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 40

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 40
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 40
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 40

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His stoek is valued at $6,000, and from his sales each year the gross receipts arc about $15,000. He became established in business in this place in 1882, in partnership with W. F. Andrews, the firm style being then W. & A. Andrews. After a busi- ness eareer of about cight years together, the part- nership was dissolved, after which our subject took in as partner R. J. Kichline, operating under the firm name of Andrews & Kichline. One year later Mr. Andrews purchased the interest of that gentleman, and has since carried on affairs in a satisfactory manner alone. He is also interested in the hardware business of Andrews & Co.

The subject of this sketeh was born in Lehigh County, September 4, 1854, and is the son of Elias and Mary (Kuntz) Andrews, also natives of this state. Grandfather Daniel Andrews came from western Pennsylvania in a very early day, and inade location in this county near Walnutport. Alfred J. was reared on his father's farm, the lat- ter following the combined occupations of farmer, carpenter, blacksmith and distiller. He also at one time was the proprietor of a sawmill. Our subject aequired a fair knowledge of these differ- ent lines of business, in the meantime attending the public school, where he acquired a good educa- tion. In 1878 he took a trip to Nebraska in order to become better acquainted with the country, but returned the following year, and began clerking, and has practically been in business for himself sinee that time.

Alfred J. Andrews was united in marriage, in 1882, with Miss Mary Ritter, a native of Lehigh County, and the daughter of Adam Ritter, an agri- culturist of Washington Township, that eounty. To Mr. and Mrs. Andrews there were born two children, Maben and Mildred, the latter of whom is deceased.

Mr. Andrews is well-to-do in this world's goods, and has the satisfaction of knowing that his fort- une has been the result of his own energies and ambition. He is a member of both the Junior and Senior Orders United American Mcehanics, in the workings of which he takes an active part. He has served as Poll Assessor of his township, and is in favor of every measurc tending to ele- vate society and promote the growth of the com-

munity. In him the Frieden Reformed Church finds a valued and active member. During the administration of Harrison, Mr. Andrews was ap- pointed Postmaster of Walnutport, discharging the duties of the responsible office in a manner ereditable to himself and satisfactory to all con- cerned.

EORGE ANEWALT, who is engaged in the wholesale liquor business and also runs a retail flour and feed store, has been longer engaged in the latter business than any other man in Bethlehem, has been suceessful in his business enterprises, and is now independently well-to-do. His birth occurred near Kreidersvillc, Allen Township, Northampton County, April 9, 1832, and both his father and grandfather, whose Christian names were Peter, were also born on the same homestead, and followed agricultural pur- suits. The paternal great-grandfather, Valentine Anewalt, was a native of Germany, who came with the wave of immigration which settled on farms in this county, and his location was made in Allen Township, on the farm that was handed down to four generations. They were all members of the Lutheran Chureli and honest, thrifty agrieultur- ists.

Peter Anewalt, father of George Anewalt, was a prosperous farmer, and owned two hundred and thirty-two acres at the time of his death, which oe- eurred in 1841, when he was in the prime of life, being only forty-three years of age. He was an old-line Whig and a member of the Lutheran de- nomination. His wife, Elizabeth, who was also born in Allen Township, was a daughter of Rcv. Mr. Bleim, a minister in the Mennonite Church, whose death occurred while he was in the pulpit. Mrs. Anewalt died in her fifty-sixth year, leaving five children, of whom Stephen is a resident of West Bethlehem; John and Samuel live in Allen- town, the latter being engaged in the hat business; George is next in order of birth; and Luey, Mrs.

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Scholl, makes her home in Bath. William and Elizabeth are long sinee deceased.

The boyhood of George Anewalt was passed on his father's farm until he was twelve years of age, his time being passed in working with his father and in attending the common seltools. He was only twelve years old when he hired out to farm- ers in Allen Township, and thus he continued for seven years. For the three years succeeding he served an apprenticeship as a miller at a point near Kreidersville, after which he became an employe in the mill owned by Jacob Lilly, in Bethlehem Township. At the end of a year he returned to Allen Township, and for five years had charge of the mill owned by Mr. Heistand. In 1858, going to Allentown, he became a miller on the Little Le- high.

