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 51

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 51
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 51
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 51

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A LBERT S. RABENOLD, D. D. S. There is something about the example of a young and prosperous man very pleasant to con- template, a something that gives encouragement to those secking to make for tlicmselves desirable

positions in life. Such an example is given in the person of Dr. Rabenold, who is generally conceded to deserve unlimited praise for the success he has attained, and for the strict integrity of his busi- ness transactions.

Our subject was born in Weisenburg, Lehigh County, November 22, 1860, and is a son of Moses Rabenold, who was a prominent farmer in the above county. The father was the son of Isaac Rabenold. also a native of that county, and died August 1, 1891. The maiden name of our sub- ject's mother was Susannalı Oswold. She was born in Berks County, this state, and is the daughter of Samuel Oswold, a pioneer of the above place. The mother is still living, and makes her home in Al- lentown.

Albert S., of this sketch, spent the first fourteen years of his life on his father's farm, where he was given a very fair education in the district school. On attaining his nineteenth year he began the study of dentistry under the instruction of his uncle, Dr. F. A. Rabenold, of Allentown, in whose office he remained for six years. At the end of that time he entered the Pennsylvania Dental Col- lege, and from this institution he received his di- ploma in 1886.

When ready to open an office of his own, Dr. Rabenold returned to this city, where he has built up a large practice. He is prepared to do all kinds of fine dental work, and has a well equipped office at No. 35 North Ninth Street. He has also opened up a branch office at Lehigh and Slatington, which places he visits one day out of each weck. Besides his professional work he holds the office of Presi- dent of the Lion Slate Company, limited, at Slate- dale, Lehigh County.

In his political relations Dr. Rabenold is a stanch Democrat, and January 1, 1894, was elected Chair- man of the Democratic County Standing Commit- tee. In every enterprise to which he gives his sup- port he maintains a deep interest, and his efforts have resulted in the promotion of the material welfare of the city. Socially he is a Knight of Pythias, a Knight of the Golden Eagle, a member of Lochawonk Tribe, Red Men of America; and St. James' Conunandery Knights of Malta. He is also a Colonel of the Fourth Regiment, Knights

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of the Golden Eagle; a charter member and Presi- dent of the John T. Weiler Gun Club, and a mem- ber of the Lehigh County Agricultural Society.

July 28, 1884, Dr. Albert S. Rabenold was united in marriage with Miss Leanda A., daughter of Nathan and Leanda (Guth) Biery. Their union has been blessed by the birth of a son, Wilson F. The Doctor is a member of the Lutheran Church, while his good wife worships with the German Re- formed Church.

J ACOB MILLER, a retired farmer of Lehigh County, is well known throughout its length and breadth, and his high reputation and material prosperity are the reward of unusual natural ability, industriously applied. He has been prospered in his calling as an agriculturist, and for the past few years has been leading a life retired from active work in the city of Catasauqua.

Like many of the best citizens of this county, our subject is a native of Pennsylvania, having been born in Allen Township, Northampton Coun- ty, November 18, 1828. He is a son of Jacob Mill- er, who was also born in the above place, his father, Henry Miller, having been a native of this state. The great-grandfather of our subject came from Germany, and on arriving in America pur- chased the farm on which our subject was born.

The family of our subject's grandfather com- prised six children, all of whom are deceased. He was an extensive and wealthy farmer, who owned three different estates, located near the city of Catasauqua, and made a specialty of breeding a fine grade of horses. He was a man of sterling in- tegrity and excellent business ability, and was a member of the Lutheran Church at Kreidersville. His wife, Mrs. Barbara (Schriber) Miller, died in Northampton County, when in her seventy-fourth year.

The father of our subject, who was also a farmer by occupation, purchased one of the estates be- longing to his father. It comprised one hundred

acres, and the well tilled fields and neat appearance of the place indicated the careful supervision of the owner. During the last twenty-five years of his life he lived retired. He died in the fall of 1879, when in his seventy-eighth year. Like his honored father, he was also a member of the Luth- eran Church. The lady to whom he was married was Miss Nancy Snyder, who was born in Fuller- ton, this county, and was a daughter of Henry Snyder, a wealthy farmer, who owned what is the present site of Fullerton. His landed posses- sions comprised three hundred acres, and in his farming operations he met with good success. Mrs. Miller suffered severely from ill-health, having been an invalid for seven years prior to her de- cease. She was a member of the Reformed Church.

