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 31

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 31
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 31
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 31

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ETER BLOSE, a prominent citizen and enterprising business man of Washington Township, Lehigh County, was born June 13, 1829, in this county. He is a son of Jonas and Catherine Blose, who were also natives of Lehigh County. Christian Blose, the grandfather of our subject, emigrated to America in an early day and settled in Washington Township, this county, where lie made his home, rearing his family amid the hardships and privations of pioneer life.

Our subject was reared to manhood in the place of his birth, and at the death of his father, which occurred in the year 1869, he came into possession of the mill of which his father was the proprietor, and has proved a very successful miller. The building is a large three-story structure, built of stone, and the work is carried on under the old process, a water-power overshot wheel running three sets of burrs; the water is supplied by Trout Creek. His trade is mostly custom work, and he takes grain in exchange.

In his youth Mr. Blose worked on a farm and assisted his father in the mill, thereby gaining a

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practical knowledge of the business, which has been of great advantage to him. He obtained a very meager education in what was known in that day as the pay school, but being energetic and in- dustrious, he worked and studied, spending his spare time in reading and in improving his mind, and to-day he is a model man, a living example of what education can do. Besides the mill property Mr. Blose owns thirty-five acres of valuable land, which is well cultivated and improved. He is a man of good business ability, enterprising and sa- gacious, and by careful management and honora- ble dealings, he has won the suecess which now crowns his efforts.

Our subject is a valued member of the Reformed Church, and is a generous and cheerful giver, al- ways ready to help the needy, and takes a great interest in religious affairs. In politics Mr. Blose is a Republican and an ardent supporter of the principles of that party. Prominently identified with the interests of the home of his youth, he is a popular man, and possesses a large eircic of friends and acquaintances.

REDERICK WELZ, who formerly was one of the prominent merchants in Slatington, is now living retired in that city, having accumulated a handsome fortune. He was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, November 19, 1836, and is the son of Jacob and Christiana (Beres) Welz, also natives of the Fatherland.

Frederick spent his boyhood days in attendance at the model schools of Germany, and when only fourteen years old began learning the baker's trade. This he followed until deciding to come to Amer- ica, and in 1864 he set sail from his native shores, and landed in New York City a few weeks later. After being employed in that eity for four years, he came to Lehigli County, establishing himself in the bakery business at Slatington. This business he carried on until 1889, when he retired from active business and devoted his time to looking

after his varied interests in the eity. During 1878 Mr. Welz served in the City Council, and al- though a stanch Demoerat, was elected, in face of the fact that the city was at the time four to one Republican.

Frederick Welz was united in marriage in 1866 with Miss Carrie Snyder, a native of this eounty and the daughter of John Snyder. In 1882 they made a tour through Europe, visiting the promi- nent cities in France, Germany, Switzerland and England. They had a most delightful trip and were absent from home several months. Upon their arrival home they were welcomed by the Burgess, Town Couneil and the public in general, a parade being formed, headed by a band of music. The demonstrations were completed by a grand banquet, showing the good fellowship and great popularity of Mr. and Mrs. Welz. Religiously Mr. Welz is a member of the Lutheran Church, while his good wife is connected with the Reformed Church. Socially our subject is a member of Slat- ington Lodge No. 140, F. & A. M., and is also eon- neeted with the Odd Fellows' Lodge No. 664, in this eity.

With genuine German thrift and prudence Mr. Welz early in life began to save, and he furnishes a fair example of what a man may become by ad- hering to the rules of economy and industry. He is public spirited and in favor of everything that will improve the community and elevate society.

F UGENE A. ELY. Although of comparative- ly recent inception, the carriage works of Eugene A. Ely at Steinsville, under the ef- fieient management of the owner and proprietor have already assumed a front rank among the lead- ing industries of Lehigh County. The products of the works are carriages, lumber wagons, spring wag- ons, sleighs, cutters, etc. A force of eight men is given steady employment in the woodwork, iron and trimming departments and in the paint shop connected therewith. Since the factory was started

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in 1890 it has experienced a flattering increase of business and its products may be found in the prin- cipal markets of the east.