It was in the spring of 1859 that Mr. Ancwalt became a citizen of Bethlehem, where for a year he engaged in the hay and grain trade, afterward starting in the retail flour business on Broad Street, where he was located until 1866. In 1861, in partnership with Mr. Lilly, he embarked in the wholesale liquor business, and five years later en- tering into partnership with Mr. Herman, the firm of Anewalt & Herman started in business as deal- ers in wholesale liquors and reetifiers of spirits, continuing until 1880, when Mr. Anewalt bought out the interest of his partner. Two years later he took his son into the business, the firm beeom- ing Anewalt & Son. In 1890 he purchased his son's interest, and has since carried on the business alone. The store is located at No. 37 Broad Street, and the warehouse is 23x36 feet in dimensions. He is the pioneer in the wholesale liquor business, and also in the feed, flour and grain business in this eity. He is the owner of two residences in West Bethlehem, his home on New Street, and other property. He erected the block in whiel his business is located, which has a frontage of sixty- four feet, and is ninety-six feet in depth, consisting of three stories and a basement.

In 1855 Mr. Anewalt was married, in Bath, to Miss Sarah Deeh, who was born near Hecktown, and her death occurred at the end of a year. For his second wife he chose Miss Sarah, daughter of Thomas Stewart, a farmer of Lehigh Township.

Their marriage was celebrated in Cherryville in 1868, and of their union were born eight children. Willis, the eldest, died in September, 1891; Celestia, who resides in Baltimore, is the wife of George Greenwood; Rosa is Mrs. Sherry, of Bethlehem; Anderson A. is a bookkeeper for Swift & Co. in Chieago; Francis G. is employed in a hotel in the same city; Stella is the wife of Frank Gadshalk, of. Bethlehem, and the two others died in childhood. The mother of these children was called from this life in 1877. Ten years later Mr. Anewalt married his present wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Riegle, daughter of Henry Fry, of Saueon Township, Lehigh County. Mrs. Anewalt was born in Germany, and was brought by her parents to the Keystone State in infancy. With her husband she holds membership with the Grace Lutheran Church. In his political affiliations Mr. Anewalt is a Republican, and is greatly interested in publie enterprises.

OBERT E. WILLIAMS. The most power- ful incentive to a useful and earnest life is the example of one whom to know is to

honor. Such an example is that of the subject of this sketeh. Through the vicissitudes as well as in the eonquests of life he has ever proven himself to be true to his convietions, faithful to his country, and a friend to his fellow-men. He has been re- warded by the love and confidenec of all who know him and by the conseiousness of a well spent life.

November 2, 1836, Robert E. Williams was born in North Wales, where he lived until he attained the age of nineteen years. He received his educa- tion in his native land, and came to America in 1855, locating in York County, Pa. In February, 1857, however, he came to Catasauqua and became connected with the Crane Iron Company. During this time hie ran a blast engine, and for a number of months was engaged in working with engines of different kinds.

In the erisis of our nation's history, Mr. Will- iams was one of the first to respond to the tap of

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OLIVER E. LEH.

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the drum, and volunteered in April, 1861, enlist- ing in Company D of the Ninth Regiment, under Captain Hand, of Allentown, Pa. He was mustered in on the 3d of that month, and was with the regiment at Martinsburg, Harper's Ferry and Har- risonburg. Mustered out about the 2d of July, he re-enlisted in the Forty-sixth Regiment, Penn- sylvania Volunteer Infantry, in Company C at Harrisburg, going with his regiment to Win- chester. He was in all the engagements of his company until the battle of Cedar Mountain, where he was wounded, August 9, 1862. Shot through the body, he lay on the battlefield with- out medical attendance for forty-eight hours, after which he was removed to Culpeper Court House. There he remained for a similar length of time receiving treatment. After this he was taken to the hospital at Alexandria, Va., where he lay for three months, or until able to be out.

Mr. Williams was mustered out of service in November, 1862, on account of physical disability caused by a gunshot wound, and continued in poor health for about ten years after leaving the hospital. In the beginning of the year 1864 he became weigh-master on the Catasauqua & Fogels- ville Railroad. He served in this eapacity for about nine months, when he was transferred to the general office in Catasauqua. Here he held the position of Chief Clerk, and soon afterward was made Gencral Freight Agent and Cashier of the road. The road was extended several times, and he remained General Freight Agent until the Crane Iron Company sold out to the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Company in 1890, when the office at this place was discontinued. He was con- nected with the Catasauqua & Fogelsville Railroad for nearly thirty years, 1864-1891, and is still a stockholder in that company. In 1891 he became head bookkeeper for the firm of Davies & Thomas, who own a foundry and machine shop. He is also a stockholder in the National Bank of this place.

