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 36

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 36
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 36
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 36

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wife of Oliver Kommerer; Albert F., telegraph operator at Slatington, also agent for the Allen- town & New Jersey Railroad Company; Thomas O., an engineer in this place; Sabilla, who married William Seibert, mail agent on the Pennsylvania Railroad, running from New York to Philadelphia, and Annie J., who is at home.

Mr. Krause has always been interested in educa- tional affairs, and has rendered efficient service for a number of terms as a member of the School Board. Religiously he is a consistent member of the Lutheran Church and is a true Christian, hold- ing the offices of Deacon and Trustee in his con- gregation. Mr. Krause is known and respected for thc honesty and sincerity of his character, and has the friendship of the best people in the community.

T HOMAS MUSSELMAN is one of the three Auditors of Carbon County, and has his home in Mahoning Township. He is onc of the vetcrans of the late war, and took part in numerous engagements of the Rebellion, twice re- ceiving wounds while in the service. In Novem- ber, 1892, he was elected as an Auditor of Carbon County to serve for a term of three years. In politics he is a Republican, and the manner in which he has met thie responsibilities devolving upon him in a public capacity, has won for him the esteem and confidence of his constituents and fellow-citizens.

Peter Musselman, the grandfather of our sub- ject, became a resident of Carbon County in the early part of this century, and it is supposed that he was a native of Lchigh County, where many branches of the family have lived for generations. Jacob Musselman, the father of our subject, was born in Carbon County and passed his entire life within its limits, being devoted to agricultural pursuits, and being the owner of a farm in Mahon- ing Township, where his death occurred during

the '50s. His wife, formerly Rebecca Kemmerer, was also born in this county, and by her marriage became the mother of the following children: Thomas; Elizabeth, wife of Dr. M. J. Williams, of Scranton, Pa., and George K., who is a resident of Kansas City.

Thomas Musselman was born on his father's farm in this county June 21, 1841, and there grew to manliood. He is still making his place of abode on the old homestead, which has since come into his possession, and his energies have always been to a large extent in the direction of agriculture. After obtaining a public-school education, he taught for one term and has always been a student and extensive reader. His farm comprises two hundred and five acres, and is under high cultiva- tion. The owner takes pride in keeping his place in a thrifty manner, and is constantly making im- provements upon it. For a number of years he made a comfortable income as a milk dealer, hav- ing a route and regular customers at Summit Hill, Lansford and neighboring towns.

August 9, 1862, Mr. Musselman enlisted in Com- pany F, One Hundred and Thirty-second Penn- sylvania Infantry, being sent to the front, and was made First Lieutenant of his company. He took part in the battles of Fredericksburg, Antie- tam and Chancellorsville, and in other engagements of that campaign. At the battle of Antietam he was wounded, and also received injuries at Fred- ericksburg. His term of enlistment having ex- pired, he was discharged on the 24th of May, 1863, and in the following month re-enlisted in Com- pany F, Thirty-fourth Pennsylvania Militia. As a member of that company he was placed on guard duty, being stationed at Reading and Philadelphia until receiving his final discharge, in August, 1863.

June 28, 1867, our subject was married to Miss Emcline E., daughter of Henry and Abigail Hun- sicker, natives of this county. The former is now deceased, but the latter is still a resident of this county. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Mussel- man was a native of Lehigh County, and became one of the early settlers of Carbon County. Her mother bore the maiden name of Armer, and came from one of the old families of the county. To our subject and his estimable wifc has been born

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one daughter, Mabel. The parents are members of the Reformed Church, in which organization Mr. Musselman is now serving as an Elder. The family arc highly respected, and have many sincere friends and well wishers in this locality.

J AMES B. TWEEDLE, M. D., an experienced physician and skilful surgeon of Weatherly, is a native of New Jersey, and was born in Paterson June 30, 1837. He is of English descent; his parents, John B. and Mary (Winter) Twcedle, were born in that country and emigrated to the United States in 1830. They located first in New York City, where they resided a short time, but soon moved to Paterson, N. J., where they made their home for a few years. From there they went to Beaver Meadows, Carbon County, where they located permanently, and there Mr. Tweedle was called to the home beyond. He was a tailor by trade, and worked at that occupation and as ship- ping clerk in the mines at Beaver Meadows. His family consisted of six children, five sons and one daughter: Richard, Thomas, James B. (our sub- ject), William, Samuel and Sarah, the wife of Paul Wcar, of Beaver Meadows. The father was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. Richard, Thomas and our subject are veterans of the Civil War.

