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 54

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 54
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 54
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 54

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nity, and has served for several years as Justice of the Peace. He is a member of the Patriotic Order Sons of America, belonging to Guthsville Lodge No. 378. He likewise is connected with the Mu- tual Aid Society at Guthsville, in which he holds the position of Secretary. In his political affilia- tions he is a firm adherent of the principles of the Democratic party, of which he is one of the lead- crs in this community.

ALTER H. BIERY. Among the resi- dents of Allentown who are success- fully engaging in business is the gen- tleman above named, who occupies a high place in the community as an iron-mine contractor and builder. He is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in Siegersville, Lehigh County, April 3, 1852. His parents, Nathan and Leanda (Guth) Bicry, were natives of Leliighi County, and the former is still engaged in business as a mining contractor at Trexlertown, this county. The parental family included ten children, all of whom are still living with onc exception.

Walter HI., of this sketch, passed his boyhood and youth in his native place, where he was given good educational advantages. When reaching his nineteenth year he began to assist,his father in the mines. Working under his instruction for some time, he thus acquired a thorough knowledge of the line of work which he has made his life occu- pation.

After acting as Superintendent for his father in the iron mines for two years, our subject formed a partnership with him, and the firm of N. & W. H. Biery operated a number of iron mines for three years. At the expiration of that time lic became Assistant Superintendent for the Thomas Iron Company at Hokendauqua, with whom he re- mained, giving the best of satisfaction for six and onc-half years. Later he began work in the mines at Trexlertown in company with his father, and they have since conducted business under the style of N. & W. H. Biery. They give employment to

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twenty or twenty-five men, and have been more than ordinarily successful in their undertaking.

February 26, 1876, Walter H. Biery was united in marriage with Miss Sarah, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Heckman) Nolf, natives of Northamp- ton County, this state. To our subject and his wife have been born three children, Lillie L., Perry W. and Harry E. In religious connections Mr. Biery is a member of the German Reformed Church, while his wife is identified with the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Democrat.

EORGE W. RIEGEL is senior member of the firm of Riegel & Cortright, dealers in general merchandise on Main Street, Beth-

lehem. This firm has the largest floor space of any firm in the city, and their trade is exceedingly large. In their excellent and extensive stock may be found anything in the line of dry goods, car- pets, groceries, notions, etc. The partners are old and experienced men in the business to which they give their entire supervision, and their efforts have met with success. They are both members of the Board of Trade, and for the past thirty years or more they have been closely identified with the progress of this city and are numbered among her most enterprising merchants.

George W. Ricgel was born in Washington, N. J., July 1, 1842, and his early education was commenced in the public schools of his native city, after which he finished his schooling in Allen- town Seminary, now known as Muhlenberg College. His grandfather, Hon. Benjamin Riegel, was one of the founders of Riegelsville, where he was en- gaged in the hotel business. He was a prominent man at one time; was Captain of a military com- pany, and represented his district in the Legisla- ture. One of his sons, Isaac T., in former years ran a sawmill where Riegelsville now stands. Eli Riegel engaged in farming in Washington Town- ship, and in 1866 came to Bethlehem, where he lived a retired life until his death, at the age of eighty-three years. He was a consistent member

of the Reformed Church, and a man whose life was a long and useful one. His wife, Anna M. Un- angst, was born near Riegelsville, Pa., her father being engaged in carrying on his farm and sawmill near that place. Mrs. Ricgel was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and died in New Jer- sey, while still a young woman.

George W. Riegel is the youngest and only child of his parents now living. He attended the com- mon schools until 1859, when he camnc to Bethle- hem, engaging as a clerk for John Lerch, in whose employ he continued until 1866. However, in the mean time, in 1862, hc had volunteered his services on the emergency call, and was stationed at Har- risburg and Hagerstown. In 1866 he started in business for himself on Main Strect, opposite the postoffice, and in 1872 he joined the firm of Cort- right & Solt, the firm becoming Riegel, Cortright & Solt, and continuing as such until February, 1890, when the firm was dissolved by the death of Mr. Solt. In 1891 the present firm was formed, and they have continued in business successfully up to the present time. In 1872 Mr. Riegel built the Globe Building, which is one of the large business blocks in the city. The space occupied by their store is 30x200 fcet, three stories and a basement. A portion of the second floor is given up to offices, and the third floor contains two lodge rooms. On the first floor is a well equipped carpet department, and the main floor is devoted to gen- eral retail merchandise. In addition to the latter they do a wholesale business to some extent, and in the establishment are employed about twenty clerks.

