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 82

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 82
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 82
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 82

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B ENJAMIN RUSH FIELD, M. D., is a mem- ber of a family that has gained eminence in both England and America, and by his rare mental endowments has added lustre to the honored name he bears. Not only is he one of the most influential citizens of Easton, which he has served efficiently as Mayor, but he is also well known in the world of letters, and as an author has gained wide distinction. A man of versatile talents, his readings cover a wide range of litera- ture-medical, scientific, historical and poetical. In his profession it has been his aim to keep in touch with the developments and discoveries of modern times.

Of one so gifted by nature and honorcd by men, the reader will be pleased to learn, and we there- fore present, though briefly and imperfectly, an out- line of the events that have given shape and char- acter to his career. The family originated in England, and his ancestors for several generations were members of the medical profession, in which

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their abilities gained them pre-eminenee. One was a graduate of the University of London, another a student of Sir Astley Cooper, and others gained distinetion in their localities as men of broad knowledge and deep medical researel.

The parents of Dr. Field were Dr. Cridland Crocker and Susan (Freeman) Field. The former was born - February 18, 1817, on board the ship "Ann," on her arrival from England, within the bounds of Queens County, N. Y. In his name was incorporated that of Captain Crocker, who com- manded the vessel, and who covered him with the American flag. The family settled in Phila- delphia, then made a short sojourn in Plainfield, Northampton County, and later returned to the Quaker City, where the lad was the recipient of ex- cellent educational advantages. Upon completing his literary studies he entered the office of Dr. William E. Horner, at one time Professor of Anat- omy in the University of Pennsylvania, and well known in medical circles as the author of " Horn- er's Anatomy."

After some time under the tutelage of this pre- eeptor, the young student entered the University of Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated with honor in 1837. The following year he came to Northampton County, and opened an office at Bethlehem, where the same year he married Miss Susan, the daughter of Jacob and Susan Freeman. After a short time in Bethlehem he came to Easton, where he practiced his profession almost uninter- ruptedly for fifty years. By natural qualifica- tions and training he was admirably adapted for his ehosen occupation. A man of keen insight and shrewd discernment, he was equally skilled in the diagnosis of difficult diseases and in their treat- ment. Especially in the field of surgery did he gain an enviable reputation. Such was his success that he was frequently called to remote points for consultation, and few physicians in this part of the state have become as widely known as he. As he advanced in years, and approached a time of life when most men would relinquish active labors, he retained the energy and youthful spirit that had characterized him in life's prime. Nor did he al- low himself to fall behind in the onward march of the profession. Business nor social pleasures took

him from its study, and he was a thoughtful and intelligent reader of the foremost medical journals of his day.

Notwithstanding his large practice, Dr. Field never turned a deaf ear to the appeals of the poor and destitute, who ever had in him a generous, self-saerifieing friend. He acecpted calls from those from whom there could be no hope of pecu- niary recompense. His books bear evidenec of a sum equal to a fortune uncollected from the poor. He performed many notable and difficult opera- tions, a large number of which were performed on the neek; several times he removed tumors that had entirely eneompassed the carotid artery. One of his achievements, which to himself was as satis- factory as any he ever performed, was the removal of a shawl pin from the windpipe of a little girl in South Easton. For eleven days she had been ap- parently at death's door, and no one would at- tempt the operation. He was called in, and suc- ceeded in removing the pin. This is but one instance of many in which he was enabled by his skill to accomplish successfully operations from which other physicians shrank.

When Dr. Field eame to Easton there was no doctor between this city and Nazareth on the one hand, and on the other none between this point and Bethlehem. There were but two between Easton and Lehigh Gap. Improvements were few and roads were circuitous. Philipsburg was unsettled farm land, and South Easton contained very few houses. Through the long period of his connection with the history of Easton, he witnessed its wonderful development and rapid growthi, and was an im- portant factor in seeuring its progress. A man of genial presence and courteous manners, his death, December 3, 1886, was widely mourned by liis pa- tients, his neighbors and the many friends whom he had drawn to him through the long period of his residenee here. He was a member of the first Odd Fellows' society in Easton, and was its first Noble Grand. He was also identified with the Masonic fraternity, and was buried with Masonie honors. Surviving him were the following-named sons and daughters: William Gibson, of Brooklyn, N. Y .; Mrs. Emma Amidon, wife of Dr. R. W. Ami- don, of New York City; Mrs. Belle Carryl, wife of

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Henry D. Carryl, of New York City; and Dr. G. B. Wood and Dr. B. Rush, who are practicing medi- cine in Easton.

