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 84

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 84
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 84
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 84

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The eldest son of John Jacob Mickley, Jr., was Jacob Mickley, who was born Mareli 27, 1794, and died June 2, 1888. He married Miss Anna Kern, and to them were born eleven children: Anna L., now deceased; Mary, the widow of the late Valen- tine Weaver, of this county; Rebecca, Mrs. Samuel Thomas, of Catasauqua, deceased; Francesea, de- ceased; Ephraim, who married Elizabeth Deshler, both deceased; James W., who married Annie L. Cooper, and who died October 16, 1882; Edwin, who married Matilda E. Fogel; Catherine, whose home is in. Allentown; Eliza, the wife of Rev. David Kuntz, of Nazareth, this state: Jane, who married Enoch Philips, of Pulaski City, Va .; and William J., who married Lucy Keck, and is de- ceased.

Jacob Miekley served in the War of 1812 as a member of Capt. John Ruhe's company. He en- listed as a private when eighteen years of age, and was later commissioned Second Lieutenant of a troop of cavalry belonging to the Sixty-eighth Regiment of the Pennsylvania Militia. He was discharged from service August 3, 1828. The Mickley family were all Whigs in politics until the organization of the Republican party, since which time they have always cast their votes for its candidates. At the time of his death, Jacob Miekley was one of the last survivors of the War of 1812 in this connty. He was looked upon as a man of sterling integrity and great worth, and was widely known throughout this section of the country. He aided in the organization of the

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Mickley Church. He was active in school matters, took a great interest in political affairs, and con- tributed liberally of his means toward charitable and religious purposes. He was one of the orig- inal stock holders of the Lockridge Iron Company, now the Thomas Iron Company.

Edwin Mickley, the third son of this gentleman and the subject of this sketch, was reared to man's estate in this county, and received his education in the Kingston (Pa.) Seminary. In 1848 he en- tered the service of the Crane Iron Company at. Catasauqua, and remained with them for several years, working in the capacity of a machinist. In

1854 he went to New York, and engaged with the Globe Iron Works. On his return to this county he engaged in the foundry and machine business at Fogelsville, which he carried on for two and a-half years. During that time he built the first engine used by the Pennsylvania & Lehigh Zinc Company at Friendensville, and after quitting the foundry business he engaged with the Thomas Iron Company at Hokendauqua, Pa., with which company he remained for thirty-three years as Mining Enginecr. He resigned his position with the Thomas Iron Company in March, 1889, and after a tour of Europe, remodeled the homestead, where he takes much interest in his stock farm and dairy, giving much attention to practical farming and the organizing of the first Farmers' Club of Lehigh County.

In June, 1863, Mr. Mickley cnlisted in the Union army. He was commissioned First Lieuten- ant of Company B, Thirty-eighth Pennsylvania Militia, by Gov. Andrew G. Curtin, the late well known war Governor. The regiment were sent to the front, and after their return were ordered to Pottsville to enforce the draft. After this was ac- complished, the regiment was honorably mustered out of the service.

September 27, 1853, Mr. Mickley marricd Miss Matilda E. Fogel, of Fogelsville, the daughter of Solomon Fogel, late a prominent citizen of this county. The four children comprising their fam- ily are: Anna D., who married Joseph P. Mickley, chief engineer in the United States Navy; Lillie E., the wife of Dr. H. M. Chance, of Wayne, this state; Minnie F. and John Jacob.

Mr. Mickley has always been prominent in school matters, and for a quarter of a century has ren- dered efficient service as President of the board. With his wife he is a devoted member of the Pres- byterian Church at Hokendauqua, which he is serving as Elder. He is identified with Lieut. George Fuller Post No. 378, G. A. R., standing very high among the old soldiers, and is a mem- ber of the American Institute of Mining Engineers. He is the owner of a beautiful residence, which is considered one of the finest rural homes in Lehigh County.

Through the Liberty bell episode at Allentown, in which the ancestor of our subject took a prom- inent part, so much interest was manifested that the idea of having a new Liberty bell originated in the mind of Miss Minnie F. Mickley, the daugh- ter of our subject, and a lady of rare literary attainments. When it was decided to exhibit the new bell at the World's Fair in Chicago, she was appointed to represent the state of Pennsylvania, and was also made Secretary of the general com- mittee composed of delegates from every state in the Union and every Republic in the world. She is officiating at the present time as Regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Lchigh County, and is likewise Regent of the Mary Wash- ington Memorial Association, and connected with the Alumni Association of the Elmira (N. Y.) Col- lege. The family to which he belongs is recog- nized as one of the historic and prominent fam- ilies of the Lehigh Valley, and not only as a de- scendant of illustrious ancestors, but also on ac- count of the position he has attained for himself he is esteemned by all.

