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 41

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 41
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 41
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 41

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On commencing his active practice, Dr. Berlin located at Chapman's Quarry, in this county, and continued to pursue his profession there until 1886, when, owing to ill health, he retired for a short time from active life. On recovering his health he removed to Bath, where he has since been engaged in practice. He has been sueeessful in his field at this place, having succeeded in build- ing up a large and remunerative practice. He is a member of the Northampton County Medieal Asso- ciation, of the Lehigh Valley Medical Association, and also belongs to the State and National Medi- eal Societies. He continues a wide and general course of reading, though particularly devoted to medical studies, and it is his eonstant aim to keep thoroughly posted on everything pertaining to the science of medieine and surgery.

The marriage of Dr. James O. Berlin and Miss Lillie M. Insley, a native of Northampton County, was celebrated May 23, 1876. The lady, who is

well edueated and cultured, is a daughter of Isaae B. Insley, of Bath, who was formerly a resident of East Allen Township. To the Doetor and his esti- mable wife has been born one son, Charles I. Dr. Berlin is a member of the Presbyterian Church in good standing, and always favors any movement for the uplifting and progress of society. Fra- ternally he belongs to Monoeaey Lodge No. 413, F. & A. M.

ACOB H. BEHLER, M. D. This gentleman is a popular young physician and surgeon of Nesquehoning, where he has made his home since 1893. He is the son of Charles and Susanna (Haberman) Behler, and was born in Schuylkill County, this state, April 6, 1865. His father was also born in the above county, while Mrs. Bchler was a native of Carbon County.

The subject of this sketeh seeured his primary education in the schools of his native county, after which he attended the Pennsylvania State Normal at Bloomsburg, and later the school at Kutztown. He then taught school for a period of five years in West Penn Township, Schuylkill County, remaining in the same distriet the entire time. During the last year of his occupation as a pedagogue, he began reading medieine under the instruction of Dr. I. J. Kistler, now deceased, but at that time a prominent and skilled physician of Leibysville.

When ready to attend leetures, our subject en- tered Jefferson Medical College, where he took the entire course, and was graduated with the degree of Doetor of Medieine with the Class of '91. Dr. Behler at once located for practice in Bowman, Car- bon County, where he remained but a short time, however, and then removed to New Ringgold, forming a partnership with Dr. B. F. Solliday. In 1893 we find him engaged in practice in Nesque- honing, where he is rapidly building up a luera- tive practice, and is regarded in the profession as one of its bright lights.

Dr. Jacob H. Behler and Miss Mame J. Longacre

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were united in marriage in 1893. The lady was also born in Schuylkill County, and is a most esti- mable and intelligent lady, well suited to be the companion of her worthy and distinguished hus- band. Dr. Behler received the nomination on the Democratic ticket for Coroner of Carbon County. He is one of the leading citizens of the place, and promises to make himself heard, both in the pro- fessional and political world. He is a devoted member of the Lutheran Church, and belongs to the Knights of Pythias, in which order he takes great interest.

T HOMAS E. KUNTZ, the efficient and pop- ular station agent at Treichler's for the Central Railroad Company of New Jersey, is also the agent there for the United States Ex- press Company. He was born in Northampton County May 24, 1863, and is the son of Thomas and Ellemina (Schadt) Kuntz, natives respectively of this and Lehigh Counties. The father is now deceased, and Mrs. Kuntz makes her home at the old homestead. The former was for many years a resident of Treichler's, where he was a prominent . coal merchant, and also engaged in the lumber trade. He departed this life in July, 1890. He was a man of great usefulness in the community in which he resided, and was often called upon to settle estates. In politics he was a Republican, and was at all times interested in public inatters, and a liberal contributor to worthy causes. He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Le- high Township, in which he served for many years as Deacon and Elder. His surviving children arc: Thomas E., of whom we write; Hiram P .; Ellemina, the wife of A. L. Lentz; Emma L., now the wife of Dr. Benjamin A. Andrews, of South Bethlehem; John and Benjamin.

The subject of this sketch was reared in his na- tive place, and secured his education in the public schools of Treichler's, after which he went to Ober- lin, Ohio, where he took a six-months course in a

school of telegraphy. In 1881 he was appointed telegraph operator at this place, and six years later was promoted to be station agent, which position he is filling satisfactorily at the present time.

