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 39
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 39
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 39
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F RANK A. DREISBACH, who is now serv- ing as agent for the United States Express Company at Mauch Chunk, was born in the city which is still his home on the 20th of December, 1852, and is the fourth son of Solomon and Mary (Mummey) Dreisbach. The family is of German origin. The subject of this sketch was reared and educated in his native city. He spent the days of his boyhood and youth under the pa- rental roof and in attendance at the public schools, where he acquired a thorough English education. His first work was in his father's shop, where he
C. J. KEIM, M. D.
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remained for some time, after which he sought and obtained employment in the Weissport Roller Mill. Thus he spent his time through several suc- ceeding years. In 1885 he became a mail agent on the Lchigh Valley Road, running between Wilkes Barre, Pa., and Elmira, N. Y. He was faithful to the duties which fell to his lot, and for four years was employed in that capacity, but at length de- termined to turn his attention to some other pur- suit.
In 1888 Mr. Dreisbach came to Mauch Chunk, where he has since made his home, and during the six years which have since come and gone he has filled the office of agent of the United States Ex- press Company. He is now serving in that capac- ity, and the company finds in him a trustworthy employe. His service is not only efficient, but he has proved popular with the public, and all who know the genial, pleasant agent at Mauch Chunk liave for him a high regard. The greater part of his life has been spent in this locality, and those who haveknown him from boyhood are numbered among his stanchiest friends, a fact which indicates an honorable and upright carecr. He well deserves representation in this volume, and with pleasure we present this record of his life to our readers, knowing that it will prove of interest to inany of them. He possesses good business ability, and with probably a long future before him he will doubt- less continually advance in luis work.
HARLES J. KEIM, M. D., a skillful phy- sician and surgeon of Catasauqua, is also President of the Borough Council, and is active in all public enterprises. He has been en- gaged in practice here since 1875, and is therefore widely known and occupies a high place among his professional brethren in this vicinity.
Our subject is a native of Northampton County, and was born in Bethlehem, March 19, 1843, in the house where his father, Leopold, and grand- father, Valentine Keim, were also born. This resi- dence is an old stone structure, one and a-half stories high, and is located on land purchased from William Penn. The grandfather of our sub-
ject afterward located near Bethlehem, and there died in his thirty-third year. He was a large land- owner, and engaged extensively in agriculture. Leopold Keim, also a tiller of the soil, residcd one mile from Bethlehem, on property which was a part of the original farm bought from the Penns. This he sold in 1868, and moved into Allentown, where he resided until 1882. Afterward he made his home with our subject until his decease, in 1890, when in his seventy-eighth year. He was a mem- ber of the Evangelical Church, and enjoyed the esteem and confidence of all who knew him.
The mother of our subject, Mrs. Mary (Stahr) Keim, was born in Salisbury Township, Lehigh County, and died at the age of sixty years. Her father, Conrad Stalır, also a native of this county, and of German descent, was a soldier in the War of 1812, and during the active years of his life followed contracting and building. The parental family included four sons and two daughters, of whom our subject was the third in order of birth, and is the only survivor. Hc remained on the old farmn until reaching his thirteenth year, and then entered Wyoming Seminary, where he was a student for several years. Later he continued his studies in John Lasher's school in Easton. After completing his education, he began clerking in a store in Butztown, and from that place went to Allentown, where he was employed during the late war.
A call being made for more volunteers, in 1862 our subject offered his services to preserve the Union, and he was mustered in as a member of Bethlehem Company F, Fifth Pennsylvania Home Guards. After being mustcred out, he entered the mercantile business for himself in Allentown, his store being located at the corner of Eighth and Hamilton Streets. He continued at that stand for eighteen months, when he purchased a half-inter- est in the clothing store of T. V. Rhoats, the firm being known for a year afterward as Rhoats & Keim. Our subject then purchased his partner's interest in the business, and continued alone for a twelvemonth, when he sold out.
It had been the desire of Mr. Keim since boy- hood to follow a professional life, and now, the opportunity presenting itself, he began reading
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medicine with Dr. M. E. Hornbeck, of Catasauqua, and in the fall of 1873 entered the medical depart- ment of the Pennsylvania University, from which he was graduated March 12, 1875, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He immediately located in this city, with whose interests he has been asso- ciated cver since. In 1882 he completed his beau- tiful residence at No. 742 Front Street, where his office is also located.
