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 35
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 35
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 35
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In his political faith Mr. Ux is a Republican and is actively interested in his party's success. In his fraternal relations he is a member of the Masonic order, being identified with a lodge at Reading, Pa., where he formerly resided for a time. It may be truly said of our subjeet that he is self made, for he has reached his present prosperons and in- fluential position without outside aid or influence of any deseription. As a business man he is noted for his sense of integrity and justice, and by these qualities has won the high esteem of all with whom he comes in contact.
OSEPH S. WEBB, who is now serving as Sheriff of Carbon County and makes his home in Maueh Chunk, has always lived in the Keystone State. He was born in Blooms- burg, Columbia County, on the 14th of April, 1847, and is the son of Hiram and Mary Ann (Mills) Webb. The father was a farmer by ocen- pation, and for many years followed that pursuit. His death occurred in Lehighton in 1862, but his
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wife is yet living in that place. In their family were five children.
The member of the family in whom our readers are most interested is the efficient County Sheriff, and the record of his life is as follows: When he was about two years of age he was brought by his parents to Carbon County, and in the public schools of Franklin Township acquired his educa- tion. He early became familiar with all the duties of farm life, for as soon as old enough to handle the plow he began work in the fields. At the early age of fourteen, however, lie left home to enter the service of his country. Although so young, he was stirred by patriotic impulses, and in 1861 became a member of Company I, Eighty- first Pennsylvania Infantry, commanded by Col. James Mitter. He then went with his command to the south, where he did guard duty for a time. At Charles City, Va., he was wounded by a gun- shot in the right thigh, and for some time was disabled for duty. At the battle of Fredericksburg he was shot in the right shoulder and under the chin, a ball cutting the jugular vein. During most of the time he remained in the hospital until he had sufficiently recovered, when he at once joined his comrades for duty in the field. Meri- torious service won him promotion, and he at length became Captain of his company. He was always found at his post, faithfully performing the task allotted to him, and was one of the val- iant boys in blue from 1861 until July, 1865, when he was honorably discharged.
Mr. Webb then returned to his home in Lehigh- ton, where he was variously employed for some time. He embarked in hotel keeping, and did a successful and lucrative business along that line until 1891, when he was elected Sheriff of Carbon County on the Republican ticket. In January, 1892, he entered upon the duties of the office, and is now filling the position with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. While living in Lehighton, he also served as Constable for six years. He is a stalwart advocate of the Repub- lican party, and its men and measures always re- ceive his support.
In 1866 Mr. Webb was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Miller, of Lehighton, daughter of
Henry D. Miller, one of the early settlers of the place. Three children grace their union, two sons and a daughter, Thomas W., Joseph S. and Ada C. Mr. Webb takes considerable interest in civic societies, and holds membership with Lehighton Lodge No. 101, I. O. O. F .; Weissport Lodge, K. of H., and Lehighton Post No. 484, G. A. R.
H. C. HOM, proprietor of the Mansion House of Lehighton, is one of the substan-
tial citizens of the place, and is a popular and highly respected gentleman. He was born in the city which is still his home, on the 31st of De- cember, 1850, and is a representative of one of the early families of Carbon County. His parents were Jonas A. and Caroline (Gumbart) Hom. The mother was born in Lehigh County, and was a daughter of Philip Gumbart. On the 30th of April, 1891, she was called to the home beyond. The father of our subject, who was also a native of the Keystone State, was born in Lehigh County, and for many years during the early part of his life followed farming. He afterward carried on a hotel for an extended period. His death oc- curred in the year 1882.
We now take up the personal history of Mr. Hom, whose name heads this record, knowing that it will prove of interest to many of our readers, for he has a wide acquaintance in this community. He is the third in order of birth in the family of six children, numbering two sons and four daugh- ters. He attended the public schools of Lehighton and acquired a practical English education, which well fitted him for the duties of life. He entered upon his business career as clerk in the hotel, as- sisting his father, who was then proprietor of the Mansion House. After the death of his father he and his brother Columbus engaged in carrying on the hotel until the latter's death, which occurred
MANSION HOUSE
MANSION HOUSE.
MANSION HOUSE, PROPERTY OF Z. H. C. HOM, LEHIGHTON, PA.
