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 65
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 65
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 65
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In 1882 Mr. Grim, in partnership with his brother, Albert P., conducted a novelty store in the city, and six years later they began the manu- facture of brick, in which business they have been successfully engaged to the present time. No- vember 27, 1879, Mr. Grim and Miss Mary A. Miller were united in marriage. The lady was the daugh- ter of Henry Miller, of this city, and departed this life January 8, 1884, leaving a daugliter, Annie M. In 1891 our subject chose as his second eom- panion Miss Agnes F. Miller, a sister of his former wife. They are both members of St. Paul's Luth- eran Church, and reside at No. 221 Lehigh Street.
Albert P. Grim, the junior member of the firm of Grim Bros., was born in this city in 1860. Like
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his brother, he received a good businesss educa- tion, and by his excellent business management has a fine trade. He was married, February 26, 1882, to Miss Tillie A. Hanch, also born in this city, and the daughter of Raymond Hanch. To them has been born a daughter, Florence. Albert P. is a member of the Lutheran Church, to which his wife also belongs. They occupy a handsome residence at No. 214 Lehigh Street, where they are surrounded with all the comforts of life.
J DALLAS ERDMAN, M. D. Among the prominent and skillful physicians and sur- geons of Allentown our subject occupies a high place. He is a native of this county, and was born June 2, 1850, in Ruchsville. His father, John Erdman, was likewise a native of this section, and until his decease, in December, 1883, followed farm pursuits.
The paternal grandfather of our subject, Jacob Erdman, was born in Lehigh County in 1763, and was the son of John Erdman, a native of Ger- many, who came from Hesse-Darmstadt to Amer- ica in 1734, locating at that time in Centre Val- ley, this county. The mother of our subject, whose maiden name was Hannah Keck, was born in this county, and was descended from Henry Keck, the first of the family to come to America from his native Germany. This was in 1732, and when locating in this county he spent the re- mainder of his life in farm pursuits. His sons fought bravely in the Revolutionary War, and be- came well-to-do in a financial way.
J. Dallas, of this sketch, was the youngest in his parents' family of ten children, all of whom survive. He spent his boyhood on his father's farm and attended the district school until he was seventeen years old, when lie entered Muhlenberg College. After prosecuting his studies there for a time, he began reading medicine under the instruction of Dr. William Erdman, his cousin. He afterward took a course of lectures in the University of Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated with the Class of '72.
When looking around for a suitable location,
Dr. Erdman removed to Saegersville, where he practiced for one year, and in 1873 removed to Macungie. He made his home there until the spring of 1888, the date of his removal to Allen- town, where he has built up a large and lucrative practice, and is now classed among the most skill- ful of the profession in the county. He is a mem- ber of the Lehigh County and the Pennsylvania State Medical Societies, in both of which he takes a leading part. He is interested in the success of the Democratic party, and never fails to cast his vote and influence in its behalf. The Masonic order finds in him one of its most valued members, he being connected with Lodge No. 326, in Trex- lertown, and Allentown Lodge No. 90, K. of P. He is a charter member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle, and is also one of the original members of the Ancient Order of Knights of the Mystic Cham.
In 1876 the Doctor was married to Miss Maria, daughter of Dr. William Kohler, and to them have been born three children, viz .: Elsie, H. Guy and Miriam. They are both members of the Reformed Church, to the support of which they are liberal contributors. They occupy a beautiful residence, located at No. 27 South Eighth Street.
DWIN H. ROMIG is proprietor of Romig's Rolling Mill, which is located on Cedar Creek, in South Whitehall Township. The structure is built of stone, is three stories in height, and 58x65 feet in dimensions. This mill was built forty years ago by David Mertz, who oper- ated it for over a quarter of a century. It was subsequently owned by various other parties un- til purchased by our subject. When it came into his possession he made extensive improvements, among the first of which was the adding of one story to the mill. He then put in a full roller sys- tem, which machinery was manufactured by Wolf & Co., of Chambersburg, this state. Mr. Romig turns out first-class custom and merchant work, and gives employment to four men. He gives his personal attention to the business, and manufact-
W. E. GARIS.
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ures each day fifty barrels of the best grade of flour.
