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 98

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 98
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 98
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 98

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J OSEPH JOHNSTON, Master Mechanic as the Bethlehem Iron Company's works, has held that position since 1868, at which time there was only one mill. He superintended the building of the steelmill, and has been fore- most in the erection of the various mills, and to his superior ability is due much of the success in the working of this immense concern.

The birth of our subject occurred in Hoboken, N. J., June 13, 1829. His father, John Johnston, was born in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, and his grand- father, who bore the same Christian name, was a farmer of that country. Our subject's father was a millwright by trade, and for a few years was a resident of London. His marriage occurred in Scotland about 1827, his wife being Mary, daugh- ter of David Boyce. She, too, was a native of Scotland, and her father was a farmer. About 1827 the family removed to America, the father obtaining employment in Hoboken. While in England he was Assistant Commissioner of Stores for the English army, and participated in the war with Napoleon, taking part in the battle of Water- loo, and remaining in the army until 1817, when he resigned. While in Hoboken he entered the employ of the Camden & Amboy Railway Com- pany as a millwright, making wooden wheels.

He afterward had charge of the woodwork depart- ment, and then removed to Bordentown, N. J., where he worked as a pattern-maker. In 1845 he became a resident of Norristown, where one of his sons started a machine-shop, and his time was spent as a pattern-maker. While living there his death occurred, at the age of sixty-three years. His wife, who, like her liusband, was a member of the Presbyterian Church, departed this life in 1887, at the home of our subject, at the age of eighty- eight years. Of her ten children seven grew to maturity, but only three are now living.

Until 1845 Joseph Johnston resided in New Jer- sey, where he obtained a good common-school ed- ucation. At the age of fifteen he started to learn the machinist's trade in the shops of the Camden & Amboy Railroad. In 1845 he went to Norristown, where he pursued his trade for three years, thence going to Lancaster County, where he also worked as a machinist, and later for seven years was a resident of Safe Harbor.

In 1856 Mr. Johnston went to Phoenixville, where he took charge of the machinery and engines of the rolling-mill and blasts. He remained in that responsible position for twelve years, or until Oc- tober 20, 1868, when he came to Bethlehem, hav- ing been solicited to do so. Entering the employ of the noted Bethlehem Iron Company, he became Master Mechanic of the works, a position he has occupied until the present time. In addition to superintending the building of the mills that have since been erected, he helped to organize the South Bethlehem Industrial Building and Loan Associa- tion, of which he has been President since its start, and has been in other ways identified with the de- velopment and progress of the townl.

The home of Joseph Johnston is located at No. 335 Broad Street. In 1854 he was married at Safe Harbor to Miss Martha E. Stroman, who was born in York County. Her father, Franklin Stro- man, was a native of the same county, and his fa- ther, Hon. John Stroman, a native of Germany, was in the Revolutionary War. He was a public man, having been Sheriff of York County, and a mem- ber of the Legislature and Senate. Franklin Stro- man was an attorney, but did not engage in active practice, turning his attention instead to agricult-

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ural pursuits. His wife bore the maiden name of Anu Williams, and her birth also occurred in York County. Her father, Maj. David Williams, was a patriot in the war for independence, and was one of the three soldiers who captured Major Andre. He was a farmer in Lower Windsor, and reared a family of seven children, of whom Mrs. Johnston is the fifth.

To our subject and wife were born ten children: J. Franklin, a draftsman in the Bethlehem Iron Company; Mary A., who died at the age of two years; Josephine; Angeline, Mrs. Milson, of Pater- son, N. J .; Archibald, Superintendent of No. 3 Shop of the Bethlehem Iron Company; Margaret, who died at the age of five years; Joseph, Jr., a machinist, who works with his father; George, who died in infancy; Elsie; and William Wallace, who is serving an apprenticeship as a machinist in the iron works with his brothers.

For six years Mr. Johnston was a Councilman, having been elected on the Republican ticket, thought a resident of the Second Ward, which is Democratic. While a member of the Council he was Chairman of the Committee on Streets and the Fire Committee, and in that capacity superin- tended the building of the firehouse, which is a credit to the place. In politics he is a true-blue Republican, and fraternally he is a Master Mason of the Royal Arch Masons, and belongs to the Council and Commandery No. 20, K. T., of Allen- town. Mrs. Johnston is a a member of the Baptist Church, and is active in the Ladies' Aid Society and Woman's Christian Temperance Union work.