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in July, 1883. Since that time our subject has been at its head, and is now sole proprietor.
Mr. Hom was married in 1876, the lady of his choice being Miss Jane A. Rex, daughter of Daniel Rex, a resident of Lehighton. They have one son, Garrett F., who is still with his parents.
Mr. Hom is one of the substantial citizens of this community. In 1892 lie purchased a good farm, which he now rents, and in addition to this he owns considerable city property of value. He possesses good business and executive ability, and his enterprise and well directed efforts have brought him prosperity. He has served for three years as a member of the City Council, and is a public- spirited and progressive citizen, in whom the best interests of the community ever find a friend. His aid is never sought in vain when solicited for any undertaking that is calculated to promote the gen- eral welfarc. In manner he is social and agree- able, and wins the respect and confidence of all with whom social or business relations have brought him in contact.
H IRAM W. HANKEE, a prominent real- estate dealer in Slatington, was born in this county March 8, 1859. He is the son of Hiram I. Hankee, whose birth occurred on tlie banks of the Lehigh River, at what is now Walnut- port, Northampton County, October 20, 1829. He began his early career on the canal, and later en- gaged in teaching school, having been the recip- ient of a fair education.
The father of our subject on attaining his ma- jority entered the employ of the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company, and remained with them for a period of eleven years. He then embarked in slate quarrying, which for many years absorbed his entire attention. In 1867, however, he opened a real-estate office in Slatington and for a number of years following dealt extensively in buying and speculating in lands.
Hiram I. Hankee was married May 13, 1855, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob Clause, and to them was born a family of seven children, of whom
our subject was the fourth. The husband and fa- ther departed this life November 10, 1891, in Slatington, where he was one of the most influen- tial and substantial business men. In politics he was a stanch Republican and in religious affairs a devoted member of the German Reformed Church.
Mrs. Elizabeth Hankee was born in this county and is now living in the above city, having passed her fifty-ninth birthday. Her father lived in Heidelberg Township, where his decease occur- red at the age of eighty-eight years. The Clause family in this state originally came from Germany, the first representatives locating in Lehigh County in a very early day.
The subject of this sketch spent his boyhood days in Slatington, where he attended the public schools. When a lad of fourteen years, and while still engaged with his studies, he took charge of the Adams Express office in the city, which he hield until reaching his majority. He then en- gaged in merchandising on his own account and continued thus for a number of years, when he sold out and opencd a real-estate office. He still, however, retained charge of the express office and transacted the business of the company until Feb- ruary, 1893, when the Adams Company gave way to the United States Express Company, which our subject represents in this city.
In 1893, in partnership with David Morris, our subject organized the Morris Slate Company and engaged extensively in the manufacture of roof- ing and school slates, together with blackboards, for which they find a ready market throughout the United States and Canada. They give em- ployment to about fifty men and mine the Heim- bach vein, which contains a very superior qual- ity of slate. Mr. Hankee is one of the projec- tors of the proposed Slatington Electric Street Railway, and is a director and a stockholder in the company which has already been organized, with R. W. Marsteller President, J. W. Balliet Sec- retary, Henry Bittner Treasurer, Morris Hoats and H. W. Hankee directors. Our subject has always taken a prominent part in all public improvements and gives very liberally of his means toward every good cause.
In politics Mr. Hankee votes with the Republi-
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can party. In November, 1891, he was appointed to fill the nnexpired term of Justice of the Peace, of which office his father was the incumbent. On the expiration of the term, in 1892, he was elected to the position and is still serving in that eapaeity. Socially he is a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle, and a charter member of the Elks of Allentown.
June 5, 1884, H. W. Hankee was married to Miss Laura C. Peters, the daughter of Hyman Peters, a native of this county. To them have been born two sons and one daughter: Violet, Eu- gene and Norwood. Mrs. Hankee is a member of Trinity Evangelieal Church, while our subject holds membership with the German Reformed Church. In June, 1876, Mr. Hankee enlisted in Company H, National Guards of Pennsylvania, commanded by Captain Rhoades. He served as First and Second Lieutenant, and in 1885 was elected Captain of the company, holding that hon- ored position for five years.
