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 80
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 80
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 80
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Mr. Seip was united in marriage with Alice, daughter of Michael Walter, formerly of Forks Township, but now deceased. Two sons, Asher P. and Jacob W., have been born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Seip. The family is one of social promi- nence and is widely known and respected. In Palmer Township our subject has served as Audi- tor and School Director, and his efforts have aided in the promotion of the welfare of the locality. His religious connections are with the Lutheran Church in Forks Township, the services of which he attends when possible. Socially he is a mem- ber of the Knights of Malta at Easton.
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J OSEPH E. SHIMER is one of the successful merchants of Northampton County, now en- gaged in business at Stockertown. In the spring of 1876 he formed a partnership with his father, Reuben L., under the firm title of R. L. Shimer & Son, and this connection.continued until the spring of 1894, since which time he has con- ducted the business alone. As a merchant he is upright in all his business transactions, and by re- liable dealings has gained the confidence of the people.
The father of our subject, Reuben L. Shimer, was born in Northampton County in 1831, being a son of Edward B. Shimer, one of the pioneers of this county. The former was reared to farm life, and followed that occupation for many years, but in 1876 drifted into the general mercantilc business, which he followed successfully until his death. He was a man of prominence in his community, and held a number of local offices in Forks Township. His death occurred March 8, 1893, at a ripe old age.
'The only survivor of the parental family is the subject of this sketcli, who, as above stated, is the
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proprietor of a general mercantile business at Stock- ertown. Iu his establishment he carries a full and varied assortment of dry goods, groceries, notions, boots and shoes, hardware, hats and caps, and, in fact, everything to be found in any first-class coun. try store. He also handles lumber and coal. With the people of the village and the farmers of the surrounding country he conducts a large and profitable trade, the quality of the stock and up- rightness of his dealings commending him to the people.
Born in Northampton County, July 3, 1851, the subject of this sketch received a practical educa- tion in the public schools of Forks Township, and in a private school in Easton. He was engaged in agricultural pursuits until he entered the mer- cantile business in 1876. In addition to the man- agement of his store, he has served as Postmaster of Stockertown. His landed possessions aggregate one hundred and thirteen acres, and he is weli-to- do in this world's goods. He has a pleasant home in Stockertown, presided over by his amiable wifc, who was formerly Miss Adella F. Fenstermacher, of Allentown, Pa.
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EORGE E. LEININGER. The results of integrity and square dealing are exhibited in the business carcer of this gentleman who is one of the most enterprising of the younger business men of Easton. Coming to Easton in September, 1884, he has since been identified with its business interests, and is now the owner and proprietor of a furniture establishment at Nos. 102 and 104 South Third Street, where he conducts a large and profitable trade.
Mr. Leininger is a native of Berks County, this state, and was born at Reading, August 9, 1862. His ancestors for several generations resided in Berks County, having come hither from Germany. His grandfather, George Leininger, was born in that county, and died at Reading. During the
War of the Rebellion he served as a member of a body of cavalry, and aided in the defense of the Union. A Democrat in politics, he took a warm interest in public affairs, and was a progressive citizen. He was twice married, and had several children, Allison, our subject's father, being the only child of the second union that attained years of maturity.
Allison Leininger was born in Myerstown, Pa., in 1840. Early in life he was engaged in the fur- niture business, which he conducted until 1886. From the above date until his death, which oc- curred in 1889, he was proprietor of the Central Hotel at Easton. In politics he adhered to the principles of the Democracy, and during the Civil War entered the Union army, in which he held of- ficial rank. He was twice married, his first union being with Mary Vanderslice, who bore him one child, George E. Of his second marriage two chil- dren were born.
In the public schools of Reading the subject of this sketch received a fair education. He then learned the trade of a machinist, at which he worked about five and one-half years. Afterward, in September, 1884, he came to Easton and accepted a position as bookkeeper, which he held about eighteen months. He then succeeded his father in the furniture business, which he has since con- ducted at Nos. 102 and 104 South Third Street. The firm name was originally Felix & Leininger, but our subject is now the sole proprietor.
