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 47
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In 1874 he went to Phoenix Park colliery, No. 2, to prepare coal for the breaker, doing this work on contract. In 1876 he went to Middlecreek shaft, where he had charge, afterwards becoming inspector of mines for the Reading Company, which position he held for two years. In 1879 he located at Mahanoy City, where he was inside foreman at Elmwood slope, remaining there only a short time when he changed to Trevorton, Northumberland county. Soon afterwards he returned to Mahanoy City, where he took charge of the Mahanoy City colliery, which was operated under his management from 1880 until his retirement, in 1904. Its success is ascribed mainly to his excellent judgment and efficient oversight. Mr. Gilgour was twice awarded cash prizes for pro- ducing clean coal and for good management of the colliery. In 1904 he removed to Pottsville, where he has since been living retired, making his home at No. 124 South Third street. As a mine foreman he was considered a lead- ing man in the business and his reputation extended all over Schuylkill county.
Mr. Gilgour is well known in fraternal circles, particularly as a Mason, belonging to Mahanoy Lodge, No. 357, F. & A. M., of which he is a past master ; he is also a past high priest of Mizpah Royal Arch Chapter, No. 252, of Mahanoy City, and a member of Ivanhoe Commandery, No. 31, K. T., of the same place. As an Odd Fellow, Mr. Gilgour originally belonged to Social Lodge, at Minersville, later transferring his membership to General Grant Lodge, No. 275, of Mahanoy City, of which he is a past noble grand. He was a charter member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge at Minersville, and also of the P. O. S. of A. In religion he is an Episcopalian.
Mr. Gilgour married Mrs. Margaret ( Francis) Ludlam, widow of James Ludlam. They have had no children.
Philip and Rebecca (Harris) Francis, parents of Mrs. Gilgour, were natives of Wales, and coming to America in 1852 settled at Danville, Montour Co., Pa., where he found employment in the iron mills. He died there, and Mrs. Francis subsequently married David James. Her death occurred at Pottsville, Pa. Two children were born to her marriage with Mr. Francis, namely: Margaret, Mrs. Gilgour, who was born in Wales; and Philip, born at Danville, Montour Co., Pa. The latter spent most of his early manhood working in the coal fields, subsequently locating at Jellico, Tenn., of which city he is now ( 1915) mayor. Mr. Francis is engaged in business as a coal operator and is also general man- ager for the Prochton Coal Company, at Jellico.
HENRY J. DOHNER, of Schuylkill Haven, has been prominent in the various activities of that borough during the thirty odd years of his residence there, and his interests at present are so diversified as to show broad-minded sympathy with the enterprises which have been instrumental in promoting its advancement. His energetic business career has brought him into association with the leading spirits of the town in commercial and financial affairs, and his public spirit has led him to support local movements affecting the general
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welfare and the betterment of business and social conditions in the com- munity.
Mr. Dohner belongs to a family which has long been established in Lebanon county, Pa. His great-grandfather, John Dolmer, became a successful farmer near Cornwall, in South Lebanon township, that county, at one time owning two fine properties. John Dohner, son of John and grandfather of Henry J. Dohner, was also a prosperous farmer of that vicinity, and lived to his eighty- fourth year. He and his wife, whose maiden name was Smith, reared a large family, namely : Peter, Henry, Jacob, John S., Elias, Simon, Joseph, William, Cyrus, Eliza and Frances.
John S. Dohner, father of Henry J. Dohner, was a miller and farmer in Lebanon county, where he lived and died. To his marriage with Mary Eckert were born ten children, four of whom are yet living, namely: Amelia, Katie, J. Frank and Henry J. Those deceased were : Rebecca, Cyrus M., Mary Ann, Louisa, Emeline and William.
Henry J. Dohner was born Sept. 23, 1844, in East Hanover township, Lebanon Co., Pa., and was reared there. He attended public school at Jones- town, that county. There he also served his apprenticeship to the trade of shoemaker, and with the exception of his three periods of service during the Civil war in the Union army continued to live there until 1871, when he changed his location to the city of Lebanon. In the year 1882 he removed thence to Schuylkill Haven, where he has since had his home and business interests. Mr. Dohner at once began work at his trade there, dealing in and repairing shoes, and though his means were very limited when he commenced the business he is now the most important merchant in the borough in his line, his large store on Main street being thoroughly stocked with up-to-date goods. Though his principal attention has always been given to the development and building up of his shoe business, Mr. Dohner has by no means confined his energies to this line. He was one of the organizers of the Schuylkill Haven Trust Company, the leading financial institution of the borough, was a member of the original board of directors, and is still serving in that capacity. He owns a fine farm of eighty-five acres in Wayne township, Schuylkill county. His success has been due to perseverance, thrifty management and promptness in taking advantage of his opportunities. His executive ability has enabled him to keep his affairs running smoothly, and his intelligent comprehension of the demands of the community has gained him a large circle of satisfied customers. He is reaping the reward of his attention to their wants in the extensive patronage he has enjoyed for so many years.
