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 118

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 118
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 118
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 118

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engine purchased from the Dickson Manufactur- ing Company, of Scranton, Pa., having a capacity of two million gallons per day. In 1893 an addi- tional reservoir was constructed, having a storage capacity of twelve million gallons, and a new pumping engine was purchased from the Holly Manufacturing Company, of Lockport, N. Y., which is capable of pumping five million gallons per day. In 1886 the water mains were extended to West Bethlehem, and at the present time the re- servoirs are supplying the boroughs of South and West Bethlehem and West Fountain Hill.

In Bethlehem, in 1879, Mr. Neisser married Miss Amanda, daughter of George and Fredericka Trin- kle, both of whom were born in Germany. Mrs. Neisser is a native of Bethlehem, and is the mother of a daughter, Mary L. The home of the family is situated in West Bethlehem, in the incorporation of which Mr. Neisser took an active part. In 1889 lie was clected to a seat in the Borough Council, holding that office until the spring of 1892. During that time he served on a number of important committees, for two years being Chairman of the Street Committee and also Chair- man of the Finance Committee. Religionsly he is identificd with the Moravian Church, and is a mem- ber of the Board of Directors of the Moravian Paro- chial Schools. By his vote hc supports the nom- inees and principles of the Democratic party, and, being interested in secret societies, belongs to the Royal Arcanum and the Heptasophs. He is also a member of Bethlehem Lodge No. 283, F. & A. M .; is Past High Priest of Zinzendorf Chapter No. 216, R. A. M .; is Past Commander of Allen Command- ery No. 20, K. T .; and a member of Lu Lu Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Philadelphia.

H OWARD R. KNECHT comes of one of the best old families of Lower Saucon Town- ship, Northampton County, and for many years has occupied a high position in social, polit- ical and business circles of the community. He is a member of the firm of John Knecht & Son, who carry on one of the most important industries of

this region, and of which his father, now deceased, was the founder. Our subject possesses in a marked degree the traits of character which made his fa- ther so highly csteemed and so successful in life.

The Knecht family in the last century resided in the Palatinate, Germany. His ancestor, John Jacob Knecht, with fifty-nine of his neighbors and rela- tives, started on a sailing-vessel, "The Allen," James Cragie Master, from Rotterdam, in Septem- ber, 1734. A son of John Jacob, Jonas George, was born' May 5, 1740, and dicd February 21, 1823. His wife, Anna Maria, was born September 29, 1752, and died February 12, 1813. Their son, John, our subject's grandfather, was born July 1, 1778, and married Sarah Ruth Stahler, whose birth occurred September 10, 1782. The former died September 17, 1814, while his wife lived until Oc- tober 5, 1827.

John Knecht, the next in line of descent, was born in Williams Township, August 5, 1814, being the second son in his parents' family. His mother died when he was very young, and his father's death occurred when he was a lad of twelve years. His uncle, Aaron Knecht, of Williams Township, took charge of him and brought him up on his farm, training him in thrifty and industrious ways, to which he owed the foundation of his large fortune in after years. Hc received his education in a private school held in the Spring House, two and a-half miles below Easton, near Black Horse Tavern, on the Delaware. Afterward he appren- ticed himself to learn the carpenter's trade with' John Seipel, who later removed to Ohio, where hc died. Mr. Knecht followed his trade until twenty- two years of age, when he went to North Carolina and engaged in railroad contract work between Raleigh and Gaston. In 1839 he returned to the North and married Eliza E., daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth Riegel, the wedding taking place in the old house at Shimersville, in which he resided ever afterward, and in which his death occurred. The marriage ceremony was performed by Rev. Mr. Becker, and February 2, 1889, the couple celebrat- ed their golden anniversary. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Knecht took possession of the old gristmill at Shimersville, which was built by Na- thaniel Irish in 1735, and which was subsequently

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operated by men well known in this region, among them being Samuel Leidig, who ran it in 1832, and Benjamin Rigel, who came into possession of it in 1836. Mr. Knecht continued the operation of the mill for several years, in the mean time consider- ably improving it, and then turned it over to liis son Howard, who now runs it.

