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 90
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 90
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 90
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1885, when in his seventy-fourth year. A Demo- crat in politics, and in religious belief a Lutheran, he was an honorable man and a good citizen. His wife, formerly Mary A. Mazenie, was born in Easton, and her father dying when she was only an infant, her mother afterwards married a Mr. Hull. Mrs. Menner was of Italian deseent, and her death occurred in January, 1887, after she had attained her seventieth year. Religiously she was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Of her three children two are living. Mary L. is the wife of James E. Eaton, of Stockton, Cal. Matilda, Mrs. Lawrenceson, died at LaGrange, Mo.
Capt. E. W. Menner was reared to manhood in Easton, there attending the publie sehools, where he acquired a good education. Though only six- teen years of age, he enlisted on August 25, 1863, in Company E, Forty-seventh Pennsylvania In- fantry, being mustered in at Harrisburg. In 1862 he was ordered to Key West, and remained there until June, thence being sent to South Carolina. October 22 he took part in the battle of Pocotal- igo. In December he was ordered back to Key West, Fla., and later stationed at Ft. Jefferson, in that state, where he remained until October, 1863, when he veteranized and re-enlisted. After a short furlough he returned to his late post, there being on duty until March, 1864, when he was sent to New Orleans on the Red River expedition. His eorps was in time to save the Thirteenth at Sabine Cross Roads, and then took part in the battles of Pleasant Hill and the Mississippi campaign. On returning to New Orleans he took steamer to Washington, going to join the army of the Shenan- doah, and among the engagements of this campaign in which he participated were those of Berryville, Winchester, Fisher's Hill, Woodstock, Newmarket, and Cedar Creek. At the last-named battle, which occurred October 19, he was wounded through the left shoulder, when leading his company, he being the only officer at that point. On account of his in- juries he was sent to the United States Hospital at York, Pa., and was not able to rejoin his regiment until March, 1865, when they were on guard duty on the railroad near Charlestown, Va. About April 14 Captain Menner went to Brightwood, being in the grand review which took place there in May.
He was afterwards sent to Savannah, Ga., thence to Charlestown, S. C., and was finally discharged at Camp Cadwallader, January 10, 1866. He was sueeessfully promoted from the ranks to Corporal on the battlefield of Pleasant Hill, La .; next was made Sergeant at Cedar Creek, then Second Lieu- tenant, five months later First Lieutenant, and in August, 1865, was commissioned Captain.
March 15, 1866, Captain Menner entered the em- ploy of the Bethlehem Iron Company, at first as hooker on the rolls, and remained in that depart- ment until June, 1870, when he took a trip to the West as far as Ft .- Dodge, Kan. Returning, he helped to start the first mill of the Illinois Steel and Iron Company at Joliet, Ill., residing there for two years. In 1872 he re-entered the employ of the Bethlehem Iron Company on the rolls, keep- ing steadily at his post until Oetober, 1878, when for three months he was an employe of the Veree & Mitchell Iron and Steel Works of Philadelphia.
In December, 1878, the Captain took charge of the old mill of the Bethlehem Iron Company, and in April of the following year became identified with the converting department of the steelmill. When, three years after, the lockout occurred, he engaged on repair work, and on the resumption of manufacture went into the railmill, where he was employed for five years. At that time he opened the hearth department of ordnance, hav- ing charge of the melting furnaces for one year. Then, on account of his eyes and failing health, July 12, 1889, he was given the post of weigh- master, which he is still holding. Everything go- ing in or coming out of the mills is weighed by the Captain, and the post is considered a respon- sible one.
Our subjeet's residence is located at No. 113 North New Street, and he walks an average of over fourteen miles a day while engaged at his du- ties. He was married in Spring Mills, Pa., in Jan- uary, 1878, to Mrs. Emma A. (Maxwell) Tippen, a native of that place, and daughter of John Max- well, who was born there in 1801, and was engaged in the iron industry. The Captain and wife have one child, Harry Maxwell, and the family are mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church.
Among the civic societies with which the Cap-
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tain is identified are the following: Royal Arca- num; Knights of Honor; Packer Castle No. 116, Golden Eagle; Oppomanyhook Tribe No. 203, I. O. R. M .; and J. K. Taylor Post No. 182, G. A. R., in the work of which he is particularly act- ive. At the present time he is Commander of the post, and from the first ycar of its organiza- tion has been a member. He also belongs to the Bethlehem Iron Company Relief Association, and is active in benevolent work. A Republican of the truest stamp, he has the welfare of his party greatly at heart, and is a loyal patriot.