J 1 OSEPH E. ILLICK is the proprietor of Peter's Mill, which is located in Hanover Township, Northampton County, on Mon- ocacy Creek. This mill is too well known in this locality to need specific description, farm- ers from various parts of the county having for years brought their grain to be ground at this point, as it is well known that the mill is thor- oughly equipped with the most improved modern machinery. The roller process is used, and the

best facilities of every description are here af- forded customers. The mill itself is well built, being made of stone, and being three stories in height, including a substantially built basement or cellar. The machinery was furnished and put in place by August Wolf & Co., of Chambersburg, Pa. Besides doing custom grinding for farmers, the mill makes a specialty of turning out a fine quality of flour for the general trade. The stand- ard brand, known under the name of "Unexcelled," is a popular make in this section of the state, and is known to be uniformly good in quality. One regular miller is constantly employed in the mill, while the proprietor attends principally to sales and the delivery of flour. In connection with the gristinill he also has charge of a sawmill, which is situated at a short distance from the other. They are both run by water-power furnished by Monocacy Creek.

The birth of Joseph E. Illick occurred Decem- ber 2, 1863, in Monroe County, this state. His parents were William E. and Mary (Kunkle) Illick, the former a native of Northampton County, and the latter of Monroe County. For a number of years our subject's father ran the mill successfully, but is at present a resident of Weaversville, East Allen Township, where he has served as School Director. The mother was called from this life several years ago.

When quite a young lad, Joseph Illick was de- prived by death of his loving mother's care, and he was reared in the family of Josiah Schweitzer, an uncie, with whom he remained until he had attained his fifteenth year. In the mean time he acquired a good general education in the district schools of the county, in addition to which it was his privilege for a time to attend what was known as Schwartz's Academy at Bethlehem. Having been an industrious student, and having secured a very good education by means of his industry and perseverance at his books, he concluded to try his hand as a teacher, and though only sixteen years old at the time took a school in this county, which he taught for one term. Later for three winters he taught successfully in Lehigh County, in one of the districts of Hanover Township.

It was in the year 1883 that Mr. Illick married

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Miss Clara E., a daughter of Hugh Huber, a well known citizen of this county. By this union have been born three children: Beulah, Stanley and Estlier, the latter of whom died in childhood. In his religious belief our subject is connected with tlie Evangelical Association, belonging to the church at Bethlehem, and in politics he supports the Republican party.

J OHN H. PRICE, for many years a prominent citizen of Phillipsburg, has made his home in Easton only since 1892,. but has already built up a good reputation as a practical and satisfactory master of liis trade, that of blacksmith- ing. He has a well equipped shop on North Sixth Street, and makes a specialty of horse-shoeing in the most approved methods. Politically he is a Republican, and while living in Phillipsburg served for two terms, a period of six years, as a member of the City Council.

The parents of our subject were James and Nancy (Barncs) Price, who were of German and French descent. The father of the former was born, and lived during the most of his life, in War- ren County, N. J., where he owns and carries on a good farm. His family numbered only two sons, James and Thompson. James Price, a native of Warren County, N. J., learned the blacksmith's trade in early life, and worked at his calling dur- ing his active career. For the major portion of his life his home has been in Phillipsburg, and there he still resides. IIe is a Republican, and has been called upon to fill the position of Assessor of Phillipsburg in past years. In the Methodist Epis- copal Church, where he holds membership, he lias hield the office of Trustee, and by all who know him he is held in the highest esteem. To himself and wife were born eleven children: Lovina, John H., James, Alice Randall, Josephine, Winfield S., Alfred, Laura Peditt, Harry, Gilbert and Mary M. James and Josephine died in early childhood, and the mother departed this life March 21, 1889, when in her sixty-third year.