Jacob Miller, of this sketch, was the eldest of the parental family of three children, his brother and sister being Henry S., a resident of Allentown; and Mary, now Mrs. E. Eliek, who lives in East Allen Township, Northampton County. Jacob was reared on the old homestead and received a fair education. In 1856 he was married to Miss Caro- line B., daughter of Daniel Snyder. For a quarter of a century he rented land from his father, on which he farmed, but in 1873 he purchased four acres of ground, which he divided into forty-nine lots, now included in the city of Allentown. This he held until the streets were opened through his property, and in 1890 he laid it out as an addition to the city. It lies between Linden, Hamilton, West and Sixteenth Streets. In addition to his city property he owns one hundred acres of the old homestead, which he occupied until 1882 (the date of his removal to this city), and he also owns a beautiful residence, located on the corner of Front and Union Streets.

Mr. Miller suffered a severe loss in the death of his first wife, who died at the age of forty- two years, deeply regretted. On the 10th of May, 1870, he was again married, this union being with Miss Elizabeth M. Koontz, also a native of this state. Mrs. Miller is the daughter of Adam Koontz, who was a farmer during the greater part of his life, and died in 1882, at the great age of eighty- five years. Her mother, prior to her marriage Miss Caroline Stamm, was born in Berlinsville, North-

WILLIAM J. EGGE, SR.

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ampton County, and was the daughter of Jacob Stamm, a prominent farmer in that county, where he was also engaged as a merchant and proprictor of a hotel. Mr. Stamm was active in public af- fairs and served many years efficiently as Justice of the Peace. His wife died in 1879, when sixty- nine years old. Mrs. Miller is the eldest but one in thic parental family, and has one brother and two sisters living.

By his first union our subject became the father of two children: Ida, now Mrs. Burt Stevens, who makes her home near Rochester, Ohio; and Carrie A., at home with her father. Mr. Miller was one of the organizers of the Anti-Horse Thief Association, of which he was made Captain, holding the posi- tion until 1880. In religious affairs he holds mem- bership with St. Paul's Lutheran Church at Cata- sauqua, and while residing in Shoenersville was Elder and Deacon for twelve years. He aided very liberally in the erection of the churches in both cities. His daughter Carrie is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

Mr. Miller is a true-blue Republican in politics. He is well read in medical science and studicd homeopathy for thirty years. Although not mak- ing a practice of the medical profession, he has cured many ulcers, and thus far has been his own family physician.

ILLIAM J. EGGE, SR., of the firm of William J. Egge & Co., brick manu- facturers of Allentown, is one of the most progressive citizens of the place, and is so well known in the community that he needs no special introduction to our readers. He was born in Lehigh County, this state, January 13, 1820, and is the son of Jacob Egge, who was born in Berks County and died when eighty-six years of age. The ancestry is traced back to Germany, and the first representative of the family in this country located in the Keystone State in an carly day.

Mrs. Sarahı (Bush) Egge, the mother of our sub- ject, was born in Berks County, Pa., and departed

this life when in her forty-seventh year. William J., of this sketch, passed his boyhood in his native place, where he received a fair cducation. His parents being in limited circumstances, he was compelled at the age of fourteen years to earn his own livelihood, and first obtained employment in a brickyard. On reaching his twenty-fifth year he began the manufacture of brick in Allentown on his own account, which business he is success- fully carrying on at the present time. He is a man of untiring energy, and his success in life has been the result of his industry and perseverance.

As a Republican, Mr. Egge has been inseparably associated with the political affairs of his township and county for a number of years. He served as President of the School Board for ten years. He was also President of the Board of Control for several terms, and is ever ready to lend a helping hand in the promotion of public enterprises.

In October, 1843, William J. Egge and Miss Ma- tilda Sherer, of Lehigh County, were united in marriage. The lady was the daughter of Adam and Rebecca Sherer, and departed this life in Au- gust, 1893. Of her family of seven children five are living, namely: Charles H., who is pastor of the Liberty Street Evangelical Church in Allen- town; Ann, Mrs. W. P. Huber; William J., Jr., who is engaged in the hardware business in Allen- town; Matilda, the wife of Thomas E. Butz, of this city; and Mary Ann, who married John Isa- moyer. Thomas and George are deceased.

