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 76
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 76
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 76
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D AVID D. PROSSER, a very prominent citi- zen of Lower Saucon Township, North- ampton County, was Postmaster of Heller- town during President Harrison's administration, and served for four years aeeeptably to his constit- uents and fellow-eitizens. In loeal politics he has been very active. In the fall of 1893 he was a can- didate for County Treasurer, receiving the nomina- tion unanimously, and he reduced the Democratie majority to fourteen hundred and seventy votes. He has been repeatedly urged to become a can- didate for loeal positions, and is Vice-President of the Republican Club of Hellertown, a chartered
chapter of the State Republican League. A par- ticular study of the political and civie issues of the state has been made by him, and he is fully abrcast of the times on leading questions.
Mr. Prosser was born in Philadelphia, March 21, 1836, and is a son of John D. and Sarah (Wurtz) Prosser. On the father's side he is of Welsh descent, as tlic latter emigrated from Wales ' about 1831. He soon obtained work as a drafts- man on the plans for Girard College, of Philadel- phia. While in that city he met and married Miss Wurtz, and was influenced by her to remain in the United States, though his original intention had been to return to the land of his nativity. Politi- eally he was a Demoerat, and a leading man in the community. In religious faith he was a Presby- terian, and a member of the church of that de- nomination at Manayunk. Our subject is one of six children, the others being Jolin and Susan, who died in infancy; Anamanda; William; Sarah; and John, the second of the same.
David Prosser received his education in the ex- cellent schools of Philadelphia, and after complet- ing his studies started to learn the carpenter's trade. This pursuit not being to his liking, he subsequently went into a mercantile store, where he remained for some four or five years. On the expiration of that time he removed to Quaker- town, Bucks County, and in the vieinity of that place engaged in farming up to the breaking out of the war. In June, 1861, he enlisted as a pri- vate in Company D, One Hundred and Fourth Pennsylvania Infantry, commanded by Col. W. H. H. Davis. He left Camp Lacy, Doylestown, for Washington soon afterward, and in the spring of 1862 went to the front on thic Peninsular eam- paign, taking part in the many battles and en- gagements of the same, from Ft. Monroe to Rich- mond. When his three-years term of enlistment had expired, he received an honorable discharge and returned to Bucks County. He then resumed his agricultural pursuits, and was later employed as a clerk in the Troy Lung and Hygienic Insti- tute, conducted by Dr. Stone. We next find him serving as private secretary for Addison Stewart, with whom he remained for nearly three years. At this time he returned to Bueks County, where
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his marriage was celebrated, and until 1878 he carried on a farm in that county. In 1878 he be- came a resident of this county, embarking in the tobacco business, in which he was successful for the succeeding ten years. Then followed his appoint- ment as Postmaster under Harrison's administra- tion, and since that time political affairs have largely engrossed his attention.
In 1872 Mr. Prosser married Annie Elizabeth, daughter of Henry Moll, a resident of Geyreys- ville, Montgomery County. The worthy couple have had a family of eight children, six sons and two daughters, and the family cirele is still un- broken. Their names are as follows: Sallie Lester, Thomas Moyer, David Davis, Elmer Osear, Flor- enee Doland, William Frederick Detwiler, Joseph Henry and Harrison Wannamaker.
Ever sinee the organization of Hellertown Post No. 271, G. A. R., Mr. Prosser has served as Adju- tant of the same, and is a very active and inter- ested Grand Army man. He holds membership with the Lutheran Church, and has been identified with the educational interests of the locality to a creditable degree. In every manner he endeavors to properly discharge the duties of citizenship, and his worthy qualities have gained the esteem of all who know him.
J OSEPH B. LICHTENWALNER. The record of the life of this gentleman affords a strik- ing illustration of the results of decision of purpose, as well as the influence which an honorable character exerts upon others. Well dowered with stability and firmness, these attri- butes, together with persistent labor, have been in- strumental in bringing about his present prosper- ous condition. He is a well known agriculturist of South Whitehall Township, where he owns and occupies a farm of two hundred and twenty acres.
Like many of the prominent citizens of this county, our subject is native-born, his birth hav- ing occurred March 2, 1839. His parents, Solomon and Maria A. (Stetler) Lichtenwalner, were like-
wise born in Lehigh County, as was also his pater- nal grandfather, George Lichtenwalner. His fa- ther, however, came from Germany, and after making his home in Pennsylvania rented land in Upper Macungie Township, this county, near Fogelsville.
