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 120

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 120
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 120
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 120

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January 12, 1890, occurred the marriage of Mr. Semmel to Miss Annie Litzenberger, who was born in Lehigh County, and is a daughter of Tilghman J. Litzenberger, of Whitehall Township. One child has blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Semmel, a daughter named Rosa H. Mrs. Semmel is a lady

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of great worth of character, a devoted wife and affectionate mother, whose interests center in the welfare and happiness of her family.

For two years Mr. Semmel filled the position of Deputy Postmaster at Cementon, thus gaining the familiarity with the details of the business which now enables him to discharge its duties with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the citizens. Shortly after the inauguration of President Cleve- land, he was appointed Postmaster, in May, 1893, and assumed the duties of the office on the 1st of July following. His political affiliations have al- ways been with the Democratic party, and whether success or defeat comes he stands with equal loyal- ty by the platform of his chosen party. Socially he is identified with the Patriotic Order Sons of America at Whitehall, and the Royal Arcanum at Bethlehem. He also holds membership in the Whitehall Beneficial Society. He is a man of sin- cere Christian belief and is connected with the Lutheran Church. The success which lie has at- tained is well deserved, and as a business man he enjoys the confidence of the community.

PP ROF. WILLIAM ULRICH, PH. D., the founder and Principal of the Preparatory School for Lehigh University, has been a successful educator for many years, and has made a success of his institution. This was established in 1878, in South Bethlehem, where it was carried on for several years, when it was found best to re- move it to Bethlehem, as this location was more central. The school is situated in one of the most healthy and most attractive portions of the city, the large and handsome building being surrounded by fine shade trees and extensive grounds.

William Ulrich, father of our subject, was born near Berlin, and followed school teaching as a pro- fession. His death occurred in 1893, at the age of seventy-six years. His wife, Caroline Ide, was born ncar Berlin, being a daughter of John Ide. 'The latter was a soldier in the Napoleonic wars of 1814-15, and was Captain of a squadron compris- ing two hundred and fifty men. He was present

at the battle of Waterloo, after which he retired from the service. Mrs. Ulrich is still living in Germany, aged about seventy-two years, and her daughter Ida also continues to live in the Father- land.

Prof. William Ulrich received a superior educa- tion in his native land, attending the Joachimsthal Gymnasium, and in the spring of 1866 entered the University of Berlin. In June of that year his studies were interrupted, as he volunteered for service in the German army, entering the Emperor Alexander Guards, Grenadier Regiment No. 1, where he rose from a private to be a Licutenant. He served for one year in the Austro-Prussian War, taking part in the engagements of Nachod, the battle of Sadowa, and many other engagements. At the last-named battle a ball broke his glasses and injured one of his eyes. On returning to the university he continued his studies until 1870, and was in the midst of his examinations when he was called by the Government back to his old reg- iment (then making ready for the Franco-Prussian War), and was made Second Lieutenant. His bat- talion was in the battle of Gravelotte, and was re- duced in numbers from one thousand to sixty-two men. Professor Ulrich was wounded, a bullet passing through his right thigh. Being sent to the hospital, it was nine weeks before he was able to re-join lis regiment near Paris, where he remained until the close of the war. The day after the bat- tle of Gravelotte he was commissioned First Lieu- tenant of the regiment, and during the siege of Paris was Adjutant of the brigade. Hc did not escape from injury during that noted siege but re- ceived various flesh wounds, though he continued at his post, during the latter part acting as Cap- tain of his company. Hostilities having ceased, lie once more returned to the university, passed his examination and graduated in the fall of 1871, re- ceiving the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. On taking out his citizen's papers after his arrival in America, the Professor demanded his discharge from the German army, which was accordingly forwarded to him.

In 1872 our subject set forth from Hamburg on the steamer "Harmonia," and remained in New York City for a short time after his arrival. He

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had come to see the country, not intending to lo- cate at first, but soon after arriving in Bethlehem he began to give private lessons, and finally re- mained to start the preparatory school, which was opened in 1878. He superintends the classes him- self, and in 1893 over six hundred pupils had been prepared for admission to Lehigh and other uni- versities, the young men coming from all parts of the country. The school has an able corps of in- structors, and the course of study is very compre- hensive.

