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 72
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 72
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 72
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The cultured wife of Dr. Keller bore the maiden name of Lillian Lcibert, and is a daughter of George Leibert, of Wind Gap. Though devoting his time mainly to professional duties, the Doctor is also interested in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community, and in politics is a Re- publican. At the present time he fills the position of local examiner for the New York Life Insur- ance Company and the Pennsylvania Mutual Life Insurance Company. He is a close student of his profession, and his skill and ability have won for him a high reputation, not only among his pat- rons, but also in the fraternity. He is a wide- awake and enterprising young man, and this com- munity finds in him a valucd citizen, who mani- fests a commendable interest in everything per- taining to its welfare and advancement.
T HOMAS LAUBACH is a native son of Northampton County, and a successful business man of Bethlehem. He is a mem- ber of the City Council at the present time, and has frequently served in public offices with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constit . uents. He comes from a family who are well known in this portion of the country for commer- cial ability, and for distinction in many of the walks of life. Among those who are widely known is Senator E. H. Laubach, who now repre- sents this district in the State Senate, and who is a nephew of our subject.
The birth of Thomas Laubach occurred at Lau- bach's Postoffice, now Northampton, Allen Town-
ship, in this county, Deceniber 30, 1830, and his father, Peter, was a native of the same township. His grandfather, Adam Laubach, was born in Sau- con Township, where two gencrations previously the progenitors of the family had settled on com- ing from Holland in 1734. The father of our subject married Elizabeth Neligh, who was also born in Allen Township, and who died in 1871. Her father, John Ncligh, was a farmer, and extensive miller and weaver in Allen Township. Peter Lau- bach was a blacksmith by trade, and in that occupation made his start toward fortune. He bought land along the canal, which in time grew very valuable and made the owner rich. He was a practical farmer, a miller, merchant and distiller at Northampton. His death occurred in 1857.
Thomas Laubach is one of nine children, and was reared to farm duties, at the same time re- ceiving the common-school advantages of the day. He lived at home until his father's death, in the year 1857, and the ycar previous to that had taken charge of the place. In the year 1856 he was married, and after that event lived for a time in Lehigli County, on the Saeger farm, but in 1860 he sold it and located on a portion of the old homestead, where he followed farming and ran a mill during the war. He continued as an agri- culturist, operating a farm of one hundred and thirty-four acres, until 1886, when he removed to Bethlehem, with the intention of living a retired life, but was forced again into business, as he was obliged to take a crockery store on the settlement of a claim. He still owns his farm, which he has leased.
In Allen Township, Mr. Laubach was married, in 1856, to Amanda, daughter of David Bleim, a farmer of that locality. Mrs. Laubach was born in Allen Township, and there grew to womanhood. By her marriage she has become the mother of the following children, who are living: C. D., an im- porter and dealer in wholesale and retail china in Trenton, N. Y .; James F., who is a clerk in Beth- lehem; Jane I .. , Mrs. Spangler, of this city; and Mary L., wife of H. O. Smith, also of Bethlehem.
The china and crockcry storc just referred to, which is now carried on by our subject, is 18 x 96 feet in dimensions, and is finely located on Main
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Street. A well selected stock of goods in this line is here kept constantly on hand, and the trade is steadily increasing. The home of the family is at No. 318 Market Street, and their many friends are always made welcome at this hospitable residence. For three years, dating from 1876, Mr. Laubach was Auditor of Allen Township, and since 1890 lias served as a member of thic Borough Council from the First Ward in Bethlehem, being honorcd by the largest majority ever received by Repub- licans elected from that ward. He is an ardent supporter of the principles and nominees of the party, and is in every way a promoter of the best interests of the community in which he dwells. In religion he is a member of Christ's Reformed Church, to which his family also belongs.
P ROF. JAMES F. GALLAGHER has been for over seventeen years identified with the educational matters of the city of Allentown as one of its most earnest, intelligent and progressive teachers. He occupies at present the position of Principal of the Sixth Ward School, and by honest and faithful work is giving entire satisfaction to all concerned.