A native of Lehigh County, Pa., our subject was born January 3, 1855, to the union of Penrose and Caroline (Semmel) Ely, likewise born in this county. The father was a blacksmith by trade, and in 1851 formed a partnership with Michael F. Waidclich, a wheelwright by occupation, the firm style becom- ing Ely & Waidelich. The connection continued successfully until 1890, when by mutual consent it was dissolved. Not long afterward, in June, 1891, Mr. Ely passed from earth, his death resulting from a stroke of paralysis. Throughout this county he enjoyed a large acquaintance and the estecm of his associates. He was a man of firm religious be- lief and supported the doctrines of the Lutheran Church, to which he belonged. His success was ac- quired, not through fortuitous circumstances, but as a result of his tireless exertions and excellent management. In his social connections he was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His former partner is still a resident of Steinsville.

Our subject is the only son of his parents. He has two sisters, Alice, the widow of Samuel Oswald, and Laura, wife of James Klingaman. His boy- hood years were passed in the village of Steinsville and he gained a good education in the public schools of this place. During the intervals of study he was employed in the paint shop belonging to his father, thus gaining a good knowledge of the business. For several years before the dissolution of the firm he was foreman of the paint shop. His excellent business capacity is due partly to natural gifts and partly to his wide experience. In all his transactions he is reliable, honorable and energetic, and will undoubtedly enjoy a constantly increas- ing business.

June 30, 1877, Mr. Ely married Miss Catherine Kemmerling, and they are the parents of the fol- lowing-named children: Mary, Clara, Frederick, Sallie, Carrie and Charles. Socially our subject is actively identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Patriotic Order Sons of Amer- ica. He also belongs to the Junior Order United American Mechanics. The questions of national importance receive from him due consideration,

and favoring protection, he gives his support to the principles of the Republican party. In the Lutheran Church he is an active member and has officiated as Deacon.

H ARRISON KUNKEL. This pleasant and accommodating gentleman is one of the prominent merchants in Troch ville. He has a large and profitable trade and takes pride in having everything the best. Our subject was born in Monroe County, this state, February 18, 1838, and is the son of Peter G. and Susan (Kresge) Kunkel, also natives of the above county, through- out whose extent the family were well known.

Harrison, of this sketch, was reared on a farm in his native county and was educated in its public schools. In a business sense he is purely self-made and has carved out his own career, thus proving an example to the present generation of what can be accomplished in this country by pluck and hon- esty. Mr. Kunkel was married in 1868 to Miss Amanda Dory, by whom he became the father of three children. The eldest, Ellen, is now the wife of S. Behler; the other two bore the respective names of Annie and Harry.

Our subject in the spring of 1876 came to Troch- ville, where he opened up a mercantile establish- ment and where he has resided cver since. He pays close attention to his affairs, and on this account is one of the most successful merchants of the county, and Trochville regards him as one of her leading citizens. Besides his dry-goods store, our subject is the possessor of a tract of land in Mon- roe County, which he placed under improved methods of cultivation and now rents to good ad- vantage.

In his political belief Mr. Kunkel is firm in his adherence to the Republican party, and is ever ready to support the party of his choice by influ- ence as well as by ballot. He has been Tax Col- lector of Towamensing Township, and for many years was Postmaster of Carbon. He is public-

DANIEL ROUSE.

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spirited and progressive, takes an active interest in all that pertains to the welfare of his commu- nity and uses his influence for its benefit.

In his general store Mr. Kunkel carries a stock of about $3,000 worth of goods and does an an- nual business of over $10,000. In church matters he is a member of the Reformed Church, which he has served in the capacity of Treasurer. He is a pleasant, genial gentleman, and is everywhere re- garded as a man of good judgment and strict morality.

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D ANIEL ROUSE, Associate Judge for the county of Carbon, is a native of Monroe County, Pa., born in Hamilton Township near Stroudsburg, June 14, 1823. In the common schools of the home locality he gained the rudi- ments of his education. to which he has since added by observation and self culture. In early youth he was apprenticed to the trade of a carpenter, in which he soon became a skilled workman. During the year 1846 he removed from Monroe to Car- bon County, and settled in Weatherly, where he 'became an employe of the Beaver Meadow Rail- road Company, and after its consolidation with the Lehigh Valley Railroad he still continued in its employ. In 1855 he was promoted to the posi- tion of foreman of the car shops, in which capacity he has since been employed. His industry, energy and thorough knowledge of the business have brought to him the confidence of the officials of the road, and he fully merits the high regard in which he is held.