The father of our subject departed this life in 1869, while his good wife survived him many years, passing away in 1886. Their children who still survive are: Jonas, William H., Joseph B., Amanda (the wife of Solomon Kuhns), Solomon, Hiram A. and Lafenas H. Solomon Lichten walner was a Republican in politics, and the best interests of the community ever found in him a friend, as he was in sympathy with every movement that tended to promote the general welfare. He was a devoted member of the Lutheran Church, in which he held the office of Deacon and Elder at different times.
Joseph B., of this sketch, was reared to manhood in his native county, no event of special impor- tanee occurring during his boyhood days. Having acquired a good edueation, both in the German and English tongues, he began life as a farmer, which voeation he has followed with good sueeess. He was married November 5, 1867, to Miss Ellen A. Moyer, who was born in Weisenburg Township, this county, December 13, 1845. She was the daughter of Jonas and Julia (Baer) Moyer, natives of Le- high County, while her great-grandfather eame from Germany, and was classed among the very early settlers of Lehigh County. Her grandfather, Daniel Moyer, was born in this state, and spent his entire life in Upper Macungie Township, this coun- ty. To Mr. and Mrs. Moyer were born four ehil- dren, viz .: Alfred, Frank, Richard and Ellen A.
To our subjeet and his estimable wife has come a family of three children, of whom Lillie A. mar- ried Jacob S. Haines, and they have three chil- dren, viz .: Ira J., Willie J. and Eldah M. Harvey F., who is the next iu order of birth, married Lillie Saeger, by whom he has one child; and Ida J., is now deceased. Mr. Liehten walner eom- menced life for himself on seventy-eight acres of land, which he managed in such a profitable man- ner that he was from time to time enabled to en- large his cstate, until now it includes two hundred
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and twenty acres, and is under admirable till- age. He devotes considerable attention to the raising of stock, and has upon his place a fine herd of Jersey and Swiss cattle.
Mr. and Mrs. Lichtenwalner are members in good standing of the Reformed Lutheran Church at Cedarsville, in which body our subject has at different times been Deacon and Elder. During the erection of the new church in 1886, he served efficiently as a member of the building committec. In politics he is a stanch Republican, and the best interests of the community ever find in him a friend, who is ready in the advancement of all en- terprises calculated to prove of public good.
S AMUEL A. FOX. Near the corporate lim- its of the city of Easton, and in Palmer Township, is situated the pleasant home of the above-named gentleman, who is one of the prominent citizens of Northampton County, and is at present rendering efficient service as a mem- ber of the Board of School Directors of his town- ship. Mr. Fox is a native of Betlilchem Town- ship, Northampton County, and was born on the 23d of February, 1848, to the union of Isaac and Elizabeth (Dewalt) Fox, also natives of this coun- ty, where the former still lives, making his home in Bethlehem Township. Though now past thicc- score and ten years of age, he is robust and hearty, and still engages to some extent in agricultural pursuits. He has long been identified with the history of Bethlehem Township, of which he is one of the best known citizens.
The subject of this biography was reared to manhood in Northampton County, and early, un- der the instruction of his father, gained a practical knowledge of farm work. It was natural that, when choosing a life occupation, he should select the ouc which was most familiar to him, and he has made agriculture his vocation. His education was limited to such knowledge as he could obtain in the neighborhood schools, but through reading and observation he has become well informed, and,
intelligently posted upon topics of current inter- est, is an entertaining and pleasing conversation- alist.
From Bethlehem Township, in the spring of 1880, Mr. Fox removed to Palmer, of which he has since been a continuous resident. He settled upon his present farm in the spring of 1893, and here has established an attractive rural home, pre- sided over by his accomplished and amiable wife. This lady, whom he married in December, 1876, was in maidenhood Miss Lucy C. Yeager, and is a daughter of the late Jacob Yeager, of Palmer Township. There have been born unto this union three children, who are now living, namely: Annie E., Arthur S. and Clara M.
