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 32

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 32
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 32
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 32

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which he has undertaken. Hc is a close student of his profession, and earnest application and untir- ing labor in the interest of his clients have won him the confidenee of all who know him.

Mr. Fisher lias been honored with some public offiees, the duties of which he has discharged with promptness and fidelity. In 1888 he was ap- pointed County Solicitor of Carbon County, which position lie filled for two years. In 1889 he was eleeted District Attorney of Carbon County with- out opposition for a term of three years, and so well did he fill the office, that on the expiration of his first term he was re-elected again without op- position. This certainly is a high testimonial of his personal popularity and of his efficiency, and of the trust reposed in him by his fellow-eitizens. Mr. Fisher is now serving as solicitor for a num- ber of school districts, boroughs and townships, and for a number of building and loan associa- tions in Carbon County, among which are the Pro- gressive of East Maueh Chunk, the Homestead of Sunnit Hill and Summit Hill Building and Loan Association. On questions of state and national importance he supports the principles of the De- mocraey, but at local elections votes independ- ently, supporting the man whom he thinks best qualified for the office.

H ON. JAMES C. KREAMER, M. D., is a physician and surgeon who enjoys a wide praetiee in Carbon County and makes his home in Aquashieola, where he has been located for nearly thirty-five years. He is widely and favora- bly known all over the county, and during his residence in this place has built up a most envia- · ble reputation as a leader in his profession.

The Doctor was born in Northampton County December 18, 1833, his parents being John N. and Julia A. (Snyder) Kreamer, natives of Northamp- ton and Lehigh Counties respectively. The boy- hood of our subjeet was passed on his father's farm, and his education was obtained in the pub-

lic schools of the neighborhood. In order to further extend his knowledge, he for a time was a student in the Allentown Academy and also at- tended the private academy of Professor Vande- vere at Easton. While still a youth he conceived the idea of becoming a physician, and to that end bent every effort for several years. In order to obtain the necessary means for acquiring a medi- cal education, he secured a certificate and taught school at Saegersville, in Lehigh County. With Dr. Josiah Kern he began his medical studies and for the next four years gave as much of his time as possible to the work. In 1859, after pursuing the required course of study and attending the medieal lectures at the Berkshire College of Pitts- field, Mass., he was graduated.

In the spring of 1860 Dr. Krcamer began prac- tice at Aquashicola, which has since been the field of his labors. He has met with uniform suceess as a general family practitioner and in earlier years his ride was quite extended. Several years ago he invested in a farm and still owns one hundred acres of well improved land, which he cultivates. He is a member of the Carbon County Medical Society and keeps in touch with new develop- nients and discoveries in the surgical and medical world. He owes his success in life to his own per- severanee and ability, and he has long been recog- nized as a representative member of the medical fraternity in the Lehigh Valley.

December 12, 1859, Dr. Kreamer wedded Mary Seheirer, a native of Lehigh County, and by their union have been born three children, namely: Emma, wife of Solomon Snyder; Lillie J., Mrs. Thomas Craig; and Martlia, who has been called from this life.

Fraternally, the Doctor is a member of Carbon Lodge No. 242, F. & A. M., of Mauch Chunk, Aquashicola Lodge No. 595, I. O. O. F., and is also identified with the Patriotic Order Sons of Amer- iea. Religiously he is a member of the Evangel- ical Church, in which he lias served as Class-leader and in other offices. Works of publie improve- ment and progress are always sure of obtaining his favor and support and he is estecmed a man of great public spirit. For one term he served as Coroner of Carbon County and was elected to the

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State Legislature in 1877, serving for two succes- sive terms. In educational matters also he has al- ways taken great interest, having served as School Director of Lower Towamensing Township, and is Secretary of the Towamensing Mutual Farmers' Fire Insurance Company.

J OHN H. BEIGHE, Burgess of the Board of the Council of East Mauch Chunk, is promi- nently connected with the political interests of Carbon County, having taken quite a prominent part in public affairs as a supporter of Republican principles. He was for some years quite active in business circles, but excepting his official duties he is now living retired. He was born in Carbon County on the 8th of October, 1835, and is a son of John Beighe. His father was a native of Northampton County, Pa., and was a boat builder by trade. During the greater part of his life he was engaged in the construction of canalboats, but at length retired, having in a pre- vious year acquired a comfortable competence that enabled him to lay aside business cares.