The subject of this sketch was reared and cdu- cated in Beaver Meadows, attending the public schools of that place, and later studied medicine under Dr. John B. Longshore. In his youth he · worked about the mines, driving mules and run- ning stationary engines, etc., until he met with an accident which caused him to abandon that occu- pation. He taught school for four years, and at the same time read medicine with Dr. Longshore, a prominent physician of Beaver Meadows. About this time the Civil War broke out, and "Uncle Sam" called for volunteers. The Doctor was one

of the first to respond to the call and enlisted June 12, 1861, in Company A, Twenty-eighth Pennsylvania Regiment, under Col. John W. Geary. The regiment was formed at Camp Coleman, near Philadelphia, and was sent to Sandy Hook, Md. The first engagement that Dr. Tweedle participa- ted in was at Bolivar Heights. After being in the service for a few months, the Doctor was made Hospital Steward and Acting Assistant Surgeon under Dr. H. Ernest Goodman, remaining in that capacity until July 20, 1864. At Antietam and Gettysburg he was the only medical officer with the regiment in the field. The principal battles in which the Doctor took an active part were those of Point of Rocks, Berlin, Ball's Bluff, Leesburg, Upperville, Ashby Gap, Middleburg, White Plains, Warrenstown, Ft. Royal, Manassas, Culpeper, Cedar Creek, Cedar Mountain, second battle of Bull Run, Antietam, Dumfries, Chan- cellorsville and Gettysburg. After the last named battle, our subject, with Dr. Goodman, estab- lished the general hospital at Gettysburg, and then followed Lce until transferred to the Army of the Southwest under General Hooker, when he took part in the battles of Lookout Mountain, Mis- sionary Ridge and Ringgold. He was then given charge of the hospital at Bridgeport, Tenn., and from there was sent to Chattanooga, where he was honorably discharged.

On his return to the north, our subject entered tlic medical department of Columbia College, New York, and was graduated from that institu- tion in March, 1865. He is a general practitioner, and is considered one of the best in the county. At present he is Secretary and Treasurer of the County Medical Society, of which he is an hon- ored member. He is also a member of the Lehigh Valley Medical Association, a member of the Na- tional Railroad Association, and for thirty years has served as Surgeon for the Lehigh Valley Rail- road Company.

Dr. Tweedle takes a leading part in all of the industrial enterprises of Weatherly, and was in- strumental in starting the silk mill of that place, the largest of its kind in the world. He has . also been identified with the novelty works, planing mill, water company, fire association, building and

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loan association, and is Director of the First Na- tional Bank of Hazleton. November 14, 1865, our subject was united in marriage with Miss Mary A., daughter of J. W. Leadenham, of Weatherly. Mr. and Mrs. Tweedle became the parents of ninc children, seven of whom are living: Carrie, the wife of Fleming Bowden, of Jacksonville, Fla .; Ernest, Fannie, James, Joseph, Robert and Austin. The three eldest are graduates of the high school of Weatherly.

Socially our subject is a prominent member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, American Me- chanics, Blue Lodge, Chapter, Commandery, Con- sistory, Scottish Rites, thirty-second degree, Col. .James Miller Post No. 271, G. A. R .; Knights of Malta, Knights of Pythias, and the Red Men. He is a charter member of all these orders, and also of the Druids. He is a stanch Republican in politics, always taking an active part in the councils of that party, and in all civil affairs. He has served as School Director for a number of years, has held the office of Justice of the Peace five years, and was pension agent for sixteen years.

D AVID W. W. FOLLWEILER, M. D. For a period covering almost a quarter of a century this gentleman has engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery at Lynnport. He is a native of Lehigh County, having been born in Lynn Township, Deecmber 27, 1841, to the union of David and Catherine ( Wannamaker) Follwciler. The family was first represented in America by Bernhard Follweiler, a native of Switzerland, who emigrated thence to this country during the eigh- teenth century and made settlement in Lynn Town- ship, Lehigh County, adjoining the site of the pres- cnt village of Lynnport. He was one of the first settlers of his locality, and assisted in the develop- ment of the resources of the township and county. Among other enterprises with which he was con-

nected may be mentioned the first church at Jack- sonville, in the erection of which he aided.

