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 42
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 42
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 42
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Mr. Nagle has been connected with the office part of the work of the car company for over a quarter of a century, and was promoted to his present position as Superintendent in 1892. He is very popular among his fellow-citizens, and is serving as Postmaster of Northampton, to which position lic was appointed by Cleveland in 1888. He is Republican in politics, and is greatly inter- ested in the success of his party. The Reformed Church finds in him one of its most valued mem- bers, and he has been Superintendent of Sunday- schools for twenty years. Socially he is a Mason of high standing, and during his connection with Porter Lodge No. 284, was Past Master.
The lady to whom Mr. Nagle was married in 1868 was Miss Amanda Steinmetz, and six children have been born to them: Annie A., Gertrude, Edgar C., Irwin A., Howard E. and Miriam L. A law-abiding citizen, possessed of good soeial qual- ities and excellent eharacter, Mr. Nagle is held in high esteem by the best residents of the county.
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A LVIN F. NEWHART. The following is a brief sketeh- of the career of Mr. Newhart, station agent in Walnutport for the Central Railroad Company of New Jersey. In connection with the duties of this position he finds time to transact the business of the United States Express Company. He was born in this place April 7, 1856, and is the son of George and Amanda (Shafer) Newhart, who are still living and residing near Walnutport. George Newhart, the father, was born in Lehigh County, while the mother had her birth in this county. Alvin F. grew to mature years in his native place, in the mean time aequir- ing a good education in the schools of the neigh- hood. His father in early life had been engaged in the mercantile business, but of late years gave his attention to the cultivation of the soil, having in his possession a valuable estate in Lehigh Town- ship.
In January, 1873, Mr. Newhart began learning the art of telegraphy at the depot in this place, under the instruction of O. M. Geary, and after a service of six months, was appointed night operator for the company by whom he is at present engaged. He remained in that capacity for ten and one-half montlis, when lie was promoted to be station agent, which position he has had for over twenty years, which speaks well for his faithfulness to his em- ployers.
The marriage of Alvin F. Newhart was cele- brated on September 26, 1878, at which time Miss Mary C. Berlin became his wife. The lady was the daughter of Adam and Hettie Berlin, residents of Berlinsville, which place had been named in
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honor of the family. To Mr. and Mrs. Newhart have been born two daughters, Nora N. and Min- erva M.
The political sympathies of Mr. Newhart are with the Democratic party. He has done much to advance the cause of religion throughout the com- munity, and is a valued member of St. Paul's Reformed Church. He is the possessor of a sunny, happy disposition, and is naturally very popular. His success through life has been the result entirely of his own exertions, and he deserves and recei ves a due measure of praise.
M ILTON W. KNAUSS, an enterprising and successful young business man of Beth- lehem, operates two meat markets, one in Bethlehem, and the other in West Bethlehem. He is a native of Bethlehem Township, having been born February 22, 1866. His paternal grand- father, John Knauss, was a native of Emaus, Le- high County, later becoming a farmer in Bethle- hem Township. The Knauss family is of German descent, one of that name, with his nine sons, hav- ing settled in Lehigh County at a very early day. R. F. Knauss, the father of Milton W. Knauss, was born in the same township as his son, and there engaged in farming, later, on coming to this city, entering the butcher's business. For a number of years he carried on a market at the corner of High and Broad Streets. In December, 1892, when in his sixty-second year, he was called from this life. His wife, Anna M., was a daughter of Daniel Fogle, who followed agricultural pursuits in Hanover Township, where he still resides, at the age of eighty-seven years. Mrs. Knauss, who was born in Hanover Township, Northampton County, is a member of the Reformed Church, and is still a res- ident of Bethlehem.
In the family of five children, who are living, M. W. Knauss is next to the eldest. He was rcared to man's estate in Bethlehem, his education being that of the common schools. From a boy
he worked at the butcher's business, and when sixteen years of age went to Brooklyn, being cm- ployed there in a restaurant for four years. After- ward for six months he worked in a hotel at Jack- sonville, Fla., thence returning to New York City, where for a year and a-half he was manager of the bar and restaurant of the Morton House. Return- ing to Bethlehem in 1889, he started in business with his father at the corner of High and Broad Streets, but sold out at the end of a year and went to Brooklyn, where he became manager of the Santa Anna Wine Company. A year later he be- came a resident of Bethlehem, and for six months was in business once more with his father, after which he opened a market of his own, the first started in West Bethlehem, which he still runs in connection with his other market. In February, 1893, he purchased the fine location at No. 5 North Main Street from E. F. Fry. He manufactures his own sausages, and keeps a large stock of all kinds of fresh and salted meats on hand. Though he superintends both stores, his younger brother is in charge of the market at West Bethlehem.
