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 45
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 45
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 45
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The lady to whom Mr. Blocker was married in 1877 was Miss Emma Reinhard, of Coplay. She bore him four children: Annie, Minnie, Mabel and Luke. Mr. Blocker is a consistent member of the Lutheran Church, with which he has been con- nected for many years. Socially he is an Odd Fel- low, and is connected with the lodge at Seigfried's Bridge. He also belongs to the Senior Order United American Mechanics at that place, and the United Beneficial Society. In politics he is a stanch Dem- ocrat, believing that the principles laid down in the platform of that party are best adapted to the needs of the nation.
T HOMAS W. BEVAN, A. M., is Supervising Principal of the Catasauqua public schools, a position he has held with great success since 1882. For a number of years he has been actively interested in cducational work, and has few superiors in the state. A native of Pottsville, this state, he was born August 11, 1854, his par- ents being W. E. and Ann (Evans) Bevan. The former was born in South Wales, and the latter was also a native of that country, her death oc- curring in the year 1891 at Mauch Chunk. Soon
after their marriage they removed to the United States, Mr. Bevan following his business as mining contractor for a long time in Schuylkill and Carbon Counties, and later, going to Alabama, took charge of a soft-coal mine in that state. At the age of fifty-five years he departed this life at Catasau- qua. A stanch Republican, he served for one term as County Treasurer of Carbon County, the only Republican to fill that office up to that date. For two terms he was Justice of the Peacc, and for many years served as a School Director of Banks Township, Carbon County. E. J., the eldest son, served as a clerk for Thomas John & Co., Auden- ried, Pa., and afterward removed to California, where he successfully engaged in merchandising. John T. was Principal of the schools at Berwick, Pa., and is now Principal at Biggs, Cal. James J. is Principal of the schools at Mauch Chunk. W. E. has charge of the Second Ward School in the same borough. Kate is Mrs. James Howell, of Leadville, Colo., and Miss Olive makes her home in Mauch Chunk.
Reared in the neighborhood of Hazleton, Pro- fessor Bevan received a superior education, and on arriving at a suitable age was appointed as a cadet to West Point by General Albright, of Mauch Chunk, who was a Member of Congress at large. Later he engaged in teaching, and soon after at- taining his majority he became Principal of the high school of the Hazel District, where he re- mained for two years, then being elected Superin- tendent of the schools of the district. This im- portant position he held for two years, supervising forty-two schools, and then was elected Principal of the high school of Catasauqua. In 1886 Mr. Bevan was given the additional office of Supervis- ing Principal, being the first to occupy such a po- sition in this city. Under his charge there are seven hundred and twenty-five pupils and four- teen teachers. A regular course of study, with uniform text-books, is prescribed.
In 1877 Professor Bevan married Miss Kate, only daughter of D. C. Tubbs, of Mauch Chunk. He was a Captain during the late war, taking part in cvery important battle of the Army of the Poto- mac. Mrs. Bevan was educated in Carbon Coun- ty, and by her marriage has become the mother of
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four children, Ethiel M., Mabel, Edgar Arleigh and Raymond T. They are members of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church.
For one year our subjeet was Vice-President of the State Teachers' Association, has been placed on the programme at two of their meetings, and has occupied a place on the County Institute pro- gramme many times. Fraternally he is a mem- ber of Porter Lodge No. 284, F. & A. M., of which he is Past Master, and is a member of the Grand Lodge. A member of the Royal Areanum, he was eleeted a representative to the Grand Lodge.
EORGE F. SCHOENEBERGER. This name will be at onee recognized by a ma- jority of our readers as that of the well known furniture dealer in Siegfried, where he es- tablished his business in 1891. His store contains a stoek of well made furniture, both ornamental and substantial, and from his line of trade Mr. Sehoeneberger is reaping a good ineome. He was born in Northampton County, April 10, 1845, to Joseph and Catherine Sehoeneberger, both of whom were born in this locality, the family being among the pioneers of the Lehigh Valley. Joseph Sehoene- berger was a carpenter by trade, and ereeted many of the residences near his home, which show his skill in that branch of work.
