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 23

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 23
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 23
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 23

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Being strictly moral in his habits, genial in man- ner and prepossessing in appearance, it is but nat- ural that Mr. Oplinger should have many friends throughout this part of the state. He has been chosen to represent the people in various offi- eial capacities. In 1881 he was nominated and elected School Director, and was chosen Secretary of the Board, which position he held for three consecutive years. His term expiring in 1884, he was re-elected, and in 1885 became Treasurer of the Board, filling that position for two years, until the expiration of his second term as Director.

In religious belief Mr. Oplinger is connected with the St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, which he has served as Trustee and member of the Church Conneil. In 1881 he was made one of the building committee to ereet the St. John's Evan- gelical Lutheran Church on Second Street, in the borough of Slatington, of which he was also

chosen the superintending architect. In the work of building the edifice his assistance was invaluable and was greatly appreciated by the members of the congregation. In 1890 he was appointed borough engineer by the Council of Slatington, which po- sition he has faithfully and honorably filled to the present time. In 1891 he built the new reservoir for the borough, which proved to be a vast im- provement over the old water supply in that place. August 3, 1893, he was appointed Notary Public by Gov. Robert E. Pattison.

Socially Mr. Oplinger is identified with the Ma- sonic fraternity. He entered the Manoquesy Lodge No. 413, A. Y. M., at Bath, Pa., February 2, 1871; was admitted to Slatington Lodge No. 440, F. & A. M., February 14, 1889; to Allen R. A. Chapter No. 203, June 20, 1892; and to Allen Commandery No. 20, and Knight Templar Jan- uary 12, 1893. He is also a member and Past Chief of Slatington Castle No. 206, Knights of the Golden Eagle, with which he united November 23, 1887.

A RTANUS H. SNYDER is the Postmaster and a business man of high standing in Weaversville, where he is the proprietor of a large mercantile establishment. He considers the interests of his patrons at all times, thereby laying a foundation for still further business, and still greater success in the. line which he pursues cannot but be his just reward. His store occupies the old Weaversville Academy, and in the main part is 60x25 feet in dimensions. The stock includes everything needed in the country. or city house- hold, such as dry goods, groceries, boots, shoes, crockery, etc. It is valued at about $9,000, and he does an annual business amounting to $25,000.

Mr. Snyder was born in this county June 5, 1864, and is the son of Ambrose and Emma (Stein- metz) Suyder, also born in this county, and at present residing in East Allen Township at the re- spective ages of seventy and sixty years. The Snyder family have taken a prominent part in the

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upbuilding of this portion of the county for many years, the first representatives having come here in an early day:

In his youth Mr. Suyder prosecuted his studies in the publie schools of his native place, and October 21, 1881, was graduated from the Knauss Business Institute at Easton. In the fall of that year he be- gan clerking in the mercantile establishment of George Hoch & Son, in South Bethlehem, where he remained until the sueeeeding spring, and then, going to Coopersburg, clerked there until ready to establish a business for himself, which he did in Weaversville. He has in his employ two clerks, and is earrying on a fine trade, having among his pa- trons the best people in the eity and surrounding country.

Miss Sarah C. Laubach became the wife of Arta- nus H. Snyder in 1886. She was born January 1, 1865, and is the daughter of David Laubach, for- merly a resident of this county, but now deceased. Their union has been blessed by the birth of a son and daughter, Edgar A. and Edith E.

In his politieal connections Mr. Snyder is an ardent Demoerat, and takes great interest in the suceess of his party. Religiously he has been con- neeted for many years with the Lutheran Church. In the summer of 1885 he received the appoint- ment of Postmaster of Weaversville, the duties of which responsible position he has discharged in a most satisfactory manner since that time. He has also been Auditor of East Allen Township, and in every way that he can, seeks to promote the wel- fare of his community.

S ILAS K. WESTEN is one of the leading business men of Cherryville and one of the most enterprising. His establishment is located on Main Street, where he is engaged in the manufacture of all grades of harness. He was born in Lehigh County, January 31, 1834, and is the son of John and Isabella (Knapp) Westen, the former born in Berks County, this state, and the

latter a native of Stamford, Conn. The great- grandfather, Francis A. A. Westen, was a native of Germany, and a merchant in Berks County, Pa. Grandfather Knapp, born in Connecticut, was by occupation a teacher.

