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 99

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 99
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 99
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 99

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R EUBEN STAHLER, formerly a prominent banker of Allentown, was also a wealthy capitalist, dealing extensively in real es- tate in the city. He is now retired from taking any active part in business affairs other than to look after his own private interests. Mr. Stahler was born in this county, November 8, 1816, and is the son of Lawrence Staller, who for many years was a prominent farmer and merchant of Lchigh County. He was born in this county, and during his life held the position of Justice of the Peace of Upper Milford Township, where his death took place. He was the son of Nicholas Stahler, who also claimed Lehigh County as his native place.

Mrs. Magdalene (Reinhard) Stahler, the mother of our subject, was the daughter of John Adam Reinhard, and her family for many generations were all born in this county. Reuben, of this sketeh, remained on his father's farm and carried on his education in the district school until reach- ing his fifteenth year. Then leaving home, he went to Shimerville and began clerking in the store of John Treichler. He remained in his ein- ploy for several years, and then embarked in busi- ness for himself, carrying a stock of general mer- chandise for fourteen years. In that enterprise he was very successful, and thinking to better his condition in a large place, in 1855 removed to Zionsville, this county, and while there was elected Justice of the Peace, which responsible position he held for eighteen years. Although

still carrying on the business of a general mer- chant, our subject invested in farming lands, which he rented.

In November, 1869, the original of this sketch came to Allentown, and accepted a position with the Allentown Savings Institution, which he held until May 1, 1876. That year he was made Cashier of the Second National Bank, and remained as such until the spring of 1891, when he resigned and became Vice-President of the Second National Bank of Allentown. The volume of business was greatly increased under his management, and the bank is to-day one of the most reliable institutions of the kind in the state.

May 1, 1893, Mr. Stahler retired from business, and is prepared to spend the remainder of his life in ease and comfort. He is a stockholder in the Iowa Barb Wire Company of Allentown, which he was instrumental in establishing, and was also one of the organizers of the Pioneer Silk Mill of Allentown, in which he still holds stock. He likewise has an interest in the Keystone Silk Mills at Emaus, this county, and is the owner of mnuch valuable real estate in the city.

March 5, 1843, Reuben Stahler was united in marriage withi Miss Diana Engelman, a native of this county, and the daughter of Andrew Engel- man, a farmer and miller by occupation. They are both members in good standing of the Evan- gelical Church. Mr. Stahler is deeply interested in the welfare of his community, and in addition to what he has donc is at all times ready to bear his part in all those movements which will enhance its material, educational and moral prosperity. He has succeeded well in worldly affairs, and is able to surround himself and family with all of the luxuries of life.

D AVID KOCH is the proprictor of the mill which bears his name, and which well known establishment is located in Upper Macungie Township. It is five stories in height, 40 x 60 fcet in dimensions, and was remodeled in 1856, the original part of the mill having been built over a century ago. The old process of burr-

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stones was used in the mill until 1891, when the roller system was put in, and our subject is now enabled to manufacture twenty-four barrels of flour in twenty-four hours. He has a large custom and merchant trade, and his mill is in operation night and day.

He of whom we write purchased his milling plant in the fall of 1887 from William Mann & Co., of Philadelphia, and he has since con- tinued to operate it with fair success. It is run by water-power, the machinery being propelled by two overshot wheels of the old kind, which is equal to twenty-four-horse power.

David Koch, of this sketch, is a native of South Whitehall Township, and the date of his birth was March 15, 1832. He is the son of Solomon and Sallie Koch, likewise natives of this county, while his great-grandfather, Henry by name, came from Germany. He was an old settler of Upper Macun- gie Township, where he lived to the remarkable age of ninety-one years. Our subject was trained to farm pursuits on his father's estate, and, like all lads of that early day, pursued his studies in the log cabin schoolhouse. He made his home for three years on the farm which his grandfather pur- chased over one hundred and thirty-six years ago.

In 1856 the original of this sketch learned the trade of a carpenter, which he followed for eight years, and then began manufacturing pumps, hav- ing his factory located in Whitehall Township. He was engaged in this business for many years, at the same time carrying on farm pursuits. In 1872 he changed his location to Upper Macungie Town- ship, which has since been huis place of residence. Besides this enterprise Mr. Koch also owns a saw- mill, which he has conducted successfully for sev- eral years, and in both establishments he gives em- ployment to three men. The sawmill is fitted out with an " up-and-down " saw and turns out about six hundred feet of lumber daily.