The residence of George W. Riegel is located at No. 71 South Main Street. He was married in this city, in 1864, to Miss O. M., daughter of C. W. Rauch, who was formerly engaged in the manufac- ture of furniture, and is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Riegel became the parents of two sons and a daughter. George W., who is a clerk in his father's store, graduated from the parochial schools and Eastman's Business College, at Poughkeepsie, after which he attended Lehigh University; Howard is a member of the Class of '98, of Lehigh University; and Annie M. received her education in the par- ochial schools and Linden Hall, at Lititz. The

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family are members of the Moravian Church, in which Mr. Ricgel is a prominent member. Polit- ically he votes with the Republican party, and has always shown a commendable interest in every movement for the benefit of this city.

B ENJAMIN FRANKLIN SWARTZ. This gentleman, who is descended from one of the most prominent and oldest fam- ilies in the county, is a substantial business man in Catasauqua, and is at present a stockholder in the Lehigh Car Wheel and Axle Works, which is one of the important industries of this section.

Our subject was born at Swartz's Dam, one and one-half miles north of Catasauqua, April 7, 1838, and is the son of John Swartz, a resident of North- ampton County, this state. The latter was an in- fant of twelve months when he was taken by his parents to Swartz's Dam, his father, Christian Swartz, being an early settler in that locality, where he owned a valuable farm, and when the canal was built established a hotel at that place. John Swartz lived and died in that place, depart- ing this life when in his sixty-eighth year. He was a member of the Reformed Church in Hower- town, and a Whig in politics.

The maiden name of our subject's mother was Catherine Heller. She was born in Hellertown, this state, and died in 1861, at the age of sixty- three years. Their union resulted in the birth of twelve children, all of whom, with the exception of two, grew to mature years and four are still living. Benjamin F., of this sketch, was the youngest but one and was reared to manhood in his native county and obtained a fair education in the district schools. His father died when he was a lad of fourteen years. At that early age he be- gan clerking in a store at Hokendauqua, and a year later was thus employed for six months in Bloomsburg.

At the expiration of that time our subject came to this city and took charge of William Miller's store, and after a stay of six months entered Wy-

oming Seminary, where he carried on his studies during the winter of 1856-57, after which he went to Allentown. In the fall of the following year he made a trip to Ohio, where for two and one- half years he clerked in a store in Wyandot Coun- ty. He was a very successful business man and soon had an establishment of his own, which he carried on in Carey, until the fall of 1865, in partnership with a Mr. Park. That year he dis- posed of his interest in the business and went to Kenton, where he was engaged for a time with a firm, and then formed a partnership with his brother, the firm being B. F. & C. Swartz.

In 1869 Mr. Swartz came to this city and en- gaged to work for Fuller & Co. as traveling sales- man. In 1883 he was taken into the company as a stockholder, and has been connected with the same ever since. Our subject was married in No- vember, 1861, to Miss Anna L., daughter of Alvin Dow, who is at present residing at Carey, Ohio, where he is classed among its substantial residents. Mrs. Swartz was educated in the Wesleyan Univer- sity at Delaware, Ohio, and by her union with our subject has become the mother of a daughter, Maude O., who is now the wife of George W. Graffin, a merchant of Allentown.

Mr. Swartz is a devoted member of the Method- ist Episcopal Church, which he is serving as Trus- tee and Treasurer. In politics he is an ardent Republican, and never fails to aid in any way he can all measures set on foot for the betterment of his community.

T HIEODORE J. KOEHLER, D. V. S. Among the honored and respected citizens of Ful- lerton, this county, is the subject of this sketch, who was formerly engaged as a veterinary surgeon. He is a native of this county, and was born April 20, 1847, to Samuel and Lucy (Biery) Koehler, the former a native of Northampton County, and the latter born in Catasauqua.