The gentleman whose name heads this notice was a child of only three years when with his par- ents he left Mahoning Township and removed to Mauch Chunk. He was the second youngest in a family of seven children, four of whom are yet living. The days of his boyhood and youth were passed in Carbon County in his parents' home, and the educational privileges which he received were those afforded by the common schools. In that way he acquired a fair English education, and to his knowledge he has greatly added by reading, business experience and observation. With his fa- ther he learned the trade of boat building, and also worked at the same with Cornelius Miller. The canalboats which they constructed were used in conveying all sorts of products from Mauch Chunk to Philadelphia and New York. After he had mas- tered the business Mr. Beighe began business along that line in his own interest, and was thus success-

fully employed for a period of twenty-one years, from 1868 until 1889. He furnished employment to some thirty men, and did an extensive business, obtaining thereby a good income.

In 1859 Mr. Beighe was united in marriage with Miss Rebecca Nolen, who resided in Tamaqua, Pa. One child was born of their union, Edwin E., who is now employed as a traveling salesman by a gro- cery house. The family make their home in East Mauch Chunk, whither they came on the retire- ment of Mr. Beighe from boat building. In 1890 he was elected to his present office for a term of one year, and at each succeeding election he has been chosen his own successor. He is faithful to his duties, and the trust reposed in him is mani- fested by his re-election. He is a warm advocate of the Republican party, and does all in his power to promote its growth and insure its success. So- cially he is connected with the Royal Arcanum. He possesses a good business and executive ability, which characterized his father's career, and what- ever he undertakes he carries forward to a success- ful completion. In this way he has become one of the substantial as well as one of the valued citizens of the community. During his residence in East Mauch Chunk he has become widely known and has gained many warm friends.

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ILLIAM F. KRAUSS. The mercantile interests of Lehigh County have an able representative in the gentleman above named, who is the owner and proprietor of a general store at New Tripoli. The building-in which he carries on business, and of which he is the owner, is a substantial frame structure, 60x22 feet in dimensions, and two stories in height. The stock, valued at $4,000 or $5,000, includes every variety of merchandise usually carried in a first- class village store-dry goods, groceries, queens- ware, notions, hardware, etc. In 1893, under the second administration of President Cleveland, he was appointed Postmaster at New Tripoli, whichi

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position he has since filled with efficiency and suc- cess. IIis sales average between $10,000 and $15,- 000 per annum.

A native of the county where he now resides, our subject was born in Lynn Township, January 18, 1845. The family which he represents was numbered among the early settlers of Lynn Town- ship, where his father, David Krauss, resided until death. His mother, whose maiden name was Cath- erine Rex, makes her home with W. F. The latter was reared to manliood in Lynn Township, receiv- ing his education in the common schools, and in a select school at Danville, Pa. When about four- teen years old he began clerking in a store at New Tripoli, being thus engaged for three years, after which he was a student in the Danville schools. Upon his return to New Tripoli he was employed as a clerk for a number of years.

The first business venture made by Mr. Krauss was in 1871, when, in partnership with Manas Behler, he embarked in the mercantile business, and for three years the firm of Krauss & Behler conducted an extensive trade. The partnership was then dissolved by mutual consent, and Mr. Behler is at present a resident of Jacksonville, Pa. Our subject subsequently engaged in the coal, lum- ber and grain business for several years, after which he returned to the occupation of a merchant and has since continued in this line. In addition to his other enterprises, he was for "some time in- terested in a slate quarry, and as a member of the firm of Krauss & Sieger engaged in the manufac- ture of roofing slate.

As a member of the Democratic party, Mr. Krauss has taken an intelligent interest in public affairs. For ten years he has served as Justice of the Peace, and he has also filled the positions of Auditor and Treasurer of Lynn Township. During his incumbency of the office of School Director he was instrumental in introducing the present effi- cient graded school system now in use throughout Lynn Township. This was done against the pro- tests of many, but such has been the success of the plan that everyone now sees its utility.

