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 88

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 88
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 88
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 88

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John I. Miller, the subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm, and attended the public schools of his native county, but in a practical, or busi- ness, sense is mainly self educated. When he was two years of age, his parents removed from their farm to Portland, where he still resides. In the year 1878 he first engaged in the manufacture of wood and coal-burnt lime, and also saltpetre lime, the best fertilizer for land, and the only lime of the kind in the county. Hc runs five kilns, in which the lime is burnt, and employs about sixteen men. He is doing a large and ex- tensive business, and his trade is rapidly increas- ing, the products being sold all over the country. In connection with his other interests, he is en- gaged in agricultural pursuits, having under culti- vation over one hundred acres of fine farm land. In this, as well as in the manufacturing business, he has been very successful and is regarded as a

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model farmer and a first-class business man. He is also connected with the Bangor & Portland Rail- road as Treasurer and Director.

Mr. Miller and Miss Emma M., a daughter of David A. Brands, of Warren County, N. J., were married December 22, 1875, and three children have been born to thiem, Susie B., Maggie M. and Edith B. Socially our subject is identified with the Masonic order, holding membership with Port- land Lodge No. 311 of the former socicty, and the Knights of Pythias. He is at the present time serving as School Director of Portland, and was formerly a member of the Council of the borough for one year.

In 1886 Mr. Miller was elected Sheriff on the Independent ticket, althoughi a Democrat in politi- cal views. He entered into the duties of that office the following January, and served a term of three years. He has been very successful in his business undertakings, and is widely known and very popular throughout the county of North- ampton, having the fullest confidence of the en- tire community. He is public spirited, and in favor of every honest means to improve the coun- ty and elevate society.

EORGE B. DEEMER. This name will be recognized by many of our readers as that of a resident of Hellertown who is the proprictor of a large mercantile establishment. Mr. Dcemer purchased a stock of goods of F. R. Boyer in 1887, and since that time has carricd on a prof- itable business. The store is 60 x 24 feet in dimen- sions, two stories in height, and contains from $5,000 to $6,000 worth of general merchandise.

The birth of our subject occurred in Williams Township, Northampton County, October 6, 1862. He is the son of Richard and Margaret (Laubach) Deemer, and the grandson of Jacob Deemer, who was also a native of the above township, where he owned a large tract of land and was extensively engaged during the active years of his life in farm- ing and stock-raising. The grandfather was a

Democrat in politics, and for several terms served in the capacity of County Commissioner. He mar- ried Catherine Unangst, and to them were born two sons and two daughters.

Richard Deemer was born on the old homestead in Williams Township, where he also received his schooling, and when attaining mature years was occupied for several terms in teaching in his dis- trict. He was active in the political affairs of his vicinity, working with the Democratic party. He was elected County Commissioner in 1888, serving a term of three years, and has also held various other positions of honor and trust. He married Miss Margaret, daughter of Abraham Laubach, of Williams Township, and to them were born four sons and two daughters. Milton S., the eldest, married Emma Fry; Sarah C. is the wife of Irvin Koplını; Amos remains at home and is agent for the Deering Company, of Moline, Ill .; Jacob J. Is attending Lafayette College; and Annie B. is also with her parents.

Having attended the public schools up to the age of sixteen years, our subject then began clerk- ing in his uncle's, Dr. Stephen S. Laubach's, store, and it was not long before he was given complete charge of the business. In 1885 he had saved a sufficient amount of his earnings to enable him to purchase the store belonging to Mr. Laubach in Williams Township, but he only remained its pro- prietor for two years, when he saw a better open- ing in Hellertown. Disposing of his stock of goods, he came hither, and, as before stated, bought the store owned by F. R. Boyer. He does an annual business amounting to about $25,000, and in his establishment will be found a complete line of carefully chosen goods suited to the growing needs of the people of the section over which his trade extends.

August 22, 1885, Mr. Deemer was married to Laura J. Rinker, daughter of Franklin Rinker, of Lower Saucon Township. The two children granted them were Florence R., born May 9, 1886, and Bessie Grace, born March 8, 1894, but who died July 26, 1894. Mr. Deemner takes an intelligent interest in political affairs and always votes with the Democratic party. He was School Director from 1890 to 1893, and in the spring of the fol-

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lowing year was elected Burgess, of which office he is still the incumbent. He is a member of the Reformed Church, and in the church near his home holds the office of Trustee. Socially our subject is a Mason, belonging to Lodge No. 563 at Heller- town and Zinzendorf Chapter in Bethlehem.