John Westen, the father of Silas K., was a har- nessmaker by trade, which occupation he carried on in North Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, for many years. He was quite successful in this business, and was a man who commanded the re- speet and esteem of the best people of the com- munity.

Silas K. Westen, the subject of this sketeh, at- tended first the publie and later the private schools of his native place, and being an apt pupil, gained a good knowledge of books, which he has put to practical use during his business life. When choos- ing an occupation in life, he followed in the foot- steps of his lionored father, under whose instruc- tion he learned his trade. He remained at home until the year prior to attaining his majority, when he started out as a journeyman at the harnessmak- er's trade, working for a time in New York City. In 1862 he located in Cherryville, where for the following two years he was in. the employ of his brother Francis. At the expiration of that time he established a business for himself, which he has earried on with success, and he is the proprietor of a well equipped store.

Mr. Westen was married in 1854 to Miss Han- nah Young, of this place, and to them was born a family of ten children, six of whom are living at the present writing, and named respectively: Henry C .; Sydnam J., who is engaged in the blaek- smithing business at Wilkes Barre; Clifford W., en- gaged in the harness business at Wilkes Barre; Ida, Mrs. Charles Hoats; Mary, Mrs. Mark Unangst; and Spurgeon A., a telegraph operator at Allen- town. His eldest son is a minister in the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, holding a charge at Ches- terton, Ind. The wife and mother died in April, 1876, and the lady to whom our subject was married the following year was Matilda Nagle, a native of Fogelsville.

In religious affairs Mr. Westen is a devoted member of the Evangelical Church, and has been Superintendent of the Sunday-school for many

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

years. He is a Republican in politics, and active in the temperance cause in this locality. He is popular in both business and social circles, and has many warm personal friends who fully appreciate his worth and his natural kindness.

EHL MARKLEY. The task of a biograph- ical writer is a pleasant one when he is called upon to give the facts in the his- tory of a man so conspicuous in the social and financial improvement of a locality as is the gen- tleman named above. Mr. Markley is the repre- sentative of the Perkiomen National Bank of East Greenville, Pa., in Macungie, in which responsible position he has served for a number of years. He possesses a clear, well balanced mind, a keen in- sight into business matters, and other traits that have made him successful personally, and potent in advancing the material prosperity of his village and county.

In Montgomery County, the subject of this sketch was born November 27, 1859. The family of which he is a representative has long been iden- tified with the history of Montgomery County, where were born his parents, the late Richard and Sophia (Kehl) Marklcy. He was reared upon the home farm, and after completing the studies of the public schools entered Ursinus College, at College- ville, Pa., where he remained a short time. Sub- sequently he taught several terms of school.

When about fifteen, Mr. Markley began to learn telegraphy at Norristown, Pa., and continued thus engaged for two years. Later he clerked in a mer- cantile establishment at East Greenville, Pa. The year 1882 witnessed his arrival at Macungie, where he entered the employ of the Lehigh Telegraph Company. With them he remained for some time in the capacity of general manager. Subsequently

this organization was merged into the Postal Tele- graph and Cable Company, which he continues to represent. In 1884 he became the proprietor of the branch bank at Macungie, and his financial ability has been proved by his successful manage- ment of affairs in this responsible position. He also represents the Mutual Life Insurance Com- pany of New York City.

The political affiliations of Mr. Markley are with the Republican party, the principles of which he always supports. In religious belief he is a Luth- eran, and for several years has served as Dcacon. Socially he belongs to the Masonic order at Trex- lertown, and is also connected with the Order of the Golden Eagle at Macungie. Hc has a pleasant home in Macungie, and in the society of his wife and two children, Bessic and Grace, spends his leisure hours. Mrs. Markley was formerly Miss Ida Meyer, being a daughter of Dr. Charles Meyer, of Macungie.

Mr. Markley is recognized as one of the pro- gressive, public-spirited and enterprising citizens of Lehigh County, and enjoys to a degree not al- ways attained, the confidence of business inen with whom he is placed in contact. While tlic demands of his personal affairs arc so absorbing as to prc- clude active participation in public affairs, he is nevertheless always interested in matters of gen- eral interest, and gives his active support to meas- ures for the benefit of the people.