The lady to whom our subject was married in 1857 was Miss Sarah Stoudt. She was born in Salisbury Township, this county, and is a daughter of Henry and Catherine Stoudt, also natives of this county, but who are now deceased. Their union has been blessed by the birth of six chil-

dren, namely: Amanda, Mrs. George Harpster; Victoria, the wife of Amos Weida; Benjamin, who married Clara Hiskey, of Lower Macungie Town- ship; Sarah, Mrs. Oscar Guth; Edwin S., who mar- ried Alverta Saeger; and Caroline.

Besides his milling property Mr. Koch owns fif- teen acres of land, which he cultivates to the best advantage. He has ever taken a warm interest in the development of his county, and classes his friends among the best residents of this section. He is an official member of the Lutheran Church, with which his wife is also connected, having served as Trustee of the congregation at Gordon. He is a Democrat in politics, and keeps himself in touch with the times. Since 1863 he has been called upon many times to serve as an auctioneer among the farmers, and cries his sales in both the English and German languages.

DWARD J. FOX. Among the younger members of the Bar of Northampton Coun- ty who have already attained eminence in the profession, conspicuous mention belongs to Edward J. Fox, who is a member of a family illustrious in legal circles throughout the state. He has been a life-long resident of Easton, where he was born April 3, 1858, to the union of Edward J. and Mary W. (Wilson ) Fox. His education, tlie rudiments of which were laid in a private school and the Easton High School, was such as to fit him for an influential position among his fellow-men. Entering Lafayette College in 1874, he remained a student of that institution until 1878, when he was graduated.

Upon completing his literary studies, Mr. Fox be- gan the study of law under the preceptorship of his father, and was admitted December 13, 1880, to practice before the Northampton County Bar, and to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania in March, 1883. Forming a partnership with his father, the firm of E. J. Fox & Son conducted a large business until the death of the senior member, since which time our subject has been engaged in independent practice. As an attorney, he is well informed,

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thoroughly posted in all the intricacies of the pro- fession, and able to cope with every difficulty that the most complicated case ean present. In addi- tion to his general practice, he is counsel for the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company, the Cen- tral Railroad Company of New Jersey, and the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company, and in various other responsible positions has rendered efficient serviee.

For a time Mr. Fox served as a member of the School Board, and is now a Director in the Easton Trust Company. In religious connections he is identified with the Brainerd Union Presbyterian Churel, in which he is an Elder and Trustee. In June, 1894, he was elected a Trustee of Lafayette College. He has a pleasant home, presided over by his accomplished wife, with whom he was united October 9, 1888. She bore the maiden name of Cora L. Marsh, and is a daughter of the late W. W. Marsh, of Schooley's Mountain, N. J., and a granddaughter of Gov. A. H. Reeder.

H ENRY STEINMETZ has served accept- ably for eight years as a member of the Easton City Council, and has also repre- sented the Third Ward in the Common Council. He is a practical business man, and for nine years has been engaged in the manufacture of sash and blinds, having his factory and also a large lumber- yard in this city. He owns, besides this, a lumber- yard in Phillipsburg, N. J., and is doing a lucrative business, affording employment to thirty-two men and running four teams constantly. The firm name is Steinmetz & Zearfoss, his partner, Godfrey Zearfoss, having become associated with him in 1885.

On the paternal side our subject's grandfather, John, was, it is supposed, a native of Germany. In an early day he became a resident of Plainfield Township, this county, and devoted the remainder of his life to farming. He was a member of the old Plainfield Reformed Church, and was loved by all who knew him. Of his four children the eldest

was John, our subject's father. John Steinmetz, Jr., was born in Plainfield Township and early be- eame familiar with agricultural pursuits. He was also a mechanie of no small ability, and led an in- dustrious and active life. For a short time his home was in Stewartsville, N. J., but the most of his life was spent near Easton. In politics he was a Democrat, and religiously was identified with the old Plainfield Reformed Church. His wife, who was in girlhood Rebecca Mitz, bore him seven children, Jesse, Luzetta Riee, Susan Stout, Amanda, Henry, Louisa Deltrich and Mary Andrews. The father died in 1858, aged fifty-four years.