Doubtless few of the citizens of Weatherly have been more closely identified with the educational interests of the borough than has Mr. Rouse, who, during the period of thirty years in which he offi- ciated as School Director, was the dircet means of greatly promoting the interests of the schools, and securing for them all the improvements suggested by the best minds of the country. He has never allowed himself to become the instrument of any party, but has used his own powers of mind and

kecn insight into character, as a guide in casting his ballot. He supports in local matters the men best fitted to represent the people. He was the first Burgess of the borough of Weatherly, and in 1875 was elected County Commissioner, filling that office for three years. In 1893 he was chosen to fill the office of Associate Judge of Carbon County for a period of five years, and is filling the position in a manner acceptable to all con- cerned. In addition to his other enterprises he is Trustce of the silk mill, President of Oak Hall, a Director of the water company and also of the building and loan association.

Socially Mr. Rouse affiliates with the Masonic fraternity, being quite prominent in that organi- zation, and belonging to lodge and commandery. He also holds membership in the Independent Or- der of Odd Fellows, and is connected with the Knights of Pythias. His marriage occurred in 1850, at which time Miss Sarah N., daughter of Samuel Gilbert, and a resident of Monroe County, became his wife. They have had a family of four children, three of whom are living, as follows: Ed- win G., Peter G. and Laura E., the latter being the wife of Maurice Hooven, of Weatherly.

H ENRY E. SWARTZ, the efficient Registrar and Recorder of Dceds of Carbon County, is one of the highly respected citizens of Mauch Chunk. He is both widely and favorably known in the community, and we feel assured that the record of his life will prove of interest to many of our readers, so we gladly give it a place in this volume. A native of Germany, he was born in Bavaria on the 16th of October, 1834, and is a son of John G. and Elizabeth (Weahr) Swartz, who were well-to-do people. His father was a physician in the town of Neustadt, and both parents died in Germany.

The subject of this sketch attended school in Noerdlingen, and completed his education in Nu- remberg, where he remained until sixteen years of

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age, when alone he started for America, having determined to try his fortune in the New World. He now has one sister living in this country, a resident of Cincinnati. On landing in New York City Mr. Swartz made his way to Tamaqua, and thence went to Pottsville, where he secured a posi- tion as bookkeeper for David G. Yuengling. Sub- sequently he engaged in school teaching, being employed in this capacity in various places both before and after the War of the Rebellion.

At the time when some of the southern states attempted secession Mr. Swartz was elerking at Penn Haven, but laid aside commercial duties and enlisted in Company F, of what was known as the Irish Infantry on account of the greater part of its members being of that nationality. Mr. Swartz became Sergeant of his company, which has since become famous as the Buck Tail Rifles. After serving for twenty months he was disabled for duty and was honorably discharged. He then re- turned to the north, and once more engaged in teaching school for several terms, after which he became bookkeeper and shipper for the extensive lumber firm of Shortz, Lewis & Co. It was while filling that position that he was made Commis- sioners' Clerk by Daniel Rouse, Henry Boyer and James Ash, who were then County Commissioners.

In 1882, while serving in that capacity, Mr. Swartz became candidate for Registrar and Re- corder. but failed of election. His efficiency as a bookkeeper and penman was well known to the officials of the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company, and on the morning after the election he was offered a position on the coal auditing depart- ment by Harry E. Packer. Since that time he has been identified with the company as a trusted and faithful employe. He has also done considerable clerical work in county offices, and is now serving as Registrar and Recorder of Carbon County in a creditable and acceptable manner.

Mr. Swartz was united in marriage with Miss Rebecca Relirig, of East Penn Township, Carbon County. She died in September, 1891, leaving ten children, seven of whom are still living with their father. Mr. Swartz is a public-spirited and pro- gressive citizen, ever alive to the best interests of the community, and all who know him esteem him

highly for his sterling worth and strict integrity. It was a fortunate day for him when he decided to emigrate to America, for here he has found a pleasant home and many warm friends and gained for himself a comfortable competence.