December 15, 1863, Dr. Charles J. Keim and Miss Eliza C. Seider, who was born in Coopers- burg, this county, were united in marriage. The lady is the daughter of Edward Seider, a hotel- man of Allentown. To our subject and his wife there have been born two children: Edward L., who died when three and onc-half years old; and Harry J. S., a graduate of the Medico-Chirurgical College of Philadelphia, and now associated with his father in his professional business.
The Doctor, although a very busy man, has found time to aid in all measures which would benefit his community. In 1878 he was put on the School Board, holding the position of Director for three years. In 1888 he was elected President of the City Council, and so acceptably did he dis- charge the duties of the position that he was re- elected in 1891, and is the present incumbent of the office. During his administration the city has been lighted by electricity, which improve- ment was followed by the introduction of electric street cars. The Doctor is a Democrat in politics. In religious affairs he is a devoted member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Socially hc is a mem- ber of the Lehigh County Medical Society, of which he was President for one year. He is also connected with the Lehigh Valley Medical So- ciety, in which body he has held the office of Vice-President, and is prominent in the State and American Medical Societies.
A MMON B. BRYAN is the well known and popular agent for the Pennsylvania, Poughkeepsie & Boston Railroad Com- pany, now leased by the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company, at Danielsville, where he has been lo-
cated since January 1, 1890, when the station was first opened. He was born in Carbon County in 1863, and is tlic son of Joseph and Elizabetlı (Kessler) Bryan, the father a native of Berks County, and the mother of Carbon County.
Joseph Bryan followed the occupation of a school teacher during the greater part of his life, although he was engaged to some extent in agri- cultural pursuits. He is now deceased, having de- parted this life in December, 1883. Ammon B. has one brother and one sister who are living, namely: Myron O., and Annic M., who is the wifc of Francis A. Seip, and resides in Weissport.
The subject of this sketch was reared to man's estate in his native county, and like other lads of that day, attended the public schools. When reaching his seventeenth year he began learning the art of telegraphy at Penn Haven Junction, Carbon County, where he remained for a twelve- month, when he was given the position as operator and station agent in New Jersey. For several years following he held similar positions at differ- ent stations along the line of the Central Railroad of New Jersey, and for three years was assistant agent and operator for the Central Railroad of New Jersey, located at Walnutport, this state.
In 1890 Mr. Bryan assumed charge of the sta- tion at Danielsville, and by the able manner in which he has discharged the duties devolving upon him, has given entire satisfaction to the company. The United States Express Company also chose him to represent their interests in Danielsville, their office being located at the depot. He is, be- sides, engaged as a dealer in anthracite coal in that place, his business being almost entirely with the slate quarrics, which he supplies with that neces- sary article; and he is the owner of a thirty-acre tract of land, which is devoted to general farming, and which is under excellent cultivation.
August 24, 1892, Miss Laura A. Nagle became the wife of Ammon B. Bryan, and to them has been born a son, Willie Cleveland. In politics Mr. Bryan is a strong Democrat, and socially lie belongs to the Knights of Malta at Slatington, and the Junior Order United American Mechanics at Danielsville. In religious affairs he is connected with the Reformed Church. He enjoys the friend-
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ship of the best people of the community, by whom he is especially respected for having so nobly fought the battle of life, gaining for himself a good position without other assistance than his ability and willingness to work and his excellent judg- ment.
ILLIAM GRIFFITH, senior member of the firm of William Griffith & Son, prominent slate operators, makes his home at the present time at Walnutport, having his quarry about one mile distant. He was born across the water in Ilamllichid, Wales, March 19, 1833, and is the son of Griffith and Jane Griffith, also natives of that plaee.
William Griffith, of this sketeh, remained in the British Isle until attaining his eighteenth year, when, deciding to try his fortunes in the New World, he embarked on a vessel at Liverpool in 1851, which landed him in this country after a voyage of twenty-eight days. Arriving first in Boston, Mass., he eame direetly to this eounty, and for many years worked in the slate quarries near Danielsville. For the past fifteen years, however, he has been engaged in business for himself, hav- ing had during that time several different partners.