November 25, 1886, Thomas E. Kuntz and Miss Amanda V., daughter of Samucl Kleppinger, of Cherryville, were united in marriage. To them have been born four daughters, Esther, Irene, Helen and Rachel.

Mr. Kuntz is a very liberal and public-spirited citizen, and comes of an old and prominent family in this locality. In politics he follows in the foot- steps of his honored father, and votes with the Re- publican party. He is a member of St. Paul's Lu- theran Church, and is held in the highest esteem by all who know him. He is connected with the Junior Order United American Mechanics at Cherryville, and is especially interested in educa- tional matters in this vicinity. His career up to the present time has been a most successful and deserving one, and his prospects for the future are indeed bright and promising.

B ENJAMIN I. BERLIN is one of the most highly esteemed residents of Pennsville, Northampton County, which he has served as Auditor. He was born in this county Novem- ber 29, 1849, and is the son of William and Esther (Kuntz) Berlin, also natives of this county and residents of Berlinsville, which place was named in their honor.

William Berlin was a blacksmith by trade, as was also his father before him. Benjamin I. was reared under the parental roof, and attended the common schools until a lad of seventeen years, when he was taught his father's trade, and worked as a smith for two years in his native placc. He then left home and began as a journeyman black- smith, continuing to travel around until 1870, when he established a shop of his own in Penns- ville, which he has conducted ever since.

The marriage of Benjamin I. Berlin with Miss Camillia, daughter of James Keck, took place at

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Pennsville in 1870. Mrs. Berlin departed this life in 1882, leaving two children, Harvey E. and Bertha M. Our subject chose as his second com- panion Sarah A. Hummel, the ceremony being per- formed in 1883. They have become the parents of a son, Arthur R.

Mr. Berlin has been a prosperous man, and is one much liked throughout his community for his sterling worth and integrity. He has been School Director of Lehigh Township, and in 1886 was elected Auditor of Northampton County, en- tering upon the duties of his office in 1887. He was subsequently clected for a period of two terms, and has thus been the incumbent of that position for six years. He is a Democrat in politics, and works faithfully for the success of his party. In religious matters he worships with the United Brethren Church, with which he has been con- nected for many years. Socially he is a prominent worker in the Order United American Mechanics, at Slatington.

Mr. Berlin has been very successful in raising poultry, having erected on his place, for their ac- commodation, a shed 90x16 feet, to which he has lately made an addition 90x50 feet in dimensions. The sheds are divided off into sections, and will accommodate three hundred chickens. He is mak- ing this feature of his business a practical success, and is one of the largest poultry raisers in the county.

R EUBEN F. HOFFORD is President of the First National Bank of Lehighton, and is a leading and prominent citizen of this place. The business men are the life of the city, and it is to such progressive and public-spirited men as our subject that the prosperity and prog- ress of Lehighton are due. We take pleasure in presenting this record of his life to our readers, knowing that it will be. received with interest by his many friends.

Mr. Hofford is a native of Bucks County, Pa., born January 15, 1825, and is a son of Daniel and Susan (Maugel) Hofford. The father was also

a native of Bucks County, and was a cabinetmaker by trade, following that business for a number of years. The paternal grandfather of our subject, Joseph Hofford, was a native of Austria, and be- came the founder of the family in America, whither he emigrated when a young man. Reuben F. Hof- ford was the fourth in order of birth in the family of ten children, six sons and four daughters, eight of whom are yet living. He attended the public schools of his native county until sixteen years of age, when he laid aside his text-books and began to earn his own living. In Lehigh County he learned the trade of a blacksmith under the in- struction of his uncle, Joseph Hofford, serving a two-years apprenticeship. He was then employed for three years, after which he went to Allentown and secured a position with Peter Heller, a black- smith of that place. Later he attended school at the Allentown Academy, where he was engaged two years. He afterward went to his home in Bucks County, and attended the Friends' school at Quakertown, to which place his father had in the meantime removed. He pursued his studies for one year, and then began teaching school, being employed for one term in Milford Square. In the summer he attended Allentown Academy, and in the autumn went to Northampton County. The following spring he returned to Allentown, and af- terward became a student in Strasburg Academy, in Strasburg, Lancaster County, there pursuing his studies during the summer session. We then again find him in Northampton County, serving as a teacher in the schools of Hellertown. For threc successive summer terms he attended Strasburg Academy, and then again returned to his first school in Milford Square, Bucks County.

