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 91

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 91
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 91
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 91

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

good citizen has thus been a factor in the prosper- ity of his town and county, and, judged by this standard, our subject has been one of the largest contributors to the development of his native county. His reputation is a most excellent one, and is borne out by his sterling qualities, his firm principles and the part that he bears in politieal, educational and benevolent movements in his lo- cality. Anxious to advanee the interests of this section, which has been his life-long home, he takes an active part in enterprises which promise suceess in that direetion, while at the same time not neg- lecting his more personal affairs.

The Messinger family was represented among the settlers of Northampton County. The first of the name to locate here was our subject's great- great-grandfather, who crossed the ocean from Germany and established his permanent home in this county. Philip and Abigail (Birdinger) Mes- singer, parents of our subject, were natives of Northampton County, and this, too, was the birth- place of our subjeet, his natal day being Deeember 31, 1826. He was only thirteen months old when orphaned by his father's death, and from that age until he was six years old he was eared for by his mother, after which he was bound out to his uncle, Joseph Messinger, with whom the eight ensuing years were passed. At the age of fourteen years he hired out as a farm hand, continuing thus en- gaged until he attained maturity. His edueation- al privileges were exceedingly limited, though he was permitted to attend school during the winter sessions in boyhood.

In 1848 Mr. Messinger married Mary A., daugh- ter of Peter Ealer, of Lower Mt. Bethel Township, Northampton County. By this union he had nine children, of whom seven are living: Emma, Mrs. James Messinger, who died December 2, 1894; Susan, who married A. Rader; Stephen; Lewis; Melinda; Sarah J., Mrs. Charles Siegfried; and Amanda, who married Milton Sandt. For many years Mr. Messinger carried on agricultural pur- suits in connection with buying and selling cattle and other live stock, which has been his main bus- iness for a long time. He is the owner of eighty- onc acres, comprising a well improved farm, and also owns a residence and eight acres in Belfast.

He is a Direetor in the Farmers' Mutual Fire In- surance Company of Northampton County, and attends to the company's business in his loeality. For one and one-half years he filled the position of Postmaster at Belfast, and at various times has held other loeal offices. Socially he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, holding mem- bership in Bushkill Creek Lodge No. 878. His religious connections are with the Reformcd Church.

OHN S. JACKSON, who is successfully en- gaged in the quarry business as a member of the firm of Stephens, Jackson & Co., of Pen Argyl, is a native of Devonshire, England, born in the village of Beesands, parish of Stoek- enham, May 15, 1845. He is a son of Riehard Jackson, Sr., to whose sketch upon another page the reader is referred for particulars regarding the family history. In the schools of his native place he received a praetieal education that fitted him for successful business life, although the broad in- formation he now possesses has been acquired prin- eipally by self-culture and application. Early obliged to earn his own livelihood, he secured a situation in the Cammel Quarry in Cornwall, where he remained until about eighteen years of age.

On the 19th of March, 1864, Mr. Jackson took passage on the steamer " City of Cork," and after a voyage of about two weeks between Liverpool and America landed in New York on the 1st of April, 1864. Proceeding at once to Pennsylvania, he settled in Northampton County, where he se- cured a position in the Chapman Quarries. After six weeks he opened the Bethlehem Quarry, which he sold to Landback & Wooley for $10,000, then returned to his former position, and remained in the employ of William Chapman the succeeding eleven ycars. At the expiration of that time he came to Pen Argyl, and with his brother-in-law leased part of the Albion Quarry, which he has since operated. under the firm name of Stephens, Jackson & Co. He makes a specialty of the manu- facture of roofing slate, which is sold throughout

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the United States and also in Europe. In addition to the management of this quarry, he also superin- tends the quarry of Jackson Bros., and is one of the proprietors of a general store in Pen Argyl, conducted under the firm style of J. S. Jackson & Co .. and stocked with a complete assortment of general merchandise valued at about $15,000. He is also a stockholder in the Electric Light and Power Company of Pen Argyl.

A Republican in political sentiments, Mr. Jack- son takes an intelligent interest in the welfare of his party, which he has frequently represented as delegate to various conventions. He has been a member of the Board of County Commissioners, and was a Justice of the Peace upon the organiza- tion of the borough. During the administration of President Harrison he was appointed Postmaster at Pen Argyl and served in that capacity for four years. While a member of the School Board he was instrumental in securing the erection of the new public school building. In various other ways he has contributed to the progress of the place and the welfare of its citizens. Socially he is con- nected with the Masonic fraternity, and was for- merly a member of the Knights of Pythias.