A LBERT J. ERDMAN, M. D. This prom- inent physician and surgeon of Saegers- ville is a native of Lehigh County, having been born in Limeport March 7, 1852. His par- ents, John and Ann M. (Roth) Erdman, were also natives of the above county, and the mother is still living, making her home in Allentown. John Erdman, who was descended from one of the very earliest and most highly honored families of the Lehigh Valley, departed this life in 1869.
The great-grandfather of our subject, John Erd- man, was born in Germany, and on emigrating to the New World located in Saucon Township, this county, wlierc he became prominent and well- to-do. The subject of this sketeh was reared on his father's farm near Allentown, and was thus afforded the opportunity of attending the public schools of the city. He was also a student for some time in private institutions, and when ready to choose a calling in life determined to follow a professional career. With this end in view, Mr. Erdman went to Catasauqua in 1870, and began reading medicine under the tutelage of Dr. Rcigel, after which he entered Jefferson Medical College, at Philadelphia, from which institution he was graduated with the Class of '73. After receiving his degree of Doctor of Medicine, our subject re- mained in Catasauqua for a year, and in the spring of 1874 came to Saegersville, which has since been his home. Here he at once established an exten- sive and lucrative practice, and is held in the high- est esteem.
Dr. Erdman and Miss Amanda E., daughter of
George W. Bogh, were united in marriage in 1874. The father of Mrs. Erdman was formerly a well known and prominent resident of Catasauqua. To our subject and his wife there has been born a daughter, Edna G. Socially Dr. Erdman is a mem- ber of the Lehigh County Medical Society, which- he has served as President. He is also connected with the Lehigh Valley Medical Society, in which body he takes a very active part. The Lutheran Church finds in him one of its valued members, and in Sunday-school work he is especially promi- nent, being at the present time Vice-President of the Saegersville Union Sunday-school. He is connected with Jordan Lodge No. 192, I. O. O. F., at Schnecks- ville, in which order he has held all the chairs. He also belongs to Allentown Castle No. 155, Knights of the Golden Eagle; St. Mary's Com- mandery No. 7, in Allentown; Lachawonk Tribe, I. O. R. M., in that city; and Israel Commandery, K. of M., at Wescosville, Lehigh County. In politics the Doctor is a stanch Democrat. For cleven years he has been physician and surgeon for the Lehigh County Almshouse, and is Treas- urer of the Lehigh County Pension Board. He occupies a high place in the profession in this county, and is a man of much practical business talent and financial ability.
YLVESTER HOWER. The history of a county or a township depends for interest on the lives of the men living there, and who by means of ability and industry have won success both for themselves and the community. A history of Allen Township, Northampton Coun- ty, would in no measure be complete without a sketch of Mr. Hower, who was born here February 6, 1845.
The parents of our subject, George and Cather- ine (Ancwalt) Hower, were likewise natives of this county, while the paternal great-grandfather of Sylvester came from Germany and founded that branch of the family in America of which he is a direct descendant.
John Nicholas Hower, the grandfather of our subject, fought as a soldier in the Revolutionary
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
War and was a man greatly esteemed for his up- right character.
George Hower followed agricultural pursuits during the active years of his life, and succeeded in accumulating a fair amount of this world's goods. He departed this life September 14, 1886. Of his children who survive our subject was the eldest but one. The other members of the family are: Harrison, residing in Kansas; Belinda, the wife of Benjamin Schaden, a farmer of Allen Town- ship, this county; Sarah, now the wife of William H. Sieger, who makes her home in Catasauqua; and Katie, wlio is with our subject. The father was an active worker in the Lutheran Church, and was one of the founders of the congregation at Hower- town, which he served in the capacity of Deacon for many years. He was also one of the prime movers in the organization of Weaversville Acad- emy, a well known institute of learning in this section. In politics he is a stanch Republican. He was a thoroughly moral man, and in his death the county lost one of its best and most valued citizens.