Mr. Dohner married Amelia C. Umberger, daughter of Joseph Umberger, of Jonestown, Lebanon county, and they are the parents of six children, viz. : Mary ; Elizabeth, now the wife of William D. Raudenbush ; Harry A .; John J .; and Paul Elias and Ralph N., the two last named deceased. Both of the sur- viving sons are interested with their father in the shoe store. The family are members of St. John's Reformed Church.
Mr. Dohner served as a Union soldier in the Civil war under three enlist- ments. On June 23, 1863, he enlisted from Lebanon county in Company A, 26th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Militia, Infantry, emergency men, under Col. W. W. Jennings. He was discharged July 30th at Harrisburg. In July, 1864, he became a sergeant in Company D, Ist Battalion, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, under Col. Charles Stuart, for one hundred days' service, and was discharged Nov. 11th, at the expiration of the term. On Feb. 12,
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1865, he became a member of Company F, 93d Pennsylvania Volunteer Infan- try, for one year's service, and was under the command of Capt. B. F. Hean and Col. C. W. Eckman. This command was attached to the Ist Brigade, 2d Division, 6th Corps, Army of the Potomac, Mr. Dohner serving therewith until after the close of the war, receiving his discharge June 28, 1865. By virtue of his military service he is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, belonging to Jere Helms Post, No. 26, of Schuylkill Haven, in whose work he has been quite prominent. He has risen to the position of senior vice com- mander.
HARRY F. SCHARADIN, of Pottsville, is part owner of the Penn Knit- ting Mills, which he has conducted in partnership with Andrew S. Kimmel since 1906. They have done a thriving business during the eight years of their exist- ence and rank with the successful manufacturers of the city, the reliable product for which their mills are noted enjoying a high reputation.
Mr. Scharadin is a native of Schuylkill county, born Feb. 13, 1879, in West. Brunswick township, son of Abraham and grandson of Jacob Scharadin. The grandfather 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, Catherine and Mary. By the second marriage there was a son Charles.
Abraham Scharadin, father of Harry F. Scharadin, was born in October, 1832, at Pinedale, 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 faith- ful 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, 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.
Harry F. Scharadin received his education in the vicinity of his early home, attending public school. After assisting his father at farming for a short time, he worked in a shoe factory at Orwigsburg, this county, being thus engaged for six years. His next work was with his brother Jacob at Orwigsburg in the underwear business, with whom he remained for three years, at the end of which period he entered upon his present association with Mr. Kimmel. That was in 1906, and the Penn Knitting Mills have been in operation ever since The plant is now located at No. 609 Mine street, Pottsville, this property having been purchased in 1910. It is a two-story and basement building, 62 by 35 feet in dimensions. Although but five people were employed when the business was started, the demand for the output has increased so greatly that forty hands are now employed steadily at the works and the equipment includes sixty first-class machines. The product consists of ladies' and children's under- wear, which has found a ready sale. Mr. Scharadin and his partner have been progressive and enterprising about the improvement as well as the enlargement
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of their business, and its prosperity has been due as much to their excellent judgment in its management as to the high quality of their product.
Aside from his business Mr. Scharadin's particular interest is in church matters, in which he has always taken an active part. He is a member of the Red Church ( Reformed), and has been active in both church and Sunday school work, having served as deacon of the church and in the Sunday school as assistant superintendent, teacher and assistant secretary. Socially he holds membership in the 1. O. O. F. Lodge and the P. O. S. of A., both of Orwigsburg.
Mr. Scharadin married Mrs. Bessie (Fegley) Alspach, widow of Thomas Alspach. To this marriage have been born two children, Russell and Mildred.
WILLIAM A. GRIEFF, of Cressona, now living retired, was engaged in the mercantile business in that borough for over twenty years and gained sub- stantial standing as a business man. Personally he is regarded as a citizen of the highest worth, having proved his public spirit, trustworthiness and responsi- bility in various ways. Mr. Grieff was born July 16, 1848, at Orwigsburg, Schuylkill county, son of Daniel Grieff and grandson of William Grieff.
