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 49

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 49
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 49
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 49

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H ENRY KUNTZ, better known as Esquire Kuntz, a citizen of Slatington, Lehigh County, and son of Jacob D. Kuntz, was born in South Whitehall, in this county, October 10, 1830. On the paternal side his ancestors were originally from Leipsic, Germany, and settled in Pennsylvania at an early day. Jacob Kuntz, his grandfather, was a native of Northampton County, Pa., while his son was also born in Northampton County.

When two years of age the subject of this record, with his father, moved to Heidelberg Township, now Washington, where he was reared on a farm. When fifteen years of age he was obliged to run a

plow and swing a cradle in the harvest-field. He was always greatly attached to horses, and when a boy he often used to take a horse out of the stable without a bridle, mount it, and then, standing up- right on the bare back of the animal, gallop through the street. At one time he mounted a colt, which ran away with him over a five-rail post-fence, which obstruction interfered little, how- ever, with its speed. His schooling was very limited, yet he applied his time to private study until he was seventeen years of age, when his fa- ther died and he hired out at farm labor, receiving therefor $6 per month and board. However, find- ing that his talents were beyond farming, he hired out as clerk in a general store, for which he re- ceived $5 per month and his board. In a short time in this position he had gained the confidence of lis employer to such a degree that he became manager of the store in 1849.

At the age of nineteen our subject branched out in business for himself, going alone to Philadel- phia, thoughi he had never been in a city before, and there buying a full and complete chandler store stock. Thus equipped he embarked in busi- ness at Odenwelder's, Northampton County; but the location was against him. He could not meet his competitors, and was obliged to sell his stock at a sacrifice to pay his debts. In 1850 he removed to this place, engaging in the hotel business, which he followed for two years. This line lic did not like, however, and so sold out and entered into a business partnership with his brother-in-law, Ben- jamin Kern.

Soon after this Mr. Kuntz started out prospect- ing, and opened the first slate quarry. Two other quarries were soon opened and a company organ- ized, consisting of five members, under the firm name of Kuntz, Kern & Co. Two of these quarries turned out to be failures, and just before the panic of 1854 our subject urged a dissolution of part- nership in order to retain the credit of all con- cerned. This was carried out, Mr. Kuntz taking one quarry and assuming a part of the liabilities. The affairs of the concern were speedily straight- ened out, and in a few years business was resumed, when Mr. Kuntz cleared $3,000 in one year. These quarries, however, were soon exhausted, and the

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lease of another quarry was purchased near Slate- dale, on land owned by Peter Wert. This was operated until 1864, when the slate business be- came very extensive, and at that time Mr. Kuntz became connected with one Philip Wertring in opening up a quarry called the "Eagle." In 1865 he sold the Slatedale quarry for $11,000, and in 1873, just before J. Cook's failure, he bought out his partner for $10,000. Notwithstanding the large amount of money which he lost in the great panic, Mr. Kuntz managed to pull through, and in 1880 he effected a lease of the Big Franklin Quarry for twenty-five years, and successfully op- erated it for ten years. In 1884 he took another lease, the American No. 5, and there developed a successful quarry. Three years later he bought the old Washington Quarry, which is still in operation. In 1889 Mr. Kuntz effected a lease (now in fee) of Joseph Scheffler of an extensive quarry, still in operation in connection with the slate factory. A year later a lease was made of the property of Isaac Brobst, where there is a promising quarry, with a slate factory 35x100 feet in dimensions and fully equipped. A thorough business man, an ex- cellent manager and a good financier, Mr. Kuntz has been one of the most successful slate operators in the country. To sum up, he is at the present time operating five slate quarries and four slate factories, with a monthly payroll for labor, etc., amounting to from $7,000 to $10,000. The business has been transacted since 1884 under the title of tlie Slatington Slate Company.

When in his twenty-fifth year Mr. Kuntz was elected Justice of the Peace, and served as such for twenty-six years in succession, when he declined re-election. In many minor offices he also acted, and in 1892 was elected Burgess for the borough of Slatington by the opposite political party to his own. He is a member of the Evangelical Lu- theran Church, and is very charitably disposed. For fifteen years he was Superintendent of the Sunday-school. Fraternally our subject is a char- ter member of the Knights of Honor. In politics he was a Republican until the election of General Grant for a second term of office, but not being satisfied with the action of the Government at that time he felt he was justified and had good and suffi-

cient reasons to change his party. He is now, and has been since that date, a stanch Democrat.