In 1889 Mr. Griffith began operating the Hein- bach Quarry, with which he is still eonneeted, hav- ing interested with him in business his son, I. W. He has been very sueeessful in this branch of in- dustry, making a specialty of school and roofing slate, furnishing employment to twelve men in the various departments, and giving his personal su- pervision to the work.
Our subjeet received but a limited education in his youth, and is therefore mainly self made, both as regarding book lore and finanees. His mother died when he was a lad of six years, and five years thereafter his father passed away, thus leaving him to fight the battle of life alone. . At an early age he began quarrying slate in his native country, so . that, when coming to the United States, he found
it not difficult to obtain a good position among the numerous quarries in this region.
The lady to whom Mr. Griffith was married in 1857 bore the name of Annie Williams. She, too, was born in Wales, and was the daughter of Robert Williams, whose birth oeeurred in that country. Their union resulted in the birth of a large family of children, seven of whom are living, namely: Catherine, the wife of Richard Gardner; Edwal W., Elizabeth; Ellen, the wife of Robert R. Jones; Samuel S., Martha and Charles. The wife and mother departed this life May 24, 1890, greatly mourned by a host of friends and acquaintances.
In polities Mr. Griffith is a staneh adherent of Republican principles, which party he believes to be in the right. He is a Mason of high standing, belonging to the lodge in Slatington. Besides his interest in the slate quarry, our subject is the owner of a valuable farm in this county, which comprises one hundred and fourteen well tilled aeres. A man of striet integrity and generosity of opinion, he naturally wins friends easily, and is respected throughout the entire community.
EVI H. LAWALL, M. D., one of the oldest physicians in Bethlehem, has been very successful in his practice, and nearly all his lifetime he has been a resident of this loeality. He was born near Farmersville, Bethlehem Town- ship, Northampton County, February 27, 1831. His paternal great-grandfather was a native of Franee, and his grandfather, William H. Lawall, was born in Bethlehem Township, owning the farm on which is now located the village of Farmers- ville, and there he carried on a hotel for many years, or until shortly before his death.
William H. Lawall, our subjeet's father, was an agriculturist and the owner of a large farm near Farmersville, where his death occurred in 1833. Ilis wife, whose maiden name was Christiana Dieter, was born in Germany, and when five years of age eame to America with her parents, who became resi-
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dents of Bethlehem Township. Her father was a school teacher and a member of the Reformed Church. Mrs. Lawall died in Moore Township, and the Doctor is the only child of her marriage.
Until eight years old, Dr. Lawall remained at home with his parents, but from that early age he was obliged to "paddle his own canoc," his home for six years being with a Mr. Miller in Upper Nazareth. His school advantages were of a rather meager description, but he made the best of his limited opportunities, being of that kind of met- tle which is bound to succeed. At the age of fourteen he went to Easton, where he entered the Vanderveer School, in which he remained for two years, and also engaged in teaching before en- tering the Model School. At the end of two years' study in that institution he commenced to read medical works under Dr. Alfred Martin's in- struction, and in 1862 entered the University of Pennsylvania. Two years later he graduated from the medical department with the degrec of Doctor of Medicine. On first beginning his practice Dr. Lawall located at Hagersville, Bucks County, where he remained until 1866, thence removing to Naza- reth, where he practiced until 1871. That ycar found him located in Bethlehem, and this has been his field of work up to the present time. He built a residence and office on Main and Goepp Streets and is numbered among the reliable old physicians of Bethlehem. He is surely justly called a self- made man, for from very early boyhood he has had to make his own way unassisted, and the suc- cess he has achieved is the more commendable. Active in local enterprises, the Doctor is a stock- holder in the Bethlehem Electric Light Company, being one of the first to organize this concern, which now furnishes the light to the three Bethle- hems. In order to keep in touch with the times he joined the Northampton County Medical So- ciety, the State Medical, the Lchigh Valley Medi- cal and the National Medical Associations. Proni- inent among the Democratic workers, the Doctor served on the county committee, and for eigh- teen years past has been a member of the School Board.
