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 77

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 77
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 77
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 77

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ment of the University of Pennsylvania in 1878, and after several years of faithful study was grad- uated from that institution in 1881.

During the same year the young Doctor came to Palmer Township, where he opened an office and has since engaged in successful practice. He takes an intelligent interest in everything pertaining to the profession, and is a member of the Easton Medical Society, the meetings of which he attends whenever possible. In politics, while not at all partisan in his opinions, giving to others the same freedom of thought he demands for himself, he is nevertheless at all times and under all circum- stances a Democrat, supporting party principles alike when shadowed by defeat or crowned with success.

The marriage of Dr. Weaver occurred in 1881, and united him with Miss Ella, daughter of Will- iam and Rebecca Unangst, of Lower Nazareth Township, Northampton County. Unto their union has been born one daughter, named Emma C. The family are highly estecmed through the locality, and welcome within their hospitable home the best people of the vicinity. The success which has come to Dr. Weaver in his profession is well de- served, for he has been a faithful, intelligent stu- dent of therapentics, and has by close study laid the foundation of his extensive knowledge of the medical science. He is interested in educational affairs, and has served acceptably as a member and Secretary of the School Board of Palmer Township, in which capacity he is now engaged.

S AMUEL BUTZ, one of the enterprising manufacturers and prosperous business men of Easton, has been engaged in his present line of trade for the past twenty years. He occu- pies three floors in the Hay Building, opposite the opera house, at Nos. 339 and 341 Northampton Street. He is styled the "Bon Ton Shirt Maker" of Easton, and though he started his enterprise as an experiment, the measure of success he has at- tamned has more than justified his most sanguine

A. J. G. DUBBS, D. D.

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expectations. His trade, which is rapidly increas- ing, is not confined to this locality, but he has nu- merous customers in New Jersey, New York, Ohio and all parts of Pennsylvania.

Our subject is a son of Michael Butz, who was one of the oldest inhabitants and honored citizens of Easton. In 1824 he was a member of a com- pany known as the Easton Union Guards. This comprised some sixty or seventy men, under com- mand of Captain Waggoner, and with the compan- ies of Captain Weyant and Captain Sebring they attended the Philadelphia reception in honor of La Fayette. Resolutions of respect at the time of his death, November 15, 1889, were drawn up by the President and Direetors of the Easton Nation- al Bank, of which he was a Director. In substance they are as follows:

"Resolved, That the Directors of the Easton Na- tional Bank have learned with deep regret of the death of Michael Butz, and desire to record their appreciation of his services during the term of his official duties, extending over a period of fifty years and up to his death.

"Resolved, That the loss of our esteemed associ- ate and friend recalls to us as citizens the very many notable facts connected with the history of his extended life. He was born near Easton, and resided here nearly all his life. He was the oldest man in the community, having nearly attained his ninety-fourth year, and his memory and per- sonal reminiscences covered almost the entire his- tory of Easton from the hamlet to the city. From early life he was associated with its business and progress, while his unusual vigor of mind and body enabled him until an advanced age to continue actively in business affairs. 'A good man and a just,' he was honored in our midst for the quali- ties of character he possessed, and his eommend- able traits as a citizen, husband, father and friend."

Samuel Butz, born in Easton, Pa., is a son of Michael and Elizabeth (Shimer) Butz. He was educated in the public schools of Easton, and aft- erward attended Lafayette College. In 1874 he launched into the business of shirt manufacturing, in a small part of what is known as the Rinek Building, on South Third Street. This place he rented, and from that small beginning his trade

has gradually extended to its present large propor- tions. He employs twenty hands, who operate machines run by electricity, and make all kinds of shirts, collars and cuffs required by the trade. A specialty is made of gentlemen's fine dress shirts, and the stock which the proprietor carries is eom- plete and in good taste. His manufactory is just- ly plaecd among the leading industries of Easton, and his constantly growing number of patrons at- tests the merits of his work. Mr. Butz is also in- terested in other local enterprises, and is thorough- ly abreast of the times in every respect. In poli- tics he is a Republican, and takes an active part in everything pertaining to the welfare of his party.