Henry Steinmetz was born in Easton February 28, 1839, and received a district-school education in Forks Township, also attending a night school. When eighteen years old he began learning the trade of a carpenter, and served an apprenticeship of four years. He continued as a journeyman ear- penter until 1873, when, in company with Robert T. Horn, he succeeded Levi Bennett, who was one of the most extensive contractors and builders in Easton at that time. The name of the new firm was Horn, Steinmetz & Co., and the partnership was continued for twelve years, at the end of which time the junior member retired from the business. In the factory which he now operates all kinds of sash and blinds, liouse and building supplies are manufactured and kept in stock.

Soon after the opening of the Civil War Mr. Steinmetz donned the blue and enlisted in Com- pany K, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Penn- sylvania Infantry. He was assigned to the Army of the Potomae, and engaged in the battles of An- tietam, South Mountain, Shepherdstown and Fred- ericksburg. In the latter engagement he was wounded in the leg, just above the knee, during the last charge on the afternoon of December 13, 1862. The injury was occasioned by a musket ball, which incapacitated him for further army service. He is a member of Lafayette Post No. 217, G. A. R., and has always in practical ways manifested his loyalty and good citizenship. In politics he is a Demoerat. As an Odd Fellow he belongs to Lehighton Lodge No. 244, and is a member of Valley Union Encampment.

December 24, 1863, Mr. Steinmetz married Anna

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M., daughter of John Klutz, of this city. They are members of Christ Lutheran Church, in which Mr. Steinmetz is an officer. Seven children came to grace their union, namely: Ida E., Anna (de- ceased), Bertha E., Stella E .. Dora E., Abbie E. and Gertrude E.

HARLES G. SCHNELLER. From the suc- cessful career of this gentleman there may be gleaned many lessons worthy of emula- tion by the young and admiration by the old. Commencing life for himself at the age of four- teen without money or influence, he steadily worked his way upward, advancing in commercial circles until he became the head of a large establishment. At the time he retired, in 1888, he was the oldest business man in Catasauqua.

Mr. Schneller was born in Bethlehem, Pa., No- vember 10, 1821. His grandfather, Rev. Charles G. Schneller, who was born in Saxony, Germany, was sent as a Moravian missionary to the West Indies, and later went to England, where he died. George C., our subject's father, was born in St. Kitt's, West Indies, in 1790, and was brought to the United States, to Bethlehem, Pa., when four years old. In youth he attended the schools of Bethle- hem, and afterward, removing to Nazareth, learned the trades of shoemaking and gunsmithing, which he followed for some time. Later on, however, he was employed as a miller, mostly in Northampton County. His death occurred in Bethlehem in 1874, when in his eighty-fourth year.

The mother of our subject, who bore the maiden name of Mary Brown, was born in Bethlehem in 1800, and therc died in 1860. Her father, Otto Brown, likewise a native of Bethlehem, carried on his trade of a thread-dyer in that city. Charles G., of this sketch, was the eldest of the thirteen children born to his parents, of whom five are now living. After a comparatively brief attendance at the public schools, he began, at the age of fourteen, to serve a seven-years apprenticeship to the trade of tinsmithing with H. B. Luckenbach, of Bethie-

hem, Pa. On thoroughly mastering the busi- ness he worked for a short time as a journeyman with his old boss, and then, in 1842, started in the stove and tin business at Springtown, Bucks Coun- ty, afterward moving to Pleasant Valley, in the same county, where he remained until 1848. Com- ing to Catasauqua in that year, he erected a shop on the corner of Second Street and Raspberry Alley, where he opened up in business, being the first tinsmith to locate here. In 1854 he removed his stock of goods to Front and Strawberry Streets, where he erected a brick block and greatly en- larged his business, giving employment to five men.

In 1881 our subject took in as partner his son Charles W., and they continued together until 1888, when Mr. Schneller disposed of his interest in the business to his son. He is now living re- tired in his beautiful residence, completed in 1888, and situated on the corner of Third and Walnut Streets. He is also the owner of several other dwellings and lots in the city, and platted Schnel- ler's Addition to Catasauqua, comprising three acres of land, which he divided into lots. He occupies a prominent place among the influential citizens of this town, and is a stockholder and Director in the National Bank of Catasauqua, with which he has been connected since 1857, and of which he is the oldest stockholder.

