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 73

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 73
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 73
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 73

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J ACOB D. METZGER, the well known Super- visor of Highways of Bethlehem Township, Northampton County, is well and favorably known in this locality, where he has been a resident and prominent citizen for several years. His birth occurred in Easton, this county, Septem- tember 17, 1846, his parents being Joseph and Sal- lie (Bauer) Metzger, also natives of this county. They are still residents of Bethlehem, and are both over seventy-five years of age. The paternal grandfather of our subject, Christian Metzger, was a native of Germany, and was the father of seven children. He removed to this country at an carly day, settling in Northampton County, where he brought up his children to lives of usefulness.

Joseph Metzger, father of Jacob D., passed his boyhood days in an uneventful manner, and early learned the carpenter's trade. To this branch of

business he has devoted most of his life, for many years following the trade in Palmer Township. He has made a success of his business enterprises, hav- ing brought to bear upon his work the inherited qualities of strict attention to business and faith- fulness in the performance of all details pertaining thereto. It is many years since he cast in his lot with the residents of Bethlehem, with the welfare of which he has ever been prominently identified.

Jacob D. is one of four children, the others be- ing John Q., Joseph F., and Emma E., the wife of William Campbell. These children were reared to manhood and womanhood in this county, receiv- ing as good educations as the public schools of Palmer Township afforded in that day. Our sub- ject ever made the best of his opportunities, and having been an extensive reader has become well posted on general topics of information. Wlien eighteen years of age he embarked in business for himself, and for about nineteen years he carried on a successful milk route in Bethlehem. Of late years he has been engaged in general farming, and in this line he has also met with good success.

In Bethlehem, October 12, 1867, when just past his twenty-first year, Mr. Metzger celebrated his marriage with Miss Mary C. Engler, and to this union has been born a family of three children, . two of whom are still living, George F. and Her- bert J.

The community, recognizing his capability and general fidelity, have several times called upon Mr. Metzger to fill important positions in the gift of the people. In 1889 he was elected Supervisor of Highways of Bethlehem Township, to which posi- tion he has been re-elected every year since. At the present time he is serving as Treasurer of Bethle- hem Grange, P. of H., and he also occupies a similar official capacity with the Altoona Cemetery Associa- tion. He is one of the Directors of the Bethlehem Fair and Driving Park Association, and is a stock- holder of the Northampton Hedge Company; he is also a stockholder and director of the Northampton French Coach Horse Breeders' Association. In a social way he is connected with the Improved Order of Red Men in Bethlehem, of which he is a member in good standing. He has for many years served as a Deacon in St. Thomas' Union Lutheran

...

F. A. RUHE.

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Reformed Church at Altoona. In his political be- lief he is a Democrat, as that party best expresses his views and convictions of what is best for the people at large. In all movements looking toward the elevation of society and the progress of man- kind he endeavors to do his part, and is a worthy citizen in the best sense of the word. Upright and honorable in all his dealings with his fellow- men, he has won their entire respect and confi- dence, and has proved eminently worthy of the honors that they have bestowed upon him.

A. RUHE, a highly respected and thorough business man, is the senior member of the firm of F. A. Ruhe & Co., furniture manu- facturers of Allentown. He was born in Lchigh County, March 3, 1858, and in his youth received a common-school education, spending his time much the same as other boys until he was sixteen years old. On the 18th of November, 1874, he commenced to learn the carriage-builder's trade, and for three years was apprenticed to R. Snyder & Sons. At the expiration of that time he began to work at his trade, being thus engaged for a short time in Allentown.

From this city Mr. Ruhe removed to the West and settled in Seneca, Nemaha County, Kan., where he embarked in the occupation of agricult- ure. This kind of life, however, did not suit him, so he returned to Pennsylvania and resumed work at his trade in Allentown. At different times he was in the employ of Bertolet & Bcar, B. F. Schlegel, F. W. Wcil & Co. and Grossman & Kluenter. De- cember 5, 1887, in partnership with his brother, H. M., he began his present business, and is now successfully running a large factory, in which are manufactured furniture, patent window screens and all kinds of planing-mill work.