H ON. JEREMIAH S. HESS is one of the leaders of the Democracy in Northamp- ton County, his home being in Lower Saucon Township. For the past thirty years, or since the McClellan campaign of 1864, he has been noted as a publie speaker and representative man in politieal affairs. In 1889-90 he was Chair- man of the Democratic County Committee, and has frequently been sent as a delegate to state conventions. In 1882 he was a candidate for the office of State Senator, and was elected, serving from that year until 1886, and during this time making a good reeord for himself and constitu- ents.

Hon. Mr. Hess was born December 3, 1843, in Hellertown, this eounty, his parents being Rev. Samuel and Lucetta (Klein) Hess. His great- grandfather, Nieholas Hess, was a native of Zwei- brucken, Germany, who settled in Springfield, Bucks County, in 1723, and devoted himself to agriculture. The grandfather, George Hess, re- moved to Iron Hill, Northampton County, about 1800, and liere followed milling. He had a fam- ily of six sons and two daughters, and one of tlie number, George, was a Captain in the War of 1812. Samuel Hess was educated privately, and had as his tutor the celebrated Rev. J. C. Becker, D. D. He was ordained as a minister of the Ger- man Reformed Church at York about 1828. His wife, who was the mother of two children, our subjeet and Milton J., died December 15, 1893. The father, who was born on Christmas Day, 1804, departed this life November 24, 1875.

Our subject was prepared for college at Niskey Hill Academy, of Bethlehem. and Allentown Semi- nary. In 1859 he entered Franklin and Marshall

College in the Sophomore year, and was graduated in 1862 from a elassical course, receiving the Mas- ter's degree in 1865. From 1862 to 1864 he was the principal teaelier in Allentown Seminary. In the latter year lie became a student in the theo- logical seminary at Mereersburg, Pa., where he continued for a year. The next two years it was his privilege to pursue higher studies in the uni- versities of Berlin, Bonn and Tubingen. Upon his return to the United States, in 1867, and owing to the many years of uninterrupted study his health failed, and it became evident that in future his life must be more active and his pursuits car- ried on in the open air. This was a great disap- pointment and trial to him, but he bravely ac- cepted the inevitable, and from 1867 up to the present time has been engaged in the lumber busi- ness. He has frequently had overtures to take the chair of Ancient Languages and others in Heidel- berg College, of Tiffin, Ohio, and Franklin and Marshall College, of Lancaster, Pa.

June 17, 1875, Mr. Hess married Miss Tillie, daughter of Moses Heminger, of Hellertown. Of their union four children, two sons and two daugh- ters, have been born, and their names in the order of birth are as follows: Herbert, Clara, Mary and Samuel. The family are members of the Reformed Church, and for over a quarter of a century Mr. Hess has been Superintendent of the Sunday-school.

During his term in the Senate Mr. Hess was largely interested in the forestry movement, which has sinee culminated in a very practical manner. He was also a member of the Educational and Special Judiciary Committees. So well did he serve the interests of his party, friends and neigh- bors that they expressed their desire to return him to the legislative body. He was a candidate for Congress from the Eighth District, which eom- prises Carbon, Monroe, Northampton and Pike Counties, but was defeated at the primaries.

In every movement which has for its object the betterment of this section of the country Mr. Hess has shown great zeal, and is truly publie-spirited. Personally he is a gentleman of marked intelli- genee on general and civie issues, and is undoubt- edly one of the leading representatives of his party in eastern Pennsylvania. In 1890 he joined

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the Pennsylvania German Society, organized that year for the purpose of bringing to the attention of the public the early history of the Pennsylvania Germans. As a business man Mr. Hess has been very suceessful, is a member of the firm of Jere- miah S. Hess & Bro., dealers in coal and lumber and operators of a planing-mill, giving employment to about twenty men. Socially he is a member of Hellertown Lodge No. 563, F. & A. M .; Zinzen- dorf Chapter No. 316, R. A. M., of Bethlehem, and Hugh De Payen Commandery, K. T., of Easton. He is Past Master of Hellertown Lodge, and Past High Priest of the chapter.