George F. Sehoeneberger has passed his entire life in his native county, and during his younger years attended the common schools. Following in the footsteps of his honored father, he worked as a carpenter for some time, but on finding a good opening for a hotel in Seigfried's Bridge, aban- doned that occupation and became "mine lost" of Hotel Allen. This he conducted for thirteen years, and was widely and most favorably known to the traveling publie. Sinee engaging in the furniture business, however, he has also been sueeessful, and now ranks among the well-to-do and enterprising business men of the place.
The marriage of Mr. Schoeneberger with Miss
Lena Newhart was celebrated in 1875. To them was granted a family of two sons, Charles E. and Morris, the latter of whom has passed away. On the death of his wife, our subjeet ehose for his see- ond companion Ida, daughter of William Lereh, to whom he was united March 22, 1888. Their union has been blessed by the birth of a son, Har- old W.
Socially Mr. Sehoeneberger is an Odd Fellow in good standing, and also belongs to the Order of United American Meehanies. He has at all times been interested in politics, and gives his vote and influenee in favor of Republican candidates. He is a consistent member of the Lutheran Church, and praetiees Christianity in his daily life. He owns and operates a quarry in Lehigh Town- ship, from the produet of which is manufactured roofing slate, and here about ten men are em- ployed. He is serving as a member of the School Board, being Treasurer of that body at the present time. He is valued in the community for his good citizenship, and for those fine traits of character that mark him as an upright man.
OHN H. BOSSARD is the junior member of the firm of Oplinger & Bossard, slate manu- facturers, who are carrying on a prosperous business in that branch, having their plant lo- eated in Lehigh Township, Northampton County. Mr. Bossard is a native of this county, and was born December 14, 1867, to James E. and Rebecca Bos- sard, the latter of whom is deceased, her death having oeeurred October 5, 1875. Her father, tlie maternal grandfather of our subjeet, John Henry, was the original owner of many of the slate quar- ries now operated in the neighborhood of Daniels- ville. He was an old settler in this region, and an enterprising and well-to-do business man.
The parental family of our subjeet included the following-named children: John H., who was the eldest; Emma J., who married David Heiney;
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Sarah R., who became the wife of Milton Zellner; Frank W., Harry W., William J., Lulu Lizzie, Car- rie and George. James E. Bossard, their father, was for many years a slate operator, but is now living in Lehigh Township, of which he is also a native, engaged in agricultural pursuits, which he finds more to his taste.
John H. Bossard, the subject of this sketch, was reared to man's estate in Lehigh Township, and ac- quired his primary education in the public schools, which was later supplemented by a course at Will- iamsport Academy. He established a home of his own June 11, 1886, at which time he was married to Miss Gussie M. Oplinger, born iu this county, and the daughter of Daniel Oplinger, Jr., a well known and highly esteemed resident of this sec- tion. To Mr. and Mrs. Bossard have been born two children, James H. and Hilda.
After his marriage Mr. Bossard followed farm- ing, renting property for three years. The suc- eeeding two years were spent as a butcher, which he abandoned in order to become a member of the slate firm with which he is still connected. Socially he belongs to the Junior Order United American Meehanies of Danielsville, and in politics is an ardent Prohibitionist. He is a valued inember of the United Evangelical Church, which he is serv- ing in the capacity of Trustee.
R EV. JONATHAN E. SMITH, the well known pastor of the Reformed Church in Moore Township, makes his home in Bath, Pa., and is favorably known and highly regarded in Northampton County. He is a self- made man, having been obliged to hew out his own path way, and he may well be satisfied with the measure of success which has attended his efforts. He is a native of the Keystone State, his birth having occurred in Weisenburg Township, Lehigh County, April 4, 1850. In that county his parents, Elias and Saloma (Snyder) Smith, were also born. The mother is still living, making
her home at present at Fogelsville, Pa. The Smith family has long been numbered among the pros- perous and influential citizens of Weisenburg Township.
Mr. Smith's early education was obtained in the schools of his native township, until about sixteen years old, when he began teaching school in Le- high County. He attended for several sessions the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown, and in addition to this he was for a time a student under Prof. Charles Swartz in a private school at. Bethlehem. For two years he pursued his studies at Ursinus College, at Collegeville, Pa., where he combined the regular eollege course with theolog- ical studies. Afterward for three years he was a Professor in the Northwestern University at Water- town, Wis., which institution is a German Lutheran denominational college. In fact, he was only en- gaged at the last-named college for a period of two years, but, loath to have him leave, the univer- sity authorities offered him, as an inducement to remain, the degree of Bachelor of Arts, which the faculty conferred upon him. On his return to Pennsylvania he completed his theological studies in 1887 at Ursinus College, from which he was graduated.