The marriage of Mr. Ruhe took place May 25, 1882. His wife, Minnie A., is a daughter of Wal- ter and Sophia Scholl, natives of Lehigh County. They are the parents of two daughters, namely: Florence Sophia, who was born June 25, 1884; and Irene Adeline, whose birth occurred August 3,

1888. The family residence is located on Ridge Avenue, Allentown, and is a comfortable and cos- ily furnished abode, where an elegant hospitality is dispensed to a large number of personal friends. The family occupies a high social position and en- joys the esteem of a large circle of sincere friends.

In their religious connections Mr. and Mrs. Ruhe are members of St. John's Reformed Church, to the support of which they are gencrous contribu- tors. Politically our subject is a Democrat and takes an active interest in party affairs. He is well posted in all matters tending to the promotion of the welfare of the community, and does his full duty as a liberal-spirited citizen. Of his business methods it may be said that the manner in which he conducts the large enterprise of which he is the head is such as to bring pecuniary profits to the firm and a substantial footing in business circles.

H M. RUHE, the enterprising junior partner of the firm of F. A. Ruhe & Co .. was born June 1, 1848, in Lehigh County, Pa. He is the son of Augustus L. and Adeline K. Ruhe, natives of the same county, who spent their entire lives in this locality, the mother dying here in 1864, and the father May 5, 1892, at the age of eighty-two.

In the common schools of Allentown, our sub- ject laid the foundation of his cducation. After- ward he attended for one term the Allentown Seminary, in which he completed his business course. At the age of sixteen years he commenced to learn the carpenter's trade, at which he worked for six months. He then went to City Point, Va., where he secured a position in the wheelwright depart- ment of the Army of the Potomac under Capt. E. J. Strang. After the close of the Civil War he left that place, and sojourned later for a short time in the cities of Washington, Baltimore, Harrisburg, Reading and Philadelphia.

Returning to Allentown, Mr. Ruhe resumed work at the carpenter's trade, in which he contin- ued for a number of years. Afterward he became Superintendent of the Jordan Steam Planing Mills, which position he held for some time. He then

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bonght an interest in the mill, the firm title being changed to Ritter, Abbott & Rulie. Next he en- gaged in carpentering, but in 1880 abandoned that occupation, and for the two and one-half years following was engaged with F. W. Weil & Co. Later lie was with the firm of Grossman & Kiuen - ter, and afterward was in the employ of Johnson & Swartz.

Upon starting out in business for himself, Mr. Ruhe formed a partnership with his brother, F. A., and commenced to manufacture furniture under the firm title of F. A. Ruhe & Co. In addition to this business, they also manufactured patent win- dow screens, of which H. M. is the patentee. He has also made a number of improvements on the machinery in use in their factory. The products of the factory are sold in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Boston and other large cities.

A very important event in the life of Mr. Ruhe was his marriage, September 7, 1871, to Miss Susan, daughter of Maybarry Aslıton, a prominent farmer of Berks County, Pa. Four children have been born of their union, namely: Minerva, a book- keeper for the firm of F. A. Ruhe & Co .; Clarenee A., Gertrude and Helen. In religious belief Mr. Rulle and his wife are members of the Reformed Church, and are ever ready to lend a helping hand in all good work, especially in the cause of Christianity. Politically he is a Demoerat, but has never been an office-seeker, although he takes a deep interest in party matters. Ile is ever ready to aid in enterprises pertaining to the publie welfare, and is numbered among the popular and substan- tial citizens of Lehigh County. His beautiful home is situated at No. 340 Ridge Avenue, Allen- town.

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S ERENUS FRUTCHEY. There are few of the residents of Northampton County who have not heard of the New York Store, which has as its customers not only people of Ban- gor, but also those of the surrounding country. The building is 26x110 feet in dimensions, and is stocked with a complete and varied assortment of general merchandise, dry goods, groceries, earpets, crockery, lace curtains, window shades, cloaks and

wraps, and general house furnishings. It is the largest store in Bangor, the stoek being valued at $25,000 or $30,000, and the trade extends through the northern part of the county.

