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 43
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 43
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 43
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N ATHANIEL C. PETERS, M. D., residing in Whitehall, is one of the popular and successful physicians and surgeons of Le- high County. The son of David J. and Caroline Peters, lie was born in this county October 12, 1860, and passed the days of boyhood in White- hall, whither he removed with his parents from Washington Township at the age of seven. His primary education was gained in the schools of this place, and so rapidly did he advance in his studies that when fifteen he began teaching school. He was thus engaged for nine school years, and in the interval attended Weaversville (Pa.) Academy for two terms, also for three spring terms attended the preparatory department of Muhlenberg Col- lege, at Allentown.
After completing his literary studies, our subject read law for a time, but soon decided that his abilities fitted him for the medical rather than the legal profession. In 1885 he entered the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, and continued his studies there until the spring of 1888, when he was graduated. Immediately after-
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ward he received the appointment of resident phy- sieian of the German Hospital at Philadelphia, where he spent one year, his experience during that time proving of incalculable benefit to him afterward. In 1889 he opened an office at White- hall, where he has built up an extensive and profit- able practice.
The Doetor is a close student of his profession, and his skill and ability have won for him a high reputation, not only among his patrons, but also among other physicians. He is an enterprising young man, and this community finds in him a valued eitizen, who manifests a commendable interest in everything pertaining to its welfare and advancement. Politically he votes with the Republican party and gives his support to its principles. Socially he affiliates with Seigfried Lodge, I. O. O. F., and is also a member of the or- ganization of Senior Mechanies at Scigfried, and the Patriotic Sons of America at Whitehall. Bea- con Council, R. A., at Allentown, numbers him among its members.
April 8, 1890, Dr. Peters was united in marriage with Miss Lillie H., daughter of the late Abraham Hartz, and one son has been born to this union, Milton H. P., now deceased.
L ILLIAM L. ODENWELDER, one of the well known citizens and business men of Northampton County, is part proprietor of the Bath Knitting Mills, and also owns a flour and feed store in this place. The former eoncern does business under the firm name of Odenwelder & Co. Their plant is well equipped with all needful machinery, and is one of the act- ive local industries. The building which is occu- pied was erected in the fall of 1882, is of brick, 72x90 feet in dimensions, and was originally con- structed for a machine shop. It served only a short time for that purpose, after which it stood idle for several years, or until June, 1889, when the present knitting mills were organized by Will-
iam L. Odenwelder, and machinery was put in place for operating the business. The original firm was Oden welder, Mauser & Co., but April 20, 1889, the subject of this sketch bought out his part- ners' interest, and his present partners are J. W. Trumbower, of Nazareth, Pa., and D. J. Oden- welder.
The mills contain good machinery for the pur- pose of manufacturing ladies' and misses' seamless hose, this being their specialty. About eighty-five hands on an average are employed in the mills, and the business is constantly growing, the prod- ucts being sent to many of the states. Mr. Oden- welder is superintendent of the concern, and is making a good suecess of it in a business way. He is enterprising and progressive in his methods, and to his energy and practical manner of carry- ing on affairs is due the success which has been achieved by the firm.
Mr. Odenwelder was born July 7, 1838, in North- ampton County. He comes of an old and hon- ored family of the county, of which his parents are also natives. They are Daniel and Barbara A. (Miller) Odenwelder, the former of whom was born in 1807, and the latter in 1810. Daniel Odenwelder, who was one of the early settlers of South Easton, departed this life in 1875. His widow, who still survives, has reached the good old age of eighty-five years. One of her sons, Jolın H., who has departed this life, at one time served as Reeorder of Deeds of Northampton County. The family has always held a high po- sition in the esteem and good will of the inhabit- ants of this county. The early years of William L. Oden welder were passed on his father's farm, and to agricultural pursuits he devoted his time until arriving at maturity. His primary educa- tion was obtained in the common schools, though he was largely self educated. Coming to Bath in 1886, he engaged in the flour and feed business for a number of years, but has lately given his at- tention to operating the knitting works.
September 16, 1862, occurred the marriage of Mr. Odenwelder and Frances Trumbower. Her father, Stephen J. Trumbower, now deceased, was formerly a citizen of East Allen Township. Mr. Odenwelder is a member of the Town Council of
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Bath, and in polities votes with the Demoeratie party. He has served as Sehool Director of Lower Nazareth Township, and as Treasurer of East Allen Township. In 1880 he acted as Census Enumerator of the last-named township, and has also been Judge of Eleetion several times.