In 1849 was celebrated the first marriage of Henry J. Kuntz, the lady of his choice being Miss Violet Kern. Her father, Jonas Kern, a member of a pioneer family, passed away in 1892. Mrs. Kuntz was called from this life July 20, 1863, leaving six daughters: Amanda, wife of A. H. Kline, of Wilkes Barre, Pa .; Cenia F., Mrs. W. W. Bournan, of this city; Catherine, wife of Walter B. Grosh, of St. Louis, Mo .; Damietta, who became the wife of Rev. William H. Kuntz, of New Castle, Del .; Caroline V., now the wife of Thomas H. Drake, of Slatington; and Martha, wife of Rev. George W. Sandt, of Wilkes Barre, Pa. The present wife of Mr. Kuntz was formerly Elizabeth Boyer, their marriage having been celebrated in 1865. They have two daughters: Irene A., wife of Dr. F. O. Ritter, of this city; and Lilly M., Mrs. S. Benja- min Costenbader, also of Slatington.

HARLES H. OTT, M. D., who is a promi- nent physician and surgeon at Chapman Quarries, Moore Township, Northampton County, is a native of the Keystone State, born at Mauch Chunk August 2, 1861. His parents were Henry D. and Saralı (Kemmerer) Ott, who are also residents of Chapman Quarries at the present time, and are, like their son, natives of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Ott received his education in the public and high schools of his native town, after which he pursued a medical course in Jefferson College, graduating April 2, 1883. His first active prac- tice was as Assistant Resident Physician of St. Luke's Hospital of South Bethlehem, where he re- inained until April 1, 1885. Subsequently he was in charge of Dr. J. S. Hunt's practice at Easton, for the few months that the latter was traveling in Europe. In the fall of 1885 Dr. Ott located at Chapman Quarries, and has continued to make this liis field of operation up to the present date.

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

He has succeeded in building up a good practice, and is meeting with well deserved sucecss.

On the 13th of April, 1886, Dr. Ott wedded Eliza, daughter of Gabriel Gutmann, who was a resident of Easton. Three children have blessed this union. Marian E. and Charles H. are living, while little Dorothy has passed from this life. The Doctor and his family move in the best social circles of the place, and are greatly esteemed among the people.

In order to keep in line with current events and with the spirit of the times. Dr. Ott belongs to everal medical societies, among others the North- mpton County Medical Society, of which he has een for one year President. He is also a member of the Lehigh Valley Medical Association, which e has served as Vice-President, and of the Penn- ylvania State Medical Society. In his political aith he is a stalwart Republican, and is active in promoting the best interests of society. Frater. lally he belongs to the Masonic order, being iden- ified with the lodge at Easton, and is also a mem- er of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to the society at Bethlehem. Though young in years, the Doctor is old in experience in is profession, and he has acquired a reputation which might well be envied by those who have een for many more years in practice than himself.

T HOMAS A. SCHERER, M. D. Among the prominent physicians of Lehigh County is the subject of this biography, who is en- jaged in the management of a general practice that s both extensive and lucrative. He is recognized s a man of superior intellectual attainments, well nformed not only in his profession, but also upon opics of general interest and along lines of ad- anced thought. He opened an office in West Cat- sauqua in 1884, since whichi time he has become Known as a skillful and successful practitioner, ne who is accurate in the diagnosis of diseases nd skilled in their treatment.

The Doctor was born near Petersville, Northamp- on County, October 23, 1856. His paternal grand-

father, Samuel Scherer, was born in Lehigh County, but spent the latter years of his life in Petersville, Northampton County; in both places he followed the trade of a wheelwright. Henry Seherer, the father of our subjeet, is a native of Upper Milford Township, Lehigh County, and in early life learned the carpenter's trade. For twenty years he was a boss earpenter for the Thomas Iron Company in Hokondauqua. Then coming to Catasauqua, he filled a similar position with the Crane Iron Com- pany until retiring from active business in 1887. His wife, Maria, was born in Lehigh County, where her father, Peter Steinberger, followed the trade of a stoneeutter. She is a member of St. Paul's Lutli- eran Church and a lady of noble attributes of char- aeter.