November 5, 1867, occurred the marriage of John S. Jackson and Miss Emma Louisa, daughter of Joseph Fehncl, of Moore Township, Northamp- ton County. They have had six children, namely: John Henry and James Edward. who operate a quarry under the firm name of Jackson Bros., and are young men of excellent executive ability; Clarence, deceased; and Minnie, Emma and Clin- ton S., who are with their parents.

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D AVID ACHENBACH. Few of the resi- dents of Northampton County have gained a higher degree of worldly prosperity than has rewarded the earnest efforts of Mr. Achenbach, and certainly there are nonc who stand higher in the esteem of the people than does he. His landed possessions aggregate three hundred and sixty- eight acres of highly improved land, situated in Plainfield Township, where he has passed his en-

tire life. Though not at present actively engaged as an agriculturist, he still maintains a general su- pervision of his property and looks after his va- ried and valuable real-estate interests.

In this county our subject was born February 11, 1840, being a son of Jacob and Sabina (Moyer) Achenbach, the mother now deceased. The father, who is still living, is in his eighty-sixth year, and is one of the oldest surviving residents of Plain- field Township. The first representative of the family in America was our subject's paternal great- grandfather, a native of Germany, who sought his fortune in the home of the free. Settling in Penn- sylvania, he was proprictor of a store in Easton when that now thriving borough was but a small hamlet. His son Daniel, our subject's grandfather, followed the occupation of a farmer throughout his entire life. He now lies buried in the cemetery belong- ing to the Plainfield Church.

The parental family was large, and eight of its members are now living, namely: Samuel, a resi- dent of this county; Michael, whose home is in Bethlehem, Pa .; David, our subject; William, who is living in Iowa; Joel, a resident of Plainfield Township; Emma, wife of James Roth, of Connect- icut; Carrie, who married William Foneystuck and lives in Harrisburg, this state; and Peter. Receiv- ing a practical education in the schools of Plain- field Township, our subject was thereby fitted for practical contact with the business world. His oc- cupation from youth has been that of a farmer, and his success in his vocation is richly merited by his industrious efforts.

In 1864 Mr. Achenbach was united in marriage with Miss Sabina Ruth, and they became the par- ents of seven children, six of whom still survive. They are: Lucinda J., wife of James E. Gum; Ed- win J .; Mary, who married William Freeman; Lewis P., Minnie S. and Enos D. The daughter deceased was named Abbie L. The children have received. good educations, and are thereby fitted for honor- able positions in social and business circles. Dur- ing his three years' service as School Director of Plainfield Township, Mr. Achenbach was instru- mental in promoting the interests of the schools and in advancing the grade of scholarship.

In his business relations our subject is enterpris-

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ing and honorable, shows himself to be interested in the improvement of the township, and bears his part in the social pleasures of the intelligent and upright eireles. While not_displaying any parti- sanship in politics, lie is nevertheless firm in his allegiance to the Democracy. Religiously he is a member of the Reformed Church in Plainfield, to the maintenance of which he is a liberal eontribu- tor. He is a Director in the Merchants' National Bank of Bangor. As a citizen he is progressive, and his large degree of success is well deserved.

A USBEN W. DECH is a well known and highly respected citizen of Hanover Town- ship. For six years he has been engaged in mereantile business at Bethlehem, but at the present time he is turning his attention to agricult- ural pursuits. He has served in various publie capacities most aeeeptably, and is recognized as a faithful eitizen and just man.

Mr. Dech is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth ( Rit- ter) Dech, both likewise natives of Northampton County, and his birth oceurred in Hanover Town- ship, September 16, 1847. The Dech family have been well known residents of this loeality for many years, and have been noted for their industrious and enterprising qualities. The grandfather, An- drew Deeb, was born in this eounty, though his an- eestors were Germans, having emigrated from the Fatherland in an early day to assist in the up- building and prosperity of this portion of Penn- sylvania.

