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 87
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 87
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 87
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122 | Part 123 | Part 124 | Part 125
January 2, 1879, our subject was united in mar- riage with Miss Lizzie Kester, daughter of Ferdin- and Kester, of Hamilton Square, Monroe County. In eight short months after her wedding day death came and claimed her for his own. In 1892 our subject was again married, this time to Miss Ella S. Delp, a daughter of John Delp, of Easton, Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Heintzelman are the happy parents of one child, a beautiful little daughter, Anna Miller, born July 25, 1893. The family oc- cupy a high social position and enjoy the esteem of a wide circle of sincere friends.
H ENRY BITZ. The fine property which Mr. Bitz owns, and the comforts which surround his family, are a creditable show- ing for one who began in early youth with ordin- ary influence and capital, and indicate the sturdy nature of the man to whose determination and unflagging industry they are duc. For many years actively engaged in agricultural pursuits, he is now spending the twilight of his life in retire- ment from business cares, and is making his home in Ackermanville, Northampton County.
The parents of our subject, John and Catherine Bitz, were natives of Pennsylvania, and his ances-
743
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tors were early settlers of the Lehigh Valley, hav- ing come hither from Germany. John Bitz was for many years a resident of Lower Mt. Bethel Township. but his death, in 1865, occurred in Plainfield Township. Of his children the follow- ing-named survive: Henry, who was born in Northampton County, Pa., April 12, 1826; and Samuel, a resident of Plainfield Township. The former was reared in this county, receiving his education in the district schools, which he attend- ed about three months each year. At the age of seventeen he abandoned his studies, and thenceforth gave his undivided attention to farm work, with which through early training he had become familiar.
After his marriage, Mr. Bitz settled upon a farm in what is now Washington Township, and there he continued to reside, engaged in farm work, until the spring of 1893, when he retired from agriculture and removed to Ackermanville. He still retains the ownership of two hundred and sixty acres of well improved land, from the rental of which he receives a good income. He is a Director of the First National Bank of Pen Argyl, and has other moneyed interests in this vicinity. Devoted to the welfare of his town and county, he has served as School Director of Washington Township, as a member of the Election Board, and as Supervisor of Roads.
On the 1st of May, 1847, occurred the marriage of Henry Bitz and Miss Rebecca A. Ackerman. This lady was born in Northampton County, Sep- tember 10, 1829, and is a daughter of Isaac and Sallie (Hahn) Ackerman, also natives of North- ampton County. Her paternal grandfather and great-grandfather were among the early settlers of Ackermanville, and this village was named in honor of them. Unto the union of Mr. and Mrs. Bitz twelve children were born, of whom eight are now living, as follows: Sarah, wife of Josiah Price; Isaac; Matilda, who married Samuel Russell; Emma, Mrs. Owen Dreisbach; Ellen, who is the wife of Jacob E. Haney; Amanda; Edna, wife of Joseph Albert; and Martha, Mrs. John Yeisley.
The record of the life of Mr. Bitz shows that he has ever been kind, generous and whole-souled in word and deed, and his neighbors have found that
they can call upon him for sympathy and help in time of need. He is a consistent Christian, hold- ing membership in the Lutheran Church. His wife is identified with the Reformed Church, in which she is an active worker. They are honored by all who know them and are numbered among the well known people of this county.
D AVID WIESER, cx-Commissioner of Le- high County, not only enjoys the reputa- tion of a well known and capable official, but of an intelligent and progressive farmer, who is thoroughily posted on all matters pertaining to his vocation in life and is thoroughly conversant with public affairs. He was born in Whitehall Township, this county, January 9, 1830, and is the son of Daniel and Lidia (Miller) Wieser, the father born in Berks County, and the mother a native of this county. The paternal grandfather of our subject was also a native of Berks County, while his father came from Germany. Our subject on his mother's side is also of German descent.
Daniel Wieser is still living, making his home with our subject. He is now past his ninetieth year, and, as may be supposed, is one of the oldest residents of the county, having made his home on his present farm for over sixty years. His good wife departed this life January 6, 1865. David, of this sketch, was reared to man's estate in this county, where he was given a good education in both the German and English languages. He has followed farm pursuits all his life, and in 1855 began cultivating property of his own, which he farmed for about twenty-one years. In 1876, how- ever, lie located on his present farm, which has been his home ever since. It comprises fifty-three acres, which he has placed under the best methods of improvement and farms in such a way as to bring him in the best returns.
