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 30

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 30
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 30
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 30

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

William E. Ash was the seventh in order of birthi in the family of nine children, five sons and four daughters, of whom seven grew to mature years. He was a child of only three summers when taken by his parents to Broome County, N. Y., where he grew to manhood, spending the days of his boyhood and youth in the usual manner of farmer lads. He was early inured to the arduous labors of the fields, and soon became familiar with farm work in all its departments. During the win- ter season he attended the district schools of the neighborhood, and afterwards was a student in Binghamton Seminary. Having attained his ma- jority he began work in the fire insurance business, traveling through the country as the representa- tive of a company of Susquehanna, Pa., and an- other of Great Bend, Pa. He was afterwards con- nected with the American Fire Insurance Company, and is now one of its most faithful and trusted representatives. He has ever labored earnestly in the interests of the company which he represents and his efficient and meritorious service won him recognition and secured his promotion, in 1883, to the office of special agent for the states of Penn- sylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware. His faithfulness to the company's interests did not escape his superior's notice, and soon after he was made adjuster, with headquarters at Lehighton.

On the 25th of March, 1886, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Ashi and Miss Laura J. Clauss, a daughter of the late Granville Clauss, a highly respected citizen of Lehighton. Two daughters grace this union, Mary R. and Helen A. The parents are prominent people in the community, and hold an enviable position in social circles.

Mr. Ash takes quite a leading part in Masonic affairs and is a Knight Templar Mason, belonging to the Commandery in Mauch Chunk. A public- spirited and progressive citizen, he gives his sup- port to all enterprises calculated to advance the general welfare and aid in the upbuilding of the community. He is now President of the Lehigh- ton Water Company, which through well con-

WILLIAM G. FREYMAN.

281

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

structed pipes has brought to the city water from the springs in the mountains. In connection with his other property, he owns a good farin well stocked with cattle and horses. He is a lover of the noble stecd and has some especially fine trot- ters. His handsome residence, situated on Third Street, commands a fine view of the city.

ILLIAM G. FREYMAN, attorney-at- law of Mauch Chunk, is a leading mem- ber of the Carbon County Bar, occupy- ing a foremost place among the lawyers in this section of the state. He well deserves representa- tion in this volume, and with pleasure we present this record of his life to our readers. He was born in Mahoning Township on the 4th of July, 1838, and is a son of George Freyman, also a native of that township. The father followed farming and merchandising, and spent his last days in Carbon County, where he died in 1849. His father was Jacob Freyman. The mother of our subject, who bore the maiden name of Catherine Kistler, was born in Lehigh County, and died in Mahoning Township. In the family were four children, only two of whom are now living, Mrs. Catherine Noth- stein and William G., of this sketch.

Mr. Freyman spent the days of his boyhood and youth in his parents' home, and his early educa- tion, acquired in the public schools, was supple- mented by study in the high school of Weissport. He then engaged in teaching and followed that profession for five terms, after which he began clerking in a general mercantile establishment in Unionville, Pa., but his commercial pursuits were interrupted in 1863 by his enlistment in the army. He became Sergeant of Company G, One Hundred and Seventy-sixth Pennsylvania Infantry, and was engaged in doing garrison duty. Later he embarked in merchandising in connection with his brother-in-law, John Nothstein, under the firmn name of Freyman & Nothstein, which connection continued for four years. During that time our

subject served as Justice of the Peace, and also followed surveying.

Mr. Freyman's connection with the legal pro- fession began in 1871, at which time he became a student in the law office of Gen. Charles Albright, with whom he remained until his admission to the Bar in October, 1873. He then joined his former preceptor in business, and under the firm name of Albright & Freyman was engaged in the prosccu- tion of his chosen profession until the death of the General, in 1878. Subsequently he formed a part- nership with James Kicfer, and under the firm style of Freyman & Kicfer, business was carried on until 1889, when the partnership was dissolved. His next partner was Horace Heydt, and this con- nection was continued until the 1st of May, 1893, when Eugene O. Nothstein was also admitted to partnership, and the firm name is now Freyman, Heydt & Nothstein. They do a general law prac- tice and receive a very large patronage.