H ON. ROBERT E. JAMES, who has been one of the eminent members of the legal fraternity in Easton, Pa., for nearly a quarter of a century, is a representative citizen of this place. In 1876 he was elected on the Demo- cratic ticket to represent this district in the Legis- lature of Pennsylvania, and served for one term.

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In 1880 he was elected District Attorney to serve for a period of three years, and in 1885 received the appointment of National Bank Examiner for eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey. For six years he remained officiating in that capacity, dur- ing part of which time he was also Bank Examiner for the city of New York. In many of the enter- prises and progressive movements having for their object the betterment of this city and section of the state Mr. James has taken an active part, and is always in the front ranks of modern ideas.

The birth of our subjeet occurred in Centre- ville in Upper Mt. Bethel Township, Northampton County, August 9, 1848. His parents were Robert E. and Caroline (Dietterich) James. Evan James, the father of the former, was a native of Bucks County, and of Welsh-English descent. Robert E. James, Sr., was born in Bucks County, Novem- ber 13, 1802, and became onc of the foremost physicians of his day. He received superior ad- vantages in an educational way, and graduated from the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania and from the Jefferson Medical Col- lege. Much of his life work was done in Centre- ville and vicinity, where he established a large practice. He was a member of the State Legisla- ture at one time, having been elected to that position on the Democratic ticket by his many warm friends and neighbors. His service in the House was during the years of 1836-37, after which he refused to be returned, preferring to devote him- self solely to his profession. In the entire north- ern part of the county he exerted a wise and bene- ficial influence, and by all was believed to be a man of exceptional attainments. To himself and wife were born five children, all of whom are liv- ing. Frances M. is the wife of Dr. H. Long, of Sunbury; Mary E. is the wife of Hon. T. H. Purdy, of Sunbury; William M. makes his home in Steelton, Pa .; J. Dietterich is also a resident of Sunbury, Pa .; and Robert E. completes the family.

The early years of our subject were passed at Centreville, and when twelve years of age he was deprived of his father's watchful care by death. From that time forward he resided in Sunbury, and was educated at the Buckwell University, there being fitted for college. In 1866 he entered

Lafayette College and was graduated from that in- stitution three years later. Afterwards he took up the study of law with Edward J. Fox, being at the same time Principal of the Easton High School. He was admitted to the Bar in November, 1872, and at once began active practice. In 1875 he was a member of the Board of School Control for Easton, and during that year and the following one was President of that honorable body. In the Centennial year lie was elected to the State Legis- lature. In 1883 he was nominated for Judge of the Lebanon-Dauphin District on the Democratic ticket, but was not elected, as the Republicans had an overwhelming majority. In 1890 Mr. James with others was instrumental in the organization of the Easton Trust Company, resigning from the Government service to accept the position with this concern, and upon the death of John T. Knight was elected President of the Trust Com- pany. Socially he is a member of the Masonic order, and possesses hosts of friends in this portion of the county.

In 1876 occurred the marriage of Mr. James and Miss Annie Heller, and of their union has been born one child, a son, Robert E., Jr. Though a member of the Baptist denomination, Mr. James now attends the Presbyterian Church of this city. At various times he has been County and City Solicitor, and his practice has led him into many departments of legal work.

J OHN P. LOBB, junior member of the firm of William Lobb & Sons, and one of the influen- tial citizens of Pen Argyl, is a native of Eng- land, born in Cornwall February 11, 1855. The family of which he is a member was long rep- resented in Cornwall, and was interested especially in quarrying. His paternal grandfather, John Lobb, was a worker in the quarries of Cornwall, and spent his entire life in England.