Edwin H. Romig has been engaged in the mill- ing business principally since nineteen years of age. He was born in this county, November 26, 1843, and is a son of Jacob and Mary Romig, who were also natives of this county. The first representa- tives of the family in this country came from Ger- inany in an early day, and located in this section, where they became well-to-do and respected citi- zens.
He whose name heads this sketch pursued his studies in the common schools near his home, and remained upon his father's farm until he began in the mnilling business, which he has carried on ever since, with the exception of three years, when he was "mine host" of the Dorney Hotel, in Dor- neysville, this state. He was married in 1864 to Miss Lydia N., daughter of John Dorney, now de- ceased, and by their union they have become the parents of four children: Augustus, Charles, Edwin J. and Mary.
Our subject is a valued member of the Evangeli- cal Church. He is a Republican in politics, and a public-spirited and progressive man. He has been very successful as a miller, and in all his business operations has conducted himself in a most credit- able manner. He is moderate in prices, prompt in attending to orders, and is very popular in trade and social circles. Besides the mill property Mr. Romig is the proprietor of twenty acres of land, and justly merits the large measure of success achieved by his skill and industry.
ILLIAM E. GARIS is one of the lead- ing merchants of Easton, being pro- prietor of the finest furniture establish- ment in this place and manufacturer of the same. He makes a specialty of church, store and bank outfits, desks, office chairs, etc., and bar fixtures. The Garis family have been noted for the past one hundred and ten years and over for their skill as cabinet-makers, and our subject is of the third generation in direct descent of men who have given the best years of their lives to this trade.
On the paternal side William E. Garis is of 23
French and Irish descent, while on the mother's side he is of German ancestry. His grandfather, Valentine Garis, had his home in Williams Town- ship for many years, and died in South Easton. His son, Samuel, our subject's father, was born in Williams Township, and was an exceptionally fine , wood-carver, which business he followed until about thirty years ago, when he became interested in the general furniture trade in this city. For twelve years he was actively in business, but he is now practically retired. In local politics he is in- dependent, while on national issues he votes with the Democratic party. He is a member of the Lu- theran Church, and for the past fifteen years has made his home in Philadelphia. By his marriage with Susan Eichman he had a family of ten children, all but one of whom arc living, namely: William E., Irvin, Cornelius, Charles, Frank, George, Mary, Elizabeth and Matilda. Helen is de- ceascd. Mary is the wife of Edward Hess, of Camden, N. J. Elizabeth married Dr. C. Sommers, of Philadelphia, in which city Matilda also has her home. The maternal grandfather of these chil- dren, William Eichman, was one of the leading merchants and boat-owners of Easton in former years.
The birth of our subject occurred in South East- on, September 26, 1849, and here he received a good public and private school education. In order to become familiar with business methods he en- tercd Eastinan's Business College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., thus laying the foundation for his subsequent career. Upon completing his studies he learned the furniture business, wood-carving, designing, ctc., after which he went into his father's store. At the end of about six or eight years he embarked in business for himself, and has certainly met with great success in his enterprise. The furniture turned out by his manufactory is of the most ar- tistic and handsome designs. Some of their finest effects are comprised in their elaborate carved wood mantels, buffets, and large pieces of furni- ture, the designs of which are very original and exclusive.
In 1872 Mr. Garis was united in marriage with Miss Ella L., daughter of Reuben P. Micke, a well known citizen of Easton. To our worthy subject
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and his estimable wife have been born five daugh- ters, the youngest of whom, Helen, has been called by death from their home. The others in order of their birth are named as follows: Nan, Rosa C., Margaret E. and Florence C.
Mr. Garis is certainly in no sense a politician, finding lis time amply occupied in looking after his extensive business affairs, but on questions of national importance he sides with the Democratic party. Religiously he is affiliated with the Luth- eran denomination, being a member of the congre- gation in this city. He is master of his business in every detail and department, and gives his per- sonal supervision to the work turned out by his employcs.
H ON. HUGH E. CRILLY, formerly a mem- ber of the State Legislature from this county, claims Ireland as his native land, having been born in 1852. He is the son of James Crilly, who emigrated to America two years after his son's birth, locating in Pennsylvania, in the city of Allentown. His wife, prior to her marriage known as Mary McDonald, was also born in the Emerald Isle, and was a lady of great natural talent and ability.