In Bethlehem, in 1874, Professor Ulrich mar- ried Miss Amanda, a daughter of David Michael. Mrs. Ulrich was born in Bethlehem and here grew to womanhood. By this marriage have been born three children, William, Ida and Mary. The fam- ily are members of the Episcopal Church, of which Professor Ulrich is a Vestryman. Fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a Mason, being identified with the Free and Accepted Masons, the Royal Arch Masons and Knights Templar.

T H. EVANS. The gentleman whose name stands at the head of this sketch is chief clerk of the Nesquehoning Colliery No. 1, operated by the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Com- pany. He assumed the duties of his present posi- tion in 1886, and since that time has discharged the responsibilities devolving upon him as chief clerk in a manner entirely satisfactory to all par- ties concerned.

The original of this sketch is a native of Wales, and was born January 10, 1864, to William H. and Mary (Hopkins) Evans, also natives of that coun- try. Mr. Evans was an infant of three months at the time of his parents' emigration to the United States. The latter located in Schuylkill County, this state, whencc they later went to Summit Hill, Carbon County. There our subject was reared to man's estate, receiving liis primary education in the public schools of that place. Later he attended the state normal at Millersville, and after being graduated from that well known institution young Evans turned his attention to coal-mining, which

business has since occupied the greater part of his time and attention. He possesses a thorough knowl- edge of the business and is regarded as one of the most progressive and promising young business men of the community. His worth and ability were recognized by the Lehigh Coal and Naviga- tion Company, who engaged his services in 1886, and found in him a valued and reliable clerk.

Mr. Evans married Miss Jane, daughter of John Williams, of Schuylkill County, this state, and their union has been blessed by the birth of one son, Marvin Q. Mr. Evans is a member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, to the support of which he contributes liberally, and is one of the faithful and active workers. He is a friend to all moral and educational interests, and the community finds in him a valued and respected citizen. In polit- ical sentiment he is a Republican, and is greatly in- terested in the success of the party of his choice. He served as Tax Collector of Mauch Chunk Town- ship for one year, and is at present filling his sec- ond term as Auditor of the"same township with characteristic ability. He and his wife are people of social importance, and occupy a pleasant and hospitable home.

Mr. Evans holds membership with the Masonic order in Mauch Chunk, and is a Knight of Pythias of Nesquehoning. He thoroughly identifies him- self with whatever will promote the highest inter- ests of this, his adopted county, his liberality help- ing forward many schemes of improvement, and he is thus numbered among its most loyal citizens-

M ICHAEL J. MEIXELL. To his skill in handicraft, his thorough knowledge of materials, and their mode of usage best adapted to various kinds of buildings, Mr. Meixell adds the personal qualities which win the respect and friendship of those with whom he associates. He is at the present time occupying a comfortable residence at No. 133 South Fifth Street, Allen- town.

Our subject was born in Strasburg, Monroe County, this state, August 26, 1842, and is the son of Michael J. and Mary M. (Phillips) Meixell, the

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

former of whom was born in Easton, Northampton County, this state, and removed to Monroe County in 1822. The Meixell family came from Scotland and were among the early settlers of Belvi- dere, N. J.

Michael, of this sketch, spent his boyhood in liis native place, where he was given the advantages of a common-school education. When attaining his seventeenth year he started out in the world for himself, his first employment being as an ap- prentice at the cabinet-maker's trade. After be- ing thus engaged for two and one-half years, young Meixell, in August, 1862, went to Wiscon- sin, where he remained for two years, in the mean time learning the trade of a carriage-maker. His next removal was to Ohio, where lie stayed only a short time, and then went to Shenandoah City, Pa., making that place his home until May 25, 1866. That year Mr. Meixell took up his abode in Slat- ington, Lehigh County, this state, where he was employed in following his trade until April 3, 1871, the date of his advent into Allentown. Since locating here he has been engaged in con- traeting and building, which line of work he has found to be very profitable. He has erected some of the finest business blocks and residences in the city, among which are the W. R. Lawfer Bloek, the residence of Adam Woolever, the Rube Building and that occupied by Samuel S. Kellar. Mr. Meix- ell is a stockholder in the Allentown Lock Works.

In political relations our subject is a stanch Demoerat, and socially is a charter member of Slatington Lodge No. 624, I. O. O. F. He is also connected with Lehigh Lodge No. 83, of the same order, at Allentown, and is a member of Encamp- ment No. 16, at Catasauqua. He has always taken a prominent part in local affairs, and in 1874 was elected on the Democratic ticket as Councilman of the Second Ward.

