USA > Pennsylvania > Schuylkill County > Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania; genealogy-family history-biography; containing historical sketches of old families and of representative and prominent citizens, past and present, Volume I > Part 46
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JAMES B. COLLINS, of Palo Alto, is a typical member of a family which has been prominent in the affairs of that borough for two generations.
Patrick Collins, his father, was born in Ireland, coming to America when a young man and settling at Palo Alto, Schuylkill Co., Pa., where he made his home during the rest of his life. As clerk in the office of the county com- missioners at Pottsville, he began an association with the public affairs of the county which lasted almost continuously throughout his lifetime. After his services as commissioners' clerk he became a boatman on the Schuylkill canal, owning the "General Carrol," and was so engaged for many years, plying between Schuylkill Haven and New York City. In 1875 he was elected to the office of county commissioner, in which he served for one term (three years), and after he gave up boating he filled the position of county assessor, was supervisor of the borough of Palo Alto, member of the school board, and held the office of justice of the peace for twenty years, being the incumbent of that position at the time of his death. In political connection he was a Democrat, and few men of this part of Schuylkill county were better known in his day. The high regard which he enjoyed among his fellow citizens is substantially shown in the fact that Collins street, leading from Palo Alto to Pottsville, was so named in his honor. His faithful discharge of the numerous duties intrusted to him won him a strong place in the esteem of his contemporaries. Mr. Collins married Sarah Waldron, a native of Port Carbon, Schuylkill county, and the following children were born to this union: Mary, Mrs. Patrick Toole ; Ellen, Mrs. Frank Kleinsmith ; Katie, Mrs. Joseph McCauley ; Philip, who was drowned when nine years old at the Fairmount Park bridge, Philadelphia, while on a trip with his father; Winifred, who died unmarried when twenty-three years old; Thomas J. and William F., both unmarried ; James B .; Michael J .; and Sadie H. Of this family Thomas J. Collins is a trainmaster for the Eastern Pennsylvania Railroad Company, and is at present serving as president of the borough council of Palo Alto.
James B. Collins was born Nov. 28, 1888, at the home in Palo Alto where he now resides. He obtained his education in the parochial schools at Port Carbon, and began to work driving team at Palo Alto. He was afterwards employed picking slate at the Eagle Hill colliery, and his next position was as engine wiper in the roundhouse of the Philadelphia & Reading Company at Palo Alto. Later he was made clerk in the office at the roundhouse, was sub- sequently appointed assistant inspector of engines, and filled that office until he went to Philadelphia. There he remained a year, during which time he became
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familiar with the details of the automobile trade, returning to Palo Alto. Mr. Collins was then appointed justice of the peace in 1910, and later was elected to the office, which he still continues to hold. He is also engaged in the general insurance business. Like his father he has been active in the Democratic party, and he is acting at present as majority inspector of elections in Palo Alto, where he is regarded as a highly promising young citizen. He is a member of St. Stephen's Roman Catholic Church at Port Carbon, and is prominent in the Foresters of America, being at present a State officer, deputy grand chief ranger.
ALFRED M. MILLER, proprietor of the A. M. Miller & Company shoe factory, of Orwigsburg, has had a noteworthy business career, whether con- sidered from the personal standpoint or from its relative worth in the development of local industrial conditions. The words self-made and self- educated are often misapplied in describing the rise of men who have forged ahead by their own efforts, yet in Mr. Miller's case they are entirely appro- priate, for he began work when only a boy of eleven years and has made his own way unaided since. Throughout this period he has been in the shoe business, and that he has been one of the live factors in its expansion in Schuylkill county speaks well for his ambition and ability. For over twenty years he has been in the business for himself.
The family to which Mr. Miller belongs is from Berks county, his father, Nathaniel Miller, having been a native of Albany township, that county, born in 1834. In 1867 he came to Schuylkill county and settled at Orwigsburg, where for a number of years he was engaged in conducting a stage line between that point and Landingville. Later he went into the green grocery business, which he followed until his retirement. He died Sept. 2, 1873, in the faith of the Reformed Church. Politically he was originally a Whig, joining the Republican party upon its organization. He married Mary Greena- wald, daughter of Jacob Greenawald, and they were the parents of children as follows: George, who is deceased; Herman G., engaged in the confec- tionery and newspaper business; Alfred M., of Orwigsburg ; and Annie E., of Washington, D. C. Though left a widow with three small children, Mrs. Miller reared them very successfully with their aid. She died Nov. 14, 1905, at the age of seventy-one years.
