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 33

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 33
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 33
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 33

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J AMES G. EADIE, who is a suceessful mer- chant of Weatherly, claims Pennsylvania as his native state. He was born in New Cas- tle, Schuylkill County, on the 26th of De- cember, 1836, and is a son of Robert and Mar- garet (Hunter) Eadie. His paternal ancestors were of Seotchi lineage, representatives of an honored family of that land. His grandfather, who was a sailor, saw service under Admiral Nelson at the battle of Trafalgar and followed the sea througli- out life. He died in Scotland and there lies buried.

The father of our subject was born in Renfrew- shire, Scotland, and was a miner by oceupation. About 1830 he emigrated to America and settled in Schuylkill County, where lie followed his cliosen voeation. He was killed in a mine in Nesquehon- ing in 1851. He and his wife were the parents of seven children, of whom only three are living, namely : Robert Bruce; Ellen, widow of H. B. Will- iams; and James G. In politics Mr. Eadie, Sr., was an old-line Whig. In religious belief he was a member of the Presbyterian Church. His wife, also a native of Scotland, was born in Perth, and was a cousin of Dr. Livingston, the famous Afri- can explorer.

The rudiments of his education our subject ac- quired in the public schools of New Castle, but

when about twelve years old his school days ended and he began to work in the mines. In 1857 he eame to Weatherly and entered the employ of Mr. Blakeslee, with whom he remained nine years. Then going to Rockport, he bought a small store, of which he continued owner and proprietor for two years. Upon his return to Weatherly he em- barked in the mercantile business, which he has sinee conducted with success. In 1892 he loeated at his present place of business, where he now car- ries a complete assortment of general merchandise. In addition to his store he is also the owner of a farm near Weatherly.

With a number of the important enterprises of Weatherly Mr. Eadie is intimately associated, be- ing a Director in the water company, a Trustee of the Weatherly Silk Mill Company, and a Di- rector in the building and loan association. As a member of the Republican party he is prominent in the local couneils of the party, and upon its tieket has been elected to a number of borough offiees. He has served with efficieney as Chief. Burgess, and also held the position of Jury Com- missioner of the county.

The marriage of Mr. Eadie, oeeurring in 1861, united him with Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Jo- seph Stetler, of Weatherly. Twelve children were born of their union, of whom the following-named now survive: Margaret, Andrew J .; Janet, wife of H. E. Depue, of Blossburg, Pa .; Robert; Bessie, who married Daniel Helker, of Weatherly; Blanche, Grace, Florence and Harriet.

F DWARD M. MULHEARN, an attorney-at- law of Mauch Chunk, is a native of Penn- sylvania, his birth having occurred in the town which is still his home, on the 15th of June, 1849. His parents, Jolin and Ann (Sweeney ) Mul- learn, were both natives of Ireland. Jolin Mul- learn emigrated to America, and took up his resi- dence in Carbon County, becoming one of its pio- neer settlers. All the remainder of his life was

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passed here, and he was a prominent and repre- sentative citizen. He is now deceased, but his widow, the mother of Edward M., is still living, at the age of eighty-seven years, and is yet well preserved.

Mr. Mulhearn, whose name heads this record, was the fourth in order of birth in the family of seven children, five of them sons and two daugh- ters, ouly three of whom are now living. The public schools afforded him some educational priv- ileges, but his advantages in that direction were not of the best during his earlier years. From 1861 until 1865 he was engaged during the sum- mers in boating on the canal, attending the public schools through the winter seasons, and in the latter year he entered St. Thomas College, at Villa- nova, Delaware County, Pa. His literary eduea- tion being completed, he determined to take up the study of law and make its practice his life work; so with this end in view he entered the law office of Daniel Kalbfus of Maueh Chunk. After · two years of thorough and systematic preparation he was admitted to the Bar, on the 20th day of June, 1873, and at onee opened an office and began practice.

In 1881 Mr. Mulhearn was elected District At- torney on the Republican tieket for the county of Carbon, and filled that office for two terms of three years each, or for six years in all. At the first eleetion he received a majority of eight hun- dred and fifty-four; but so well did he diseharge the duties of the office that in 1889 he was elected a member of the Legislature by a majority of five hundred and served for one term. He was ap- pointed Solicitor of the Common Couneil of the borough of Mauch Chunk, and again discharged his duties with a promptness and fidelity which won him high commendation. He takes a very active interest in politieal affairs, doing all in his power to promote the growth and insure the suc- eess of his party.

