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 17

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 17
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 17
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 17

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Born in Northampton County, July 23, 1848, our subject is a son of James and Esther (Taylor) McFall, natives of this county, where the father

JAMES P. BARNES.

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died. The mother, who still lives, is eighty-six years of age, and resides with our subject, enjoy- ing excellent health for one of her years. The pa- ternal great-grandfather of our subject was of Irish nativity, and emigrated to America during the last century, settling in Northampton County, on the Delaware River, and becoming the founder of the family in the United States.

The home farm was located at Martin's Creek, and there our subject passed the days of boyhood, having such advantages for an education as the neighboring schools afforded. At Easton he learned the trade of a miller, at which he worked for about six months in that city. Subsequently he served for one year in a mill at Harmony, N. J., and spent the four ensuing years as an employe in a mill at Martin's Creek, Pa. In the year 1877 he came to Flicksville and rented the mill he now owns, and which he purchased after having leased it for cight and one-half years. In 1888 he introduced the modern improved roller flour machinery, as a result of which he is able to turn out a superior quality of flour at very reason- able prices.

The marriage of Mr. McFall united him with Miss Emma, daughter of Andrew Snyder, of Northampton County. They have had eight chil- dren, namely: Laura M., Lizzie F., Gertrude M., Edna P., Stella F., Jennie E., Russell T., and Ma- rion R., now deceased. Politically Mr. McFall is a Democrat, always giving his vote to that party. Socially he is a member of Bangor Lodge No. 565, F. & A. M., at Bangor. He has a large circle of acquaintances in northern Northampton County, whose friendship he has won through his integ- rity, energy and genial social characteristics.

D R. JAMES P. BARNES, President of the Lehigh Valley Trust and Safe Deposit Company, of Allentown, is closely identi- fied with the history of this community, and it is with pleasure that we present to our readers the record of his life. He was born in Bath, Northamp- ton County, Pa., August 14, 1826. The original

ancestor of this branch of the Barnes family in America was James Barnes, an English student, who was forced by a press gang to serve as an English soldier in the War of the Revolution, and was taken prisoner by the Continental army at Still- water. He refused to be exchanged, and adopted this country as his home. Subsequently he married and rcared a family of thirteen children, his home being in Herkimer County, N. Y.

The father of our subject, Brittania D. Barnes, was born in New York in 1787. In 1820 he went to Wilkes Barre, Pa., and from there to Allentown, where he resided a few years. In the vicinity of Bath there was then a Scotch-Irish settlement, which has had an honored place in the early his- tory of Pennsylvania and of the country, and has donc much to foster English education, sound morality and religion in regions far beyond its bounds. In view of his Presbyterian birth and early training, Mr. Barnes was attracted thither, and cast in his lot with them as a merchant un- til the time of his death. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Sarah Pardoe, and was a native of Northumberland County, Pa. Both she and her husband are deceased. Their family numbered four sons and five daughters, six of whom grew to mature years, and four are yet living, viz .: Joseph C .; James P .; Annie, widow of Josiah Brown; and Lydia, who is the wife of Dr. W. E. Seip, of Bath, Pa.

The subject of this sketch remained in the place of his birth until fifteen years of age, and then went to Luzerne County, Pa., where he clerked in a store for $50 per annum. After a year and a-half thus spent he returned to Bath, and entered the academy of that place. Subsequently he studied dentistry for two years, under the preceptorship of Dr. J. P. Scholl, and became familiar with the profession in all its branches. Later we find him in Bethlehem, Pa., where he engaged in the practice of dentistry until 1851. In that year Dr. Barnes opened an office in Allentown, where he success- fully engaged in practice until the death of his father, in 1859, required him to give his attention to the settlement of the estatc. When this busi- ness was satisfactorily arranged he returned to Allentown, and again resumed practice, continuing

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in the line of dentistry until 1886, or for a period of forty years, when he retired from the profession. He had met with excellent sueeess in his undertak- ings, and was the recipient of a large and luera- tive practice.