OSTER I. SMITH, D. D. S., a successful and popular dentist of Lehighton, stands at the head of his profession in Carbon County, and although a young man, is doing a good business, entirely as the result of his skill and ability. A native of Northampton County, he was born on the 2d of May, 1861, and is a son of Irvin Smith, who for many years was a well known mer- chant of Northumberland and Snyder Counties. He died in Middleburg, of the latter county, in 1877. His wife bore the maiden name of Fannie Leimbach, and is a daughter of John B. Leimbach, of Northumberland County. She is still living, and now makes her home in Newark, N. J. In their family were four children, of whom our sub- ject is second in order of birth. The eldest, L. H. Smith, is a prominent physician of Hazleton, Pa.

We now take up the personal history of Dr. Foster Smith, who acquired his literary education in the public schools and then took up the study of dentistry under the direction of Dr. Henry All, of Bradford, Pa. After thus reading for some time in a private office he entered the dental de- partment of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, from which institution he was graduated on the completion of a thorough course of study. In 1880 he took up his residence in Great Bend, Susquehanna County, Pa., where he opened an of- fice and engaged in practice for six years. On the expiration of that period he came to Lehighton, where lic has since engaged in business.

On the 28th of November, 1883, in Great Bend, Pa., was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Smith and Miss Libbie Duttweiler, a native of the Keystone State and a daughter of Martin Duttwciler. They . have one son, Irvin D. The Doctor is a member

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of Great Bend Lodge No. 338, F. & A. M., and the Junior Mechanics of Lehighton. He is a young man, energetie and enterprising, and in his busi- ness is meeting with a well deserved success.

AMES MCCREADY is one of the enterprising and substantial citizens of Summit Hill. His office is at Lansford, and he occupies the position of chief clerk of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company. As his name indieates, he belongs to an old Scotch family, and his birth occurred in Glasgow, Seotland, in 1851. His father died in that country, and when he was a child of four years he was brought by his mother to Amer- ica. After his arrival here he attended the public sehools for a time, and later received private instruc- tion fron Rev. John White, a Presbyterian min- ister. After starting out to make his own way in the world, he still continued his studies for four years.

Mr. McCready sought and obtained a position with the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company, entering their employ in 1865, and serving as elerk in one of their offiees. This position he aeeeptably filled, and his merits, trustworthiness and ability won him quick promotion. At length he was made chief clerk of the company, having his headquar- ters in Lansford. He is one of the oldest employes in years of continued service with the company, having been connected with them in various capac- ities for the past twenty-seven years. That he has ever been faithful to his duty this long term of service well indicates, and that he has the confi- dence of his employers is shown by his continuous promotion.

In June, 1873, Mr. McCready was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Susan P. Hart, a na- tive of Summit Hill, and a daughter of Nathaniel Hart. Their union has been blessed with a family of four children, two sons and two daughters: An- na; Nathaniel, who is now in sebool; William and Susanna. The family circle yet remains unbroken

by the hand of death, and the children are all yet under the parental roof. The family is one of prominenee in the community, and its representa- tives hold a high position in the circles of society in which they move.

In religious belief, Mr. McCready and his wife are Presbyterians, holding membership with the church in Summit Hill. They take a leading and active part in church and benevolent work, and for sixteen years our subject has served as one of the elders of the church. For the same length of time he has also been Superintendent of the Sun- day-sehool, and his efforts in this direetion have resulted in mueh good. In politics he is an inflex- ible adherent of the principles of the Republican party, has served as an efficient member of the Borough Couneil, and has recently been elected a Director of the Poor of the middle coal field district. He is a social and affable gentleman who has made many friends in this community, and with pleasure we present to our readers this record of his life work.

R EUBEN SCHEIDY, whose sketch now elaims attention. is Postmaster of the village of Scheidy and is likewise an agri- culturist of prominenee in North Whitehall Town- ship. He was born in Lehigh County May 3, 1829, and is a son of Peter and Margaret (Schneider) Scheidy, the former of whom was a native of Berks County, and the latter born in this eounty.