The original of this sketch attended the public schools of Catasauqua and this city until attaining his fourteenth year, when lic was obliged to make his own living, and was variously employed until becoming an employe in the rolling-mills of Allen- town. There he obtained a practical knowledge of the iron business in all its details and remained until 1873. That year he began contracting for buildings and sewers, in which business his father was engaged. In the spring of 1891 Mr. Crilly was given the contract for grading the roadbed and laying the track of the Allentown & Bethle- hem Rapid Transit Railroad, the greater portion of which was completed the same year. The fol- lowing year he built the South Bethlehem branch, having in his employ at the time between two hundred and three hundred men. He also built a road for the same company running from Allen-
town to Catasauqua, and in every piece of work- manship gave entire satisfaction.
Mr. Crilly has constructed many bridges in Le- higli County, and has just recently completed a viaduct for the new electric road known as the Lehigh Traction Company. He is a stockholder in the Allentown & Bethlehem Rapid Transit Company, and has also been instrumental in induc- ing many large factories to locate in this city. In the fall of 1884 he was elected to represent this county in the legislature, serving a term of two years, and in 1886 was re-elected to the same posi- tion. During the first session he introduced a bill prohibiting the publication and sale of immoral literature, and had the satisfaction of having it passed, the law going into effect in July, 1885. Mr. Crilly is a member of the Board of Trade, of which he is one of the organizers, and in politics votes with the Democratic party.
May 12, 1887, our subject was united in mar- riage with Miss Mary Cannon, a native of Ireland, who came to America with her grandfather wlien quite young. They became the parents of a daugh- ter, Mary, who is now deceased. They are botlı members of the Catholic Church, and are people who move in the best circles of society in the city.
F RANCIS WEISS is one of the trustees of his father's estate, and is a popular young man in the business and social circles of Bethlehem. He was born in Summit Hill, March 17, 1854, and was reared in Eckley, where he at- tended a private school, and assisted his father in running the mines. In 1870 he came to Bethile- hem, being a student in Charles Schwartz's school, and also in the Moravian Parochial School. With his father, Francis Weiss, he then became interested in the Lehigh Manufacturing Company, and con- tinued in that business for some eight or ten years, or until after his father's death, when he closed out his connection with the concern. His next business venture was in starting a foundry facing mill at Bloomsbury, N. J., where he remained
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for two years, thence removing to Freemansburg, where he built a new mill, running by water-power, and continued manufacturing foundry facings. By means of a wire cable, he utilized the water- power from the dam built by his father one hun- dred and fifty feet distant from his mill. This mill he continued to run until 1893, the estate now owning both mills.
Mr. Weiss owns a farm of sixty acres two and onc-eighth miles from Bethlehem, which he is now devoting to the raising of poultry on a large scale. This is becoming known as one of the finest chicken farms in the country, and is built in a most substantial manner, thousands of dollars having been invested in improvements. Many buildings have been erected, an incubator house, twenty-six combination houses for colonizing the fowls, and a large brooding house being among the number. It is the intention of the proprietor to make a specialty of the finest standard fowls of the best breeds. In connection therewith he has an immense pigeon wire flight, with a capacity for five thousand pigeons, and also has lofts erected for their convenience. On his farm adjoining is raised the food necessary for his many thousands of fowls, and thereon are located artesian wells, plenty of pumps, and all modern conveniences. Besides he is interested in horses, owning "Joe Diamond," a fine saddle-horse, and "Freedom," of Wilkes breed. Mr. Weiss is a member of the Gentlemen's Driving Club of Bethlehem.
In Bethlehem, June 15, 1881, our subject mar- ried Miss Ida J. Whittaker, a native of Phoenix- ville, Pa. Her father, George W., was President of the Saucon Iron Company, being one of the largest iron merchants in the statc. Later he rc- moved to Delaware, and died in Philadelphia. He was always in the iron industry, being one of the first manufacturers of this commodity. Mrs. Weiss was called from this life in 1890.