In the year 1864, in Catasauqua, Miss Maggie Price became the wife of Robert E. Williams. She was born in Minersville, Schuylkill County, and was the daughter of David Price, who was a car- penter with the Crane Company. He retired from

business, however, and died at the advanced age of eighty-five years. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have an adopted daughter whose name is Cora B. She is a graduate of the high school, and an acceptable teacher in this place.

Mr. Williams is a member of the First Presby- terian Church of Catasauqua, and also an Elder. He is a stanch Republican, and has been Burgess of the city, having been elected in 1885, '86 and '87. He is a member of Porter Lodge No. 284, F. & A. M., of which he is Past Master; Catasauqua Chapter No. 278, R. A. M .; Allentown Commandery No. 20, K. T .; and Allen Couneil No. 23, R. & S. M., at Allentown. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he serves as Past Grand, and is also a member of Fuller Post No. 378, G. A. R., in which he is Past Commander.

LIVER E. LEH. The reputation that our subjeet enjoys is that of a progressive and substantial resident of Egypt, where he is the efficient foreman of the American Cement Mills. Although quite young in years, he has made his way to the front rank among the ener- getie citizens of Lehigh County, and owing to the attention always paid to every minor detail in his line of business, he has accumulated a fair share of this world's goods and is respected and trusted by his employers.

Mr. Leh is a native of Lehigh County, this state, and was born June 28, 1858, to Samuel and Flora (Peter) Leh, natives of North Whitehall Township, this eounty. He was reared to man's estate on his father's farm, and was given a good education, attending for a time the normal school at Kutztown. When only fourteen years of age he began to carn his own living by working in the iron ore beds. This oeeupation he followed for some time in connection with going to school. Upon attaining his majority he seeured a position with the Saylor Cement Works, now known as the Coplay Cement Company, in whosc employ he re-

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mained for some time. Later he worked with the Lehigh Valley Portland Cement Company, now known as the Catasauqua Cement Works, located ncar Whitehall, where he was employed for four years.

In 1885 Mr. Leh began working for the Ameri- can Cement Company at Egypt, and was with them only a short time when he was promoted to the re- sponsible position of foreman, which place he has since filled. July 4, 1878, he married Miss Rosina, daughter of Paul Troxwell, of Whitehall Town- ship, Lehigh County. Their union has been blessed by the birth of five children, namely: Har- vey S., Minnie J., Alfred H., George P. and Robert J.

Socially Mr. Leh is identified with the Masonic fraternity at Catasauqua, is a Knight of Pythias in the lodge of Allentown, and is also a member of the Improved Order of Red Men at that placc. In religious affairs he is a devoted member of the German Reformed Church, to the support of which he is a liberal contributor. As a citizen he is public spirited and progressive, and has done much for the upbuilding and development of the best interests of the community. In political mat- ters he is a stanch Republican.

H ON. JOSIAH J. EALER, formerly a mem- ber of the Lower House of the Pennsyl- vania State Legislature, now residing in Williams Township, Northampton County, is a native of Forks Township, this county, born Sep- tember 29, 1834. The family of which he is a rep- resentative has long been established in Pennsyl- vania and identified with this county from an early period of its history. Here were born his father and mother, Thomas T. and Sophia Ealer. His primary education was gained in the public schools of Forks Township, after which he was for a time a student in Wood's Academy, Easton.

His studies completed, Mr. Ealer entered upon the profession of a teacher, which he followed for

several years, and he has also for fifteen years served as Justice of the Peace. In the Democratic party he is a local leader, and upon that ticket has been elected to various responsible positions. For two terms he represented his district in the State Legislature, where he rendered efficient service in the interests of his constituents. He also served as Auditor of Williams Township. His life occupa- tion has been mainly that of agriculture, and he is now the owner of seventy acres of well tilled land.