Mr. Hofford was long engaged in educational work, and was a most excellent instructor, his ability winning for him excellent positions. He taught school for a time in Lancaster County, and again went to Strasburg, after which he was called to the schools of Annville, Lebanon County, where lie served as an assistant to Professor Burnsides for a period of two years. He was next employed for three successive terms in Palmyra, after which he became a teacher in Arcadian Institute in Or- wigsburg, Schuylkill County, where he remained

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for four years. During that time he was united in marriage with Miss Carrie Decker, of Lebanon County, the wedding being celebrated in 1854. After his marriage he removed to Weissport, and became Principal of the high school, in which po- sition he acceptably served from 1857 until 1862, and the schools were greatly benefited thereby. The latter year witnessed his arrival in Lehighton, where he was employed as a teacher for some time. Later he was elected County Superintendent of Schools for a term of three years, and proved a most efficient and faithful officer. He also estab- lished the high school in Lehighton, and employed Aaron Christine, who assisted him for two years and succeeded him in the school. Our subject was elected County Superintendent for six successive terms, filling the office for eighteen years, an honor which has been conferred upon but few other incumbents of that office. His record in connection with the educational interests is one of which he may well be proud, his ability winning him a place among the leading instructors of the state.

During the succeeding five years Mr. Hofford was engaged as sale and collecting agent with Joseph Obert. He was then elected President of the First National Bank; of which he was one of the organizers, and that, position he has continu- ously filled. He is also President of the Lehigh Stove and Manufacturing Company, and Vice- President of the Lehighton Water Company, in the organization of which he bore a prominent part. In connection with William B. Romig he es- tablished the Lehighton Wagon Manufactory, with which he was connected until 1891, when he sold his interest in the same.

Mr. and Mrs. Hofford are the parents of three children: Edward F., who is Superintendent of the gas works of Galion, Ohio; Laura V., at home; and Sadie, who is now attending school. The family is one of prominence in Carbon County, and its rep- resentatives occupy a leading position in social circles. They have a pleasant home in Lehighton, and their hospitality reigns supreme.

Mr. Hofford is strongly in sympathy with the Prohibition party, but has neither time nor incli- nation to seek public office. In his business deal- ing he has met with signal success, and through

the legitimate channels of trade has acquired a handsome competence. He carries forward to a successful completion whatever he undertakes, un- daunted by the obstacles and difficulties which may arise, and his fortune is therefore the just re- ward of his labors.

T ILGHMAN M. LICHTENWALNER, the popular station agent for the Central Rail- road of New Jersey, located in Northamp- ton, and likewise agent for the United States Ex- press Company at that place, is possessed of those qualities well calculated to win the respect and es- teem of all whom he encounters, either in a busi- ness or social way. He was born in Hanover Town- ship, Lehigh County, August 23, 1844, and is the son of Joseph and Anna C. Lichten walner, the for- mer born in Northampton, and the latter in Le- high County. Joseph Lichten walner was for many years a prominent agriculturist of Hanover Town- ship, where he was living at the time of his decease, in 1882. He was originally a Whig in politics, but on the formation of the Republican party imme- diately joined its ranks. The following-named brothers and sisters of Tilghman M. survive: Be- linda, who is the wife of Charles Fatzinger, and makes her home in Hanover Township; Reuben, a minister of the Evangelical Church, located at Shenandoah, this state; and James, a resident of Northampton County.

The subject of this sketch received a thorough training in farm pursuits, passing his boyhood days in the country, where he pursued his studies in the district school. Later he attended one term at Freeland Seminary, after which he taught school for two terms. In 1871 he was appointed station agent at Stemton, now Northampton, for the Cen- tral Railroad of New Jersey, and so creditably has he discharged the duties required of him in that position that he has been the incumbent ever since.