Aside from his other interests, Mr. Leininger is serving as a Director in the West Ward Building and Loan Association. He is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, his membership being in Easton Lodge No. 152, and Easton Chapter No. 173, R. A. M .; Hugh De Payen's Commandery No. 19, K. T .; and Lulu Temple of Philadelphia. He is Secre- tary of the Grant Conclave, Improved Order of Heptasophs. While a resident of Reading he held membership in the Universalist Church. Septem- ber 25, 1889, he married Miss May F., daughter of William Hammann, of Easton. They have one child, Anna H., now deceased.
The retail furniture business conducted by Mr. Leininger is not only the oldest in Easton, but also one of the leading establishments of the place. In
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addition to the general trade, be manufactures the best grades of parlor furniture, and also does re- pairing. Being industrious and capable, he has naturally met with success, and gained a place among the representative business men of the city.
EUBEN EDELMAN. An honorable posi- tion among the residents of Palmer Town- ship is held by the subject of this notice, who formerly officiated as Commissioner of Nortli- ampton County, and for years has engaged suc- cessfully in agricultural pursuits. The energy of his nature and his enterprise in taking hold of and superintending his extensive interests have aided him in the accumulation of a valuable property. He has been more than ordinarily successful, and his example is better than many precepts in point- ing the moral that success will follow persistent and energetic efforts when coupled with judgment and honest dealing with his fellow-men.
Born April 12, 1829, the subject of this sketch is a son of George and Lealı (Hahn) Edelman, all natives of Northampton County. The original representative of the family in this locality was his great-grandfather Edelman, who in an early day made settlement in Montgomery County, Pa., and later located in Williams Township. His fa- ther followed the trade of a blacksmith, and at the same time also engaged in farming. He at- tained a ripe old age, and passed away in 1863. Of his children two survive, namely: Reuben, of this sketch, and Hiram, whose home is in Easton.
Rearcd upon a farm, our subject was thoroughly trained in every department of agriculture, and when the time came for him to select a life occu- pation, naturally chose that with which he was most familiar. As a farmer, he is prudent, thrifty, energetic and persevering, and has become the owner of fifty-four acres of land, the entire tract being under an excellent state of cultivation and well improved with substantial buildings. While he never had very favorable opportunities for ac- quiring an education, he has been an intelligent
reader, and has kept posted concerning topics of general interest. For six years he has served as Judge of Elections for Palmer Township, and also held the office of County Commissioner. In po- litical matters he takes quite an interest, and con- curring with the principles of the Democratic party, is one of its earnest supporters. At the present time he is a member of the Democratic County Committee, and has frequently represented his party as delegate to county conventions.
A man of firm religious belief, Mr. Edelman holds membership in the Lutheran Church at Easton. He is a generous contributor to the good works of that congregation, as well as to other philanthropic projects. The bent of his mind is practical, which is seen especially in the management of his per- sonal affairs. Ile is a good farmer, a reputable citizen and a man who enjoys the respect of his associates.
EORGE J. SNYDER. Among the promi- nent and successful business men of Allen- town a high place is accorded our subject, who is "mine host" of Snyder's Hotel. To this en- terprise he adds that of a dealer in fine horses, from which branch of industry he reaps a handsome in- come.
Mr. Snyder was born in Snydersville, this coun- ty, December 9, 1834, and is the son of George Snyder, also a native of the above county and place. The latter dicd when in his eighty-first year. He in turn was the son of George Snyder, Sr., whose birthplace was likewise in the Keystone State, and who lived to attain the age of eighty-eight years. The great-grandfather of our subject, Michael Sny- der, was born in Germany, and on coming to the United States in early life mnade location in Penn- sylvania, where his death occurred when ninety- two years of age.
The maiden name of our subject's mother was Miss Elizabeth: Schantz. She likewise was born in this county, and was the daughter of Philip Schantz, who was a farmer by occupation. George J., of this sketch, was given a good common-school edu-
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cation, passing his boyhood and youth in his na- tive placc. He began his business career at Sny- dersville, where he opened up a hotel, and at the same time was engaged in buying and selling horses.
October 25, 1864, Mr. Snyder came to Allentown, and here purchased the Black Bear Hotel, whichi he conducted for seven years. Finding the hotel business a very profitable enterprise, he has since continued to operate as "mine host," and is now the proprietor of a good building located on Tenth and Linden Streets. Mr. Snyder is one of the largest dealers in fine horses in the Lehigh Valley. His conveniently arranged stables are located on Linden Street, where he handles nothing but the best grade of animals. In his political relations he is a stanch Republican.