A native of this state, our subject was born in Hazleton, Luzerne County, March 17, 1856, to Janics and Bridget (Doris) Gallagher, natives of County Donegal, Ireland. The parents set sail for America in 1850, and after remaining in New York for two years came to this state, where the father engaged in the hotel business at Hazle- ton. The maternal grandparents of our subject were born in County Donegal, Ireland.
James F., of this sketch, received a good educa- tion in the public schools of his native place, and after the removal of his parents to this city in 1870 took a course of study in the Allentown schools. When reaching his nineteenth year, be- ing fully competent to teach, he was given a po- sition in the Sixth Ward School, having charge of the second grade. After the creation of the principalship he was called upon to fill that posi-
tion, which he has done in such a creditable man- ner as to be his own successor for the past five years.
In 1883 Professor Gallagher was elected on the Democratic ticket to represent the Sixth Ward in the Select Council of Allentown, and on the expi- ration of his term was unanimously re-elected, and again elected for a third term. He was a member of the Board of Water Commissioners of the city during the years 1890-91-92, and during his last term filled the office of President of the board. The Professor has twice been a candidate for the Mayoralty before the Democratic Convention, but each time was defeated by a small majority. He has always taken a leading part in local mat- ters, and is thoroughly posted in the issues of the hour. He has done much to promote the standard of scholarship in the Sixth Ward, and in every en- terprise which he gives his support he maintains a deep and unwavering interest.
Early in life Professor Gallagher began the study of law, but was obliged to abandon his chosen profession on account of his eyes, not be- ing able to stand the strain to which they were subjected. In 1880 our subject began his studies as a druggist, devoting every spare moment to his books, and in 1887 was registered as a practicing pharmacist under the state laws.
VAN BUCHMAN. For about thirty-five ycars this gentleman has occupied a con- spicuous and prominent position as one of the pioneers of the lumber trade at Easton. The planing mill conducted by him on Dock Street was started in the year 1857, with an extremely limited capital. In the year 1875 he built the mill now occupied on Ferry Street and at once re- moved his business thereto. He also owns a lum- ber-yard on Front Street, where he carries a finc and well selected stock, and has been sole proprie- tor of the concern since 1871.
Mr. Buchman was born in Lehigh County, July 6, 1826, and is a son of Andrew and Sarah (Hass)
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Buchman, the former of German descent. He was also a native of Lehigh County, and followed the life occupation of farming. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and took part in the siege of Balti- more, being a member of General Fogel's brigade. His father was also a patriot and was a commis- sioned officer in the War of the Revolution. He was born in Lehigh County, and carried on his trade as a tailor for many years. When he passed from life his remains were placed to rest in the cemetery at Weisenburg. Our subject's father was a devoted member of the Lutheran Church. To himself and wife were born eleven children, eight of whom are still living.
Evan Buchman was brought up on a farm in the county of his birth and early learned the carpen- ter's trade, which he followed for fourteen years. For about five years he conducted a cabinet busi- ness and then started in the planing-mill bus- iness in this city, as previously noted. This enter- prise he carried on until 1885, when he sold out to Messrs. Steinmetz and Zearfoss. He was one of the originators of, and has held various positions in, the shoe factory company of this place, and was one of the first members of the Easton Board of Trade.
In the educational affairs of this city Mr. Buch- man has always been very much interested, and was Supervisor of the new high school building. He is a stanch Republican and has served his party in many ways. Among his fellow-citizens he bears a high reputation as a man of honor and integrity, and they have often shown their confidence in him by choosing him to carry out their wishes and plans in regard to public improvements, in illus- tration of which it might be mentioned that he was one of the Commissioners during the construc- tion of the water works. In religious belief he is a Lutheran, and for a number of years has been President of the Church Council. At the present time he has in the main retired from business, hav- ing ample means with which to pass in comfort his remaining years.
In 1861 Mr. Buchman married Annie M., daugh- ter of Jolin Peterson, of this city. Three children, daughters, have graced their union, namely: Sarah E., wife of William M. Semple, whose home is in
Easton; Fannie B., who died at the age of thirteen years; and Annie F. The family have a pleasant home and are surrounded with evidences of cul- ture and refined taste. In all respects Mr. Buch- man is entitled to the highest credit for his ear- nest and useful life, and may properly be regarded as a self-made man.