M ORRIS J. STEPHENS is Recorder of Deeds in Allentown. He has the honor of being a native of Lehigh County, for his birth oeeurred on the 14th of November, 1857, in Lower Macungie. The family has long resided in the Keystone State. The grandfather, Jacob H. Stephens, was here born and reared, and the father, Harrison S. Stephens, was a native of the same community. He is now a retired farmer, living at East Texas, Lehigh County, Pa.

Our subjeet aequired his early education in the common schools, and afterward attended the Kutz- town Normal and the Collegiate Institute at Hack- ettstown, N. J. Later he was a student in the nor- mal school at Shippensburg, Cumberland County, Pa., where he pursued his studies for two terms. On the expiration of that period he went to East Texas, and for some time engaged in clerking. He dates his residence in Allentown from 1886, and for some time he lias been interested in iron min- ing in this loeality. Mr. Stephens carries forward to a successful completion whatever he undertakes. Enterprise and industry are numbered among his chief characteristics, and have made liis eareer a prosperous one.

In 1887 Mr. Stephens was united in marriage with Miss Maggie Blank, a native of Lehigh Conn- ty, and a daughter of Richard Blank, of White- hall. They are well known people of this commu-

nity, who have a wide circle of warm friends and pleasant acquaintances, and in social eireles they hold an enviable position. They are members of Salem Reformed Church, and in its growth take a warm interest.

In his political views, Mr. Stephens is a sup- porter of the Democraey. In 1887 he was made Clerk to the County Commissioners, and filled that position for six years, or until January, 1893. In 1892 he served as Secretary of the Memorial Com- mittee of a state organization of the County Com- missioners of the state of Pennsylvania formed for the purpose of revising the state tax laws, and in January, 1893, he was elected County Reeorder of Deeds for a term of three years. He is now filling that office with credit to himself and satis- faction to his constituents. He has frequently served as delegate to the conventions of his party, and he does all in his power toward promoting the interests of the Democracy and aiding in its up- building. He takes some interest in military af- fairs, and has served as a member of Col. Lewis R. Walter's staff. He is also connected with a num- ber of civic societies. He is a wide-awake and en- terprising citizen, ever alive to the best interests of the community in which he makes his home, and by his sterling worth and excellenees of chiar- aeter he has won universal confidence and esteem.

AMES ALBRIGHT, a worthy eitizen of Al- lentown, who died in September, 1894, deep- ly regretted by family and friends, was en- gaged in the livery, hack and transfer busi- ness in this town. He was a native of Allentown, and was born November 30, 1842. His father, John Albright, was one of the early settlers of this local- ity, and for many years engaged in freighting from Allentown to Philadelphia, driving from four to six horse teams. He was thius engaged until near the close of his life, which terminated in 1878. He had married for his second wife Matil- da, daughter of Peter Lawald, of Northampton County, and she survived her husband two years,

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passing away in 1880. By their union were born three children.

James Albright was educated in the public schools of his native city, but his advantages were not of the best, for at the age of fourteen he started out to make his own way in the world. He worked hard, taking care of the horses for his father, and driving from two to four horses attached to the freight wagons. He was afterwards employed in other ways whereby he might earn an honest living, until eighteen years of age. He then responded to his country's call for troops and entered the Union serviee.

Hardly had the smoke of Ft. Sumter's guns cleared away when Mr. Albright enrolled his name as a member of the First Pennsylvania Regiment, commanded by Colonel Enhery. The troops were ordered to Washington, where they did guard duty for some time. While acting as guard on one occasion, Mr. Albright was standing leaning on his gun, which rested on the ground. A com- rade coming up to him slipped and fell, when close to him, and in the fall Mr. Albright's gun was discharged. The ball passed through both of his hands, which were resting on the muzzle, and the injury was so severe that part of the bones of both hands had to be removed. In consequence he was unfitted for further duty, and the accident affected his entire life, for he never after had entire use of his hands, though he was by no means helpless.

Having been discharged from the service, Mr. Albright returned to his home in Allentown, but soon after went to New York City, where he was engaged in buying and selling horses. In 1868 he came to Allentown, where for many years he was engaged in the freight and transfer business. Later he built a large barn, and at the time of his death, in addition to the above business, he carricd on a livery stable. He also ran a line of hacks and 'busses, and had a well established trade.