Mr. Mulhearn was married on the 1st of Novem- ber, 1881, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary A. Belirendt, a daughter of John Behrendt. The lady was ealled to her final rest on the 28th of February, 1891, and left two children to mourn her loss, a son and a daughter, John B. and Mary

D. She was a most estimable lady, possessed of many exeellent qualities, and all who knew her held her in high regard. She held membership with the Lutheran Church.

Mr. Mulhearn is now successfully engaged in the practice of law in Mauch Chunk. He has been ealled, either as defendant or prosecutor, in many of the most important eases on the doeket in Car- bon County. He always labors in the interest of his clients, and therefore receives a liberal patron- age. His skill and ability, both natural and ac- quired, have made him a sueeessful attorney, and he now occupies a prominent position at the Car- bon County Bar.

DWARD NEFF, well known as a prosper- ous farmer and briek manufacturer, makes his home in Heidelberg Township. He is a native of this eounty, and was born October 11, 1834, his parents being George and Susanna (Hund- warky) Neff, also natives of this county. The great-grandfather of our subjeet was the founder of the family in this township, and was among the earliest settlers here. The father of onr subject died many years ago, and of the children born to his wife, the following survive: Caroline, the wife of Daniel Sensinger; Edward, our subjeet; Joel; Leanna, the wife of Peter Hund warky, and Maria.

Edward Neff was reared to man's estate in this eounty, and aided his father on the home farm until reaching his seventeenth year; at that time he began to learn the shoemaker's trade, and followed that business for the next ten years. At the expiration of that time he again engaged in farming, and in connection with agricultural pursuits commenced to manufacture brick. His estate comprises one hundred and ten acres of well improved land, on which is to be found-excel- lent elay for brickmaking. He is upright and eonseientious, and is justly ranked among the most successful men of the county. Mr. Neff is

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also engaged in the undertaking business in Sae- gersville, whiel he has carried on since 1885.

Miss Fiana Hundwork became the wife of our subject in 1857, and to them were born ten chil- dren, six of whom are yet living. They are: Charles; Flora, the wife of John Evans; Mary, who married R. Hollenbareh; Wilson P., Henry O. and Annie T. The good wife and mother died in February, 1892.

Mr. Neff is a devoted member of the Reformed Chureh, to which denomination his wife also be- longed. Although sixty years of age, Mr. Neff still does much hard work upon his farm. He is a prosperous man, and is much liked throughout the township for his sterling worth and integrity. He is a member of the Republican party politic- ally, and is ever ready to forward any movement that will enhance the prosperity of the community.

D AVID EBBERT, who is engaged in the livery and feed and flour business in Le- highton, is one of the wealthy and prom- inent citizens of Carbon County, and is a self- made man, who by his own efforts has arisen from a humble position to one of affluence. He well deserves mention among the representative eiti- zens of the community, and with pleasure we present to our readers this record of his life. He was born in Heidelberg Township, Lehigh County, December 17, 1842, and is a son of Peter Ebbert, who was a native of the same locality and was a farmer by occupation. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Jacob Ebbert. His mother bore the maiden name of Mary Straub, and was a daugh- ter of Jacob Straub. In the family were only two children: Polly, now the wife of William Nicholas, of Northampton County, and David.

The gentleman whose name heads this record received but limited educational privileges, attend- ing the sehools of Cherryville and Indian Church, and afterward conning his lessons in Lehighton.

He was early thrown upon his own resources and to make his way in the world he accepted a position as hostler. He was afterward employed in a hotel kept 'by Robert Vance, of Cherryville, where he remained until 1869. He then was with E. J. Kuntz in the same business, and later seeured work on the canal, being thus employed for six months with headquarters at Lehigh Gap. He wished to sue- eeed in life, and was willing to follow any oceu- pation whiel would afford him an honest living. Thus he succeeded in getting a start, and the in- dustry and enterprise which have marked his ca- reer have brought him prosperity.