Joseph Dech, our subjeet's father, is a life-long resident of Northampton Connty, and, thoughi now about fourseore years of age, is still living at Bethlehem. In his family there were three ehil- dren, all of the number still surviving, namely: Eliza A., who is the wife of P. J. Heller, of Kansas; Elmira, who makes her home in Bethlehem; and Ausben W., whose name heads this narrative. The father of this family lias ever been an honest and upright man, having made it his chief objeet in life to rear his children in the duties of citizenship

and honorable living before their fellow-men. His life has been chiefly devoted to agriculture, at which calling he made a good living for himself and family. For a number of years he was Justiee of the Peace, the duties of which office he performed to the satisfaction of all. In his politieal faitli he has been a Republican, and religiously has been connected for a great many years with the Evan- gelical Association at Bethlehem.

From his early years our subjeet was inured to the labors of farm life, his father having given him praetieal lessons in the duties pertaining to the same. It is not strange that when he grew to man's estate he eoneluded to make this ealling his prineipal life work. However, for a time he was diverted from this channel, as for a period eovering some six years he followed the mereantile business at Beth- lehem, meeting with a fair share of sueeess. In 1873 Mr. Dech resumed farming, cultivating a tract of land in Hanover Township. As an agri- eulturist he brings to bear upon his work his thor- ough knowledge of the best methods now advo- eated in this branch, so important to the welfare of all. Recently he has retired to a certain ex- tent from active life, though still living on his old farm. He has leased the homestead, and is enjoy- ing a well earned rest.

Having enjoyed better advantages in an educa- tional way than many of the men in his time, Mr. Deeh is more than ordinarily well read and edu- cated. After having attended for a number of years the publie schools of IIanover Township and the schools at Bethlehem, he was enabled to enter Freeland Seminary, where he pursued a course of study for two terms. For a period he also at- tended the normal sehool at Trenton, N. J. To fur- ther equip himself for business life he then entered as a student the celebrated Eastman's Business College, which is located in Poughkeepsie, N. Y. Having enjoyed these various educational faeili- ties, and having kept up his general reading, it is a matter of no wonder that Mr. Deeh is fully abreast of the times, and as such is considered by his friends and neighbors.

The marriage of Mr. Deeh and Miss Laura, daughter of Stephen Trumbower, of East Allen Township, Northumberland County, was celebrated

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January 6, 1868. By this union have been born three children: Walter J., Howard S. and Herbert A. The parents are most valued members of the Evangelical Association, which our subject has served zealously as Trustee, and in other practi- cal ways. Much credit is duc Mr. Dech for the success lie has made in life, as it has been the re- sult of his own industry and business enterprise. He acquired a well improved farm of one hundred and twelve acres, which he placed under good cul- tivation, and, as aforesaid, this property he now leases, thus bringing him in a good and steady in- come. In his political affiliations he is a Repub- lican, and for three years was Assessor of Hanover Township. In the spring of 1894 he was elected for a like period of time to serve as a School Di- rector. He is a member of Bethlehem Grange No. 504, P. of H., in Hanover Township. With this order lie is now acting as Master of the lodge, having been chosen as such ,in January, 1894. Those who are best acquainted with this worthy man believe him to be true, honorable and upright, and give to him their highest regard and genuine respect.

H ARRY WEISS, a prominent young business man of Bethlehem, owns and occupics the finest residence in the city. He is the son of Francis Weiss, who died about 1889, leaving his children a large fortune, which he had acquired by the exercise of his enterprising and business- like methods. His executive ability and superior qualifications have in large measure descended to his sons, who are prominent in the affairs of this city.

The birth of our subject occurred February 21, 1866, in Eckley, Luzernc County, Pa. He is the youngest son of Francis Weiss, a full history of whom may be found elsewhere in this volume. In 1871 the father removed to Bethlehemn, where Harry attended the private schools, being in Ulrichi preparatory school for two years. After the com- pletion of his education, in 1884 he went into the

Lehigh Valley National Bank, of which his fatlier was Vice-President. He was employed for two years and then became a student in Eastman's Business College of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., where he was graduated.

Returning to this city Mr. Weiss took charge of the books of his father's flouring-mill in Freemans- burg for two years, wlien, on account of his father's death, the mill was leased, thoughi our subject car- ricd it on for himself for about cigliteen months. At the end of that time he sold out on account of his healtlı. The mills, which he ran at their full capacity, liave a large trade in the coal region, their products being shipped extensively to vari- ous points. At the present time he is not actively engaged in business, though he has investments in various concerns, principally in the coal business.

