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 18

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 18
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 18
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 18

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dustrious workmen and small salaried men with homes on easy terms. He was interested with John R. Osterstock and others in building up the tract known as "the court house lot."

In July, 1876, Mr. Raub was united in marriage with Aravesta A. Arner, who has borne him seven children, as follows: Arthur L., Howard, Reuben S., Sarah, Gertrude and Edith (deccased). The family are members of the Reformed Church.

J AMES McMAHON was the fourth Postmaster of South Bethlehem, and was a faithful officer in that capacity for a period of eight years. He was appointed to that position in 1871 by President Grant, and was appointed for a sec- ond term by President Harrison. He resigned in the fall of 1893, and gave up the post March 21 of the following year. Under his administration of affairs the work pertaining to the office was sys- tematized, and in the report made to the postal authorities in 1891 and 1892 the office stood No. 1 in the second class of the second division. Mr. McMahon was formerly a member of the South Bethlehem Gas and Water Company, which built the present water works, and owns several resi- dence properties. He was the first Burgess of the place, serving for one year, from 1864 to 1865, and for a period of twelve years, though not in succes- sion, served as a member of the City Council. In the improvement of streets, starting of schools, and in other material ways he has been identified with progressive movements, and has practically assisted in the prosperity of South Bethlehem.

The subject of this biography was born in County Limerick, Ireland, on Christmas Day, 1834. His father, John McMahon, whose birth also oc- curred in the Emerald Isle, owned and operated a good farm. His wife, a native of the same coun- ty, was in her girlhood Miss Mary O'Kieffc. James is the eldest of three children, and the only one of the family who has come to America. He was ed- ucated in h's native land, and in 1849 set sail on the vessel "Constellation" from Liverpool, and at

the end of twenty-two days landed in New York. As he had an acquaintance in Philadelphia he pro- ceeded direct to that city, and there attended school for a few months. As he had received thorough instruction in agricultural duties on his father's farm, we next find him an employe of an old Quaker in Haddonfield, N. J. For about a year and a-half it was part of his duty to bring produce from the farm to Philadelphia, where he sold it to regular customers. Next he became a railroad conductor, obtaining the position through ac- quaintances, the Barrys, who built the Northern Pennsylvania Railroad from Philadelphia to Beth- lehem, now known as the Pittsburg & Reading.

In 1855 Mr. McMahon first set foot in Bethle- hem, and then became an employe of the old Le- high Zinc Company. With Mr. Wetherill he as- sisted in making experiments on spelter or metallic zinc for about a ycar. He was now a little over twenty-one years of age, and after being with Mr. Wharton, who was also in the zinc business, he was for four months at work in the oxide furnaces. For a year thereafter he had charge of the rooms where the oxide was collected, and was then made day foreman. In that capacity he served with Mr. Jenkins until 1863, when B. C. Webster, the Presi- dent, became General Manager, and by him our subject was appointed Superintendent of the plant, continuing as such until May 1, 1881.

In 1881 Mr. McMahon removed to a farm which he had purchased in Iowa County, Iowa, a tract of one hundred and sixty acres. He did not re- main there long, however, as he was solicited to build oxide works in Mineral Point, Wis., and ac- cordingly did so in 1882. This corporation, the Mineral Point Zine Company, is now a leading concern in the business, and our subject became Superintendent of the works, remaining there for six years. In 1888 he sold his Iowa farm and, re- turning to South Bethlehem, moved into his old home. April 4, 1889, he was again appointed Postmaster, taking charge of the office May 12. The salary was then only $1,600 a year, affairs were in a bad condition, and the office itself was not very well situated. All these things our subject undertook to change, and succeeded in doing so. It was removed to its present large quarters, one

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of the finest locations in the state; a free delivery system was introduced, and it was transferred from the third to the second class, the salary being in- creased to $2,400.

One of the first members of the Church of the Holy Infancy, our subject is active in its work and cherishes a very kindly feeling toward the Mora- vians and other Protestants of this region who were so liberal, both in thought and in a more practical way, when this church was constructed. Since 1868 he has been a Republican, having voted for President Lincoln for his second term. He is one of the most aggressive Republicans in the county, and has been active in local committees. For nine years he was a School Director, and served for a number of years as President of the board. The schools were in a dilapidated con- dition when he first became interested in the mat- ter, but now the educational facilities of the place can rank with the best in the state. In 1875 he erected his pleasant home on the corner of Locust and Fourth Strects, and has also built several other houses in South Bethlehem.