In 1859 John Knecht, in company with Augus- tus Wolle, Charles W. Ranch and Charles B. Dan- iel, all long since deceased, conceived and carried out the idea of establishing an iron furnace on the flats along the Lehigh River, now part of the bor- ough of Bethlehem. From this grew the late Beth- lehem Iron Company, which has a world-wide fame, and in which Mr. Knecht was a Director up to the time of his death. In 1872 he organized the North- ampton Iron Company, of which he was President, and during the early days of the Lehigh Valley Railroad Mr. Knecht took great interest in its construction, and rendered valuable assistance in building the portion of road from Saucon Creek, near his home, to South Bethlehem. He was a warm friend of Judge Asa Packer, and from 1862 to 1865 lie was a Director in the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company. He was also a Director in the First Na- tional Bank of Easton, and held many offices of trust, being executor, administrator and guardian for many of his friends. He was a member of the Reformed Church and carried into his daily life its worthy teachings. Many a poor man owes to him substantial assistance, advice and help. He was a stanch Democrat, and though at one time so- licited to run for Congress from this district, em- phatically declined, preferring to live a quiet life.

Mr. and Mrs. John Knecht were the parents of seven children, four of whom survive: Arabella, wife of Dr. J. J. Detwieler, of Easton; Emily, Mrs. Dr. E. J. Freeman, of Freemansburg; Annie, who resides at home; and Howard R. Those who have passed away were: Sallie, wife of Dr. R. H. Shep- pard, of Phillipsburg, N. J .; John, who died at the age of nineteen; and Benjamin, whose death oc- curred in infancy. The death of John Knecht oc- curred February 22, 1891, and his remains were lovingly placed to rest in Lower Saucon Cemetery.

Howard R. Knecht was born in Shimersville, Sep- tember 4, 1856, and received a public-school edu-

cation. He further pursued his studies in Naza- reth Hall, from which he was graduated in 1886. He then commenced working for his father, help- ing to manage his business, and on attaining his majority became a partner with his father in the milling business, and on the death of the latter succeeded him. He is earnest and energetic in the management of his affairs, and is one of the most enterprising business men of this locality. In ad- dition to his milling interests he is a Director in the Easton National Bank, the First National Bank of Mauch Chunk, and is identified with the Beth- lehem Iron Company, the Pennsylvania Railroad Company and the Lehigh Valley Railroad Com- pany. He is possessed of a very genial disposition and courteous manners, which readily win friends.

September 21, 1882, Mr. Knecht married Lau- renti, daughter of Dr. B. C. Walter, of Farmers- ville, this county. Two children have come to bless the union of this worthy couple: Florence Anna, born September 29, 1883, and John Walter, born February 8, 1885. In politics Mr. Knecht is a Democrat and takes a leading part in educational and civic affairs. He is a member of the Reformed Church of Freemansburg, and is a Trustce of the Allentown College for Women.

T ILGHMAN F. SCHNECK. A good stand- ing among the agriculturists of Lehigh County is held by the gentleman above named, who owns a comfortable estate in North Whitehall Township. The land bears a full line of improvements, including a pleasant dwelling, ade- quate barns and outbuildings, and a sufficient num- ber of fruit trees to furnish the family with an abundant supply in their season. A few words re- garding the parents of our subject will not be a- miss before beginning the history of his own life. They were natives of this county, and the Schneck family were early settlers in this vicinity. The fa- ther, James Schneck, departed this life about 1877. By lis union with Miss Lydia Long he reared a fam- ily of children, of whom the three surviving are: Tilghman F .; Eliza, the wife of W. F. Kern; and

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Ella, Mrs. Eli Best. James Schneck was a devoted member of the Lutheran Church at Unionville, and was well known throughout this section for his honorable and upright life. His wife still survives, and makes her home in Neffsville at an advanced age.

He whose name heads this sketch was born in Lowhill Township, this county, January 29, 1839. He was a lad of six years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to North Whitehall Town- ship, and was there reared to manhood and thor- oughly trained to farm pursuits. Like other farmer lads, he was educated in the district school, which was held in the primitive log schoolhouse, with puncheon floor, slab benches, etc.

The lady to whom our subject was married was Miss Elmira, daughter of Samuel Koch, now de- ceased. To them have been born four children: George; Samuel; Clara, the wife of Louis Smith; and Maggie. Mr. Schneck is the proprietor of seventy acres of land, which by much hard work on his part he has placed under excellent tillage. He is a be- liever in and a supporter of the principles of the Democratic party. His name is enrolled among the members of the Lutheran Church of Union ville, in which he has held the office of Deacon. His in- terest in school affairs has resulted in his serving as a member of the board for many years.