Mr. Ebbert dates his residence in Lehighton from March, 1863, at which time he entered the employ of Thomas Kemerer, with whom he remained for seven months. He was later employed by Daniel Estman, hauling milk three months, and then at- tended school two months. On the expiration of that period he embarked in business for himself with a small stoek of flour and feed, which he sold to the retail trade. As opportunity has afforded he has extended his business facilities. In 1865 he purchased a horse and buggy, and thus began the livery business, which he has sinee successfully carried on in connection with the flour and feed store. Devoting his entire time and attention to these interests, he soon found that his trade was growing, and in order to meet the demands of an inereased patronage he enlarged his facilities. Later he bought the sale stable of Daniel Estman on North Street for $3,000, moved his own stock into the same, and now has one of the best equipped stables in Lehighton. Mr. Ebbert also handles flour and feed by the car load, and has a large local trade, besides making extensive shipments, his flour sales amounting to two hundred sacks per month.

In 1867 Mr. Ebbert was united in marriage with Miss Hannah Hartz, of Lehighton, daughter of Jonas Hartz. Two children have been born to them: Mary S., now the wife of Edward H. Bran- nix, and Ellen J., at home. In 1880 Mr. Ebbert built the fine three-story briek residenee in which he is now living, surrounded by the comforts and luxuries of life. As his financial resources have increased he has dealt to a considerable extent in real estate, and now owns eighteen houses, which

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herents. He is also connected with several indus- tries of the city and is a stockholder in the First National Bank of Lehighton. His possessions have all been acquired through his own efforts, and arc monuments to his thrift and good management.

AMUEL HENN. Among the names held in honor in Rittersville, that which intro- duces these lines has for many years occu- pied a prominent place. Mr. Henn has borne an important part in the growth of the place, main- taining an unceasing interest in its prosperity and contributing to its upbuilding.

Our subject was born in Lower Saucon Town- ship, Northampton County, this state, July 10, 1823, and is the son of John and Catherine (Van- horn) Henn, who were likewise natives of Penn- sylvania. The parental family included besides our subject Elizabeth. Josiah and Catherine. Sam- uel was reared to manhood in his native place, and mean while attended the schools taught near his home. He was very apt, possessing a quick mind, and being spurred on by the desire to be- come a business man, he made rapid progress.

The paternal grandparents of our subject orig- inally came from Germany, and his father, John Henn, was a life-long resident of Northampton County and died about twenty years ago. Sam- uel, of this sketch, began to learn the trade of a tailor when eighteen years of age, and after serv- ing an apprenticeship of three years engaged in business for himself, continuing to follow that line of work for forty years. He was one of the prominent tailors in Rittersville, and was for a number of years proprietor of a shop in Allen- town. For some time he owned a confectionery store in the latter place, and having been very successful in a financial way, is now living retired from active labor.

Mr. Henn of this sketch was married July 7, 1846, to Miss Hannah Hunt, who was born in this county February 4, 1824. She was the daughter

of Alvin and Hannah (Trovst) Hunt, natives re- spectively of Connecticut and Pennsylvania. Mrs. Henn is of English descent on her father's side, while the ancestors of her mother came from Ger- many. She was reared in the Nutmeg State, and received a good education in the public schools near her home. After the removal of her parents to this county she taught school for some time.

To Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Henn were born ten children, of whom the following are living: Alice, the wife of T. G. Osenbach; Josephine, Mrs. George Breining; Marlo N. G .; Ida, the wife of Joseph Schnerring; Mary, Mrs. Ambrose Bechtel, and Sarah, the wife of John Mack. In 1867 our sub- ject came with his family to Rittersville, where he has made his home since that time, and here he has risen until he now occupies a prominent place. He has done his share toward advancing the in- terests of the community, and his life has been a busy onc. Ile affiliates with the Evangelical Church, as does also his wife, and they give lib- erally towards its support.

J AMES J. BEVAN, the Supervising Princi- pal of the public schools of Mauch Chunk, is a native of Carbon County, and is at present (1894) thirty-two years of age. His parents, William E. and Ann Bevan, were well known and highly respected residents of the coun- ty for many years. William E. Bevan held many positions of public trust at various times, the last being that of Treasurer of Carbon County in 1872. He was widely known throughout this sec- tion of the state as a man of sterling worth and high character. His death occurred at Catasauqua, Pa., in 1884, and that of his wife at Mauch Chunk, in 1892.