R EUBEN P. FEHNEL, formerly Commis- sioner of Northampton County, and at present a farmer and stock-raiser of Palmer Township, was born February 13, 1833, in the county where he still resides. Here also were born his parents, Peter and Lydia (Dilliard) Fehnel, and hither in an early day came his grandfather, Con- rad Fehncl, the founder of the family in the state, and one of the pioneer settlers of Moore Town- ship.

School advantages were somewhat limited when our subject was a boy, but he availed himself to the utmost of those offered him, and gained a prac- tical education that fitted him for contact with the world. As soon as old enough he began to aid in tilling the soil, and with advancing years increased responsibilities came to him. He remained beneath the parental roof, engaged in general farm work, until he attained his majority, at which time he be- gan to learn the trade of a carpenter. This occu- pation he followed for a number of years, though his time has been devoted mainly to agriculture.

Removing in the spring of 1862 from Moore to Palmer Township, Mr. Fehnel has since resided in this part of the county. In 1873 lie settled upon the farm where he has since resided. This place comprises one hundred and ten acres of land, the larger part of which has been placed under a high state of cultivation, so that at each harvest it yields large and valuable crops. While he has de- voted his attention principally to the cultivation of his property, he has found time to give to the consideration of public matters, and is well in- formed concerning the issues of the age.

Among the local offices held by Mr. Fehnel is that of School Director of Palmer Township. He has also served as Road Supervisor, and for a period of three years filled the position of Com- missioner of Northampton County. His wife was Hannah, daughter of George Marsh, late of Moore Township, but now deceased. Six children were born to this union, of whom five are now living: George; Thomas; Ida, who is the wife of Thomas Kunkle; Amanda and Owen P. Clementine is de- ceased. A Lutheran in religious belief, Mr. Feh- nel belongs to the church situated on Bushkill Creek, in Forks Township, and in that congrega- tion is serving as an Elder.

LIVER K. JONES, a well known and repre- sentative citizen and retired agriculturist of Freemansburg, is a native of Northamp- ton County. He was born November 26, 1838, to Joseph B. and Eliza (Keck) Jones, the former a native of this county, and the latter born in Lehigh County. John Jones, the great-grandfather of our subject, was said to have been a native of Wales, and was one of the early settlers of the Lehigh Val- ley, having come to America when a young man.

Our subject was reared to manhood in his native county, receiving his education in the common schools near his home, and later attending the private schools of Bethlehem. He has been a life- long agriculturist, economical and industrious, and therefore prosperous, aud now owns one hundred and twenty-six acres of well cultivated and finely improved land, where he still resides, though living a retired life. He has served as School Director

ADAM LAUBACH.

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for several years, and has held other local offices. In politics he has the interests of the Republican party at heart, and is active in public affairs, both national and local.

Mr. Jones was married, February 3, 1863, to Miss Clara Oberly, a daughter of John S. and Catherine (Shimer) Oberly. The mother is still living and is in her seventy-eighth year. The parents of Mrs. Jones were natives of Northampton County, and her great-grandfather Jones was a native of Wales, having come to America in an carly day. He settled in the Lehigh Valley and took up a tract of land, which he cultivated, and on which he reared his family, spending the remainder of his life with his children in that place.

Our subject and his estimable wife are active members of the Lutheran Church at Freemansburg, and are deeply interested in the cause of Christian- ity. Mr. Jones is an Elder in the church and is well known in this locality. Two sons have been born to him and his wife, Harry O. and Charles, both of whom are employed in the War Department of the United States Government at the Bethlehem Iron Works in Bethlehem, under Captain McNutt.

A DAM LAUBACH. Seigfried's Bridge, Northampton County, takes its name from its first settler, Colonel Siegfried, a Revo- lutionary officer, who died in 1794. This town is in the richest valley in Pennsylvania, where only enterprise and industry are known from Mauch Chunk to Easton. In a radius of three miles eight large cement mills give wealth to the busi- ness people of Seigfried's, and in consequence of this mammoth industry the town rolls in prosper- ity. Foremost as a business man and middle-aged citizen is Adam Laubach, who for forty years lias occupied the large mercantile house as a part of his father's legacy. Hc was born in Northampton County, November 9, 1827, and is the son of Peter Laubach, Sr., and his estimable wife, Elizabeth (Ne- ligh) Laubach. His paternal great-grandfather,

with a brother, and a sister, Marguerite Laubach, sailed from the Palatinate, in Germany, on the ship "Queen Elizabeth," Capt. Alexander Hope the ship's master, and landed in Philadelphia Sep- tember 16, 1738.