In September, 1866, Mr. Albright was united in marriage with Miss Louisa, daughter of Casper Zeunges, of New York City. The following chil- dren were born to them: Harry F., who died at the age of twenty-two years; Tillic; William and 'Robert, deceased; John, deceased; Florence;

George W. and Hclen. Mr. Albright was a mem- ber of Lehigh Lodge No. 83, I. O. O. F., and also belonged to E. B. Young Post, G. A. R. He met with good success in his undertakings, his business proving a profitable one. In the community he was recognized as a valued citizen, who in the dis- charge of his public duties manifested the same loyalty and fidelity which marked his career as a soldier.

S TEPHEN KECK. In Hanover Township lies a pleasant, finely tilled farm, which is the property of our subject. He was born in Lehigh County, October 20, 1816, and is the son of George and Elizabeth (Levan) Keck, na- tives of this and Berks Counties, respectively.

The great-grandfather of our subject was a na- tive of Germany, and coming to America during the last century, located in Salisbury Township, Lehiglı County, this state, where he entered a large tract of land from the Government and became wealthy. The father of our subject was reared and spent his entire life in the above township, and of his family of children, the following sur- vive: our subject, who is the eldest; Charles L .; and Matilda, now the widow of James Wilson. The father held many of the township offices, and departed this life when our subject was a young man.

Stephen Keck was, like his father, reared to man's estate in Salisbury Township, and, like all the farmer boys, pursued his studies in the subscrip- tion schools. When starting out in life for him- self, he learned the trade of brick-making, which he followed for about thirty years, owning a yard in Allentown, where lie carried on a prosperous business. The latter years of his life, however, were spent in farm pursuits in Hanover.

May 26, 1853, Stephen Keck and Miss Harriet Hubler, who was born in Northampton County, this state, in October, 1829, were united in mar- riage. The lady was the daughter of John and Sarah Hubler, and by her union with our subject rcared a family of seven children, of whom six are living at the present time, viz .: George A., Mary

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E. (now the wife of Rev. L. M. McCreary, pas- tor of a Lutheran Church in Ohio), Andrew P., Francis J., Frederick and Gertrude. John is dc- ceased.

Mr. Keck removed to his present farm in 1884, and now owns a comfortable estate comprising seventy-three acres. Besides this property, he has valuable real estate in Allentown, and is well-to- do in this world's goods. Ile holds membership with the German Lutheran Church on Eighth Street, in Allentown, in which he has held the office of Elder. His good wife also belongs to that congregation, and her family is an old and re- spected one in Northampton County. Of the chil- dren born to Mr. and Mrs. Hubler, five survive: Robert, Mrs. Keck, Edward, Susan and Mary. Her parents, who have been dead many years, were likewise members of the Lutheran Church.

Our subject and his wife are widely and favor- ably known in Hanover Township, and an honor- able and upright life has won them the regard and good will of a large circle of friends and acquaint- ances. They now reside at No. 36 North Second Street, in Allentown.

MAX HARK, D. D., Principal of the Mora- vian Seminary and College for Women in Bethlehem, is an eminent scholar, whose fame extends to all parts of the United States. It was a step of great wisdom that the officials of the Moravian Seminary took when they made over- tures to Mr. Hark with the idea of scouring him for the most important position as head of the school. His influence has been felt in all worthy directions and departments for good, and espe- cially in the literary world has this been the case. Many times have his praises been sung in both the religious and secular press as an active and ardent worker in church, school and public.

The date of our subject's birth was June 4, 1849, and his childhood was passed in the quiet vil-

lage of Nazareth. His early education was ob- tained under the wise and kind instruction of his father, a physician, and a man of varied scholar- ship, who is still living. After graduating at Naz- areth Hall, Dr. Hark entered the theological sem- inary at Bethlehem, where he pursued a complete theological course, and was graduated in 1870 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. On begin- ning the battle of life he labored for three years as pastor of the Moravian Church at Lebanon, Pa., whence he went to Philadelphia to become pastor of the Second Moravian Church of that city. While a resident there he joined the Pennsylvania Historical Society, and about that time first wrote articles for the Sunday-School Times, and various other publications.