The subject of this sketch was born in Easton, Pa., November 3, 1861. In youth he received the best advantages the state afforded. After passing through the public sehools of his native city he attended Lafayette College, and in 1883 he was graduated from the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, sinee which time he has been associated with his brother in active practice at Easton. In 1890, through his efforts, the Easton Medical Society was organized, and of it he has sinee been Secretary. For three years he served as Physician for the County Coroner, and in 1886-87 was Physician for the County Prison.

As a Demoerat Dr. Field has been active in poli- ties. In 1890 he was chosen to represent the Fourth Ward in the Common Council, of which he was President for three years. In February, 1893, he was elected Mayor of Easton for a term of three years, in which eapacity he has been in- strumental in securing many needed municipal improvements. His election proved, better than mere words could do, his popularity with the peo- ple. His Republican opponent was the most pop- ular man of his party in the city, and, to make the eontest even more uncertain, there was a faetional fight among the Demoerats, some of whom united with the Republicans. His election showed the high regard in which he is held.

Although prominent in many ways, it is, per- haps, as an author that Dr. Field will be longest remembered. In 1884 he published " Medical Thoughts of Shakespeare," a second edition of which was run the following year. In 1887 he published a work entitled, " Wine, Women and Song of Shakespeare and Byron," which was at once recognized as a work of great merit, and was aceorded a place in the libraries of the foremost universities. In 1889 the New York Shakespeare Society published his “ Volume V, Bankside Edi- tions of Shakespeare," which is regarded as author- itative. His frequent contributions to "Shake- speariana " show his great familiarity with the works of that immortal writer, as well as his own

critical and cultured tastes. He is a member, and for the past seven years has served as librarian, of the New York Shakespeare Society. By those who have read his writings it is said that as an author he has ventured into new fields, even with the old standard writers. In the domain of literature he is a profound thinker and a man whose erudition has gained attention and respeet.

E. ZEARFAUS. The name with which we head this biography needs no intro- duetion, the owner being well known as the leading merchant tailor in South Bethlehem. He has been the architect of his own fortune, work- ing his way up from an humble position in life to be one of the prominent business men of the city, by whom he is aceorded an honored place in their midst.

Our subject was born in Northampton County, July 18, 1869, and is the son of W. K. and Eliza- beth (Stone) Zearfaus, the former a native of Penn- sylvania, and the mother a native of the above county. She is now deceased, passing away in 1884, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. C. Long, in West Bethlehem. W. E. was the youngest in the parental family of six children, and when only eight years of age was thrown upon his own resources. He came to Bethlehem and for four years elerked in the store of Alfred Beidleman. When thir- teen years old he apprenticed himself to learn the trade of a tailor under the instruction of William Niekum & Son, with whom he remained for three years, or until fully mastering the business. Young Zearfaus then went to Philadelphia and engaged to work in the shop of John Boringer, of that city, until offered the position of cutter for L. M. Beeky.

September 1, 1892, Mr. Zearfaus came to Beth- lehem and opened a merchant-tailoring establish- ment in the postoffice building, where by fair and honest dealing and strict attention paid to the de- tails of business, he has worked himself up to the top round of the ladder and now commands the largest trade in the city. He carries nothing but the latest patterns in materials, and also has in his

J. P. SCHOLL, M. D.

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storc a large and varicd stock of men's furnish- ing goods, which he retails at a reasonable price. His establishment is 28x80 feet in dimensions, with fine large plate glass windows, wherein Mr. Zear- faus displays his goods to the best advantage. He gives employment to twenty-two hands, which fact speaks more plainly than words of the extent of his trade.

