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 97

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 97
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 97
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 97

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).

In 1863 Dr. Linderman became an active part- ner in the East Sugar Loaf Colliery, worked by Packer, Linderman & Co., and also beeame a part- ner in the Room Run Colliery, worked by Doug- lass, Skeer & Co., taking charge of all the business transacted by the first-named firm. The eoal of these two mines, which reached tide water, was sold by E. A. Packer & Co., until 1867, when the former withdraw and the firm became G. B. Lin- derman & Co. Afterward our subjeet took charge of the sales, as well as managing the mining of the eoal, and spent most of his time in New York. On looking into the matter he ascertained that all the coal found in the Lehigh Valley was being sold by a number of firms without any coneerted ac- tion, a state of affairs detrimental to all. Accord- ingly he devoted himself to the organization of the Lehigli Coal Exchange, of which he was elected President, remaining as such until his death. In 1868 he organized the banking firm of G. B. Linderman & Co., at Mauch Chunk, now the Lin- derman National Bank, and two years later be- came a resident of Bethlehem. In 1872 he organ- ized the Lehigh Valley National Bank of Bethle- hem, being elected its President, which post he held until his death.

Mr. Linderman was one of the Trustees of Le- high University. A very progressive and sound business man, he became very wealthy, and was one of the largest anthracite coal operators in the state. He was a Director in the Lehigh Val- ley Railroad, held the position of General Man- ager of the Bethlehem Iron Company, and was interested in many other corporations, and few en-

terprises were established in this section without his support. September 28, 1885, he was called from this life, and his death was a great loss to his numerous friends and to those to whom he had ever been kind and ready to lend a helping hand. In 1856 Mr. Linderman married Lucy, daughter of Judge Asa Paeker. Of this union were born the following children: Asa and Harry, who both died in in faney; and Sallie, Robert and Garrett.

ELCOME NILES POWELL, M. D. This honored member of the medieal profession, whose reputation is estab- lished in Allentown, makes a specialty of treating diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat. He is also a surgeon of considerable note, and bids fair to stand at the head of the profession in the near fu- ture. His home is in the city of his birth, he hav- ing been born in Allentown, October 20, 1861. His parents, Edmond F. and Emma C. (Horn) Powell, were also natives of Allentown, and the former died in 1885, while residing in Nebraska. The latter is still living and makes her home in Allentown.

The paternal grandfather of our subjeet, Wel- come B. Powell, was born in Burlington, Vt., and in 1838 settled in Allentown, where he has since made his home. During the long period of his residenee here he has taken an active part in pub- lie affairs and contributed liberally of his means toward the promotion of every worthy enterprise. A man of sterling qualities and excellent habits, lie occupies a high position in the esteem of all who know him. Notwithstanding the faet that he is now eighty-onc years of age, he is still engaged is bus- iness, being the owner of a large agricultural im- plement store. The Powell family originated in

814

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Wales, and was first represented in America dur- ing the days of Ethan Allen, when they settled in the Green Mountain State. The maternal grand- parents of our subject were William and Caroline Horn, the former of whom was born in Lehigh County and was a hatter by trade.

In the public schools of Allentown the subject of this sketch received a good education, and in 1879 was graduated from the high school. He had long cherished the hope of becoming a physician, and in order to carry out that plan he entered the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, from which institution he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1882.

When seeking a location Dr. Powell went West to Platte Centre, Neb., where he opened an office and began the practice of his profession. Remain- ing there until 1885, he returned to Pennsylvania and entered the Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia, where he practiced for the succeeding three years, making a specialty of eye, ear, nose and throat diseases. In 1889 he returned to Nebraska and engaged in general practice. As the town of Platte Centre was too small to permit his confining him- self to his specialties, the year 1891 found him again in Philadelphia, where he took a special course in treating discases of the eye, ear, nose and throat. Later he was similarly engaged in New York City.

May 1, 1891, Dr. Powell opened an office in Al- lentown, where he has become favorably known, and is rapidly building up a large and lucrative practice. In his possession he has a diploma of honor, electing him an active member of the Dosi- metrie Institute of Paris, France, which honor can be more fully appreciated when it is learned that he is the seventh physician in the United States to whom that distinction has been accorded. They are conferred upon merit alone, and for great skill in surgery.