The maternal grandfather of David Follweiler, who bore the family name of Lcaser, was at Phila- delphia, Pa., with his wagon during the War of 1812 when the British threatened to capture the liberty bell and confiscate other property. His wagon, it is said, was selected for the purpose of hauling the bell to Allentown for safety. With that precious load he drove as far as Bethlehem, when one of the wagon wheels broke and another wagon then bore the bell to Allentown. Sev- eral of our subject's ancestors participated in the Wars of the Revolution and of 1812, and the fam- ily has always been most loyal to our Government.

When a young man David Follweiler served as Captain of a militia. For thirty years he officiated as Justice of the Peace. As Director for the Poor for Lehigh County, he assisted in selecting the present site of the county almsliouse. He was a life-long resident of Lynn Township, where his death occurred in 1889. In religious belief he was a member of the Reformed Church. Of his children eleven survive, namely: Mrs. Glase and Edward, residents of Lynnport; Mrs. Hiskey, whose home is in Allentown, Pa .; Mrs. Samucl Lutz, of Lynn Township; Mrs. C. M. Bloom, living in Lynnport; Mrs. Louis Miller, of Allentown; Mrs. M. F. Waid- clich, residing at Steinsville; Dr. David W. W., of Lynnport; Mrs. W. Bachmon, of Slatington; Mrs. Lutz and Mrs. C. M. Dormblaser, both living in Allentown.

In the township where he was born, the subject of this sketch was reared to manhood, receiving a good education in the schools of the county. Early in life he conceived the idea of becoming a physi- cian, and in order to assist in the culmination of his ambition he taught school several terms. Dur- ing the summer vacations he read medicine with Dr. D. D. S. Shade, of Steinsville, and in 1868 en- tercd Bellevue Medical College, of New York City, from which he was graduated in 1870. Returning to Lynnport, he opened an office and commenced the practice of liis profession. Later he went back to the medical college and took a special course in general medical practice. It has ever been his aim to keep in touch with thic advances made in medi-

ROBERT F. WENTZ.

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cine and surgery, and to this end he avails himself of every opportunity for extending his field of professional information. He has been successful, and in addition to his home owns one hundred and twenty-four acres of valuable land.

September 7, 1873, Dr. Follweiler married Mary J., daughter of Elias Hartman, formerly of Lynn- port, but now deceased. Two children grace this union, Robert D. E. and Clara L. The family is connected with the Reformed Church of Lynnport. As a citizen the Doctor is especially interested in educational matters, and lias been School Director of Lynn Township. Socially he is a member of Blue Mountain Lodge No. 249, I. O. O. F., at Steinsville, in which he is now officiating as Mas- ter, and of which his father was a charter member. All progressive movements receive bis hearty sup- port, and his sympathy may always be relied upon in the promotion of public-spirited measures.

R OBERT F. WENTZ. The Siegfried Man- ufacturing Company, organized by Mr. Wentz in 1892, is one of the largest en- terprises in the village, and gives constant employ- ment in its different departments to about fifteen men. They- are builders of full roller, cement, paint, facing and sawmill machinery, also grain elevator, concentrating works, etc. They manu- facture the Crown Prince Cement Bolt, Wentz In- ter-Elevator Flour Bolt and Aspirators, scalpers, etc., besides dealing in rubber, cotton, canvas and leather belting, wood split pulleys and general mill supplies.

The works of the Siegfried Manufacturing Com- pany have been fitted up with the most modern and latest improved machinery, such as is not sur- passed by any other company in the Lehigh Val- ley. They are therefore able to turn out work with accuracy, neatness and dispatch, and invite inspection in this particular. Their foreman in the machinery department is an exact and quick mechanic, and the factory also numbers among its

employes competent millwrights, who are able to put up machinery in a workmanlike manner. The Manufacturing Company is prepared to do all kinds of repair work in mills, factories and mines, as well as build new works and remodel old ones to the latest systems and processes.

The experience of the Siegfried Manufacturing Company in building cement works is extensive, and we can say without fear of contradiction that they have built more cement works than any other company in the state. They built the large Port- land Cement Works, the only works of the kind in the state of New Jersey, and remodeled with the latest machinery the Portland cement plant, the largest in New York.