It was in 1877 that Rev. Mr. Smith received a call to his present field, and he has been officiating as pastor of the Moore Township charge up to the present time. This pastorate comprises the fol- lowing churches: Salem, Christ, Emanuel and Je- hovah, the latter being located in Bushkill Town- ship. The pastor is an earnest and zealous worker in the Master's cause, and very active in the work of his denomination. He always makes his own interests secondary to the good of others and to the good of the church, and is thoroughly con- seientious and reliable in the discharge of his duties. He bears closely at heart the welfare of his fellow-men, and is earnest in his efforts to up- lift them and do them good.
May 12, 1886, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Maria C., daughter of George and Amanda E. Bartholomew, of Bath. Mrs. Smith, who was a de- voted wife and a faithful assistant to her husband in his many and varied pastoral duties, was called from his side by the Angel of Death, January 16,
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1890, and the community has deeply regretted her loss. She was an amiable, loving Christian woman, who merited the friendship and esteem which were hers.
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J DAVIS BRODHEAD. The legal fraternity of Northampton County has been strength- ened by the admission to the Bar of many able advocates and counselors, whosc success entitles them to just praise. But to no lawyer has there come greater prominence, or more justly merited prosperity, than to the subject of this sketch, to whom belongs the distinction of having followed the profession for a longer period than any attorney of South Bethlehem. His knowledge of the law is broad and comprehensive. No im- portant legal points are ever overlooked by him in the preparation of his cases, and they arc ably and skillfully handled throughout the whole course of litigation.
The Brodhead family has been identified with the history of eastern Pennsylvania from the time of its settlement. Our subject's father, Hon. Rich- ard Brodhead, was for many years one of the most eminent men of this state, being not only an influ- ential attorney, but also a prominent statesman. He was born in Pike County, Pa., and coming to Easton in his youth, there studied law with James M. Porter. Admitted to the Bar, hc devoted his attention exclusively to his profession until the demands of public affairs increased to such an ex- tent as to require his entire time. In 1843 he was elected upon the Democratic ticket to represent the Eighth District (then known as " the Old Tenth Legion "), and filled that responsible position until 1849. From 1851 until 1857 he served as a men-
ber of the United States Senate from Pennsylvania. During that time he was a member of various im- portant committees, and also gained distinction as the author of the bill creating the United States Court of Claims. His death occurred in 1863, when he was fifty-four years of age.
The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Mary Bradford, and was born near Vicksburg, Miss., being the daughter of David Bradford, a wealthy planter. She had two children, J. Davis and Richard, the latter at one time an attorney of Easton, but now engaged in practice in Washing- ton, D. C. The former, who is our subject, was born in Easton, Northampton County, January 12, 1859. In 1865 he accompanied his mother to Bethlehem, where he was reared to manhood. For a year he attended Georgetown College, the Mora- vian school, and afterward was a student for two years in Seaton Hall, N. J. In 1877 he entered Yale College, where he took a two-years classical course. His literary studics completed, he spent the years 1879-81 in travel through the United States, principally in the South. Nor have his travels been limited to this country, as about 1889 he made a tour of Europe, visiting the principal points of interest in England, Scotland and the Continent.
On commencing his active career our subject concluded to study law, and as a tutor secured Judge John B. Storm, of Strasburg, ex-Member of Congress. He was admitted to the Bar at Easton in 1880, at once locating at South Bethlehem, where he has since been engaged in practice. For ten years he has been Borough Solicitor, and in 1889 was elected District Attorney on the Demo- cratic ticket, serving from January 30, 1889, to 1892. One of the original incorporators of the Easton Transit Company, of which he is now At- torney, he is also Assistant Attorney for the Lehigh Valley Railroad, and Resident Counsel for the E. P. Wilbur Trust Company.