While in Philadelphia Dr. Powell won a fine case of surgical instruments as a prize, his compet- itors being seventeen physicians who were taking a post-graduate course. Socially he is a member of the American Medical Association; charter mem- ber and Past Chancellor of Banner Lodge No. 120, K. of P., in Platte Centre, Neb .; connected with

St. James Commandcry No. 68, K. of M .; and char- ter member of the Junior Order United American Mechanics, Allen Council No. 753, of Allentown.

June 21, 1883, Dr. Powell was united in mar- riage with Miss S. Ella, daughter of the late Solo- mon and Ella (Reinig) Bachman. Her father, who died in 1886, was a prominent merchant of Al- lentown. Dr. and Mrs. Powell arc members in good standing of the Presbyterian Church. They occupy a beautiful residence at No. 936 Hamilton Street, which is one of the most pleasant homes in the city.

D R. WILLIAM ERDMAN, a physician and surgeon, and also an eye and ear special- ist of Macungie, is a native of Lehigh County, Pa., and was born March 13, 1838. He is the son of Aaron and Anna (Breinig) Erdman, of Lehigh County, Pa., and was reared in Macungie. He received his education in the public schools of Macungie and later at Tremont Seminary, at Nor- ristown, Pa. Still later graduating from the medi- cal school of the University of Pennsylvania, he located for practice at Macungie, formerly Millers- town, Pa., and has been very successful in his pro- fession ever since. In 1874-75 he took a special course on diseases of the eye and ear in the Uni- versity Medical School, and also under Dr. Straw- bridge, a specialist at Philadelphia, after which he returned to his practice at Macungie.

Dr. Erdman served in the Lower House of the State Legislature during the sessions of 1881 and 1883, and has served as Burgess of Macungie Borough for one term. As a member of the Le- high Medical Society he has served as President. Secretary and Treasurer of the order. He is a mem- ber of the Masonic fraternity at Allentown, Pa., of the Lehigh Valley Medical Association, of which he has been President, and also of the American Medical Association. In politics he is a stanch Democrat.

Dr. Erdman was united in marriage to Katie S.

815

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Mohr, a native of Lehigh County, Pa., and daugh- ter of Levi B. Mohr, of Maeungie, Pa. They are the parents of the following children: Linnie M., Lulu L. and Howard B.

J OSEPH S. HUNT, M. D., engaged in the praetiee of medieine and surgery in Easton, is a native of Sussex County, N. J. His fa- ther was born in New Jersey, while his grand- father was a native of Scotland, and located in the above state after his emigration to this eountry. He was a farmer by oceupation, and in religious matters was a devout member of the Presbyterian Churel.

John Hunt, the father of our subject, was en- gaged during his life in farm pursuits near Grat- itude, of which plaee he was Postmaster for thirty years. He married Miss Catherine Slater, a native of New Jersey, and the daughter of Joseph Slater, whose birth also occurred in that state. To Mr. and Mrs. Slater were born six sons and one daugh- ter, whom they reared to mature years and gave the advantages of as good an education as could be acquired in that day. The parents of our sub- ject died at the respective ages of eighty-six and seventy-six years.

The parents' houschold included three sons and three daughters, of whom our subjeet was the youngest son. He remained upon the home plaee until sixteen years of age, when he went to Mt. Retirement Seminary, where he was a student for two years, after which he entered Claverack Insti- tute, on the Hudson River, taking a course of two years. Young Hunt then engaged in teaching sehool in New Jersey until 1858, when he went to Virginia and aceepted the position of Principal of Pine Grove Academy. Two years later we find him located in North Carolina, as teacher and Assistant Principal in the Kernersville Academy, which contained one hundred and twenty students at the outbreak of the late war. In June, 1861, - the sehool being deserted, Mr. IIunt started home, via Georgia Tennessee, Kentucky and Indiana.

On reaching New Jersey, our subjeet again en- gaged a school, on the line between Sussex and

Warren Counties, after which he went to Vernon, where he taught, and later in Fredon. While in Virginia he began his medical studies, and in 1864 entered Jefferson Medieal College, at Philadelphia, and one year later became a student in the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York, from which institution he was graduated in 1866. He at onee located for practice in Brick House, N. J., opposite Milford, Pa., and a year later removed to Hainesburg, Warren County, N. J., where he re- mained for three years. In 1869 he eame to East- on, and purchasing a drug store on the corner of Fourth and Northampton Streets, carried on a profitable business until 1873.