Alfred M. Miller was born March 28, 1866, in Albany township, Berks Co., Pa., and the following year accompanied his parents to Schuylkill county. As he was but seven years old when his father died, he had to begin contribut- ing to the support of the family at an early age, and was but eleven years old when he found employment with the Orwigsburg Shoe Company. After spend- ing six years in that establishment he obtained the position of second cutter in the shoe factory of A. E. Brown & Company, also in Orwigsburg, for whom he became first cutter three months later. He was retained there in that capacity until he left in 1892 to start business for himself, and he went with the recommendation from Mr. Brown of being the most reliable employee of the concern. In a period of eight years he had been late but once and lost only one day, and that on account of a funeral. Besides holding the respon- sible position of cutter, which involves the handling of most of the valuable material used in a shoe factory, Mr. Miller was also intrusted with a large part of the buying, and in both positions developed the skill and ability which have made him so successful in his own ventures.
a. m. miller
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In November, 1891, Mr. Miller formed a partnership with Andrew C. Eisen- huth, under the name of Eisenhuth & Miller, and on the 9th of that month they broke ground for their factory, which was a frame building, two stories in height, 60 by 40 feet in dimensions. It was completed within two montlis, the first pair of shoes they produced being finished Jan. 9, 1892. The product consisted of children's and infants' shoes, and was marketed all over the middle Atlantic and Western States, six traveling salesmen being among the forty employees which the firm carried on its pay roll during the early part of its existence. The venture proved very successful. On Nov. 28, 1900, Mr. Miller purchased the interest of his partner in the business, which has since been conducted under the name of A. M. Miller & Company. The product now includes misses' shoes and old ladies' "comfort shoes," as well as the original lines, and ten traveling salesmen are engaged in placing the output, which is marketed in the West and Northwest. In 1902 Mr. Miller made an addition to the original plant, a brick building 60 by 30, and the establishment and all its appointments are thoroughly up-to-date, the machinery and other equipment being of the most approved modern patterns. From sixty to seventy-five hands are employed. Outside of the shoe factory Mr. Miller's interests include his association with the First National Bank of Orwigsburg, of which he was made a director in 1907; he was the institutor of the Orwigs- burg Building & Loan Association, in May, 1903, and has been its vice president throughout the period of its existence. The first series of said association expired in November, 1914, paying $203.67 per share. Public affairs have also received their share of his attention. For three years he served as a " member of the borough council, and during that period he used his influence to obtain the electric light service in the borough (installed at that time), which is supplied by the Pottsville Power Company. His political support has always been given to the Republican party.
Socially Mr. Miller is a member and past master of Schuylkill Lodge, No. 138, F. & A. M., the oldest Masonic lodge in Schuylkill county, which cele- brated its one hundredth anniversary in June, 1914, Mr. Miller serving as chairman of the anniversary committee; he is a member of the chapter and commandery at Pottsville; of Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., at Reading ; of the Keystone Club of Orwigsburg (first president of that club) ; and he also belongs to Grace Lodge, No. 157, I. O. O. F., of Orwigsburg, of which he is a past grand. His religious connection is with St. John's Reformed Church. Mr. Miller has developed steadily with the growth of his interests and the community to whose expansion they have been vital, and his liberality of spirit and worth of character have been apparent in the various causes with which he has allied himself. He is a potent force for good in his section of Schuylkill county, and his contribution to its prosperity is duly appreciated by his fellow citizens.
Mr. Miller married Pauline E. Gessler, daughter of Thomas Gessler, of Newark, N. J., where her father was a well known contractor and builder. Two children have been born to this union: Irma L., a graduate of the Orwigsburg high school, class of 1913, and of Pottsville business college, and now taking a musical course, in piano study ; and Linwood M., a high school student.
GEORGE HENRY MOORE, M. D., of Schuylkill Haven, is a prominent member of the profession in Schuylkill county, where as an oculist he has Vol. I-20
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gained high prestige. He is at present serving as coroner of the county. Dr. Moore is a native of Tremont township, this county, born June 6, 1872, son of William Moore and grandson of Edward Barris Moore.