Mr. Wieser was married in 1854 to Miss Eliza Roth, and to them was born one son, Frank P. The wife and mother died January 25, 1858, and the lady whom our subject chose as his second companion, in 1862, bore the maiden name of Miss
744
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Susan Wright. She was born in Mercer County, this state, and by her union with our subject be- came the mother of three children: Ida, Mrs. Dan- iel Schreiber; Annie, attending college at Allen- town; and Mary, now deceased.
Our subject is a Democrat in politics, and for six years served as Director of the Poor in Lehigh County. For three years he was Road Supervisor, and for the same length of time School Director. In 1887 he was elected County Commissioner for a term of three years, during which time he dis- charged the duties of the office with great credit to himself and satisfaction to all concerned. Hc is a member of the Lutheran Church, in the faith of which he was reared.
J OSEPH F. CRATER, one of the leading citi- zens of Easton, has been a member of the City Council, and frequently has been sent as a delegate to the various conventions of the Democratic party, of which he is a strong ally. He is a member of the firm of J. F. Crater & Sons, and for years has been engaged in the wholesale produce business, in which he has made a financial success. In addition to his regular business affairs he is a Director in the First National Bank of this place, is associated with the Electric Light Com pany, the Easton Improvement Association, and other local societies which have for their object the upbuilding and development of this locality.
Mr. Crater is of German and English ancestry. His paternal grandfather, Mathias Crater, followed agricultural pursuits in Hunterdon County, N. J., where he was born and passed his life. He was quite a well-to-do and respected citizen, and at va- rious times held local offices. His son John, our subject's father, was born on the old homestead December 12, 1801, and from boyhood was reared to farm life. His death occurred in Morris Coun- ty, N. J., and he was placed to rest near his home. He was a member of the Methodist Church, and politically was a Democrat. By his marriage with Rachael S. Force he had a family comprising
seven children, four of whom are still living. Barbara is the wife of William Betsom, deceased, formerly a resident of Morris County, N. J .; Sarah, who became the wife of Jefferson Lake, also makes her home in Morris County; Joseplı F. is the next in order of birth of those living; Rachael A. is Mrs. Hiram Stark, also of Morris County; and three sons have passed from this life.
September 15, 1829, occurred the birth of our subject near Spruce Run, Hunterdon County, N. J., and his boyhood was passed upon his father's farm, where lie early learned the duties of carry- ing on a homestead. His educational advantages in youth were quite limited, but being studiously inclined he made the best of his opportunities, and by observation and private reading became well informed on general and practical topics. For some time he engaged in farming and teaming prior to reaching his majority, and carefully laid aside a portion of his earnings in order to get a start in business. Believing that there was money to be made in the produce business, he invested in this line and followed it until 1858, when he lo- cated in Hackettstown. He was there engaged in the produce business for the next ten years, sup- plying the city markets and becoming well-to-do. In 1868 he came to Easton and has continued in the same line of business up to the present time. While in Hackettstown he was a member of the firm of Crater & Osmond, but after coming to this place he ran the business independently for a number of ycars, after which he associated with himself his sons, under the firm name of J. F. Cra- ter & Sons. In addition to the local enterprises in which he has moncy invested, and a few of which were mentioned at the beginning of this ar- ticle, he has other industries outside of the city.
Mr. Crater has been twice married. His first union was celebrated in 1855, with Catherine Ever- ett, by whom he had four children: William Ever- ett, in business with his father, as is also his next younger, brother Jolin Wesley; Frank Ellsworth; and Joseph Kethelage, who is unmarried and a business man of this place. The eldest son married Florence Ludwig, of Easton, and is prominent in commercial and Masonic circles of this place. The second son, John W., married Blanch Faye, of
745
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Philadelphia; and Frank Ellsworth wedded Lilia Montague, of Easton. The mother of these chil- dren was called to her final rest January 4, 1889. The present wife of Joseph Crater was before her marriage Miss Mary, daughter of Thomas Keller, of Easton. Mr. and Mrs. Crater were married January 14, 1892. They have a pleasant home and the respect and esteem of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. Socially Mr. Crater is a member of the Masonic order, and ranks high in business and fraternal circles.