November 17, 1864, our subject and Miss Rachel, daughter of Charles Saylor, were united in mar- riage. Their union has been blessed by the birth of one child, a son, Edwin D., who was graduated from the Allentown High School in 1887. Hav- ing completed the course of study, he graduated from Muhlenberg College in the year 1891 with first honors. He is also a graduate of Franklin and

Marshall Theological Seminary, and is now a min- ister at Pittsburg. Mr. and Mrs. Meixell are members in good standing of St. John's Reformed Church, and are classed among the best residents of the city.

B ENJAMIN F. KNAUSS is a prominent representative of the agricultural interests of Lehigh County, and is at present resid- ing on one hundred and fifty acres of land located in South Whitehall Township. He was born in this county December 13, 1828, and is the son of Ben- jamin and Maria (Helfrich) Knauss, who were likewise born in Lehigh County.

The paternal grandfather of our subjeet, who bore the name of George, was also a native of this state, where he oeeupied a good place among its substantial residents. The father of our subject died when the latter was an infant of seven months, and he was therefore reared to mature years by his mother, who departed this life January 3, 1894.

Benjamin F., of this sketch, spent his days in the usual manner of lads of his time, and was reared on a farm, aiding in the labors of the field during the summer months, and attending the district sehool in the winter season. He has always followed farm pursuits, and lias placed his estate under a high de- gree of cultivation. All the improvements have been placed there through his labors and stand as monuments to his handiwork.

Benjamin F. Knauss and Miss Sarah Steininger were united in marriage October 21, 1855. Mrs. Knauss, who was also born in this eounty, Decem- ber 3, 1835, is the daughter of Leonard and Cath- erine (Kuntz) Steininger, farmers of this locality, where the former died in 1874. Her parents reared a family of six children, of whom those living are: Anna, who is the wife of Charles Mohr; Mary; Sarah, Mrs. Knauss; Eliza, Mrs. William Koch; and Lucretia, the wife of Tilghman Gramms.

To Mr. and Mrs. Knauss has been born a fam- ily of four children: Elemanda, now Mrs. Edward Lichten walner; Tilghman G., Sarah Isabella and

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Frank P. The Republican party finds in him a most stalwart supporter. With his wife he is a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church at Allen- town. An honorable and well spent life has won for him high regard and gained for him many warm friends throughout the community. He has witnessed the growth of Allentown from a small town to its present large proportions, and is there- fore justly numbered among the old settlers of this county.

J OHN W. ECKERT. The manufacturing in- terests of Lehigh County are ably represented by the American Cement Company, of which our subject is Superintendent and Acting President. The headquarters of the factory are at Egypt, and the firm was ineorporated with John M. Wileox, of Philadelphia, as President; R. W. Leslie, of that eity, Secretary and Treasurer; and John W. Eekert, Superintendent and Acting Presi- dent. They own and operate four plants, known as the Egypt Portland Cement Works, the Penn- sylvania Portland, the Columbia Portland and the Jordan (N. Y.) Portland Cement Works. The latter plant is located on the Erie Canal at Jordan, twelve miles from Syracuse, and the other three factories are operating in Egypt. The average ca- pacity of the works in this place is about fifty thousand barrels of cement per month, and the plant in New York averages about five thousand barrels per month. The four faetories combined employ about six hundred men in their different de- partments, and they are all fitted out with the best methods of machinery.

Our subject was born in Allentown, this state, March 13, 1859, and is the son of Charles and Em- ma Eekert, the former of whom is deceased, and the latter making her home at present in the above city. He was given a fine education in the public schools, where he was prepared to enter Lehigh University. While a student in that college he took a full course in analytical chemistry, and also made a special study of engineering. He was graduated from that institution in 1878, and, hav-

ing made a study of the analysis of eement, wrote an essay giving an analysis of the raw material as found in Lehigh County for the manufacture of cement, and comparing it with foreign cement.

Shortly after leaving college our subject became associated as chemist with David O. Saylor, the pioneer Portland cement manufacturer of America . He remained in that capacity for about two years, and afterward accepted the superintendency of the works, remaining in the employ of Mr. Saylor un- til 1885. That year he became interested with the present company, of which R. W. Leslie and he were virtually the originators.