Edward Barris Moore was born in the County of Durham, England, Jan. 15, 1820, and came to this country in December, 1852, first locating at Llewellyn, Schuylkill Co., Pa. Mr. Moore had been engaged in mining in his native coun- try, part of the time working at mines as deputy fire boss. At Llewellyn he found work in the same line, working as a miner there for one year, and later for five years at Donaldson, this county, where he became a boss in the colliery. From there he changed to Rausch Creek, where he held a responsible position as superintendent of a colliery for about fifteen years, later removing to Tremont, where he was superintendent at Lower Rausch Creek for Miller, Graeff & Company until his death. He passed away Aug. 4, 1875, at Tremont, aged fifty-five years. His wife, Mary (Little), died there also at the same age, and they are buried at that place. Mr. Moore was a member of the Methodist Church, and socially belonged to various fraternities, being a member of the Tremont Lodge of Masons, the I. O. O. F. and the Knights of Pythias. He and his wife had four children at the time they came to America. We have the following record of their large family: (1) Simon, born Feb. 25, 1844, was an experienced mine superintendent and had a high reputation in the anthracite region; he married Isabell Long, daughter of Charles Long, of Donaldson, and died leaving a family of six children, Esther Lillie, Mary F., Martha J., Charles W., Annie E. and Alice E. (2) Annie married George Long, whom she survives, making her home at Donaldson; she has a family of five children, Esther, Mary, Bella, Maggie and Blaine. (3) Richard, a resi- dent of Philadelphia, married Harriet Faust, by whom he had seven children, Samuel, Mary, Emma, Elizabeth, Minnie, William and Sadie. By his second marriage, to Mary Jane Long, he had one child, Lee. (4) William is men- tioned below. (5) Mary married Archibald Harvey, and lives at Port Carbon. They have no children. (6) Edward, whose home is in Schuylkill county, married Emma Alter, and their children are, Edward, Henrietta, May, Emma and Raymond. (7) John T., of Schuylkill county, married Mary Boltz, and their children are, Edward, Frederick, Simon, Elizabeth, Harry, Ethyl and Mary. (8) Henry died unmarried when twenty-nine years old.
William Moore, father of Dr. George Henry Moore, was born Nov. 10, 1851, in England, and was an infant when the family came to the United States. With the exception of two years spent in the then Territory of New Mexico he passed all of his life in Schuylkill county, Pa. Here he was reared, and when he went to work learned engineering, at which he was engaged during the greater part of his life. After running engines at different collieries, he became interested as a coal operator in Schuylkill county with his brother Simon and a Mr. Losch. Subsequently he went West, but soon returned to Pennsylvania, and for a time lived at Schuylkill Haven, at present making his home in Philadelphia. He married Alice Bonewitz, of Schuylkill county, and seven children have been born to them, namely: George Henry, Mary, Rebecca, Edward, Sadie, Lillie and William.
George Henry Moore began his education in the public schools of Tremont township, his first teacher being David Etien. When nine years old he went West with his parents to New Mexico Territory, where the family lived for two years, during which time he was deprived of educational advantages, there being no schools in that region then. Upon his return to Schuylkill
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county he resumed his studies, attending the Tremont high school, and grad- uated in 1890. During the summer vacations he was always employed, work- ing in the mines from the time he was twelve years old. Immediately after finishing his high school work he began the study of medicine with Dr. Charles Evan, under whose tuition he remained one summer, in the fall of 1890 enter- ing the University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, where he took a complete course in the medical department, graduating in 1893 with the degree of M. D. His first experience as a practitioner was acquired in the Heckscherville dis- trict in Schuylkill county, where he located at once after graduating, remaining there for over three years, and meeting with steady success. He was then appointed prison physician and held the position for one year. Following that he became physician for the Schuylkill County Hospital and Insane Depart- ment, locating at Schuylkill Haven, and was thus engaged for four years. He then took a special course in the treatment of the eye, ear, nose and throat at the Philadelphia Polyclinic ( Post Graduate) School, Philadelphia, after which he established himself in his present location at Schuylkill Haven. He also has an office in the new Thompson building in Pottsville, where his hours are from 9 A. M. to 4:30 P. M., daily. He has been particularly successful as a specialist, and his work has received substantial recognition from his fellow practitioners, who have honored him with the presidency of the County Medical Society. He is also a member of the State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. In 1911 he was elected coroner of the county on the Republican ticket for a term of four years, and is discharging the duties of that office with a fidelity to his trust highly acceptable to his fellow citizens. His fraternal connections include membership in Minersville Lodge, No. 222, F. & A. M. ; Minersville Chapter, R. A. M. ; and the Pottsville Lodge, B. P. O. Elks. He is a prominent member of St. John's Reformed Church, and serving in the church consistory.