The Crown Prince Cement Bolt is noted for the following points of superiority: greatest capacity, minimum power, less space, wears longer, less at- tention required, more casily operated, coarser cloth required for the same fineness of cement, no clogging up of cloth, no cloth cleaner required, cloth wears two or three times as long as any round or hexagon reel in existence, etc. Since its introduction a short time ago, the bolt has acquired a reputation as a leader for superior work with the greatest possible capacity per square foot of cloth, requiring little or no attention, and for such gen- eral excellence in every respect that it is hardly necessary to boast of its merits. The machine is very carefully constructed throughout, the inside or working part being made of steel, and the frame of hard wood, thus presenting a very handsome appearance.

The Wentz Elevator Flour Bolt is the leader, if not the champion, of all flour bolts or dressers yet introduced to the milling public. This machine is doing very satisfactory work for those who have become the possessors of it. The company also claims the greatest possible capacity, perfect sepa- rations, clear and granular flour, dry and dustless tailings, small space in mill, least power required to run it. They also make a specialty of maple and hickory mill cogs, the wood being of selected stock, and only butts of the best kind are used.

The Siegfried Manufacturing Company are the agents for Otto Gasoline Engine (economy and safety combined), Jeffrey Chain Belting and

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Sprocket Wheels, Caldwell Steel Conveyors, Leffel Turbine, Belting, Bolting Cloth, Elevator Cups and Bolts, and all general and special mill machin- ery and supplies.

Robert F. Wentz, the senior member of the com- pany, was born in Cherryville, this state, July 19, 1858, and is the son of Jacob and Lucy A. Wentz. He prosecuted his studies first in the public schools of Northampton County, and later in the Cedar Hill Seminary at Mt. Joy. When about nineteen years of age he drifted into mechanical engineer- ing, which he followed for one year, and then en- gaged in operating a gristmill, his place of busi- ness being at Howerville.

For three and one-half years Mr. Wentz was in the employ of Wolf & Homaker, of Chambersburg, putting up mill machinery, in which undertaking he was very successful. In 1892 he erected his present plant and operated alone until March 1, 1894, when he formed a partnership with Frank D. Fried. Mr. Wentz, as the reader doubtless knows, is a thorough business man and self made in every sense of the term. He is recognized as among the leading business men of the county, and is in the possession of a handsome competence, which he has accumulated through his own efforts.

Robert F. Wentz and Miss Alice Farber were united in marriage in 1877. To them have been granted eight children, namely: Bertie, Annie, Jerry, Lottie, Carrie, Talmadge, Helen and Ruth. In religious affairs our subject is a devoted mem- ber of the Evangelical Church at Cherryville and has been active in Sunday-school work, serving as Superintendent of the school at that place for many years. Socially he is a prominent member of the fraternity of Odd Fellows at Seigfried's and is also connected with the Grange at this place.

Frank D. Fried, the junior member of the Sieg- fried Manufacturing Company, is a native of this state, and was born in Allentown November 19, 1843. He is a son of Daniel and Susan Fried, the former of whom is a millwright. Frank D. learned the trade of a boot and shoe maker after complet- ing his education in the common schools, and for many years was a member of the Allentown Shoe .Manufacturing Company. He retired from this business in 1894, and soon thereafter became con-

nected with Mr. Wentz in his present business. By his marriage to Miss Alice Hemersley five chil- dren were born, bearing the respective names of Susan, Clinton, Robert, Percival and Ralph, Mr. Fried still inakes his home in Allentown, and is numbered among the well-to-do residents of that place.

- -

ILLIAM A. HECKENBERGER, V. S. The gentleman whose name appears upon this page is one of the oldest veterinary surgeons in Pennsylvania and the old- est in his profession in the Lehigh Valley, through- out whose limits lie is favorably known. He makes his home in Catasauqua, where he has been en- gaged in practice since 1848.

Our subject was born in Saulgau, Wurtemberg, Germany, February 26, 1825, and is the son of Joseph Heckenberger, also a native of the above place, where he was Sheriff, having charge of prisoners for forty years, or until he retired on a pension. He was with Emperor William fourteen years in Russia. He is now deceased, departing this life at the age of seventy-six years.

The mother of our subject, Louisa Pocarius prior to her marriage, was also born in the Fatherland, and became the mother of eight children, of whom our subject is the third in order of birth and the only member of the family who survives. He was reared in his native place and received his educa- tion first in the common schools and then in the gymnasium. When quite young he began reading books on veterinary surgery, and when deciding to follow that profession throughout life, fitted himself to become an expert in this line.