Dr. Lawall was married in Bethlehem in 1857 to Miss Henrietta Dech, who died in Nazareth. Three
of their children lived to maturity. Allen H. at- tended the College of Pharmacy in Philadelphia, and died when only twenty-three years of age; Charles A. is an employe of the Bethlehem Iron Company; and Otellia is the wife of Dr. Stem, of South Bethlehem. For his second wife our subject wedded Miss Fannie Fenstermacher, who was born in Dansville, Livingston County, N. Y., and is the daughter of Joseph Fenstermacher, a retired busi- ness man of this city. The Doctor and his wife are members of the Moravian Church, and have the esteem of a large circle of friends and ac- quaintances.
A LFRED D. BORGER is a prominent busi- ness man, who began life with only the natural ability with which he was endowcd, and the results of energy and perseverance are nowhere better illustrated than in his career. He is the senior member of the firm of A. D. Borger & Co., dealers in dry goods, groceries, notions, hardware, boots and shoes, and indeed everything which is usually found in a first-class country store. Their establishment, which is located in Stemton, does an annual business of about $15,000, and carries a stock of $5,000.
Our subject, who is a native of Allen Township, Northampton County, was born November 7, 1855, to William and Theresa Borger, also natives of that section. The family is classed among the oldest residents of the township, William Borger, the father of Alfred D., being an old landmark here. Grandfather Borger was born in Monroc County in 1819, whence he later emigrated to this county.
Alfred D. Borger was reared to man's estate in his native county, and attended school for a time in Weaversville Academy. When ready to em- bark in business for himself, he became a lumber merchant, following this occupation for a number of years, and for two years served as Deputy County Treasurer under William Stem. In 1888,
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in company with L. A. Stem, he engaged in the mercantile business under the style of A. D. Borger & Co., and they have built up an excellent trade by their energy and enterprise.
In 1873 Mr. Borger was married to Miss Celesta A., daughter of William Stem, who in former years was Treasurer of Northampton County, and is a prominent resident of this city. Two children were born to them, Stewart W. and Carrie A., the latter of whom is deceased.
In politics Mr. Borger never fails to cast his vote and influence in favor of the Republican party. Socially he is a Mason of high standing, belonging to Dallas Lodge No. 396, at Easton. His career up to the present time has been a most suc- cessful one, and his prospects for the future are indeed bright and promising.
A FAYETTE LENTZ, one of the progress- ive and public-spirited citizens of Mauch Chunk, who is now an extensive coal op- erator and the proprietor of the American House, was born in Northampton County, Pa., on the 29th of February, 1828. He is a son of John Lentz, who was also a native of Pennsylvania, and was one of the active business men of his day, thor- oughly alive to all enterprises calculated to prove of benefit to the community in which he lived. He was a prominent citizen, and held sev- eral important offices. He was serving as Sheriff of Northampton County when Carbon County was set off from it. In politics he was a pro- nounced Democrat, but had a high regard for the opinions of others, believing in the sincerity of those whose views differed from his own.
La Fayette Lentz spent his boy hood days in a part of Northampton which has since become Carbon County, to which place his parents removed dur- ing his early youth. His school privileges were those afforded in the country districts; but his edu- cational advantages were limited, as at the early age of twelve years he was thrown upon his own
resources and forced to make his own way in life unaided. He was industrious and frugal, saved his earnings, and as the result of his keen foresight and good judgment, met with good success in the various undertakings which he followed until he attained his majority. At the age of twenty-one hc accepted a position as clerk in a general store in Parryville, and continued to serve in that ca- pacity for a period of eight years. The practical business cxpcrience which he there gained has proved of mnuch value to him in the years which have followed.
On leaving Parryville Mr. Lentz went to Cata- sauqua, where he remained for a short time. He sought and obtained employment in grading the road bed of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, and soon became a contractor. He was among the first to agitate the question and make estimates as to the cost and the time it would take to drive through Vosburg tunnel. "He also became one of the princi- pal contractors of the Morris & Essex Railroad, New Jersey, and took large contracts on the Catasauqua & Fogelsville Railroad, and also on the North Pennsylvania, the Easton and Amboy Railroads. In all these undertakings he met with success, and continued in that line of business for thirty years, his career being a prosperous one.