In 1858 Mr. Ealer was united in marriage with Miss Sarah, daughter of William and Rebecca It- terly, late of Plainfield Township. There have been born unto them twelve children. The family is connected with the Lutheran Church, to the sup- port of which Mr. Ealer is a generous contributor. Socially he is a member of Fairview Grange in Williams Township, of which he has officiated as Master since its organization several years ago.

WEN ROMICH was one of the shrewdest and most intelligent business men of Cat- asauqua, as is shown by the success which crowned his efforts. He was descended from one of the oldest and most prominent families in the county, and was engaged as a general merchant, his place of business being located on the corner of Race and Front Streets for many years. He was a native of North Whitehall, this county, and was born September 3, 1819, to Peter Romich, who was also born in the above place.

The grandfather of our subject, who likewise bore the name of Peter, was a native of Saucon Township, this county, where his father, Adam Romich, was a miller. The grandfather, who also made that industry his life work, came to White- hall Township when a young man of twenty years, and erected a mill on Coplay Creek, which he con- ducted until his decease. It was then operated by Owen's father and his brother. The former died June 27, 1867, after having passed his seventy- second birthday. He was a prominent worker in

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the German Reformed Church, and lived in har- mony with his profession. His wife, Mrs. Selma (Wermer) Romich, was born in South Whitehall Township, and was the daughter of George Wer- mer, who came from Germany to America when a lad of fourteen years. He first located in New Jersey, where he engaged in farming pursuits, and became well versed in the English language. After coming to this county he purchased property in South Whitehall Township, upon which he resided until his decease, at the age of seventy-five years. The mother of our subject became the parent of thirteen children, and departed this life in 1847.

Owen, the subject of this sketch, who is the eldest of the family, attended school but a short time, and when ten years of age began work- ing in his father's mill. He became thoroughly trained in that business, and four years later was competent to be intrusted with its management. The mill is still standing on Coplay Creek, and is three stories in height, and 30x50 feet in dimen- sions. When twenty-five years old he rented the property and carried on the business on his own account, having a large custom trade. At the same time he superintended the operations of the farm, which he also purchased later on, and culti- vated until 1865. That year he rented his plant to his son Henry.

In the above year Mr. Romich removed with his family into the city, and opened a general mer- chandise store in company with C. B. Breinig. This connection lasted for two years, when Mr. Breinig retired from the business. His interest was purchased by Mr. Koons, and the style of the company was changed to Koons & Romich. In 1872, however, Mr. Romich bought out his part- ner's interest in the concern and afterward carried on the business alone, and was one of the oldest merchants in the city. In 1864 he became the proprietor of the building on the corner of Front and Racc Streets, which is 20x55 fect in dimen- sions, with two stories and a basement.

Mr. Romich was married May 19, 1840, to Miss Polly, daughter of Joseph Kern. She was born near Egypt Church, in this township, which was also the birthplace of her father, who was a farmer by occupation. The children who were born to

them include two sons, Henry K., who is carrying on the mill, and Frank W., who was in business with his father, but is now deccased. Mr. Romich, the subject of this biographical sketch, died Octo- ber 3, 1894. In religious matters he was an Elder of the German Reformed Church for many years; in politics he was a Democrat. He was a popular man in the community, justly meriting the esteem in which he was held, and his loss will long be felt.

B C. WALTER, M. D. This prominent phy- sician and skilled surgeon has been en- gaged in the practice of his profession at Dryland, Northampton County, since locating there in 1860, and is therefore one of the oldest practi- tioners in his community. He is in the enjoyment of a good income, and ranks among the well-to-do citizens of the county.

Our subject was born in this county June 15, 1832, and is the son of William and Mary (Bun- stein) Walter, also natives of this county, while his paternal grandfather came from England, and on his mother's side of the house our subject is of German descent. The latter is now in her one hundred and fourth year, and is regarded as one of the oldest inhabitants of Easton, where she at present makes her home. William Walter was a patriot in the War of 1812, and died in 1861. He was an honest and hard-working farmer, and the possessor of a good estate, which had been accu- mulated by industry and economy on his part.

The subject of this sketch spent his boyhood and youth on liis father's farm, in the meantime at- tending the common schools. Later he was a stu- dent in a private school in Easton, and a year after attaining his majority he began reading medi- cine under the instruction of Dr. P. F. Arndt, of Williams Township, this county. He remained with him for about three years, when he entered Jefferson Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1859. The following year he located in this place, which was then known as Farmers-

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ville, and has since continued to make it his homc. He is therefore widely known throughout this lo- cality, and his practice extends over a large circuit of country. Besides giving his attention to his profession, the Doctor superintends the operation of his fine farm, consisting of one hundred and four acres, which bears all the improvements be- longing to a first-class estate.

