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 122

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 122
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 122
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 122

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

an early day. Later he removed to Reading, Pa., and then to Easton. He was a man of more than ordinary educational attainments, and for several years edited a paper in this city. In politics he was a Whig, and quite active in the interests of his party. Fraternally he was associated with the Masonic organization. He was married three times, and by his first wife had two sons and a daughter. A. Gustavus, Wilhelmina and Peter. He died at the age of eighty years. Peter A. Sage was born in Germany, and was only seven years of age when he landed in America. With his father he learned the printer's trade, and for many years edited the Lehigh Patriot, at Allentown. He was a college graduate, and could speak fluently seven languages, besides being a musician of considerable ability. He was a Mason and an aggressive worker in the eause of the Whig party. In Allentown he was Lieutenant of a company of militia, and at all times was alive to the best interests of his fellow- citizens.

H. A. Sage was the only child of his parents, and received his education at Professor Vander- veer's school at Easton. After completing his studies he became master of the printing trade, and subsequently for a couple of years he taught school. For five years after this he was book- keeper for Seitz Bros., of this place, after which he engaged in business for himself as a wine and liquor merchant, at the corner of South Third and Lehigh Streets. Afterward lie seeured a location on the square, and in 1886 settled at his present place, where he does a large business in various kinds of imported and domestic wines and liquors. In 1876 he first became interested in the manufac- ture of harness and horse supplies. He opened a factory on South Third Street, and now gives em- ployment to about twenty-five hands. His manu- factures find ready sale in this state, New York and New Jersey. He is also interested financially in the Mattewan Felting Company.

In December, 1855, Mr. Sage married Sophia Spangenburg, and of their union seven children were born. John S. L. and Frederick G. are de- ceased; H. A., Jr., is the next younger; then fol- low Matilda and Frank R. Mary and George, the two youngest, are also deceased.

Mr. Sage has always taken considerable interest in eivic societies, and is a member of Dallas Lodge No. 396, F. & A. M., and also of the chapter, couneil and commandery. He and his wife are identified with the Lutheran Church, and have the entire confidenee and respect of a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

H ON. GEORGE BOWER, President of the Bower Slate and Pencil Quarry Company, is widely known as one of Catasauqua's most sueecssful business men. He is a native of the Keystone State, having been born in Le- highton, on the 3d of December, 1832. The family of which he is a member originated in the Fatherland, where his father, C. G., was born and reared. Not content to remain in that coun- try when America was opening its doors to the young and ambitious of other lands, he erossed the Atlantic at the age of eighteen years and, com- ing to Pennsylvania, settled at Kerns, now Slating- ton. Here for a time he worked at the harness- maker's trade, which he had learned in the Father- land.

Removing to Berlinsville, Northampton County, C. G. Bower there worked as a harness-maker until the spring of 1832, when he settled in Lehighton (then in Northampton County, but after 1843 in Carbon County). Opening a shop, he engaged in tlie manufacture and sale of harness, meeting with fair success as a business man. His property in- cluded two farms and a number of town lots. His death occurred in Lehighton in 1861, and was the result of an accident, being caused by a runaway horse. In politics he affiliated with the Democrat- ic party, while in religion he accepted the faith of his forefathers and worshiped with the Luth- erans.

The mother of our subject, Elizabeth (Wentz) Bower, was born in Berlinsville, Pa., and is now living in Lehighton, aetive and in fair health, not- withstanding her ninety and two years. She is the daughter of George Wentz, a native of Heidel- berg 'Township, Lehigh County, who for some time

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

lived retired in Carbon County, and there died. He was the son of a German, who emigrated to the United States and settled in Lehigh County, where he became an agriculturist. C. G. and Elizabeth Bower had eleven children, of whom eight attain- ed years of maturity and seven are now living. Elwen is engaged in the mercantile business at East Mauch Chunk. Nelson, who removed to Wis- consin in 1852, became the owner of lead mines there, and also attained prominence as a civic ofii- cial. For a time he was County Treasurer, and was serving as Sheriff of LaFayette County at the time our subject filled a similar office in Lehigh County. Franklin, who was a soldier in the late war, was also Sheriff of Lehigh County.