The family residence, which is one of the most pleasant in Allentown, is situated at No. 602 North Ninth Street, and is the center of attraction to numerous friends. Mr. Egge is one of the old and honored citizens of Lehigh County, and has accomplished much good in his life. When quite young he became a member of the Evangelical Church, in which he has always been active. He is especially interested in Sunday-school work, and has been Superintendent for a number of years. About 1855 he was ordained to preach in the Evangelical Church. At that time there were very few ministers in this part of the state, there being only two preachers within a circuit of about one hundred miles. Through the week Mr. Egge would work at his business, and on Sunday would often

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preach three times, walking a distance of eighteen miles in order to meet his appointments. Since that time he has preached more or less, filling va- cancics whenever desired. His influence has always been in the direction of the advancement and bet- terment of the human race, spiritually and mor- ally.

H ON. JOSEPH LAUBACH. The first ac- count of the Laubach family begins with the cmigration to America, from the Palatinate, Germany, of Christian, Reinhardt and Marguerite Laubach, who embarked at Rotter- dam on board the sailing-vessel "Queen Eliza- betli," Alexander Hope master, and landcd at Philadelphia, Pa., September 16, 1738. Reinhardt Laubach settled in Lower Saucon Township soon after his arrival, and from him the entire Laubach family is descended. Peter Laubach, his eldest son, moved from Lower Saucon Township, prob- ably prior to 1755, and settled near Krcidersville, Pa., many Indians being then in that vicinity. Hc died about 1818, at the age of eighty-four years, and was buried at Zion's Union Church, near Kreidersville, Pa. His family consisted of two sons and three daughters. His son Peter married a Miss Stedler, and, moving to Columbia County, died in 1860.

Adam, the second son, and grandson of the pio- neer forefather, Reinhardt Laubach, bought the old homestead at Kreidersville, where he resided until his death in 1847. Besides owning a fine farm he toiled daily in his blacksmith shop. He married Margaret Newhard, of Lehigh County, in 1788. His children were Peter, who was born in 1789, and died in 1857; Susanna, who was born in April, 1791, and died in August, 1826; Elizabeth, born in 1793; Polly, in 1795; Adam, in 1797; Cather- ine, in 1799; Rebecca, in 1801; Lydia, in 1803; John, in 1805; William, in 1808; and Joseph in April, 1810.

Joseph Laubach spent the first nineteen years of his life on his father's farm. The ensuing year was spent in attendance at Easton Academy.

When he was twenty years old he entered the em- ploy of J. and M. Butz, millers and dealers in dry goods and groceries. In 1839 he established a business for himself at Laubachsville, Pa., where he dcalt in general merchandise, coal, etc. He con- tinued in business in this place thirty-one years, during which time he was Postmaster and Captain of Volunteers for eleven years. In 1840 he was elected Auditor, in which capacity he served three years. During the years 1848 and 1849 he served as State Representative, and in 1855 was elected State Senator for the term of three years. In 1861 he was elected one of the Associate Judges of Northampton County, Pa., and served fifteen years, being returned for three successive terms. He now holds the position of President of the Northamp- ton County Savings Bank, President of the Lehigh Valley Iron Works, and President of the Allentown College for Women.

In June, 1862, Judge Laubach was a heavy loser by the flood, his store being inundated to a depth of seven feet. The gristmill, of which he was part owner, was also flooded, and several hundred bar- rels of flour were carried away, many of which were found floating more than eighty miles from the mill. His house, though flooded, withstood the terrific torrents, which left large logs in the parlor. It was a refuge for about fifteen persons. His barn, stock and outbuildings were carried away, and his total loss was not less than $12,000. Not- withstanding this heavy drain upon his resources, he was one of the most liberal in rendering assist- ance and consolation to his fellow-sufferers.

The nomination of Judge Laubach to the Senate was unanimous, and although serving in a term noted for its bribery and corruption, he had the proud satisfaction of retiring from his official duties with his name untarnished by the faintest breath of suspicion from either political party. The endorse- ment of his official acts and the encomiums showered upon him by papers of his own district are tributes that will live long after he has passed away. Upon his departure from the Bench his farewell speech, recalling old speeches, and associates of the Bench and Bar, many of whom have now passed away, was listened to with deep emotion, and called forth responses from many of his associates, who wit-

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nessed his retirement from the Beneh with feelings of deep regret. He has never been a seeker for politieal preferment, but, quiet and unassuming in his manners, he owes his place in the confidence and affeetions of the people solely to his striet in- tegrity, his benevolence, courtesy and kindness.