James J. Bevan is the sixth in a family of nine children. His boyhood was spent in his native county, where he attended the public schools un- til his fifteenth year, acquiring therein a sound common-school education. In 1876 he accom-

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panied his parents to Alabama, whither his father went to invest in and develop some mining inter- ests owned and operated by several Pennsylvania capitalists in and around Helena, Shelby County. During his four years' residence in the south he continued his studies in the Shelby Collegiate Institute, one of the best schools in the state. Hc pursued a Latin and scientific course, and com- pleted the same with credit and high rank as a student.

Shortly after the return of his family to Penn- sylvania, in 1880, Mr. Bevan entered the exami- nation before the State Board of Examiners, under State Superintendent Higbee, as a candidate for the state teachers' diploma. He passed a thorough and satisfactory examination, and received this diploma in 1885. Hc then engaged in the profes- sion of teaching as Principal of the Second Ward schools of Mauch Chunk. The following year, in recognition of his ability and work in this posi- tion, he was elected Principal of the high school, a position which he still holds. Under his capable and progressive management the schools of Mauch Chunk have been steadily improved, and to- day they rank among the best of those in east- ern Pennsylvania for thoroughness and efficiency. Through his perseverance and energy the high school of Mauch Chunk has one of the most com- plete libraries and best equipped physical laborato- ries connected with any public school in the state; and it was one of the first to introduce separate courses of study for students who find special studies best adapted to their needs.

In his profession Mr. Bevan immediately took a prominent position as a teacher, and is to-day one of the best known educators in this section. He takes an active part in all educational meet- ings, and has carned a reputation as a forcible, practical, and thoughtful speaker. He has always been a close and enthusiastic student of the science and history of education, on which subjects he has frequently addressed teachers' institutes and other assemblies. He is a graduate of the National Sum- mer School of Methods and of the Chautauqua Teachers' Retreat.

In 1889 Mr. Bevan was united in marriage with Miss Frances L. Cole, of Mauch Chunk, a daugh-

ter of Reuben and Francesca A. Cole, who came from two of the oldest and best families in Lc- high County. Their only child, Mary Francesca, is a bright little girl of four years. In social cir- cles, where truc worth and intelligence are pass- ports, they hold a respected position, and in the community at large have many friends.

Principal Bevan takes an active interest in all enterprises calculated to prove of public benefit. He is a member of the Young Men's Christian Association, before whom he has several times lec- tured on scientific subjects. As Secretary of the Marion Hose Company, a well known and efficient organization, he takes an active part in all matters pertaining to the Fire Department. He is a prom- inent member of Mauch Chunk Lodge No. 76, I. O. O. F., has passed all the chairs, and has held various high offices of trust and honor as repre- sentative of his lodge. His family are all mem- bers of the First Presbyterian Church of Mauch Chunk. Mr. Bevan is a pleasant, genial gentle- man, and is everywhere regarded as a man of good judgment and strict morality.

R EUBEN ZIEGENFUS, cx-Sheriff of Car- bon County, is an estcemed and honored citizen of Lower Towamensing Township. He was born in this county November 25, 1822, and is a son of John A. and Catherine (Harleman) Ziegenfus, the former of whom was a native of Northampton County. He came to this county with his parents when a child, and here passed the remainder of his life.

Our subject grew to man's cstate and received a common-school education in Carbon County. Afterward he attended for a time a private school conducted by Prof. John Vandevere, of Easton, Pa. After passing the necessary examinations the youth obtained a certificate and taught school for several terms in the winter. His first public position was as Constable of this township, in which he served for several terms; and in November, 1864, he was

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elected Sheriff of Carbon County, serving one term to the entire satisfaction of all concerned.

In 1865 Mr. Ziegenfus married Mrs. Mary A., widow of John Miller, and daughter of Conrad Weiss, both formerly of this county. To our sub- ject and wife was born onc son, Eugenc A., who married Miss Mary Pearsel, by whom he had three children, Minnic M., Jennie and Lillie.

Religiously our subject is a member of St. John's Union Lutheran Church, in which he is serving as Elder. Socially he is identified with the Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to the lodge at Aquashicola. In politics he uses his right of franchise in favor of the Democratic party and has always shown himself to be a patriotic citizen. For many years he has devoted himself to the cul- tivation of his farm, which lias within its bound- aries about fifty-three acres. The place is fertile and well cultivated, being kept in a thuifty condi- tion by the industrious owner. Whether acting in public or private capacities, Mr. Ziegenfus has always kept the interests of his fellow-citizens near to his heart and has done everything in his power to aid in the progress and upbuilding of this region. He supports worthy enterprises, and is a strong friend to education. Personally he bears a creditable name for integrity and a high sense of honor in every relation with his fellow- men.