Referring more directly to the personal history of the subject of this notice, we find that lie was in boyhood a pupil in the public schools of Lehigh- ton, and later attended Binghamton (N. Y.) Col- lege. When eighteen hc commenced to teach school in Lehigh County, and was Principal of the schools at Mosserville, Sacgersville and Schnecks- ville for four years altogether, after which he spent one year in the schools of Weissport, Carbon Coun- ty. In 1858 he discontinued his labors in the schoolroom and, coming to Catasauqua, embarked in the meat business. For twenty-five years he owned and carried on the shop on Front Street, but when elected Sheriff he turned the business over to his two sons, who have since conducted it with marked success. While thus engaged he also dealt in live stock and real estate, and his specula- tions in these lines proved quite profitable.

As a member of the Democratic party, Mr. Bow- er has gained and still wields considerable influence throughout the county. Offices of trust and honor have been conferred upon him. In the fall of 1880 he was elected Sheriff by a majority of twen- ty-two hundred and forty-eight. Leaving his fam- ily in Catasauqua, he went to the county seat and on the first Monday in January, 1881, assumed the duties of the office. His term was a success, and when, in January, 1884, he retired from office, it was with the good-will of all public-spirited citi- zens, irrespective of political ties. For two years he was Treasurer of the County Democratic Cen- tral Committee, and for one term held the office of

Burgess of Catasauqua. In every position he has occupied he has displayed good judgment in the discharge of his duties, as well as force of charac- ter, a well balanced mind and unflinching integ- rity. During his service of nine years as a mem- ber of the City Council he was a prominent factor in the promotion of progressive measures, and also advanced the standard of education during his three years' service as School Director.

On the 9th of December, 1892, the Bower Slate and Pencil Quarry Company was incorporated with a capital of $125,000, and the following officers: George Bower, President and general manager; and James F. Johnston, of New York, Secretary and Treasurer. The company owns and operates a quarry at Lynnport, this county, which is the only quarry in the United States that man- ufactures slate pencils. The main office of the company is located at Nos. 7 and 9 Thomas Street, New York. Employment is given to fifty or sixty men, and in addition to slate pencils, black- board and roof slating are also manufactured. The quarries cover ten acres and are situated at Lynnport, fourteen miles west of Slatington, on the Reading & Slatington Railroad. The factory is 50x80 feet in dimensions, with an engine-room 30x45, containing two engines of fifty horse-power each. The industry is one of value to the county, facilitating the development of its material resour- ces and increasing its importance as a manufactur- ing center. It is mainly through the ingenuity and excellent judgment of Mr. Bower that the company has been established on a sound financial basis and has attained a place among tlic foremost firms in the state.

At Lchighton, in 1851, occurred the marriage of Mr. Bower and Miss Amelia D. Clauss. Mrs. Bow- er was born in Fogelsville, Lehigh County, and is the daughter of Daniel Clauss, an old settler of this locality. Of ten children resulting from the union of Mr. and Mrs. Bower, nine attained years of maturity. C. D. W., of whom more extended mention is made on another page, is engaged in the meat-market business at Catasauqua; Elmira E., the wife of B. B. Linn, resides in Catasauqua; George W. is with the Crocker-Wheeler Electrical Company, of New York City; Emma A. Is at home;

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Minnie M. is married to J. D. Tillman, of New Jer- sey; F. S. is his father's assistant in the Lynnport quarries; Laura E. is married to T. M. Jenkins and lives in Catasauqua; and Annie M. and John M. are with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Bower also rear- ed an orphan child, Lizzie, who is now the wife of C. D. W. Bower.

Of the first fire company at Catasauqua Mr. Bower served as chairman, during which time the town hall was built and the first fire engine brought here. Socially he is identified, with Allen Chapter No. 203, and Allen Commandery No. 20, F. & A. M. Formerly he was prominently connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a member of the English Evangelical Lutheran Church of Holy Trinity, was its first Elder, and was influential in the erection of the new edifice. For some time he was the Superintendent of its Sun- day-school.

H O. WILLIAMSON, a contractor and builder in Bethlehem, is an able and reli- able business man, who has made a suc- cess of his trade, and who has acquired a comfort- able fortune by reason of his perseverance and industrious habits. He is a self-made man, having had to make his own way in the world from early years, and being thorough in the fulfilment of his contract, and honorable in his methods, he has al- ways made friends of his customers.