EORGE W. MACKEY, the able City At- torney and eloquent advocate of the Bar at Bangor, Pa., is widely known as a man of excellent judicial ability and good judgment. Our subject is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in Clifford Township, Susquehanna County, October 15, 1836. He is a son of David and Ma- randa (Griggs) Mackey, the former of whom was a native of New York, and the latter of Connecti- cut. Grandfather Griggs, who was of Scotch par- entage, and a physician by profession, died in New York State. The early members of the Mackey family were of the old Puritan stock. Grandfather Mackey was a farmer by occupation, and lived the

greater part of his life on a farm in Susquehanna County, Pa. He married Miss Betsy Sammis, by whom he had five children, all deceased. One of his daughters married William J. Bolton, who went to California by the overland route, riding a mule all the way. Becoming sick, he was left by his companions, who, some time after leaving him, were captured by the Indians. He recovered, and was the only one of the company who succeeded in reaching California. Grandfather Mackey was a Whig in politics, and held several local offices in his township. He was a member of the Baptist Church, and is buried in Clifford Township.

David Mackey, the father of our subject, was born in the state of New York, and was a farmer by occupation. He departed this life at the age of fifty-nine years, and was buried in New Milford Township, Susquehanna County, Pa. By his union with Miss Maranda Griggs, a daughter of Nathan Griggs, he had fourteen children, nine of whom are now living: George W., our subject; and Na- than C., Charles D., Lizzie E., Lillie M., Lina, Jen- nie A., Ada M. and Anna M. The father was an Abolitionist before the organization of the Repub- lican party, of which he afterward became an ar- dent supporter, taking an active part in its councils. He was a member of the Baptist Church, and served as a Deacon almost from his boyhood until his death. The cause of temperance found in him a warm advocate, and one who was never weary of work in its behalf. He took a deep interest in educational and church affairs, and in every- thing pertaining to the advancement of the com- inunity.

George W. Mackey was educated in Susque- hanna County, and at Harford University. After graduating he taught school for a time, and then entered the law office of Hon. S. B. Chase, of Great Bend, Pa., where he remained three years. He was admitted to the Bar of Susquchanna County in 1876, and a little later to the Bar of Northamp- ton, Lehigh, Monroe and Luzerne Countics. He began the practice of his profession at Bangor in 1876, and has been continuously in practice ever since. Besides the practice of law, our subject has been, and is, interested in the slate business, being connected with the Bangor Union Slate Company,

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of which he was one of the organizers. He also served as its Secretary and Director for some time, and was President for a few years. He helped to organize the Bangor & Portland Railway Company, which was formed May 8, 1879, and has been a Director in the company, and its Secretary and General Solicitor continuously since. He is also a stockholder and a Director of the First National Bank of Pen Argyl, and acts as its solicitor. Mr. Mackey served as attorney for the Pennsylvania, Poughkeepsie & Boston Railroad in Lehigh and Northampton Counties during its construction, and when the road went into the hands of a receiver, was appointed attorney for the receiver in the same counties. He has been solicitor for the borough of Bangor since 1876, and for the last three years solicitor for East Bangor. He helped organize the Slate Belt Electric Street Rail- road, and is one of the Directors and solicitors of the same.

Mr. Mackey was united in marriage, May 25, 1864, with Miss Isadore C. McCollum, a daughter of Daniel McCollum, of East Bridgewater, Susque- hanna County, Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Mackey became the parents of two children: Gracie, deceased, and Harry A. The latter, after graduating in the Ban- gor and Scranton High Schools, entered the Key- stone Academy, where he graduated and took the gold medal. In 1886 he entered Lafayette College, and graduated in 1890 with the degree of A. B. He then entered the law department of the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania, taking a three-years course, and graduating in June, 1893. He is now taking a post-graduate course in law in the State University. His home is in Philadelphia, where he is a practicing attorney.