In the year 1891 Mr. Knauss married Miss Car- rie Kerschner, who was born near Allentown, Le- high County, and they have a little daughter, Stella. The parents are members of Christ Re- formed Church, in the work of which they take an active part. Mr. Knauss deposits his ballot in favor of the nominees of the Democratic party.
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AMES E. KNERR, a well known resident of Kreidersville, Northampton County, has been engaged in the harness business since 1872. He manufactures a fine quality of that necessary article, and keeps in his establish- ment every description of harness used in the country. Mr. Knerr is a native of Lehigh County, having been born in Lowhill Township, June 3' 1846, and is the son of Owen and Susan (Geddes) Knerr, who were born respectively in Lehigh and Union Counties. Owen Knerr was a farmer by
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occupation, owning a good estate in Lowhill Township, Lehigh County, which he carried on until his decease. The family have been residents of this section for many years, and are widely and favorably known.
The subject of this sketch was reared to man- hood in his native town, spending his early years in attendance at the district school. His educa- tion, thus obtained, was of a very meager sort, but being a great reader he has constantly added to liis fund of knowledge, and is to-day an intel- ligent and well informed man. When a lad of nineteen years he began learning the harness- maker's trade under the instruction of Jeremiah Klotz, also living in Lowhill Township, with whom he remained for some time, later going to Newark, N. J., where he completed his trade, after which he worked as a journeyman in New York City. After returning to this state young Knerr was employed in Bethlehem for two years, and in 1872 started in business for himself in Kreidersville.
James E. Knerr and Miss Amelia Wannemacher were united in marriage in 1872. The lady was born in Lehigh County and was the daughter of Joseph K. Wannemacher, now deceased, and Maria Wannemacher, formerly also a resident of the above county. By this marriage there were four children, of whom Edgar E., Raymond S. and Liz- zie F. are now living. Warren J. is deceased.
In politics Mr. Knerr is a stanch adherent of Re- publican principles, always giving his vote and influence in their behalf. He is a member of the Reformed Church, having served as Deacon in the congregation known as Zion's Stone Church, and is now Trustee. He is highly regarded by all who know him for those sterling traits of character that mark him as eminently worthy of respect.
ALTER A. LEVAN, M. D., is one of the prominent young physicians and surgeons of Slatington, and has branch offices at Weissport and Millport, where he also has many clients. The Doctor was born in Berks
County, Pa., May 13, 1867, and is a son of Daniel Levan, who was also a native of that county, and whose death occurred December 24, 1891, at the age of sixty-eight years. His wife, who was in her maidenhood Mary Wessner, was also born in Berks County, and was called from this life in 1891, aged sixty-five years. The Levan family emigrat- ed from France, making settlements in Pennsylva- nia at a very early day, and have been noted for their industry.
The boyhood of our subject was passed in the county of his birth, his time being passed in at- tendance at the public schools. He further pur- sued his studies in the State Normal School at Kutztown, Pa., where he was a pupil for three years. Concluding to devote his life to the med- ical profession, he then began his studies in this direction under the supervision of Dr. Hottenstein, of Kutztown, continuing with him for about a year. Next enrolling himself as a student in the Jeffer- son Medical College of Philadelphia, he there con- tinued until 1890, when he finished the regular course and graduated. Subsequently in order to gain experience he practiced in the hospital for a time.
May 8, 1890, Dr. Levan began his professional career at Treichler's Station, Northampton Coun- ty, but was only there for three months, when he removed to Millport, Carbon County. In that place he built up a considerable practice, being lo- cated there for three years. August 7, 1893, de- siring to have a wider field of work, the Doctor be- came a resident of Slatington, and has been very successful, making a specialty of certain diseases, particularly dropsy, in the treatment of which he possesses great skill. His patients are scattered throughout the Lehigh Valley, and he also has a large office practice.