J OHN A. MAYER, D. D. S., is one of the prom- inent and well known citizens of Mauch Chunk, and takes a prominent part in public and business affairs. The best interests of the community find in him a friend, and his sup- port is never withheld from any worthy enterprise calculated to promote the general welfare. He is now successfully engaged in the practice of den-

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

tistry, and is a Director in the Linderman National Bank of Mauch Chunk.

The Doctor was born in the city of Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1837, and is a son of Jacob and Mary (Supper) Mayer. His parents were also natives of Germany, but never left the Fatherland. Their son was reared and educated in his native country, and no cvents of special importance occurred during his childhood and youth. He remained in Wurt- cmberg until 1854, when, at the age of eighteen years, he bade adieu to his friends and early home and crossed the briny deep to the New World. Landing at New York City, he thence came direct to Philadelphia and entered the office of Dr. Githen, where he studied dentistry for a time. He after- ward pursued his studies with Dr. Wardlc, of the same city, obtaining an excellent knowledge of the profession.

The year 1860 witnessed the arrival of Dr. Mayer in Mauch Chunk. Here he opened an office and began the practice of dentistry, whichi he has successfully continued up to the present time, being now the oldest dentist in years of continuous prac- tice in the place. He was soon well established in his profession, and lias steadily worked his way up- ward. He keeps well abreast with everything con- nected with the science of dentistry, and his taste- fully arranged office is supplied with all the appli- ances and equipments known to the profession.

In 1865 Dr. Mayer was united in marriage with Miss Mary M. Rosenberger, daughter of Jacob Rosen berger, of Philadelphia, Pa. Seven children were born of their union, namely: George H .; Ja- cob F., who is a practicing physician in Philadel- phia; John A., Jr., who is taking a course in the dental department of the University of Pennsylva- nia, and Kate Elizabeth, Mary Louisa, Anna, and Charles Wesley, who are deceased. The family is one of prominence in the community, its representa- tives holding a highi position in social circles, and their pleasant residence is thie abode of hospitality.

In politics, Dr. Mayer takes quite an active in- terest and supports the men and measures of the Republican party. He owns good property in Mauch Chunk, and in connection with his otlier in- terests he is a stockholder and director in the Lin- derman National Bank of Mauch Chunk. He is a

member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is Treasurer, and is also one of its directors and stewards. He liolds membership in Carbon Lodge No. 242, F. & A. M., also with Lodge No. 76, I. O. O. F., and belongs to Chapman's Post No. 61, G. A. R. His life has been well and worthily passed, and his example is one deserving of emula- tion. He came to America empty handed, but has never had occasion to regret his removal thither, for licre he has found a pleasant home and many friends, and has become the possessor of a handsome property.

HARLES E. FENICLE is among the enter- prising and successful business men of Bath, Northampton County, where he has been a resident and tradesman for over a quarter of a century, during this time occupying a posi- tion in the esteem and confidence of the people well worthy of attainment. He has taken great interest in local politics and in every movement having for its object the betterment of the town and county.

Ile was born in this county September 20, 1842, to Samuel and Fannie (Smith) Fenicle. The father is a native of Northampton County, and the mother of Monroc County, Pa. Samucl Fenicle, who is still a resident of Bath, should he live until August, 1894, will be seventy-seven years of age.

The boyhood and youth of Charles E. Fenicle were passed on a farm, and during this time lie managed to acquire a good general education. When about eighteen years old he began working at the shoemaker's trade, which he followed until twenty-four years old. At that time he engaged in partnership with his father-in-law, Samuel Lau- bach, in the harness-making business, which they conducted for many years, until the death of Mr. Laubach, since which time Mr. Fenicle has carried on the business alone. He brings to bear upon his

EAGLE BREWERY

1867 1892

EAGLE BREWERY. THE PROPERTY O

用

田田

MAN KOSTENBADER, CATASAUQUA, PA,

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

work the experience of long years, and is thorough and trustworthy in whatever work he undertakes.

In 1866 Mr. Fenicle married Lavinia Laubach, and to this worthy couple two children have been born. Cora, the elder, became the wife of Frank Fried, and Ella is the wife of Harvey Grayvill.