In the above year Dr. Hunt engaged in the iron business with his father-in-law, Peter Uhler, at the Luey Furnace and Mines in New Jersey, where he made his home for the following three ycars, when he opened an office for the practice of medicine, to which calling he has given his undivided atten- tion ever since in Easton. He has a finely equip- ped office, and is regarded by the profession as one of the most prominent physicians in the county. Dr. Hunt, besides his general practice, is one of the consulting physicians of the Easton Hospital. The Doctor was physician to the prison for four years, or until 1885, when he resigned in order to take a trip to Europe. His destination was Vienna, in which eity he attended the general hospital, and carried on his studies for a year. The fol- lowing three months were spent in traveling in Europe, after which he returned to Easton, where he made his permanent home. He has been Presi- dent of the Board of Health of this city, and is connected with the Northampton County Med- ical Association, of which he has been Presi- dent. He is likewise a member of the State Med- ical and the Lehigh Valley Medical Societies, in all of which bodies he takes a prominent part. Socially he belongs to the Masonic order and to Hugh de Payen's Commandery, K. T., and Lulu Temple of Philadelphia. He attends the Presbyterian Church, and in politics never fails to cast a vote for Democratic candidates.

Dr. Hunt is greatly in favor of all public im- provements, and strongly favors setting aside property for the establishment of a park and in-

816

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

dustrial school in the city. He has also been very active in founding numerous hospitals throughout the county, his qualities of head and licart being duly appreciated by his fellow-citizens, who accord him his just measure of respect.

The marriage of Dr. Hunt with Miss Annie, daughter of Peter Uhler, was celebrated in 1868. Mr. Uhler is one of the old iron merchants of Penn- sylvania, as well as an extensive dealer in lumber.

D ARWIN E. SAWTELLE, an enterprising business man of Bethlehem, is engaged in the manufacture of soft drinks, and has the largest bottling works in the place. His present location is No. 313 Third Street, South Bethlehem. He controls a large trade, and his three delivery teams are constantly on the road in and between the towns of Freemansburg, Coopersburg, Heller- town, Hecktown, Allentown, and in the different parts of Bethlehemn, where his main trade is found. Mr. Sawtelle is a native of Chicago, and has evi- dently brought to bear upon his business enter- prises the sagacity and perseverance in effort which are pre-cininently characteristic of Chicago men.

The birth of our subject occurred October 10, 1852. His parents, Albert D. and Eliza J. (Palmer) Sawtelle, were natives respectively of Cleveland, Ohio, and Rockford, Ill. His paternal grandfather, Dr. Charles Sawtelle, was born in Alsace, France, and was one of the most notable physicians in Cleveland, where his death occurred. One of the finest avenues of that eity was named in his honor. The maternal grandfather of our subject, Seth Palmer, was born in Canada, and settled in Win- nebago County, Ill., where he became an extensive farmer.

Albert D. Sawtelle was one of those who went to California in 1849. During the five years sue- cceding he made three trips to the Pacific Coast, and was quite successful. On his return he engaged in merchandising in Kenosha, Wis., where he con- dueted a large business. From that place he went to Chicago, and was engaged in business on State Street, between Washington and Madison, until he

retired from active life. His death oeeurred at the age of fifty-four, at the home of our subject, who was then living in South Dakota. The wife and mother died in 1878, aged forty-seven years, leaving three children, of whom our subject is the eldest. She was a devoted member of the Episco- pal Church.

Until twenty years of age D. E. Sawtelle resided in Chicago, where he attended school. At the age of fourteen he entered the employ of the United States Express Company, with which he was con- nected for six years. Afterward he went to Kan- sas City in the employ of the same company, under Joe Shepherd. From there he was sent to Peoria, Alton and Kenosha, and for a time ran as a mes- senger on the Chicago & Alton between Chicago and St. Louis. During this time he was familiarly called "Joe Shepherd's lap dog."