Charles Eckert, the father of our subject, was a miller by trade, in which branch of business he was engaged in Allentown, and at the same time was the proprietor of a large mercantile establishment in that eity. At one time he was associated with Tinsley Jeter, of Bethlehem, in operating the ore beds of Whitehall Township. Our subject was a stanch Republican in politics, and has been very successful in life from a financial standpoint. In- dustry and enterprise are numbered among his chief characteristies, and he can certainly look back upon a busy life and feel that his labors have not been in vain.

UCIUS H. McHOSE is recognized as one of the wide-awake and enterprising business men of Catasauqua, where he is engaged in the manufacture of fire-elay briek in company with David Hunt. They enjoy an excellent trade, and their business has been successful and has steadily inereased from the beginning.

Hon. Samuel McHose, the father of our subject, was the first Mayor of Allentown, and was born in Lower Saucon, this county, February 16, 1816. He was a prominent business man of the city, and the builder of nearly all the blast furnaces in the Lehigh Valley. He departed this life in April, 1893, after an illness of two weeks. He was the son of Isaae McHose, and at his decease was in the seventy-eighth year of his age.

When a lad of five years the parents of Samuel MeHose moved to Rittersville, where his father carried on his trade of a mason and brick-layer.

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When Samuel arrived at the proper age he became an apprentice under his father in the same busi- ness, which he followed until attaining his twen- tieth year. He paid particular attention to the erection of blast furnaces, and among the most prominent of those which he built were the Thomas Iron Company's, at Hokendauqua; the Crane Iron Company's, at Catasauqua; the Coplay Iron Company's, the Lehigh Iron Company's, the Allentown Iron Works,' and the Allentown Roll- ing Mills'. He was a projector of the Roberts Furnace, and at one time an extensive stockholder. Mr. McHose also built several blast furnaces in New Jersey, and was the contractor who erected the Durham Iron Works near Richmond, Va.

In 1854 Samuel McHose, in company with the late O. A. Ritter, established the Allentown Fire Brick Works on Front and Gordon Streets, and were associated in business for a quarter of a cen- tury, under the firm name of McHose & Ritter. In 1861 the former built and became one of the pro- prietors of the Hope Rolling Mill, which about fifteen years later was the source of heavy finan- cial loss to him. For the ten years prior to his decease the father of our subject was engaged in the manufacture of fire-clay brick, which busi- ness is now carried on by our subject, and the firm hold leases on extensive deposits of Clay in New Jersey.

The political life of Samuel McHose is as inter- esting as his business career, and volumes could be written from his experiences in politics. In early life he was a Democrat, but during the '50s, while in Richmond, Va., he saw a slave sold from an auc- tioneer's block, which caused him to change his po- litical sentiments. After that time he was just as ardent a Republican as he had previously been a hard Democrat. In 1856 he became a resident of Allentown, and was at once active in politics, serving the North Ward of the borough in the council for several years.

In 1867, when Allentown was made a city, both political parties began to look around for availa- ble candidates for the first Mayor. Mr. McHose was nominated and elected over his opponent, the late Robert E. Wright, by a majority of ninety- two. In 1883 he was elected a member of the Se-

lect Council from the Democratic Fifth Ward, and at the organization of that body he was made its President, a position he filled with honor.

During Allison's administration the father of our subject was a member of the Board of Health and a delegate to the National Convention that nominated Lincoln for President in 1861, and Grant in 1868. During the last ten or twelve years of his life he was regularly elected a delegate to all the Republican county and city conventions, and was in truth a "war horse" in that party.

While residing in Rittersville Samuel McHose was married to a daughter of the late Solomon Flores. She died seven years ago, leaving five children: Edwin, Monroe, Hiram, Lucius, and Mrs. A. T. Blank, of this city. Our subject was the youngest of the family, and carried on his primary studies at first in the common schools and later in the Allentown Collegiate Cadet School and in the Kutztown Normal. After leaving the latter insti- tution he went to Providence, R. I., where he at- tended a preparatory school, after which he en- gaged in business with his father in the brick works in Allentown.

In the spring of 1877 our subject went West to Colorado, and remained in that state for seven years, prospecting. He met with fair success, and during his western trip visited the states of New Mexico and North Dakota. In 1884 he returned to Allentown, where he resided for twelve months, and then went to New Jersey and began working in the clay banks near Amboy. In November of the following year we find him in Catasauqua as foreman of the fire brick works, which he has su- perintended ever since.

