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 29

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 29
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 29
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 29

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The subject of this sketch was reared to man's estate on his father's farm and acquired a good fund of knowledge in the pay schools of his native county. After completing his studies he taught several terms of school in Lehigh County, whence lie removed in the year 1846. Young Rickert first engaged to clerk in a store in Wash- ington Township, but gave up the position a short time thereafter in order to teach in a private school.

In 1849 we find our subject residing in Carbon County. At Stembersville he was proprietor of a hotel for a short time. His next move was made to what is now Trochsville, where he had the honor and distinction of erecting the first house, which was a brick structure, and was the first resi- dent in the locality. The land round about began to sell rapidly, and opening up a hotel, he con-

ducted it from 1851 to 1857 with good success and was very popular as "mine host."

In the last-named year Mr. Rickert located in Franklin Township near the city of Weissport, where he has been engaged in the lumber, coal, flour and feed business since that time. He is one of the shrewd business men of the neighborhood, and by judicious investments and good manage- ment has acquired a goodly amount of this world's goods, and his record in all the relations of life and in the duties devolving upon him as an hon- orable citizen is of the highest.

Jacob K. Rickert and Miss Mary Newhart, a na- tive of this county, were united in marriage in 1848. To them have been born two children, Hiram and Daniel. Mrs. Mary Rickert departed this life in 1858, and two years later Mr. Rickert married Eliza Hoffman, who is also deceased.

In public affairs our subject is interested and well informed, and has been called by his fellow- citizens to numerous positions of trust and respon- sibility. Among the offices which he has filied are those of County and Township Auditor, School Director and Justice of the Peace; and the duties of the latter office he is discharging in an able manner at the present time. He belongs to the Evangelical Church and is honest and upright in all the relations of life.

S AMUEL HARLEMAN, the proficient and faithful train dispatcher, and assistant train master of the Lehigh Valley Rail- road, at Weatherly, is a native of Carbon County, and was born in Millport April 17, 1829. He is of German descent, his remote ancestors having come from Germany in a very early day, but for several generations the Harlemans have made their home in Pennsylvania. Grandfather Harle- man was a native of Chester County, Pa., and a farmer by occupation. He was a very prominent man in the community in which he lived, serving in many of the local offices. He was elected Jus-

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tiee of the Peace, in which capacity he served for a number of years, being a terror to the evil doers, but was honored and respected by all. He died at an advanced age, and is buried in Carbon County.

The father of our subjeet was born in Chester County; he followed the occupation of farmer, and also that of shoemaker, which trade he learned in his youth. In polities he was a Republican, and held the office of Justice of the Peace for a num- ber of years to the satisfaction of all. Isaac Harle- man, our subjeet's father, chose for his wife Cath- erine Seigenfus, and to them were born seven children, namely: John and Maria, deceased; Thomas; Samuel, our subjeet; Edward; Susannah, and William, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Harleman were exemplary members of the Presbyterian Church, and are buried in the Weatherly Ceme- tery.

Samuel Harleman, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the common schools, and was only nine years of age when his parents left Millport and went to live in Penn Haven, where they re- mained for several years. In 1846 our subjeet eame to Weatherly, being employed as brakeman on a coal train, and about 1852 his parents removed hither. He kept this position for eighteen montlis and then became fireman; at the expiration of one year he was promoted to the position of engineer, in which capacity he remained until 1864. He was then made train dispatelier for this division of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, and in 1891 was also made assistant train master. Mr. Harleman is interested in the silk mill, and is one of the Trustees of the enterprise. He is a Director of the water company, and has held that office in the Weatherly Building and Loan Association. He was also at one time a. Director in the Second National Bank of Mauel Chunk.

In 1850 Mr. Harleman was united in marriage to Miss Susan, a daughter of George Setzer, of Monroe County, Pa. To them were born five chil- dren, four of whom are living. Charles met with an accident which caused his death; Ada M. is the wife of D. A. Meldwin, of New York; George M. is train master of the Lehigh Valley Railroad at Bethlehem, Pa .; Mary A. is Mrs. Thomas Dunn, of Weatherly, and Lizzie is the wife of O. F. Len-

hardt, of Norristown, Pa. Our subjeet is a stanch Republican in polities, and is the present Treasurer of Weatherly. He served as School Director for thirty years, and was elected County Commissioner in 1872 for a term of three years, being re-elected in 1883 for a like term. He is also Director of the Poor for the middle coal distriet, comprising parts of Luzerne and Carbon Counties. Fraternally our subjeet is associated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias.

