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 37
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 37
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 37
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In Cherryville, this state, July 3, 1858, Dr. Riegel married Miss Ellen J. Gish, who was born in Berlinsville, Northampton County, and is a daughter of Abraham Gish, a farmer and merchant of that place. Four children bless this union. Clifford H., a graduate of the Catasauqua schools, learned the machinist's trade, later was agent for the Lehigh & Susquehanna Railroad at Catasauqua, and is the present bookkeeper for the Catasauqua National Bank. Emma L. married S. B. Harte, United States Express Agent and Manager of the Western Union telegraph office at Catasauqua. William A., after graduating from the high school of this city, entered the Pennsylvania College, at Gettysburg, from which he was graduated with the degree of A. B. Later he was graduated from the medical department of the University of Penn- sylvania, and is now engaged in practice with his father. Mattic G., an accomplished young lady, is at home.
Politically Dr. Riegel is a Republican. He is now serving his third term as School Director, and is also President of the Board. May 17, 1889, he was appointed on the Board of Pension Examiners, of which he was President for more than four years, resigning the position under the new ad- ministration. Socially he belongs to Porter Lodge No. 284, K. T .; Catasauqua Chapter No. 278, R. A. M .; Allen Commandery No. 20, K. T .; and Allen Council No. 23, R. & S. M., at Allentown. In the fraternity he has held a number of official posi- tions, and is now Past Master of the lodge. In his religious connections he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is serving as its Trustee. He keeps abreast with modern discoveries in the realm of therapeutics, and is identified with
a number of associations, including the Lehigh County Medical Society, of which lie is President; the Lehigh Valley Medical Association, and the State Medical Society of Pennsylvania. The Doc- tor is Medical Examiner in this locality for a number of life insurance companies.
OHN SMITH. Among the native sons of Northampton County and numbered among its progressive business men is the subject of this notice, who comes from one of the pio- neer families of the county. His father, Jona- than Smith, was born in Lehigh County, being a son of Peter Smith, who brought his family to this county when his son was only a small boy. He settled in East Allen Township, where he lived to attain a good old age. Our subject's mother, Margaret (Fennel) Sinithi, was born in Northamp- ton County.
John Smith was born June 10, 1837, and was reared to man's estate on his father's farm in East Allen Township, his education being acquired in the district schools. Until about twenty years of age he devoted himself to farm work, but at this time began learning the business of making farm implements. This calling he followed about three years, when he returned to agricultural pursuits, in which lie engaged for several years. About 1872 Mr. Smith embarked in the lime business with Erin Reyer, tlie latter being the senior mem- ber of the firm. The firm name was afterward changed to Smith & Reyer, and ultimately the latter assigned his interest to his son, though the firm name still remains unchanged. This connec- tion has proved very successful, and they do a large business, burning and preparing lime for the market. On the average about fifteen men are employed, though formerly more than double the number were often engaged in working at the two immense kilns, the capacity of which is about five hundred bushels of lime in twenty-four hours. Recently John Smith sold out his interest in the
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lime business to his son, William H., now the prime mover in the enterprises of the firm.
January 10, 1860, our subject married Sarah S. Biel, she being a daughter of David B. Biel, and to them were born seven children, four of whom are living: Laura, Ellen, William H. and Ida R.
The farm on which John Smith and his family reside, and which he located in 1867, comprises fifty-four acres, all under good cultivation. In addition to this property, he owns a tract of land covering one hundred and twenty-one acres in East Allen Township. A self-made man, Mr. Smith is worthy of commendation, for it is only through his own hard work and well directed efforts that he has acquired a competence. In his political belief he adheres to the principles set forth by the Democratic party. As a member of the Reformed Church he has served as Deacon, and while living in Howertown he was the Trustec of the church at that placc.
HARLES A. MOHREY. This popular and well known gentleman is engaged as a merchant tailor in Cherryville. He is a native of this county, and was born February 14, 1856, to Peter and Catherine (Heckman) Mohrey, the former born in Switzerland, and the latter in Northampton County. Peter Mohrey departed this life in 1891, and his good wife, who still sur- vives, makes her home with our subject and is now in the seventy-fifth year of her age.