ILLIAM L. YAEGER is the senior mem- ber of the firm of Yaeger Bros., man- ufacturers of and dealers in furniture in Mauch Chunk. The partner of our subject is George J. Yaeger. The firm represents one of the oldest furniture establishments in Carbon County, and its members are men of good business abil- ity, whose sagacity and well directed efforts have brought them a suecess to which they are justly entitled.
The gentleman whose name heads this notice was born in Maueh Chunk in January, 1865, and is a son of Leonard and Catherine Yaeger, who are mentioned on another page of this work. The furniture business was established by the father many years ago, and he successfully conducted the same until he disposed of it to his sons. William L. acquired his education in the publie and high schools of this city, and when his training in that direction was completed he began learning the
trade of upholstering. In 1888 he went into his father's store, and in the latter part of that year, in connection with his brother, George J., he pur- chased the father's interest and the firm name was changed to its present form. They carry a large and well selected stock of goods, including every- thing found in a first-class establishment of this kind. Both brothers are praetieal mechanies, and experienced in the furniture trade, with which they have been eonneeted from earliest boyhood. They not only manufacture and deal in furniture of all kinds, but also do the greater part of the undertaking business in this section of the county.
In 1886 William L. Yaeger was united in mar- riage with Miss Mary, daughter of John H. Heck- man, one of the substantial and well known eiti- zens and business men of South Bethlehem. Both Mr. and Mrs. Yaeger are faithful and consistent members of the Presbyterian Church. Their pleas- ant homc, 'one of the comfortable residences of Mauch Chunk, is neatly and tastefully furnished, and is the abode of hospitality. Mr. Yaeger is a prominent Mason, who holds membership with Carbon Lodge No. 242, F. & A. M., of which he is Past Master. He also belongs to Lilly Chapter No. 181, R. A. M., and to Paeker Commandery No. 23, K. T. He is a worthy representative of one of the prominent families of this locality, and although young, is recognized as a leading business man, oceupying a foremost place in commercial eireles.
WEN SCHADT. The simple record of an honorable life is the best monument that ean be reared to any citizen, and we shall therefore not attempt to enlarge upon the history of the gentleman above named, who was formerly one of the best known residents of Schadts, Lehigh County. He was a native of that county, having been born in North Whitehall Township, June 29, 1824, and was the son of Abraham and Su- sanna (Peter) Schadt. Further mention will be
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made of the parents in the sketch of Monroe Schadt elsewhere in this volume.
The subject of this sketchi grew to mature ycars in his native county, in the meantime being given a fair education in the common schools. Upon at- taining his twenty-third ycar, he opened a hotel in Ruchsville, of which he was the proprietor for over forty-five years. Ile was also Postmaster of the place, the name of which was afterward changed in his honor to Schadts, the name by which it is now known.
Our subject departed this life April 5, 1891, loved and respected by all who knew him, and in his death the county lost one of its most active and valued citizens. The lady to whom Mr. Schadt was married March 5, 1848, was Miss Sarah Burk- halter, who was born in this county March 26, 1826, and was the daughter of Daniel and Cath- erine ( Mickley) Burkhalter, also natives of the above county. The great-grandfather of Mrs. Schadt, Jolın P. Burkhalter, was the founder of the family in America. He was a native of Ger- 'many, whencc he came to the United States prior to the Revolutionary War, and purchasing a large tract of land in North .Whitehall Township, be- came one of the wealthy and prominent residents of that locality.
Daniel Burkhalter was a farmer in North White- hall Township and reared a family of twelve chil- dren, namely: William, a resident of Indiana; Na- than, who lives in California; Daniel, who makes his home in Ohio; Hannah, a resident of the Hoosier State; Mary, deceased; Sarah, the wife of our subject; Eh, also deceased; Stephen, a resi- dent of this state; Susan, the wife of Louis Kern, who lives in Indiana; Catherine, Mrs. Solomon Woodring, who lives in Iowa; Peter, a resident of Oregon; and Franklin, who makes his home in Indiana. Mr. Burkhalter was a member of the Reformed Church in Egypt.