F REDERICK L. NADLER, who is engaged in the undertaking business in South Beth- lehem, has the largest establishment of the kind in the city. He is a native of Germany, hav- ing been born in Berlin, September 26, 1854. His father, Lutric F. Nadler, was also a native of the Fatherland, where he is now living retired at the age of seventy-three years. He is a highly edu- cated man, and a graduate of a law school in the Old Country, and for many years was Secretary of the Supreme Court. He visited our subject dur- ing the World's Fair, but, returning to his old home, contemplates spending his declining years there. He is a devoted member of the Lutheran Church, and a man highly respected by all who know him. He fought as a soldier in the Revolu- tions of 1848, 1854, 1864, 1870 and 1871 as Major of the King's army, and was wounded in 1864 and 1866. He was in the employ of the Government in some capacity for over half a century.
The mother of our subject, Mrs. Henrietta (Sell- heim) Nadler, was also born in Germany, and de- parted this life there in 1885. She became the mother of twelve children, only four of whom lived to reach mature years. Frederick L., of this sketch, was the eldest of the family; George is District Judge in Berlin; Paul is engaged as a coachmaker in Philadelphia; and Otto is Clerk of the Court in Berlin.
Our subject received his education in the Korm Gymnasium, in his native city, and having a de- sire to come to America, in 1871 embarked on a vessel which landed him in New York City sev- eral days later. For six months he made a tour of the United States, and spent three years in
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Vera Cruz. He then returned to Philadelphia, and in 1879 located in Allentown, finding employ- ment with a Mr. Heinback, an undertaker.
In 1884 our subject came to Bethlehem, and buying out the undertaking establishment of Ed Schaeffer, has continued in business ever since. In 1892 he built liis present place of business at No. 129 West Fourth Street. He carries a large stock of undertaking goods, has two hearses, suitable teams and telephone connection. Mr. Nadler is a graduate of the College of Embalming at Brook- lyn, N. Y., and is thus thoroughly fitted to carry on his large business.
In 1878 our subject and Miss Tillie De Long werc united in marriage. The lady was born in Berks County, and is the daughter of Jacob De Long. Socially Mr. Nadler is an Odd Fellow of high standing, and is also a Royal Arch Mason and a Knight Templar at Bethlehem. Religiously he belongs to the First Reformed Church in this city, to the support of which he is a willing and liberal contributor. He is a strong Democrat in politics, and lends his voice and vote in its sup- port.
J OSEPH GOTH is numbered among the well- to-do business men of West Bethlehem, being engaged in taking contracts for painting, which he always executes in a satisfactory manner. His trade is continually increasing, and in the busy season he often employs from twenty to twenty-five men. The birth of our subject occurred December 9, 1855, near Rumburg, Bo- hemia, Austria. His grandfather Goth was a na- tive of Germany and a baker by trade. After learning the same he worked as a journeyman, and settled in Schoenlinde, Bohemia, where he re- mained for some years, finally becoming a resident of Wornsdorf, where he died. Our subject's father, Herman, was born at the same village as his son, and on arriving at suitable years commenced learn- ing the shocmaker's trade. At the age of sixteen, having become an expert in the business, he took up painting, and adopted the latter trade, which he
preferred. In 1867 he brought his family to America and settled in Bethlehem, where several of his brothers had already located. His brother Joseph, a baker, was the first one of the Goth family to settle in America, his bakery being located near the canal. Another brother, Anthony, was the first man to largely engage in contract painting in this city, and in his employ our subject's father con- tinued for several years. His death occurred in 1877, when in his fiftieth year. Though a Catholic in his native land, having been reared in that faith, he did not hold to it, but with his wife joined the Moravians. The wife of Herman Goth, who was born in Schoenbuchel, was Caroline, daughter of Joseph Schindler, who was a farmer in Germany. She is still living, a resident of West Bethlehem, and now in her sixty-fourth year. Of their family five children grew to mature years and are still living.
Joseph Goth was educated in his native land, and in 1867 came with his parents by way of Ham- burg to New York City, and thence to Bethlehem. He attended the public schools for a time and then, desiring to go to work, was apprenticed to learn the painter's trade with his father. With him he continued working in various parts of the valley, mainly below Mauch Chunk and in the coal regions, until his father's death, when he returned and worked for his uncles. In 1884 he began business for himself and has made it a success. His spcc- ialty is fine general painting and hardwood finish, and among the elegant residences in the city which show his handiwork are those of Harry Weiss, Robert Rathbun and R. P. Linderman.