Sylvester Hower, of this biography, who en- gaged in farm pursuits, has spent his entire life thus far in his native county, with the exception of two years when operating a gristmill at Slat- ington. His education was received first in the district schools and afterward in Weaversville Academy. After leaving that institution he took a business course in Thomas M. Pierce's college at Philadelphia. Young Hower, in August, 1864, en- listed in the Union army, as a member of Company F, Two Hundred and Second Pennsylvania In- fantry, and with his regiment was placed on guard duty in Virginia. After being out nearly a year, during which time he rendered liis country valiant. service, he was honorably discharged in July, 1865, and returned home.
Mr. Hower is the proprietor of two hundred and fifty-four acres of good farming land, which he has placed under the best methods of improve- ment, and has made one of the finest cstates in the county. Socially he is a member of Fuller Post No. 378, G. A. R., at Catasauqua. He is a devoted member of the Lutheran Church, with which he has been connected for many years, and has been
Superintendent of the Sunday-school of Hower- town.
The marriage of our subject occurred October 26, 1875, with Amanda E., danghter of John S. Hiestand, formerly a resident of Allen Township, but now deceased, as is also lier mother. His in- terest in school affairs has led our subject to be placed on the board, where he has done much to- ward advancing the standard of scholarship in his district. In politics he follows the footsteps of his honored father and is a stanch Republican.
ACOB SCHNEIDER, of Easton, is a native of Bavaria, Germany, but has been a resident of the United States for about thirty years. Since 1867, with the exception of a short time in 1873, his home and place of business have been in Easton. In April, 1894, he started a bottling works and deals in all kinds of malt liquors and mineral waters. He runs two wagons constantly and em- ploys six or more men. This enterprise, which is still in its infancy, lias succeeded very well, and bids fair to increase rapidly.
Mr. Schneider was born January 6, 1843, in Bavaria, Germany, he being the youngest son of Christian and Barbara (Kaul) Schneider. The fa- ther was a farmer during his entire life, and died in Germany. To himself and wife were born six children, four daughters and two sons: Christina, Maria, Katherine, Elizabeth, John and Jacob.
The early years of Jacob Schneider were passed uneventfully in the Fatherland, where he received a good education in his native language. At the age of fourteen years he began learning the trade of cabinet-making, and industriously worked at this business for the next fifteen years. In 1867 he came to the United States, feeling that he could have better opportunities for the acquisition of a fortune than on the Continent. For a short time he kept a saloon at Lambertsville, N. J. He first came to Easton in 1867, and about 1874 he took charge of the Star Hotel, which he operated for seventeen years. About 1892 he disposed of his
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interests in the hotel, and soon afterward opened a bottling establishment on Green Street, in this city, succeeding the Easton Bottling Company. He is a man of exceptional business ability, shrewd judgment and the traits so often noted in German- American citizens, which, when exercised, almost invariably lead to success.
In politics a Democrat, Mr. Schneider has served efficiently and to the satisfaction of all for one term as a member of the City Council. Before leaving his native land he served in the German army, and in 1866 participated in the Prussian War. Socially he is identified with the Masonie fraternity, belonging to Dallas Lodge, F. & A. M .; to Easton Chapter, R. A. M., and to the Knights of Pythias. He is also affiliated with the Order of Red Men as a member of Lodge No. 125.
October 14, 1873, Mr. Schneider and Miss Fred- ericka Boss were united in marriage. The lady was born in Germany, and is a daughter of John and Sarah (Boss) Pickel. Our subject and wife hold membership with Zion's Lutheran Church, and give liberally to charities and benevolences which they esteem worthy of assistance ..
HARLES J. KOCH. A simple account of the life and works of a man of honor and integrity is the best monument that can be reared for him by the biographical writer, and therefore in these paragraphs no attempt will be made to give undue praise to the subject of this artiele, whose life speaks for him better than mere words would do. He is now occupying the posi- tion of Justice of the Peace of Pen Argyl, and also offieiates as Deputy Postmaster. A man of pro- gressive ideas, liberal and public-spirited, his ea- reer is indicative of the confidence reposed in him by his fellow-citizens.
On the 30th of March, 1837, in Harmony Town- ship, Warren County, N. J., a son was born to Joseph and Jemima (Mericle) Koch, to whom was given the name of Charles J. The family was of German descent, and early settling in Pennsylvan-
ia migrated thence to New Jersey. Grandfather Jaeob Koch followed the oceupation of a farmer in the latter state, where his death oeeurred. In politics he was staneh in his adherence to the principles of the Democratic party. In religious matters he was connected with the Presbyterian Church. His family numbered eiglit children, four of whom are living.