In Allentown, in 1849, Mr. Schneller married Miss Mary Heubner, who was born in Nockamixon Township, Bucks County, this state, and was a daughter of Henry Heubner, also a native of that section. Mrs. Schneller became the mother of six children, and departed this life January 8, 1892. Her family included Henry D., who died when in his fifteenth year; Jolin P., who is engaged in the hardware business in Catasauqua; Emma E., at home with her father; Charles W., who succeeded his father in business; Laura R., deceased; and Mary M., Mrs. R. O. Heilman, of this city.

Since Lincoln's administration Mr. Schneller has been a strong Republican. He served as School Director on the first board of this place, and after the incorporation of Catasauqua filled the position of City Treasurer for fifteen years. In the Evan- gelical Church he has held every official position,

REV. B. J. CONWAY.

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and served as Superintendent of the Sunday-school for ten years. He is a man whose character and personal attributes are such as to win for him the confidence and friendship of the best people of the city.

R EV. B. J. CONWAY. There are few of the citizens of Catasauqua better known throughout Lehigh County than the pop- ular pastor of St. Lawrence's Catholic Church, who has ministered to its spiritual wants since January, 1885. The history of this congregation covers a period of many years, and contains much of interest to the general reader. The present church property was purchased, conjointly, by Bartly Murtaugh and James Gillen, pioneer Catli- olics of Catasauqua. In 1858, prior to the erec- tion of St. Lawrence's Church by Father Lawrence Brennan (named in his honor), the Catholics of Craneville (now Catasauqua) were attended to from Easton until 1858. After a time a permanent pastorate was established, Fatlier Miller being the first priest to occupy this position. He was suc- ceeded by Father McKcc, and the latter after twenty-one years was succeeded by Father McFad- den. January 10, 1885, Father Conway was given charge of the parish by the Ordinary.

Those by whom Father Conway is personally known and esteemed will be interested in a sketchi of his life and career. He was born in County Ty- rone, Ircland, December 27, 1856, and is the third in order of birth in a family of nine children, all of whom but one are living. Michael J. is engaged in business in Philadelphia; Sister Winefred pre- sides over St. Joseph's Home at Wilmington, Del .; Maggie makes her home with Father Conway in Catasauqua. The remaining members of the fam- ily still reside in their native land.

The family of which Father Conway is a mem- ber has for centuries been prominent in the Cath- olic Churchi. Two of his uncles, Fathers Michael and James Conway, both now deceased, were influ- ential and highly respected priests in their native diocese of Londonderry. His parents, John and Maggie Conway, were natives of Ireland, where

tlie father was engaged in farm pursuits. He made several trips to the United States to visit his brother, Francis Conway, a noted soap manu- facturer of Philadelphia. His death occurred at his home in Ireland, June 16, 1893, at an advanced agc. June 6, 1892, Fathier Conway received a cablegram stating that his mother was very ill. The next morning found him on board the steamer, "Lord Gaugli," which reached Queenstown July 4. He reached his native place only to find that his beloved mother had departed this life a few hours before his arrival. After four weeks' stay in Ire- land he returned to the United States and resumed the duties connected with his position of priest of a large parish.

When a lad of five years, Father Conway was brought to America by relatives, located in Phila- delphia. For six and one-half years hie was a stu- dent in St. Charles Seminary at Overbrook, where his superiors accorded him high honors, and after having received a thorough training for the priest- hood, he was ordained, June 24, 1880, by Arch- bishop Wood of Philadelphia. Among his class- mates in the seminary were Revs. Peter Quinn, Hugh McGovern, William Egan, A. Fritz, Charles Brockmeyer and Fritz Effertz. Of the twenty-six who entered the seminary and were ordained with our subject, Revs. Quinn and Fritz are the only ones beside our subject who survive.