In 1865 our subject was united in marriage with Miss Matilda Gilbert, a daughter of George Gil- bert, of Mahoning Township. In politics he is a Republican, and takes an active interest in the success and welfare of his party. He has been honored with a number of public offices, and holds membership with the German Reformed Church.

In connection with his other interests, Mr. Frey- man is a Director of the Second National Bank of Mauch Chunk, and he holds the same position in the Manch Chunk Shoe Manufacturing Company and the Prince Manufacturing Company. He takes great interest in horticultural matters, and has developed one of the finest farms in this part of the state. It is upon the side of a steep moun- tain which rises precipitately from the river, and he has transformed what was a few years ago a barren, checrless waste, into a very productive garden. This he terraced, making beds for some distance about thirty feet wide, and then enlarg- ing in both directions to a width of about one hundred and fifty feet. The walls of the terrace are constructed of brown stone, and there are twenty-two of these terraces which are connected by a flight of stairs three hundred and fifty-three in number. The height of the upper terrace is about two hundred feet above the street, and at

282

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

about one hundred and fifty feet an arbor is lo- eated, which commands a fine view of the town in both directions. Here are raised flowers, fruits and ornamental trees, and a large quantity of garden vegetables. His farm is well stocked with Holstein cattle, and he has a good barn, 60x90 feet, also a horse-power shed 26x28 feet, a chicken house and all the other buildings which are found upon a model farm. This lies on the top of the mountain. The orchard contains three hundred and twenty-five apple trees of many choice varie- ties, and there are also many peaeli, pear and plum trees. Mr. Freyman owns altogether twenty-four hundred aeres of land, and his fine farm, situated on the mountain side, is probably the only one of the kind in the country. He also owns a farm of one hundred aeres in Mahoning Township, with all modern improvements.

OHN A. SEMMEL is one of the leading and well-to-do citizens of East Penn Township, Carbon County. He located upon his pres- ent farm in 1891, and since that time has placed the land under good cultivation. and is constantly making substantial improvements upon the place. Until recently he has followed his trade of painter, though he has also given some attention to agriculture. He is considered to be quite an acquisition to the township, and is num- bered among its enterprising young farmers.

The parents of our subject were Phaon A. and Maria Semmel. The former is a carriage manu- facturer of Slatington, which city has been his home for a number of years. John A. was born March 6, 1860, in Heidelberg Township, Lehigh County, and until eleven years old his time was passed on his father's homestead. At that time, with his parents, he removed to Slatington, and there attained his majority, receiving the main part of his education in that place. When only eight years old he became interested in the paint- er's trade, and worked for his father on carriages

until nearly of age. His line of work is really very artistic, comprising lettering, sign work, serolls, small landscapes and fine work, such as is used on coaches and omnibuses. This calling he has followed more or less up to the present time, although for the past few years he has devoted his attention mainly to agricultural pursuits, and has also become interested in the mining of ore. The farm, which comprises one hundred and sixty acres, is a valuable and well cultivated tract, and in re- turn for the care bestowed upon it, yields abund- ant harvests each year. It was formerly the prop- erty of the late John Balliet. For a number of years our subject was clerk in the general store of the latter gentleman at Bowman, Pa.

In 1882 Mr. Semmel was united in marriage with Miss Emna, daughter of the late John Balliet, of Slatington, Pa. The young couple have had six children, but only three of the number are living, namely: Violet A., Lee E. and Myrtle. Mrs. Semmel was born in East Penn Township, Carbon County, and received a good education. She is a lady of refinement and many amiable qualities, and is a faithful helpmate to her husband.

In political affairs Mr. Semmel is a Republican, with which party he has been identified since at- taining his majority. He warmly supports meas- ures which have as their object the good of society and the upbuilding of the community in which he dwells. In religious belief he is a Lutheran, being a member of the church of that denomination in Slatington.

R ALPH T. SOWDEN, M. D. In a compre- hensive work of this kind, dealing with industrial pursuits, sciences, arts and pro- fessions, it is only fit and right that the medical profession should be noted. Dr. Sowden's skill in the healing art is well known throughout Le- high County, and he has been a resident of Slate- dale since 1880. He was born December 23, 1850, in this county, and is the son of Samuel and

283

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Elizabeth (Williams) Sowden, natives of England.