In 1848 Dr. Barnes wedded Miss Mary, daughter of Jacob Shimer, and to thiem was born a family of five children : Ellen, who died in infaney; Avon, a member of the firm of Cunningham & Barnes, manufacturers of wagons and wagon gearings at Allentown; Grace, wife of John T. Shimer, of Al- lentown; Jaeob, who is aeting as bookkeeper in tlie Lehigh Valley Trust and Safe Deposit Company; and Lena, who completes the family. In 1886 Dr. Barnes was one of the most active in originating the Lehigh Valley Trust and Safe Deposit Com- pany of Allentown, and at its organization became the Secretary and Treasurer of the institution. This position he ereditably filled until the death of its first President, Dr. Edwin G. Martin, in 1893, when he was unanimously elected to that office, a position he still holds. The Trust Company has the confidenee of the entire community, and acts as executor, administrator, trustee and guardian of estates, both real and personal. It also does a large business in making loans and receiving de- posits. Dr. Barnes, who was an original stock- liolder in the Allentown Bank (now the Allen- town National Bank) on its organization in 1855, has been a stoekholder ever sinee, and at intervals during twenty-five years was one of the Direetors of the bank.

In politics the Doetor is usually a Demoerat, and has been honored with a number of offiees of trust under both parties. He served as Treas- urer of the Allentown Sehool Distriet for eigh- teen consecutive years, and has been a member of the State Board of Agriculture sinee its or- ganization in the year 1876, having been ap- pointed by the Agricultural Society of Lehigh County. For several terms he was Treasurer of the Lehigh County Agricultural Society. Sinee be- eoming a resident of Allentown, he has been trea- surer of many organizations. The trust offieially reposed in him indieates that he has the eonfi- denee of his fellow-townsmen in a high degree, and his long-continned service shows that that trust

has never been betrayed. In the legitimate ehan- nels of business he has won a high degree of sue- eess, and is now one of the substantial eitizens of Allentown.

The Doetor and his wife are both members of the First Presbyterian Church, and are numbered among its leading members. By profession of faith he united with it December 23, 1853. On the 17th of July, 1872, he was elected Ruling Elder, and on the 18th of August was ordained in that office for a term of six years. At each eleetion he was chosen Ins own suecessor until 1892, when the eldership was made a life office and he was again eleeted. For many years he was Treasurer of the Board of Trustees, and also of the Board of Elders for the Benevolent Contributions, which position he holds at the present time. During his whole connection with the church, Dr. Barnes has been an active Christian. His place has rarely been vaeant in the weekly prayer-meeting and Sabbath serviees, and for five and a-half years he was Superintendent of the Sabbath-sehool. He was among the first to advocate the ereetion of the pres- ent Sabbath-sehool building, was one of the most liberal contributors to it, and one of the committee on building. By his zeal and activity others were encouraged and supported in their liberality, and for his faithfulness the Presbyterian Church has reason for thankfulness. While undemonstrative in his manner, his influenee is on the side of truth and right, and the community in which he lives esteems him as a good man, a useful eitizen and a consistent Christian.

OHN HENRY HELFRICH, M. D., is a native of this county, and is now engaged in the sueeessful praetiee of his profession in Allen- town. He is the son of Rev. John Helfrich, also born in Lehigh County, and a minister in the German Reformed Church. He in turn was the son of John Henry Helfrich, who was sent from his native Germany as a missionary of the Reformed Church, and located in this state, taking Weisen-

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burg as his field of operations. The entire family were first Whigs and later Republicans in politics ..

The maiden name of our subject's mother was Mary Schantz. She was born in this county, and was the daughter of Jacob Schantz, a miller, who established the old Cedar Creek Mills, which he operated for many years. Mrs. Helfrich is now deceased, having departed this life in the winter of 1892-93, when in the ninety-second year of her age.

The original of this sketch spent his boyhood days in Weisenburg Township, and instead of at- tending the district school was taught by private tutors, his first preceptor being Dr. Zongerly, now deceased, who was a native of Germany and a very learned man. Young Henry was educated in this manner until attaining his seventeenth year, when he entered the Pennsylvania Medical College at Philadelphia, and there took four courses of lec- turcs. He was graduated with the degree of Doc- tor of Medicine when reaching his majority, and began the practice of his profession in Weisenburg Township. There he conducted a general practice for a number of years, and from that place remov- ed to Fogelsville. In 1879, however, he made his advent into this city, by whose inhabitants he is now regarded as one of the most prominent and successful physicians and surgeons.