F RANK WEAVER, a well-to-do farmer and stoek-raiser of Allen Township, Northamp- ton County, owns and operates a good farm, eovering seventy-two aeres. He comes of one of the sterling families of Lehigh County, many of whose deseendants are now residents of this eounty. He is one of seven ehildren, and was born Mareh 20, 1864. His parents were Reuben and Susan (Smith) Weaver, the former a native of Lehigh County, and the latter of Northampton County. The Weaver family formerly resided near Egypt, Lehigh County, and numbers many worthy citizens in that locality. There Reuben Weaver passed his boyhood, but after his marriage he removed to this loeality, purehasing the farm on which his son now resides, in Allen Township. Upon this place he continued to make his home, engaged in farming, until his death, which oe- eurred in December, 1877, when he was sixty years of age. His wife died in 1892, aged seventy-five years. He was a man of publie spirit and upright walk in life, being a member of the Lutheran Chureli of Howertown. In polities he voted for the men and measures of the Republican party. Of his family the following survive: Frank; Mary, wife of Nathaniel Kidd, and Emma, wife of Will- iam Solt.
Until reaching man's estate, Frank Weaver en- gaged in farming for his father. and attended the distriet schools of the neighborhood. It was also his privilege to attend the academy at Weavers- ville for some time. He made the best of his op- portunities, becoming a well informed man. In December, 1882, was eelebrated his marriage with
Miss Amanda Ehret, by whom he has had one child, Esther, who has passed from this life. Mrs. Weaver is a daughter of William Ehret, who is well and favorably known in Petersville.
The farm owned and operated by Mr. Weaver is located in Allen Township, and comprises within its boundaries seventy-two aeres. Though a eom- paratively young man, Mr. Weaver has, sinee his early years, been aeeustomed to agriculture, and has made a study of the best methods now in use by modern well posted farmers. A considerable measure of sueeess has been the result of his un- dertakings, and it is safe to prediet that even greater results will follow his future labors. In politieal faith, he votes with the Demoeratie party, and in general affairs is always found in the front ranks of those favoring progressive movements ealeulated to benefit the community. Religiously he holds membership with the Lutheran Church at Howertown.
D AVID SOLT is a sueeessful farmer and stoek-raiser of Allen Township. His well improved farm, comprising ninety-seven acres, yields to him good compensation for the labor and eare he has bestowed upon it. Many years have passed since he settled on his present farm, and during this time he has made substan- tial improvements upon the place.
The birth of David Solt oeeurred October 11, 1844, in Lehigh County. His parents were Adam and Elizabeth (Huber) Solt, both natives of the Keystone State. The greater portion of the life of Adam Solt was passed in this eounty, his home being in Hanover Township. Later, he removed to Lehigh Township, where his death occurred in Marel, 1873. His wife was called from this life two years later. Their children who are yet liv- ing are as follows: James; Sarah, wife of G. V. Snyder; David; Samuel; Mary, Mrs. Frank Sours; and Violetta, wife of Amandes Cole. Adam Solt,
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who was a Democrat in politics, served as a School Director while living in Lehigh Township. A man of sterling worthi and strict integrity of word and deed, he was a member of the Lutheran Church.
The subject of this sketchi grew to man's estate on his father's farm in this county, and from an early day he was given practical experience in agricultural pursuits, as he assisted liis fatlier in the work of the farm until he had attained his majority. Such education as he was enabled to obtain was afforded him by the common schools.
For his helpmate and companion in life Mr. Solt chose Miss Catherine, daughter of Jacob Seem, formerly of this county, but now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Solt four children were born. Ida is the wife of Robert Steinmetz; Miranda became the wife of Calvin Schafer; Harvey is next in order, and Alice has passed from this life. Believing it, to be his duty as well as privilege, Mr. Solt has constantly favored good schools, and has acted as School Director of Allen Township for three years. He has affiliated with the Democratic party in politics, and promotes all public enterprises. In religious belief he adheres to the Lutheran Church, the faith of his forefathers. His word is consid- ered as good as his bond, and he is accounted thoroughly trustworthy in all the relations of life.