Charles A., of this sketch, grew to man's estate and was educated in the public schools of his na- tive county, and although not having the advan. tages offered the youth of the present day for gaining a good schooling, is well informed and keeps himself thoroughly posted on events of in- terest. In 1876 he began to learn the tailor's tradc, serving an apprenticeship of three years. He then established in business for himself in Cherryvillc. Here he has built up a good trade and controls the largest business in his line in the place and has also secured a good patronage from the surround- ing country. He gives employment to several
men, and turns out first-class and highly satisfac- tory work in every particular.
Mr. Mohrey was married in 1879 to Miss Emma E., daughter of Charles Nagle, now deceased, but formerly a resident of this county. They have become the parents of two children, Mark and Raymond. In religious affairs our subject is a de- voted member of the Reformed Church, in the work of which he is greatly interested. Socially he belongs to the Junior Order United American Mechanics at Cherryville.
In his political affiliations Mr. Mohrey is a strong Democrat. He is well known, and the in- corruptible integrity of his character and his many fine qualities of head and heart have placed him high in the regard of his fellow-citizens.
M ARTIN LEWIS YOST, M. D., who was born in Salisbury Township, March 20, 1834, is the son of John Yost. The grandfather, Joseph, who was a native of Den- mark, emigrated to America early in the history of this century. John Yost was a man of but little education, although he acquired during his long residence in Lehigh County considerable wealth. He was widely known, and served as County Com- missioner for several terms, and also held various minor offices. He was a farmer by occupation, and in later years disposed of his interests in that line and retired from active life. He died in 1873, at the age of seventy-six years. His success in life was due entirely to his own industry. At onc time during a financial panic which spread over the country, Mr. Yost was a very heavy loser, but, notwithstanding this, his pluck and energy again placed him in the front, and he died a rich man. His wife, the mother of Dr. Yost, was Maria Stu- ben, who belonged to a prominentand well known family in this part of the country. She borc her husband four boys and five girls, only three of whom are yet living: John J., a wealthy resident of South Bethlehem; Sallie, the widow of Solomon Euroth, also living in South Bethlehem, and Mar- tin L. The father for a period of thirty-one years conducted a distillery, whose product was made
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under the name of Morten & Yost, and was favor- ably known the world over.
Dr. Yost was not a recipient of educational ad- vantages in his youth, and the development of his excellent character is due largely to his own ef- forts. Early in life lie chose the vocation of a physician, and his spare moments at home were spent in study with that in view. He was gradu- ated from the Bellevue Medical College of New York City in 1864, though previous to that event he had practiced to a considerable extent in the neighborhood of his nativity. Soon after his graduation he located in Salisbury Township, near Allentown, and began the practice of his profes- sion.
In November, 1862, Dr. Yost was married to Miss Amanda Gable, a native of Lower Milford Township, and a daughter of Willoughby and Eliza ( Weeder) Gable. To this union seven chil- dren were born: Wilson, Erwin, Martin, Alfred J., Helen E., and two little ones who died in infancy. Alfred J. is a young physician of repute at Allen- town, and in 1893, soon after his graduation, was elected on the Democratic ticket to the office of Coroner of Lehigh. County.
Dr. Yost was a second time married, in 1876, his wife being on this occasion Mrs. Julia Hieman, a daughter of Solomon and Rachel (Ulmer) Hieman, the father being a well known citizen of Alsace, Germany, dying in that country. To this marriage one child has been born, Miss Rachel M., who at the time of this writing is a student of Allentown Female College, where Helen S., her half-sister, is also a student. Tlie Doctor is a gentleman of means, and possesses much real estate in the city and country. His home farm consists of one hundred and fifty acres of fine land, lying near Allentown, upon which are numerous buildings and tenant houses, all of which are of the same marked degree of rural elegance. The home of the family was erected in 1892, and is perhaps the finest dwelling to be found outside the cities of Lehigh County. It is graciously presided over by his estimable wife, whose many friends and ac- quaintances she always makes welcome to hier spa- cious abode. No expense lias been sparcd in mak- ing it a model of elegance, baths, hot air and a
large conservatory being some of the many com- forts. A portion of the furniture in their home is more than two hundred years old, and was brought to this country by his grandfather from Denmark. In the building of this handsome home the Doctor was his own architect, and superin- tended its entire construction. He also owns about fifty-two dwellings in South Bethlehem.