J ONATHAN MOORE. Among the old sol- diers and prominent railroad men of North- ampton County stands Jonathan Moore, an honest, upright man, courteous in his inter- course with his fellow-men, and possessed of inore than average intelligence. Like many of the rep- resentative citizens of the county, he claims New York as his native state, his birth occurring in Or- ange County, on tlie 27th of April, 1825. His par- ents, Stephen and Eleanor (Owens) Moore, were also natives of the Empire State.
The members of the Moore family are of Eng- lish origin, and trace their ancestry back to the Pilgrim Fathers. Both of Mr. Moore's grandfa- thers were soldiers in the Revolutionary War, and received pensions for their service in that great struggle for liberty. A maternal uncle, William Owens, served in the War of 1812. Our subject was reared to manhood on a farm in Orange Coun- ty, N. Y. He received a common-school education in his native county, and at the age of twenty-one became a teacher. For eighteen years he taught in both public and private schools, in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and for twelve years he was Principal of a select school at Mt. Bethel.
During the Civil War Mr. Moore enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Fifty-third Penn- sylvania Volunteers. He enlisted as a private, but was soon promoted to the office of First Lieu-
tenant, and later on had offers of further promo- tion but declined, althoughi he acted as Captain the greater part of the time while in the service. He participated in the battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. His regiment was also a part of the corps which Stonewall Jackson surprised in his memorable attack after making the circuit and flanking the federal corps. He was a gallant and brave soldier, and saw a great deal of hard and active service during the ten months he was in the army. He was honorably discharged July 11, 1863. After his return to Pennsylvania he engaged in tlie railroad business, and for over a quarter of a century had entire charge of the business of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad at Portland. He faithfully performed his duty in that line, and became widely and favorably known throughout the state as a man of superior business ability and integrity.
September 3, 1849, Mr. Moore was united in the holy bonds of matrimony withi Miss Helen Troxel, a native of Northampton County. She is a daugh- ter of John and Catherine Troxel, who are well known and highly respected citizens of the county. Politically Mr. Moore is a stal wart Republican, and has labored unweariedly in the interests of his party, supporting its candidates and principles with unwavering fidelity. In July, 1894, he was nominated for Assemblyman from Northampton County on the Republican ticket, and came with- in seventy-eight votes of being elected in a coun- ty three hundred and fifty thousand Democratic. In his religious connections he is identified with the Presbyterian Church, and for a number of years has occupied the position of Elder in that denomination. He is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and is connected with Arm- strong Post No. 368 at Portland, of which he is the present Chaplain.
Mr. Moore has a large and influential circle of friends, and commands the esteem of his fellow- citizens, with whom he is identified in every pub- lic enterprise of importance. A self-made man, having through his individual efforts won his way upward, he has made a record in his private life and public service of which his family and de- scendants may well be proud. Though he has no
746
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
children of his own, he takes great interest in the training of the young, having been a worker in the Sunday-schools for forty-five years and Su- perintendent of the same for forty years.
ELCOME B. POWELL, who occupies a high position in commercial circles in Allentown, now deals in farm machin- ery, implements and seeds. He claims Vermont as the state of his nativity, for he was born in Chit- tenden County, on the 29th of May, 1816. His grandfather, Elijah Powell, was of Welsh descent. His father, Reuben Powell, was born in the Green Mountain State, and by occupation was a farmer. He married Betsy Niles, a native of Vermont, and a daughter of William Niles, who was of English lineage.
The gentleman whose name heads this record spent the first sixteen years of his life in Vermont, attending the public schools through the winter season, while in the summer months he aided in the labors of the farm. In 1833, when in his seven- teenth year, he left home and took up his residence in Easton, Pa., where he sought and secured cm- ployment with Lewis A. Buckley, a dealer in farm implements, with whom he remained, a trusted employe, for about ten years. In 1843 he came to Allentown and began business in his own inter- est as a dealer in implements and farm machinery. He has been in continuous business here for half a century, longer than any other of its merchants. He keeps everything used upon a farm, from an oil-can to a binder, carries an extensive stock, and has a large business, which has grown from a small beginning. No man is better known to the farm- ers of Lchigh County than he. His warerooms are 20x200 feet, in addition to which he has ex- tensive sheds and other buildings.