J OHN T. ROBERTS was formerly a member of the firm of John T. Roberts & Co., of Slat- ington, manufacturers and dealers in blue roofing slate. He was an enterprising citi- zen and a very able business man, having succeeded far beyond his own expectations in gaining a for- tune. In all public and local affairs he was greatly interested, and in every way forwarded works which would redound to the good of the commu- nity in which he dwelt.
Mr. Roberts' death, which occurred August 5, 1894, was very sudden; in fact, sudden deaths are
peculiar to his family. In 1854, his sister, with her two daughters, was drowned while crossing the ocean in the "City of Glasgow," the same ship in which Mr. Roberts had sailed the year previous. Another sister was also drowned at sea. Mr. Rob- erts was buried from his late residence August 9, 1894, and services were held in the Lutheran Church, Rev. Messrs. Erb, Williams and Evans officiating. His remains were interred in the fam- ily lot in Fairview Cemetery. Citizens and friends from far and near and Slatington Lodge No. 294, K. of P., attended in large numbers to pay the last sad rites to their honored and respected friend and esteemed brother, whom "none knew but to love, none named but to praise."
A native of the north of Wales, John T. Roberts was born in Llanllechid, Carnarvon County, July 15, 1829. His father, Thomas Roberts, was born in the same land, and there his death occurred. His wife was born and reared to womanhood in Wales, and before her marriage bore the name of Margaret Roland. John T. spent his boyhood and youth in the place of his birth, where he received common-school privileges; but being of an ambi- tious turn of mind, and becoming convinced that America afforded better opportunities for an en- ergetic young man, he in 1853 bade adieu to his early liome, and with a brother set sail for the United States. He landed in Philadelphia March 2 1853, and thence proceeded to Heidelberg Town- ship, Lehigh County. Believing it necessary, be- fore going any further in his career, to obtain a good knowledge of the English language, he at- tended school at Oxford, Pa., for some time, and being an apt student, rapidly acquired the lan- guage. In Wales he had learned the slate busi- ness, and upon his return from school he at once entered into the mining and manufacturing of slate. Later he bought some slate land, and as the years passed has extensively invested in the quar- ries of this region. In 1884 Mr. Roberts began handling blasting powder, and found a ready sale among the slate miners-of the valley. He also be- came interested in town property, and was quite successful in his real-estate ventures.
November 8, 1856, Mr. Roberts married Fyetta Jully, a native of Heidelberg Township, this coun-
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ty, and to them were born two sons and a daugh- ter: Thomas J., now deceased; William J., who is manager and has entire control of the Eagle store of this city; and Annie T., who is attending school. An active Republiean, Mr. Roberts served in the City Council for three years, was for nine years on the School Board, and all but three years of the time was Treasurer of the same. Fraternally he was a member of Slatington Lodge No. 294, K. of P., of which he was a charter member. Mrs. Roberts is a member of the Lutheran Church, while her husband was formerly active in the Welsh congregation, having been Treasurer of the church for some years. In religious affairs he was greatly interested, being a worker in the church and an in- structor in the Sunday-school. He was upright and honorable in his daily life, and by his sterling qualities endeared himself to all.
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N ATHAN ZIEGENFUSS, M. D., who is a practicing physician and surgeon of Beth- lehem, Lehigh County, is rapidly win- ning an enviable reputation among his professional brethren, while his skill and ability are gaining for him throughout the community a liberal and lucrative patronage. He was born at Friedensville, Lehigh County, December 20, 1849, and his father, Henry Ziegenfuss, was a native of Bucks County.
Grandfather Michacl Ziegenfuss was a farmer in Bucks County, where he lived and dicd. His fa- thier came from Berlin, Germany, located in Bucks County, and there carried on farming pursuits. The father of Nathan was a shoemaker by trade, but while residing in Friedensville was in the em- ploy of tlie Lehigh Zinc Company for thirty years. He is now living in Lehigh County, retired from active work, and has reached the advanced age of eighty-six years.