In 1882 Joseph Goth was married in Bethlehem to Miss Alice O. Ernst, who was born in Lower Saucon and whose father, IIenry Ernst, was former- ly a prominent lumberman, but is now a resident of Jersey City. The following children graced the union of our subject and wife, Herbert, Edward, Rollin, Carrie, Franklin (deceased), Henry and .Josephi, Jr.
Since West Bethlehem has been incorporated as a borough, Mr. Goth has been active in its devel- opment and in all local enterprises. He is a mem- ber of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, of which he was one of the originators, being on the Build-
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ing Committee, and has served for three years as Deacon. In secret societies he is interested, belong- ing to the Royal Arcanum and to the Knights of the Golden Chain, which he is now serving as As- sistant Commander. Politically lie gives his vote and influence to the support of the Republican party. of which he is a stanchi adherent.
H OWARD E. STOUDT, who is the largest contractor and builder of West Bethle- hem, has been connected with the build- ing interests of this section for many years, and is well and favorably known. Besides tliis business, he is also the proprietor of the Excelsior Wood- working Mill, which is one of the important in- dustries of this section, and since engaging in the samne our subject has very materially added to his income.
Mr. Stoudt was born in Nazareth, January 18, 1866, and is the son of William H. Stoudt, also a native of that place, and of whom the reader will find a history on another page in this volume. Howard E. was the oldest of the parental family of four children, and, his father being in fairly good circumstances, he was given a fine education, attending first the common schools of his native place, and later the Freemansburg High School.
In 1885, when ready to choose an occupation in life, our subject apprenticed himself to learn the carpenter's trade in Bethlehem, and four years later established in business for himself. In Jan- uary, 1894, hie erected his present milling plant, which is located on Twelfth Avenue and Broad Street, occupying the entire block. The structure is of brick and 36x80 feet in dimensions. It is supplied with an engine of one-hundred-horse- power and sixty-horse-power boiler. He has sunk an artesian well on the premises, one hundred and fifty feet in depth, in which is seventy-four feet of water.
In his woodworking mill Mr. Stoudt manufac- tures sash, doors, blinds, and supplies builders
with all kinds of wood carving and trimmings. Prior to,engaging in this enterprise, our subject erected many of the finest buildings in the city, among which were Wiley's Building and Conley's and E. O. Riely's business blocks, besides numer- ous residences. Mr. Stoudt is stockholder and Di- rector in the West Betlilehem Building and Loan Association.
The lady to whom our subject was married in this city in 1886 was Miss Cuely A., daughter of Enoch Snyder, a resident of this placc. Socially Mr. Stoudt is a Mason of high standing, and be- longs to the Knights of the Golden Chiain and to the Order of Sons of Veterans. ' His father served during the late war as a member of Company B, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Infantry, and during his period of enlistment acquitted himself bravely. The subject of this sketch is a member of Christ's Reformed Church, and being possesscd of many good personal qualities, enjoys the friendship of the best people of the city.
R ICHARD H. BECK, M. D., the well known physician and surgeon of Newburg, Nortli- ampton County, is a man of large intelli- gence and high standing in the profession. It is luis constant endeavor to keep thoroughly posted in all the discoveries and improvements in the art of surgery and general practice, and to this end he studies tlic best medical journals of the day and is in touch with the latest thought and senti- ment in this direction. He belongs to various medical societics, and is highly thought of by his numerous patients.
Dr. Beck is a native son of this county, having been born December 20, 1850, to Jacob and Su- sanna (Reinheimer) Beck, who, like their son, were natives of this county. The Beck family early settled in this vicinity, and did much in promoting the development and prosperity which it now enjoys. For a number of years Jacob Beck, the father, engaged in mercantile pursuits at Nazareth, Pa. However, the greater portion of
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his life was spent in farming in Lower Nazareth Township.