An active politician, Dr. Levan casts his vote in favor of the Democracy, and fraternally is a mem- ber of the Patriotic Order Sons of America, and of the Junior Order United American Mechanics. He belongs to the Vigilant Fire Company of Slat- ington and is active in public improvements. A member of the Reformed Church, he is a zealous worker in church and Sunday-school, being Super- intendent of the latter for a time. Of late our
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subject has given particular attention to surgical work. He possesses great ability in that direction and to it may ultimately give liis entire time.
R EUBEN E. MILLER, whose home is in Aquashicola, Carbon County, comes from an old and prominent family of Lehiglı County, where his ancestors settled while the In- dians were still numerous and oftentimes trouble- some to the white inhabitants. Mr. Miller, who was formerly engaged in running a tannery, lias of late years turned his attention to agricultural pur- suits. He has also dealt extensively in eattle, buy- ing and shipping them to the city markets, and has made a good income from this business.
The birth of our subject oeeurred in Lehigh County, this state, October 31, 1842, and his par- ents, George and Mary (Ettinger) Miller, were na- tives of the same eounty. The boyhood of our subjeet was passed on his father's farm, and his primary education was obtained in the district school. His advantages were not of the best and he is largely self-educated. At the age of seven- teen years he began learning the tanner's trade with Benjamin Semmel, of North Whitehall Town- ship, Lehigh County, and worked for him as an apprentiee for nearly three years. During the year in which he attained his majority he went to Le- highton, where he obtained employment as a jour- neyman in a tannery, in which position he was employed for several years. For a short time he was in the same business for himself in that village, but on aceount of numerous disadvantages con- cluded to remove to another place.
It was in the spring of 1867 that Mr. Miller came to this eity and started a tannery. This he carried on until the spring of 1874, when the plant was destroyed by fire. At times his business amounted to about $200,000 per annum, and in the different departments of his tannery twelve men were given employment. Since his plant was destroyed he has turned his attention to other lines of trade,
and has made a success of his dealings in cattle particularly.
In the spring of 1873 Mr. Miller married Miss Jennie, daughter of Thomas Kern, and they be- came the parents of one son, Calvin T., who is now deceased. Mrs. Miller, who was a member of the Reformed Church, was called to her final rest in the spring of 1893.
Politically Mr. Miller is a Republican, and, be- ing a temperanee man, has a strong leaning toward the Prohibition party. He is a member of the Evangelical Churchi, and always supports the lead- ing work of his denomination. Though he has had no desire to serve in official capacities, he was at one time a Director for the Poor House of Lower Towamensing Township.
EORGE W. HEINY was a highly re- speeted resident of Northampton County, was identified with the agricultural pur- suits of Lehigh Township for many years, being regarded as one of the oldest residents within its bounds, and was a fine representative of the na- tive-born eitizens of the state who have contrib- uted materially to its welfare. For some time lie served in the capacity of Commissioner of North- ampton County, discharging the duties of the po- sition in a highly ereditable manner. He was born in Plainfield Township, this county, March 17, 1812, and was the son of Jolin C. and Cather- ine (Ingler) Heiny, also natives of this county, where John C. Heiny was one of the early seliool teachers. The subject of this sketch was reared to agricultural pursuits, which he followed his entire life. Although not having the advantages offered the youth of to-day for gaining an education, he made the best of his opportunities and was well informed on all subjects.
Mr. Heiny was married to Miss Henrietta Heiny, and on her decease he was married to Mrs. Hower, who bore him a son, George W., Jr., now living in
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Lehigh Township, where he is engaged in farming. Mr. Heiny, the subject of this biographical sketch, served acceptably as Commissioner of Northamp- ton County for four years. He was a Director of the board which looks after the wants of the poor in the locality, and for many terms was a Direc- tor of the School Board. In politics he was a stanch adherent of Democratic principles.
Mr. Heiny was a true Christian, and was for many years connected with the Reformed Church, in which he served as Deacon, Trustee and Elder. His estate comprised two hundred and thirty acres of choice land, was cultivated in an admirable manner, and amply supplied with well ordered buildings, good machinery and every appliance for conducting agriculture after the best methods. By his death, on the 15th of October, 1894, in a full age, one of the few survivors of an earlier day and a tower of strength in the community passed away.