Our subject was married in the Quaker City in 1891 to Miss Blanche Dugan, a native of that city. Their union has resulted in the birth of two chil- dren, Raymond and Russell. Both our subject and his estimable wife are members in good stand- ing of the Episcopal Church. The former is a stock- holder in the building and loan association and is respected as a citizen and solid business man of South Bethlehem.

D R. J. P. SCHOLL. The name of this prom- inent and respected citizen of Bethlehem, Pa., is indissolubly associated with the his- tory of the Old Bangor Slate Company, of which he was the old founder and the first President. The property on which the quarry is situated at Brush Creek, Northampton County, was purchased by lim and Samuel Straub from Phillip LaBarre in 1886, and in April of the following year they and a few of their friends who had associated with them were incorporated with a capital stock of $150,- 000. He became the President, and continued at its head for twenty years, until three-fifths of the property was sold to a party of gentlemen from Philadelphia in the railroad interests.

The enterprise was then re-organized and incor- porated as the Old Bangor Slate Company, capital $250,000. To his judicious and careful manage- ment the success of the enterprise was largely duc. He was strenuously urged to continue to be the head of the management, but as he was overworked in business and past the prime of life, he deemed it prudent to decline. However, he still continues to serve as Director. Upon his resignation, F. C. Yarnall, of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Com-

pany, became the acting President, and continued so until his death, in 1890.

The Old Bangor Slate Company was a success from the beginning, and is now the largest quarry in the country. Its products are principally roofing slates of the very best quality. It also produces large quantities of school slates, which arc manu- factured for use at Bangor by the Hyatt School Slate Company.

When Dr. Scholl commenced operating at this quarry, there were a tavern and a small cluster of houses near the quarry, called Uttsville. As there was no postoffice lie proposed to the people that he would get an office established there and name the town after the quarry. This was agreed to and ,accomplished. The place has since grown to be a town of fine houses, good schools, churches of nearly all denominations, banks, first-class hotels, good strects, many fine stores and shops, electric liglits, and water-works that supply the town with the best of mountain spring water. In short, it is now a prosperous borough, settled with an active, enterprising, thrifty and intelligent people.

Our subject is of German and French descent, his great-grandfather having been a native of Germany, and his great-grandmother of France. He was born in Northampton County, and was taken by his father to western New York State in its early settlement. He was a child of a few years when the family settled at Dansville, Steuben (now Livingston) County, and there he attended the common and academic schools. His father built and operated an iron forge on Mill Creek, ncar Dansville, where he died at the age of about fifty years. When about fifteen years old our subject returned to Northampton County, and made his home with his grandfather, Peter Scholl, who operated a flouring and saw mill on Monocacy Creek. After his grandfather's death, he went to Easton, where he learned the watchmaking and jewelry business, and remained until his father died. Returning to New York State, he took charge of his father's family, and afterward stud- ied dentistry, which profession he followed for some time.

In 1844 Dr. Scholl began the practice of den- tistry in Bethlehem, and for the first few years also

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practiced in Allentown. Hc succeeded in building up a good clientage and a fine personal and pro- fessional reputation. His office and home were for many years on Market Street, near Main. On ac- count of impaired health, resulting from constant close confinement, he deemed it advisable to adopt a business which would give him the benefit of the open air. About 1864 he retired from his pro- fession and began prospecting in the slate regions, and at the end of a few years concluded to locate for a quarry at Uttsville, now Bangor.

Associated with Mr. Straub, the Superintendent, Dr. Scholl laid out a tract of land where part of Bangor now stands. The lots he sold at a low figure in order to induce workmen and others to build and become permanent citizens. He has been interested in many local industries and has large investments in the iron business. He was one of the organizers of the first bank in Bethle- hem, the title of the same being the First National Bank. At one time he was Burgess, but has uni- formly refused political honors, his time being thoroughly taken up with his business affairs, and he has, therefore, abstained from the political arena. With his ballot he is a conservative Dem- ocrat.

T ILGHMAN H. DIEHL. The subject of this sketch, one of the prominent business men of Allentown, has become so well known in this community that he needs no special intro- duction to our readers. His friends are many, and we therefore feel assured that this record of his life will be received with general interest.