H. O. Williamson is of English descent, as his paternal great-grandfather, Hugh, was a native of England, who removed to America, settling in Moore Township in the last century. There he followed agricultural pursuits, and lived to attain a good old age, his death occurring when he was in his ninety-ninth year. The grandfather, John Williamson, whose birth occurred in Moore Town- ship, was also a farmer, and lived to reach lis seventy-fifth year. The father of our subject, William H., born in Moore Township, like his an- cestors engaged in farming in that locality on at- taining manhood, but later removed to Lower Nazareth, where he was a resident for twelve years, and now is engaged in farming in Hanover Town-

ship, being sixty-four years of age. His wife, Mary Ann, is a daughter of Conrad Elberts, who was in early years a farmer, and later became a merchant at Newton. The Elberts family is of German descent, and Mrs. Williamson is a member of the Lutheran Church, while her husband is iden- tified with the Reformed Church. To them were born four children, two of whom are living.

Like the two generations preceding him, H. O. Williamson is a native of Moore Township, born in the year 1858, and his boyhood was partly passed in Lower Nazareth. His education was ob- tained in the district school at Hecktown and in Trach's Academy in Easton, Pa. His attention was given to agricultural pursuits until he had reached his twenty-fifth year, when he began to work at the carpenter's trade. It was in the year 1882 that he came to Bethlehem, and for four years after his arrival here he worked for M. H. Yeagle. Subsequently, in company with Frank Yeagle, he engaged in contracting for a year, when their connection was dissolved. Mr. Williamson succeeded to his partner's interest, which he had purchased, and for three years succeeding he had as his co-partner W. E. Renner. In 1892 that gentleman retired from the firm, Mr. Williamson buying his share and carrying on the business alone up to the present time. He furnishes esti- mates on all kinds of building, and attends to re- pairing or remodeling of any description. Many of the best residences and public buildings of the place have been put up by him in all three of the Bethlehems. Among these we mention a few: that of Dawson Lawrence on Fountain Hill, of ( ;. O. Clemmons and C. F. Brown in Bethlehem, Mc- Gowen's Hotel and the home of Harry Dillen. For himself he has built several residences, two of these being on Linden Street. His office and residence are at present located at the corner of Linden and Union Streets. During the busy season he fur- nishes employment to from fifteen to twenty men. Besides his regular business he has money invested in a hardware store on Third Street in Bethlehem.

In Shoenersville in 1881 occurred the marriage of our subject and Miss Mary L. Ache, whose birth occurred in this city. To this worthy couple five children were born, all but one of whom are

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living, their names being as follows: Clara, Har- vey, Elmer and Emma. Fraternally our subject is a member of the Royal Arcanum, and in politics he supports the Democracy. With his wife and family he attends Christ Reformed Church, in the work of which he is active.

ILLIAM GETZ, a manufacturer of and dealer in lumber in Kidder Township, has been engaged in that line of busi- ness since 1874. He is one of the foremost men in the county, being active and public-spirited, and has always been faithful to the interests of his com- munity, and as a business man has not his superior in the township.

Our subject is a native of this state, and was born in Monroe County, March 31, 1824. He is the son of Conrad and Margaret (Weiss) Getz, also natives of the above county. The first representative of this now prominent family came to America from Germany, and on landing here made settlement in Pennsylvania.

William, of this sketch, attended the public schools of Monroe County, and remained there until grown to mature years. He was then married to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph Serfuss, now de- ceased. To them was born a family, of whom the following-named survive: Emery, the eldest; Sa- lome, the wife of Henry Silfies; Alice, now Mrs. Charles Baumgardner; Sabilla, who married Harri- son Schmale; Millard; Ira; Ulysses; William; Clara, the wife of John Heimbach; Herbert and Eddie. Mrs. Elizabeth Getz departed this life in 1875, firm in the faith of the Lutheran Church, with which she had been connected for many years. She was a lady much beloved by all who knew her, and her death was greatly felt by all her friends.