John Koehler, the grandfather of our subject, was a life-long resident of this county. Ilis father, who is said to have come from Germany, was the

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founder of this branch of the family in the United States. His son Samuel, our subject's father, re- sided for many years in Hanover Township, and departed this life February 12, 1892. His wife preceded him to the better land by many years, having been called hence November 13, 1875. Of their children seven are now living, namely: Sa- rah, the wife of Dr. John C. Foelker, of Allentown; Uriah, residing in Hanover Township; Samuel J., at Catasauqua; William F., of Whitehall Township; Monroe E .; Amanda, the wife of Martin Zellner, who resides in Hanover Township; and our sub- ject. Samuel Koehler took an active part in school affairs and served for many years as a member of the School Board in Hanover Township. He was a stanch Democrat in politics, but gave his aid to every project calculated to advance the interests of the community. In religion he was a devoted member of the German Lutheran Church.

Theodore J. Koehler, the gentleman of whom we write, received his primary education in the public schools of his native township, and after- ward attended Muhlenberg College in Allentown for a short time. After fully deciding to follow a professional life, he studied veterinary surgery and medicine for five years, under the instruction of Dr. J. C. Foelker, and after graduating he prac- ticed with his preceptor for two years. At the end of that time he removed to Nazareth, Northamp- ton County, where he opened an office and there practiced on his own account for about eight years. After leaving Nazareth he followed his professional career for three years in Easton, and finally, in 1885, moved to Fullerton, where he resided for the same length of time and built up a large pat- ronage. Again returning to Easton, he made that place his home for a short time, and then we find him in Fullerton, in which city he has resided since 1890. Dr. Koehler owns a well cultivated farm of twenty-three acres, besides his comfortable brick residence, which is located in Fullerton.

The lady to whom our subject was married April 20, 1871, was Miss Ellen J. Faust, who was born in Northampton County, and is the daughter of Paul and Amelia (Breinig) Faust. The Faust family is an old and prominent one in the Lehigh Valley. Mrs. Koehler's father, who died Novem-

ber 12, 1883, was a native of this county, while her mother. was born in Berks County. The latter is still living and makes her home in Northamp- ton County. Those of the family of six children who are still living are: Annie, the wife of Irvin Borger, who lives in Peru, Ill .; Walter, a resident of Lehigh County; Mrs. Koehler; Mary A., the wife of John Gibson, who makes her home in Slat- ington ; and Clara B., who married George Nichols, and is residing in Catasauqua.

The three children who have come to bless the home of our subject and his wife are Edward F., Allen M. and Gertie A. The elder son, who is a graduate of the American Veterinary College in New York, is engaged in practice in Easton, this state. In politics Mr. Koehler is a Democrat. The community recognizes in him a valued citizen, the high esteem in which he is held having been gained by a well spent life. He is a member of the German Lutheran Church, with which his wife is also connected, and is active in all good works in his neighborhood.

F LDRED D. PETERS, a prominent business man of Slatington, is a member of the firm of E. D. Peters & Co., manufacturers and miners of the Franklin Vein Slate, and one of the leading and most substantial slate firms of this place, as they produce an article of superior qual- ity, and do an extensive wholesale and jobbing business. Their trade extends to many parts of the United States, and even as far south as San Antonio, Tex. Mr. Peters has been active in many local enterprises, and was one of the promoters and founders of the Electric Light, Heat and Power Company, of which he is President and Manager.

The birth of Eldred Peters occurred in Carbon County, February 13, 1853. His father, Aaron Peters, is also a native of the same county, and inakes his home in Slatington, at the age of seventy- three years. His wife, who is now seventy-two years of age, bore the maiden name of Susan Ringer, and was born in Lehigh County. Henry

PATRICK BRIODY.

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Peters, our subject's paternal grandfather, was born in Carbon County, and his family, who were among the early settlers in the Keystone State, originally came from Switzerland.