The father of our subject, William Lobb, was born in Cornwall, April 29, 1830, and in early life became familiar with the manufacture of slate in

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the quarries of the home locality. Emigrating to the United States about 1857, he located at Pen Argyl, Pa., and there and at Chapman he was en- gaged in the slate business until 1877, being in the employ of others. Hc then leased part of the Al- bion Quarry, and operated his lease until about 1888, at which time the firm of William Lobb & Sons was established. He still remains at the head of the enterprise, the success of which is largely due to his untiring exertions, seconded by the assistance of his capable sons. In addition to the quarry he has other interests, being a Director and stockholder in the Pen Argyl Electric Light and Power Company, and he also owns and operates a general store, containing a stock valued at about $6,000.

Actively interested in political matters as a mem- ber of the Republican party, Mr. Lobb, Sr., has served as Burgess of Pen Argyl and has been promi- nent in public affairs. Socially he is identified with the Masonic fraternity. He married Miss Mary Ann Prout, a native of England, where their marriage occurred. To them have been born nine children, named as follows: John P., Marwood, Marcenia, Thomas and William F., all of whom are members of the firm of William Lobb & Sons; James; Mary Elizabeth, who is the wife of William Blake, of Bangor; Anna, Mrs. George Rowe, of Pen Argyl; and Jennie, wife of James .Jackson, of the firm of Jackson Bros.

Attending the public schools of Pen Argyl in boyhood, John P. Lobb left school in order to learn the business in which his father was success- fully engaged. As his knowledge of the work in- creased he was given positions of larger responsi- bility, and finally became Superintendent, in which capacity he is now serving. In 1877 he and his. brothers became equal partners with their father, the title being changed to William Lobb & Sons. The firm also owns a quarry at Rockville, Lehigh County, which, however, is not now in operation.

The Republican party has in Mr. Lobb one of its stalwart adherents, and any measure tending to its success receives his hearty endorsement. He has served as Burgess and is a member of the Borough Council at the present time. In the Methodist Church he is an active worker and a teacher in the

Sunday-school. Socially he affiliates with Pen Ar- gyl Lodge No. 594, F. & A. M., and Bangor Council No. 274, R. A. M. His marriage, occur- ring March 2, 1879, united him with Miss Sarah, daughter of Theodore Cowell, of Williamsburg, Upper Mt. Bethel Township, Northampton Coun- ty. They have had six children, of whom Laura, Bertha and Stella are deceased, two dying of diph- theria. Those living are Lizzie, Harrison and Ethel.

H ENRY KRAEMER, one of the representa- tive citizens and leading business men of Nazaretlı, is engaged in the manufactur- ing of seamless hose, and the success that has at- tended his efforts is but the just reward of honest merit worthily bestowed. He is a native of Berle- burg, Westphalia, Germany, having been born March 14, 1859, and is the son of Carl and Caro- linc (Aderhold) Kraemer. The father was a na- tive of the same place, and was a baker by occu- pation. He never left his native land, but spent his entire life there, and is buried in Berleburg. He was the father of six sons, two of whom came to the United States, the other four remaining in the Fatherland. He and his wife were valued members of the Reformed Church.

Our subject was educated in the above-named place, and there attended the high school. After graduating he entered a wholesale exporting house located in Iserlohn, one of the most important ex- porting centers of Westphalia, where he remained for three years. Mr. Kraemer cmigrated to this country in 1878, at the age of nineteen years. He first went to Illinois, thence to Kentucky, and from there to Pennsylvania, finally settling in Reading. There he was employed as bookkeeper for Louis Kraemer & Co., manufacturers of cotton and woolen goods. He remained with them for seven years, and then came to Nazareth, and went into business for himself. In 1886 he started in the manufacture of scamless hosiery. He began at first in a small way, but his business has so in- creased that at the present time the value of the plant is about $15,000. He is at present erecting

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a large dyehouse, intending henceforth to do dye- ing in addition to his other business. He employs about one hundred and twenty hands, who turn out about four hundred dozen hose per day. His goods are sold all over the United States, from California to Maine, and has offices in New York, at No. 108 Franklin Street and No. 33 Bedford Street.

Our subject is independent in politics, and al- ways votes for the best man, the onc whom he thinks will best represent the interests of the peo- ple. In his religious views he is a member of the Reformed Church. He was elected Auditor of the borough of Nazareth in 1890, and received every vote in the borough except one. He is a member of the School Board, and takes an active interest in educational and public affairs. Socially he is a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle. No- vember 1, 1882, Mr. Kraemer was united in mar- riage to Miss Annie P. Mack, of Reading, Pa. They have three bright and interesting children, Louisa, Carl and Emma. Mr. and Mrs. Kraemer occupy a high position in the social circles of Naz- arethi and vicinity.