Thomas A. is the elder of two sons, his brother being William, a resident of Catasauqua and a eab- inet-maker by trade. Sinee a eliild of eighteen months, the Doctor has been a resident of Catasau- qua. His primary studies were conducted in the public schools of this place. At the age of twelve he went to Bethlehem, where he carried on his stud- ies in the high school, meantime making his home with his grandmother. On completing his studies he was apprenticed, in 1872, to Barber & Co., of Allentown, in order to learn the machinist's trade. After becoming thoroughly acquainted with the business, he did journeyman work for some time, and subsequently entered the employ of the Davies & Thomas Company, of Catasauqua.

From youth it had been the intention of our sub- ject to adopt a profession, and choosing that of medicine, he began his studies in 1880, under the instruction of H. H. Reigel, M. D., of this city. In the fall of the same ycar he entered the JJefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, from which he graduated three years later with the degree of Doc- tor of Medicine. In May, 1883, he opened an office in Slatington, but a few months later re- moved to Hokendauqua. Thence in 1884 he came to Catasauqua, where he has built up a good prac- tice.

In this city, in June, 1888, Dr. Scherer married Miss Emma Seaser, a native of this place and a dangliter of Ferdinand Seaser. In polities lie gives luis allegiance to the Democratic party. His mem-

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bership is in St. Paul's Lutheran Church. In everything pertaining to his profession he is inter- ested and is prominently identified with the Lehigh County Medical Society. He owns some valuable real estate in Catasauqua. In his possession is a valuable horse sired by " Barkis," who in turn was sired by " Rhysdicke," Hambletonian No. 10. The Doctor's personal character is of such integrity, and his capacity for financial affairs so decided, that he has won a high place in the esteem of his fel- low-citizens, and has become well known to an ex- tended circle of social and business acquaintances.

J OHN C. SCHAFER, a popular and successful young business man of East Catasauqua, is proprietor of the Fountain House, and as one of the intelligent and useful citizens of the city, we are glad of the opportunity of pre- senting his sketch. He was born on Second Street, in this city, September 25, 1862, and is the son of Conrad Schafer, whose birth occurred in Hesse- Darmstadt, Germany, in 1827. The grandparents of John C. kept a hotel in the Old Country, but the father of our subject followed the carpenter's trade in his native land prior to coming to Amer- ica. On emigrating to America, he made his way to this city, and after working for a time at his trade, opened a restaurant and saloon on Second Street. Later he built the Eagle Brewery, and in company with H. Kostenbader was engaged in its operation until about 1870, when he sold his in- terest to his partner. The following two years he lived a retired life, and when again entering upon a business career erected the Fountain House, which he managed until 1877, when he sold out to our subject. He is not now engaged in any business, but lives retired in a comfortable resi- dence on the corner of Second and Union Streets. He is always found on the side of progress, and does all in his power to promote the general wel- fare and to aid in the upbuilding of town and

county. He served for two terms as Supervisor of Hanover Township on the Democratic ticket, and also filled the office of Township Treasurer.

Mrs. Louisa (Swertzer) Schafer, the mother of our subject, was born in Stuttgart, Germany, and was a daughter of Gotleib Swertzer. Mrs. Schafer on emigrating to America made her home first in Allentown, and later resided in Catasauqua. She departed this life in the former city, December 28, 1885. Of the four children born to her, our sub- jeet was the eldest but one, he and a brother be- ing the only ones now living.

John C., of whom we write, was reared in this city, and was educated in its public schools. Hav- ing early displayed considerable talent for music, he began the study of that art when nine years of age, under the instruction of Professor Herman, of Allentown. His next teacher was Professor Ken- nan, of Allentown, with whom he studied until 1879, when he entered the musical department of the State Normal at Millersville. After two years in that institution he went to Philadelphia, where he received further training under Professor Schultz on both pipe organ and piano. After completing a course of two years, he returned home and was appointed organist in the Church of the Blessed Virgin, which position he held for eighteen months. He was then chosen organist of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, remaining there for two years, when he resigned in order to engage in business for himself. He has in his possession testimonials of the highest order as to his ability, and during the time he was organist taught both the piano and organ, having a large class in the city and vicinity. In addition to being a brilliant performer on these instruments, he has composed some excellent music, which he has had published, and perhaps the most salable of which was a waltz called "My Sister's Waltz."