The mother, Mrs. Sarah (Marsteller) Ziegenfuss, was born in Northampton County, and was an active member of the Reformed Church. Of her family of seven children, three are living, Nathan being the youngest but one. William
during the late war was a member of Company K, Fifty-fourth Pennsylvania Infantry, and after serving through that period, died at Alexandria, Va. Charles H., who was also a Union soldier, was Corporal of the One Hundred and Seventy- sixth Pennsylvania Infantry; he is now General Superintendent of the Juragua Ponnugo Iron Company and is located at San Diego, Cuba. He is a practical mechanic, and for many years was the Mining Superintendent of the Bethlehem Iron Company. The members of the family who are deceased are Amos, Matilda and Eveline.
Nathan, of this sketel, was reared in Friedens- ville, and after obtaining his education in the com- mon school, entered the employ of the Lehigh Zinc Company, with whom he remained for six years. In 1869, however, he engaged to work for tlie Beth- lehem Iron Company, and being a mechanical en- gineer, was employed in putting up engines in New Jersey, principally in the mills of the company. He continued to work for them until 1877, when he was given the position of contractor with the Bethlehem Iron Company, and in their interest opened several mines of iron ore and limestone.
Being desirous of following a professional eareer, Dr. Ziegenfuss in 1886 began reading medicine, and in the fall of 1888 entered the Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, where he took five courses of lectures, graduating in the spring of 1892. When looking around for a suitable place to locate, he eame to Bethlehem, where he has since resided, having a beautiful residence situated on First Avenue.
Dr. Ziegenfuss was married in 1868, in Slating- ton, to Miss Mary Nonnemaker, a native of that place, and the daughter of Jacob Nonnemaker, a wheelwright by trade. She departed this life in 1873, while residing in Hoffmansville, leaving at her decease three children, of whom John died in 1888, when in his eighteenth year. Jacob died in infaney, and Lillie is at home with her father.
The second marriage of our subject occurred in 1875, at which time Miss Lillie Kerschner, daughter of Reuben Kerschner, became his wife. To them have been born a daughter, Annie, and a son, Claude, the latter dying when a year old.
Dr. Ziegenfuss is a prominent Thirty-second De-
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grec Mason, and belongs to Commandery No. 20, K. T., of Allentown. He also belongs to the Royal Ar- canum and Red Men, holding membership with the lodge at Philadelphia, and is a Knight of Pythias. In religious affairs he belongs to the Holy Trin- ity Lutheran Church in Bethlehem. He is a true- blue Republican in politics, and has served as a member of the standing committee for many years. He is connected with the Lehigh Valley Medical Association, the Northampton County Medical So- ciety, and is the Medical Examiner for the Union Central Life Insurance of Ohio.
RANK H. KIECHEL. A glance at the lives of the representative men whose names appear in this volume will reveal many sketches of honorable and influential citi- zens, but among them nonc are more worthy or more deserving of mention than Frank Kiechcl, who is a prominent politician of Whitehall Town- ship, and who is now serving as Auditor. He comes of an old and respected family of Lehigh County, and makes his home at the present time in West Catasauqua.
A native of Northampton County, our subject was born in Hanover Township, October 20, 1850, while his father, Edward Kiechel, is a native of Whitehall Township, this county. The grandfa- ther, who bore the name of Abraham, was of Ger- man descent, and was also born in the above town- ship, where he followed farm pursuits all his life. The first representative of the family to come to America located liere as early as 1722, and estab- lished this branch of the family in the Lehigh Valley.
Edward Kiechel was a blacksmith, which trade he carried on in Hanover Township until 1866, when he removed to Shoenersville, and plied his trade in that place for six years, at the end of that time removing to Whitehall. He is now living in Catasauqua, retired from the active duties of
life. In his religious connections he is identified with the German Reformed Church. His wife, Mrs. Mary (Snyder) Kiechel, was born in North- ampton County, and was the daughter of Henry Snyder, a carpenter, who died in that county in 1860, when in his sixtieth year. The mother of our subject is still living, making her home in Catasauqua, and is connected by membership with the Lutheran Church.
Frank H. was the eldest of a large family of ten children, only one of whom is deceased. He re- ceived his education in the public schools of Shoenersville, Whitehall and Mechanicsville, and when seventeen years of age learned the blacksmith business under the instruction of his father. In 1870, however, he left home, and coming to this city, began working for D. A. Tumbler, a brick manufacturer, holding the positions of bookkeeper and timekeeper. He severed his connection with that gentleman in 1872, in which year he entered the car shops at Fullerton, where he was given a position in the blacksmith department. In July of the following year he became an employe of the Catasauqua & Fogelsville Railroad Company, in whose shops he was head of the blacksmith de- partment. In 1880 he was sent out as assistant machinist in their round house, and has since been in charge of that branch of the company's inter- ests. In 1891 the road sold out to the Philadel- phia & Reading Railroad Company, in whose em- ploy Mr. Kiechel is at the present time. He has charge of the entire round house, and has shown good judgment and fidelity in the discharge of his dutics and obligations.