A LFRED J. G. DUBBS, D. D., a retired min- ister and one of the honored and promi- nent citizens of Allentown, has the honor of being a native of the Keystone State. He was born in Berks County on the 8th of June, 1826. His great-grandfather, Jacob Dubbs, was a native of Switzerland and emigrated from that country to America in 1732. Hc settled in Milford Township, Lehigh County, and the brick house he erected, the first one in the county, is still standing. The brick used in the construction of this building he burned and manufactured on his farm. The ancestors of the family were ironworkers in Switzerland, and engaged in making cutlery, especially swords and all kinds of weapons.

The father of our subject, Rev. Joseph S. Dubbs, D. D., and grandfather, Daniel Dubbs, were both born in Lehigh County, the former on the 16th of October, 1796. For thirty years he was pastor of the Zion Reformed Church in Allentown, where he died in 1877. His wife, Susan, was a native of Berks County, and a daughter of Nicholas Getz, of Cumro Township. She died in North Whitehall, Pa., November 5, 1835, at the age of thirty years. Both parents were consistent Christians, and wher- cver they went won the love and confidence of all with whom they were brought in contact.

Under the parental roof the subject of this sketch spent his boyhood, and was earefully reared. He first attended the schools of the neighborhood, and later entered Easton Academy. Subsequently

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he was a student in Marshall College, then located in Mereersburg, Pa., but later removed to Lancaster, Pa., and now known as Franklin and Marshall Col- lege. From this institution he was graduated in 1849. Resolving to enter the ministry, he studied theology under his father in order to fit himself for his chosen profession. In the fall of 1851 he was ordained in Zion's Reformed Church of Allentown, and his father's assistant in the pastorate at this place. He was afterward pastor of the Reformed Church in Kreidersville, where he continued until 1857, and also supplied the pulpit at Bethlehem for a time. In 1857 he became pastor of the Salis- bury charge and continued in that field for nine- teen years. In 1876 he started a mission known as the Salem Reformed Church, in Allentown, of which he remained in charge for seventeen years. Finally, on account of failing health, he resigned the pastorate, and was succeeded by Rev. G. W. Richards. Since that time he has lived retired in Allentown.

For fifteen years Dr. Dubbs has been eonneeted with the Keystone Normal School. of Kutztown, Berks County. For many years he has been a member of the School Board of Allentown. Frank- lin and Marshall College conferred upon him the degrees of Master of Arts and Doctor of Divinity. For the past twenty years he has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Allentown National Bank. In politics he has always been a staneh Democrat.

October 18, 1853, Dr. Dubbs was united in mar- riage with Miss Marie L., daughter of Jacob Schreiber, and a native of Lehigh County. She was a faithful companion to her husband, and ably aided him in his ministerial work until her death, which occurred January 23, 1894. Dr. Dubbs has spent his life well and worthily in the service of the church. Wherever he has gone he has won friends, and his earnestness and untiring labors have made his work successful.

H IRAM KLEINHANS. One of the success- ful business enterprises of Northampton County is that conducted by the subjeet of the following paragraphs. Mr. Kleinhans is well

known as the proprietor of the florist establishment and garden farm situated in the First Ward of South Easton. Here he has thirty aeres of land, devoted to the raising of vegetables, small fruits and flowers. In addition to this property he is the owner of a sixty-aere traet in Williams Town- ship.

In Northampton County the subject of this sketeh was born on the 30th of October, 1836, be- ing a son of Jacob and Susan (Phiffer) Kleinhans, both of whom were natives of Williams Township, this county. Both his paternal and maternal an- cestors were among the early settlers of Williams Township, where his grandfather Phiffer entered six hundred acres of land from the Government. The father was a tailor by trade, but in connection with that occupation also engaged as an agriculture- ist in Williams Township, where he died several years ago. In political belief he was a Democrat, and religiously held membership in the Lutheran Church.

The youthful years of our subjeet were passed upon the home farm, where he gained a practical idea of agriculture. From this occupation he drifted into that of a florist and gardener, in which he has since been engaged with success. His edu- cation was gained in the district schools of Will- iams Township, but having been a thoughtful reader he has gained thorough information eon- cerning topics of local and national importanee. He was united in marriage with Miss Isabella Fas- binder, whose father, William Fasbinder, now de- eeased, was for many years a resident of Lower Mt. Bethel Township, Northampton County. This union has resulted in the birth of twelve children, nine of whom are living, as follows: William H., engaged in the vegetable gardening business; Samuel H .; Thomas O .; Emma F., wife of Frank Hineline; Howard P .; Frank B., studying eleetrie engineering; and Arthur B., James P. and Jean- nette B., at home.