In July, 1871, Mr. Krauss was united in mar- riage with Miss Henrietta, daughter of Francis Weiss, formerly a resident of Weisenburg Town-

ship, Lehigh County, but now deccased. Three children bless the union, Frank, George and Ella. The family is identified with the Lutheran Church, in which Mr. Krauss has officiated as Treasurer, and he was also a member of the building committee having in charge the erection of the edifice at New Tripoli. Socially he is connected with the Order of Junior American Mechanics. His success has been attained solely through his own exertions, and he is recognized among the most enterpris- ing and progressive citizens of northern Leliigh County.

T ALLEN SNYDER, attorney-at-law of Le- highton, has worked his way upward until he has attained a foremost place at the Bar of Carbon County. He was born in Stroudsburg, Monroe County, Pa., on the 15th of April, 1856, and comes of one of the prominent families of that county. Ilis grandfather, George Snyder, was of English and German lineage. His father, John E. Snyder, was a native of Northampton County, Pa., and as a means of livelihood followed farming while at home. In early manhood he re- moved to Stroudsburg, where he engaged in con- tracting and building. He became a prominent man of that community, and was closely identified with the growth and development of that place. He married Elizabeth Utt, a native of Pennsyl- vania, born in Northampton County, and a daugh- ter of Elias Utt, who was the founder of a general store at Bangor, formerly Uttsville, which bore his name when first started. Mrs. Snyder died in Stroudsburg, July 25, 1888.

Mr. Snyder of this sketch is the eldest of three children, two sons and a daughter. His education was acquired in the common and high schools of his native city, and in the Normal School of Mill- ersville, from which institution he was graduated after completing the scientific and classical course. He then turned his attention to the profession of teaching, and was employed for a time in that capacity in the grammar school of his native city.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

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Later he came to Lehighton, having in 1877 been offered the Principalship of the schools of this place. He accepted the same, and thus served for two years.

Mr. Snyder then returned to Stroudsburg, and after reading law under the direction of Hon. John B. Storm, was admitted to the Bar in Monroe County, in 1883. He then again came to Lehigh- ton, and was once more Principal of the schools for two years, after which he was elected County Superintendent of schools of Carbon County for a term of three years. So ably did he fill the office that he was twice re-elected, serving in all for nine years, with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. During that time he gave some attention to the practice of law, and con- tinued his reading; and on his retirement from official life, in June, 1893, lie at once entered the legal profession, to which he now devotes his en- tire time and attention. He has a good law library and a handsomely appointed office, and is enjoy- ing a liberal patronage.

On the 22d of December, 1879, Mr. Snyder was united in marriage with Miss Emma Ilauk, daugh- ter of John and Sarah Hauk, of Lehighton. Their union has been blessed with two children, Ray- mond J. and Edith M. The parents were first members of the First Presbyterian Church of Stroudsburg, but later of the First Presbyterian Church of Lehigliton.

In his political views, Mr. Snyder is a Democrat, and takes quite an active part in county and state politics. Socially, he is a member of the Odd Fel- lows' Society, the Knights of the Golden Eagle, and the Royal Arcanum. In connection with his other business interests he is now Secretary and At- torney for the Building and Loan Association Enterprises Nos. 1, 2 and 3, and is a stockholder in the Lehighton Building & Loan Association. He is serving as attorney for the Lehighton Land Company, and is also its Secretary. He has been three times elected a member of the Executive Committee of the State Teachers' Association and was once its Chairman. He took an active inter- est in institute work during his connection with the schools, and in educational ranks he attained a foremost and en viable position, being recognized

as one of the leading educators in the state. The standard of excellence in all schools with which he was connected was advanced, and his efficient service in Lehighton is still manifest. He is a wide-awake and enterprising citizen, is a forcible and earnest speaker, and at the Bar is rapidly winning prominence.

J OSEPH HUNSICKER, a prominent and pros- perous farmer and stock-raiser of Washing- ton Township, is a native of Lehigh County, and his birth occurred January 12, 1844. He is the son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Klotz) Hun- sicker, both natives of this county. The paternal grandfather was also born in this county, while his father is said to have come from Germany to this country when a young man. Daniel Hunsicker died during the Civil War, although he was not a soldier. Of the parental family, those living are: Joel, residing in Lowhill Township; our subject, and Lewis, who lives in South Whitehall Town- ship. The father served as School Director of Washington Township for a number of years and died in the faith of the Reformed Church.