In January, 1881, Dr. Hark went to Lancaster, where he became pastor of the Moravian Church, having charge of that flock for twelve years. In this time he wrote editorials for the Andover Re- view, the Christian Union, the Sunday-School Times, the Pennsylvania School Journal, and many other leading literary, educational and theological jour- nals. Among the profound works which he has written the most important is, perhaps, "The Unity of the Truth in Christianity and Evolution," a book of about three hundred pages. In the line of translation he is also noted. Among the lat- ter works are the "Chronicon Ephratense," which was published in 1889 and contains nearly three hundred pages, and "Extempore on a Wagon," the original of which was written by Bishop G. H. Loskiel, who traveled in 1803 from Bethlehem to Goshen, Ohio.

In 1873 Dr. Hark married Miss Milla T. Crosta, of Riverton, N. J., and they have three children: Hugo, a member of the Moravian College in the Class of '94; Hilda and Anna. Mrs. Hark was born in Riverton, N. J., and is a daughter of Fran- cis Crosta.

The father of our subject, whose name was Joseph, was born in Saxony, Germany, and was a graduate of the Moravian Theological Seminary at Gnadenfeldt. Coming to America, he taught at Nazareth. He studied medicine with Dr. Bute, the father of homeopathy, who introduced the method in America. For a year he practiced in Philadel-

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phia, and later was engaged in general practice in Nazareth until he retired, about the year 1885, at the age of sixty-seven years, to make his home with our subject. Gottleib Hark, our subjeet's paternal grandfather, a native of Saxony, was a book-binder, and came to the United States in his seventy-ninth year, his death occurring at Naza- reth about eight years later. His father, a native of Denmark, was the owner of several merchant vessels. The mother of Dr. Hark was Maria Louisa, a daughter of Dr. George Bute, whose birth occurred in one of the small provinees of Germany. He studied medicine in his native land and later came to America. His wife, Miss Mary Bardill, was a lady of Swiss descent. He was sent as a missionary to South America, where he was sta- tioned for several years. On his return to Phil- adelphia the yellow fever epidemic was prevalent, and as he was very successful in his treatment of cases he made homeopathy very popular. Late in life he removed to Nazareth, where he died at the age of eighty-four years. The mother of Dr. Hark, whose birth occurred in Philadelphia, also died in Nazareth, in 1879. In 1893 our subject was ap- pointed by the Governing Board of the Moravian Church to be Principal of the Moravian Seminary, and in September of that year commenced his duties. He has established a post academic department, giv- ing a full college course in the liberal arts. In 1893 he was elected by the synod as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Moravian College and Theological Seminary, and on the organization of the board was made its President. In the fall of 1891 he was instrumental in forming the Pennsyl- vania Chautauqua, of which he is Chancellor, and its first summer session was held the following year. This assembly, which will have a growing and ex- tensive influenee for good, is located at Mt. Gretna. There are fifty acres in the grounds, which are well supplied with lecture halls and other buildings. Dr. Hark remains there during July and August, baving personal supervision of programs, speakers and everything connected with the association. As one of the charter members of the Pennsylva- nia German Society started in Lancaster, he has served as Chairman of the executive and other committees. In 1887 the degree of Doctor of Di-

vinity was conferred upon him by Franklin and Marshall College. Though his interests are very broad, he is now giving his best abilities to further- ing and improving in every manner the high standard of the Moravian Seminary, which bears a reputation for excellence throughout the country too great to need special mention.

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OHN GARDNER, a successful business man of Portland, Northampton County, has been a prominent resident of this section for more than a quarter of a century, and during this time has firmly established himself in the confi- denee of his fellow-citizens. He is a gentleman of fine ability, and as a leader among the influential men of his locality is entitled to due credit for what he has accomplished and the influence which he still brings to bear in aid of whatever pertains to the progress of intelligence, education and morality.

The plant owned by Mr. Gardner is located near the borough of Portland. In the factory employ- ment is given to about thirty-five hands, and the school slate manufactured is of a fine quality, the products being sold throughout the country from Maine to Oregon. Our subject is a native of Warren County, N. J., born February 17, 1838, and is a son of Joseph and Eliza (Kinney) Gard- ner, the latter deceased. The father, who is now eighty-two years of age, is a resident of Upper Mt. Bethel Township, Northampton County. The parents were natives of Warren County, N. J., of which their ancestors were early settlers. The great-grandfather Gardner was the founder of the family in that county, and his son, our subject's grandfather, was a hero of the Revolutionary War, in which he served as Quartermaster. The father has been a farmer throughout the greater part of his life, and resided in Warren County until the spring of 1893, when he removed to Northampton County.

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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 88

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