Subsequently Mr. Sawtelle became bookkeeper for the firm of Fisher, Arnold & Co., on Water Street, and later was employed by G. Lasher & Sons, and at the Union Stockyards. In 1878 he went to Florida, and for two years engaged in rais- ing oranges near Jacksonville. In June, 1881, he proceeded to Dakota, buying lots, building a shanty (for which he hauled the lumber forty miles), and opening a store in Clark County. He also dealt in lands, having an extensive business. For several years he was Postmaster and American Express Agent there. For a time he also officiated as Jus- tiec of the Peace and Notary Public. In local en- terprises he was very prominent, and, with others, was active in creamery and elevator companies. He still owns farms in that locality and a large store that he built there.

Going to Bradford County, Pa., in the spring of 1888, Mr. Sawtelle settled in Towanda and engaged in merchandising for eightcen months. He then came to Bethlehem, and bought the bottling works of William Seigfried, which business he has sinee conducted. His first location was on Long Alley, then in South Bethlehem, and afterward in Beth- lehem Heights. In the works are five machines used for bottling, and the trade is continually growing.

The first wife of Mr. Sawtelle, whom he married in Chicago, was Belle Wilson, who was born in

817

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Canada and died in Dakota. She left thrce chil- dren: Benjamin B., a graduate of the Bethlehem High School and at present a student in the Lehigh University; Marie L. and Seth S. In September, 1888, Mr. Sawtelle married Miss Nan, daughter of Jerome B. Gillette, a native of Canada, and of French descent. Her grandfather, Dr. Gillette, who was born in France, was a graduate of Yale and a skilled physician and surgeon. During the War of 1812 he served in the English army. Late in life he located in Bradford County, Pa., where he followed his profession until death. He was a Prot- estant in religious faith, as have been many of his descendants.

Mrs. Sawtelle was born in Bradford County, and was one of eight children, there being six daugh- ters and a son, Lamont, an attorney of Allentown. Her mother, whose maiden name was Catherine Kilmer, was born in Schoharie County, N. Y., and is still living on the old homestead. Jerome Gil- lette was an extensive farmer in Bradford County, and also dealt largely in cattle until shortly before his death, which occurred in 1887. Mrs. Sawtelle was educated in the Rome (Pa.) Academy, and en- gaged in teaching in that place. Afterward for five years she was similarly engaged in the schools of Allentown. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was formerly connected with that denomination in Towanda. In politics our subject is affiliated with the Republican party, and socially is a Master Mason and an active member of the Maennerchor.

J AMES F. SCHREIBER. This well known business man of Coplay is a descendant of one of the carliest settlers of Lehigh County. The family was first represented in America by John Jacob Schreiber, who in 1733 cmigrated to this country from Alsace, France, and became a pioneer of what is now known as Lehigh County, where he entered a large tract of land from the Government.

In Lehigh County the subject of this notice was born September 12, 1840, to the union of Aaron

and Katie (Beige) Schreiber, likewise natives of the Keystone State. The father was one of the most successful agriculturists of this county, and was long identified with the Agricultural Society, in which he maintained a decp interest. His death occurred in Coplay, February 12, 1888, and four days later his remains were interred in the ceme- tery at this place. His loss was deeply mourned by his host of personal friends, as well as by those with whom business relations had brought him into contact.

Among the obituaries of this good man pub- lished at the time of his demise is the following, taken from one of the local papers: "He was a true Christian man, of spotless character, and unques- tioned integrity, and in all respects a man in whom the fullest confidence was reposed. In all rela- tions, whether as husband, father or friend, he was kind, courteous, forgiving and true. He was active in every good work, an earnest supporter of every worthy cause, a liberal giver to the various benef- icences of the church, and a true friend of the needy. In politics he was an ardent Republican, and in his religion a life-long member of Mickley's Church, in Whitehall Township, and several years ago one of its Board of Elders. He was a man of fixed convictions, highly esteemed for his gentle, earnest and kindly nature by all who knew him.

"Modest and quict in his deportment, he ncither courted favor nor position, nor did he shrink from any duty; quietly and unostentatiously he dis- charged the duties of a faithful and upright citi- zen. Socially he was always held in high esteem by his neighbors. In his home, at his hearth-stone and in the social life of his family, dignity of manner, kindliness of speech, wisdom and good judgment marked the rule and law by which he reared his children to honor their father and love and revere his memory. He was one of those whose 'words are bonds, whose oaths are oracles,' who did as he wanted to be done by, and lived in peace with all mankind. His wife died somc six or eight weeks ago, and this bereavement bore heavily upon him. He was the father of two chil- dren, a son and daughter, who are left to mourn his passing away. Both lived with the parent on the old homestead. The deceased brought his age

818

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

to seventy-seven ycars and six months. He was a son of Daniel and Barbara (Leisenring) Schreiber, and was the last surviving of five sons of the family."