The subject of this brief sketch was reared in this county and has been a life-long farmer. He received but a limited education in the common schools of the district and is a self-made man in the truest sense of the word. The present estate of Mr. Hunsicker includes one hundred and twenty acres of finely tilled land, on which he raises fine crops each year. He also owns fine blooded ani- mals of all kinds, in which he takes great interest.

Mr. Hunsicker and Miss Sarah Krouse were united in marriage in 1868, and their union was blessed by the birth of three children, Oliver, Wil- son (deceased) and Richard D. The good wife and mother was called to the land beyond in 1881. The second union of our subject took place in 1883, when Mrs. Atellia Hoffman, the widow of A. P. Hoffman, of Washington Township, became his wife. Mrs. Hunsicker is the daughter of George

ABRAM STOUT, M. D.

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Krouse. She became the inother of two children, both of whom are deceased.

Mr. Hunsicker has served his township efficiently as School Director, and in his religious views is a valued member of the Reformed Church, being one of the elders of the denomination. He is always in favor of everything tending to improve the county and township and is justly recognized as one of the prominent and influential citizens of the township.

A BRAM STOUT, M. D., is the oldest and leading physician of Bethileliem and stands in the front rank of his profession in Northampton County. He was a surgeon during the late war, and is one of the prominent members of the Loyal Legion. The Doctor was born in Williams Township, within eight miles of Bothle- hem, August 22, 1831, and is the son of Hon. Isaac Stout, who was also a native of this county. His grandfather, whose given name was Isaac, was an agriculturist until shortly before his death, which occurred at the age of four-score years. The pa- ternal great-grandfather, Jacob Stout, came from Germany, and settled in Williams Township in the early days of its history.

The family originated in Hesse-Darmstadt, Ger- many, and have always been noted for the posses- sion of sterling and worthy characteristics. Our subject's father owned a farm and sawmill and was an enterprising and thrifty agriculturist. During the War of 1812 he enlisted in the service, rising to the rank of Major. His death occurred in 1857, when he had attained the allotted three-score ycars and ten. In 1836 he was a member of the Legislature, having been elected on the Demo- cratic ticket. He served as Justice of the Peace and was Postmaster at Stouts, which was named in his honor. He followed sawmilling successfully and acquired considerable property for those days. His wife, whose maiden name was Cathicrine Clemens, was born in Doylestown, Bucks County,

her father being a large farmer. Her family was of English or Scotch descent, and adhered to the Mennonite faith. The mother died in 1890, in her eiglity-eighth year. Our subject's father was a Lutheran in religious belief.

The Doctor is one of cight children, only four of whom are living. His brother, Hon. Lewis H., was an attorney in Bethlehem, and represented his constituents in the State Legislature of 1868. The sisters were Mrs. Frederick Christman, of Bethle- hem; Mrs. Elizabeth Steckel, a resident of the same place; and Catherine, Mrs. Samuel J. Shimer, of Milton, Pa. The early years of the Doctor were passed at Stouts, and lie attended Vande Vers School, at Easton, in 1850, after which he entered Pennsylvania College and pursued a regular course of study for eighteen months. His first medical reading was under the inspection of his uncle, Dr. A. Stout, and subsequently, in 1852, he entered the department of medicine of the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania, from which he was grad- uated in 1855, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine.

On beginning his active career, Dr. Stout re- mained at the home of his uncle, engaging in prac_ ticc with him until 1857, when the latter gave up his business, and our subject took his place. In September, 1862, the Doctor was commissioned by Governor Curtin First Assistant Surgeon of the One Hundred and Fifty-third Pennsylvania In- fantry, with the rank of First Lieutenant. Leav- ing Bethlehem, he joined the Army of the Potomac, taking part in the campaigns which included the important battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellors- ville and Gettysburg. When the term of his en- listment expired, in July, 1863, he was mustered out with his regiment, and though offered a posi- tion as surgeon of a cavalry regiment, he refused on account of his family and business affairs. Re- turning to Bethlehem he has since, without inter- mission, engaged in constant practice. Under Cleveland's first administration he was Pension Examiner, and is now serving in the same capacity. On the staff of St. Luke's Hospital he is one of the consulting surgeons, and holds membership with the County Medical Association, of which he has been President. He has been President of the Rail-

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road Surgeons of the Lehigh Valley, since the or- ganization of the Lehigh Medical Association has been Treasurer of the same, and aiso belongs to tlie State and National Medical Associations. Frater- nally lie is much interested in secret societies-is a Royal Arch Mason, belongs to the Commandery of the Knight Templars, and also holds membership with the Loyal Legion.