In 1853 our subject was married to Miss Martha M., daughter of Rev. Jeremiah Schindel. The lady was born in 1833, and by her union with Mr. Sny- der has become the mother of the following six children: Alice, Emma, Martha, Jeremiah, Charles and Harry.
Mr. Snyder, although a very busy man, has al- ways taken an active part in the public affairs of the city, and in 1892 was elected Councilman of the Seventh Ward for a term of four years. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder occupy a comfortable residence at No. 46 North Tenth Strect. Their intelligence, good citizenship and fine character cntitle them to the esteem of their acquaintances, and their friends are many and sincere.
P HILIP SANDT, a popular and well known resident of Palmer Township, who for some time has acted efficiently and suc- cessfully in the capacity of Secretary and Acting Treasurer of the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Northampton County, enjoys an en- viable reputation as a thorough and reliable busi- ness man, fitted both by nature and experience for the successful management of an important enterprise, as is that with which his name is con- nected.
In the county where he now resides the subject of this sketch was born March 14, 1838. He is
the son of Philip and Elizabeth (Schweitzer) Sandt, likewise natives of Northampton County. The family was founded in America by his great-grand- father, John Sandt, who crossed the Atlantic from Germany, and made settlement in this country more than a century ago, selecting as his perma- nent home that portion of Northampton County now known as Forks Township. The father of our subject, a lifelong resident of Forks Township, was universally esteemed wherever known, and his death in 1854 was mourned as a public loss.
In the parental family there were five sons who participated in the Civil War as soldiers in the Union army, and one of the number fell at the battle of Chancellorsville. There are five now liv- ing, all but our subject residents of Easton, Pa., namely: Mary A., wife of Edward Lerch, whose home is in Forks Township, near Easton; Eliza, wife of Joseph Michael; Catherine, who married Jacob Lear; Philip and Edwin. Our subject was reared to years of maturity in Northampton Coun- ty, and in boyhood alternated attendance at the district schools of Forks Township with work on the honic farm. For a time he was a student in a private school in Easton, after which he was em- ployed as teacher in both public and pay schools of the county.
Choosing an occupation, Mr. Sandt selected that of a merchant, and opened a store at Stockertown, where for twenty years he conducted a profitable trade among the people of the village and sur- rounding country. So reliable was he in his busi- ness transactions, that he gained the confidence of his customers to an extent not usually enjoyed. Finally retiring from the mercantile trade, he was, on the 27th of August, 1886, appointed Secretary of the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company of this county. 'At the same time he was likewise made Acting Treasurer of the company, and both of these offices he has held to the present time.
In politics a Republican, Mr. Sandt was in 1890 a candidate of tliat party for the Lower House of the Pennsylvania State Assembly, but owing to the strong Democratic majority in the county lie was defcated. Religiously a Lutheran, he has served as Deacon and Elder in the congregation in Forks Township. He is a man who may always be
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relied upon to assist progressive enterprises, and is classed among the representative citizens of his lo- cality. For his wife he chose Miss Matilda, daugh- ter of Peter Wottring, of Stockertown, Pa. One son has been born unto them, Rev. Charles E. Sandt, now pastor of the Lutheran Church of Freemansburg, this state and county.
ALVIN J. OTTO, M. D. There are few professions which require the amount of diligent study and general information that is essential to the knowledge of medicine. Among the gentlemen who realize the full impor- tance of this calling, and who add dignity to the profession, is Dr. Otto, who is engaged in the practice of medicine in Allentown.
Our subject is a native of this state, having been born in Berks County, December 8, 1859. He is a son of Daniel Otto, also a native of Berks County, and a farmer by occupation. He, how- ever, abandoned tilling the soil in 1864, at which time he removed to Lehigh County, and is now residing in Allenton. The paternal grandfather of our subject, John Otto, who was born in Berks County, was an agriculturist, and attained the re- inarkable age of ninety-two years. The maiden name of our subject's mother was Rachel Grim. She was the daughter of Absalom Grim, and was born in Berks County, this state. The Otto and Grim families originally came from Germany, and located in Pennsylvania in an early day.