During the Civil War Mr. Harleman was a mem- ber of the emergency corps of Pennsylvania, un- der Col. Robert Klotz. He was always found at lis post and never faltered in the path of duty, no matter how dangerous. The remembrance of liis devotion to the Federal cause is a precious legacy with which to endow his children, a bequest more enduring than houses or land.

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F RANK J. LENTZ, dealer in staple and faney groceries in Slatington, has one of the finest establishments of its kind in the city, and by his courteous treatment of customers las a fine trade. He is a native of the county, and was born September 8, 1857. His parents, Elias and Hannah (Hollenbach) Lentz, were both born in Lehigh County.

John Lentz, the great-grandfather of our subjeet, was born in the year 1744. His son, Addison, was born in 1781, and Elias Lentz, the father of our subjeet, was born in 1811, and died in 1878.

Frank J. passed his boyhood days in attendance at the common schools, and a year after attaining his majority learned the art of telegraphy, at which he worked for two years. He then elerked three years in the hotel of Henry Bittner, and in 1887 embarked in business for himself, in partnership with Lewis Staller, under the firm name of Stahler & Lentz. This connection only lasted for four months, when Mr. Stahler sold out to Amandus Bittner, the firm name then becoming Lentz & Bittner. Subsequently Mr. Lentz bought out Mr.

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Bittner, and since then has operated alone with signal success. He carries a full and complete line of everything found in a first-class establishment, and has the entire confidence of the business com- munity.

In May, 1890, Mr. Lentz was elected School Di- rector, and served efficiently in that position for three years. In polities he is a Republican, and in social affairs is a member of the Patriotic Order Sons of America; Knights of the Golden Eagle; Knights of Junior Mechanics, and Knights of Malta. He is one of the charter members and or- ganizers of Slatington Hose No. 1, a volunteer fire company, of which he is Assistant Chief at the present time.

The marriage of Mr. Lentz took place January 18, 1885, at which time Miss Sara E., daughter of Stephen Andres, became his wife. She was born in this county, as were also her father and mother, the latter of whom before her marriage was Caro- line Jacobs. The two daughters and one son born to our subject and his wife are Lilly, Florence and Walter. Mr. Lentz and his wife are members of the Reformed Church, in which the former served as Deacon for many years.

YRUS F. LERCH. It has often been said that invincible determination will accom- plish any desired result, and the effect of its constant exercise is visible in the life of this gentleman, who has won a high place for himself in the community by reason of industry, persever- ance and a genial nature. He is at the present time residing in Hanover Township, where he has a fertile estate comprising one hundred and thirty acres favorably located near Bethlehem.

Our subject is a native of Northampton County, this state, and was born December 5, 1845, to William H. and Catherine (Daniels) Lerch. The former was also a native of this state, while liis fa- ther, William Lerch, came from Germany. He was the first of the family to locate in the United

States, making his home at that time in Northamp- ton County, and afterward becoming an early set- tler in the Lehigh Valley.

William H. Lerch departed this life in Decem- ber, 1888. He had come to this county when our subject was quite young, and during his residence here was very active in local affairs, and served for some time as Director of the School Board. He was a Democrat in politics, and in religious affairs held membership with the Reformed Church. His widow, who still survives, is past three-score years and ten, and makes her home in Bethlehem.

Our subject is the eldest of the parental family who survive, his brothers and sisters being Martin; Maria, the wife of Rev. Frank Bender, of the Cumberland Street Lutheran Church, Philadel- phia; Camilla, the widow of David Weaver; Al- bert and Walter. Our subject passed his boyhood and youth on his father's farm, which is now in liis possession, and prosecuted his studies first in the public schools, and later in a private school. He received thorough training in farm work, so that on the death of his father he was thoroughly fitted to assume the management of the estate, and has ever since conducted affairs in a most profit- able manner.