Our subject is the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Doll) Diehl, and was born in Milford, Bucks County, this state, May 21, 1847. He attended the common schools during his boyhood days, and, as was the case with most of the lads of that period, received only a limited education. How extensive and accurate the knowledge acquired in the little old log schoolhouse was, is summed up in the words of an acquaintance of our subject, whose experi- ence was of a similar nature: "The teacher told

us that it was very cold at the north pole, and very hot at the south, and we believed it." When ten years of age, our subject's parents removing to Quakertown, Tilghman attended school there for two years, and later, when his father established a store at Seidersville, Northampton County, whith- er the family had removed, he was permitted to carry on his studies in the schools of that place for two terms.

In 1860 the elder Mr. Diehl went to Allentown, where he opened up a store for the sale of general merchandisc. Our subject acted as clerk in the es- tablishment for twelve montlis, at the same time devoting every spare moment to the study of his books. The next year, when only fourteen years of age, he entered the office of Rev. S. K. Brobst, then engaged in printing church publica- tions. With him he learned "the art preservative," and remained in the capacity of a "comp" for three years. About that time there was a general call for Sunday-school literature in the church to . which Mr. Brobst belonged, and he consequently branched out in that line of business. Mr. Diehl was then taken from the case and placed in the office, where he was given charge of the books, etc., which department of work was left entirely to him. Business rapidly increased, the publications of their own growing more extensive, and the importation of books being added to the other branches, Mr. Brobst was obliged to enlarge his building.

In 1872 our subject, having proved himself to be a valuable assistant, was admitted into the busi- ness as partner, the firm operating under the style of S. K. Brobst & Co., and doing business at No. 814 Hamilton Street. This connection lasted until 1876, when the senior partner died. Our subject continued to manage affairs in company with the widow of his former partner for a year, when he found it to his advantage to go into business for himself. He at once purchased the interest of Mrs. Brobst in the establishment, and continued to act alone until her son Samuel became a mem- ber of the firm, in 1877. In 1885, however, Mr. Diehl severed the connection and is now engaged in publishing on his own account the "Lutheran Al- manac," acknowledged as authority in that church all over the country; "Jugend Freund," now in

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its forty-eighth year; the "Lutheran Herald and Zeitschrift," and other works which have been added since the death of Mr. Brobst.

Mr. Diehl is very active in church work, and for a number of years has been a member of the Executive Committee of the Lutheran Synod of Pennsylvania, and is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Theological Seminary at Phila- delphia. For a number of terms he was delegate to the Supreme Body of the church in America. He was married, in 1873, to Rosina A., daughter of the late John R. Schall, and to them have been born three sons and one daughter.

J AMES T. WOODRING, who is engaged in the practice of law at South Bethlehem, was formerly located at Hellertown. He is in the enjoyment of a splendid clientage and occu- pies the position of County Solicitor. Mr. Wood- ring was born in Hellertown, August 4, 1860, and is the son of John Woodring, also a native of that place, his birth occurring in 1812. Grandfather Jacob Woodring was born in Palmer Township, near Easton, Northampton County, and located in the above place in 1796. He followed the com- bined occupations of blacksmith and farmer, and departed this life July 4, 1860, when in the eighty- fourth year of his age.

Members of the Woodring family, whose name was originally spelled Wottring, came to Amer- ica from the Rhine Province in 1717, locating at Easton, this state. Jolin Woodring was a farmer, which occupation he followed near Hellertown un- til retiring from the active duties of life. He died in 1883, greatly beloved by all who knew him. His wife, Susan (Soliday) Woodring, was born in Bucks County, and was the daughter of Daniel Soliday, a farmer of German descent.