Our subject, who is an ardent supporter of the Republican party, has been solicited to become a candidate for Congress in the Eighth Congres- sional District on the Republican ticket. He is well and favorably known throughout the district and would make a careful and honest representa- tive. A member of the Baptist Church, he takes an active part in all its good work, and is Super- intendent of the Sunday-school. He is deeply interested in every movement for the advance- ment and intellectual betterment of the town, and

takes an especial interest in the advancement of all temperance work, being an enemy to every kind of intoxicating drink.

T ILGHMAN FATZINGER. Hanover Town- ship, this county, is favorably located in the midst of a wonderfully fertile tract, that yields a rich return for the attention given it by industrious farmers. A drive through the town- ship will show that all its inhabitants are well-to- do, if not wealthy. Our subject is one of the for- tunate possessors of one hundred and twenty-five acres of land, which are conspicuous for the im- provements that are found upon them.

Mr. Fatzinger is a native of this county, having been born November 12, 1836, to Adams and Mary Fatzinger. His grandfather, Henry Fatzinger, was well known as an old settler of Lehigh County, and the family of which he was a representative orig- inally came from Germany. Adam Fatzinger was a life-long resident of Hanover Township and died at an advanced age in 1880. Of his family of chil- dren who survive our subject was the second in or- der of birth, and those living beside himself are Henry and Owen J.

Tilghman Fatzinger of this sketch was reared to manhood in his native county, and engaged in farm pursuits with his father until reaching his nine- teenth year, when, having learned the trade of a carpenter, he was engaged in that business for twenty-five years. The remaining years of his life, however, have been spent as an agriculturist. He received his education in the public schools near his home, and when ready to take a life companion chose Miss Mary, daughter of John Clader. Their union has been blessed by the birth of the follow- ing children: Alice, Mrs. Preston Snyder; and William A., Charles H., Frank J. Tilghman G., Owen T., Robert and Minnic. The father of Mrs. Fatzinger was an old and prominent resident of this county, of which he was a native.

He of whom we write owns one hundred and twenty-five acres of land, which is all under a high state of cultivation. All educational matters that

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tend toward advancement in methods have al- ways received his hearty endorsement. He is an influential member of the Lutheran Church, and an earnest advocate of all good work.

ACOB E. LONG, President of the First Na- tional Bank of Bangor, was born at Mt. Betliel, Northampton County, Pa., July 5, 1845, and is a son of William A. and Eva (Miller) Long. His maternal ancestors were of German origin, while through his father he traces his lineage to Seotland. The family has been rep- resented in this country probably about two hun- dred years. His paternal grandfather, Abraham Long, was a native of this county, and a farmer by occupation. His entire life was spent here, and at his death he was buried at Stone Church. In pol- itics he was a Democrat, and in religion a member of the German Reformed Church. During the War of 1812 he served as Captain. Of his six children only one is now living.

The father of our subjeet (a farmer by oeeupa- tion) was born in Northampton County in 1805, and died here in 1860. He was a publie-spirited man, who took a deep interest in everything per- taining to the moral, religious and commercial welfare of his locality. He held membership in the Reformed Church, and in polities advocated Democratie doctrines until 1856. His inclinations never led him to aspire to official positions. He was an industrious, hard-working man, and one of weiglit in the community. His wife, who was a daugliter of Christian Miller, of this county, bore him six children, three sons and three daughters, namely: Hiram, Jeremiah, Jacob, Etna, Lucinda and Emma.

The subject of this sketeh was educated in the public schools and the academy at Mt. Bethel. After completing his studies he taught school for a time, and then embarked in the mereantile busi- ness. In July, 1862, he enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Pennsylvania Infantry, and was mustered in at Harrisburg. His first engagement was in the second battle of Bull

Run, and he was with his regiment at Antietam, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. He was dis- elarged about the 1st of June, 1863.

Upon returning to his home, Mr. Long resumed work as a elerk at Mt. Bethel. About 1870 he came to Bangor, where he engaged in merchandis- ing about eighteen years. At the expiration of that time he became interested in the First Nation- al Bank of Bangor, with which he has sinee been conneeted as President. He is also connected with the Bangor Union Slate Company, of which he is one of the Directors and a stockholder. In addi- tion to this, he is a Director and stoekholder in the American Bangor Slate Company, and the Bangor & Portland Railroad Company.