J AMES MASTERS, the present Secretary and Treasurer of the East Bangor Slate Min- ing Company, is numbered among the sub- stantial business men and enterprising citi- zens of East Bangor. He is of English birth, and first saw the light of day May 17, 1853, in Corn- wall, England. His parents, John and Catherine (Brown) Masters, were also natives of England, as had been their ancestors for generations past. John Masters, Sr., the grandfather of our subject, was a native of Bridgewater, Somersetshire, and emigrated to Cornwall when quite a young man. He was a slate-maker by occupation, and passed the greater part of his life in the quarries of Cornwall.

John Masters, Jr., the father of James, was born in Cornwall, and was also a slate-maker by trade. When a little past middle age he met with sud-

den death in the mines where he was at work. He left a wife and seven small children, the lat- ter in order of birth as follows: Sarah, who died young; William; Thomas; John; Mary Ann; James, our subject; and Sarah. Only two of this family still survive: Thomas, who is hving in Bangor; and James, the subject of this sketch. William lost his life in a quarry at Pen Argyl about a year ago.

James Masters received a common-school educa- tion in his native land, and at the early age of thirteen came to this country, locating first at Chapman Quarries, where he worked at his trade of slater for ten years. He then went to Pen Argyl, where he spent one year at the same em- ployment, after which he camne to East Bangor and located permanently. For sixteen years Mr. Masters has been prominently identified with the slate interests of Bangor. He was first employed by the Star Company of East Bangor, after which he was engaged as Superintendent of the Old East Bangor Company's works, in which capacity he re- maincd two years. In 1885 he, in conjunction with Messrs. Ford, Langmear and Head, became lessees of the Old East Bangor Quarry, and changed the name to that of the East Bangor Slate Mining Company, in which our subject has occupied the position of Secretary and Treasurer up to the pres- ent time. In connection with other interests he is a stockholder in the Merchants' Bank, and at one time was a Director in the same. He is also half- owner of one of the best slate farms in Plainfield Township.

Mr. Masters was married, May 9, 1873, to Miss Anna, a daughter of Antony Jenkins, of Chap- man Quarries. Mr. and Mrs. Masters became the parents of seven children, six of whom are living: Henry James, Emma Lydia, Mary Ann, John Erastus, Sarah Catherinc, and Harriet Stowe. Alice Ruth died at the age of two years.

Politically our subject is a Republican, and an active worker in that party. He is at present serving as Chief Burgess of East Bangor, and was the first Inspector after the incorporation of the borough. He also held the office of School Di- rector for a number of years, and takes a deep in- terest in school affairs and local politics. He is a valued member of the Methodist Episcopal Church,

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and President of the Board of Trustees; he also held the office of Steward of the chureli for a num- ber of years. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle, Castle 183; Bangor Lodge No. 565, F. & A. M .; Bangor Chapter No. 174, R. A. M .; Hugh de Payen's Commandery, and Knight Templars, of Easton, Pa. As a eitizen Mr. Masters occupies a high place in the confidence and esteem of his townsmen, as well as of those whom he meets in a business and social way.

HARLES I. ROSEBERRY, M. D., has been a member of the Board of Health of East- on sinee the time it was organized as a corporation. He is a member of the American In- stitute of Homeopathy, and is justly considered a leader in the medical fraternities of this locality. Soon after his graduation he took up his residenee in this eity, where he lias been engaged suecess- fully in practice up to the present time. During the late war he acted as surgeon for the invalid corps at the Easton Barracks, and served in that capacity for a year and a-half, or until the close of the war.

As is generally known, the Roseberry family is of English origin, and in the Old Country there have been many famous men of the name. In tracing the remote history of the family it is found that they early removed from Scotland to adjacent English counties, where their descendants con- tinued to live. The great-grandfather of Dr. Charles Roseberry, John Roseberry, and the first ancestor in America of whom there is any authen- tic record, settled in Warren County, N. J., at an early date, and about 1840 near Philipsburg, Pa. His wife was a daughter of John Phillips, for whom the town was named. Her brother was Gen. John Phillips, a historic personage, and a man of great influence in the community. John Roseberry was very wealthy at this period, owning large tracts of land and other property, and was a representa- tive of the old English aristocracy.