In Bethlehem, in 1857, occurred the marriage of Dr. Stout and Miss Mary L. Cartright, who was born in Mauch Chunk, and whose death occurred in 1887. Her father, Ira Cartright, was formerly well known as a coal operator and prominent citi- zen of Mauch Chunk. To the Doctor and his wife three children were born. Ira C. is connected with the zinc works in Joplin, Mo .; George Clymer, who is a graduate of the Naval Academy of An- napolis, and also of the University of Pennsylva- nia, is assistant histologist in the University of Pennsylvania; Charles Edward, also a graduate of that celebrated university, from which he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine, is a practicing physician of South Bethlehem.

H ON. GEORGE M. DAVIES, Burgess and capitalist of Lansford, is not one of the native citizens of the Keystone State. He was born across the water in South Wales, January 12, 1848, and in that country acquired a part of his education. At length he bade adieu to friends and native land, and with relatives crossed the broad Atlantic to the United States. The vessel in which they sailed dropped anchor in the harbor of New York, and from that city they made their way at once to New Jersey, where they located for a time, removing later to Hazleton, Pa.

At Hazleton Mr. Davies began working in the coal mines as a slate picker, obtaining thereby a good practical knowledge of the business, which proved of much benefit to him in later years. He then became a contractor in the mines, supply ng coal in large quantities. He worked a large force

of men, and continued to actively engage in that business until 1883, meeting with excellent success in his undertakings. He managed his interests with ability, and, as the result of his sagacity and well directed efforts, won a handsome competence.

Mr. Davies was married in 1870, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary J. Hill, a native of Har- leigh, Pa., and a daughter of David Hill. Their union has been blessed with a family of nine chil- dren. One daughter, Sarah, is now engaged in teaching. David H., who pursued his studies for some time at Millersville, is now attending the United States Military Academy at West Point. The younger children are all in school at Lans- ford.

Mr. Davies came with his family to Lansford in 1883, and has since made it his home. During the eleven years which have passed he has been ex- tensively engaged in business as a coal contractor, and furnishes employment to from one hundred and fifty to one hundred and seventy men in the great anthracite coal mines. He has one mine at Springtonnel, near where the first tunnel was driven by the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Com- pany. Some of the coal mines in which he is in- terested are from one hundred to one hundred and seventy-five feet in thickness, and turn out a su- perior quality of anthracite coal. He is still actively engaged in business, although he has now accu- mulated a fortune. Hc may truly be called a self- made man, for he started out in life empty-handed, with no capital save a pair of willing hands and a young man's bright hope of the future, and from a humble position has steadily worked his way upward to wealth and affluence. The obstacles in his path have been overcome by persistent effort, and his undaunted spirit has enabled him to press forward where many another man would have faltered or failed. His example may well serve to encourage others who, like himself, have to fight life's battle unaided.

In politics Mr. Davies takes a prominent and active part, and is a stalwart supporter of the Re- publican party, the principles of which he warmly advocates. He labors earnestly in its interests, doing all in his power to insure its success. He has served as Chairman of the County Republican

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Committee, and in 1891 was nominated on the ticket of that party as candidate for Congress from the Eighth Distriet. He made a strong raee, and reduced the Demoeratie majority from eleven thousand to six thousand, a fact which indicates his personal popularity and the high regard in which he is held. In 1892 he was elected Burgess, was re-elected in 1893, and is now serving as Mayor by virtue of his office. He was elected Treasurer of the borough of Lansford for four sueeessive years. He is an able and fluent speaker, logieal and convincing, and is well versed on all subjects of general interest, so that when called upon lie is never at a loss for something to say.

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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 32

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