In February, 1894, Mr. Fenicle was elected Bur- gess of Bath to serve for a term of three years. He supports the men and measures of the Repub- lican party, and is greatly interested in their wel- fare. Religiously he holds membership with the Lutheran Church, and gives largely of his means to the church and benevolent organizations. He is a member of the Senior Order of American Me- chanies of Bath, and also belongs to the Masonie order of this place. He is a self-made man, hav- ing started out on the journey of life with little save his own energetic and industrious disposition; but by means of his sterling qualities he has sue- eeeded in making a good position for himself both in a financial and social way.

H ERMAN KOSTENBADER, of Catasauqua, is the proprietor of the Eagle Brewery, one of the largest local industries of this place, whielt was started in 1867, and has since enjoyed a growing patronage. Mr. Kostenbader is a practical man of business and thoroughly qualified to manage so large a eoneern, as he lias had practical experience in former times with similar institutions, and has made a sueeess of them. The goods turned out by this brewery have a large sale in this vieinity and are noted for uniform goodness and reliability. The present proprietor has been connected with the Eagle Brewery since 1867, and during this time has re- built and greatly improved the plant, also extend- ing its sales.

. A native of Wurtemberg, Germany, our subjeet was born in Pfullingen, near Stuttgart, April 9, 1842. His paternal grandfather, John F., was a paper manufacturer. His father, Frederick, also a a native of Wurtemberg, was formerly engaged in running a restaurant, but later obtained the office

of forester, which office he held until shortly be- fore his demise, which occurred at the age of seventy-five years. His wife, whose girlhood name was Maria Keppler, was born in the same locality, and was a daughter of Martin Keppler, a buteher by trade. The lady died when only thirty-six years of age; afterward her husband was again married. Our subject is the eldest of the three living children, two others having departed this life. One of his sisters resides in New York, and the other makes her home with him.

The boyhood of Herman Kostenbader was passed in his native land, where he attended the excellent publie schools until fourteen years of age. Dur- ing four years of the time he studied Latin, be- coming quite proficient in the sciences and lan- guages. Setting sail for America alone, he landed in New York August 7, 1856. He took passage in the "Bavaria," at Havre, with Captain Bailey, and it was thirty-seven days ere they sighted land. At once the youth proceeded to Phila- delphia, where he served an apprenticeship to the brewery business with the firm which is now known as Schnitzel & Smith, and after completing the business he worked for Bergner & Engel, and also for John Klumpp.

Remaining in Philadelphia until the year 1860, Mr. Kostenbader went to Toledo, Ohio, where he worked for about two years at his vocation, thence going to Cineinnati, and afterward returning to Philadelphia. In 1864 he went to Bethlehem, Pa., entering the employ of John Schilling in his large brewery, and continuing with him for three years. In 1867 he came to Catasauqua, in company with Conrad Sehaffer, starting the first brewery in the city, formerly located where the Eagle Brew- ery now stands, and the old plant bore the same name. In 1872 Mr. Schaffer's interest was pur- ehased by Jolin Kreutzer, of Philadelphia, and together the partners continued until the death of that gentleman, in 1876, when our subjeet pur- chased his interest, and has since carried on the business alone.

The Eagle Brewery is located on Railroad Street, between Mulberry and Willow Streets. The former frame building in time was supplanted by the present fine brick structure, which is perfect in its

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details. The malt house occupies a space of 31x20 feet, the brewery is 25x37} feet, the wash house 18x31 feet, and the engine and macbine shop covers a space of 55x69 feet, while the stables are 183x30 feet in dimensions. The engines for the brewery are ten horse-power. while the two boilers are each seventy-five horse-power. In the ice house is an iee machine with a twenty-horse engine, and having a capacity of ten tons. The Eagle Brewery can turn out twenty-five thousand bar- rels a year, and this product is shipped to all parts; steady employment is given to six men or more. The brewery manufactures its beer from the best barley and hops, and consequently the product is strictly purc. Starting in business on a very small scale, the goods being made by hand and the brew- ery having a capacity of only about fifteen hun- dred barrels a year, as they could only brew during the winter, it is evident at a glance how greatly Mr. Kostenbader has succeeded in his enterprise, and how suceess has crowned his well directed efforts.