July 2, 1865, Cyrus F. Lerch and Miss Mary, daughter of Henry and Caroline Nonnenmacher, were united in marriage. The lady was born in Allentown, this state, and lier parents were like- wise natives of this county. The father of Mrs. Lerch is now seventy-eight years of age, while his good wife has passed her seventieth birthday. Their family included the following children: John, Mrs. Lerch, Matilda (the wife of Alvin Deach), Jane (Mrs. William Snyder), Sarah ( wife of Ira Flowry), Carrie (Mrs. Q. Ritter), James and Robert. Mr. Nonnenmacher has been very suc- cessful in life, and for a number of years was an extensive brick manufacturer. Finally he drifted into farming, of which business he also made a success, and is now living retired in Bethlehem, Northampton County. He is an old and esteemed citizen of that place, and with his wife is an in- fluential member of the Lutheran Church.

Mr. Lerchi of this sketeli is a Democrat in poli- tics, and holds membership with the Reformed

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Church of Shoenersville, which he has served as Elder and Deacon. His good wife is likewise con- nected with that denomination, in which she is an active worker. Mr. Lerch has led a very busy and useful life, and the success that has crowned his efforts is well merited by his honorable and straight- forward business career. Mr. and Mrs. Lerch are the parents of one son, George F.

A MMON ARNER, a venerable and esteemed citizen of Mahoning Township, Carbon County, is a native of this county, within whose limits the main part of his life has been passed. Until this year (1894) he has been act- ively engaged in commercial enterprises, and has been blessed with success in his business under- takings.

The subject of this narrative was born February 2, 1822, to Henry and Catherine (Moyer) Arner. The father, who dicd at the age of ninety-five years, was a native of Lehigh County, and a son of William Arner, whose birth also occurred in the same county, but who later became a resident of Schuylkill County, where he continued to make his home until his death. Ammon Arner grew to man's estate in this county, and early learned the practical duties pertaining to farm life. He was a student in the primitive subscription schools of his day, and his advantages for obtaining an edu- cation were very limited. For a number of ycars he was in partnership with his father in the inanu- facture of powder and also in the operation of the homestead. On engaging in business for himself, he manufactured phosphates and farmn fertilizers for a period of about twenty years, after which he concluded to turn liis attention to mercantile pur- suits.

In 1869 our subject opened a merchandising business at New Mahoning Postoffice, continuing to run his establishment for about a quarter of a century. His efforts to please his customers and to retain their trade met with success, and for

years he derived a good income from the business. In 1894 he sold out to his son-in-law, Lewis Zim- merinan, and since that time has confincd himself to running his farm.

April 18, 1848, Mr. Arner married Annie Beltz, who was born and grew to womanhood in this county. Her parents werc John and Hannah (Hum- mel) Beltz, likewise natives of the Keystone Statc. The latter, who is making her home with Mrs. Arner, is now in her eighty-fifth year, and is still hale and hearty. Mr. and Mrs. Arner have four children living and seven deceased. John H. is a resident of Allentown, Pa .; Moses D. makes his home in Kansas; Kate J. is the wife of Lewis Zim- merman, and Emma L. is at home.

Frequently our subject has been called upon to serve in official capacities, and among the posi- tions he has held is that of Inspector on the Elec- tion Board of his township. For many years the postoffice of New Mahoning lias becn located in his store. Religiously he holds membership with the Reformed Church, in which he has served as Deacon, but his wife is connected with the Evan- gelical denomination. Mr. Arner casts his vote in favor of the Democratic party, and has been iden- tified with its welfare for over half a century.

EORGE ENZIAN. The old saying that industry brings its own reward, as surely as docs virtue, is proven in the life of the gentleman with whose name we open this sketch. He is the proprietor of a first-class meat market in Mauch Chunk, and in addition to this business superintends the operations of his fine estate in Franklin Township. He began at the bottom round of the ladder of fortune, but has ascended until he is now considered one of the well-to-do and substantial citizens of the place.

Mr. Enzian is a native of Saxe-Meiningen, Germany, and was born July 27, 1843, to Henry and Elizabeth Enzian, also natives of Germany. George was rcared to man's estate in the Father- land, where he acquired a good education in his native tongue, and from his father he learned les-

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sons of economy and industry. The elder Mr. Enzian was the proprietor of a hotel in the Old Country and owned a good farm, which he culti- vated with fair success.