As one of the trustees and executors for his father's estate, representing the same in all the different enterprises, Mr. Weiss is noted for his honorable and business-like methods, and for the fidelity with which he has discharged his duties. He is attorney for his mother, and is a Director in the Lehigh Valley National Bank. The Republi-
can party finds in him a stanch supporter, and he is Junior Warden and Vestryman of Trinity Episcopal Church. As a stockholder he is inter- ested in the Bethlehem Fair and Driving Park As- sociation, and is a prominent factor in all local en- terprises.
T HOMAS KERN, an active business man of Slatington, is the proprietor of one of the local industries of the place, the Slating- ton Wood-working. Mill and Lumber Yard, and supports other local enterprises. For one term he served as Burgess of Slatington, and has also been a member of the Council and one of the School Board.
John G. Kern, the father of our subject, who was a fariner by occupation, and a native of this county, died in 1861. His father, George Kern, was a de- rcendant of early pioneers of this portion of Penn- sylvania, his ancestors having at an early day emigrated from Germany, and as early as 1738 located on the present site of Slatington. The wife of John G. Kern was formerly Margaret Wert, who was also born in Lehigh County.
The birth of Thomas Kern occurred October 26, 1839, in this county, and his education was ob- tained in the district schools near his father's farm, where he continued to reside until arriving at man's estate. In 1868 he removed to this city, and the following year he formed a partnership with Mr. Berbemeyer, under the firm name of Berbemeyer & Kern, which connection continued to exist for two years. On the expiration of that time Mr. Kern bought out the entire interest in thic lumber business, which he has successfully conducted up to the present time. In 1887 he purchased a planing-mill at this place, which is located on the Lehigh Valley Railroad, and is fully equipped with all the latest improved ma- chinery for turning out everything in the line of dressed lumber, siding, sash, door and blinds, mouldings and other planing-mill work. Orders placed with this firm may be relied upon to be promptly and carefully filled, and are sure to meet
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the entire satisfaction of customers. He is also in- terested in the slate lands and the development of the extensive slate quarries in the vicinity of this place, and, in short, is a warm advocate of all measures tending to develop local industry.
Socially Mr. Kern is a member of Slatington Lodge No. 440, F. & A. M .; Slatington Lodge No. 634, I. O. O. F., and also belongs to the Senior Mechanics. In politics he votes with the Repub- lican party, and is a loyal citizen.
In December, 1859, Mr. Kern married the lady who presides over his pleasant home, Miss Amanda Kern, of Lehigh County. Her father, Thomas Kern, is still a resident of Washington Township. To Mr. and Mrs. Kern six sons and three daugh- ters have been born: Clara, wife of A. P. Neff, of Slatington; Robert S .; Alvin J., M. D .; William H., who is Cashier of the Whitehaven Savings Bank, at Whitehaven; Frank, a resident of Phila- delphia; Richard E., who is in business with his father; Ellen J., Lillian and George. The parents are members of the Reformed Church, and have the good-will and high esteem of all who have the pleasure of their acquaintance.
J AMES W. FULLER, President of the Cata- sauqua Manufacturing Company, and gen- eral manager and owner of a half-interest in the Lehigh Car Wheel and Axle Works, at Fullerton, is widely known in the Lehigh Val- ley. Although it is often said that it is scarcely safe to judge of a man until his life career shall have closed, yet Mr. Fuller has thus far acted his part so well in the business world that he may confidently be expected to add still further to the credit already belonging to the common wealth of Pennsylvania as one of the most important manu- facturing states of the Union.
The biography of one who, through unaided ex- ertions, has risen from an humble position in boy- hood to a foremost rank among the wealthy and influential business men of his community, will possess more than ordinary interest for our readers.
Tracing the ancestry of Mr. Fuller, we find that he is of distinguished lineage, his ancestors having been among the original settlers of the far-famed Plymouth Rock. Both his grandfather, Chauncy D., and father, J. W., were born in New England, and the former, coming to Pennsylvania some years after his marriage, continued to reside in Le- high County until his death. The latter, who was a young man at the time of seeking a home here, engaged in business at Catasauqua until his death, at the age of fifty-two.
The mother of our subject, who still resides in Catasauqua, was born in Lehigh County, and bore the maiden name of Clarissa Miller. Her father, Henry Miller, was of German descent, and for some years resided in Philadelphia, afterward set- tling upon a farm in this county. James W., who is the next to the eldest of five children, was born in Catasauqua in 1845, and has throughout his en- tire life known no other home than the city of his birth. After having conducted his studies in the schools of this place, he was a student in the academies at Weaversville, Norristown and King- ston, Pa., and there gained the practical knowl- edge that fitted him for a successful business life.