In 1892 Mr. McHose, in company with David Hunt, leased the above plant, and in the manufac- ture of brick they are meeting with success. While residing in New Jersey our subject was mar- ried in Phillipsburg, in 1886, to Miss Sarah S. Weikle, who was born and reared in Allentown. Their union has been blessed by the birth of three children, Howard, Malcolm and Josephine.

The subject of this sketch is a demitted member of the Masonic fraternity, with which he was con- nected while in Colorado. In politics he follows the footsteps of his honored father and is a true-blue

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Republican. He is a Director of the Phoenix Fire Insurance Company in this city, and enjoys the es- teem and confidence of the leading business men of the place. Mrs. McHose is a devoted member of the Reformed Church. For a further history of her family the reader is referred to the sketch of A. T. Blank, found elsewhere in this volume.

H ON. JEREMIAH ROTH, who is now liv- ing in Allentown, is a prominent farmer of Lehigh County, and a breeder of regis- tered Holstein and Jersey cattle. The Allentown Stock Farm, which he owns and carries on, is widely known. A native of Pennsylvania, Mr. Roth was born in Lower Saucon Township, Northampton County, on the 20th of May, 1833, and is a son of Jesse Roth, who was one of the prosperous agri- culturists of that community. He was also a lead- ing and influential citizen, and held various re- sponsible positions. In his political views he was a Democrat, and his religious belief was that of the Reformed Church. All who knew him esteemed him highly for his sterling worth and strict integrity, and his friends were many. His father, Jacob Roth, was also a native of Northampton County, Pa., and was of German descent. The mother of our sub- ject, Mrs. Catherine Roth, was a daughter of Joseph Gauff. She died in Northampton County in 1892, and Mr. Roth, who was born in 1807, passed away in 1876.

The subject of this sketch is the eldest in a fam- ily of four children, three sons and a daughter. He was cducated in the district schools and in the high school of Bethlehem. He then turned his attention to teaching, which profession he followed for three years. About this time he was first connected with public office, being chiosen Justice of the Peace in 1864.

In the mean time Mr. Roth was married. On the 24th of August, 1858, he wedded Miss Angeline Mink, of Lehigh County, daughter of Nathan Mink. Their union was blessed with three chil- dren: Ida S., who was born in 1864, and died in 1885; Oliver J., born May 18, 1873; and Clinton S., born May 6, 1876.

In 1866 Mr. Roth came to Allentown, where he

has since lived though he is still engaged in farm- ing and stock-dealing, being, as stated above, the owner of the noted Allentown Stock Farm, which comprises two hundred acres of valuable land, un- der a high state of cultivation. It is supplied with fine buildings, well adapted to stock-raising, and in the pastures and barns are many horses and cat- tle. He is now making a specialty of the breeding of registered Jersey and Holstein cattle and draft horses, and has one of the finest herds of Jerseys in the state. Hc made a trip to Europe for the purpose of purchasing fine stock, returning with some excellent blooded cattle. One of his Jersey bulls, "Black Prince of Linden," which is perhaps the finest animal of his kind in the United States, he purchased at Madison Square Garden, New York, from the estate of S. M. Shumaker, who had bought him for $15,000. His large barn, which is 50x207 feet, will accommodate one hundred and twenty- five head of cattle and many horses.

Outside of his business interests, Mr. Roth has taken a prominent part in public affairs, being especially active in county, state and national pol- itics. In 1874 he was elected a member of the City Council of Allentown, and in 1887 and 1888 rep- resented his district in the State Legislature, hav- ing been clected on the Democratic ticket. He served on several important committees, including the Committees on Agriculture, Public Institutions Coal and Iron. He was a worthy member of the House, and did all in his power for the interest of the community in which he lives. He was re-elected in 1890, and served in the sessions of 1891-92. In 1884 he was elected President of the Lehigh County Agricultural Society, and at each election since that time has been chosen his own successor. Worth and ability have won him prominence along these various lines, and have gained for him the confidence and high regard of all with whom he has been brought in contact. In connection with his other interests, Mr. Roth is now a stockholder and Director in the Second National Bank of Al- lentown. He also owns a fine residence, situated in the midst of a beautiful lawn, and his home is an ornament to the city. Through the legitimate channels of business he has won success, becoming one of the solid and substantial men of the com-

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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 120

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