The pleasant home of Mr. Brodhead is located on Fountain Hill. His wife, who is a native of New York, was formerly Miss Cecile Harvier, their mar- riage being celebrated in New York City in 1883. They have two daughters, Ethel and Leonic. The parents are members of the Roman Catholic Church.
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In 1892 Mr. Brodhead was elected a delegate to the National Democratie Convention at Chicago, and the same year was a delegate to the State Con- vention.
OEL MILLER, whose record now invites at- tention from the reader, is a self-made man, and one who by dint of natural ability and perseverance has raised himself to be elassed among the well-to-do agriculturists of Lehigh Township, Northampton County. He is one of the oldest residents here, having been born May 23, 1829, in this county, and is the son of John and Elizabeth (Anawalt) Miller, natives respect- ively of this and Lehigh Counties. The Miller family is a very old and highly honored one in this locality, the first representative of which located many years ago in North Whitehall Township.
John Miller was a tiller of the soil, in which oc- cupation he was fairly successful. Of the family of children whom he reared to mature years the following survive : Eliza, the wife of Edward Kleppinger; Mary, who married Samuel Joel; Charles, living in Allentown; Annie, the wife of James Young; Joel, the subject of this sketch; and Samuel, who lives in West Point, Neb. Joel Miller was reared to man's estate in his native county, where his entire life has been passed. Like all the lads of that early day, he attended the district school during the odd seasons on the farm, and also was a student in the schools of Easton for a time, and making the best of his opportunities, managed to gain a fair knowledge, to which he added by judi- cious reading as he grew older.
When ready to establish a home of his own, Mr. Miller was married, in 1859, to Miss Louisa Bach- man, and to them were born five children, of whom Thomas, Albert and George are living. John and Rose are deceased. On the death of his wife, Mr. Miller chose as his second companion Susan Graves.
His landed possessions include one hundred and
thirty broad acres, which by mueh hard work on his part have been placed under the very best methods of improvement, until they now rank among the productive and attractive estates in Lehigh Township.
In religious affairs Mr. Miller holds membership with the Reformed Church, which he has served in the official capacity of Deaeon and Trustec. In politics he never fails to cast his vote and influence in favor of Democratie candidates. Having re- sided in this county for so many years, he natur- ally has been a witness of the marvelous changes which have been going on all about him, and be- ing progressive in every particular, he has always "kept up with the times." He is held in high es- teem by the citizens of the community, and is highly esteemed by all wliom he encounters either in a business or social way.
A LEXANDER P. LOCKHART, an old vet- eran of the late war, is well known in his community as a public-spirited and up- right citizen. He is engaged in farm pursuits in Allen Township, Northampton County, owning thirty-eight acres of land. He was born in Lehigh County, July 21, 1837, and is the son of William and Eliza (Peter) Lockhart, the former of whom was born in Carbon County, this state, and the latter in Lehigh County. The Lockhart family is an old and prominent one in this locality, being the prime movers in many enterprises which have been for the good of their section.
Until six years of age, Alexander P. Lockhart lived in Lehigh County, when lie came with his parents to this county, and entered the family of Peter Shafer, a resident of Lehigh Township, with whom he remained until attaining his majority. He attended the common schools during the win- ter months, and although not having many oppor- tunities for acquiring knowledge, is to-day intelli- gent and well informed.
The marriage of Mr. Lockhart occurred in 1866, at which time Miss Sallie, daughter of Daniel and
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Elizabeth Gable, became his wife. Their daughter, Mary E., is now the wife of William Hawk. After luis marriage Mr. Lockhart worked out on farms for some time, and then purchased his present property, which he has placed under the best meth- ods of improvement, cultivating it in such a man- ner as to reap the best results.
In religious affairs Mr. Lockhart is a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. He is self-made in every sense of the term, and in politics always casts a Republican votc. September 25, 1862, he enlisted in the Union army as a member of Com- pany I, One Hundred and Fifty-third Pennsyl- vania Infantry, and participated in many impor- tant battles of that period, among which were Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. He was wounded at the latter place, and being unfit for further duty, received an honorable discharge, returning home July 25, 1863. As a matter of course he is a Grand Army man, being a member of Fuller Post, at Catasauqua, where he mects many of his old comrades.