Mr. Schafer purchased the Fountain House from his father in 1887, and has since continued to operate it as "mine host." It is located near the machine shops of Davies & Thomas, and is a large brick structure, containing besides its numerous bedrooms and parlors a large ballroom and bar. In addition to his beautiful residence, which is lo- cated on Ray Street, he owns considerable other

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valuable real estate in the city. He was married in West Catasauqua, January 7, 1886, to Miss Minnie A. Eagle, who was born in that city, and is the daughter of Augustus G. Eagle, a retired hotel man of this place. They became the parents of three children, one of whom is living, Mamie M. Those deceased are Augustus and Oscar.

The father of Mrs. Schafer was born in Ger many, April 8, 1838, and was the son of Martin Eagle, also a native of the Fatherland, where he was a barber. His mother bore the name of Hen- rietta Erich prior to her marriage, and was a Lutlı- eran in religion. Mr. Eagle came to America in 1855, and in Allentown joined his brother Frederick, who had come hither two years previously. Later he came to this city and found work with the Crane Iron Company, and after leaving their em- ploy was for two years in Eberhart's stone quarry,

August 21, 1861, Mr. Eagle enlisted in the Union army, and with Company F, Forty-seventh Pennsylvania Infantry, was mustered into the service at Harrisburg. About a week thereafter he was made Sergeant, and April 1 of the follow- ing year was commissioned Second Lieutenant. He fought in many prominent engagements, and September 12, 1864, was honorably discharged and returned home.

Soon after his return Mr. Eagle opened a bakery on Front Street, in this city, which he operated for a year, and then sold it to his brother. In 1865 he went to New York City, and was engaged in the restaurant business on Third Street for two years. Later he returned to West Catasauqua and built the Fairview House, which he operated with good success until 1890, when he sold out, and is now living retired in a comfortable residence on Bridge Street. He was married, December 11, 1868, in Bucks County, to Miss Charlotte Wurster, a native of Philadelphia. The two children who were born to them were Oscar H., now deceased, and Minnie A., Mrs. Schafer.

Mr. Eagle has been Treasurer of the School Board of Whitehall Township for three years, and during that time was instrumental in erecting three now schoolhouses. Socially he is an Odd Fellow of good standing, and belongs to Fuller Post, G. A. R. He also holds membership with

Union Veteran Legion No. 18, of Allentown. He is connected with St. Paul's Lutheran Church, in whichi he. has been Elder and Treasurer, and is a prominent Democrat in politics, having served on the Standing Committee, and has been a delegate to various county conventions.

B ENJAMIN BARTHOLOMEW. While Le- high County has much in the way of nat- ural resources and commercial transactions to commend it to the public, the chief interest centers in the lives of those citizens who have achieved success for themselves and at the same time benefited the community in which they reside. Prominent among these men is the subject of this sketch, for many years a successful business man of Whitehall, but recently retired.

A native of Bucks County, this state, Mr. Bar- tholomew was born April 30, 1844, to Samuel and Maria Bartholomew. Little is known concerning the ancestry of the family, excepting that his great- grandfather was killed in the War of 1812. He was reared in Bucks County, alternating attendance at school with work upon the home farm. His ad- vantages in the former direction, however, were quite meager, and such information as he has gained is the result of close observation and self culturc. In this way he has become a man well informed upon all topics of importance. When in his nine- teenth year he began to learn the trade of a tin- smith, serving an apprenticeship of two years, after which he was temporarily employed as a journey- man.

Coming to Whitehall in 1869, Mr. Bartholomew began in business on his own account and as a tin- smith and dealer in stoves conducted a large and profitable business until January, 1894, when he sold the stock to his son, Harvey M., the present proprietor of the store. Though beginning with no capital, he has gained more than ordinary suc- cess through the exercise of sound judgment and sagacity in his dealings.

In 1870 Mr. Bartholomew was united in marriage with Miss Elamanda Trumbower, who was born in

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this state. Four children bless the union: Harvey M .; Cora A., wife of Francis Jacoby; Charles S. and Mary A. The religious connections of the family are with the Lutheran Church at Egypt. Politi- cally Mr. Bartholomew supports the principles for which the Democratic party stands, and is a pro- gressive and enterprising citizen. Socially he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the United American Mechanics and the Whitehall Beneficial Society.