In connection with his other business affairs, Mr. Powell was interested in a cattle ranch in Missouri, which he recently sold, and which contained twen- ty-two hundred acres of land. He is a Director in the Second National Bank of Allentown, and was
a Director in the Catasauqua National Bank. He was for several ycars connected with the Lchigh Valley Furnace Company, and was one of its Di- rectors, and for some time a heavy stockholder. His business interests have been extensive and have been well managed. He looks carefully after all details, and his well directed efforts, sagacity and enterprise have made him a substantial citizen, who now ranks among the foremost men of his adopted county.
Turning from the public to the private life of Mr. Powell, wc note that in 1839, in Easton, Pa., he was united in marriage with Miss Catlierinc, daughter of Jacob Hartzell. Her death occurred in 1845, and she left one son, Edmund F., who died in Nebraska in 1888. In 1862 Mr. Powell was again married, his second union being with Miss Mary L. Seagreaves, of Allentown, daughter of Henry Seagreaves.
In his political views Mr. Powell is a Republi- can, and has served as a member of the Select Council. His wife is a member of the Lutheran Church, and he also attends the same. Although now well advanced in years, he is yet quite fond of hunting, and few can excel him in bringing down small game on the wing. Frequently he goes on a hunting trip to the West, and spends a few wecks delightfully in the enjoyment of that sport.
A SRY C. YOUNG is one of the substantial citizens and wide-awake business men of Pen Argyl. He became the Cashier of the First National Bank of this city in 1890, and has honorably held that position ever since. Mr. Young is a native of Northampton County, and was born July 4, 1856. His parents, William H. and Sabina (Seigel) Young, were also natives of the same county, and were of English and German descent respectively.
Christian Young, the grandfather of our subject, was a native of Pennsylvania, and was a farmer by occupation. At one time he served as County Commissioner of Northampton County, and also held several other minor offices at different times.
G. A. SCHNEEBELI.
749
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
He was a Demoerat in politics and an ardent sup- porter of his party. In his religious views he was a Lutheran, and an active worker in the cause of Christianity. The grandfather's family consisted of four children, three of whom are living.
William H. Young, the father of our subject, who was born November 30, 1832, is a farmer by occupation, and still lives on the old homestead. He is a stanch Democrat and las held some of the local offices of his township. The cause of Chris- tianity finds in him an active worker, and the Lu- theran Church a consistent member. Seven ehil- dren were born to William and Sabina Young: Andrew J., a merchant of Pen Argyl; Asher W., a clerk for A. J. Young; Alvin; Henrietta, the wife of Peter J. Fehnel, a farmer; Sarah J., the wife of Jacob Fehnel, also a farmer; Ellen J., living at home; and A. C.
Asry C. Young, our subject, attended the public schools of Moore Township in his boyhood, but later entered the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown, Pa., from which institution he was graduated in 1876. After graduating he taught school for four terms, and then engaged as clerk in a dry-goods store at Klecknersville, where he remained for three and a-half years. In 1883 Mr. Young came to Pen Argyl and embarked in the mereantile business for himself, and for several years carried on a successful and profitable trade. During this time he helped to open and develop the Excelsior Slate Quarry of Pen Argyl, and be- came a third partner in the firm. At the end of three years he sold his interest in the slate quarry to Mr. Masters, and his store to his brother, and organized the First National Bank of Pen Argyl. He became its first Cashier, and is still holding that position.
December 28, 1879, Mr. Young was united in marriage with Miss Ellen C., a daughter of James and Kate Seholl, of Moore Township. Four chil- dren blessed this union, three of whom are living: Amy May, who was born May 1, 1880; Carrie Alice, November 27, 1885; and Robert James, June 15, 1890. One child died in infancy. Politieally our subject is a Democrat. He was formerly a member of the Town Council, and also served as Clerk of the council for a time. He is a member of the
Lutheran Church, of which he was the founder, having organized the first Sunday-school of that denomination in Pen Argyl in 1883, and from that germ the Lutheran Church has been established. He has held the office of Superintendent of the Sunday-school ever since its organization, and takes an active part in all church work. Socially he is identified with Pen Argyl Lodge No. 594, F. & A. M., of which he is a charter member, and was its first Secretary. He is also a member of Bangor Chapter No. 274, R. A. M. He is highly esteemed by a liost of old-time friends, who thoroughly ap- preciate the business ability and sterling integrity of character which have distinguished his career from his earliest manhood.