In 1868 M. Lentz bccame connected with coal interests near Mahanoy City, Schuylkill County, under the firm name of Lentz, Bowman & Co. For some years they were successfully engaged in coal mining, when about 1880 a change in the partnership occurred and the firm became Lentz, Lilly & Co. Mr. Lentz is also a member of the extensive coal mining firm of L. A. Riley & Co., operating at Centralia, Columbia County. He is a Director of the Second National Bank of Mauch Chunk, gives some attention to real-estate dealing, owns two good farms in a high state of cultiva- tion, and is the proprietor of the American House, the leading hotel of Mauch Chunk.
In 1847 Mr. Lentz married Miss Mary, daugh- ter of John Swartz, both natives of Northampton County. They are the parents of two sons: Will- iam O., a coal operator; and Horace D., a graduate of Harvard University, and at present a law stu- dent under Laird H. Barber, one of the promi-
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nent attorneys of Mauch Chunk. Mr. Lentz is a stalwart supporter of the Democratic party, but has neither time nor inclination for public office. He is a prominent Mason, and holds membership with Carbon Lodge No. 242, F. & A. M., Lilly Chapter No. 181, R. A. M., and Packer Command- ery, K. T. Hc may truly be called a self-made man, for he started out in life empty-handed, and has steadily worked his way upward from a humble position to one of affluence. Through the legiti- mate channels of business he has achieved a suc- cess which is certainly well merited. He is now one of the wealthiest and most prominent citizens of Mauch Chunk, and well deserves representation in the history of Carbon County.
P ETER N. REMMEL fills the responsible position of Justice of the Peace of North- ampton, and there are few men in this county more worthy of honorable mention. He is likewise the agent representing several reliable insurance companies, and in this business is meet- ing with an unusual degree of success. He is the owner of considerable real estate in the village, which he handles in a profitable manner, and also transacts business in this line for other parties. He is a native of Monroe County, this state, and was born March 21, 1847, to Peter and Fanny (Houser) Remmel, also natives of the above coun- ty, to which place the grandfather emigrated from Northampton County. Peter Remmel, Sr., during the active years of his life followed farm pursuits, but when his son, the subject of this record, was a lad of twelve years, suffered a great misfortune, los- ing his eyesight. Thus being thrown upon his own resources, and having a fair knowledge of agriculture, Peter N. worked out on farms until reaching his nineteenth year. Then securing a school, he taught in Monroe County a number of terms, and also followed that occupation after coming to this county, teaching for two terms in Slatington and for twelve years in Northampton.
He is mainly self-educated, having been permitted to attend sehool but a short time.
Mr. Remmel has always taken an active part in local affairs, and in 1883 was appointed Justice of the Peace by the Governor to fill an unexpired term, elected in 1884, and on the expiration of that term was again called upon to fill the office of which he has been the incumbent continuously since 1883. He represents the American Fire In- surance Company of Philadelphia, the Northern of London, England, tlie Mutual Fire Insurance of Lehigh County, and the Home Mutual, also of that county. He is a thorough business man, and since embarking in the insurance line has reaped good results, both for himself and the companies for which he works.
January 1, 1871, Peter N. Remmel was married to Miss Hannah, daughter of Jacob and Christiana (Frankenfield) Marsh, the former of whom is de- ceased, and the mother is living in Northampton. A son has been born to them, Howard A., now de- ceased. They are performing the part of parents to an adopted son, who bears the name of Charles G. Haupt.
In political matters Mr. Reminel is a strong Democrat. He has been Elder in the Lutheran Church for some time, and aids very materially in the support of the congregation in this place. So- cially lie is a member of the Knights of Malta, be- longing to Harmony Commandery, Lodge No. 144, of which he is the present Commander. His in- terest in school affairs has led his fellow-townsmen to place him on the board, in which position lie is now serving in Allen Township as Secretary.
A LFRED J. ANDREWS, ex-Postmaster of Walnutport, is at present conducting a paying business as a general merchant, keeping a large stock of dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, crockery, etc. He is courteous in his treatment of customers, and as a consequence does the largest business in his line in the city.
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