Having given intelligent consideration to the great questions of the age, Mr. Fox gives his sup- port to the Republican party, which he believes best calculated to promote the prosperity of our country. He has occupied a number of local offices, and at the present time is serving his second term as School Director of Palmer Township. His re- ligious connections are with the Lutheran Church, the faith of his forefathers. Socially he is identi- fied with the Knights of the Golden Eagle, belong- ing to the lodge at Nazareth. He has been suc- cessful in his business enterprises, having through industry and shrewd judgment accumulated a com- fortable competence.
G
F RANCIS EVRARD, proprietor of the Frank- lin House in South Bethlehem, deserves worthy mention as being one of the most useful members of the community. He was born in Belgium, March 4, 1827, and is the son of John Evrard, also a native of that place, where he fol- lowed the trade of a plasterer, and resided until his deceasc. His wife, Mrs. Marion (Feres) Ev- rard, lived and died in Belgium.
Of the parental family of seven children, four are living, of whom our subject is the eldest. Serva is also living in this city; Theresa makes her home in the Old Country; and John is carrying on
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business in Bethlehem. The original of this sketch was reared to mature years in his native land, and for seven years was engaged in the zine works at Angleur, where for a time he was foreman of the shops. Then being petitioned by the zinc works of South Bethlehem to aid them in their work here, in 1860 he embarked on a vessel leaving Bremen, which landed him, eighteen days later, in New York, whence he came directly to this city. He was placed in charge of the shops, and remained with the company six years, when he purchased prop- erty on the corner of Second and Locust Streets, and established in the liquor business. In this he continued until 1888, when lie rented his business for a time, and entirely disposed of it in 1893.
In the year 1886 Mr. Evrard built the Franklin Hotel, which he operated for two years, and then, finding his other interests consumed so much of his time, he rented the house. Our subjeet is the owner of much valuable property in the city, hav- ing in his possession two double residences on Wy- andot Street, a double dwelling on Wood Street, and improved property on School Alley and See- ond Street.
The marriage of our subjeet took place in this city in 1863, at which time Miss Johanna Thomee became his wife. Mrs. Evrard was born in Ger- many, and became the mother of five children: Gerard, engaged in the bottling business in this city; Marion, the wife of Harry King; Lewis, who married Louisa Keiffer; and Elizabeth, at home. Wilhelm died at the age of fifteen years.
In religious affairs Mr. Evrard is a devoted mem- ber of the Catholic Church, in the faith of whieli he has trained his children. In political affairs he is a believer in Democratic principles.
A LFRED BEIDLEMAN. It is a pleasure to the biographer to head this sketch with the name of a man who is in every sense worthy of the distinction afforded by honorable mention among thie distinguished citizens of South Betlilchen, where he is engaged as one of the
largest contractors and builders in this section. He is also part owner of Calypso Island, which is devoted to the use of the public for pienics.
Our subjeet was born in Lehigh County, Janu- ary 16, 1852, and is the son of Ephraim Beidle- man, also a native of the above county, and the descendant of one of three brothers who emigrated from Germany in 1774, one locating in New York, and the other two making their home in this state. The father of our subjeet was a plumber by trade, which business he carried on in his native town- ship until his decease in 1853, when in the thirty- fourth year of his age. His wife, Mrs. Sarah (Falk) Beidleman, was a native of Lehigh County and the daughter of George Falk, a farmer. The wife and mother is deceased, passing away in 1869, firm in the faith of the First Reformed Church.
Alfred, of this sketch, was the youngest in the parental family of four children, one of whom is deceased. He remained in his native place until thirteen years of age, in the mean time attending the common schools. In 1867, however, he went to Hillsdale County, Mich., and for the four years following was in the employ of farmers in the vi- cinity during the summer, and attended school in the winter months.
In 1870 Mr. Beidleman returned to this state, and, locating in Bethlehem, apprenticed himself to learn the carpenter's trade under Josiah R. Wilt In 1879 he began in business for himself, and has since carried on a profitable trade as contractor and builder, being the prime mover in the erection of many of the fine business blocks and elegant residences of the city. He is also the owner of considerable real estate, and is the proprietor of fifteen residences in different parts of the city which he sells at reasonable prices.
The original of this sketch was married in Allen- town, in 1876, to Miss Margaret Kolil, who was born in Allen Township, Northampton County. Their union was blessed by the birth of a son, Harry H. The family occupy a beautiful dwelling at No. 301 West Fourth Street, and are classed among the best residents in the city. Socially our sub- ject is a prominent Odd Fellow and Knight of Pythias. In religious affairs he is actively identi- fied with the Reforined Church. He is a strong
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Democrat in polities, and takes great interest in the affairs of his party.