The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in Coplay, the growth of which he has witnesscd from a straggling hamlet to a progressive village, the home of prosperous and intelligent people. While his educational advantages were few, he has supplemented the information gained in schools by close observation, extensive reading and self- culture. His youthful years were spent on a farm, but for many years he has followed the trade of a butcher, and in connection therewith devotes some attention to agriculture. Politically he is a Re- publican, and has served as Councilman of the borougli of Coplay. In his religious connections he belongs to the Whitehall Reformed Church.

OTTON AMY, a prominent business man, local preacher, and Class-leader of the Methodist Church of East Bangor, is a na- tive of Cornwall, England, and is a son of John and Elizabeth J. Amy. His ancestors were all Eng- lish, and Grandfather Cotton Amy, in whose hon- or our subject was named, remained in the land of his birth and passed away before his namesake was born.

The father, John Amy, was born in Cornwall, England, in 1816, and departed this life February 10, 1885. He emigrated to this country in 1881, and settled in East Bangor, where lic spent the re- mainder of his life. IIe was a slatemaker by occu- pation, having learned and worked at that trade in his native land. The parental family consisted of fourteen children, seven of whom still survive: John, James H., William W., Thomas F., Harry, Elizabeth A. and our subject. Those deceased are Susanna, Emma, Mary, Kate and three who died unnamed.

The subject of this sketch mainly educated him- self, having entered the quarries at a very early age. Here he learned all details of the slate busi-

ness, which proved of great benefit to him in after years. In 1873 Mr. Amy came to Northampton County, and located in Pen Argyl, where he was employed in the quarries for about three months, after which he went to Chapman Quarries, where he remained for one year and eight months. At the expiration of this time he came to East Bangor, where he has since made his home. In 1877 he, in company with some other business men of East Bangor, leased a quarry and operated it under the name of Cotton Amy & Co. Two years later a new lease was obtained and the Star Slate Company was organized by the same men, but only three of the original operators are represented in the company at the present time. Our subject, who is manager and Treasurer of the enterprise, is also interested in the Standard Slate Company, and is connect- ed with the American Bangor Quarry, of which he was the original discoverer. It is operated by a stock company and was opened in 1882. The prod- ucts of the quarry are roofing slate, school slate and general milling stock for the manufacture of mantels, finishings, hearthstones, steps, etc.

In connection with other interests Mr. Amy is concerned in the Star Store of East Bangor and the Union Mercantile Store of Pen Argyl, and is also a partner in the United States Slate Company. He is a stockholder in the First National Bank of Bangor and the East Bangor Cemetery Association, of which he is President. He is a Republican in politics, and was elected the second Burgess of East Bangor after its organization. A member of the Council for three years, he gave entire satisfaction, and is now serving his sixth year as School Direct- or, and third year as President of the board. Hc is an active worker in public affairs and is intelli- gently interested in the schools of his community.

May 28, 1865, our subject and Miss Eliza Ware were united in marriage. Her parents, Nicholas and Agnes Warc, were natives of Devonshire, Eng- land. Ten children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Amy, ninc of whom still survive: Kate, the wife of C. S. Ford; Elizabetli, now Mrs. W. A. Bray; and William H., Moses W., James M., Edwin J., Emma M., Martha A. and C. E. Bencdict.

Our subject and his estimable wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which the

819

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

former is Trustee. Mr. Amy is also a local preach- er, Class-leader and Sunday-school teacher, and is first Vice-President of the Epworth League. He is President of the Embury Local Preachers' Asso- ciation and was the representative of the same to the Wesleyan Local Preachers' Mutual Aid Asso- ciation at Hull, Yorkshire, England, June 10, 1893. Fraternally our subject is associated with Ban- gor Lodge No. 563, F. & A. M .; Bangor Chapter No. 274, R. A. M .; Hugh de Payen's Command- ery No. 19, at Easton, and is also a member of East Bangor Castle No. 183, Knights of the Golden Eagle. Among these various orders he has a host of friends, and is worthy of the confidence and es- teem in which he is held.

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.

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 97

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