December 18, 1873, Mr. Jacoby was married to Miss Laura R., daughter of Peter and Frances . (Todd) Broes. To them have been born two sons, Albert L. and Clark W. Mr. and Mrs. Jacoby are prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and occupy a fine residence at No. 428 Walnut Street.

EORGE PEIFLY. The agricultural inter- ests of Lehigh County are ably represented by the subject of this sketch, a man whose life has been passed in the calling which now re- ceives his attention. He is a native-born resident of the county, his birth occurring January 28, 1850. He has ever been an active supporter of all laudable enterprises, and is one of the county's best men.

Michael and Regina (Klump) Peifly, the parents of our subject, were natives of Germany, and the father, after emigrating to America, located in Lehigh County, making his home in Lynn Town- ship until his decease, in March, 1889. His wife, who is now seventy years of age, is still living, making her home in Germansville. They were the parents of a large family of children, of whom those living are Christina ( Mrs. Charles St. Clair), Michael, John, George, Peter, Frank, Anna (Mrs. Oliver Frelman), Mary (Mrs. William Fetherulph),

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Lena (Mrs. Thomas Kleppinger) and Missouri. Michael Peifly was Assessor and School Director of Lynn Township, and for many years a member of the Lutheran Church. Politically he always supported Democratic principles, and was much re- spected in the community where his life was passed.

George Peifly of this sketch passed his boyhood in Lynn Township, and, like the majority of coun- try boys, received his education in the district school. He assisted his father in cultivating the soil, thus becoming familiar with all the details of farm life at an early agc. March 18, 1869, he was married to Miss Ellen, daughter of Elias and Ma- tilda (Hardman) Wotring, natives of North White- hall Township.

To our subject and his wife have been born seven children, who bear the respective names of Erwin A., Harvey F. (Professor in the schools at Egypt), Rosa A., Laura M., Daisy A., Edgar E. and Oliver H. In 1882 Mr. Peifly located upon his present farm, which comprises one hundred and seventy acres of highly improved land. He has found this kind of work to be profitable, and in the conduct of his estate has given each portion of the work his personal attention, and the care and method ever exercised have contributed to place him among the foremost farmers of the vicinity. Politically he has always supported the Democratic principles. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has been identified with the Lutheran Church for many years, while his wife is connected with the Reformed Church of Egypt.

W WILLIAM H. DESHLER, a member of the law firm of Deshler Bros., is re- garded as one of the leading attorneys of Allentown, and at the Bar of Lehigh County occupies a prominent and enviable position. He claims Pennsylvania as the state of his nativity, as he was born in Northampton County, on the 18th of May, 1840. He is descended from good old Revolutionary stock, his grandfather, David Desh- ler, who was of German descent, having been one

of the heroes of the War for Independence. The family was founded in America during early Colo- nial days. The maternal grandfather, William Steward, was of Scotch descent. The father of our subject, Edward Deshler, made farming his life work. Having attained to mature years, he mar- ried Eliza Steward, and to them were born four children, namely: Dr. C. F., who died in 1884; James B. and William H., who compose the law firm of Deshler Bros .; and Jennie E. The father died in Allentown in 1889, and his wife passed away in the same city in 1862.

The gentleman whose name heads this record spent his early boyhood days in attendance at Free- land College, at Collegeville, Montgomery County, Pa., and later entered Lafayette College, where he continued his studies one year. It was his desire to enter the legal profession, and to this end, when his literary education was completed, he began reading law under Judge Maxwell, of Easton, Pa., where he was admitted to the Bar in 1862. Hc had made thorough preparations for his life work, and has ever been a close student, so that he is one of the best informed lawyers of the county. Upon his admission to the Bar he at once began practice in Allentown, forming a part- nership with his brother, James B. This connec- tion has since continued, and the high reputation which the firm has gained is the result of merit and capability.

In 1870 William H. Deshler led to the marriage altar Miss Clara M. Keiper, of Allentown, daugh- ter of Daniel and Sarah Keiper. They are both members of St. John's Reformed Church, in which Mr. Deshler has served as Deacon for many years, and are highly respected citizens of the commu- nity, occupying an enviable position in the social circles in which they move.

In political views Mr. Deshler is a Republican, and has served as a member of the Common Coun- cil for several years. He was also a member of the Board of Control for nine years, and for some time was Secretary of that body. He is now serv- ing as one of the Water Commissioners, and is connected with various business interests in addi- tion to his law practice, being Secretary and Treas- urer of the Blue Ridge Powder Company, the works

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of which are located in Bowman, Carbon County; also Secretary of the Mahoning Foundry Facing Mills, located at Lehighton, Pa. In the upbuild- ing of the eity he has taken a prominent part, hav- ing erected five hundred dwellings, nearly all of which he has sold, while the others he rents. He is one of the Trustees of Allentown College for Women, and has been Secretary and financial manager for some years. Ever alive to the best interests of the eity, he takes a prominent part in promoting those enterprises calculated to prove of publie benefit, and in the upbuilding of the eom- munity has aided materially. His work and worth are widely recognized, and justly entitle him to rep- resentation in the history of his adopted county.

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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 116

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