In Upper Mt. Bethel Township, Northampton County, the subject of this sketch was born April 27, 1862, being a son of Frederick and Sarah (Rutt) Frutchey. The first representatives of the family in America came hither from Germany and settled in eastern Pennsylvania, along the shores of the Upper Delaware. Grandfather Christian Frutchey was a farmer by oceupation and spent much of his life at Centreville, in Upper Mt. Bethel Township, where his body now lies buried. Fred- erick Frutchey was born in the township last named January 1, 1839, and for some years engaged in farming, but at present assists his son in the store. Politically he is a Demoerat, and is now a member of the Borough Council of Bangor. Socially he affiliates with the Knights of Honor. In the Re- formed Church he has held the offices of Elder and Deacon, and is one of its most active mem- bers. He has three children, Emma, Foster and Seren us.

Educated in the schools of Upper Mt. Bethel Township, the subject of this sketch on leaving school began to clerk in the store of the old Ban- gor Supply Company, where he was employed for two years. For the four ensuing years he was in the employ of L. & E. Speer, and at the expiration of that time, having economically saved his earn- ings, he was enabled to purchase the interest of Mr. Speer in the New York Store. After one year in partnership with Emery Speer he purchased the latter's interest and has since conducted the busi- ness alone, displaying the greatest efficiency in the management of the establishment.

Though not actively interested in politics, Mr. Frutchey never fails to cast his ballot for the can- didates of the Democratic party. In religious be- lief he is identified with the Reformed Church. Socially he holds membership in the Improved Order of Red Men, and also affiliates with the Knights of Honor, the Knights of Pythias and the Knights of Malta. His attention, however, is given almost wholly to the demands of his business, and the success which has come to him is richly mer-

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ited. In his store he gives stcady employment to seven clerks, whose courtesy and geniality of man- ner increase the popularity of the establishment.

On the 22d of June, 1888, Mr. Frutchey was united in marriage with Miss Annie Yetter, of Belvidere, N. J. This lady possessed many amia- ble qualities of heart and head, and her death, May 2, 1889, was mourned by a large circle of friends, by whom she was held in the highest regard. Her remains were buried in tlc Reformed Church Cem- etery at Bangor.

ON. HENRY GREEN is one of the very prominent and most highly respected citi- zens of Easton. In the fall of 1879 he was appointed Justice of the Supreme Court by Governor Hoyt, to fill a vacancy caused by the death of the Hon. Warren J. Woodward. At the general election in November, 1880, Mr. Green was elected as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court for a term of twenty-one years. His public service has been noted for the ability he has dis- played and the faithfulness with which he has dis- charged the duties devolving upon him, in what- ever capacity.

A native of Warren County, N. J., our subject was born about two miles only from Easton, August 29, 1828. His education was largely ob- tained in the noted school of which Rev. John Vanderveer of this city was in charge. After ob- taining a preliminary college education in that in- stitution, Mr. Green was enrolled as a student at LaFayette in July, 1842, and was graduated there- from in September, 1846. On beginning his law studies, he had for his tutor Hon. Washington McCartney, of Easton, who was subsequently Judge of the Northampton County Courts. On being ad- mitted to the Bar in the fall of 1849, Mr. Green opened an office and began practice in this city.

In 1851 our subject entered the office of ex-Gov. Andrew H. Reeder, who was one of the Territorial Governors of Kansas, to which position he was ap- pointed in 1854. Mr. Green continued practice

in the same office, and in July, 1857, entered into partnership with Governor Reeder, upon the lat- ter's return from the West, and their relationship continued until the Governor's deatlı, which oc- curred in July, 1864. After that event Mr. Green continued to practice independently in Northamp- ton and adjacent counties for some fifteen vears, when he was appointed Justice of the Supreme Court, as previously mentioned. In this capacity he served faithfully until, on the regular election in 1880, he became Associate Justice, a post for which he is well fitted. In 1873 he was chosen a member of the State Constitutional Convention, to fill a vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Hon. Samuel M. Dimick, Delegate-at-Large, upon his appointment as Attorney-General of Penn- sylvania.