In 1864 Mr. Lichten walner was married to Miss Clarissa Dewalt, the daughter of Joseph Dewalt,

HON. R. E. WRIGHT.

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now deceased, but formerly a farmer of Hanover Township. There have been born to them six children, two of whom are deceased. Those living are Julia, Estelle, Elizabeth and Clara. The de- ceased members of the family are Harvey and George.

Mr. Lichten walner has always taken an active ill- terest in school affairs, and has consequently been placed on the School Board, serving as Director in his district at the present time. He is a member of tlie Lutheran Church, in the faith of which he reared his children. Socially he is an Odd Fellow, belonging to the lodge at Siegfried, the Knights of Malta at Northampton, and the Improved Or- der of Red Men at Bethlehem. In politics he is a straightforward Republican, and he is very pop- ular in his party.

R OBERT E. WRIGHT, JR., a prominent citi- zen and leading lawyer of Allentown, and President of the Allentown National Bank, was born in the city which is still his liome, Febru- ary 15, 1847. It was the desire of his parents that he should become a civil engineer, and at the age of fifteen, after having passed through the local public schools and the - Allentown Academy, lie entered the office of G. A. Asehbach, where as a stu- dent and employe he remained until 1864, reeeiv- ing a very thorough training in the profession. He then went to Schuylkill County, where during the ensuing four years he hield a responsible posi- tion in the service of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Company, under Chief Engineer Charles E. Byers.

Notwithstanding the fact that lie was now actu- ally launched in the profession of civil engineering and seemingly provided with a life ealling, Mr. Wright found himself unable to stifle his boyish ambition of becoming a lawyer, an ambition which had its origin in part, doubtless, in inherited tastes, but which had grown with his growth, stimulated by the inspiring and illustrious example furnished in the personality of his distinguished father; and now that he was free to act without running di- rectly counter to parental views, it culminated in a

resolve to qualify himself for the voeation in life for which he felt he was best adapted by natural inclination and taste. Procuring the needed text- books, he devoted himself to the study of law in the evenings, and at other periods of leisure, and by the winter of 1868 had so far advanced in its mastery that he returned to Allentown, boldly deelaring his intentions. He was permitted to cn- ter his father's office, where, under most encour- aging auspices, he applied himself with diligence to perfecting his training and to acquire the nee- essary knowledge of the routine work of the pro- fession. In the following September he presented himself before the proper authorities, passed a most creditable examination, and was duly admitted to the Bar.

Mr. Wright entered professional life at once as the business associate of his father, and for nearly a year had the invaluable aid of his direction and advice. At the close of that period his father re- tired from aetive duties and the whole weight and responsibility of tlie extensive practice fell upon his son and namesake, then but twenty-three years of age. It was a severe test of capability, but the young man proved fully equal to the constant and varied demands made upon him, and surprised his father by the relish he displayed for legal work and the assiduity with which he devoted himself to its intricate and perplexing details. With skill and ability rare even in much older and experi- enced members of the legal fraternity, he tried all pending cases, and with such success as not only to retain the large clientage left him by his father, but also to win the confidence and respect of the community. His brilliant success at the Bar led to his being retained as attorney for the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company, the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Company, the East Pennsylvania Railroad Company, the Central Railroad Company of New Jersey, the Ironton Railroad Company, and the Perkiomen Railroad Company, which, one after the other, placed their legal affairs in his hands. A number of other large corporations did likewise, including the Thomas Iron Company of Catasauqua, tlie Crane Iron Company, and the Betlilehem Iron Company of Bethlehem, the Allen- town Rolling Mills Company, and a few others

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seareely less important, and also several of the prineipal banks.

In 1886, upon the death of Charles W. Cooper, President of the Allentown National Bank, Mr. Wright, who had been the bank's attorney for a number of years, was ellosen his successor. The choice proved a wise one in every respect. Mr. Wright came to his duties with a thorough knowl- edge of the bank's affairs, and he has since eon- ducted them with marked ability and in such a manner as to measurably increase the institution's prosperity. The Allentown National Bank ranks among the principal banks in the state of Pennsyl- vania, having a capital of $500,000, and a large surplus. Its deposits already exeeed $1,200,000.