John H. Price was born on the 7th of Septem-

ber, 1847, at Green's Bridge, Warren County, N. J. He carly learned the blacksmith's trade of his fa- ther, and was of valuable assistance to hiim un- til he was twenty-three years of age. At that time he decided to branch out and engage in busi- ness on his own account. He operated a shop at Phillipsburg successfully for sixteen years, and when that time had expired came to Easton, as previously mentioned. There is nothing pertain- ing to his trade with which he is not thoroughly familiar, and the work turned out in his shop in- variably gives good satisfaction. Socially he is a member of Lodge No. 17, I. O. R. M .; Clairmont Commandery No. 62, K. of M .; and of Lodge No. 26, O. U. A. M. He is also identified with the So- ciety of Daughters of Pocahontas.

August 19, 1871, Mr. Price was married to Lizzie, daughter of Samuel Harmon, and to this worthy couple three children have been born. Their names in order of birthi arc as follows: William, James and Maggie.

ILLIAM CHAPMAN. Through his connection with the far-famed Chiap- man Quarries, situated by rail about fifteen miles from Bethilchem, the subject of this sketch has gained prominence throughout the United States. Whoever labors to develop latent resources thereby benefits humanity, and may justly be denominated a public benefactor. Such a one is William Chapman, to whose energy, judg- ment, perseverance and discernment the state of Pennsylvania in general, and the county of North- ampton in particular, are indebted for the devel- opment of the great slate industry.

A short railroad ride from Bethlehem brings one to the station called Chapman Quarries. Alight- ing from the train and climbing the hill, the first impression received is that of the magnitude of the slate-quarry industry. The quarry of the com- pany is a hole over twelve hundred fect long, three hundred feet wide, and two hundred and fifty feet deep, which, like all vast hollows, impresses the visitor with a feeling almost of awe. The people of Northampton County are proud of the fact that

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nowhere in the United States is there a plant so complete as this. It includes a hoisting apparatus, with a five-ton cable, nine hundred feet long, on which there runs a carriage with pulley and chain. Along this, slabs of slate weighing from four to six tons are drawn, and loaded where wanted. The machinery at use in the quarry includes six engines of a combined power of one hundred and twenty horses, eight boilers of four hundred and eighty horse-power, two steam drills, seven der- rieks, three diamond saws, four planers and one diamond drill.

The slate from Chapman Quarries is of a very superior quality, dark blue in color, hard, close grained and tough; it absorbs no moisture, will not fade, discolor or decompose, nor is there any loss by breakage in transportation. In a pamphlet published by the company appear the names of some of the most notable buildings in the coun- try which are built of this slate, including the State Capitol at Albany, N. Y .; State Capitol at Hartford, Conn .; Holy Trinity Church, New York; Gilsey and Brunswick Hotels, New York; Chicker- ing Hall, Grand Central Depot, and Metropolitan Museum of Art, all in New York; and hundreds of other elegant and noted public buildings, as well as private residences.

The area of land surrounding the quarry has been incorporated as the borough of Chapman, and has a population of four hundred, prinei- pally employes of the quarry. The town has a public school, two churches and a large number of neat and comfortably arranged houses. The suc- cess of this enterprise is duc almost wholly to the gentleman in whose honor it has been named, and whose great sagacity and superior business quali- ties have created one of the most important indus- tries of Pennsylvania. It was in 1850 that Mr. Chapman began operating this quarry, and such was his success that in 1864, by a special act of the State Legislature, he was able to incorporate tlie Chapman Slate Company, with a capital of $300,- 000, later increased to $400,000. Of this lie is President and Treasurer,

The birth of William Chapman occurred on the plains of Waterloo, at Mt. Tonenshau, France, in 1816. His father, William, was born in the parish

of St. Peth, in Cornwall, England, and by occupa- tion was a slater in the Dilli Bole Quarries, owned by Lord T. Avery, who fitted up a company of ninety men at his own expense for the English army, our subject's father being Lieutenant of the same. They were called to France before the bat- tle of Waterloo, in which they took an active part, and in which William Chapman was severely wounded. He was taken to Mt. Tonenshau, and was there nursed back to health by his faithful wife, who had hastened to his side after hearing of his injuries. While there our subject was born, in 1816. The father, after recovering from his wounds, returned to England, and was made weighmaster in the quarries. His death occurred in Cornwall, when he was over eighty years of age. His wife, Elizabeth Chapman, an estimable lady, also a native of Cornwall, died in 1828, in the faith of the Episcopal Church, of which they were both members. They were the parents of three sons, only one of whom, our subject, is now living.