Early in the '50s Mr. Getz began "logging" in Kidder Township, on contract work. This he aban- doned a short time thereafter and opened a hotel at Albrightsville, which he conducted for over fifteen years. He was very popular as "mine host," and was well and favorably known to the traveling public. He subsequently purchased a one-half in-

terest in a sawmill on Mud Run Creek, his partner being William Wagner, with whom he was asso- ciated only a few months when he bought his in- tcrest in the plant, which he has since conducted on his own responsibility. He is a very able man- ager, and for thirty years has carried on a very profitable business as a lumber merchant. In addi- tion to this enterprise, our subject owns a good farm in the township, bearing all the buildings and machinery usually found on a first-class estate, and from the rental of which he derives a good income.

In politics our subject is a firm adherent of the principles of the Republican party, and loyally supports its platforms and measures, firmly uphold- ing its actions on all occasions; and on account of his firmness in political conviction he is a man of some prominence in the politics of his township. He has been District Road Supervisor and Town- ship Auditor, in both of which positions he ac- quitted himself creditably. He is a worthy and exemplary member of the Lutheran Church, and contributes liberally to the support of the congre- gation which he attends.

A MBROSE E. LAUBACH. It is nearly ten years since this gentleman became con- nected with the Bethlehem Electric Light Company, which he is now serving in the capacity of foreman. When very young he commenced his apprenticeship as an engineer and machinist, and is thoroughly well versed in his trade, being familiar with all its details. In his present capac- ity he has served the company faithfully, and they esteem him highly for his merits and services.

The birth of our subject occurred in Seidersville, Northampton County, December 16, 1860. His father, Josiah, and his paternal grandfather, Reu- ben, were both natives of the same place, the lat- ter being engaged in the distillery business. Josiah Laubach was for many years engaged in agricult- ural pursuits in Lower Saucon Township, after which he was employed as an engineer in the zinc mines at Friedensville, continuing there until the works were closed. Afterwards he came to Beth-

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lehem, becoming an employe of the Bethlehem Iron Company, where he still remains, though his home is in Seidersville. He is a member of the Re- formed Church, and in politics a Democrat. His wife, Susannah (Boehm) Laubach, was born near Kellertown, being the daughter of Thomas Boehm, who was a miller by trade, and followed that call- ing until he retired. He and Mrs. Laubach be- came the parents of two children: Ambrose E., and John Q., who is an engineer in the employ of the Bethlehem Electric Light Company.

Our subject was reared under the parental roof, attending the common schools until reaching the age of twelve years, when he began working in the line which he has since followed. At first he was assistant engineer in the Friedensville mines, and when they closed he went to Hellertown, and there became engineer and assistant in the machine shop of the Saucon Iron Company. After four years of faithful service with that company, he went to Ambler, Montgomery County, where he acted as engineer in the chemical works for a period of three months. Coming to South Bethle- hem at the end of that time, he accepted a posi- tion as engineer with the Bethlehem Iron Com- pany, holding the same for two years.

On the 1st of August, 1885, Mr. Laubach be- came engineer of the Bethlehem Electric Light Company, and when two years had passed he was promoted to the position of foreman of con- struction, when the large engines were placed in the works. He devotes all his energies to tlie in- terests of the company, and being a man of prac- tical experience as an engineer and machinist his services are esteemed most valuable to the welfare of the concern.

While a resident of Seidersville, in January, 1881, Mr. Laubach wedded Miss Mary Harning, who was born in Upper Saucon, Lehigh County, and of their union has been born one child, Oliver C. The pleasant residence of the family is located at No. 25 Spring Strect, West Bethlehem. A mem- ber of the Masonic fraternity, Mr. Laubach be- longs to Hellertown Lodge No. 563, F. & A. M., and is also a member of the orders of the Golden Eagle and Knights of the Mystic Chain of South Bethle- hem. Being musically inclined, he has devoted

considerable attention to the cornet, and as a mem- ber of William Bachman's Band of Seidersville has since its organization played on the B-flat cornet. Politically he uses his ballot and influence in sup- port of the Democratic party, and in matters of faith is identified witlı the Reformed Church.

OHN ADAMS, an influential citizen of Lower Saucon Township, is practically retired from active business cares, and is enjoying life on his well improved farm near Bingen. Among his neighbors and friends he bears a high reputa- tion for honesty and fidelity of purpose, and on several occasions they have urged his acceptance of local official positions. He has frequently been sent as a delegate to Republican State Conventions, has twice been a candidate for Sheriff, and has once been the candidate for nomination to the State Senatorship. In every instance he ran ahead of his ticket from one thousand to fifteen hundred votes, and this, too, in a Democratic district. In his business career he was very successful, and dis- played ability as a financier.