Dr. Moore married Annie Sharadin, daughter of the late Daniel Sharadin, who was engaged in the manufacturing business at Schuylkill Haven. Two children have been born to this union, George D. and Helen.
About 1903 Dr. Moore conceived the idea of holding a reunion of the descendants of the three brothers, Edward B. Moore, who located at the West End; John Moore, who located at Parsons, near Wilkes-Barre, Pa .: and Wil- liam Moore, who located at Shenandoah, Pa. The descendants and relatives have since then held reunions annually, and have formed an organization of which Dr. Moore has been secretary from the beginning. It has proved a great success.
JACOB A. SCHARADIN has been a business man of Orwigsburg for the last twenty-five years and some twenty years ago he started the knitting mill to whose development his talents and energies have since been devoted. Through his well-directed efforts he has established a trade which keeps him busy all the time, furnishing employment to about eighty hands, and incidentally furthering commercial interests in the borough. Mr. Scharadin has given practical evidence of his public spirit, throughout the period of his residence in the town associating himself with its social and religious enterprises, and at present assisting in the administration of the local government, as member of the borough council. His election to this office indicates how completely he enjoys the confidence of his fellow townsmen. Mr. Scharadin was born near Pinedale, this county, Nov. 24, 1859, son of Abraham Scharadin.
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1
Jacob Scharadin, grandfather of Jacob A. Scharadin, was born in Berks county, Pa., near Topton station, on the East Pennsylvania railroad, and came to Schuylkill county about 1830, settling in West Brunswick township. There he engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in 1873. He was a Whig in politics in his earlier years, later becoming a Republican. The children of his first marriage were as follows: David, William, Abraham, Elizabeth, Cath- erine and Mary. By the second marriage there was a son Charles.
Abraham Scharadin, father of Jacob A. Scharadin, was born in October, 1832, in West Brunswick township, Schuylkill county, and like his father was a farmer by occupation. He owned different farms in this section, his last property being a tract of 160 acres, which he sold when he retired from active work. He now makes his home at Pinedale. Mr. Scharadin is a faithful member of the Red Church (Reformed), which he has served as deacon and for many years as trustee, being one of its most honored officials. By his first marriage, to Sarah Deibert, he had the following children: Jacob A., Ellen, Emma (deceased), George (deceased), Hannah (deceased), and Harry F. The mother of this family died in 1890, and Mr. Scharadin married (second) Amanda Alspach. No children have been born to this union.
Jacob A. Scharadin was reared upon the farm and meantime received such advantages as the local public schools afforded. Remaining at home until he reached the age of twenty-five years, he spent the next five years farming his father-in-law's place, and has since been settled at Orwigsburg. His first business venture was in the manufacture of hosiery, which he discontinued after a brief experience, selling out to Sheeler & Miller. For a period of four years he carried on a flour and feed business, in 1894 engaging in the manu- facture of underwear, which he has carried on ever since. His plant is equipped with the most up-to-date machinery and facilities, and from seventy- five to eighty hands are employed, the product being ladies' fine underwear. The management of his plant and expansion of his business occupy all of Mr. Scharadin's business hours, and he has been well rewarded. Mr. Scharadin has entered thoroughly into the life of the borough, is a member of Schuylkill Lodge, No. 138, F. & A. M., of the Keystone Club, and of the Independent Americans. Politically he is a Democrat and he is serving at this writing as councilman of the borough. He is a leading member of the Reformed Church, in which he is holding the offices of elder and deacon.
Mr. Scharadin married Elenora Fegley, daughter of Reuben Fegley, and they are the parents of two children, Bertha and Edward.
WILLIAM G. FAUST, late of Auburn, though he passed away in his prime, had been a leader in business circles for a number of years. His asso- ciations with manufacturing and financial affairs, with church work and with public life, showed that his ability was not limited or his interest circumscribed, and he did more than his duty in all the relations of life.