Up to the age of eleven years Eldred D. Peters re- sided in the county of his birth, where he received his early schooling, later entering the public schools of Slatington. Subsequently for three years he pursued his studies in the State Normal School at Millersville, Lancaster County. Prior to this, how- ever, when only twelve years of age, he entered the employ of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, with which company he remained one year. When fif- teen years old he entered the store in Slatington, where he clerkcd for a time, afterward attending the normal school. On completing his education he learned the shoemaker's trade, at which he worked for a year and a-half, and then for a time clerked for various parties. In 1874 he accepted a place as clerk of the Ironton Railroad at Ironton, Pa., serving faithfully as such for four years. Be- ing of an enterprising turn of mind, during this time he also engaged in selling coal on commission.

It was in 1878 that Mr. Peters returned to Slat- ington to engage in the business of selling coal and roofing slate, in which he was active until 1882, when he turned his attention more particularly to the mining and manufacture of slate goods, which business he has conducted successfully until the present. The firm of which he is a member was established in 1883, the partners being E. D. and W. K. Peters. Since 1877 Mr. Peters has been a stock- holder and Director in the Bank of Slatington, and was one of the organizers of the institution. In addition to this he was a stockholder and Director in the Slatington Rolling Mill Company, and in his numerous investments he has met with marked success, for lic is careful and correct in his judg- ment, and has manifested good business ability. E. D. Peters & Co., besides their other enterprises, run a large general store, it being one of the most extensive in Slatington.

In 1875 the subject of this sketch was united in marriage witli Miss Sophia Geiger, of Slatington, daughter of Jonas Geiger, a well known resident of this place. Two sons grace their union: Charles Douglas, who is a student at Lafayette College,

and Edward Martin, who is attending the public schools. The parents are faithful members of the Reformed Church, and are well received in the so- cial circles of this city. Mr. Peters, who is a pro- nounced Republican in politics, was Burgess of Slatington, and has served in the City Council several times.

ATRICK BRIODY, the genial Postmaster of South Bethlehem, is an enterprising, public-spirited and liberal gentleman, who in former years was Superintendent of Furnaces in the Bethlehem Iron Company. A native of Coun- ty Meath, Ireland, his birth occurred September 30, 1836. His father, Thomas Briody, was also a native of the Emerald Isle, where he followed ag- ricultural pursuits. In 1850 he set sail for Amer- ica with his family, and, locating in Brooklyn, was for a couple of years employed on public works. In 1852 he became a resident of Easton, this coun- ty, which he continued to make liis home until his death, at the good old age of eighty-five years. His wife, wliose maiden name was Elizabetlı Cav- anah, also died in Easton.

In his fatlier's family of nine children, our sub- ject is thic fourth in order of birth. When setting forth to make his own livelihood he first worked in the ore mines in Williams Township, and in 1853 became an employe in the furnaces of South East- on, now known as the Glen Furnaces. In 1863 he came to South Bethlehem and helped to start the first furnace in this place. After building two more, in 1871 he went to the Lucy Furnace at Glen- town, where he remained for eighteen monthis, and then, returning, took charge of all the five furnaces liere, of which he has since been Superintendent. In addition to these he has also had the superin- tendence, during late years, of three other furnaces on the outside.

In March. 1894, our subject received the ap- pointment of Postmaster and was installed in his office March 19. This office is one of the second- class, with free delivery service, and is located at the corner of Fourth and Brodhead Avenue.

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From 1875 until recently Mr. Briody was a mem- ber of the School Board, with the exception of the year and a-half when he was a non-resident. At the time of his resignation, in the spring of 1894, he was the oldest member of the School Board. He was on the committee for building the Central High School, and the Webster, Excelsior, Packer, and two smaller schools. Thus it will be scen that he has been particularly active along the lines of education. In religion he is a Catholic, belong- ing to the congregation of the Holy Infancy.

HARLES L. GERLACH. Among the local industries which have aided materially in the upbuilding of Bethlehem is the Beth- lehem Ice Company, of which this gentleman is proprietor. He is a self-made man in the truest sense of the word, as he has made his own living from his early years and has been dependent upon his own resources. He has met the obstacles in his pathway with fortitude, overcoming them and rising to fresh successes, and acquiring his fortune through hard work and energy.