Dr. and Mrs. Yost have traveled extensively. He has crossed the Atlantic upon three occasions, and has visited all of the European points of in- terest. He has in his possession a watch which is beyond doubt the acme of mechanical skill. It was originally made for a royal Duke of Spain, and upon it is engraved the coat of arms of the royal house. The jewels are rubics and diamonds. While abroad the Doctor purchased. a number of fine horses and imported them. He has had many adventures with robbers, and but for his courage and presence of mind would undoubtedly have sustained serious loss.
Politically Dr. Yost is a stanch Democrat, and filled with great credit the office of School Direc- tor for some time. He has also been given other offices of his township, is now a Director of the Second National Bank of Allentown, and upon matters financial his advice is frequently sought.
A LEXANDER C. P. LAURY. This repre- sentative and well known citizen of Laury's, Lehigh County, is the Postmas- ter, ticket and freight agent of the Lehigh Valley Railway Company. He was born in this place January 26, 1849, and is a son of Judge David and Maria (Klein) Laury, also natives of this county. His great-grandfather was a native of Scotland and emigrated thence to America, where he founded that branch of the family to which our subject belongs.
In 1832 Judge Laury settled in the village which was named in liis honor, and here he continued to reside until his death, in 1883, when in the seven-
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ty-ninth year of his age. For ten years he served as one of the Associate Judges of Lehigh County, and also represented his district in the Lower House of the State Legislature. During the late war he was appointed Revenue Commissioner. Throughout this section he was esteemed as a man of integrity of action and nobility of heart. In financial matters he was successful, and at his death left a valuable estate to be divided among his children. Public spirited and enterprising, he was ever ready to bear such part as he could in the progress of the county. He was active in relig- ious work, and assisted in the establishment of the Lutheran Church at Laury's, in which he served in an official capacity. Socially he was a Mason and an Odd Fellow. For a time he filled tlie posi- tion of Major-General of the State Militia for the five counties of Lehigh, Northampton, Monroc, Pike and Carbon.
The children who survive of the parental fam- ily are: Mary, the wife of Thomas Newhard, of Laury's; Henry K., who makes his home in White- hall; Caroline, Mrs. Adam Laubach, of Seigfried's Bridge, Pa .; Maria K., wife of Peter Nichols, who is foreman in the car shops at Stemton; Josephine P., Mrs. George F. Kimball, of Laury's; Rebecca S., widow of Joseph L. Bibighaus, and Alexander C. P. The last-named was reared in the village of Laury's. In 1864 he became assistant to his fa- ther, wlio ,was the first station agent at this place, and on the death of the latter, in 1883, he assumed full control of the office, which he has since filled. His primary studies were conducted in the com- mon schools, after which he attended Gregory's Academy, at Allentown. Later he entered the Al- lentown Military Academy, now known as Muh- lenberg College, where he continued liis studies, thus obtaining a fine literary education.
The lady whom Mr. Laury married in 1871 was Miss Mary R., daughter of Thomas Hirst, of Beth- lehem. Their home has been blessed by the birth of tliree daughters, namely: Bessie M., thic wife of Samuel R. Thomas; Helen M., who is attending school in Bethlehem, and Marion H. Mr. Laury is a stanchi Democrat politically and is a reliable citizen, an intelligent man, and one whose life has won for him the respect of those about him. He
is a valued member of the Lutheran Church, in the work of which he takes great interest. To- gether with his father, he has virtually built up the village of Laury's, and during his lifelong residence here lie has become well known through- out the community, and has a host of warm friends who esteem liim highly.
S AMUEL GEISER was born in Northampton County, February 28, 1821, and is the son of John J. and Elizabeth (Bush) Geiser. He is engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods, operates a fine tract of land, and perhaps no resi- dent in Lehigh Township has shown a greater de- gree of enterprise.
The father of Samuel Geiser was born across the Atlantic, in Switzerland, while his mother is a na- tive of Lehigh County. The former emigrated to America about 1817, locating first in Allen Town- ship, whence he later came to this township, mak- ing his home on the tract of land on which our subject is residing at the present time. Here he erected a stone house, and also building a mill, began the manufacture of woolen goods, which business Samuci learned, and which he has fol- lowed for many years.