Judge Laubach has two daughters, one the wife of Dr. Hornbeck, and the other the wife of the only son of Congressman Klotz. His eldest brother, Peter, was also a very wealthy and in- fluential man. At the time of his death, in 1857, he was one of the largest real-estate men and wealthiest philanthropists in Northampton County, his name being a synonym for wealth. His sons were Joseph, John, Samuel, Reuben, Peter, Adam and Thomas, all of whom became prominent in the mercantile world.

HARLES E. SHECKLER, SR., Chief of Po- lice and Tax Collector in the city of Cat- asauqua, has attained to a place in the re- gard of the people second, perhaps, to no other citizen. He is also engaged in the real-estate busi- ness, and the story of his life proves that the suc- cessful man is he who employs his powers with the greatest industry and the most perseverance. An energetic business man, he has been the source of benefit to his community, and has aided its mate- rial progress in no small degree.

Our subjeet is a native of this state, and was born in Easton, October 22, 1847. He is the son of Edward Sheckler, who was born in Lehighton, Carbon County. His father, Jacob Sheekler, was a farmer near Maueh Chunk, of which place he was a native. Later he removed to Lehighton, where he spent the remaining years of his life. The great-grandfather, Frederick Sheckler, was a native of Allentown, and the great-great-grandfather, who came from Wurtemberg, Germany, located there before his son's birth.

Edward Sheekler, who was a fine workman, took a contract, in company with a Mr. App, to build

the Lehigh Valley Railroad from Slatington to Le- high Gap, a distance of five miles. After its com- pletion he removed to Slatington, and embarked in the butcher's business, at which he had been engaged early in life, and which he there followed until his removal to Bethlehem. After the late war he located in this city, where he opened a meat-market and carried on a good trade until re- tiring from business. His decease occurred in Philadelphia, when in his seventy-sixth year.

The mother of our subject, Mrs. Elizabeth (Kess- ler) Sheckler, was born in Allentown, and was the daughter of Jacob Kessler, a native of New Jersey, but of French descent. The father of Mrs. Sheek- ler farmed on the land which now forms part of the site of Allentown. She departed this life in 1863.

Of the four children now living of the parental family, Charles E., of this sketch, is the eldest, his sisters and brother being Amanda, Laura (now Mrs. Brierly, of Philadelphia), and William E., who is engaged in the meat business in Texas. Charles E. was reared to man's estate in Lehigh Gap and Slatington. In the former place he tended his fa- ther's flocks until the spring of 1862, when he went to Slatington and learned the butcher's trade. In 1864 he removed to Bethlehem, and March 24 of the following year, the Civil War being still in progress, enlisted in Company G, Two Hundred and Fifteenth Pennsylvania Infantry, and was mustered into service in the Quaker City when a little past sixteen years of age. He was first sent with his company to Alexandria Court House, Va., and afterward to Ft. Delaware, where they did gar- rison duty. He was discharged in July of that year, and, returning to Bethlehem, made his home there for one month, when he came to Catasauqua, where his father was the proprietor of a meat- market. He engaged with him in that trade for a time, and then pureliased a store and outfit in Seigfried's Bridge, which he operated for a time alone, and later in partnership with his father. In April, 1875, however, he disposed of his interest in the business, in order to accept the public position to which he had been elected.

In 1875 Mr. Sheckler assumed the duties of the responsible position of Chief of Police, and was re-

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elected the following spring, since which time he has continued to hold the office. He is now serv- ing his fourteenth year as Tax Collector, first by appointment, and later, after the election law was passed, by the unanimous vote of the people.

The original of this sketeh is also a real-estate dealer in the city, having his offiee located on Church Street, near Front. He occupies a commo- dious residence on Second Street, and owns three other dwellings in another portion of the city. Mr. Sheckler was married in Slatington, in 1869, to Miss Maria Rehrig, a native of that place. To them have been born nine children, seven of whom are living, viz .: Charles E., Jr., who owns a wall- paper establishment; Alfred Grant, in the employ of the Bryden Horse-shoe Works in this city; and Sally, Frances, Helen, Robert and Harry, at home with their parents. Those deceased were William and Minnie.

Socially our subject belongs to Fuller Post No. 378, G. A. R., and in politics is a true-blue Repub- lican. He is a member in good standing of the German Reformed Church, and is a gentleman greatly respceted throughout Lehigh County.