The parental family of our subject comprised five children, three of which are living, and James T. is the youngest. He was reared in Hellertown, attended the public schools until sixteen years of age, and then, in 1876, entered the preparatory de-

partment of Muhlenberg College, from which in- stitution he was graduated in 1881 with the de- grce of Bachelor of Arts. Mr. Woodring then be- gan the study of law in the office of E. J. Fox, of Easton, and was admitted to practice at the Bar June 19, 1885. He remained in that city for about six months, when he removed to Hellertown, where he has since made his home. In February, 1894, he opened an office in South Bethlehem, in the Lan- fer Building, and from that time to the present his services have been greatly in demand. Mr. Wood- ring has been Solicitor of Hellertown since 1886, and has occupied the same position for Lower Saucon. In January, 1894, he was elected County Solicitor, and is regarded among his professional brethren as a man of great ability.

Our subject was married in 1889 to Miss Annie, daughter of Madison Long, and to them have been born a son, James T., Jr., and an infant unnamed. Socially Mr. Woodring belongs to Hellertown Lodge, F. & A. M., of which he has been Past- master, and is also Past High Priest of Easton Chapter and Past Commander of Hugh De Payen Commandery. He is a consistent member of the Reformed Church, of which he is a regular attend- ant. In politics he is a supporter of Democratic principles.

A BRAHAM L. BOWMAN. No citizen of Edelman, Northampton County, is better known throughout the surrounding coun- try than the above-named gentleman, who is the leading business man of the village, having an ex- tended trade and great popularity. Having the judgment requisite to make a success of liis enter- prises, as well as an upright character and social nature, he is well entitled to the respect which he receives from his acquaintances.

The establishment of which Mr. Bowman is owner and proprietor contains a full line of dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, crockery, hard- ware, glassware, ready-made clothing, and the stock usually found in a first-class country store. He also has a large trade in coal. His sales are constantly increasing, and average $10,000 and

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upwards each year. He opened the store at Edel- man October 1, 1893, and on the same day re- ceived the appointment of Postmaster, in which capacity he has since served. In addition to his other work he is also station agent for the Bangor & Portland Railroad at this point.

In Plainfield Township, Northampton County, our subject was born February 12, 1866, the son of Amandus and Elizabeth (Frankenfield) Bowman, natives of this township, where they still reside. His father, whose life occupation has been that of an agriculturist, is well known in this part of the county, and is highly regarded by all who are ac- quainted with him. He has served as School Di- rector, and in politics is a Republican. Abraham L. was reared to manhood upon the home farm. The rudiments of his education were gained in the common schools of the district, after which lie at- tended for a time Trachi's Academy in Easton, Pa., and later was graduated from Eastman's National Business College in Poughkeepsie, N. Y. Return- ing home, he engaged in teaching school, being thus employed for two winter terms in Plainfield Township. Later he accepted the position of sta- tionary engineer in the Edelman Hard Vein Slate Quarry at Edelman, which he resigned in 1893 to embark in the mercantile business at this place.

The political belief of Mr. Bowman brings him into active co-operation with the Republican party, the principles of which he upholds with his ballot. He has served as Auditor of Plainfield Township. and has occupied other local offices of trust. So- cially he is a member of the Patriotic Order Sons of America at Edelman, and is also identified with the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the lodge at Pen Argyl. A Lutheran in religious belief, le favors all enterprises that will promote the pros- perity of the church and elevate the moral stand- ing of the community. June 9, 1886, he was united in marriage with Miss Christiana, daughter of Jacob Itterly, of this county. He is prominent among the young business men of Plain field Town- ship, and an excellent representative of its worth and push in business directions. Having passed his entire life in this locality, he is well known, not alone in commercial, but also in social, circles. Having received a fine education, and being gifted

by nature with those particular characteristics es- sential to the most satisfactory results, he has, at the commencement of his career, won a reputation for sagacity, honesty and fair dealing with all men.

DWARD M. YOUNG is a member of the firm of M. S. Young & Co., wholesale and re- tail dealers in hardware in Allentown, and one of the prominent and representative citizens. He was here born on the 24th of September, 1866. His great-grandfather, Christopher Young, settled in Bucks County, Pa., in the seventeenth century. His grandfather, Joseph Young, and his father, Ed- ward B. Young, were both natives of the Keystone State. The latter married Mary Kuhns, daughter of Peter Kuhns, of Allentown. Edward B. is now deceased, but his widow still survives.

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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 82

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