The grandfather of our subject was a finely edu- cated man, being a graduate of Heidelberg College in the Fatherland. Although completing his med- ical studies in the regular school, Dr. Helfrich now confines himself altogether to the practice of home- opathy. He stands very high in medical circles, and is a member of the Lehigh Valley Homeopathic Society, of which he is a charter member, and also of the Pennsylvania Homeopathic Medical Society. In politics, like all his ancestors, he votes with the Republican party.

Dr. Helfrich was united in marriage with Miss Anne, daughter of Rev. A. J. Harmon, whose fa- ther was sent from Germany to the United States as a missionary. Mrs. Helfrich was born in Berks County, this state, and by her union with our sub ject has become the mother of two daughters: Alesa M., at home, and Agnes M., the wife of Dr. Frank Slough, a practicing physician of this city. Both the Doctor and his estimable wife are active

members of the German Reformed Church, with which they have been connected for many years, and in the faith of which they were reared. They occupy a beautiful residence at No. 32 North Sixth Street, and number their friends among the best people of the city.

I ILGHMAN ODENWELDER. This success- ful citizen of Palmer Township, Northamp- ton County, was born May 1, 1844, at the old homestead near the corporate limits of Easton. The family was represented among the early set- tlers of Palmer Township. His parents, Jacob B. and Mary A. Odenwelder, were natives of North- ampton County, and here spent their entire lives. The father, who was a farmer by occupation, was also for a short time the proprietor of the Forest House in Palmer Township, which he had erected. During his later years he lived in retirement from business cares, and passed away April 15, 1884, at the age of seventy-four. After the organization of the Republican party, he affiliated with it, giv- ing his support to its principles.

Early trained to familiarity with farm work, our subject grew to manhood in Palmer Township. His clementary education was obtained in the public schools of the district, and he was also for a time a student in the private and public schools of Easton. Establishing home ties, he married Miss Emma E., daughter of David and Sabina Edelman, of Palmer Township, and two sons, Jacob D. and Harry T., have been born of the union.

The Republican party is the one to which Mr. Odenwelder gives his support, and he has been prominent in the public affairs of his community. He has served as Election Inspector of Palmer Township, and has held other positions of trust. A man of public spirit, he has in every way possi- ble aided the progress of bis locality. With his three brothers he donated ten acres to a well known manufacturing firm, and also sold at half price the lot on which the Easton Boot and Shoe Factory is

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located. In this and other ways he has endeav- ored to promote the material welfare of the town- ship, and to him as much as to any other citizen is due the growth of the community.

For some years actively engaged as an agricult- urist, Mr. Odenwelder now lives to a large extent retired from active work, his home being ncar the city limits of Easton. He has been successful financially, and is the owner of one hundred and forty acres of farm land in Warren County, N. J., as well as about seventy acres in Lower Nazareth Township, Northampton County. His success rep- resents the results of a great deal of hard work, and is justly merited by his energy, perseverance and business capability.

OHN EDELMAN, a representative citizen of Palmer Township, and one of its oldest sur- viving residents, is a native of Northampton County, born on the 11th of March, 1817. His parents, Peter and Elizabeth Edelman, werc also born in this county, to which place his pater- nal grandfather emigrated from Germany, becom- ing the founder of the Edelman family in the United States. The father of our subject was a lifelong resident of Palmner Township, a man of industry and enterprise, whose life was one of busy toil. In the township where for so many years he had been a resident he passed away in November of 1826. Of his children, there now survive Joseph, John and David.

The subject of this sketch was reared to a sturdy manhood in Palmer Township, and was thoroughly trained to farm work, which he has conducted suc- cessfully throughout life. It was never his privi- lege to attend public schools, but he was a short time a student in the subscription schools of early days, though his broad knowledge of history and current topics has been gained through self-study. It has been his aim to keep posted upon what Is going on in the world about him, and this habit he has never abandoned. During his long and useful career, his residence in this township cover-

ing a period of nearly eighty years, he has wit- nessed the wonderful improvement of this section, and has contributed his quota to the development of its material resources.