The father of our subjeet, Joseph Koch, was born in Bucks County, Pa., in 1816, and has been a life- long agriculturist. His home is now in Pen Argyl, and though advanced in years he is hale and ro- bust. Unto his union were born three children, of whom Charles J. is the eldest. The others are Sabina, widow of Jolin Carter; and Emma, who married Jacob Van Horn, of Marksboro, N. J., but is now deceased. Our subject was reared in Har- mony, N. J., where he attended the publie sehools. Later he was a student in the Easton seleet school. For some time he resided on the home farm, en- gaged as an agriculturist, and continued in that occupation until 1883, when he came to Pen Argyl. While in New Jersey he was for nine years engag- ed as Tax Collector, also served as Treasurer of his township for ten years, and was School Director and Supervisor. For a time he was a dealer in farm implements.
Coming to Pen Argyl, Mr. Koeh was for two years engaged in the clothing business, but retired therefrom in order to accept the appointment as Postmaster, conferred upon him under the admin- istration of President Cleveland. For four years he filled the office, and by his efficient discharge of duties gave satisfaction to all concerned. Re- tiring from the office at the change of administra- tion, he became freight and passenger agent for the Central Railroad of New Jersey at Pen Argyl. During the three years and a-half that he remained in this office he also hield the position of Justice of the Peace, to which he was re-elected in the spring of 1894. Among the enterprises in which he is interested is the Electric Light Company, in which he is Director and Treasurer. Politically a Demoerat, he takes an active interest in party affairs, and has served as a delegate a number of times. His religious connections are with the Presbyterian Church. Socially he is a member of
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the Improved Order of Red Men, the Knights of the Golden Eagle, and Pen Argyl Lodge No. 594, F. & A. M.
December 10, 1857, Mr. Koch was united in mar- riage with Miss Mary E., daughter of George Stocker, of Martin's Creek, Northampton County. The two children born of this union arc deccased, Lizzie R. having died in 1883, and Warren J. in 1891.
UTHER A. MILLER, a prominent resident of Portland, Northampton County, estab- lished himself in this place in 1888 as a manufacturer of wagon-wood stock, and has since conducted a profitable and increasing trade in that line. He is a native of this county, as were also his parents, Alfred and Mary Miller, and his an- cestors were early settlers here. Born March 20, 1859, he was reared upon the home farm. He re- ceived a good education in the public schools of Northampton County, and also attended the high school of Watsontown for a time.
Going to Newark, N. J., in 1881, Mr. Miller se- cured a position in a leather factory, of which, after successive promotions he became Superin- tendent and General Manager. For three years he was in the employ of one leather firm, and for five years with another concern in a similar line. Resigning as Superintendent, he came to Portland and began the manufacture of wagon-wood stock, which he has continued to the present time. He is doing an extensive business and employs six men for factory work, also at times has several cx- tra hands for outside work. Among his manufac- tures are whiffletrees, singletrees, shafts, wagon- poles, neck-yokes, liandles and other wagon stock. His factory is run by steam-power, the engine, man- ufactured at Erie, Pa., being of thirty-horse power and the boiler forty-horse power.
In 1889 Mr. Miller was united in marriage with Miss Emma C., daughter of J. J. Hess, of North- ampton County, and they are the parents of two children, Orville D. and Austin P. Our subject takes an intelligent interest in the affairs of his
town and county, and lias occupied positions of trust among the councils of his fellow-men. He is still a young man, full of enterprise and plans for the future, and, if permitted to live until advanced in years, will contribute his share toward the prog- ress of his community. In politics, he gives his support to Democratic principles. Socially he is identified with Portland Lodge No. 311, F. & A. M., of which he is the present incumbent of the office of Warden. He is also connected with Mt. Bethel Lodge No. 732, I. O. O. F., of which he is Past Master. In religious belief he is a member of the Reformed Church. His business transactions are conducted in a straightforward and systematic manner, and his factory gives evidence of the tlirift and good judgment of the owner.
R EV. GUSTAVE A. SCHWEDES is the pas- tor of Christ Reformed Church of Bethle- hem, and is one of the most intelligent young ministers in the denomination, having achieved success as a preacher and orator both in the English and German languages. He is popu- lar among the members of his congregation and his fellow-citizens at large, being very liberal spir- ited and interested in the general welfare of his church and community.