William Grieff, who is buried at Orwigsburg, was a farmer of that locality for many years, and a prominent man of his generation. He served one term as steward of the Schuylkill County Home. He lived to the age of ninety-four years. By his marriage to Catherine Zerbe, he had children as follows: William, who died when forty years old; Daniel; Mrs. Henry Krebs; Mrs. Bernert Yeager; Mrs. John Ege; Mrs. Daniel Hillegas; Louisa, who married Jeremiah Yerger, who after her death married her sister Sarah; Mary and Phoebe, who died young; and Mrs. Philip Weiser.
Daniel Grieff was born at Orwigsburg and is buried there; he died at the age of forty-five years. By trade he was a carpenter. He married Maria Krebs, daughter of Jacob Krebs, and children as follows were born to them: George; Charles; William A .; Mary, who married L. F. Kimmel, now a retired farmer, living at Orwigsburg; Elizabeth, who married Morgan Reed ; and Emma, who married Uriah Good.
William A. Grieff was reared upon the parental farm at Orwigsburg. When a young man he was engaged as a stage driver for two and a half years, on the route between Orwigsburg and Landingville. His next occupation was as clerk in the general store of B. E. Drumheller, at Landingville, with whom he remained two and a half years. At the end of that time he entered the employ of Henry Deibert, for whom he worked at boatbuilding for a period of ten years. Coming to Cressona, he resumed clerking, being so employed in the general store of A. F. Deibert for nine years, until he engaged in business for himself, in the year 1889, as a green grocer and confectioner at Cressona. He established a profitable trade, and continued the business successfully until 1912, when he sold it to his son Elmer, who has since conducted the store, the father living retired.
Mr. Grieff has always been known as a man of the strictest integrity in all the relations of life, and his fidelity to duty in everything he undertakes has made him a highly useful member of the community. He has been one of the most active workers in the United Brethren Church of Cressona, of which he has been a member forty-five years, has served the congregation as treasurer for the last twenty years, and always takes part in Sunday school work, being treasurer of the Bible class. He has several times been chosen to the position of town clerk, but with that exception has not taken any active part in public
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affairs in the locality. He votes independently. His honesty and capability have commended him to the good will of his fellow citizens, and he is thor- oughly respected.
Mr. Grieff married Susan E. Deibert, who was born Feb. 22, 1850, a daugh- ter of the late William Deibert, and died March 9, 1889. She is buried at Cressona. Nine children were born to this union, namely : Mary married Wil- liam Fessler ; Charles is employed as yardmaster at Rutherford, Pa .; Henrietta is the wife of Lynn Fessler; Elmer is a merchant of Cressona; Walter A., of Cressona, is a railroad conductor; four children died young-Robert S., born in 1880, died in 1885 ; Carrie E., born in 1883, died in 1887; Roy A., born in 1885, died in 1888; a son, born in 1887, died in 1887. After the mother's death Mr. Grieff married (second) Mrs. Emma ( Bretz) Fenstemacher, widow of Moses Fenstemacher. There were no children by this union.
JOSEPH W. MOYER, of Pottsville, has had a successful career as an attorney supplemented by activity in local enterprises of great value, notably his connection with the building of the Schuylkill and Lehigh Valley railroad, and other railroads in Schuylkill and adjoining counties. Mr. Moyer is one of Schuylkill county's native sons, born Oct. 26, 1852, at Mount Pleasant, in Foster township, son of Daniel Moyer and grandson of George Moyer, of Gratz, Dauphin Co., Pennsylvania.
George Moyer, the grandfather, was born in Alsace-Lorraine, then a part of France. The name was originally Meyer. George Moyer served in the French army under Napoleon, was with him in the famous march on Moscow, and was one of the small remnant of the mighty army that returned from that disastrous campaign. Shortly after the close of his army experience he came to America, making his home first in Northumberland county, Pa., where he acquired valuable business interests, engaging in merchandising, operating a tannery and also running a hotel. However, he remained there only a few years, thence moving to Gratztown, Dauphin Co., Pa., where he established him- self in the mercantile business which he conducted until his death, in March, 1842. He is buried at Gratztown. His wife, Christiana ( Shiley ), survived him many years, dying in 1868 in Columbia county, Pa., where she is buried. She was born in Stone Valley, near Halifax, Dauphin county. Mr. Moyer was a Democrat on political issues, and he and his wife were Lutherans in their religious faith. They had a large family, namely : Solomon died when fifteen years old; Jacob died when two years old; Daniel is mentioned below ; George went to California in 1857 and became engaged in gold mining : Isaac, who died in New York City in his eighty-fourth year, was one of those who went out to California in 1849, later returning to Pottsville, Pa., where he carried on a flour and feed business for a number of years ; David was killed on the Peun- sylvania railroad in 1874, at Mount Carmel, Northumberland Co., Pa. ; Hiram, born Aug. 14, 1831, in Northumberland county, is now the only survivor of the family : Louisa married Benjamin Shaeffer, and died in Philadelphia ; Catherine married Israel Henninger, and died in Shamokin, Pa. Hiram Moyer, the only one of his generation of the family now living, learned the trade of carpenter, at which he was engaged during most of his active life in Schuylkill county, to which county he moved in 1844. He settled in the vicinity of Pottsville. His home is now at No. 318 West Norwegian street, in that city. In 1872 he was elected prothonotary of the county for a term of three years, and gave faithful service in that office. . He married Lydia Morgan, and to them were born:
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Sarah A., Mrs. Walter S. Stevenson ; Navada S., Mrs. I. H. Super ; David J , a resident of Reading, Pa .; Dr. Sherman T., of Philadelphia ; Oscar G., living in Pittsburgh; Mamie E., at home ; Laura C., Mrs. Charles Spangler, and Amy L., Mrs. Harry Hupert.