The subject of this sketch has made his home in Lehigh Township since two years of age. As soon as old enoughi he received a thorough train- ing in farm pursuits, and at the same time was taught how to manufacture woolen goods. He secured his education in the common schools, which, although bearing little resemblance to the institutions of learning at the present day, gave him a fair fund of information. His father dying wlien he was twenty-seven years of age, Mr. Geiser took charge of the factory, which he still carries on in connection with his farming opera- tions. His estate includes fifty acres, which are cultivated in an admirable manner, and yield their owner a fine income. The factory is run by water- power, and gives employment to three men. The
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goods manufactured are satinettes, flannels, blank- ets, stockings, yarns, etc.
Mr. Geiser was married in 1849, to Miss Cath- erine, daughter of Henry Mack, now deceased, but formerly a native of this eounty. There was born to them a family of nine children, all of whom are living with one exception, and are named respective- ly: John H., George; Andrew F., deceased; Sarah, the wife of Dr. Frank Laubach, of Luzerne Coun- ty, this state; Annie, now Mrs. George Laubach; Amanda, the wife of A. Stetler; Mary, Mrs. Theo- dore Weitzel; Laura, the wife of William Berger; and Ellen, the wife of Dr. Sipe, of Easton, this state.
Mr. Geiser has served efficiently as a member of the School Board, and as a man of good habits he is well thought of in the community where he makes his home. He is a staneh Democrat in poli- tics, and his influenee is used to advance the cause of his party. He has witnessed great changes in the country during the years of his residence liere, and has contributed his quota toward bringing them about. An active member of the Lutheran Church, he does all he can to extend its good work. He possesses the confidence of his fellow- men, among whom his word is considered as good as his bond.
F RANKLIN GOLDSMITH. The city of Catasauqua is the home of many energetic and prosperous business men who have won for themselves both fame and fortune, but none merit more praise or are more highly es- teemed than he whose history here claims atten- tion. He is one of the most extensive contractors and builders in the city, and has many friends in this locality.
Our subject is a native of this state, and was born in Berks County June 28, 1850. His father, Christian Goldsmith, died when he was an infant, and he was reared to manhood by his mother, who in her maidenhood was known as Maria Herbst.
Mrs. Goldsmith was likewise a native of Berks County, and was born in Pike Township. Her father, George Herbst, was also a native of that vieinity, and was a paper manufacturer. He came of an old and respected family, and lived and died in Berks County. His wife, however, is still liv- ing, and makes her home in Montgomery County, this state.
Franklin, of this sketeh, was the only child of his parents, and grew to mature years in his native county, residing with his mother in the home of his Grandfather Herbst. By him he was trained to farm pursuits, and attended the distriet school until reaching his fourteenthi year, when he began to earn his own money by working out on farms. This he followed for six years, when he appren- tieed himself to learn the trade of a earpenter. After mastering this branch of business, he worked for two years with Henry Acker, of Alburtis, and in 1872 obtained a position in the ear shops at Fullerton. After being thus employed for two years, he began plying his trade, and going to Maueh Chunk, he remained there until the year 1886. At that time he began contracting and building on his own account, erecting in a twelve- month seventy-five residences. He also built King's Hotel, in Fullerton, Zion's Lutheran Re- formed Chapel, in this city, and numerous other briek and frame structures. He was also given the contract by a land company to eonstruet forty houses, and during the busy season his work was so extensive that he was obliged to employ as many as one hundred and forty men. He gives his personal supervision to the construction of all buildings, and does more business than all the rest of the contractors and builders together. In 1891 he completed the building of his beautiful fire- proof residence, which is pleasantly located on East Race Street. Besides this he is the proprietor of three dwellings in West Catasauqua, three Io- cated in the eastern part of the city, two in Cata- sauqua proper, and four in North Catasauqua.
In 1874 Franklin Goldsmith and Miss Rebecca Dieter, who was born in Ohio, were united in marriage. The lady was reared to womanhood in Hanover Township, this county, and by her union with our subjeet has become the mother of the fol-
W. H. STROH.
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lowing ten children: George, Mamie, Frank, John, Benton, Stata, Minnie, Harry, Wayne and Clyde. Mr. Goldsmith has been very prosperous, and no man has worked harder in order that he might succeed. He is a stockholder in the Home Build- ing and Loan Association, and during the erec- tion of the Lutheran Church, of which he is a member, was Chairman of the building commit- tee. He is a stanch Democrat in politics, and justly ranks among the most prominent men in the county.