The subject of this sketch was reared in Corn- wall, and from the time he was seven years of age worked in the slate quarries where his father was employed, becoming a practical workman and a good judge of slate. He then secured employment in Devonshire, England, where extensive quarries were opened. John Francis (later Sir John Fran- cis), Superintendent of the Penn River Quarries in Wales, while visiting the Devonshire quarries, took a fancy to him and persuaded him to return to his quarries in Wales. With this gentleman our sub- ject remained for seven years, and meantime suc- ceeded in laying up a considerable sum of money. Being aware of the fine slate to be found in Penn- sylvania, he then decided to come to America.

In the spring of 1842 William Chapman set sail on the vessel "Hindoo" for the New World, and arrived in Easton, where he presented his letters of recommendation from Sir John Francis to Mr. Erie, an attorney-at-law. Next he proceeded to the Delaware Water Gap, where a small quarry was being worked, and after exploring the slate fields he finally Icased the present site with the privilege of buying it. This he did later, and the result is that the Chapman Quarries have long led the way, the slate being used in all parts of the

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country. They are engaged only in the manufac- ture of hard slate, which, as above stated, is of a very superior quality, dark blue in color, tough and impervious to moisturc. The office and yards of the company in New York are located at the corner of West and Jane Streets.

At Easton occurred the marriage of our subject and Miss Emily Carry, who was born in South Carolina, and educated in Baltimore. They be- came the parents of seven daughters and four sons, one of whom is deceased. Mrs. Chapman was an accomplished lady, a devoted wife and mother, and at her death in 1883 slic left inany friends to mourn her loss. In politics Mr. Chapman is a Democrat, and fraternally is a Master Mason. In religion he adheres to the faith of the Episcopal Church, being a member of that denomination in Bethlehem.

RANK T. L. KEITER, attorney-at-law of Allentown and Alderman of the Seventh Ward, was born in the city which is still his home, August 11, 1864. His grandfather was Casper Keiter, and his father was Aaron E. Kei- ter. The latter was a native of Allentown, and after attaining his majority turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, which he followed during the greater part of his life. He was united in mar- riage with Miss Susan Mohr, a native of Lehigh County, and a daughter of Daniel B. Mohr. They became the parents of two children, both sons, Rev. William D. C., who is now pastor of Trinity Church, of Bethlehem, Pa., and Frank T. L., of this sketch. The father died in 1887, but the mother is still living and yet makes her home in Allentown.

We now take up the personal history of Frank T. L. Keiter, who is both widely and favorably known in this community. He was rearcd to man- hood under the parental roof and acquired his early education in the public schools of Allentown, after which he entered Mullenberg College, where he pursued a two-years course of study. On the ex- piration of that period he entered the law office of Hon. James S. Biery. It was his desire to enter

the legal profession, and under the instruction of Mr. Biery he fitted himself for his chosen work, and was admitted to the Bar in Allentown in April, 1887. Soon after he opened an office and began practice in this place. He has an excellent knowl- edge of law, and has demonstrated his ability in argument on several important cases. He is a good speaker, clear, forcible and logical, and is rapidly winning his way to a front rank among the lead- ing practitioners of Lehigh County. He has already gained a reputation which might well be envied by many an older lawyer.

In 1891 Mr. Keiter was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Anna Blank, of Allentown. They have a wide acquaintance in this community and their friends are many. Mr. Keiter is a member of St. Michael's Lutheran Church, and belongs to the Knights of the Golden Eagle. Mr. and Mrs. Keiter have one child, a daughter, Madeline. In his political views he is a stalwart Republican and warmly advocates the principles of his party. He has held a number of public offices, and in 1890 was appointed Alderman of the Seventh Ward by Governor Beaver. In 1891 he was elected to the same office for a term of five years, and is now fill- ing that position. He has also served two terms in the Common Council, and the faithfulness and fidelity with which he has ever discharged his pub- lic duties have won him high commendation. His entire life has been passed in Lehigh County, and those who have known him fromn boyhood are num- bered among his stanchest friends, a fact which in- dicates a straightforward and honorable career.