The birth of Rev. Mr. Schwedes occurred in Covington, Ky., June 20, 1864. His father, F. R., was born in Kurhessen, Germany, and received a most excellent education in the colleges of his na- tive land, pursuing both the classical and theolog- ical course. His father, whose Christian name was Adam, was a cantor, or school-master, and his death occurred in Germany. The family were descend- ants of the French Huguenots who were driven from their native land at the time of the Reforma- tion, and the name was originally spelled "Suedes."
The father of our subject, on completing his edu- cation at the Hersfeld Gymnasium and the Uni- versity of Marburg, in 1860 came to America and entered the theological seminary at Mercersburg, Pa., where he was graduated, and later ordained.
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He became pastor of the First Church of Coving- ton, where he remained for six years, building up the congregation and increasing its usefulness in the community. Thence going to Ft. Wayne, he became pastor of the large Reformed congregation, and erected the handsome church edifice, remain- ing there until 1872, when he took his family to Germany, and traveled quite extensively on the Continent. On his return he was assigned as a missionary to Cumberland, Md., where he estab- lished a congregation, over which he remained in charge until 1886. He is now sixty-four years of age, and during the past eight years has been pastor of a large congregation at Terre Haute, Ind. His wife, who was born in Rotenfelde, Hanover, Germany, was Caroline C., daughter of Francis Eggers, a man of prominence and a Government official. One of his sons, H. B., is a flour merchant in St. Louis, Mo.
Gustave A., of this sketch, is the oldest in a family comprising five children, and was reared to man's estate mainly in Ft. Wayne and Cumber- land. He attended the Allegheny County Acad- emy until 1879, when he was enrolled as a student in Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Pa., being the youngest in the class. He was only six years of age when he began the study of Latin, and when he graduated in 1883 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts he had the honor of delivering the German oration. Three years later his Alma Mater conferred upon him the degree of Master of Arts. In 1883 he became a student in the theo- logical seminary at Lancaster, graduating there- from three years later. Having been ordained at Frostburg, Md., his first pastorate was with the Reformed Church of that place, the pulpit of which he had occasionally supplied since he was nineteen years of age. There he remained until July, 1888, when he resigned to become pastor of St. Paul's Reformed Church, at Kutztown, Berks County, in which at that time Dr. Schaeffer, Superintendent of the State Schools, was a leading member. The Foreign Mission Board of the Reformed Church chose him as a missionary for Japan, but the way was not open for him to accept the commission.
In September, 1889, our subject resigned his pastorate, and in the same month was married in
Newport, Ky., to Clara C., daughter of W. H. Schleutker. The lady was born and reared in Covington, Ky., where her father was a wholesale grocery merchant. By her marriage she has be- come the mother of a little daughter, Helen by name.
In the fall of 1889 Rev. Mr. Schwedes with his bride came to Bethlehem, where he became pastor of his present charge. In 1889 he organized Chap- ter No. 21 of the Brotherhood of Andrew and Philip, and in 1891 organized the Bethany Re- formed Church in West Bethlehem. Christ Rc- formed Church was started in 1849, in connec- tion with a Lutheran Church, and for twenty years they used the same church. At the end of that time the Lutheran Church became possessed of the old site, and the large edifice on Center Street now used by the congregation of which our subject is the pastor was built in 1870. There are over five hundred members on the church books, and every branch of its work is in a most flourish- ing condition. They have most excellent music, a grand organ and a well drilled choir. In 1891 the congregation built a commodious parsonage at No. 359 Broad Street, and in 1892 entertained the general convention of the Brotherhood of Andrew and Philip. Rev. Mr. Schwedes delivers a great many lectures, being a fluent speaker in both the English and German languages. He is a contribu- tor to the "Reformed Church Messenger," the Brotherhood "Star" and various other periodicals. For three years he published the "Christ Church Companion," a monthly paper of great interest and influence in this community.
R EUBEN MESSINGER. Among the resi- dents of Northampton County who have reaped success from a course of persever- ing industry and prudent living, may be properly mentioned Mr. Messinger, who is now somewhat retired from active business and is living amid the comforts of one of the best regulated homes of Belfast. It is a truth often repeatcd that every man who has acquitted himself honestly and as a
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