In 1848 Mr. Heckenberger came to America, leaving Antwerp on the sailing-vessel " Rielm," which landed him in New York City after a voy- age of sixty days. From the metropolis Mr. Heck- enberger went to Newark, N. J., where he began the practice of his profession, but there being very few German-speaking people in that city, and be- ing unacquainted with English, he came one year

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later to Catasauqua, which was then little more than a hamlet. He was the first veterinary sur- geon to locate in this place, and by his ability and skill in the treatment of horses soon built up a large practicc. He is now engaged by the Bethle- hem Iron Company, the Crane Iron Company, and by many of the mines to look after their animals when needed.

Mr. Heckenberger was married in this city in 1856 to Miss Nancy Carney. a native of Ireland. To them have been born four children, named re- spectively : William, a druggist in this city; Henry, a veterinary surgcon in Pittston; Joseph, wlio also follows that profession, is a graduate of the To- ronto Veterinary College, and who is engaged in practice with our subject, and Amanda, now the wife of David Price.

Our subject is a member of the Veterinary Med- ical Association of Pennsylvania, with which he has been prominently identified for many years. He is a devoted member of the Lutheran Church and gives liberally of his means toward the support of the congregation in this city.

H ENRY H. RIEGEL, M. D., a prominent physician and surgeon of Catasauqua, was born in Allentown, Lehigh County, No- vember 12, 1836. Both his father. Daniel, and grandfather, Matthias, were natives of Hellertown, Northampton County, and were of German de- scent. The former moved to Allentown, where he followed the trade of a tanner and also carried on a meat market. In 1837 he embarked in the hotel business at Batlı, Northampton County, and three years later removing to Nazareth, conducted for fourteen years the well known Nazareth Hotel. Retiring from the hotel business, he settled in Bath, where he was bereaved by his wife's death.

Returning to Nazareth, Daniel Riegel was in 1855 elected Sheriff of Northampton County, and served with efficiency until the expiration of his term of office, His last days were spent at Naz-

areth, where his death occurred at the age of sixty- eight. In political views he was a Democrat, and enjoyed great popularity among the supporters of that political organization. He was a devoted member of the Moravian Church, with which his family was also connected. His wife bore the maiden name of Hannah Weaver, and was born at Weaversville, Pa .; she died at Bath, at fifty-two years of age. Her grandfather, John Weaver, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and was of German parentage, his father having come to this country from the Fatherland. Her father, Michacl Weaver, was born in Weaversville, where he fol- lowed the several occupations of farmer, tanner and merchant, and where his death occurred at the age of sixty-four. He was a soldier in the War of 1812.

In the parental family there were eight children that attained years of maturity, and of these six are now living. The Doctor, who is one of the youngest of the number, was reared principally in Nazareth, and until about sixteen years old was a student in Nazareth Hall, a Moravian academy. At the age of about eighteen he began the study of medicine at Bath, under the tutelage of Dr. W. E. Barnes, and in the fall of 1855 he entered the medical department of the University of Pennsyl- vania, at Philadelphia, where he continued for onc term. Returning to Bath, he spent the sum- mer of 1856 in the office of Dr. Barnes, and in the fall entered Jefferson Medical College, at Phila- delphiia, from which he was graduated in 1857 with the degree of M. D.

In May, 1857, the young doctor opened an office at Cherryville, Northampton County, where he engaged in practice until January, 1861. After- ward he spent a year in practice at Saegerstown, Crawford County, Pa., after which, at the so- licitation of his father, he settled in Weavers- ville, in March, 1862, and there conducted a good practice until the fall of 1868. Coming then to Catasauqua, he opened an office within one block of his present location, No. 27 Front Street, and here he has since engaged in general practice. As a physician he has the confidence of the people, and no one in the county has a larger practice than he. Since 1878 the Doctor has been a Director in

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the Catasauqua National Bank, of which his father was one of the organizers. Hc aided in the organ- ization of the National Bank of Slatington in 1875, and is one of its directors. In the Catasauqua Im- provement Company he has been an active worker, and originated the plan of getting the silk works here. He owns the original Weaver farm, consist- ing of one hundred and forty-five acres of finely improved land adjoining Weaversville, which lias been in the possession of the Weaver family for more than one hundred and forty-five years.

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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 36

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