Mr. Faust was born Dec. 15, 1865, on the Faust homestead in West Bruns- wick township, son of George Faust. In his boyhood he attended public school at Pinedale, and later studied in the Keystone State Normal School at Kutz- town, after which he was engaged in teaching at Pinedale for a time. Then he followed farming until his removal to Auburn, where he became associated with the late W. H. Diefenderfer in the knitting business, being so engaged with him, in the manufacture of underwear, until his death. He was accidentally killed March 1, 1911, while driving a truck over the Pennsylvania railroad
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tracks at Auburn, being struck by a work train. His death was a severe blow to his many friends in the community as well as his immediate home circle, for he was considered one of the most useful men of the borough, and his death left a vacancy still felt by many of the men with whom he came into contact during his busy career. He was one of the organizers of the First National Bank of Auburn, and served as a director until his death; and he was a stock- holder in the Electric Light & Power Company. For a number of years he was a member of the borough council and as such took a direct part in establish- ing the progressive policy which has brought Auburn to such creditable position among the boroughs of the county. His religious connection was with the Church of God, and he took an active part in its work, serving as deacon and trustee and superintendent of the Sunday school. In short, he was one of the most active figures in southern Schuylkill county, where he is held in loving memory by scores of old friends and neighbors. He was a member of Schuyl- kill Lodge, No. 138, F. & A. M.
On April 20, 1889, Mr. Faust married Bertie L. Kimmel, daughter of Bene- ville and Joana Kimmel. Mrs. Faust was born Dec. 17, 1867, and died Aug. 10, 1904. Of the two children born to this marriage, Clarence, born Dec. 27, 1894, is now a student of the State College. The other, born Aug. 4, 1904, died in infancy. On Jan. 11, 1906, Mr. Faust married (second) Dora T. Mengle, who survives him. There were no children by this union.
Bernard Mengle, grandfather of Mrs. Faust, lived many years at St. Clair, later moving to Stony Creek, Schuylkill county, where he died. He is buried at Auburn. His son George, father of Mrs. Faust, lived at Auburn and died at Cressona ; he is buried at Auburn. For many years he was an employee of the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company. His widow, Rosa ( Hoffman), is living with her daughter Mrs. Faust at Auburn. She has been an invalid for the last five years. Mr. and Mrs. Mengle had a large family, namely : Minnie, the wife of Horace D. Lindermuth, of Auburn; Dora T., the widow of W. G. Faust ; Katie, who died when nine years old; Alice, who married W. D. Stay- man ; Helen, deceased, wife of John G. Riland ; Robert, living in Philadelphia, who married Mabel Bishop; Clarence, living at Harrisburg, Pa., married to Emma Sheafer ; and George and Charles, twins, who died in infancy.
GEORGE GILGOUR, now living retired at Pottsville, was connected with the mining industry in Schuylkill county throughout the period of his active career, which covered almost half a century. For over twenty years he was in charge of the Mahanoy City colliery, one of the best and most profitable coal properties in the Reading Company, operated and maintained on a paying basis as a result of his capable management.
Mr. Gilgour is of Scotch extraction. His father, Robert Gilgour, was born in Scotland, and on coming to America first settled in Canada in 1840. Thence he came to Philadelphia, Pa., where he was employed as a coremaker, and in 1854 settled at Forestville, in Cass township, Schuylkill county, where he worked at the mines. He died at Forestville at the age of seventy-two years, and is buried at Minersville, this county. Mr. Gilgour married Mary McAdoo, and the following children were born to them: Samuel, who is deceased ; Mar- garet, deceased ; George ; Martha, deceased ; Robert, deceased ; and Eliza, widow of Robert Moore, living at Forestville.
George Gilgour was born Oct. 20, 1842, at the corner of Queen and Palmer streets, in Philadelphia, and moved with the family to Forestville. Not long
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afterwards he began work at the mines, operating the blowing fan for Robert Bradley and Samuel Lynch, at Forestville. Later he was employed as a driver between the slope and the breaker and at pushing coal, and when sixteen years old went to work with his father, cutting coal at the Black Heath colliery. After several years' employment with his father, he began taking contracts on his own account, and in 1866 sunk a shaft at the Forestville slope and put in a drift at Woodside.
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