In 1871 Mr. Kleinhans settled upon the place where he has sinee resided. Politically he is a Democrat, loyal to party measures. He served for one term as School Director in Williams Township, and at present is a member of the Board of Health of South Easton Borough. For one term he held

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the office of, Commissioner of Northampton Coun- ty. In other local offices he has served with cred- it to himself and satisfaction to the people. Rel- igiously he is a Lutheran, and belongs to St. Paul's Church of Easton. As a citizen lie is progressive, as a business man energetic, and in all the rela- tions of life honorable and upright.

J ONATHAN STERNER. Whitehall Town- ship, this county, is the home of many intel- ligent, industrious and prosperous farmers, who from a small beginning have won a competence, securing a goodly amount of land and surrounding themselves with many comforts and conveniences. Among this number may be mentioned Jonathan Sterner.

The gentleman above named was born in this county March 9, 1830, and is the son of Adam and Mary (Yost) Sterner, also natives of this section. His grandfather, Abraham Sterner, was during his life a well known citizen of the Lehigh Valley, and his father is believed to have been the founder of this branch of the family in America. He orig- inally came from Germany and met with suecess in agricultural pursuits in this county.

The farm on which our subject lives is known . as the old Sterner homestead. The stone barn which still stands on the place was built by his grandfather in 1811. Of the parental family those who are still living besides our subject are John, Elmira, and Lewis A., whose sketch will be found on another page in this volume. The fa- ther of these children was a devoted member of the Lutheran Church and was an intelligent, well informed man, possessing foresight and sagacity in business matters. He was classed among thie old settlers of the county and ever took a warm interest in its development and welfare.

Jonathan Sterner, of this sketch, is a self-made man, his educational advantages having been very limited. Hc has followed agricultural pursuits all his life and was reared to man's estate on the farm where he makes his home. He has been an eye-

witness to the marvellous growth of this section of country and remembers when the now large manufacturing city of Allentown was a small hamlet.

October 2, 1853, Jonathan Sterner and Miss Caroline Marsteller were united in marriage. The lady was born April 19, 1830, in Upper Saucon Township, this county, and is a daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Miller) Marsteller. Mrs. Sterner has two brothers and two sisters who are living, viz .: Charles, Jacob, Eliza and Hannah.

Three children have come to bless the home of our subject and his wife, who bear the respective names of James O., Hattie ( Mrs. Henry Kurtz) and Mary. As before statcd, our subject resides upon ninety-four acres of land, in the management of which he is very successful. With Ins wife he is a member of the Lutheran Church, and gives his aid to every project calculated to advance the in- terests of his township. In politics he is an ardent Democrat and is justly classed among the well-to- do citizens of Lehigh County.

DWARD M. EARLE. There are few things in life that inspire a more general interest than does a sketch of a successful business man, who, by achieving fortune himself, gives an example to those who are trying to climb the lad- der of fame, and encourages those who are in the commercial world to hope for similar success. Our subject is a man of decided ability, and is gener- ally conceded to rank among the first business men of Catasauqua. He is connected with the New York Life Insurance Company, having his place of business located at No. 106 Church Street.

Mr. Earle was born in Catasauqua, Lehigh Coun- ty, April 13, 1855, and is the son of Rev. Cornel- ius and Louise (Lent) Earle, natives respectively of New York City and Poughkeepsie, N. Y. The father of our subject was a prominent minister in the Presbyterian Church, and located at Catasau- qua many years ago. Ile is now minister of the First Presbyterian Church of Catasauqua. Mrs.

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Cornelius Earle was the daughter of David and Letitia Lent, the former of whom was a merchant in Poughkeepsie.

Our subject spent his early boyhood days in attendance at the public schools of his native place, and in 1873 became a student in Lafayette Col- lege at Easton, from which institution he was graduated with high honors four years later. In addition to his insurance business he is a stock- holder and Director in the Slatington Rolling Mills, and from that branch of industry also reaps a handsome income.