Reinhardt Laubach, the brother, settled in Heller- town, Lower Saucon Township, where he now lies buried. From this branch of the family William Laubach, the merchant prince of Easton, the coun- ty seat of Northampton County, is descended. The son of Reinhardt Laubach, Peter by name, moved to Kreidersville, Pa., in 1755. From him the vast Laubach family traces its descent The Laubach family is noted for powerful physique, and in the family the occupation of blacksmithing and the mercantile business have been handed down from generation to generation.

Asa youth Mr. Laubach attended a public school, and was instructed in the studies that were taught in the early part of the century. At the age of eighteen years he entered the office of his father's mill at Laubachsville (now Northampton), and assumed the management of this department of the mill. He remained thus engaged until 1858, when he came to Seigfried's Bridge and established his present business, which he has successfully conducted. From his father he inherited princi- ples of strict honesty and integrity, and, being very philanthropic and public spirited, his influ- ence has been an important factor in the develop- ment of the town. Besides conducting a large mercantile business, he has a lumber-yard, coal- yard and sand depot. In addition to this, he is a large real-estate owner, and possessor of a finc farm.

A man of devout character, Mr. Laubachi is a consistent member of St. John's Reformed Church, which his father liclped to build. In politics he is an ardent Republican, and has been Postmaster of the town since 1858. He never aspired to office, but served for fifteen years as School Di- rector, an honored and responsible position. Hc is the son-in-law of Judge David Laury, of Laury's Station, whose sketch is elsewhere presented. Fur- ther mention is made of Mrs. Laubach's family history in the sketch of Alexander C. P. Laury, which appears on another page of this volume.

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The eldest daughter is the wife of G. H. Klep- pinger, a prominent wholesale grocer and real-es- tate owner of Allentown. The eldest son is an energetic merchant and prominent Mason. The third daughter is the wife of a clergyman of the Reformed Church. Two of the family are still unmarried and reside at home, the youngest son, who, like his brother, is an advocate of Freema- sonry, assisting his father in the mercantile busi- ness.

ONAS F. MOYER, who was appointed by President Cleveland to the position of Post- master of Catasauqua in the spring of 1894, is making a good record in this capacity. He is a leading Democrat, having been one of the workers in the ranks of his party, and for the past twelve years has been a correspondent for the Allentown Daily Item.

Born at Macungie, in this county, June 2, 1850, J. F. Moyer is the son of Samucl and Elizabeth (Mertz) Moyer, the father a native of Upper Mil- ford, and the mother of Macungie. The paternal grandfather was born in the Keystone State, but his father was a native of Holland, who became one of the early settlers of this county. Samuel Moyer was a carpenter by trade, and assisted in building the locks in the canal, and also erected the first brick house in the borough of Macungie. Later he owned a slateyard, and was a partner in the foundry of Miller & Moyer. In other cn- terprises he was also active. Though now seventy- seven years of age lie takes a great interest in the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and is living a re- tired life in the borough which has been his home since boyhood. His wife was a daugliter of Henry Mertz, a native of the same place, who was a broom manufacturer.

In his parents' family, which comprised eiglit children, Jonas F. Moyer is the fourth in order of birth, all but two of the family still living. He was reared in the place of his birth, attending the public schools, and about 1861 commenced his