In 1866 the subject of this sketch determined to come to America, and boarding a vessel which left Bremen, landed in New York City after a voyage of thirteen days. From the metropolis Mr. Enzian made his way to Louisville, Ky., where he remained only a short time, and later we find him located in Carbon County, this state, as an employe on the Lehigh Valley Railroad. He was thus employed for the following three years, when he began as huckster and butcher, in which latter branch of trade he has been engaged for a quarter of a century. He has been remarkably successful in prosecuting his calling, and as a prominent and influential citizen is widely and favorably known. His sterling worth and strict integrity have won him the confidence and regard of all with whom he has been brought in contact.

In the year 1867 George Enzian and Miss Eliza- beth, daughter of Adam Hoffman, were united in marriage. Adam Hoffman was born in Germany, as was also his daughter, Mrs. Enzian, and lived to a ripe old age, well respected in his community. To our subject and his estimable wife there were born twelve children, six of whom are living: George H., who is proprietor of a store in Lehigh- ton; Elizabeth, the wife of B. D. Hoffman, who is engineer on the Lehigh Valley Railroad; Chris- tina, who married Elmer Walk, a fireman on the above road; Charles, who is learning civil engin- eering; and Henry and Annie L., who are attend- ing school.

Mr. Enzian is a devoted member of the Luth- eran Church, and has been Superintendent of the Sunday-school, as well as serving in other official capacities in the congregation near his home. In politics he favors Democratic principles, and on that ticket was elected Assessor of Franklin Town- ship. He is a liberal contributor toward all worthy enterprises and aided very materially in the build- ing of two Lutheran churches, St. Matthew's, at North Weissport, and St. John's, at Long Run.

Our subject owns a valuable farm in Franklin Township, which he has accumulated entirely by

prudent management and well directed efforts. It is a highly improved state, and ranks among the most productive of this section. He also owns three thousand acres of land in Penn Forest Town- ship, ou which he is now prospecting for coal. Both Mr. and Mrs. Enzian are intelligent people, and take an active interest in matters of local im- portance, both of a social and public nature, and wicld a decided influence throughout the commu- nity and even beyond the vicinity of their home.

R EV. HENRY S. FEGLEY. In the life of this honored gentleman there is much for the reader to admire and emulate, and it therefore affords us pleasure to incorporate in this volume the main events in his useful and lionora- ble career. He has charge at the present time of the Evangelical Lutheran Church at New Tripoli, where he has been stationed for nearly a quarter of a century.

Our subject was born in Boyertown, Berks Coun- ty, this state, on the 15th of December, 1843, and is the son of John and Maria (Swinehart) Fegley, both of whom are now deceased. Henry S. was reared to man's estate in Boyertown, Berks County, and received his early training in Mt. Pleasant Semi- nary in that place. He afterward studied under private teachers until September, 1866, when he entered the Evangelical Lutheran Theological Sem- inary at Philadelphia, where he took the regular course and was graduated in June, 1869.

Rev. Mr. Fegley's first charge consisted of five congregations, namely: Ebenezer, at New Tripoli; Jacob's, at Jacksonville; St. Peter's, at Lynnville; St. Paul's, at Seiberlingville, and Jerusalem, in Albany Township, Berks County. On assuming the control of these congregations our subject lo- cated at Lynnville, where he resided until the fall of 1891, when he came to New Tripoli. He was married September 5, 1871, to Miss Alice J. Long, a native of North Whitehall Township. She was the daughter of Ephraim Long, who was born in

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Egypt, this state, and of whom a sketch will ap- pear on another page in this work.

To Mr. and Mrs. Fegley has been born a daugh- ter, Annie M. During the years our subject has been engaged in the ministry he has been instru- mental in advancing the welfare of his eliarges, and also in increasing their numerical strengtlı, and his faithful ministry has gained him a large number of friends.

EORGE LEICKEL. Like many of the representative and much esteemed men of Carbon County, Mr. Leickel is a native of Germany, and was born February 6, 1826. He is a man of much energy, ability and enterprise and is at present the well known buteher of North Weiss- port, being the proprietor of a first-class market, which is conducted on a paying basis.