Peter Scheidy, the grandfather of our subjeet, was a native of Germany, who on coming to America made location in Berks County, whence he afterward removed to Luzerne County. The maternal aneestors of our subject were early set- tłers of Lehigh County and were prominent in the affairs of North Whitehall Township.

The father of our subject came to this township in 1826, and here made his home until his decease, October 21, 1888, when in his eighty-fifth year. Only four of his family of children survive, namely: Elizabeth, the wife of David Best, resid-

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ing in Walnutport, this state; Reuben; Sarah, now Mrs. Joel Clauser, and John, a well known agri- culturist of North Whitehall Township. The fa- ther of these children had devoted his entire life to farm pursuits, and in politics always voted with the Republican party after its organization.

Reuben, of this sketch, was reared to mature years on his father's farm and remained at home assisting in its cultivation until 1855, when he re- moved to what was thien known as Rising Sun Hotel and Postoffice, and forming a partnership with Elias M. Kuntz, carried on mercantile busi- ness there for four years. In the fall of 1859 he came to his present location, still engaging as a merchant and at the same time conducting a hotel for eighteen years. Mr. Scheidy is also the owner of eighty-five acres of land, to the cultivation of which he gives his personal attention, and makes a specialty of raising Chester-white logs and Short-horn cattle. He has been prosperous in life and is a man much liked throughout the commu- nity for his sterling worth and integrity. For eight years he was a successful iron ore contractor in this county, and during that time gave employ- ment to a large force of men.

June 5, 1862, Mr. Scheidy was united in mar- riage with Miss Eliza A., sister of Henry D. Keck, of whom a sketchi will appear on another page in this work. The lady was a daughter of William J. and Mary J. (Scheirer) Keck; the former is de- ceased, and the latter now makes her home in North Whitehall Township. They were both na- tives of this state and the family is an old and highly respected one in this vicinity. Of the chil- dren born to Mr. and Mrs. Keck, the wife of our subject is the eldest. The others are Calvin F .; Caroline, Mrs. L. P. Miller; William C., Henry D .; Ellen R., the widow of George Huttle; Mary A. and Frank P.

To Mr. and Mrs. Scheidy have been born three children, Sarah E., Mrs. F. C. Beck; Maggie M., the wife of A. D. Everett, and Ellen R. Public spirited and progressive, Mr. Scheidy takes an act- ive interest in everything pertaining to the wel- fare of the community and does all in his power to upbuild the county. He is a man who keeps himself well posted on topics of interest, and in

politics never fails to cast a vote for Republican candidates. He holds membership with the Lu- theran Church of Egypt, this state. He was ap- pointed Postmaster July 1, 1891, of which posi- tion he is still the incumbent. His store, which is 18x20 feet in dimensions, is well stocked, and he carries a full line of all articles usually found in a good country store.

OSEPH S. FISHER, District Attorney of Car- bon County and a rising young lawyer, wlio is rapidly making his way toward the front rank at the Bar of Carbon County, was born in this county in the mountain town of Summit Hill, overlooking Lansford, April 14, 1854. His parents were Patrick F. and Susanna (Conaglian) Fisher. Bothi were natives of Ireland, and during their childhood crossed the Atlantic to America. For many years thic father engaged in mining. Both parents are now deceased, and were buried in Summit Hill Cemetery.

The subject of this sketch is the eldest in a fam- ily of nine children, six sons and three daughters, of whom six are yet living. He spent the greater part of his boyhood and youth in the county of his nativity, but lived for five years in Knox County, Mo., whither he went with his parents. He then returned and took up his residence in Summit Hill. The public schools afforded him his educational privileges, and after mastering the common branches and some of the more advanced studies, he began teaching, which profession he followed for a period of eight years, proving a capable and efficient instructor. Not wishing to make that liis life work, however, he determined to enter the legal profession, and began the study of law at Mauch Chunk in the office of Judge Al- len Craig, a most eminent jurist. After thorough preparation he was admitted to the Bar, in June, 1885, and at once began practice in Mauch Chunk, where he has since remained. His abilities, both natural and acquired, well fit him for the work

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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 31

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