In the spring of 1893 Mr. Weiss completed his beautiful home, which is situated on one of the highest points in the city on Broad, between Higli and Linden Streets. The base of the building is made of Jersey sandstone and the remainder of Indiana limestone. The frontage of his lot is two hundred and ten feet and the deptli two hundred and thirty fect, while the residence lot is eighty feet front. The architecture is of a very superior and pleasing order, and it is estimated that the cost of this beautiful home was in the neiglibor- hood of $53,000. The lady who is fortunate in being its mistress was formerly Miss Carrie Dink. She is a native of Mauch Chunk, and daughter of John Dink, a retired business man, formerly of that city and now a resident of Bethlehem. Mr. and Mrs. Weiss have four children, H. Reginald, Cathe- rine, Elizabetli and Francis. Politically Mr. Weiss is a Republican. With his wife lie holds member- ship with the Trinity Episcopal Church.

OHN P. WESNER, a man universally popu- lar, and one who has achieved great success in life, furnishics the subject of the present sketch, and we are pleased to represent such a public-spirited and courteous gentleman in our volume. Mr. Wesner, who is Superintendent of the Allentown Terminal Railroad, was born in

1121:4

RESIDENCE OF HARRY WEISS, BROAD STREET, BETHLEHEM, PA.

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Northampton County, this state, January 20, 1851. He is the son of Ambrose Wesner, who was born in Lehigh County, where he followed his trade of a millwright for many years. He is now retired from aetive labor and makes his home in Cata- sauqua.

The mother of our subject was prior to her marriage known as Mary Christman. She likewise was a native of Pennsylvania, and departed this life when our subject was quite young. The pa- ternal grandfather of John P. bore the name of John Wesner; he was a soldier in the Mexican War and died in 1859, in Whitehall, Lehigh County, when in his seventy-fifth year. The first repre- sentatives of the family in the United States came from Germany and located in Northampton Coun- ty in an early day. The maternal grandfather of our subject, John Christman, was born in Monroe County, this state.

The subject of this sketeh obtained a good edu- cation in the common schools of his native place, and when starting out for himself first found em- ployment as clerk in a canal store in the town of Siegfried. Upon reaching his sixteenth year he engaged to work for the Susquehanna Railroad Company, but abandoned that line of work after a twelvemonth, and a year later apprentieed himself for three years to learn the trade of a millwright. After acquiring a knowledge of that business he worked at his trade for eleven years, or until 1879.

Mr. Wesner, who was never satisfied with stand- ing still in a business way, devoted every spare moment to mastering the art of telegraphy, and in the spring of 1879 became night operator at Sieg- fried Station. Soon afterward, however, lie was made extra operator of the division, and later was given a position in the train master's office at Mauch Chunk. After six months spent there Mr. Wesner became agent of the New Jersey Central Railroad at Freemansburg, which he held for two years. At the end of that time he took charge of the freight and passenger departments at Bethlehem and conducted affairs in a very paying manner for five years.

Mr. Wesner was placed in charge of the con- struetion of the Allentown Terminal Railroad, and upon its completion was placed in control of 33

the same as Superintendent, which position lie has held up to the present time. The road, which is under the entire charge of Mr. Wesner, is a short line of three and one-half miles, on which the Phil- adelphia & Reading and the Central Railroad of New Jersey have operating privileges, though inde- pendent of the corporation. The first train was run March 17, 1890, and the company have in their employ about one hundred men. Mr. Wesner, who is a wide-awake business man, has a thorough knowledge of all matters pertaining to his business and occupies a high position among the railroad men in the state.

On the 14th of September, 1874, John P. Wesner and Miss Emma Hubel, of Northampton County, were united in marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Wesner are members of St. John's Lutheran Church, and have a fine residenee located at No. 727 Linden Street. Their family includes two daughters: Min- nie May, aged nineteen years, and Annie Irene, aged fifteen years.

Our subject in polities is a true-blue Republican, and socially is a member of Bethlehem Lodge No. 253, F. & A. M .; Zinzendorf Chapter No. 216, R. A. M .; Allentown Commandery No. 20, K. T .; and Washington Camp No. 406, P. O. S. of A.