As before stated, Mr. Beidleman has an interest in Calypso Island, his partner being G. W. Mack. The place is surrounded by the Lehigh River, and the owners have sixty rowboats, which they let for the pleasure of the people.
F RANK BOWER is now serving as Sheriff of Lehigh County, and makes his home in Allentown. He has the honor of being a native of Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred in Carbon County, on the 7th of May, 1839. His father, Charles G. Bower, was a native of Germany. When a young man he bade adieu to that country and crossed the briny deep to America, locating in Carbon County, where he followed farming un- til his death. He was called to his final rest in 1859. He married Elizabeth Wentz, who was born in Carbon County, and is a daughter of Jacob Wentz. She was born in 1803, and is still living in the neighborhood of her birthplace, at the ad- vanced age of ninety-one years.
The subject of this sketch is the youngest in a family of eleven children, seven sons and four daugliters, of whom seven are yet living. He was reared to manhood in the usual manner of farmer lads, attending the district schools through tlie winter months, and aiding in the labors of the fields during the summer months. He continued upon the home farm until twenty years of age, when he started out in life for himself. For three years he engaged in huckstering, and in 1861 he went to Catasauqua, and there he continued to make his home until 1879. That year witnessed his arrival in Allentown, where he has since made his home.
In 1869 Mr. Bower was united in marriage with Miss Marictta Kace, a native of Whitehall Town- ship, Lehigh County. This worthy couple have become parents of eight children, namely: Annie F., who is now the wife of Lafayette Young; Jen- nie E., wife of Henry E. Heberling; and Charles G.,
Harry F., Edward C., William F., Edwin P. and Robert H., all of whom are still at home. The mother of this family was called to her final rest in 1880, and her death was deeply and widely mourned, for she had many warm friends through- out the community, who esteemed her highly for her many excellences of character.
In his political views Mr. Bower is a supporter of the Democratic party and its principles, and in local polities he takes an active interest. He has bcen honored with a number of local offices, and in 1892 he was elected County Sheriff of Lehigh County, which position he is now filling in a cred- itable and acceptable manner. He is a fearless man, and is undaunted in the diselarge of his official duties, and his management of the affairs of the office has won him high commendation. Socially he is connected with several seeret societies, includ- ing the Masonic fraternity, the Golden Eagle and the Independent Order of Red Men. He belongs to Porter Lodge No. 284, F. & A. M., and lias fill- ed all the chairs. Mr. Bower had no special ad- vantages in his youth, but has made the most of his opportunities and privileges, and has steadily worked his way upward. His course is a com- mendable one, and well worthy of emulation. From 1881 to 1886 he served as Deputy Sheriff of this county. Mr. Bower has a brother in La Fayette County, Wis., who has served as Sheriff of that county, as did his brother. Hon. George Bower, of Lehigh County. A remarkable fact is that all three of the brothers have served in that capacity.
P HILIP HOFFMAN, who is connected with the business interests of Raubsville, Nortlı- ampton County, as a member of the well known firm of Hoffman & Co., wholesale and retail butchers of this place, has spent his entire life in Pennsylvania, and was born in this county on the 10th of May, 1852. Hc is the son of Jacob and Christiana (Schneider) Hoffman, natives of Bavaria, Germany, who emigrated to the United States and settled in Northampton County, and here es-
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tablished a permanent home, The father remained in this locality until his death. The mother, who is still living, is now more than sixty years of age, and is a resident of Raubsville.
In the vicinity of his present home our subject was reared to manhood, fitted, by careful training at home and in school, for the active management of business affairs. After the age of fourteen he attended school only during the winter months, being obliged to work in the summer seasons. For a short time he was employed on the Delaware Division of the Lehigli Coal and Navigation Com- pany Canal. When sixteen years of age he began to learn the butcher's trade, at which he was em- ployed in Kintnersville for one year, and after- ward for a number of years was similarly engaged at Easton.