The subject of this sketch received a general ed- ucation and was rearcd to man's estate in the county of his birth. On leaving the common schools he entered the Moravian Parochial School at Nazareth, where lie pursued his studies for a time, after which he was enrolled as a student at the select and classical school at Bethlehem taught by Rev. John H. Sykes. Subsequently he took a pre- paratory college course at the famed Pennsylvania College at Gettysburg, where he continued for over one year. Thence he went to Allentown, and entered Muhlenberg College, being a mem- ber of the first Freshman class of that institution. After concluding a four-years course at this col- lege he was graduated therefrom in 1871. Decid- ing to enter professional life, Dr. Beck next de- voted his untiring energies to the incdical field, and after taking a full course at the medical school of the University of Pennsylvania was graduated in 1874.
In his first practice of medicine the Doctor was fortunate in becoming a partner of Dr. J. G. Scholl, at Hecktown, Pa., with whom he received a thorough training in the practical duties of the profession. Thus thoroughly equipped, both theo- retically and practically, he concluded to embark in business for himself, and in furtherance of that design came to Newburg, arriving here in 1875. Since that time this city has been his field of work, and he has in the time that has elapsed built up a fine practice. The Doctor is a member of the Northampton County Medical Society, also of the Lehigh Valley Medical Society, and of the Penn- sylvania State Medical Society. Moreover, he belongs to the American Academy of Medicine, and is an attending physician at the Northampton County Almshouse Hospital, having officiated as such since 1881. It is needless to say further that the Doctor is one of the foremost in his profession, nor that he is numbered among the most success- ful practitioners of the county, but such is the fact.
A marriage ceremony was celebrated in 1876 by which Miss Annie Herman, daughter of Rev. A. J. Herman, of Maxatawny, Berks County, this state,
became the wife of Dr. Beck. Mrs. Beck is a grad- uate of the Allentown Female College, and by her marriage has become the mother of four children, Charles G., Florence C., Edwin H. and Sem G.
Dr. Beck is a member of the Lutheran Church, and in politics he votes with the Democratic party. He is a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle.
F RANCIS CALVIN, who is connected with the firm of W. S. Robbins & Bro., at Raubs- ville, is a native of Northampton County, born on the 11th of December, 1847. He is the son of Anderson and Sarah M. (Unangst) Calvin, the former born in New Jersey, and died in Penn- sylvania, in 1889, and the latter a native of this state, spending her entire life within its bounds. Francis was reared to manhood in Raubsville, and in the common schools of the place gained the rudiments of his education, which has since been supplemented by practical contact with the world. For a number of years he was in the employ of his father, who was a stone contractor, wood merchant and canal-boat owner.
After the death of the senior Mr. Calvin, the bus- iness was conducted under the name of the Calvin Estate & John S. Kugler, the title prior to that time having been Calvin & Kugler. In this man- ner the enterprise was continued until 1892, when the partnership was dissolved. In the fall of the same year our subject entered the employ of W. S. Robbins & Bro., of Raubsville, to assume charge of the stone quarry and lime manufacturing dc- partment at Carpenterville, N. J., which position he has since filled with efficiency. As a business man he is keen, sagacious and persevering, and richly merits the recognition he has obtained among the substantial citizens of the place.
As a helpmate on life's journey, Mr. Calvin chose Miss Sue Edinger, who prior to her marriage lived in Carpenterville, N. J., of which place her father, Abram Edinger, was also a resident. The po- litical affiliations of Mr. Calvin are with the Demo- cratic party, and his ballot may always be relied
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upon to be in favor of its candidates and measures. In religious belief he is a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Raubsville, to the support of which, as well as to all benevolent projects, he is a liberal contributor. He has been selected by his fellow-citizens to represent them in a number of positions of trust, among which may be mentioned that of Tax Collector of Williams Township, which he filled with efficiency.
Socially Mr. Calvin is connected with a number of local fraternities, including the Masonic lodge at Riegelsville, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at the same place, and the Knights of Hu- manity at Raubsville. In these various organiza- tions he is a leading and popular member, as he is also in the social circles of his town. In addition to his position with the firm of W. S. Robbins & Bro., he is also a member of the well known firm of Calvin & Bros., dealers in lumber at Raubsville. In whatever enterprise he has engaged, lie has brought to its management considerable native ability, which, in conjunction with his thorough training in business, has brought him distinct suc- cess in his undertakings.
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