The marriage of our subject occurred in this city January. 27, 1870, at which time Miss Rebecca C., daughter of Elias Meyers, became his wife. She was born in North Whitehall Township, and her father, who is still living, is a retired tinsmith living in Mountain Top, Luzerne County, this state. To Mr. and Mrs. Kiechel has been born one daughter, Hannah J.
Mr. Kiechel was elected Auditor of Whitehall Township in 1874, for a term of three years. In 1888 he was again called upon to fill that position, and in 1891 was re-elected Auditor on the Demo- cratic ticket. He has served on the Election
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Board several times, and as a stanch Democrat is filling his fourth term on the County Standing Committee. He has been sent as delegate to the different conventions of the party, in the suecess of which he has been greatly interested. Soeially he belongs to Catasauqua Lodge No. 269, I. O. O. F., in which he has been Distriet Deputy Grand Mas- ter of the county. Religiously he is identified with the German Reformed Church, in which he has been Elder and Sunday-school Superintendent.
T IMOTHY LUCKENBACH. The business interests of the Bethlehems have been greatly promoted by the energy and ex- ecutive ability of those who, having spent their entire lives in this portion of the state, are thor- oughly acquainted with their resources and iden- tified with the development of their material interests. Such a one is the gentleman of whom we now write. His position is among the fore- most citizens of West Bethlehem, and, though now retired from the active cares of a business eareer, he still maintains a deep interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of his community.
The paternal grandfather of our subject, Adam Luckenbaclı, emigrated to this country from Ger- many, and in an early day made settlement in Bethlehem. For a time he carried on farm pur- suits, but for some years before his death he was the keeper of a tower bridge. The father of our subjeet, Joseph, was born in Lehigh County, and followed the occupation of a farmer, his home for some years being upon a farm in Salisbury Town- ship. His dcelining years were spent in Bethle- hem, where his death oceurred in his sixty-seventh year. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Salian Keifer, died in 1842. They had three chil- dren, of whom the youngest is deceased.
In Emaus, Lehigh County, Timothy Luckenbach was born July 15, 1824. He was reared upon the home farm in Salisbury Township until abont eleven years of age, when he accompanied the
family to Bethlehem. Here he attended the pub- lie schools. At the age of fifteen he was appren- tieed to learn the cabinet-maker's trade, at which he worked for some timc. Later he added carpen- try to his other trade. In 1850 he opened a shop on Main Street, where he was engaged as contractor and builder, and also manufactured furniture, which he sold at retail. In 1867 he transferred his attention to the mercantile business, opening a store on Main Street, which he condueted fifteen years. He then retired from active business, and is now passing his time in the enjoyment of a competence, surrounded by every eomfort in his beautiful home at the corner of Broad and Terrace Streets.
Mr. Luckenbach and Miss Angeline Line were united in marriage at Emaus in 1850. Mrs. Luck- enbach was born in Salisbury Township, Lehigh County, and is the daughter of Samuel Line, who was engaged in the tailoring business. The mar- riage of Mr. and Mrs. Luckenbach was blessed by the birth of a daughter, Ellen L. In religious be- lief our subject and his wife hold membership in the Moravian Church in Bethlehem, in which he has served as Deacon for a number of years. Po- litically he is a Republican, and always supports the candidates of that party.
EORGE D. HALL, who holds the honored and responsible position of Postmaster of Harper, is also a prominent merehant in the place, having been in business here sinee 1887. He is the proprietor of a well stocked establish- ment, carrying a full line of dry goods, groceries, boots, shoes, etc., such as will always be found in the store of an enterprising merchant. He ex- changes articles in his store for country produce, and does an annual business amounting to $3,500.
The subject of this sketch is a native of North- ampton County, having been born in Lehigh Township, February 21, 1864. Hc is the son of Reuben and Catherine Hall, the former of whom
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