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ILLIAM H. STROH is the owner of the Mauch Chunk Iron Works, and is also engaged in the boot and shoe busi- ness in Mauch Chunk. He is very prominent in commercial circles, and is one of the best known citizens of Carbon County. He was born in the borough which is still his home, January 9, 1827, and is a son of Abraham Stroh, who was a native of Pennsylvania and also a resident of Mauch Chunk. He was a millwright by trade and a fine mechanic. He met with an accident which caused his death in 1830. In Freemasonry he took a very prominent part. He wedded Miss Mary Keim, daughter of James Keim, and to them were born five children, Amos, Edward K., Harriet, William H. and Abraham, four of whom are still living. The mother died in 1855.
The educational privileges which William H. Stroh received were quite limited, for his father died when he was three years of age. He started out to make his own way in the world unaided at the age of ten years, and for five years was em- ployed in various ways, after which he learned the shoemaker's trade, and worked at it until 1848. Embarking at that time in business for
himself, he continued for a period of sixteen years, and then sold out to Frank Inkman. With Gen. Charles Albright, he purchased the Mauch Chunk Iron Works, and received contract work for shot and shell from the Government, continuing at it until 1865. After the close of the war they started to manufacture steam engines, steam pumps, du- plex steam pumps, jigs, and all kinds of machinery and castings, which are still manufactured at the works.
Gen. Charles Albright died in September, 1881, and since then W. H. Stroh has been the sole pro- prietor. In 1877 he again established himself in the shoe business, and continued until 1880, when he admitted his son, William R., to partnership. They are at the present time manufacturing misses' and children's shoes; they also have a wholesale and retail shoe store, and their business has now become one of the leading industries of the town.
In 1850 Mr. Stroh was united in marriage with Miss Mary, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Brelsford. Seven children were born of their union, but threc are deceased. Those living are Julia L., Nettie E., William R., and Abraham L., who is superintendent of the shoe factory.
In politics Mr. Stroh is a stanch Republican, and takes an active interest in the growth and success of the party. He has served as Burgess for thirteen years, and has held other offices, the duties of which he has discharged with promptness and fidelity that have won him high commend- ation. He was appointed Associate Judge by Gov- ernor Beaver to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Dr. R. Leonard. He was also a delegate to the National Convention at Minneapolis, Minn., in 1892, which nominated General Harrison to the Presidency.
The best interests of the community have ever found in Mr. Stroh a friend, and he has been prominently identified with many of the leading enterprises which have added materially to the prosperity of the borough. He was one of the organizers of the Second National Bank, and is one of its Directors. By his well directed efforts and good management he has accumulated a hand- some competency for old age. A self-made man, he started out in life empty handed, with nothing
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save a young man's bright hope of the future and a strong determination to succeed, and has steadily worked his way upward from an humble position to one of affluence.
J OSI AH L. GABEL, a dealer in builders' hard- ware of Lehigliton, is a worthy representa- tive of the commercial interests of this city. He was born in Boyertown, Berks County, Pa., August 29, 1845, and is a son of Abraliam and Anna (Luday) Gabel, who were also natives of Berks County. The family is of German and French descent. The father was a prominent bus- iness man, connected with various enterprises. He engaged in merchandising, followed farming, and was also a miller, owning a sawmill and oil mill lo- cated at Gabelsville, where lie carried on an active business for many years. He was one of the wide- awake and progressive citizens of the community in which he made his home, and the best interests of the neighborhood ever found in him a friend.
J. L. Gabel was a lad of only eight summers at the time of his mother's death. He spent the days of his boyhood and youth in his father's home, and acquired his early education in the district schools of the neighborhood, but afterward pur- sued his studies in Philadelphia. He then started out in life for himself, and was first employed in the capacity of clerk in the dry-goods establish- ment of Kent, Santee & Co., of Philadelphia, re- maining with that firm for ten years, a trusted and faithful employe. In 1868 he removed to Lewisburg, Union County, Pa., where lie embarked in the dry-goods business on his own account, there engaging in trade for two years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Philadel- phia, and formed a partnership with his brother-in- law, Benjamin Bertolet, under the firm name of Bertolet & Gabel, manufacturers of building brick. This enterprise was continued for three years, after which Mr. Gabel sold out and became a traveling
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