When Mr. Fuller was approaching manhood, the dark clouds of the Rebellion were falling over the nation. His patriotic spirit was fired, and so great was his ardor in the Union cause that in 1863, at the age of eighteen, he enlisted with the boys in blue. He was at first a private in Company I, Forty-seventh Pennsylvania Infantry, and as such was mustered into the service at Harrisburg, march- ing from that city to the Potomac River. Meri- torious conduct secured his promotion to Sergeant, and later to Adjutant. On account of illness, he was honorably discharged from the army, and re- turned to his home.
For the next three years Mr. Fuller was sales- man in a Philadelphia house, and in 1868 he re- turned to Catasauqua, where he organized the Mc- Kee, Fuller & Company Car Wheel Works, and opened a factory at Fullerton. Some years later the firm bought out the bankrupt concern of Fred- rick & Co., and about the same time built a forge. Since then the factory has been known as the Le- high Car Wheel and Axle Works. The plant covers
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about ten acres, and during the busy seasons em- ployment is furnished to about fourteen hundred men, while the products are valued at $350,000 to $380,000 per month.
When the works were established, their capacity was but fifteen wheels per day, but from time to time, through the introduction of the most modern improvements and latest machinery, the capacity has been increased to about three hundred wheels a day. The wheels made are the ordinary cast- iron chilled wheel, and a steel tired wheel designed by Mr. Fuller some years ago, and sinee perfected, so that they are now the best of their kind in the country. From one car they have now inereased to twenty, and during busy times they use in the different departments eighty or a hundred tons of wrought iron and over one hundred tons of east iron per day. In the ordinary cars there are about onc and one-half tons of cast iron and three and one-half tons of wrought iron, outside of the wheels, which have two and one-half tons.
The building originally oceupied by the eom- pany was 50x80 feet in dimensions, which was afterward extended to two hundred and eight feet. Upon the failure of Fredriek & Co., their building, 50x200 feet, was purchased, with an ad- joining building, 50x50. The building was later increased to 50x420, and a new structure erected, 80x140, which now forms the car shops. The building, 50x50, was increased to 290x50, with an addition 60x35, another wing 30x80, and a black- smith and machine shop 50x80. Somewhat later the car-wheel department was improved by the erection of a machine shop, 80x80, with a wing 32x50. The next improvement was the building of a forge with two large steam hammers, and not long afterward the value of the property was in- creased by the purchase of a building 500x112, utilized as a paint shop.
Railroad tracks three miles in length extend around the works, enhancing the facilities for the reception of raw material and transportation of products. In addition to the buildings already named, there is a boiler house with four boilers, that furnish power for the car department; also a carpenter shop, 24x62 fect, and two standpipes. One of these is used for oil, which is pumped into
the standpipe every morning and let out again at night, the tank holding a sufficient amount for a day's supply.
The town of Fullerton was laid out by Mr. Fuller in 1870, and was named in his honor. The works of which he is manager, and in the suecess of which he is largely interested, do an immense business, and their products are larger than those of all the factories in Catasauqua combined. Until re- eently he and Mr. MeKee were the sole propri- etors, but four other gentlemen now own an inter- est in the concern. While they have met with some misfortunes, including the burning out of the forge on two oeeasions, in the main the history of the Lehigh Car Wheel and Axle Works is one of unexampled prosperity, and their entire losses ag- gregate not more than $15,000 since the firm was organized.
While Mr. Fuller has devoted his time, ability and energy largely to the enterprise above men- tioned, he has not done so to the entire exelusion of other interests. He is the President of the Cat- asauqua Manufacturing Company, which possesses four roller-mills in Fullerton and Catasauqua. He is also a Direetor in many corporations, includ- ing the Thomas Iron Company, which operates twelve furnaces; the Wahnetah Silk Mill, in Cata- sauqua, in the organization of which he assisted; the Lehigh Valley Trust Company, of Allentown; tlie Ironton Railway Company; the Catasauqua & Fogelsville Railway Company, and two coal com- panies.
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