To our subject and his estimable wife there were born ten children, of whom the following five survive: Rosa, the wife of Henry George; Alice, Mrs. Louis Erdman; Stephen, Alfred and Owen. Those deceased are Ellen, Milton, Mary, Barbara and Sarah S.
Mr. Schadt has been Auditor of North White-
hall Township, and also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Lehigh County Alms House. In politics he was a stanch adherent to Democratic principles, and in religious affairs a consistent member of the Reformed Church, to which denomination his good wife, who is at pres- ent living in Schadts, also belongs. The manly character and useful life of our subject exerted an influence for good over all who knew him or learned the record of his life.
OSEPH RICHARDS, a prominent business man of Slatington, is one of the proprietors of the Carbon Slate Company, which is en- gaged in the mining and quarrying of slate. The concern has built up a business of large pro- portions, their sales being extensive in neighbor- ing states.
The subject of this biography was born in Wales in 1848, and when a child of six years set sail with his parents for the New World. On their arrival in Pennsylvania they first located in Schuylkill County, and there our subject passed his youth. His father was George Richards, whose birth oc- curred in Wales, as did also that of his mother, whose maiden name was Margaret Edwards. The education of our subject was obtained in the com- mon schools of Schnylkill County, and to his father he gave his assistance until reaching manhood.
On becoming twenty-one years of age, Joseph Richards went to Summit Hill, Carbon County, where he was employed as a clerk for five years, after which he formed a partnership with his fa- ther, and engaged in general merchandising, con- tinuing in this line of business for the succeeding sixteen years. In 1890 our subject entered into partnership with Elias Owens and R. G. Pierce, under the name of the Carbon Slate Company. In addition to his interest in the latter business Mr. Richards also carried on a general store in Summit Hill. He sold liis interest in the latter concern,
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however, in July, 1893, and since that time has de- voted his entire attention to the successful man- agement of the Carbon Slate Company. He is also a stockholder in the Franklin Slate Company.
In 1874 Joseph Richards was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Williams, of Carbon County, and of their union four sons have been born, and in order of birth are as follows: Josiah, David, Jo- seph and John. The parents are devoted members of the Baptist Church, in the work of which they take great interest. In February, 1888, Mr. Rich- ards was elected Burgess of Summit Hill, Carbon County. He deposits his ballot for the men and measures of the Republican party, and is a loyal and patriotic citizen.
DWIN H. KISTLER, M. D., is a well known physician of Lansford. He was born in Schuylkill County in the year 1843, and comes of a family of German origin, which was founded in America in Colonial days by ancestors who settled in Lehigh County. The grandfather of our subject was John Kistler, and the father was David Kistler. The latter was a tanner by trade, and a native of the Keystone State. Having at- taincd to years of maturity he was united in mar- riage with Miss Mary Houseman, and for many years they traveled life's journey together, sharing with cachi other its joys and sorrows, its adversity and prosperity. They became the parents of nine children, three sons and six daughters, seven of whom are yet living. The father and mother were called to their final rest on the same day, August 31, 1884.
Dr. Kistler, who is both widely and favorably known in this community, spent the days of his boyhood and youth in western Pennsylvania. His early education, which was acquired in the district schools of the neighborhood in which he lived, was supplemented by study in Freeland Seminary, now Ursinus College, where he continued his studies for two years. His literary education being then
completed he began the study of medicine. This was in 1866. He commenced reading in the office of Dr. Fred Corss in Kingston, Pa., and later en- tered the University of Pennsylvania, in Philadel- phia, from which institution he was graduated in the Class of '70. He then went to West Penn, where he opened an office and continued in general practice for six years. From 1876 until 1885, he was located at Summit Hill, where he did a large and lucrative business.
During that period, in 1877, Dr. Kistler was mar- ried to Miss Louisa K. Mantz, of West Penn, daugh- ter of William Mantz. By their union they became the parents of three children, two sons and a daughter, as follows: George (dcccased), Mary M. and Robert H. The family continued to reside in Summit Hill until 1885, when they came to Lans- ford, where the Doctor has since engaged in general practice. He is now well established in his pro- fession, and the public, recognizing his skill and ability, give him a liberal patronage. He is a mem- ber of the Carbon County Medical Society, the State Medical Society, the Lehigh Valley Medical Society, and is the physician for the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company. He is also resident physician for the Benefit Fund of the latter com- pany, in which capacity he has served since 1884.