The birth of our subject occurred in Nazareth August 31, 1860, and his first years were passed in Springtown. His father is Lewis A. Gerlach, whose biographical sketch is given in that of his son, E. J. Gerlach, in another portion of this volume. Charles L. became a resident of Bethlehem when he was five years of age, and there attended the Mor- avian Parochial School until attaining his twelfth year. For the succeeding seven years he drove ice wagons for C. D. Trumbower, an ice dcaler. For a year thereafter he served an apprenticeship to a wheelwright in Nazareth, later was employed for two years with his brother in Hecktown, and then for a like period of time was with Mr. Hoffman in Bethlehem.

In 1887 our subject embarked in business for himself, his concern being known as the Bethlehem Ice Company. He started on a very small scale, having one horse and a small wagon and only four customers, The same season he found it necessary

to run another team and" wagon, and succceding well he finally purchased the Wermeth Ice-houses and commenced packing ice. He now owns ice- houses on the canal in West Bethlehem, filling them with White Haven ice. They have a capacity of four thousand tons, about half of which is filled with ice from the lakes. In order to supply his many customers three teams and three wagons are kept running all the time. These are owned by Mr. Gerlach, and his horses have the reputation of being the finest in the city for drafting and the wagons are finely painted. At No. 32 Iron Street Mr. Gerlach built stables, and in other ways is con- stantly branching out in order to meet the demands of his business. Besides the natural ice he also deals considerably in the artificial article, as many of his customers prefer the latter.

In 1888 our subject married Miss Amanda Rod- enbach, who was born in Williams Township, this county, and of this marriage have been born four children: Earl, Flossie, May and Anna D. The parents are faithful members of the Moravian Church, and have a large circle of warm friends and acquaintances. Fraternally Mr. Gerlach is a mem- ber of the Royal Arcanum and the Order of Red Men. Politically he is a stalwart Republican, be- lieving that that party advocates the best measures for the prosperity and progress of the people.

R EV. FRANK F. FRY is pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, and is undoubtedly one of the most popular and successful minis- ters in Bethlehem. being beloved by every one who has the pleasure of his acquaintance. He is a young man of fine presence and scholarly attainments, and has already become one of the prominent ministers in the Lutheran Church. He is an earnest and en- thusiastic worker, and is sincerely devoted to the cause of Christianity, to which he has consecrated his talents and his life. Though he has had many flattering calls to other important fields of labor and usefuluess, with offers of larger salary, he has declined them all, believing that he has a great

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work to do here; and he has certainly accomplished a most gratifying work in this community.

Mr. Fry was born in Carlisle, Pa., November 1, 1864. His father is the distinguished Rev. Jacob Fry, D. D., one of the leading elergymen in his de- nomination. His grandfather, Hon. Jacob Fry, was an enterprising and extensive merchant at the Trappe, in Montgomery County, Pa. He enjoyed the estcem and confidence of others to such an ex- tent that he was elected a Member of Congress from his distriet, and also served as Auditor-General of the state of Pennsylvania. He died at his home, in the faith of the Lutheran Chureli, of which he was an active and consistent nember. . His great- grandfather, whose Christian name was also Jacob, was of an old and highly respected family.

Rev. Mr. Fry belongs to a family of preach- ers. His father, his only brother, and several uncles are all Lutheran clergymen. When only three years old, he began to preaeli regularly every Sunday afternoon, so that he may be called literally a "born preaeller." His father was edu- cated in Union College, at Seheneetady, N. Y., from which he graduated with honor. He then pursued his theological studies at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, Pa., after which he was or- dained to preach the Gospel by the Lutheran Synod of Pennsylvania. His first charge was at Carlisle, Pa., where he preached for eleven years. Since that time lie has been pastor of Trinity Lu- theran Church of Reading, Pa., the largest English- Lutheran Church in the world. He is also a Pro- fessor in the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Mt. Airy, having for three years occupied the chair of Homiletics and Sacred Oratory. For some years he was the English Secretary of the Mother Synod of Pennsylvania, for ten years was elected Treasurer of that body, and has served ever since on its Executive Committee, besides holding many other positions of responsibility and trust. He has just completed the "History of Trinity Luth- eran Church of Reading," with which he has been connected for thirty years. It is a memorial vol- ume of the centennial anniversary of the congre- gation. He is also the author of "The Church Book Explained," and has contributed extensively to theological journals and periodicals. His de-

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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 54

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