Embarking in the business at Raubsville in 1883, our subject took his father into the concern as a partner, under the firm name of Hoffman & Co. The latter was connected with the enterprise until his death, August 31, 1886, since which time the old firm name has been continued. It is due to the enterprise of our subject that he has gained such creditable success in his undertakings. In addition to a good wholesale business in pork and beef, which is conducted mainly during the fall of each year, he lias two wagons on the road retailing meats.
The marriage of Mr. Hoffman united him with Miss Susan Morritz, who is a daughter of Josiah Morritz, late of Easton, Pa., but now deceased. They became the parents of five children, four of whom are living: Edith M., Philip, Jr., Susan and Christina. At the present time Mr. Hoffman is serving as Judge of Elections of the Eastern District of Williams Township. He has filled other local positions, in which he has rendered faithful service to his fellow-citizens. He exercises his elective franchise in favor of Democratic principles and candidates.
In religious belief Mr. Hoffman is identified with St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Raubsville, in the good work of which he is active, as well as in all philanthropic measures. Socially he affiliates with the Masonic order at Riegelsville and the Knights of Pythias at Easton. He is also identified with Fairview Grange in Williams Township. The suc-
cess which he has attained is the result of his own exertions, as he started in business with little capital, but through perseverance has gained a place among the solid business men of Raubsville.
ILSON GREER, Superintendent of the North Bangor Slate Works, is a native of Canada, born in Broom Township, province of Quebec, March 6, 1852. His ancestors were of Scotch origin, having been identified with the history of that country as far back as the rec- ord extends. Grandfather Richard Greer, who was born in the land of thistles, emigrated to Can- ada about seventy-five years ago, and settling in Quebec, engaged in farming occupations until his death. His family numbered five children, one of whom, James, became the father of our subject. Born in Scotland, he accompanied his father to Quebec, where he followed agricultural pursuits, meeting with good success in his undertakings. He is still a resident of Broom Township, and is well known throughout that section of the coun- try. Politically he is a Republican, but not active in public affairs. He is a member of the Episcopal Church, and deeply interested in everything per- taining to its welfarc.
The subject of this notice is one of six children, who were named William, Thomas, James, Wilson, John and Betsy. Three of the number, Will- iam, James and Betsy, are deceased. Wilson, our subject, received a good education in Quebec, at- tending the common schools of the home locality and an academy at Waterloo. After completing his studies he became interested in the slate busi- ness, which he followed first in Vermont, at Fair Haven. He settled in that place about 1873, and continued there for sixteen years, meanwhile be- ing Superintendent of the slate works and manu- facturing mill stock principally.
It was in 1878 that Mr. Greer came to Bangor and accepted a position as Superintendent of the North Bangor Slate Works, with which he has since been connected. To his energy and diligent
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application is largely due the success that has rewarded this company and the prosperity of its members. In addition to his interest in these works, he is the owner of a good farm in Canada, and property in Bangor. In politics he is a Re- publican and supports that ticket stanchly. His re- ligious connections are with the Episcopal Church. Socially he is a member of Eureka Lodge No. 75, F. & A. M., at Fair Haven, Vt .; also the Bangor Tribe, I. O. R. M., and Shiloh Commandery No. 104, K. of M.
While a resident of Fair Haven, Vt., on the 22d of December, 1875, Mr. Greer was united in mar- riage with Miss Rosanda A., danghter of Robert H. and Delilalı M. Rising, of that city. Two children bless the union: Nellie Gertrude, who was born Sep- tember 2, 1879; and Edwin A., Angust 25, 1891. Edward W. is deceased.
H ENRY F. WEAVER, M. D. Among the physicians of Northampton County who through recognized skill and thorough knowledge have gained places of distinction in professional circles, as well as a large patronage from the people, we mention the name of Dr. Weaver, whose home is in Palmer Township, near the city of Easton. He is a native of this county, born on the 27th of June, 1858, to the union of Danicl and Rebecca (Yeisley) Weaver, who were likewise born in this county, and still reside here, making their home in Newburg.
Excellent educational advantages were afforded Dr. Weaver in his youth. After completing the studies of the common schools adjoining the par- ental home, he entered the schools of Nazareth, where he prosecuted the higher studies for a time. For several years he was also a student under the preceptorship of Dr. R. H. Beck, of Newburg, under whose guidance he entered upon the study of medicine, and continued in this pur- suit for five years. In order to more thoroughly prepare himself for the profession he had chosen for his life work, he entered the medical depart-
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