In his private practice, Mr. Green has succeeded in building up a fine reputation as a civil lawyer, and his income as such has been very large. In many important cases he has been called upon to act as a champion, and has written some very im- portant opinions since becoming Justice of the Su- preme Court. Among notable cases which have come under his supervision are the following: the will case of Yardley and Cuthbertson (108th Pa., 395), originally in Philadelphia; the Common- wealth of Pennsylvania versus the Gloucester Steam Ferry Company (98th Pa., 105), a dissent- ing opinion on a question of taxation of capital stock, the case being appealed to the Supreme Court of the United States, and Judge Green's views by them sustained; Lane's Appeal (105th Pa., 49), involving the question of the liability of stockholders' incorporations for the debts of the same to the extent of their paid-in capital stock; the case of Hoover versus the Pennsylvania Rail- road Company (156th Pa., 220), concerning the liability of the latter for alleged discrimination in freight acts; Miskey's Appeal (107 Pa., 611), a question of setting aside an executed voluntary deed, and many others of equal importance.

Judge Green is married and has four children, all grown up and married, having children of their own. In politics our subject is a Republican, and though he is interested in the success of his party. is certainly not what would be termed a politician,

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For many years he has been considered one of the ablest jurists in Pennsylvania, and his decisions are clear cut, just and highly intelligent exponents of himself.

J OHN BACON, one of the native sons of the Keystone State, has passed his entire life within its borders, and is now one of the business men of Easton. Since 1890 he has been Treasurer of the Easton Trust Company, and for a period covering a quarter of a century faith- fully and efficiently served as Cashier of the Glen- don Iron Company, and also as Treasurer of the Glendon Lehigh Bridge Company for the same period.

The birth of John Bacon occurred in Philadel- phia, September 30, 1842, his parents being Charles Warder and Mary (Thomas) Bacon. The ances- tors on his father's side were natives of England, while on the maternal side he is of Dutch and Welsh descent. His grandfather, John Bacon, was also, like him, a native of Philadelphia, and possessed unusual business and executive ability. He was a faithful and conscientious member of the Society of Friends, and was frequently honored by his fel- low-citizens with positions of trust and importance. At one time he served for a period of eight years as City Treasurer, and was also Treasurer of the Deaf and Dumb Asylum from its infancy, and in addition to those mentioned was connected in an official capacity with the Eastern State Penitenti- ary from its incipiency until his death. Charles W. Bacon, the father of our subject, in early life was in the mercantile business, and later for about thirty years he was Treasurer of the Schuylkill Navigation Company, which position he held to the time of his death. In the community in which he made his home he was always esteemed one of the substantial and reliable business men. He was born in Philadelphia, and, like his father before him, in religious faith was reared in the Society of Friends. Politically he was a Republican. Of his nine chil- dren only three are living. Agnes is the wife of

Capt. H. G. H. Tarr, of New York; and Anna is Mrs. Robert K. Neff, of Philadelphia.

John Bacon was reared to manhood in Philadel- phia, and in its excellent schools received a good education, graduating at the Philadelphia High School in 1858. Upon the completion of his stud- ies lic became interested in the mercantile business in Philadelphia, and remained in that business for about three years. Subsequently he was connected with the Northi Pennsylvania Railroad. In 1865 he came to Easton to accept the position of Cashier of the Glendon Iron Company, with which concern he remained for twenty-five years. In 1890, when the Easton Trust Company was organized, he was made Treasurer, and has proved himself thoroughly capable in the discharge of the duties of the place. Both from his father and grandfather he inherited marked financial ability and a fidelity to the du- ties and trust reposed in him. In 1865 Mr. Bacon married Harriet, daughter of John and Eliza Vo- gel, of Philadelphia. His wife died the following year. In 1869 he married Miss Emilie, daughter of John J. and Matilda Burke, respected citizens of Easton. To Mr. and Mrs. Bacon have been born five children, all but one of whom are still living. In the order of their birth they are as follows: Ma- tilda Runkle, Agnes Thomas, John, Jr., Howard Burke, and Charles Warder, who died in early child- hood.

HARLES M. HAPGOOD, President of the C. M. Hapgood Shoc Company, of Easton, was born in Peru, Bennington County, Vt., March 3, 1845, and is the son of Joseph J. and Hepsibeth (Barnard) Hapgood. His paternal an- cestors were of English origin, though the family was represented in Massachusetts early in the history of that commonwealth. His grandfather, Joseph Hapgood, a native of the Bay State, was there engaged in agricultural pursuits. Joseph J., who was also born in that state, was taken to Ver- mont when about three years of age. For about sixty years he was engaged in mercantile busi- ness, in which he met with excellent success. Po-

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litically he was a Republican, and on that ticket was elected to various town offices. In the work of the Congregational Church he took an active part, and was instrumental in securing the erection of an edifice in his locality. Unto his union there were born six children, of whom Charles and Mar- shall died before reaching maturity. The others are: Charlotte H .; Luke B., a resident of Easton; Marshall J., who lives on the old homestead; and Charles M., the subject of this sketch. Grandfa- ther Barnard was one of the earliest settlers of the village of Peru, where he kept a hotel and also su- perintended a farm.