The mother of our subject was brought to America by her parents when an infant of one year, and Samuel Sowden came hither when a man of thirty years of age. The latter was a pioneer in the iron ore business in the Lehigh Valley and lived for a time in Allentown and later at Ironton. He became a very prominent man in this line of business and met with substantial results in his en- terprise. He departed this life in Lehigh County February 5, 1891, having been preceded to the better land by his good wife, who died August 17, 1890.

Our subject was given liberal educational ad- vantages, having been a student at Muhlenburg College for six months, and also attended the state normal at Kutztown. He had assisted his father during his earlier years in working in the iron and coal mines, and was so far advanced in his studies when seventeen years of age that lie was enabled to teach school in Lehigh County. He followed this occupation for twelve terms during the winter, and in the summer was engaged in va- rious kinds of labor, and from the money thus earned was enabled to carry out his long cher- ished desire of becoming a physician.

When beginning his medical career our subject read with Dr. Wilson P. Kistler, then located at Schnecksville, and in 1874 entered the medical department of the Michigan University at Ann Arbor. In 1879, after taking a full course in that institution, he was graduated with honors, and re- turning to his native state, began the practice of his profession at Shamokin. He remained there only a short time, when he came to Slatedale, where he leads a very busy and useful life, and his honorable and upright career has won lim univer- sal confidence.

Dr. Sowden was married June 12, 1881, to Miss Mary Lentz, a native of this county and a daugh- ter of Alfred Lentz, of Washington Township. Their union has been blessed by the birth of five children: Ralph T., Ella S. A., Edgar L., Samuel A. and Mary A. In politics the Doctor is a pro- nounced Democrat, and socially is a member of the Lehigh Medical Society and the Knights of Malta at Slatington, in which latter order he serves

as Commander of Star Commandery No. 92. By his skill and success in his chosen work Dr. Sow- den has won an excellent reputation as a physi- cian and the good will of the citizens of Slatedale and the surrounding community.

I RANCIS SHENTON, who was formerly en- gaged in the slate industry, is now retired from active business and makes his home in Slatington. His birth occurred in Derbyshire, England. in 1826, and he is the son of Edward and Elizabeth (Fearn) Shenton, who were both likewise natives of England.

The subject of this narrative passed his boyhood days in the land of his birth, receiving a good common-school education, and becoming familiar with the details of the slate business in England. In 1850 he bade adieu to his native land, later ar- riving in New York City. He there continued to make his home for two years, thence he went to Fayetteville, N. C., where he remained until 1855. He later removed to Philadelphia, and there re- mained until the year 1861, when the company with which he was engaged removed to Slate- dale, Lehigh County. He had charge of the school slate factory, and later on in his career engaged in business for himself for a number of years. In 1865 he invented a slate frame which he patented and manufactured by contract, reaping a good profit from this source. He has always been of an inventive turn of mind, and when only a youth in England endeavorcd to construct a machine for smoothing slate, and made other inventions useful in the manufacture and preparation of that com- modity.

In England in 1847, Mr. Shenton married Miss Emma Appleby, whose death occurred in 1868. She left seven children, six of whom are still liv- ing, Elizabeth, George, Frank, William, Annie and Thomas. Annie is thic wife of Frank Peters. Elizabeth became the wife of L. J. Fick, and Rob- ert is deceased. In 1872 Mr. Shenton married

284

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Mary H., daughter of John Campbell, and they have two children, Dora and Howard. Mr. and Mrs. Shenton are members of the Presbyterian Church, and in 1861 Mr. Shenton started the Union Sunday-school at Slatedale, of which he was Su- perintendent for a number of years. On political questions he is not identified with any of the great parties, but is a firm believer in unlimited single tax, having read extensively on the subject, and in general is well informed on the leading ques- tions of the day.

RANK H. HOLLENBACH. It is a pleas- ure to chronicle the history of a man whose life has been one of honor and use- fulness, and although he is still comparatively a young man, Mr. Hollenbach lias accumulated a competence and is classed among the prominent business men of North Whiteliall Township. He is the proprietor of the Sand Spring Roller Mills, which structure is built of stone and is 38x58 feet in dimensions.