The marriage of Mr. Edelman, solemnized many years ago, united him with Mary Yeager, daugh- ter of the late Jacob Yeager, of Palmer Township. There were born of this union five children, named as follows: Samuel, John H., Andrew C., Mary R. and Sarah J. The faithful wife and devoted mother was called from earth July 13, 1858.

The political belief of Mr. Edelman brings him into active co-operation with the Democratic party, to which he has always given his warm support. For several terms he officiated as School Director in Palmer Township, and, appreciating liis own lack of early advantages, he has done all in his power to give to the children of this generation the best educational advantages possible. In re- ligion a Lutheran, he holds membership in the Church at Easton. He is well-to-do in this world's goods, owning seventy-three acres of land in his home farm, and also the well known Fountain House in Palmer Township. Through his labors in life's prime he accumulated a competence, whereby he is enabled to spend the twilight of his useful existence in the enjoyments of the comforts so well deserved. He has retained through his entire life the confidence of the community where he has been a lifelong resident, and has the regard of all his associates.

ILLIAM H. HUNSICKER is a member of the firm of M. C. Ebbecke & Co., dealers in hard ware, guns and sporting goods in Allentown. His entire life has been passed in the Keystone State, and he is one of the well known residents of the community in which he now makes his home. He was born in Northamp- ton County, on the 25th of November, 1841, and is a son of John and Sarah (Heinbach) Hunsicker. The father was a wheelwright by tradc, and car- ried on business along that line during his active

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life. His last days were spent in Catasauqua, Pa., where his death occurred in 1874. His father, Jacob Hunsicker, was of German lineage, and the family was probably founded in America during early Colonial days.

The boyhood days of our subject were spent in Allentown and in Cherryville, Northampton Coun- ty, and until eighteen years of age he attended the common sehools. He then learned the wheel- wright's trade with his father, and followed that business until 1861. At that time he laid aside all business cares and responded to the country's call for troops to aid in crushing out the Rebellion. He enrolled his name among the boys in blue of Company I, Eighty-first Pennsylvania Infantry. under Col. Charles Miller, and with his regiment was sent to Virginia, where they were attaelied to the command of General Mcclellan. Mr. Hun- sieker took part in the seven-days Battle of the Wilderness, and on the sixth day was shot through the shoulder and sent to the hospital in Washing- ton, D. C., where he remained for two months. He was then transferred to Philadelphia, where he was confined in the hospital for seven months, but his wound unfitted him for further duty, and on the surgeon's certificate of disability he was hon- orably discharged and returned home.

When he had sufficiently recovered his health, Mr. Hunsicker went to Philadelphia, where he joined the firm of Seltzer & Miller, and engaged in the wholesale liquor business, which he suceess- fully carried on until 1893. In that year he sold out, and soon after eame to Allentown, where he purchased the interest of Samuel Moyer, of the well known firm of M. C. Ebbecke & Co. The firm style continued the same after Mr. Hunsicker was admitted to partnership. They carry a large and well assorted stoek of hardware, guns and sporting goods of every deseription, and occupy a store 20x130 fcet, utilizing all three floors of the building. Their business has assumed extensive proportions.

In 1865 Mr. Hunsicker was united in marriage to Miss Sabina S. Mohry, of Whitehall, daughter of Benjamin Mohry. They have three children, Irwin J., Harry H. and Howard P., all of whom are still at home. In his political affiliations, Mr.

Hunsicker is a Republican, and socially is con- nected with E. B. Young Post No. 87, G. A. R. He belongs to St. Michael's Lutheran Church, and is a worthy and valued eitizen of the community. He possesses excellent business and executive abil- ity, and enterprise and industry have been the im- portant factors in his success.

W )ILLIAM C. SHERRER, chief elerk and one of the stockholders of the Old Bangor Slate Company, was born in Bloomsbury, Hunterdon County, N. J., October 18, 1844, being a son of Joseph and Margaret (Smith) Sherrer, also natives of New Jersey. The original representatives of the Sherrer family in America came hither from Germany, and made settlement in New Jersey early in the history of that state. William C. was early orphaned by the death of his father, which event, throwing him upon his own resources, developed in his character the traits of self-relianee and persevering industry which have been important factors in his success.