active career, his first work being in a brickyard. Afterward he worked on a farm in the vicinity, and then on one in Bucks County, during which time he attended school to some extent. We next find him a clerk in a store at Macungie, from where he went to Philadelphia, obtaining em- ployment in a grocery. Once more returning to his childhood's home, lie engaged as a clerk in the same store, but about 1869 he began teaching at Alburtis, and taught there for one term, follow- ing the same business for some seven or eight terms in the vicinity of Macungie. During this time he attended the Keystone Normal, working his own way, and graduating June 1, 1877, with the degree of Bachelor of Elements. Two years later he received the degree of Master of Elements. After- this he resumed teaching, and the following two years taught at Ironton, and later for one year at Sand Springs. Thus the years passed, his time being mainly given to teaching until 1883. In 1879 he took the First Ward School in Allentown, which he taught for a year, and then for the same length of time taught the school in North Whitehall Town- ship, near Unionville. After leaving Unionville he came to Catasauqua, teaching here for two years, when he changed his vocation and became bookkeeper for William Yunger in his flourmill. At the end of two years he resigned his position in the mill to engage in the life-insurance business, which he has since continued in with the exception of some five winters when he taught the Faust Grammar School, and in Allen Township. While in the life-insurance business Mr. Moyer repre- sented the Mutual Benefit Association of Newark, N. J., and in its interests has traveled considerably in adjoining counties.

In this city Mr. Moyer was married, in 1878, to Miss Celia R. Troxell, who was born in Washing- ton Township, of this county, and is a daughter of E. A. Troxell, who is engaged in merchandising in Catasauqua. To Mr. and Mrs. Moyer were given seven children, five of whom are living, as follows: Samuel E., Ida E., William A., Russell F. and Ella May. Mary E. and Solon F. are deceased.

In January, 1894, Mr. Moyer was given the preference over about twenty-three applicants, and received the appointment of Postmaster, taking

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possession of the office immediately. He has many warm friends and supporters in his party, who have been most happy to give him their patron- age and support, and the wisdom of their selection and recommendation has been shown in the man- ner in which he has conducted the affairs of the office. Mr. Moyer is an Odd Fellow; is Past Officer of the Knights of the Golden Eagle, having represented his lodge in the Grand Lodge, and is a member of the Patriotic Order Sons of Amer- ica, being one of the founders of the lodge and Past Officer. For one term he served on the Grand Jury, and, in brief, has been in many ways before the public in leading roles. A member of the Re- formed Church, he is one of its active workers and is Superintendent of the Sunday-school.

ILLIAM R. THOMAS has for many years enjoyed a reputation not only as one of the finest mechanics in Catasau- qua, but also as a man who is thoroughly posted in public affairs. He is now in the employ of the Davies & Thomas Company. A man of more than ordinary ability, he has had a vast amount of ex- perience in his work, and every transaction is characterized by good judgment. He was born in Glamorganshire, Wales, May 30, 1829, and is the son of Hopkin Thomas, whose life history will be found in the biography of James Thomas. The paternal grandfather of William R. Thomas, who was also a native of Wales, was a miller, which oc- cupation he followed in his native land during his entire life.

Hopkin Thomas, who was also a fine machinist, crossed the Atlantic in 1834, and located for a time in Philadelphia. Thence he went to Beaver Meadows, where William R. Thomas, his son, re- ceived his education in the district school, and when sixteen years of age learned the machinist's trade in the shops located there. He remained there until attaining his twentieth ycar, when, de- siring to perfect himself in his line of work, he

went to New York City and received special in- struction in the navy-yards. For two years he worked there, and in 1854 emigrated to La Salle County, Ill., and thence to Amboy, where he en- gaged as an engineer on the Illinois Central Rail- road, running between that city and Centralia.

After a service of two years on the road Mr. Thomas' health failed, and he returned to this city, and after recuperating entered the employ of the Crane Iron Company as master mechanic, remain- ing with them until 1868, and only leaving their employ to become a partner in the McKce, Fuller & Company Car Wheel and Axle Works. He was Superintendent of the plant for two years, when he disposed of his interest in the business, and be- came connected with the Coleraine Iron Works in the building of furnaces, managing the work shop until 1875. That year he went South to Georgia, where he built the Rising Fawn Iron Furnace in Dade County. From there he went to Helena, Ala., and superintended the operations of the Hel- ena coal mine for a month. At the expiration of that time he returned home and accepted the su- perintendency of the Coleraine Iron Company for one year, after which he went to Hokendauqua to fill the same position for the Thomas Iron Com- pany. After being seven years in their employ he was, in March, 1887, made Superintendent of the Crane Iron Company, and continued in this posi- tion until 1891, when, in company with A. and C. H. Fuller, he started the Globe Metal Works. With this he was connected a year, when he sold out, and, coming again to this town, became connected with Davies & Thomas' Foundry and Machine Works.