On the day of his ordination, Father Con way was appointed assistant to Dr. Horstmann, of St. Mary's, Philadelphia, now the Bishop of Cleveland. Soon afterward he was transferred to St. Joachim's, Frankford, Philadelphia, later to the pastorate of St. Joseph's, Laurytown, and thence. in Jan- uary, 1885, he came to Catasauqua. He is highly respected, not only by his congregation, but also by all who know him, irrespective of creed or nation- ality. He has ever manifested a deep interest in the work in which he is engaged. Since his arrival in Catasauqua he has remodeled the church build- ing, paid off the indebtedness and made a number of valuable improvements. July 3, 1892, the church steeple was struck by lightning, but was soon rebuilt. During the summer of 1893 Cal- vary Cemetery was enlarged and improved at great expense, and is now the most beautiful bury-

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ing ground in the valley. It is laid out in drives in the form of a cross, with paved gutters, and is most pleasantly situated. The entire work was done under the personal supervision of the pastor.

The parish also owns a desirable property op- posite the church, which will be used for school purposes in the near future. It now contains a hall erected by Father Conway for the use of the several parish societies. When the work accom- plished by the congregation is taken into considera- tion, it indicates a praiseworthy spirit among the people, and earnest and persistent efforts on the part of the pastor. The parish includes about one thousand souls. It has two total abstinence so- cicties, the St. Lawrence Cadet Society for young men, the St. Lawrence Drum Corps, the Young People's Sodality, including also the Emeralds, Hibernians and the lately organized St. Vincent de Paul's Society. To this work Father Conway has devoted himself most assiduously and unwea- riedly, and has allowed himself no relaxation from his duties since pastor of St. Lawrence's, with the exception of two visits to Ireland. Since coming to the United States he has visited his old home several times. He is devotedly attached to the country of his adoption and to the welfare of the borough of Catasauqua, and supports all measures calculated to promote the interests of his fellow- citizens. His earnest efforts to advance the chil- dren in religious practices are the daily subjects so much admired by the unbiased.

WILLIAM F. YEAGER. Few citizens of Allentown have been more closely identified with the business interests of this city than has the gentleman named above, who has at various times been engaged as a real-estate dealer, contractor and manufacturer, but is now living a retired life. He has the honor of being a native of Lehigh County, his birth having oc- curred near the city which is still his home, August 22, 1833. His father, Jacob Yeager, also a native of Lehigh County, was of German descent, and in

early life followed farming, but later was employed as a blacksmith.

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Susan Fentchamaker, and was born in Lehigh County. She survived her husband six years, passing away in 1878. This worthy couple had a family of eleven children, seven sons and four daughters, of whom William F. was the first in order of birth. When he was five years old his father hired the farm where the poor-house is now located, and this he cultivated for three years, later purchasing seventy-five acres near New Texas, Lower Macungie Township. In childhood our sub- ject aided in tilling the soil of the farm in the summer months, while during the winter season he was a pupil in the district schools.

At the age of twelve years Mr. Ycager was bound out to Lewis Ott, of Pleasant Valley, Bucks County, with whom he remained for three years, assisting him in his tannery and storc, as well as upon the farm. His employer was very kind to him, stimulating his ambition and inculcating in his mind wholesome lessons of honesty and indus- trious effort. It was, of course, impossible for him to attend school during this period, but dur- ing the last three months of his apprenticeship Mr. Ott showed itis appreciation of the boy's faith- fulness by making arrangements for him to live with James Mann, near Doylestown, the agreement being that he was to take care of the cattle in the morning and evening and attend school during the day.

Returning home at the age of fifteen, our sub- ject continued to assist his father until he was eighteen, when he went to Trexlertown and se- cured a position as clerk with John R. Schall, pro- prietor of a country store. For one year he re- mained in that place, coming thence to Allentown and securing a place as clerk in the store of Kline & Kern. After one year thus spent he had an op- portunity to buy out a book agency, and to do so he borrowed the necessary funds, from Benjamin Hagenbuch, proprietor of the Cross Keys Hotel, where he boarded. At the end of two months he had not only repaid the loan, but also had saved a neat sum of money.

While visiting at home, our subject was offered

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a situation in the store of Owen and Joseph Sae- ger at $300 a year, which was then considered a good salary. He accepted the place and remained with the firm for three years. It was during that time that he introduced the system for watering the streets which has been continued ever since.

In 1862 Mr. Yeager was married to Miss Pris- eilla S., daughter of Peter Romig. To them has been born one son, William R., now engaged in the manufacture of furniture in this eity. In politics Mr. Yeager is a stanch Republican. He and his wife are members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church.

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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 99

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