Mr. Wright is financially interested in a number of wealthy corporations in and near the city of his residenee. He is President of the Lehigh Valley Car Company, and of all the street railway eom- panies of Allentown and neighboring towns. He was a member of the Board of Water Commission- ers of Allentown, and had personal charge of the construction of the recently completed water works of which he was the chief projector and the lead- ing spirit in securing popular support and needed municipal legislation. He is interested warmly in the cause of education, has served a number of terms on the School Board, and is seldom too deeply engrossed by his business affairs to give earnest attention to his duties as a Trustee of Muh- lenberg College and of the Allentown Female Sem- inary. Believing it to be a citizen's duty to bear his full share of the burden of municipal manage- ment when called upon, Mr. Wright has consented to serve several terms in the City Council, in which he distinguished himself by his scrupulous honesty and by his liberal and progressive spirit. He is a Democrat from convietion, and is well known in party couneils, in local, state and national affairs. For some years he has been very conspicuous as a Democratic leader in Lehigh County, has been Chairman of the County Committee several times, and also an influential delegate to nearly every state convention held during the last decade. In 1888 he was an alternate to the National Demo- eratic Convention in St. Louis, which nominated Grover Cleveland for the Presidency, and also

delegate to the National Democratie Convention of 1892.

Mr. Wright is extremely popular with the masses of the people, whose confidence he has won by a life of energy largely devoted to the development and upbuilding of local industries, by advancing general prosperity, and by an unstained record in the public service. His prominent connection with so many important corporations in Pennsylvania has extended his acquaintance to all parts of the state, securing for bim, as a thorough and honor- able business man, general respeet and regard. His name has been mentioned frequently in con- nection with the Congressional nomination from his district, and also in connection with that of Judge. In 1880 he was almost unanimously nom- inated for the State Senate, but, not desiring offiee, lie went before the nominating convention and deelined the honor, although the nomination was equivalent to an election. In the Democratic State Convention in 1886 his name eame prominently before the delegates in connection with the nom- ination for Governor of Pennsylvania, and for both that and the nomination for Lieutenant-Gov- ernor he received several votes. In 1891 he was the nominee of the Democratie party for Auditor- General of Pennsylvania. Mr. Wright has been for years an active member of the Odd Fellows' society and has filled all the positions in the order, including that of Grand Master of the state of Pennsylvania. Sinee 1884 he has ably represented the Grand Lodge of this state in the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the United States. He is a highly edueated, keen-witted, many-sided man of affairs, able and reliable in whatever he undertakes, and is actuated at all times by the most honorable motives. In an active life for fully a quarter of a century he has gained a varied and valuable experience, which, in combination with the vigor of ripe man- hood, makes him a power in any field of effort.

W )ILLIAM G. NAGLE, who occupies the responsible position of Superintendent of the Lehigh Valley Car Company, was appointed as such in 1892. The plant is

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located in Northampton, and makes a specialty of manufacturing box, gondola, coal, ore and mine cars. The works were originally built in 1867, and since that time additions have been constantly made, until the company are now enabled to turn out about fifty gondola coal cars, of twenty-five tons' capacity, per week. Box cars for freight pur- poses, ore and mine cars are also built by this company. When running at its full capacity the plant accommodates about two hundred employes in its various departments. The Lehigh Valley Car Company is fitted out with the very best im- proved machinery. Its President is R. E. Wright, of Allentown; Treasurer, C. M. W. Keck; and Superintendent, W. G. Nagle. Their New York office is in the Central Building, corner of Liberty and West Streets.

The subject of this record is a native of North- ampton County, his birth occurring July 1, 1845. His parents, Charles and Mary Nagle, were like- wise natives of the above county, and residents of Allen Township during their life. William G. was reared to man's estate on his father's farm, and prosecuted his primary studies in the Distriet School. The knowledge gained therein was later supplemented by attendanee at the Allentown Seminary, after which he taught one term of school. In 1864 he completed the course of the Eastman Business College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and four years later accepted the position of bookkeeper for the Lehigh Car Manufacturing Company, subse- quently merged into the Lehigh Valley Car Com- pany.

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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 41

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