In his political relations our subject is a true- blue Republican, and socially is a member of the Royal Arcanum at Catasauqua. He is a genial, af- fable gentleman, a thorough business man, and has many friends throughout the county, who recognize the nobility of his character and realize that he deserves to be held in the highest possible estecm.

B ENJAMIN F. TREXLER is one of the prominent and well known citizens of Al- lentown, and comes of an honored pioneer family of Lehigh County. Thirty years after Will- iam Penn settled in this state his ancestors emi- grated from Germany and located in Philadelphia County. One of the number, Peter Trexler, was naturalized in 1730, according to the law which declared a citizen must have held land seven years before becoming naturalized. His name appears on a petition for the formation of Oley Township, Berks County. He died in 1758.

Jeremiah Trexler and his wife are mentioned in early records, and he and Peter must have been among the first white settlers of Macungie. Their descendants became numerous, and their names frequently appear on public documents, es- pecially in the sale and purchase of lands. The family was represented by valiant soldiers during the Revolutionary War, and other members of the family won prominence in various walks of life. The Trexlers were also represented in the War of 1812. Their descendants are now widely scattered in various states of the Union, but inany of them still live in the neighborhood where the first Amer-

ican ancestors settled about two hundred years ago. A village sprang up and was given tlic name of Trexlertown, and members of the family are inseparably connected withi thic history of eastern Pennsylvania.

The father of our subject, Benjamin Trexler, was born about 1792. He was a man of fine phys- ique, robust, was nearly six feet high, and could easily raise a barrel of water from the ground to a wagon. He was by trade a shoemaker. He served as Constable, and was Captain of a militia company in Long Swamp Township, Berks Coun- ty. He was twice married, and by his first wife had three children. He afterward married Rachel Wetzel, who was born in 1796, and died in 1876, the Centennial year. They had one child, the subject of this sketch.

Benjamin Ferdinand Trexler was born in Long Swamp Township, Berks County, February 25, 1827, and commenced his school life in Millers- town under Jesse B. Nase, a renowned teacher of that timc. At the age of thirteen he came to Al- lentown, where he learned the printer's trade, in the office of the Friedensbote. In 1848 he formed a partnership with Reuben Guth and edited and published the Lecha Patriot, a Whig paper. As he was not in sympathy with the principles of the Know-Nothing party, which arose from the grave of the Whig party, in 1854 he founded the Welt- Bote, which he published with great success for more than thirty-eight years, gaining subscribers in all the states of the Union, and in Europe to the number of over twenty thousand. In 1858 he went into partnership with the publishers of the Unabhaengiger Republikaner, a Democratic pa- per. For some ycars lie also published a religious montlily. Zeichen der Zeit, and a farmer's monthly, Bauern Journal. Both of thesc papers he after- ward sold. In 1866 he compiled the Welt-Bote Calendar, which is yet issued each year. Having dissolved his connection with the Republikaner, in 1867 he moved his business to the Odd Fellows' Hall, where, in connection with the publication of the Welt-Bote, he established a daily local paper, Stadt und Land Bote, which was later changed to a tri-weekly under the name of Lecha Bote. In 1870 he formed a partnership with the publishers of the

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Allentown Friedensbote, and again labored as chief editor of the several papers for twenty-three years.

Mr. Trexler was married, on the 11th of No- vember, 1849, to Miss Diana Walter, who was born August 26, 1828. Her father was David Walter, of Allentown, and her grandfather was Simon Walter, who emigrated from Germany to Upper Saucon in 1749. Her mother bore the maiden name of Margaret Wittman. Mr. and Mrs. Trex- ler have two sons, Herman and Julius, both of wliom are engaged as printers with the Welt-Bote Publishing Company. The former married Jennie, daughter of Solomon Ziegler, and their children are Anna Minerva, Florence Marie, Cora Diana, Blanche Rachel and Ralph Benjamin. Julius mar- ried Katie, daughter of Lewis M. Engleman. They had two children, Helen Diana and Benjamin Ferd- inand, but the last-named died in infancy.