Dr. Walter and Miss Camilla, daughter of Jacob Brunner, were united in marriage. Their union has been blessed by the birth of eight children, namely: Robley, a practicing physician of Easton; Laura, the wife of Howard Knecht, who is living in this county; Delia, now Mrs. Allen Woodring, who makes her home in Bethlehem; William, a physi- cian of the above place; Cora, at home; Mitchell, engaged in the practice of medicine at South Beth- lehem; Nettie, at home; and Jacob, a student at Easton. In politics the Doctor is a Democrat, and in religious affairs belongs to the Lutheran Church.

R EV. W. J. ANDRES. Among the promi- nent and old residents of the Lehigh Val- ley is this gentleman, who is now in charge of the Lutheran Churches at Moorestown, Christ Church in Moore Township, and Zion Church ncar Kreidersville, and also the one at St. Peter's near Seemsville, in Northampton County. He is one of the active workers in the Master's vineyard,_and las acted as pastor of the "Moorestown Charge," as the churches comprised within this district are called, since 1877. A native of Lehigh County, he was born October 3, 1848, to Nathan and Sarah (Schantz) Andres, who were also natives of Lehigh County. The Andres family were among the pioneers of that county, having settled there probably as early as 1740, and were prominently identified with the development and settlement of that locality.

Rev. W. J. Andres was rearcd on a farm, giving to his father his services when not attending the district school. Later in his youth it was his priv-

ilege to attend the Keystone State Normal School for two courses. Prior to this time he had taught school for three years successfully. For one year he was Assistant Principal, and subsequently for two years was Principal of Weaversville Academy at Wcaversville, Pa. For the three succeeding years, having concluded to devote his life to the minis- try, he pursued his higher studies in the Lutheran Theological Seminary of Philadelphia, from which celebrated institution of learning he was graduated in 1877.

Soon after his graduation, Mr. Andres, as previ- ously stated, took charge of the churches of this district, which he has served faithfully and well up to the present time. To his own ambition and energy of purpose, he owes the fact of his success in life, as he was obliged to hew out his own path- way, and earned the money with which to educate himself. He enjoys a large acquaintance in this county, and is highly regarded as a truly just, honorable and upright man. He is public spirited, and takes great interest in all movements having for their object the elevation and progress of so- cicty.

January 5, 1881, Rev. Mr. Andres married Miss Anna E. Mory, a native of Northampton County. She is the daughter of John Mory, a well known and highly respected citizen of Batlı, and has been a valuable helpmate to her husband, assisting him with her counsels and sweet Christian spirit. For six years our subject served as School Director on the Bath School Board, and formerly served as its Secretary. In politics he gives his allegiance to the Democratic party, and though not an active worker in the cause, he is interested in its success.

J AMES O. BERLIN, M. D., a representative and leading physician and surgeon of Bath, Northampton County, has risen by his own merit and inherent good qualities. He is numbered among the first practitioners of the Le- high Valley, and has succeeded in building up a

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fine practice in this locality. Sinee his earliest years he has been identified with the progress and development of the county, for his birth here oc- curred September 30, 1847. The Berlin family have long been known in Pennsylvania, and his grandfather, Isaae V. Berlin, was one of the early settlers of Northampton County, the village of Berlinsville having been named in lus honor, or perhaps after his father, it is not positively known which.

Charles and Mary A. (Brown) Berlin, the par- ents of our subject, were natives of Northampton County, and highly esteemed eitizens. The father was a mechanic, and pursued his trade formerly in Lehigh Township, this county. The Doctor was reared to man's estate in Lehigh Township, and received his education in the public schools. His primary education was supplemented by a course of instruction at Freeland Seminary at Freeland, Pa., and later he attended the Palatinate College at Myerstown for some time. For the four years following he successfully taught school in Lehigh Township, at Kuntz's Ford, which has since been re-named Treichler's. Deciding to devote his life to the practice of medicine, he next entered Jeffer- son Medieal College in Philadelphia, graduating therefrom in 1874, after a three-years course.

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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 40

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