The gentleman of whom we write comes from one of the old families of this region, his ancestors having been relatives of President Adams. His great-grandfather came to Bucks County in a very carly day, and died within its limits. His grand- father, John Adams, who was a farmer by occupa- tion, was born in Bucks County, and on his demise was placed to rest in the Durham Township Ceme- tery. He married Catherine White, by whom he had the following children: John, who wedded a Miss Case of New Jersey, was a farmer and lum- berman, and met his death by drowning in the Delaware River, when about fifty years of age. Jacob, who married a Miss Uley, followed agricult- ural pursuits in New York State and in Indiana, his death occurring at South Bend. Henry, the third son, was our subject's father. Daniel, who followed farming, wedded a Miss Jacoby. The daughters were, respectively, Mrs. Factertall, Mrs. Overbeck, Mrs. Jutt and Susan Richley. For his first wife Samuel Adams married a Miss Raup, and

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his second wife was in maidenhood Miss Knect. He was Deputy Sheriff at one time, and afterward served as Sheriff. For a number of ycars he kept a tavern in Easton, and was a prominent man in both the political and business affairs of that place, where his death occurred. John was a soldier in the War of 1812.

Henry Adams, the father of our subject, was a successful agriculturist, and a very active suppor- ter of the Whig party. He was a man of more than ordinary ability, a true and patriotic citizen, and a jovial and pleasant companion. In religion he held membership with the German Reformed Church. His wife was formerly Elizabetlı Bitts, and two sons and two daughters were born of their union. John, the eldest son, is the subject of this sketch. Samuel, the youngest, is now in Cuba, where he is President of a railroad. He has made his home in Cuba for the past two years. Prior to this he was Assistant Superintendent of the Beth- lehem Steel Works, where he proved himself to be a man of exceptional ability. Hannah, the sur- viving sister, is the wife of William Greaver, a farmer of Springfield, Bucks County. Catherine, now deceased, was the wife of Levi Reigel, of Lower Saucon Township.

The birth of John Adams occurred in Durham Township, Bucks County, September 18, 1829. In his boyhood he attended the public schools of his district, and assisted his father in the work of the farm until after attaining his majority. When about twenty-eight years old he purchased a flour- ing-mill in Lehigh County, which he operated un- til about fifteen years ago. In 1864 he began taking out ore on contract for the Bethlehem Iron Company and the Hokendauqua Company, and to this line of work devoted his energies for the next fifteen years. Having acquired a comfortable com- petence, amply sufficient for his remaining years, he then invested a portion of it in the farm, on which his time has since been passed. His place is kept up in a thrifty manner, has good improve- ments upon it, and is one of the best in the town- ship.

September 12, 1855, Mr. Adams married Miss Louisa Rufe, a native of Durham Township, and daughter of Samuel Rufe. One child, a daughter,

Catherine, came to bless their union. She married T. A. Nolf, a farmer of Center Valley, and has be- come the mother of two children, Laura Attila and John Adams. Mrs. Louisa Adams was called from this life March 11, 1880, and was buried in the cemetery of Durham Township. Mr. Adams' pres- ent wife was formerly Mrs. Catherine Keck, their union having been celebrated May 21, 1881. She is a daughter of Jesse Klein, a well known citizen of Allen Township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Adams are members of the Lutheran Church, and have hosts of warm friends in the neighborhood of their homc. Mr. Adams' first Presidential vote was cast for John C. Fremont, and from that time up to the present he has been a loyal supporter of the Republican party.

OHN G. BECKER, M. D., a physician and surgeon of the homeopathic school, has built up an extensive practice in Bethlehem, which city has always been his home. Though comparatively a young man, he stands in the front rank of physicians in the Lehigh Valley, a fact which proves him the possessor of no mean powers, when it is remembered what an arduous pro- fession that of the physician is, and the quali- ties necessary in order to make a success of it. His office is located at No. 30 New Street, and he numbers among his patients many of the leading families of the city.

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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 122

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