Calvin J., of this sketch, accompanied his par- ents on their removal to Lehigh County when a lad of seven years, and was brought up to perform all the duties falling to the lot of a farmer's boy. HIe received his early education in the public schools, and when eighteen years of age entered Muhlenberg College, in Allentown, taking a three- ycars course. When in his Senior year he left school, and began reading medicine with Dr. A. P. Fethelrof, of Chapman Quarries.
In the fall of 1881 Mr. Otto was far enough ad- vanced with his medical studies to enter Jefferson
Medical College, at Philadelphia, from which in- stitution he was graduated three years later. He first located for practice in Brenigsville, Lehigh County, and after two years spent in that place, in 1886 came to Allentown, where he has built up a large and lucrative practice.
In his political faith Dr. Otto is an ardent Dem- ocrat, and never fails to cast a vote for that party's candidates. Socially he is a member of Barger Lodge No. 333, F. & A. M., council, chap- ter and commandery, and is also connected with Macungie Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Fogelsville, thiis state, and Lehigh Encampment. He stands high in the order of Red Men of America, and is a contributing member of the Liberty Fire Com- pany.
September 27, 1885, Dr. Otto and Miss Ida Kramlich were united in marriage. The lady was the daughter of Charles and Sally (Kuhns) Kram- lichi, of Berks County, this state, and by her union with our subject has become the mother of one child, Bessie May. Dr. and Mrs. Otto arc mem- bers in good standing of Salem Reformed Church, and are actively interested in church work. They occupy a good residence at No. 404 North Seventh Street, and rank among the best residents of the city.
P ROF. WILLIAM W. COTTINGHAM. No one can be more deserving of representa- tion in a volume of a biographical nature than those who are devoting their attention to the guiding of the young and the cultivation of their minds and morals. The pleasure ordinarily expe- rienced under such circumstances is in this in- stance enhanced by the fact that Professor Cot- tingham is one of the oldest and most successful educators in Pennsylvania. Throughout the entire extent of the United States there are very few who have had charge of the schools of one city for so long a period as has he, and his connection with the schools of Easton has been both long and honora- ble. During the years that have passed since first he came to this city, he has witnessed wonderful improvements in its commercial, architectural and
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eivic affairs, but in no line has greater progress been made than in that of education, and the high rank gained by the sehools of Easton among others of the state is due principally to his intelligent and untiring efforts in their behalf.
At the time of the arrival of Professor Cotting- ham in Easton in 1853, no publie money had been expended for school buildings, but sinee then there has been erected, on an average, one every four years. The first of these was built in 1854, upon Seventh Street; then another was erected on Second Street, and a third on Seventh Street. The latter was in 1892 vacated and sold. Afterward were erected the Taylor, Lafayette, Centennial, Frank- lin, Monroe and Cottingham. In 1893 the high sehool building was ereeted. These structures are complete in their appointments, and furnished in a manner condueive to the comfort of the children and the convenience of the teacher.
Born in the eity where he now resides, the natal day of our subject was December 6, 1824. The family is of English origin, and has for several generations been represented in Maryland, where our subject's father, Robert, and grandfather, John, were born. The former eame to Easton in early manhood, settling here about 1820, and opening a dry-goods store on Northampton Street. Later he removed his establishment to Third Street, where he continued in business until his death. His wife, whose maiden name was Sophia White, was born in Easton, being the daughter of William White, who came from New Jersey to Easton in an early day, and eondueted the Easton Hotel, lo- eated on the public square. Great-grandfather White was of English birth, but emigrated in early life to Ameriea.
The parental family consisted of nine ehildren, seven of whom are living. William W., who is the next to the eldest of the family, was reared in Easton, and received good educational advantages, attending Lafayette College, from which he was graduated in 1848 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. The degree of Master of Arts was also eon- ferred upon him. He spent one year in Lafayette College as tutor, after which he entered Prineeton College, spending two years in that institution. After a short time in the Haddonfield (N. J.)
Academy, he returned to Lafayette College, where he spent one term. In 1853 he was ehosen Su- perintendent of the schools of Easton, which po- sition he has held continuously to the present time.