ON. JOSEPH C. RUPP. In presenting to the readers of this volume an outline of the life of Hon. Mr. Rupp, we are per- petuating the record of one of Lehigh County's most honored citizens, one whose abilities arc widely known and recognized, and whose public spirit has aided in the progress of his community. In 1893 and 1894 he represented his district in the Lower House of the State Legislature, having been elected to that responsible position in 1892 for a term of two years. He was again nominated in 1894 for a further term, but lost the clection from the fact that for the first time in the memory of the oldest inhabitant the county went Republican.
The Rupp family was numbered among the early settlers of the Lehigh Valley, where they made settlement in Upper Macungie Township, near Chapman's Station. Herman Rupp, the great- grandfather of the subject of the present sketch, is said to have been a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Hon. Herman Rupp, our subject's father,
was a farmer by occupation, being thus engaged in his native county of Lehigh. He was a man of some prominence in his district, which he repre- sented in the State Legislature for three terms. He was also Justice of the Peace for years, and served as Brigadier-General in the state militia. Few among the citizens of the county attained greater prominence than did he, and his death, on August 8, 1877, was widely mourncd.
Unto Hon. Herman Rupp and his wife, whose maiden name was Lucy Haas, and who was also a native of Lehigh County, there were born eight children, of whom the following now survive: Benjamin, a resident of Upper Milford Township, Lehigh County; Joseph C., of whom we write; Robert R., whose home is in Lehighton; Mary, wife of H. J. Gackenbach, of Allenton; Lewis, liv- ing in South Whitehall Township, Lehigh County; and Alicc, who married Horace Bcisel, of Chap- man's Station. Herman and Tilghman died in in- fancy. The father was one of the most prominent politicians of Upper Macungie Township, and was active in the ranks of the Democratic party.
Hon. Joseph C. Rupp was born in Lehigh Coun- ty, March 19, 1848. His youthful years were passed upon the home farm, and his schooling was gained in Upper Macungie Township, and in the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown, Berks County, where he graduated in 1870. Upon com-
pleting his studies he commenced to teach school, and was thus engaged for fourteen winter terms in Upper Macungie Township. In 1885 he was elected Recorder of Deeds of Lehigh County, in which ca- pacity he served three years. In 1892, as above stated, he was elected to the Lower House of the State Legislature, and ably and efficiently repre- sented his constituents. He has also filled the posi- tion of School Director and Assessor of Upper Macungie Township. Probably no Democrat in the county is more prominent than he, and his counsels are frequently sought by the leading men of the party in this section.
April 14, 1871, Mr. Rupp married Catherine A. Rauch, a native of South Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, and a daughter of the late Jonas Rauch, formerly a resident of that township. Five children bless this union, Jonas, Charles, Tilgh-
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man, Bessie J. and Ella L. For a number of years Mr. Rupp leased his limekiln to other parties, but in 1893 began operating for himself in the kiln. Besides his other interests he has a farm of thirty- two acres. Socially he is connected with the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to thic lodge at Fogelsville. He belongs to the Reformed Church of that place, of which he is Secretary.
H UGH R. HORNER. Among the sturdy tillers of the soil in Northampton County was for many years Mr. Horner, who de- voted his entire active life to agricultural pursuits and was one of the practical and progressive farmers of East Allen Township. To the honest, indus- trious farmers probably more than to any one else are due the prosperity and progress of this country, and prominent among those of this county has been our subject, who is now living retired, enjoy- ing the fruits of his former years of toil. He was born in the settlement of East Allen Township, Northampton County, October 28, 1838. His grand- father, who bore the same Christian name, was also a native of this county and a farmer here, and was the son of James Horner, a native of Ireland. The parents of Hugh R. Horner were Robert and Jane (Wilson) Horner, the former a native of North- ampton, and the latter of Bucks County, this state. A brother of the former was a soldier in the War of 1812.
From boyhood Hugh R. Horner, the subject of this sketch, was trained to the practical duties of carrying on a farm, and became thoroughly versed in the best methods of agriculture. He attended the district schools of his day, which were of a rather primitive description, and also for a time was a student in a private school at Easton. On arriving at man's estate he embarked in business on his own account, and continued in that line of business in East Allen Township until 1888. He improved and cultivated a farm comprising one hundred and thirty-eight acres, which was one of
the best in the township. In November, 1888, he gave up his active career, and since that time has made his home in Bath.