LEWIS HARLEMAN is a well known mer- chant of Packerton, Carbon County, and from a very humble beginning has built up a large trade and an enviable reputation for fair dealings and reliable goods. It is only eight years since he started his business in this place, and hic has met with phenomenal success in this enterprise. In his well appointed store he keeps a full line of groceries, boots and shoes, clothing, and such lines of merchandise as are usually found in a first-class general mercantile cstablishinient.

The parents of our subject are Edwin and Susan (Dodson) Harleman, who are both natives of this county, and who came from old and honorcd fam-

ilies of this vicinity. At the present time they are residents of Weatherly. The birth of our sub- ject occurred in this county June 27, 1862, in the village of Weatherly, where his boyhood was passed. When thirteen years old he began clerking in a merchant's store, and remained in his employ for four years, learning in this time much about the business. At the end of that time he went to Bethlehem, Pa., and was for six months engaged in learning telegraphy. After he had mastercd that calling, he came to Packerton, and was for some years employed as an operator in the office of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, most of this time being in the forwarding department.

In 1887 Mr. Harleman embarked in his present occupation, and has since devoted his energies to the extension of his trade and the upbuilding of his business. The store which he first occupied was only 16x24 feet in dimensions, and his capi- tal, which he invested in a small stock of supplies, then comprised only about $700. Since that time the store has been enlarged twice, and he keeps on hand goods valued at about $7,000. The store building is three stories in height, and in order to meet the demands of his trade the proprictor em- ploys four clerks and one delivery man; two wagons and teams are kept running much of the time. In this establishment may be found nearly all of the principal necessities of life, and it is a great convenience to his customers to be enabled to purchase all of their supplies at onc place.

Fraternally Mr. Harleman is a member of the Masonic order, affiliating with the lodge at Mauch Chunk, and is a Knight of Pythias, being identi- fied with the lodge of this place. In politics he deposits his ballot in favor of Republican nomi- nees and the principles outlined by that party. In religious faith he is a Presbyterian, and is a member of the Packerton Church of that denomi- nation. He has relied upon his own industry and natural ability since he was a lad of thirteen years, and is truly a self-made man. He has suc- ceeded far beyond his expectations, and is num- bered among the enterprising young commercial men of Carbon County.

In 1884 was celebrated the marriage of our subject and Miss Lizzie Koons, of Weatherly, and

J. H. SCHOLL.

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three children have graced their union, namely: Edwin, Lizzie and Morris. Mrs. Harieman was born in Weatherly, received a good education, and is a lady of refinement and culture.

AMES H. SCHOLL, the genial and well known proprietor of the general mercan- tile store at Cross Roads, Moore Township, Northampton County, has been engaged suc- cessfully in business here since 1879. In his store may be found a well selected stock of all kinds of dry goods, groceries, notions, hardware, hats and caps, boots and shoes, wood, willow ware, paints, oils, glass, etc. In addition to the above lines he has a general flour and feed department and, in short, is well equipped to meet the wants of his customers, however varied they may be.

The entire life of Mr. Scholl has been passed in this county, where his birth occurred July 28, 1844. His parents are James and Catherine (Lawfer) Scholl, residents of Moore 'Township. Of that township they are natives and highly respected people. The Scholl family has long been identified with the history of this county, to which our sub- ject's great-grandfather emigrated at a very early day in its history. His descendants in large num- bers have until this day bcen residents of Moore Township.

The boyhood and youth of Mr. Scholl were passed on his father's farm, where he was made acquainted by practical experience with the duties pertaining to carrying on a farm, and where he learned industrious and business-like habits, which have been the basis of his success in after years. His father, in addition to his farm, ran a mill, in which branch of business James H. was also in- structed. He attended the public schools during his youth, and for four sessions was a student in Weaversville Academy in the city of that name, and subsequently taught school for five terms in the townships of Moore and Bushkill. On reach- ing his majority he entered a mercantile business

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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 33

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