In the public schools of Easton Mr. Sherrer re- eeived the rudiments of his edueation, and after- ward fitted for Lafayette College, which, however, he did not enter. His first situation was with the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company. in which, after having held various positions, he was pro- moted to conduetor in 1865, remaining thus en- gaged for six months. Then going to Philadel- phia, he embarked in the commission business, which he condueted for a year. Yielding to the urgent request of his grandfather, he returned to New Jersey to take charge of the estate and finan- cial interests of the latter, and continued to reside there for two years.

Coming to Bangor in 1871 or 1872, Mr. Sherrer became Superintendent of the Elmira Slate Com- pany, with which he remained three years. At the expiration of that time he entered the employ of the Old Bangor Slate Company, of which he is now the chief elerk, and in which he is a stockholder. He is also a Director and stockholder in the Mer-

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chants' National Bank of Bangor, and is connected with various enterprises that have given an im- petus to the commercial and material development of the place. Of the Banner Slate Company he is serving as Secretary, and is one of its Directors. This quarry is located at Danielsville, and is one of the best in Northampton County.

In politics a Republican, Mr. Sherrer has offici- ated as Chief Burgess, Town Clerk, School Direc- tor and in other posts of honor. His membership is in the Presbyterian Church, of which he is a Deacon. In Sunday-school work he is especially active, and has served for some time as its Superin- tendent. Socially he affiliates with the Royal Arcanum, and formerly was actively connected with the Knights of Pythias. His marriage, which occurred October 12, 1869, united him with Miss Mary Angelica, daughter of Samuel Straub, of Bath, Pa. One child has blessed their union, a son named H. Straub, who was born October 18, 1875, and is now (1894) a Junior in Lafayette College.

ACOB RAUB has done more, perhaps, toward the upbuilding and improvement of Easton than any other citizen of the place. For about three years he has been much interested in real estate, and his success is owing almost en- tirely to his financial ability and sound judgment Many local enterprises he has fostered and aided, among these being the shoe and felt factories, the suspension bridge and the market house. For some three terms Mr. Raub was a member of the City Council, was President of the Select Council for one term, and inaugurated the first Democratic Mayor ever elected in Easton.

John Raub, the father of our subject, was born in Forks Township, Northampton County. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and in politics was a Democrat. For some years he engaged in carpet-weaving, and at one time operated a cooper- age. He was a man of diversified talents, and won considerable fame as a local doctor. He was also a great hunter, and very fond of fishing, taking

much pleasure in these sports. He was twice mar- ried, having five children by his first wife, namely: Daniel, William, John, Sarah and Mary. By his second marriage, the lady being Sarah Everhart, he had four children: Peter; Amanda, Mrs. Kutzler; Emma, Mrs. Franzer; and Jacob. The father died in 1860, but his wife is still living.

Jacob Raub was born January 25, 1854, on his father's farm in Forks Township. He received a common-school education, but early engaged in making his own living. His first employment was as a farm hand at $4 per month, though for five years previous he had received only his board and clothing. At the age of seventeen years he began learning the trade of carpentering, and was only twenty years old when he built his first house. At this time he received $275 from his father's estate. In 1876 he became a partner in the firm which was subsequently known as Raub, Franzer & Arner. This partnership was dissolved in 1878, and for a time our subject worked as a journeyman. He built and paid for his home and went into business on his own account. He succeeded very well from the first, as on casting up his accounts at the end of the year he found that he had cleared $1,200; the second ycar he cleared $5,000, and the following year $3,000. His small shop was at first only 10x12, but its dimensions were necessarily in- creased in a short time. For years he has given employment to twenty-three men during the en- tire year, and has frequently done a business of $75,000 per annum.

In 1891 Mr. Raub associated with himself Will- iam J. Daub, and embarked in real-estate business. They bought a farm lying within the city lim- its of Easton, this place being known as Easton Heights. It comprised seventy-six acres, a large portion of which has been sold off in lots and im- proved with good buildings. The ground on which stands the Moravian Church was donated by the partners, who have contributed liberally to many philanthropic societies and works in Easton. About $75,000 worth of land has been sold, fifty houses have been erected, and numerous others are in process of construction. Mr. Raub was the first person to build a house in this portion of the city, and has been untiring in his efforts to provide in-

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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 17

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