Our subject's fatlier, Michael Roseberry, was

born in Warren County, N. J. He was an agri- culturist during the main part of his life, and owned an extensive farm. At the time of death lie was living in Phillipsburg, Warren County. He was an old-line Whig, and subsequently a Re- publiean. In St. John's Lutheran Church, to which he belonged for years, he was one of the leading members. His death occurred in 1849, when he was seventy-four years of age. He had been three times married. His first wife, whom he married in 1797, and whose maiden name was Elizabeth Feit, died April 15, 1798, leaving no children. He mar- ried his second wife, Margaret Mackey, May 13, 1799, and their union was blessed with four sons and three daughters: Michael, John, Jeremiah, Joseph, Margaret, Elizabeth and Mary. Mrs. Mar- garet Roseberry died November 17, 1816, and for his third wife Michael Roseberry married Eliza- beth Runion, by whom he had the following chil- dren: Mrs. Isabella Allshouse; Mrs. Valeria Abel, now deceased; Mrs. Henrietta Sharp, also deceased; Mrs. Louise Akerman; Charles, our subject; and Robert. The mother of these children died May 8, 1872, aged seventy-six years.

Dr. Roseberry was born August 31, 1831, at Phillipsburg, Warren County, N. J., and received his elementary schooling in that locality. Subse- quently he attended the private school of Professor Vanderveer, and the one conducted by Rev. Mr. Philips in Easton. Upon taking up the study of medicine he entered the University of Pennsyl- vania, from which he was graduated in 1860, and in 1861 he was graduated from the New York Homeopathic College. Immediately thereafter he began his professional career in this city, where he has continued to reside up to the present time, and has succeeded in building up one of the larg- est and most remunerative practices of any local physician. He aims to keep abreast of the times on all matters of recent research and discovery in the line of medieine, and to that end not only sub- scribes for the leading medical journals, but is a member of several associations of physicians.

October 31, 1876, was celebrated the marriage of the Doetor and Sophia Ludwig. Her father, Frank Ludwig, is a respected citizen of Easton. Three children came to bless the union of the Doctor and

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his wife: Charles, who is a high school student; Herbert now at school; and Franklin, deceased.

In politics the Doctor uses his right of franchise in support of Republican nominees, and fraternally is a member of the Knights of Honor. Religiously he holds membership with the Lutheran Church.

T ILGHMAN J. HELFRICH. In compiling an account of the different business enter- prises of the county of Lehigh, we desire particularly to call attention to Mr. Helfrich, who resides in South Whitehall Township, and is en- gaged as a retail milk dealer, having a route in Allentown. Like many of the best citizens of this scction, he is a native of the county, his birth hav- ing occurred March 13, 1858.

William and Catherine (Heilman) Helfrich, the parents of our subject; werc natives of Lehigh County. The father, who was born in 1829, is still living and ranks among the prominent resi- dents of Allentown. During his more active years he was well known in agricultural circles of White- hall Township, where he owned a good farm and accumulated a handsome property. His wife is a sister of Horace Heilman, a well-to-do farmer of the above township. In his religious belief, William Helfrich is connected with the Evangelical Church; in politics he is a stanch Republican.

Of the five children included in the parental family, only three survive, namely: Tilghman J., Milton E., and Alice R., the widow of the late Ben- jamin B. Aigmer, a minister of the Evangelical Church. Tilghman J. spent his youthful years on the home farm, and as his father at that time pos- sessed only ordinary means, his carly advantages were far less than he desired. However, he real- ized the value of a good education, and managed to acquire a fair knowledge of the rudimentary branches. Some time afterward he took a course in Blackman's Business College at Allentown.

Our subject engaged in farm pursuits until the spring of 1880, when he engaged in the milk busi- ness. At present he keeps on his place about

twenty good cows. In 1885 he married Miss Lillie J., daughter of Edward and Caroline Mertz, of South Whitehall Township. In religious affairs he is a devoted member of the Evangelical Church at Cedarville. He has been a very industrious, hard- working man, and now owns ninety-three acres of land, which he has the satisfaction of knowing is valuable, and desirably located. In politics he votes with the Republican party. He has never sought public preferment, for he has found that his business completely occupies his time and atten- tion, and to enter the political arena would be at the expense of his business interests.

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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 84

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