When the mills were purchased by our subject in 1886 he equipped them with the latest improved process in the way of machinery and now lias a large trade. The mill proper was erected in 1832 by Michael Wotring, Sr., and was operated by that gentleman for many years. Its next owner was his son, Michael Wotring, Jr., who also ran it some time, and after passing through various hands was finally purchased by our subject in 1886. Mr. Hollenbach turns out a fine grade of flour, his special brand being known as the "Queen Anne." Of the good grades are the "Induna" and the "Roller Patent." Our subject does considerable exchange custom work for farmers, and besides wheat also grinds other grains for their accommo- dation. He isa good business man, honorable and upright in all his transactions, and his sales each year amount to $8,000.

Frank H. Hollenbach, whose name opens this sketch, was born in this county March 5, 1861. He

is the son of Moses Hollenbach, who was also a miller, and it was under his instruction that our subject became an adept in the business. In his youth he had considerable educational advantages, but having been a thoughtful reader and intelli- gent student of events of current interest he lias become a well informed man. He remained in the employ of his father until reaching his majority, when he spent the following two years working in the Mauser Mill at Treichler's.

As before stated, our subject took possession of his present milling property in 1886, and to this business he has given liis entire time and atten- tion. He is recognized as one of the leading mer- chants in the place and enjoys the confidence and good will of the entire community. He was mar- ried in 1882 to Miss Anna L., daugliter of Peter Zimmerman, who is now deceased. Their union has been blessed by the birth of a son and daugh- ter, Carrie and Martin M. P.

In addition to the milling property Mr. Hollen- baclı owns a substantial brick residence located on thirteen acres of valuable property. It lies just across the road from his mill and ranks among the very best in North Whitehall Township. He is an active member of the Lutheran Church at Union- ville and for three years served as its Deacon. In politics he is a strong Democrat, and as one of the well-to-do residents of Northi Whitehall Town- ship we take pleasure in presenting his sketch, for he deserves mention in the history of his native county.

- -

OSEPH ROSE. Several important interests of Steinsville are represented by Mr. Rose, who is proprietor of the hotel, the general store and the postoffice at this place. His name is therefore indissolubly connected with the history of the village, and he is recognized as one of its leading citizens. In his mercantile estab- lishment he keeps a stock valued at $3,000, and his annual sales average $5,000. Here may be found a

285

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

complete assortment of dry goods, groceries, no- tions, quecnsware, glassware, boots and shoes, and in fact, everything contained in a first-class village store.

Born June 25, 1827, our subject is a native of Alsace, France (now in Germany), and his parents, Francis and Catherine Rose, were also born in that province. There he spent the years of boyhood and youth, and prior to emigrating to this coun- try learned the trade of a cooper, which, however, he did not follow after crossing the ocean and settling in America. He acquired an excellent ed- ucation in the German schools, and has since gained a good knowledge of the English language through private study and observation.

In November, 1847, Mr. Rose took passage on a sailing-vessel at Havre, France, and after a rough and disagreeable voyage, lasting for about cighty days, landed in New York City, in January of 1848. For several years he followed any occupa- tion whereby he could gain an honest livelihood, but finally became especially interested in mer- chandising, and to this lic has since devoted his attention. He opened a general store in Schuyl- kill County, Pa., which he carried on about eight years, from 1858 until 1866. During the last- named ycar he removed to Berks County, this state, and became proprietor of a store in Albany Township. In 1874 he came to Steinsville, and here lie has since made his home.

In connection with his mercantile business Mr. Rose is proprietor of one of the best hotels of northern Lehigh County, the good qualities of which are appreciated by its frequent visitors and the traveling public in general. As a member of the Democratic party he has been active in public affairs for many years and has contributed to the progress of the community. Hc has held a num- ber of responsible positions and is now serving as Postmaster at Steinsville, to which position he was appointed by President Cleveland.