Mr. Trexler has been an untiring worker, both while at home and abroad. He has traveled quite extensively in America and Europe, and has usu- ally been accompanied by his wife. He has twice visited California, Florida and Canada, and has twice crossed the Atlantic to the Old World, visit- ing most of the countries of Europe between the North Cape and Naples. During his journeys he wrote weekly to the papers with which he was connected an account of his travels, and the art- icles proved most interesting to the readers. By good business ability and well directed efforts he has met with excellent success in his undertakings. In 1893 he disposed of his newspaper interests, and has since lived a retired life in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil.

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M ILTON B. LYNN is the largest and most successful contract painter in Bethlehem, having occupied this field .for twenty- four years. He makes a specialty of decorative work and hardwood finishing, taking contracts for the finest private and public houses. Mr. Lynn was born in Saucon Township, Schriemers- ville, Northampton County, January 1, 1851. For several generations the Lynn family were farmers

in that district, his father, John W., and his grand- father, John, passing their lives on the farm in South Saucon Township. The father was a fine carpenter and engaged in contracting and build- ing in the Lehigh Valley. In 1864 he became a resident of Bethlehem, working at his trade until over eighty years of age. He is still living, though in his ninetieth year, being still interested in the Reformed Church and the Democratic party, which he has always supported. His wife, formerly Ma- tilda Baclıman, was also a native of Saucon, being a daughter of Solomon Bachman, an agriculturist of that township. Her death occurred in 1887, when she had attained the age of eighty-one years.

Milton B. Lynn is the youngest of eight chil- dren, six of whom are living. One of his brothers, Elias B., who resides at Wilkes Barre, was a mem- ber of a Pennsylvania Regiment and was wounded while in the service. Our subject was reared in Schriemersville, in his boyhood attending the common schools. At the age of fourteen he en- tered the employ of a woolen manufacture, where he remained until nineteen years of age, thence coming to Bethlehem. The date of his arrival in this city was 1870, and for three years thereafter he served an apprenticeship as a painter with John F. Walp. On the expiration of that time he still continued with his employer, with whom he re- mained until 1882, when he decided to engage in business for himself. For two years he was in part- nership with his brother-in-law, Joseph H. Moyer. The partnership was then dissolved and Mr. Lynn located where lie now is, No. 130 Broad Street, and having built up a large trade, afforded steady em- ployment to from sixteen to twenty-four men dur- ing the season. Many of the elegant residences and public buildings of this city show evidence of liis skill as a decorator and interior finisher, and among these are Christ Reformed Church, the Eagle Hotel, the Wiley Building and the homes of Mrs. Meyers, Mrs. Weiss, and Dr. J. P. Scholl.

In this city, in 1876, Milton Lynn and Miss Clementine Missimer were united in marriage. The lady was born in Quakertown, Bucks County, and by her marriage has become the mother of two children, Eva M. and Irene M. The pleasant home of the family is located at No. 120 Nortli

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High Street. Mr. Lynn is a member of Christ Re- formed Church, in which he has been an active worker, and fraternally lie belongs to the Royal Arcanum. A Democrat in politics he is neverthe- less not a politician and prefers to devote liis time to his business interests rather than to serve in official capacities.

P RANK H. HERSII is a member of the firm of Hersh Bros., wholesale and retail deal- ers in stoves, heaters and ranges in Allen-

town. This business was established in 1875 by James N. and Frank H. Hersh, and has since been successfully and profitably carried on, and has be- come one of the leading enterprises of the city. The members of the firm are well known business men, and it is with pleasure that we present to our readers the life record of our subject. He was born in Lehigh County, in May, 1851, and is a son of Frank Hersh, who was born in Montgomery County, Pa., in 1821. The grandfather was Henry Hersh, son of Henry Ludwig Hersh, who emigrated from Germany to America, and settled in Pitts- burg, Pa. The father of our subject was married in 1842 to Miss Emma, daughter of Daniel Yeager. She was born in Lebigh County, and died in 1868.

Mr. Hersh of this sketch was educated in the common schools, and took a commercial course in New Haven, Conn. He afterward worked for the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company for a period of three years, serving in the capacity of train dis- patcher. In 1875 the present firm of Hersh Bros. was established, as before stated. They occupy a large store, 23x225 feet, and deal in stoves and all kinds of heating apparatus. From the beginning their trade has constantly increased, for fair and honest dealing, courteous treatment and a desire to please their customers have won them a liberal patronage.

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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 77

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