ILLIAM M. SMITH, proprietor of the Howertown and Cherryville Creamer- ies, has been engaged in his present business since 1884, and is making a success of the enterprise, manufacturing creamery butter of a high grade, for which he finds a ready market in Camden, Atlantic and Cape May, N. J., and also sells large quantities in Philadelphia. His plant is fitted with the improved trunk churn, which was manufactured by the Vermont Farm Machinery Company at Bellows Falls; an upright engine made in Erie, this state; and the Sharpless Separa- tor. He turns out from twelve to fifteen thou- sand pounds of butter per annum, which is a de- cided increase over the amount manufactured prior to putting in the model machinery.

The subject of this sketch is a native of Ger- many, and was born in October, 1837, to William M. and Catherine Smith, also natives of the Father- land. He remained in Germany until reaching his nineteenth year, in the mean time acquiring a finc education in his native tongue. Then, deter- mining to try his fortunes in the New World, he embarked on a vessel at Bremen which conveycd him to London, England. After remaining there a few months, he took passage on the sailing-vessel "Jolin Bright," bound for the United States, and thirty-nine days later stepped foot upon the soil of the New World. He came direct to this state, has made for many years his home in Northampton

County, where he first followed the trade of a butcher. Later he engaged in farm pursuits, which he has carried on in connection with his creamery ever since. He owns sixty acres of land, stocked with Holstein cattle, and in this branch of in- dustry has been more than ordinarily successful.

In 1860 Mr. Smith purchased the leading inter- est in the Plainfield Slate Company's quarries, now the property of the Northampton Hard-Vein Slate Company, of which he is Vice-President and a Director. He is also a large stockholder in the Pennsylvania Hard-Vein Slate quarries, which were opened in 1892, and are being successfully oper- ated at the present time. To him is largely due the credit of helping to bring these valuable enter- prises to their present state of perfection.

Our subject was married in 1863 to Miss Louise H., daughter of Jacob Kleppinger, now deceased, formerly a resident of this county. Socially Mr. Smith is a member of Allen Grange No. 975, at Jacksonville, Northampton County, in which he takes a great interest. Hc has his postoffice both at Weaversville and Seigfried's Bridge. In his re- ligious connections he is a valued member of the German Reformed Church, which he serves as Deacon and Trustec. He is a public-spirited and progressive citizen, and since coming here has aided in numerous ways in the upbuilding of his community.

LIVER D. STEINMETZ. In the township of East Allen, Northampton County, lies a finely improved farın comprising one hun- dred and thirty-seven acres. This is the property of Mr. Steinmetz, who has placed the land under good cultivation and improved it in many ways. His life has been spent mainly within the limits of the township, and, as a natural result, he is much interested in the progress and development of this section, and has done his full share toward increas- ing its importance as an agricultural center.

Members of the Steinmetz family were numbered among the pioneers of Northampton County, to which they emigrated from the Fatherland and in

HOWERTOWN CREAMERY, 19

RESIDENCE AND CREAMERY OF WILLIAM M. SMITH, HOWERTOWN, NORTHAMPTON CO., PA.

FARM AND RESIDENCE OF O. D. STEINMETZ, EAST ALLEN TOWNSHIP, NORTHAMPTON CO., PA.

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the development of which they have been impor- tant factors. The parents of our subject, Joseph and Sarah N. (Michel) Steinmetz, were for many years residents of East Allen Township, where they were highly esteemed for their noble lives and upright characters. The father was a pro- gressive farmer, owning valuable and well im- proved farming land. He was the first to intro- duce slate posts for fencing in East Allen Town- ship, and was also the first to erect a windmill in this locality. Whatever was to be had in the way of improvement, he was always sure to procure and put in use. In politics he was a Republican, and an upholder of good government. With his wife he held membership in the Lutheran Church of Bethlehem, which he served as Deacon for a number of years. Later he assisted in the erection of the church building at Bath, in which he offici- atcd as Deacon for seven years. He was called from this life in November, 1893, when over sev- enty-two years of age. His only surviving chil- dren, Oliver D., and Dr. Edwin G., of Hokendau- qua, are now building a mausoleum in Bath, which is the first of the kind in this section.

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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 49

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