The marriage of Mr. Rose occurred April 13, 1856, and united him with Miss Mary Houser, a native of Schuylkill County, l'a. The only child of this union, Jeannette, married Albert B. Christ, and has five living children, Mary, Mabel, Joseph, Frank and Charles. In his religious belief Mr.

Rose is identified with the Reformed Church and contributes to its support as his means permit. He is a man of strict integrity, energy and force of character, and well deserves his present prosperity.

N ATHAN STOFFLET, the owner and occu- pant of a well improved farm in North Whitehall Township, this county, is num- bered among the intelligent, industrious and pros- perous agriculturists of this productive county. He was born here March 7, 1834, and is the son of Jonas and Margaret (Sager) Stofflet, also na- tives of Lehigh County.

The great-grandfather of our subject came from Germany during the last century and made settle- ment in what is now known as Whitehall Town- ship, where he purchased a farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits. The parental family of our subject included ten children, of whom the follow- ing-named survive: Hannah, Mrs. Thomas Schaadt; Nathan; Sarah, Mrs. George Bates; Fieta, Mrs. John Sykes, and John.

Our subject was reared to man's estate in this county and carried on his primary studies in the pioneer schools first taught in the log house with its home-made furniture, etc. Later he attended a private school at Allentown. January 18, 1855, Mr. Stofflet was married to Miss Sarah A. Miller, who was born in this county August 5, 1832. She was the daughter of John and Salome (Neward) Miller, also natives of this county.

The subject of this sketch owns forty five acres of land, which is well equipped in every particular and cultivated in such a manner as to bring him good returns. It has been greatly increased in value since it came into his possession by the many sub- stantial improvements which he has made. In pol- itics Mr. Stofflet is a true-bluc Republican, firmly believing that the principles of that party arc best adapted to the welfare of the nation.

The Miller family are well known throughout this section, and the father of Mrs. Stofflet died in

286

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Whitehall Township many years ago. He rcared a family of children, of whom the following are living: Mrs. Stofflet, Reuben, Fieta, Polly and Rebecca S. Our subject and his wife are devoted members of the Reformed Church in Egypt, in which denomination the former served as Deacon for twelve years, and has been Vice-President of the Foreign Missionary Society for eight years.

BRADSHAW LOVATT. This gen- tleman is numbered among the promi- nent citizens of Weatherly, where he has been engaged in business for a number of years, dis- playing a degree of ability and enterprise that has given him a high standing in financial circles. Of the good educational advantages offered him dur- ing boyhood and youth he made excellent use, and possesses a mind well stored with useful knowledge and capable of grasping with firmness and with acute perception subjects brought before him for consideration. With this, he lias firm principles and courteous manners, and these qualities have been the factors that have secured for him a re- sponsible position in the business world.

In Newark, N. J., W. Bradshaw Lovatt was born October 4, 1856, and in the schools of that city the rudiments of his education were acquired. The information there gained was supplemented by a course in the parochial schools of New York. He began the business of a silk manufacturer in Pater- son, N. J., where he remained until 1882. At that time he went to Allentown, Pa., where he was con- nected with the Adelaide Mills for six years. In 1888 he came to Weatherly, of which place he has since been an influential citizen. In 1888 and 1889 the present mill was operated by Read & Lovatt, but in 1891 a stock company was organized, with the following officers: President, J. C. Read; Vice- President, William Strange; Secretary and Treas- urer, J. Walter Lovatt. Of the mill our subject has from the first been superintendent, discharging the many duties of this responsible position with

characteristic ability and energy. The mill has a capacity of thirty-two thousand spindles, and five hundred persons arc given employment.

As a member of the Republican party Mr. Lovatt takes an active interest in public affairs, giving of his time and influence to the promotion of public- spirited measures. 1Ie has held a number of local offices, in all of which he has rendered satisfactory service. At the present time he is filling the posi- tion of chief of the fire department. He is always warmly interested in everything pertaining to the industrial growth of Weatherly, and his efforts have advanced its prosperity. He is a man of ster- ling integrity, whose every-day life bcars testimony to the inherent uprightness of his character. He deserves the prosperity that has attended his efforts, as he has labored conscien tiously and perseveringly and has exercised sound judgment and duc discre- tion in all his dealings.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

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 30

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