John and Catherine (Turmin) Leickel, the par- ents of our subject, were also natives of the Fa- therland, where they were farmers by occupation, being well-to-do in this world's goods. George, of this sketch, remained in his native land until attaining liis fifteenth year, when he left home and went to Anisterdam, Holland, where he learned the trade of a buteher, which he followed for five years. At the expiration of that time, in 1846, we find him en route for the United States, taking passage at Amsterdam in the ship "Maria Magda- lene," thiis being her maiden trip. After an ocean voyage of twenty-eight days young George landed in New York City, whence he came directly to this state and joined his brother Frederick, who was living in Lehighton. He was in his brother's employ a twelvemonth, after which he went to Doylestown, Bucks County. Finding employment there, he remained for a year, after which he re- turned to Lehighton and established himself in the butcher business, which he has followed for over forty years.

Mr. Leiekel came to North Weissport in 1849, but previous to this, however, he was the proprie-

tor of a market in Mauch Chunk. He has been very successful in all his undertakings and is self made in the truest sense. The local affairs of Weissport and all affairs of a publie nature are sure of his deepest interest and unswerving devo- tion, and for a number of years he has been Over- seer of the Poor in Franklin Township. In poli- tics he is a staneh Republican.

George Leiekel and Miss Catherine Meisner were united in marriage September 7, 1848. The lady was also a native of Germany, whence she emi- grated to the United States in 1828. Their union resulted in the birth of nine children, five of whom are living at the present time, namely: Willia, Edward, Frank, George and Mary, the lat- ter of whom is the wife of James Schafer. In his religious views Mr. Leickel is a member of the Evangelical Association of Weissport, where he at present officiates as Trustee. Our subject is a man of sterling worth and has the respect and confi- dence of the business community.

I RWIN F. HUFF, M. D. In the list of citizens ably representing the town of Sehnecksville, may be classed our subject, who is the leading physician and surgeon in the place. He is a na- tive of this state, and was born in Montgomery County, May 16, 1860, to Franklin M. and Saralı A. Huff, natives of Hanover, that county.

When only two years of age, our subject was taken by his parents on their removal to Philadel- phia, where they lived until he was ten years of age. They located in Trexlertown, this county. IIere he made his home for eight years, in the meantime receiving a fine education, first in the common sehools, and later in the normal depart- ment of Mullenburg College at Allentown. After leaving that institution he began teaching seliool, which profession he followed for four terms, and during his spare moments read medieine. Later he devoted his entire time toward fitting himself to enter a medical college. He entered the office

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of Dr. S. C. B. Fogle, and read under his supervis- ion for eighteen months.

Mr. Huff took a course of lectures in the med- ical department of the University of Vermont at Burlington, from which institution he was gradu- ated in the Class of '85. After receiving his di- ploma he returned to Fogelsville, and for a short time assisted his former instructor. He then re- moved to Kempton, Berks County, where he was engaged in practice on his own account. He did not remain there long, however, and after his next move we find him in New Tripoli, and finally in Schnecksville, whither he removed in 1887. He has gained a wide reputation for what he has ac- complished, especially in difficult cases, and takes a high place among the fraternity in Lehigh County.

Dr. Huff was married October 29, 1887, to Miss Belle Kistler, of Berks County, this state, and to them has been born a son, Willie K. The Doctor is a member of the Lehigh County Medical Society and socially is connected with Jordon Lodge No. 192, I. O. O. F. He is an ardent Democrat in pol- itics, and his home in Schnecksville is a model of all that a home should be, and in him the good people of the place take just pride.

ILLIAM E. ASH, of Lehighton, who for the past thirteen years has filled the position of adjuster with the American Fire Insurance Company of Philadelphia, was born in Wayne County, Pa., August, 19, 1860, in the old house built and owned by Gen. Samuel Mere- dithi, the first Treasurer of the United States, serv- ing under Washington. This house was built in 1802, and was known as the Belmont House. The parents of our subject were Robert and Rebecca (May) Ash. The father was a farmer by occupa- tion and followed that pursuit for many years in Wayne County, but about 1863 removed with his family to Broome County, N. Y., where he is still living. He has now retired from active business

life, resting in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former labor. His father, John Ash, was of Eng- lish descent. The maternal grandfather of our subject was Thomas May.

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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 29

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