Prior to the age of sixteen nothing of special note occurred to vary the usual routine of school work with our subject. At that age his patriotic spirit was stirred by the firing on Ft. Sumter and the secession of the Southern States, and he deter- mined to aid in protecting the Old Flag and saving the Union. In October, 1861, he cnlisted in Com- pany A, Second Vermont Infantry, which was as- signed to the Army of the Potomac for three years. He participated in nineteen engagements of the Peninsular campaign, including the battles of Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, the Wilderness and Spottsylvania Court House. In the last-named engagement, May 12, 1864, he was wounded to such an extent that lie was obliged to spend some months in a hospital. He did not again enter the active service, but was discharged from the hospital and from the army in October, 1864.

On his return to civil life Mr. Hapgood went to Boston, and for three years was employed as a clerk in a shoe store, after which he was in busi- ness for himself for eight years. At the time of the Boston fire he suffered a heavy loss in the de- struction of building and stock, but with that ex- ception he was prospered in his enterprise. In 1875 he came to Easton, where he commenced in the wholesale and retail shoe business, for two years conducting the trade under the firm name of J. Curtis & Co., and afterward for twelve years as Hapgood, Hay & Co. The firm name was then for four years C. M. Hapgood & Co., but in January, 1894, a stock company was formed, under the title of the C. M. Hapgood Shoe Company, with our

subject as the principal stockholder, the President and general manager. The sales run from $500,- 000 to $600,000 per annum, and goods are sold in ahnost every state in the Union.

Besides this business Mr. Hapgood is the princi- pal stockholder in the Easton Boot and Shoe Com- pany, which was organized in 1889, and of which he was President for three years and is now Director. Politically he is a Republican, and has been a member of the City Council. He is a member of the Second Presbyterian Church, and socially is connected with Lafayette Post No. 217, G. A. R. July 28, 1875, he married Margaret E. Rockwell, an estimable lady, who was born in Nova Scotia, but has spent her life principally in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.

J OHN M. MORRIS. The visitor to Northamp- ton County, traveling through Lower Mt. Bethel Township, always notes with adınira- tion the attractive and finely improved Mor- ris homestead. For many years the residence of our subject's father, Robert G., it has passed by in- heritance to him, and under his capable supervis- ion the buildings are kept in excellent repair, and modern improvements in farm machinery and methods of fertilization have been introduced.

Before mentioning in detail the events of inter- est in the life of our subject, some notice of his honored father will be appropriate in this connec- tion. The Morris family is of Scotch-Irish origin, and it is supposed that the great-grandfather of our subject was a native of Scotland. Grandfather Morris was the founder of the family in Northamp- ton County, settling in Martin's Creek, Lower Mt. Bethel Township, where his death occurred at the age of more than fourscore years.

In this county Robert G. Morris was born and reared, and here, having learned the trade of a blacksmith, he was engaged at his chosen occupa- tion for a number of years. Subsequently he bc- gan farming, and this he continued until 1873, when having, accumulated a competency, he retired from active cares, and spent his remaining years in

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the enjoyment of the fruits of former years. His first wife was Sallie A. McFall. After her death he was united with Elizabeth, daughter of John Miller, of Lower Mt. Bethel Township. Of this union there now survives a son, John M., our sub- jeet.

Essentially a self-made man, the possessions of Robert G. Morris were the result of his industry and wise judgment. Starting in life with only fifty cents, he became the possessor of a large estate. In his carlier years he labored incessantly, with the hope of future results to strengthen him on his way. During that period of toil and sacrifices, lie built up for himself an honest name and an cnvi- able reputation. He was ever the ready friend and supporter of all measures calculated for the welfare of his community, and in all respeets fulfilled thie obligations of a good citizen. In politics he ad- hered to Republican principles. At one time he was a member of a battalion of militia.

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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 73

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