Upon accepting his present position, Professor Cottingham knew nothing of the school, but he soon found that it needed entire re-organization. He began the work, gradually introducing new improvements and promoting the grade of scholar- ship until the work was upon a substantial basis. Under his thorough and eapable supervision, the sixty-three teachers discharge the work of the sixty different departments with skill, tact and suc- cess. Some time ago he secured four scholarships in Lafayette College, and each year one of these is given to the boy who wins the highest seholar- ship in the high school eourse. The matter is in charge of the Board of Education, and in this way many youths have been enabled to prosecute their studies at the higher institution of learning.
The high school course is in many respects an ideal one. It includes thorough instruction in higher mathematics, English and elassies, together with a business eourse, and a course preparatory to eollege. Musical instruetion is given in all the schools, and books and other necessary material are furnished the pupils without cost to them. The library, secured through the efforts of Professor Cottingham from the original corporation, is ad- mirably adapted to the needs of girls and boys. In addition to his other duties, he was also Secretary of the School Board for twenty years.
The marriage of Professor Cottingham occurred in 1855, and united him with Miss Louisa C., daughter of John Abel, formerly in the eonfec- tionery business in Easton. Since his death the business has been continued by his wife. Four children comprise the family of Professor and Mrs. Cottingham, namely: Mrs. Laura S. Morrison, of Kansas City, Mo .; Mrs. Annie W. Talmage, of St. Louis; Mrs. Jennie B. Vories, of Memphis, Tenn .; and W. W. Cottingham, Jr., of Memphis, Tenn. The children are graduates of the high school, and are well edueated and cultured, fitted to adorn the highest station in life.
Socially Professor Cottingham is a Mason, and for twenty-seven years has been Seeretary of Dal-
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las Lodge No. 396; he also belongs to Royal Archi Chapter No. 172, Hugh DePayen's Commandery No. 19, K. T., and affiliates with the Order of American Mechanics. In religious belief he is a Presbyterian, belonging to the First Church of Easton. In the various local and state teachers' conventions he has been an important factor, serving as President of the state convention held in Harrisburg, and in many other ways promoting the success of the work in which he is so deeply in- terested,
M ARCUS C. L. KLINE is one of Allen- town's prominent lawyers, who at the Bar has gained success and won a high reputation for his skill and ability. He was born in Salisbury Township, Lehigh County, March 26, 1855, and is a son of Edwin and Elemina (Seider) Kline. His father, Lawrence, was also a native of this county, as were his parents, Lawrence and Lydia Kline. The family is of German origin, but was founded in America more than one hundred and fifty years ago. During a long period its rep- resentatives lived in the Keystone State, and have been prominent in local affairs. The mother of our subject was also of German lincage.
Marcus Kline spent his early boyhood days on the old homestead and attended the district schools of the neighborhood, where he laid the foundation for a practical education. He then entered Muh- lenberg College, from which he was graduated in the Class of '74, at the age of nineteen years. With an earnest desire to follow the legal profes- sion and make the practice of law his life work, he entered the office of Judge Edwin Albright, with whom he continued his studies for two years, when, in June, 1876, he was admitted to the Bar. He at once entered upon practice, and has since devoted his time and attention to a general law business. He is an able advocate, who makes a close study of each case on which he is retaincd as counsel, and therefore, as a result of his preparation, his argu- ments are logical and convincing and win him success.
October 4, 1881, Mr. Kline wedded Miss Clara M. Keller, daughter of Samuel Keller, of Allen-
town. By their union have been born two chil- dren, Edwin Keller and Althea Lucile. The fam- ily is one well known in the community.
Socially Mr. Kline is connected with Barger Lodge, F. & A. M. In 1877 he was elected City Solicitor, which position he filled for two years. In 1880 he was appointed Sheriff's Solic- itor by Gov. George Bower, and filled that posi- tion for three years. In 1886 he was elected Dis- trict Attorney, and discharged the duties of that office for three years with credit to himself and sat- isfaction to his constituents. In 1890 he was again appointed Sheriff's Solicitor, and continued in that office until the spring of 1893. In his political affiliations he is a Democrat and takes a warm in- terest in the growth and success of his party. He has frequently served as a delegate to its conven- tions, and was an alternate to the National Con- vention in Chicago which nominated Grover Cleveland for the presidency. Mr. Kline is widely known, not only in Lehigh County, but throughout the state, as a lawyer and politician of prominence. He has worked his way upward, not through influ- cuce, but by merit and earnest effort, and his record is one of which he may be justly proud.
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