In 1873 the beautiful residenec of Mr. Kosten- bader on Second Street was ereeted for his home by him, his property having a frontage of sixty feet. He married in 1868 Miss Maria, daughter of Peter Wagner, a baker of this eity. The lady was born in Catasauqua, and herc her death oceurred in 1872. Two years later occurred the second mar- riage of our subject, his bride being Miss Matilda Striekler, who was born in Canton Zurich, Switzer- land. Six children grace the home of our sub- jeet, their names being as follows: Dorothy, August, Herman, Charlotte, Celia and Marie. The family are members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. In politics Mr. Kostenbader votes with the Demo- cratie party.

PIERCE LENTZ, chief clerk of the ear department of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, is a representative business man of Le- highton. Holland says that the history of a eom- munity is best told in the lives of its citizens, and it is certainly true that such men as the gentleman

of whom we write make the history of the place in which they live. We therefore gladly present to our readers the life record of Mr. Lentz, who was born in Parryville, Carbon County, on the 28th of August, 1852, and is a son of Col. John and Eliz- abetli (High) Lentz. The father was a farmer and contractor and also served as Sheriff and Associate Judge of Carbon County. His birth occurred in 1793, and he served as Sergeant in the War of 1812. He was a man of great foresight and deter- mination, and was ever a public-spirited citizen, taking an active interest in everything that per- tained to the welfare of the community and its upbuilding. Carbon County was set off from Northampton County while lie was serving as Sheriff. He took quite an active interest in the future development of the anthraeite coal mines and the building of railroads, and was a man widely and favorably known. In his death the community lost one of its best citizens.

F. Pierce Lentz is the third child born of his father's third marriage. His literary education was acquired in the common schools, and in the Chistine Academy of Lehighton, after which he studied telegraphy and became an operator in the employ of the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company in 1866. He was located at various points along the road until 1873, when he embarked in mer- chandising in Lehighton." For two years he eon- tinued business along that line and then sold out, after whielt he once more entered the employ of the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company, serving as operator and clerk until 1888, in which year he was made chief clerk of the ear department with headquarters at Paekerton.

On the 14th of December, 1872, Mr. Lentz was married to Miss Clara Olewine, daughter of Daniel Olewine, one of the early and highly respected citizens of Carbon County. They have one daugh- ter, Elizabeth E., who is now a student in the Mo- ravian Seminary of Bethlehem, Pa. Their home is an elegant brick residenee, richly and tastefully furnished, and supplied with all the comforts of life.

Mr. Lentz exercises his right of franchise in support of the Prohibitionists, takes an active in- terest in political affairs and is now Chairman of

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the Prohibition Central Committee of Carbon County. He has been Secretary of the Common Council, Borough Auditor, and was School Di- rector and Secretary of the Board for a number of years. In 1884 he was elected Justice of the Peacc, which office he filled for ten years and then rc- fused to again serve. He has always been faithful to his duty, and his efficient service has caused his frequent re-election. In connection with his other business interests, Mr. Lentz is a stockholder in the Lehighton Water Company, and in the Lehighton Knitting Company. He and his family are ail members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he has served as one of its officers and as local preacher for many years. His public and private life are alike above reproach, and his honorable, upright carcer has gained him the confidence and good wishes of all with whom business or social relations have brought him in contact.

RANCIS ERDELL. It matters little what vocation a man selects as his life occupa- tion so long as it is an honorable one. If he is upright, courteous and honest in his inter- course with his fellow-incn, and possessed of energy and perseverance, he is bound to make a success of whatever he undertakes. Among those who have become prominent in their different callings is Mr. Erdell, conductor on the Catasauqua & Fogelsville Railroad, in whose employ he has been since 1865.

Born in Upper Macungie, Lehigh County, April 10, 1845, our subject is the son of John Erdell, a native of Paris, France. The latter came to Amer- ica with his parents, who located in Philadelphia, where he was reared to man's estate. He was a shoemaker by trade, and upon starting out in life for himself made his home in Upper Macungie, where he worked at his trade for a time, and later entered the limestone quarries. His death, which occurred in 1861, took place at Fogelsville, whither he had removed with his father. The grandfather of our subject was a Catholic in religion, but John

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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 23

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