USTAVE A. SCHNEEBELI, Superinten- dent and General Manager of the Nazareth Manufacturing Company, is a native of Silesia, Prussia, and was born May 23, 1853. His parents, Adolph and Amelia (Engeler) Schneebeli, were natives of Switzerland and Germany respect- ively. Ulrich Schneebeli, grandfather of our sub- ject, was a forester in Switzerland, and passed away in his native land, at the advanced age of ninety-nine years. His wife, formerly Jolianna Zwingli, is a lineal deseendant of the reformer, Ulrich Zwingli.
The father of our subject was born in Switzer- land, May 2, 1826, and at the age of thirteen went to Paris, France, where he remained for some time, afterward going to the Rhine Country, and finally to Silesia, Prussia. There he learned the trade of butcher, which oeeupation he followed for a number of years. In 1864 Mr. Schneebeli emigrated to the United States, arriving here December 1 of the same year, and locating first in Bethlehem, where he remained one year, after which he established his home permanently in Nazareth. He is now living a retired life, enjoying the fruits of his labor and the rest he so well deserves. He is a Democrat in politics, and has been a warm advo-
750
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
cate of that party ever since he became a citizen of the United States. In his religious belief he is a member of the Moravian Church, and has always lived an honest and upright life. His family con- sists of six children, namely: Gustave Adolph, Max William, Levin Alexander, Robert, Lizzie and Bertha.
The subject of this sketch was educated in tlie Moravian parochial schools of Germany, and at the age of eleven years crossed the ocean with his parents and came to Pennsylvania, where he has since made his home. Soon after his arrival here he started out to make a living for himself. He first found employment as clerk in a store in Nazareth, but a short time afterward entered the employ of Charles M. Dodson & Co., of Beaver Brook, Carbon County, with whom he remained for nine years. He then became thic representa- tive of Louis Kraemer & Co., manufacturers of cloth, in Reading, Pa., for whom he traveled in the Western States. While connected with that firm he made his home in Ohio for eight years.
In 1886 Mr. Schneebeli returned to Nazareth and organized the Nazareth Manufacturing Com- pany, in which he holds the position of Superinten- dent and General Manager. The plant is con- trolled by a stock company, of which Louis Krae- mer is President; G. A. Schneebcli, Secretary and General Manager; and L. F. Kraemer, Treasurer. The principal product of the mills are ladies' and children's knit underwear, of which they make a specialty. From the first tlie business, under the supervision of Mr. Schneebeli, has been a success, and, constantly increasing its proportions, now commands a trade second to none in the state.
September 10, 1878, G. A. Schneebeli and Miss Carrie E., daughter of Alfred and Clarissa Schnei- der, of Loyal Oak, Ohio, were married. They are the parents of two children, namely: Ellis Clark, born October 6, 1879, and Louis Ferdinand, May 13, 1891. Politically our subject is a Republican, and takes a deep interest in political and educa- tional affairs, although never having aspired to public office. He is one of the Trustees of Nazareth Hall. He and his excellent wife are consistent members of the Moravian Church of which he is a Trustec. They are highly respected and possess
the regard of a host of friends. He is widely known for his business ability, and is ranked among the leading men and substantial citizens of Northampton County.
OHN I. MILLER, the well known ex-Sheriff of Northampton County, and a prominent business man of Portland, who for several years has been extensively engaged in the manu- facture of wood and coal-burnt lime, was born in Pennsylvania, November 2, 1851. His parents, Samuel and Susan (Labar) Miller, were also na- tives of the same place. Both the Miller and La- bar families were early settlers of Lower Mt. Bethel Township, and their descendants have made their home in that township for several generations.
Samuel Miller, the father of our subject, was a farmer by occupation, but died when compara- tively a young man. Of his children two survive: John I., and Elmira, the wife of L. H. Nicholas, the popular Cashier of the First National Bank at East Stroudsburg. Susan Miller, the mother of our subject, is still living at an advanced age, and resides in Portland.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.