ILLIAM H. OTT, a well known eitizen of Portland, Pa., and proprietor of the Dazy Roller Mill of this place, was born December 23, 1862. His parents, Theodore and Susan Ott, are also natives of Northampton County, and residents of Portland. They were of German-Freneh deseent, their ancestors having emigrated from the Old Country in an early day. Peter Ott, the grandfather of our subjeet, was a native of Berks County, but removed to Northamp- ton County and settled in Upper Mt. Bethel Town- ship. He was a farmer by occupation, and the founder of the Ott family in this eounty. He is now living a retired life in Bangor, Pa., and is in the eighty-fifth year of his age.

Theodore Ott, the father of our subject, is a well known citizen of Portland, and for twenty years

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

was superintendent of the lime manufacturing busi- ness conducted by Luther Keller. In his younger days, however, he worked on a farm by the month, but afterward purchased a farm and began tilling and cultivating the soil for himself. He was quite successful in this undertaking, and for several years was considered one of the leading agriculturists of the county. He afterward became identified with the lime works of Portland, of which he is now the efficient superintendent. He has served as a member of the Borough Council, School Director and Col- lector of the borough, and is at present a Director in the East Stroudsburg National Bank. Socially he is a member of the Masonic order, and politi- cally is a Democrat.

William H. Ott, the subject of this sketch, was reared and educated in the public and high schools of Portland. Soon after leaving school he cm- barked in the mercantile business in partnership with L. H. Nicholas, under the firm name of Nich- olas & Ott. This partnership continued for several years, doing a splendid business, and Mr. Ott be- came widely and favorably known. Subsequently he became identified with the coal interest of Port- land, and for three years carried on that business successfully. In the winter of 1892, he sold out his interest in that business and retired from ac- tive work for a short time, but in July of the next year lie became the proprietor of the Dazy Roller Mill, and now attends personally to the manage- ment of the business. The mill is run by water- power and overshot wheel, and the roller process is used. He does a merchant and exchange custom work, the best grade of flour manufactured by him being called the "Daisy," and the next best is the "Big Loaf." Besides the manufacture of flour, he grinds feed, corn, chops and does general farmer's custom work. The mill is a large structure, and the capacity is about twenty-four barrels of flour per day. Mr. Ott leased the mill in July, 1892, for a period of six years.

October 18, 1893, our subject and Miss Clara Weidman were united in marriage. She is a daugh- ter of Daniel Weidman, a well known and highly respected citizen of Upper Mt. Bethel Township. Socially Mr. Ott is a member of the Patriotic Order Sons of America. In his political views he is a

Democrat, and takes a deep interest in political affairs, but has never aspired to public office. He is regarded with the highest respect, and in his wide acquaintance commands the confidence due his sterling integrity and business ability.

EWIS F. KOCH. In Whitehall Town ship may be seen a fine farm, upon which has been expended much care in cultivation and development. The land, which is some of the best in the county, is adorned with plenty of trees, and this well ordered place belongs to the gentle -. man whose name is inscribed above. He is a na- tive of Whitehall Township, and was born March 13, 1844.

John and Liddia (Stettler) Koch, the parents of our subject, were likewise natives of this county, and the great-grandfather on the paternal side is said to have been among the first of the family to make their home in this section, locating in an early day in Macungie Township. John Koch, the grand- father of our subject, was a blacksmith by trade, and departed this life in this county.

The father of our subject had born to him a large family of children, of whom we give the following: Sarah, Caroline, Susan, Emma, Wil- loughby, Lewis F., Peter A. and Hiram. The father of these children was a Democrat in politics, and in religious affairs was a devoted member of the Lutheran Church.

He whose name heads this sketch, like other farmers' boys, assisted his father on the home place in his youth, and at short intervals attended the district school. December 22, 1868, he was mar- ried to Miss Emeline Hoffman, born in this county January 24, 1847. Mrs. Koch is a daughter of Elias and Leah (Kern) Hoffman, also natives of this county, and the former of whom is deceased. Grandfather William Hoffman was an carly settler of Whitehall Township, and the family is classed among the well-to-do agriculturists of the Lehigli Valley. Mrs. Hoffman is still living, at the ad-

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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 91

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