William R. Thomas was united in marriage in Janesville, this state, in 1856, to Miss Martha May- hew, a native of England, and the daughter of Francis Mayhew. Of the nine children who were born to them eight are now living: James, a machinist in this city; Katie, Mrs. Agthe, of Phila- delphia; John, a chemist in this place; Hclen, Irene, Mary, William and Fritz, at home with their parents. Frank, who was Superintendent of the Franklin Iron Works in New York, died in that city.

In social affairs Mr. Thomas is a Frec and Ac-

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cepted Mason, a Royal Areh Mason and Knight Templar. Politically he is a supporter of the can- didates of the Republican party, and although not actively interested in political affairs, he maintains a deep interest in everything calculated to pro- mote tlie best interests of the county, and is a loyal and public-spirited citizen.

J OSEPH J. MOYER, a well known resident of Treichler's, was formerly conductor on the Central Railroad of New Jersey, running between Easton and Seranton. He was born in Easton, May 5, 1840, and is tlie son of Joseph J. and Catherine (Sierfass) Moyer, the former borul in Lehigh County, and the latter a native of New Jersey.

The father of Josepli J., of this sketch, was a miller by occupation, and resided for nearly a quarter of a century in Springtown, N. J., where he followed his trade. He died at Phillipsburg, that state, in 1877. He was an ardent admirer of Dem- ocratic principles, and never failed to cast a vote in favor of that party's candidates. His widow is still living. making her home in Phillipsburg, where she has passed her eightieth birthday, A daughter and three sons are still living: Amos; Elizabeth, now the widow of Samuel Arndt; John Z .; and Joseph J., who was next to the youngest. The youngest was Jacob B., now deceased.

Joseph J. Moyer, the subject of this record, was four years of age when his parents removed to Springtown, where he was reared to mature years. He carried on liis primary studies in the publie schools of Springtown, and later attended school at Riegelsville, this state. When a young man he learned the miller's trade from his father, and fo)- lowed it profitably for several years. In 1865 lie accepted the position of eonduetor for the Lehigh & Susquehanna Railroad Company, running be- tween White Haven and South Wilkes Barre, which was subsequently merged into the Central Rail- road of New Jersey. He punched the first ticket on

the Lehigh & Susquelianna Road after the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company assumed control of tlie road. A steam engine of the regulation kind was used, and where they struek the mountain the train was let down about thirteen hundred feet on the grade from Ashley to South Wilkes Barre, a distance of two and one-half miles. The route when Mr. Moyer was made conductor covered about thirty miles, but the road was subsequently built to Scranton and Easton.

Mr. Moyer remained in the company's employ until the spring of 1893, when he resigned, and located in Treichler's, where he is living retired. He is a stanchi Democrat in politics, and is socially connected with Blue Lodge No. 52, F. & A. M., of Phillipsburg, N. J .; belongs to Eagle Chapter No. 30, at the same place, and Commandery No. 45 at Wilkes Barre, and is a member of the Scottishi Rites at Bloomsburg-in all of which orders he takes an active part.

The marriage of Josepli J. Moyer with Miss Emma Hartman was celebrated in 1869, or about that date. She was born in Wilkes Barre, and be- eame the mother of a daughter, Kate, who is the wife of F. A. Day, and a son, Samuel E., a veteri- nary surgeon in Mieliigan. The wife and mother died in 1873, and Mr. Moyer was married in 1877 to Mary E. Drinkhouse, of Easton. Two children were granted them, Christie M. and Edith R. Mr. Moyer's present wife, whom he married in August, 1893, was prior to her marriage Rose C. Caston, of Mauch Chunk.

(C)

)ILLIAM H. KASTEN, M. D., is a fine representative of the young physicians of Carbon County who are suecessfully engaged in the practice of their noble ealling. He is a young gentleman of marked enterprise and much ability, and an honorable and remunerative career appears to lie before him in the field of inedicine. He is also the proprietor of a fine drug store in Nesquehoning, which he is carrying on in

HON. JAMES S. BIERY.

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connection with his practicc. It is fully stocked with all kinds of medicines, and such other articles as are usually found in a first-class establishment of the kind. He was born September 4, 1871, in East Mauch Chunk, and is the son of Frederick and Matilda Kasten, the former of whom is deceased, while his mother is at present residing in East Mauch Chunk.

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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 18

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