In the year 1857 occurred the marriage of Mr. Horner and Jane Hays, a native of Williamsport, Pa., and the daughter of John K. and Jane Hays. Four children were born of this marriage, in order of birth as follows: Robert H., Mary J., John K. and Joseph A. Mr. Horner has held several of the minor offices in East Allen Township, and is always found faithful to all public trusts. He uses his influence and casts his ballot in favor of the Republican party, believing that it best mcets the wants of the people in a legislative sense. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Bath, of which he is an Elder, is ever ready to lend a helping hand to the poor and needy, and en- deavors to embody in his life the teachings of the Golden Rule.
B AXTER B. McCLURE comes from a well known family who settled at a very early period in Northampton County. He is one of the representative citizens of East Allen Township, and is prominent in all public-spirited works of progress. In political circles he is espe- cially well known in this locality, having been a candidate on the Republican ticket for both Houses . of the Legislature. The county being overwhelm- ingly Democratic. however, made it practically impossible to elect a Republican Legislature under ordinary conditions, and he was therefore not re- turned. He is a member of the Pennsylvania State Board of Agriculture, an important organi- zation, the Board consisting of one member from every county in the state.
Mr. McClure was born May 29, 1837, in Chester County, Pa., his parents being William W. and Elizabeth (Grier) McClure. The former was also a native of Chester County, and on the paternal side was descended from Irish ancestors. The founders of the family in America left the north-
N. C. PETERS, M. D.
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ern part of Ireland, and became early settlers of Chester County, Pa. Other members of the family located in the Southern States, and this immediate branch were for some time located in North Caro- lina. The family is also of Scotch origin by inter- marriage. The maternal ancesters of B. B. McClure were of like descent, and they were among the early pioneers of Northampton County, locating in what was known as the " Irish Settlement." His father, William W. McClure, was forty years a merchant and Postmaster at Brandywine Manor, in Chester County. His death occurred in 1875, when one of his sons succeeded him in business. Five of his children are now living. Agnes is the widow of Dr. N. G. Thompson, of Coatesville, Pa .; Caroline is a resident of Chester County, as is also her brother James G. and her sister Clarisa G. Baxter B., of whom we write, completes the num- ber of the family yet living.
The boyhood of B. B. McClnre was passed on a farm in Chester County, where he learned thor- oughly the details of agricultural work. He re- ceived his education in the public schools of Ches- ter County, and then for three years attended the Howard Academy at Rockville, Pa. He afterward taught school for three terms. At an carly age he engaged in business for himself in the queensware and crockery trade, in Philadelphia, having for a partner Isaac R. Buchanan. The firm continued business successfully under the name of Buchanan & McClurc, with their store at No. 837 Market Street. At the end of two years Mr. McClure re- turned to farming, which he followed for a period comprising eight years. Leaving Chester County at the expiration of that time, he removed to this county, arriving here in 1879, since which time he has lived at his present home. Educational matters have always received his warm support and hearty assistance, as to his good education in youth he owes a large share of his success in later ycars. He is practical and progressive in his ideas, and carries out his early training in industry, energy and en- terprise. Success has crowned his efforts, and pros- perity blessed his home.
March 19, 1872, Mr. McClure took unto himself a wife in the person of Miss Sallie A., daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Wilson) Horner. The latter
were natives of Northampton County, and were among the early settlers of East Allen Township. Mrs. McClure has one surviving sister, Jennie by name, who is now residing with her.
As related in the beginning of this sketch, Mr. McClure is a member of the Pennsylvania State Board of Agriculture, and in this public way en- deavors to inculcate the best and most practical modern theories, and to keep fully abreast with the times in everything relating to the cultivation of the soil. Socially he is a member of the Ma- sonic Order, belonging to the lodge at Bethlehem, and is Master of Allen Grange No. 795, East Allen Township. A worthy member of the Presbyterian Church at Bath, to whichi his wife also belongs, he is now serving the same as Elder. Progressive and liberal minded, he merits the esteem and respect of all, which he in full measure possesses.
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