J OHN F. KOCHER, M. D., is one of the lead- ing physicians of Lehigh County. The record of liis life is as follows: He was born in this county June 30, 1842, to Benjamin and Anna (Weida) Kocher, also natives of this eounty. His grandfather, Simon Koeher, was a well known citizen of Lowhill Township, while his father, Martin, was born in Alsace, France, and emigrated to America about 1720. He eame im- mediately to this eounty and located on a farm in Heidelberg Township, with whose interests he was prominently identified. He is the founder of that branch of the fannly from which our sub- jeet is deseended.

Jolin F., of this sketeh, passed his early years on his father's estate in Lowhill Township, receiving his primary education in the public schools of Al- lentown, and for several years thereafter attended

what was known as the Allentown Seminary. Later he took a course of study in Freeland Sem- inary, now Ursinus College, at Collegeville, this state. It was Mr. Kocher's desire to become a physician, but for five years previous to entering upon his medical studies he taught school, in the mean time reading medical works.

In the year 1867 our subject matriculated in the medieal department of the Michigan Uni- versity at Ann Arbor and attended the winter course of 1867-68. The following spring he took a special course in chemistry, and in the fall of that year continued his studies in the University of Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated in the spring of 1869. After that he taught school for one year in Weaversville Academy, and in 1870 located for practice in New Smithville, this state. He remained there for some five years, when he ehanged his place of residence to his present home, where he has built up a large and lucrative pat- ronage. He is a elosc student of his profession, and his skill and ability have not only given him a high reputation, but have won him an extensive praetice.

Dr. Kocher was married on the 25th of De- cember, 1870, to Miss Ellen M., a daughter of Sylvester Guth, and to them have been born six children, Harvey L., Edgar B., Jennie L., Lulu G., Mamie E. and Annie F. The Doctor filled' the position of Postmaster of 'is township for four years, and in politics he is a strong supporter of Republican principles. H has ever been public spirited and progressive : { gives his support to every worthy enterprise. e is self made and is a man of sterling integrity and good business abil- ity. He holds membersh > with the German Re- formed Church in South V tehall and enjoys the confidenee and sincere est. a of a host of friends.

H ON. ALVIN J. KERN, M. D. Prominent among the phys ;ians and surgeons of Slatington is this gentleman, who is a na- tive of this city, and whose life, with the excep- tion of the years he was pursuing his studies at the schools of the state, has been spent here. His birth occurred March 28, 1865, his parents being

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HON. CHARLES BRODHEAD.

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Thomas and Amanda Kern, well known in Lehigh County. A sketch of the former may be found on another page of this volume, where the aneestral history of the Doetor is more fully dwelt upon.

Dr. A. J. Kern prepared for his future career of usefulness in life by laying a good foundation in the branches of study taught in the common schools, and on the completion of these studies engaged in teaching for one term. He then en- tered Ursinus College. at Collegeville, Pa., where, in 1885, after remaining for a full course, he grad- uated with the degree of Bachelor of Seienee. In the fall of that year he entered the medical depart- ment of the University of Pennsylvania, and after devoting his time and earnest thoughit to the branches there pursued, graduated in 1888, his studies having been confined to the allopathic sys- tem. Immediately after graduating he began prac- tice in Slatington, and has suceessfully conducted his profession up to the present time. He has built up an extensive practice, and among his pro- fessional brethren is regarded as a young man of bright promise, whose success has been remarkable for one of his years. In 1891 Dr. Kern pursued a six-weeks course of special study at Philadelphia, attending the polyclinics. He is connected with the Lehigh County Medieal Society as a member, and with the Lehigh Valley Medical organization.

A Republican in polities, the Doctor is inter- ested in the welfare of his party, and also in the cause of education. In 1889 he was elected a member of the School Board, and was again eleeted in 1892. November 6, 1894, he was elected to the General Assembly of the State of Pennsylvania, an honor not often won by one so young. He is numbered among the stockholders of the Slating- ton Rolling Mills, and has other city investments. Fraternally he is a member of Slatington Lodge No. 440, F. & A. M .; of Allen Chapter No. 203, R. A. M .; and of Allen Commandery No. 20, K. T. As a member of the Odd Fellows' society, he be- longs to Slatington Lodge No. 624, and to Eneamp- ment No. 231. In addition to those already men- tioned he belongs to the Order of United American Mechanics, and to the Patriotic Order Sons of America.

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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 51

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