In his social relations the Doctor is a Mason, holding membership with Tamaqua Lodge No. 530, F. & A. M. He also belongs to Summit Hill Lodge No. 576, I. O. O. F. His entire life has been passed in the Keystone State, and he has a wide acquaint- ance. Wherever he is known he lias made many friends, and by all is held in high regard. In his profession he has prospered and has won an envia- ble reputation.
H ORACE B. ERB, M. D., a practicing physi- cian of Steinsville, is a native of Mont- gomery County, Pa., having been born there April 28, 1859. The family has long been identified with the history of our country, and es- pecially of Pennsylvania, whither about 1620 came Isaac Casper Erb, a native of Germany. Settling in Montgomery County, he bought from the then
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existing Government twenty-two thousand acres of land, for which he paid £50. From him are descended the present representatives of the family in the Keystone State.
The Doctor is a son of Israel M. and Rachel (Bleim) Erb, natives of Montgomery County, Pa., who still make their home in the locality of their birth. Horace B. was rearcd to manhood upon the home farm, and received a good common and high school education. For one year he attended the Millersville State Normal, and for the same length of time was a student in the Normal at Valparaiso, Ind. Upon completing his studies he commenced to teach school in Montgomery Coun- ty, where for four years he followed the profession of a teacher. The success which has crowned his exertions is due to his own indefatigable energy, as he was obliged to earn the money with which to gain his education. The success which he has gained is therefore highly commendable, and proves that he is a man of energy and force of character.
For about a year our subject rcad medicine with W. J. Ashenfelter, of Pottstown, Montgomery County, Pa. In 1885 he entered Jefferson Medi- cal College, Philadelphia, and there attended two courses of lectures. Subsequently he conducted his studies in the Medico-Chirurgical CoHege, Philadelphia, from which he was graduated on the 6th of April, 1888. At once after completing his studies he opened an office at Steinsville, where he has gradually built up an excellent practice, in- cluding patients in this village and much of the surrounding country. It has ever been his aim to keep abreast with the latest developments in the science of medicine, and he is well posted in every- thing pertaining to the profession.
November 25, 1888, occurred the marriage of Dr. Erb to Miss Amanda Sweisford, a native of Montgomery County, Pa., and a daughter of Josiah and Maria (Geiger) Sweisford, also born in that county. Mrs. Erb passed away February 1, 1892, leaving one child, a daughter, Minnie, who was born April 28, 1890. Her death was mourned by all who knew her, for she was a lady of sweet and lovable disposition and noble character.
In his political views the Doctor affiliates with
the Democratic party, and takes a commendable interest in all enterprises having for their object the promotion of the welfare of the people. His religious connections are with the Lutheran Church. Socially he is identified with the Blue Mountain Lodge No. 249, I. O. O. F., in which he officiates as Past Grand. He is also a member of the Patriotic Order Sons of America, belonging to Lodge No. 288, at Steinsville.
ILLIAM KRAUSE, who is the propri- etor of the Slatedale Mill, has his plant fitted out with the latest improvements in the way of machinery, and manufactures a good grade of flour, making a specialty of custom work. The mill was built in 1866, and was added to in 1881, which year it was also burned. Four years later our subject erccted the present structure, put in a full roller process, and is conducting a very paying business.
Our subject is a native of this state, and was born in Berks County, October 29, 1836. Hc is the son of Jacob and Salome Krause, also natives of the above county. William was reared and ed- ucated in Berks County, and for a time attended the public schools, where he obtained a fair educa- tion in the branches taught in that day.
In 1859 our subject came to Lehigh County, and two years later established himself in the milling business. He has been practically engaged in the same ever since, with the exception of the two years when he operated a hotel in Slatedale, and when for the same length of time he was hotel keeper in his native county. Besides his mill property he is the proprietor of twenty-one acres of land lying in Washington Township, which is well cultivated, and which bears first-class improvements. When ready to establish a home of his own, William Krause was united in marriage, in 1861, with Miss Maria Krause, who bore him six children: Eli HI., wlio assists our subject in the mill; Clara E. the
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