OHN BECK, a representative resident of Northampton County, occupies a pleasant home in Upper Mt. Bethel Township, where for many years he carried on general farm pursuits. Essentially a self-made man, he has been successful in his undertakings, and his present valuable possessions are the result of his own in- dustry and economy. His high moral principles, honesty and uprightness in all the concerns of

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life, and his excellent personal traits of char- acter have endeared him to a large circle of asso- ciates throughout the township.

In the county where he still resides, and of which he has been a resident for nearly eighty consecutive years, the subject of this biography was born in February, 1816. His parents, Ludwig and Elizabeth (Schioch) Beck, were natives respect- ively of Northampton and Berks Countics, Pa. His paternal grandfather, Jacob Beck, was a native of Germany, and emigrated to America with his father some time during the last century. Both the grandfather and great-grandfather of Mr. Beck entered Government land, the patents for which our subject still has in his possession. So carly in the history of this state did they make settlement here that they were occasionally obliged to cross the river into New Jersey to avoid the attacks of their savage foes.

Of the parental family three sons now survive, namely: Jolin, of this sketch; Joseph, a resident of Olio; and Ludwig, whose home is in Lower Mt. Bethel Township, opposite Belvidere, N. J. Our subject was reared in Northampton County, and attended the early subscription schools during about two months of the year, but in the main is self-educated, having by his own efforts acquired his present broad fund of knowledge. Establish- ing domestic tics, he married Miss Catherine Ott, and they became the parents of four children, namely : Lewis; Mary, wife of James L. Rosenberry; Emma, Mrs. Joseph Hagerman; and Amanda, Mrs. Charles S. Butz.

In the organization of the First National Bank of Bangor Mr. Beck largely aided, and is still one of its stockholders and Directors. He has served as School Director of Upper Mt. Bethel Town- ship. His first ballot was cast for the hero of Tippecanoe, and he has since supported the mcas- ures of the Republican party. In addition to his home farm of two hundred acres, he is the owner of valuable real estate, being one of the most pros- perous citizens of the county. He is a Director of the Columbia Bridge Company, that had in charge the erection of the bridge spanning the waters of the Delaware, between Portland and Columbia. A man of enterprise, industry and

perseverance, he has contributed his full quota to- ward developing the resources of this section of the Keystone Statc. He is the stanch friend of education and morality, and may always be found on the side of right and justice.

ILLIAM H. WEISS, of Bethlehem, comes of a well known family of this city, his father having been the late Francis Weiss, a wealthy and enterprising business man, who was identified with the welfare of this community most thoroughly. Mr. Weiss, of this sketch, is popular in social and business circles and is a genial young man, who wins friends wherever he goes.

The birth of our subject occurred at Eckley, Lu- zerne County, September 17, 1856, and in the place of his nativity his boyhood was passed in attend- ance at the schools of that locality. In 1870 he came to Bethleliem, becoming a student in the Moravian day school, and afterward for two years attending Rondthaler School. Next lie went to Lawrenceville, N. J., where he continued for four years in the academy, and was graduated there- from in 1876. Returning home, he continued his studies for two years longer, under the tutelage of George Perkins, and thus found himself well equipped with a general and scientific knowledge for the dutics of life.

In 1879 William H. Weiss married in this city Miss Mary Louisa, daughter of Amos Lentz, a rail- road contractor. The lady was born in Mauch Chunk, and by her marriage has become the mother of one son, William L. The pleasant home of the family is situated at No. 328 Broad Street, and they are members of Trinity Episcopal Church. After his marriage Mr. Weiss engaged in general merchandising at Bingen, Northampton County, but a year later sold out and conducted a general store on Broad Street in this city. This business he also sold out at the end of a year, then be- coming bookkeeper for the Lehigh Manufacturing Company, continuing with that firm until the bus-

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iness was closed up at the time of his father's death. Recently Mr. Weiss retired from active business, as he has an ample income from his in- vestments, and from his share of his father's estatc. He is interested in thoroughbred dogs, having owned some very fine animals, and at the present time is the owner of "Sir Tatton," an English set- ter, believed to be the best specimen of the setter variety to be found in the country. In politics Mr. Weiss is a Republican, and fraternally belongs to the Order of Red Men and the Elks society.

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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 98

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