RANKLIN M. HOWER, a prominent resi- dent of Danielsville, Northampton Coun- ty, has been engaged in slate quarrying for over twenty-nine years. He is a native of this county, having been born April 21, 1827, to John J. and Mary Hower, also natives of Northampton County, which was likewise the birthplace of Grandfather Jolin Hower, who rented land in what is now known as Howertown, Allen Town- ship, where he was an extensive and wealthy agri- culturist.
Mr. Hower, the subject of this sketeli, was given a fair education in the district schools, and also attended Easton Academy for two years. He has always been a resident of this county. For over a quarter of a century he was engaged as a butcher, but in 1865 launched out in his present enterprise, and for a number of years following had many partners. Besides quarrying slate, he is engaged
in manufacturing, turning out slate roofing, school slates, blackboards, mantels, etc., and does an ex- tensive business, giving employment to one hun- dred and fifty men in both quarry and factory. The articles of which he makes a specialty arc sold in all the states and territories, and in the Domin- ion of Canada. He is now conducting affairs alone, and being an able and shrewd business man, has acquired a handsome property, and ranks among the best residents of the county.
Franklin M. Hower and Miss Lydia Kuntz, a sister of David Kuntz, of Treichler's, were united in marriage in 1852. Their union has resulted in tlie birth of six children, all now living, namely: Allen, at present a resident of Allentown; Jere- miah, engaged as salesman and correspondent in the quarry of his father; Henry, also connected with the slate works; Amanda, the wife of Cyrus March, bookkeeper for Mr. Hower; Mary, now Mrs. Joseph Fry, of Allentown; and Sarah, who is at homc.
In religious affairs Mr. Hower is a member in good standing of the Lutheran Church, in which he has held the offices of Deacon and Elder. He is very public-spirited, in favor of everything for the good of the community and to elevate society. In politics he is a straightforward Republican, and takes great interest in the success of the party. His quarry is known as the Peach Hill Slate Quarry, and is located in Lehigh Township, this county. Besides this he is the proprietor of a seventy-five acre tract of land, which is well improved in every particular, and pleasantly located in Lehigh Town- ship. He is also Director in the National Bank of Catasauqua, and in various ways has aided in the upbuilding of the community.
ETER J. LAUBACH. Northampton Coun- ty has among its citizens many mnen of more than average intelligence and abil- ity, who are doing a great work for its advance- ment. Prominent among these is Mr. Laubach,
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who is one of the foremost business men of North- ampton, where he is the proprietor of a general store and also engaged in operating a gristmill. He was born in this county January 20, 1859, to Samuel and Luey A. Laubach, the former of whom is deceased, and the mother is still residing in Northampton. Peter J. Laubach was given a fine education, pursuing his early studies in the com- mon schools of his native place, and when four- teen years of age attended Weaversville Academy, where he took a thorough course, and later became a student in the Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster.
After completing his education, Mr. Laubach launched out in business on his own account, es- tablishing a store in Northampton, where he ear- ries a stock valued at $8,000, and does an annual business of $55,000. He also has a branch store at Coplay, where his stoek amounts to $5,000, and the gross receipts from this establishment bring him in $19,000. He is engaged in various enter- prises, all of which he manages with great success and satisfaction. In connection with his general store he has a coal yard, a gristmill and an eighty- acre farm. The latter bears all the improvements usually found upon the estate of an enterprising and wide-awake farmer, and is pleasantly located in Allen Township. He has the management of the property left by his father, in which he also has an interest. In the store at Northampton he gives employment to four clerks, besides the driver on the delivery wagon. The Postoffice is located in his establishment, the present postmaster being W. G. Nagle. Mr. Laubach has also been the in- eumbent of that responsible position, having been appointed under the first administration of Cleve- land.
The marriage of Mr. Laubach with Miss Mary C. Deily occurred in 1889. Mrs. Laubach was born in 1859, in Catasauqua, Lehigh County, and is the daughter of George and Eliza Deily, who were also born in Lehigh County. In his political re- lations Mr. Laubach is a Democrat, believing that party to be in the right. Religiously he is a devoted member of the Reformed Church, in the work of which he takes an active part. As will be seen, he is one of the well-to-do residents of the
county, and as one of the useful citizens lie is highly esteemed in the community, and his serv- ices are appreciated.
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