Politically Mr. „Long is independent, with a strong inelination toward the Republican party. In civic and public affairs he has taken a deep in- terest. He has studied earefully the labor diffi- culties of the state, and is a man of intelligence and worth. In religion he is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and has held its offices of trust. Both in church work and educational affairs he takes an active interest. He is a member of Albert Jones Post No. 383, G. A. R., of Bangor.

In 1874 Mr. Long married Miss Nettie, daughter of Joseph M. Roseberry, of Belvidere, N. J. They are the parents of three children, namely: J. M. Roseberry, who was born August 19, 1875; Will- iam H., February 11, 1880; and Frank in April, 1883. The eldest son is a Junior in Princeton (N. J.) College; the second son is a student in the high school preparatory to entering college; and the youngest son is also in school.

ORENZO PEARSON, an influential and representative citizen and general agri- eulturist of Upper Mt. Bethel Township, Northampton County, was born Marchi 24, 1843. His parents, Philip and Susan (Datesman) Pearson, were also natives of Pennsylvania. The Pearson family were old settlers of Northampton County, three brothers having emigrated to the United States from Germany in an early day and settled in this county, one of whom was the great-grand-

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father of our subject. In this county the grand- father was born and here followed the occupation of a farmer.

Philip Pearson, the father of Lorenzo, was also a prominent agriculturist, and was well known throughout the county. He was a Democrat in his political views, and served in a number of tlie local offices of his township. A member of the Reformed Church, he was a willing worker and a liberal giver to the cause of Christianity. He en- tered into rest several years ago, mourned by a loving family and a host of warm and true friends.

The subject of this sketch was reared to man's estate on the farm where he was born and still re- sides. He was educated in the public schools of his township, attending school in winter and as- sisting his father on the farm in the busy seasons, tilling the soil and helping in all of the various duties of farm life. In the winter of 1863 lie taught one term of school, his term closing on the day he was twenty-one years of age. He then dc- cided to try some other vocation, and after look- ing about for something more congenial, chose the free and independent life of a farmer, and for over thirty years has been one of the most success- ful and prosperous agriculturists of the county.

In 1876 our subject was united in marriage witlı Miss Mary E., daughter of Henry Kautz, late of Monroe County. This union has been blessed by the birth of three children, Elizabeth, Philip H. and Laura M. Mr. Pearson is the owner of one of the finest farms in Upper Mt. Bethel Township. It is highly cultivated, with all the necessary and latest improved farming implements and ma- chinery, a handsome residence, and large and sub- stantial barn and outbuildings. His stock is of the best, and is always well cared for and pro- tected. He also owns eighty acres of as fine tim- ber and brush land as can be found in the county, some of which he has cleared and improved. He has been a hard worker all his life, and by his honesty and perseverance has been very success- ful, and is regarded as an authority on all matters pertaining to agriculture and stock-raising.

Mr. Pearson is a stanch Democrat in politics and takes an active part and stands high in the coun- cils of his party. He has served as School Direc-

tor of his township for three years. He is liberal- spirited and in favor of the present?public-school system, and anything else to improve the county and elevate society. ][ Socially he is a member of the Senior Order United American Mechanics at Centreville, the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows at Belvidere, N. J., and the Improved Order of Red Men at Mt. Bethel.

Practically a self-made man, Mr. Pearson enjoys the confidence of a wide circle of old-time friends and neighbors. His entire course in life has been in every respect honorable, upright and conscien- tious, and he is justly entitled to the respect of his associates and the esteem in which he is held.

R. KLEIN, Cashier of the Second Na- tional Bank of Allentown, Pa., was born in the state of Ohio, February 25, 1854, and is a son of Michael Klein and Maria Ross. His father is a native of Philadelphia, but his mother was born in Lehigh County. Upon their marriage, in 1847, they emigrated to Ohio, which was then the far West. On account of the mother's health, however, they returned to Lehigh County in 1860, and settled at Laury's Station, where the father engaged in the milling business. Our subject attended the country school near Laury's six terms, or about thirty months in all, and at the age of thirteen was put in the flourmill, and learned the trade with two older and two younger brothers.

Besides working in the mill, Mr. Klein kept books and sold the products of the mill through the coal regions. The mills at Laury's at that time were conducted by J. R. Schall & Co., and under the instruction of J. B. Mauser, Superin- tendent, Mr. Klein made still further progress in bookkeeping. He worked in the mill nine years, and then sold western grain for about nine 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 118

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