Daniel Moyer, son of George, was born Feb. 22, 1822, in Upper Mahanoy township, Northumberland Co., Pa. When a young man he learned the car- penter's trade, which he continued to follow principally during his active years, becoming a skilled workman. His mechanical genius was evidenced by his inventions of various agricultural implements, which included a corn planting device and a power flax brake. In 1856 he went to Hamburg, Mercer Co., Pa., where he had a farm, which he conducted besides attending to his other work, and he spent his latter years there in retirement, dying April 6, 1906. His wife, Elizabeth (Snyder), was a daughter of Jacob Snyder, of Dauphin county, and of Revolutionary stock, her maternal grandfather having served in the Colonial army under Washington. She died April 11, 1909, at the old homestead, New Hamburg, Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Moyer had a family of ten children, namely : Christiana, who married John Shalor; Levi, who enlisted for service in the Union army in January, 1863, joining Company A, 139th Regiment, Pennsyl- vania Volunteers, and died at New Hamburg, Pa., May 30, 1915; Amelia Jane, who married James Williams, who entered the Confederate army from Maryland, where he was living at that time, but near the close of the war left the Southern cause and joined the Union army; Jacob, who died in infancy ; Joseph W .; Hiram; David; William; Emanuel E. ; and Mary, who became the wife of Lewis France. Daniel Moyer, the father, was a member of the German Reformed Church for many years and at the time of his death. Politically he was a Republican, and always willing to take an active part in promoting the success of his party, but he never held any public office.
Joseph W. Moyer obtained an excellent preliminary education in the common schools of Delaware township, Mercer Co., Pa., later attending the Edinboro (Pa.) State Normal School, where he had for roommate the late Dr. Isaac C. Ketler, of Grove City College. In 1873 he registered as a law student with the firm of White & Jackson, prominent lawyers of Mercer county, and while pursuing his legal preparation under their direction also taught school in Springfield township, said county, one term. In January, 1874, he came to Pottsville, Schuylkill county, where he completed his law studies with Hughes & Farquhar, being admitted to the Schuylkill county bar in November, 1876, and to the Supreme court March 17, 1879. He has been engaged in practice ever since, and has devoted his attention principally to legal work, his other interests being allied with his profession. In 1886, in company with New York capitalists, he assisted in the organization of the Schuylkill & Lehigh Valley Railroad Company. The road planned was built subsequently by the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company, at a cost of two million dollars. It extends from Tremont, Schuylkill county, to a point on the Lehigh river known as Lehigh Gap, and shortened the route from the southern anthracite coal fields to tidewater at New York City thirty-eight miles. Mr. Moyer continued to be associated with the company as solicitor until the road was sold to the Leliigh Valley Company in 1892. He was admitted to the bar of the Supreme court of the State of New York Dec. 14, 1892. He is one of the well and favorably known lawyers of the Schuylkill county bar, and his active interest in every cause for the benefit of Pottsville and the county is shown in his encourage- ment and support of all movements whose worth commends them to his atten-
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tion. His office is located at No. 208 South Centre street, where he also keeps his valuable library.
Mr. Moyer is independent in politics, originally supporting the Republican party until 1888, when, disagreeing with its position on various public questions, he turned his allegiance to the Democratic party. He was elected county chair- man for two terms, and subsequently secretary, of the Democratic State com- mittee. In 1914, dissatisfied with the Wilson policies, he returned to the Republican party, which now has his ardent support. He is an officer and director in many important corporate local enterprises, and the representative of important business and financial interests.
FRANK SNYDER, postmaster at Minersville, had a highly creditable public record before he took that office, and his fellow citizens confidently expect him to add to his prestige in the administration of his present duties. He is a native of Minersville, born May .26, 1880, son of Reuben Snyder.
Reuben Snyder was born near Muncy, Lycoming Co., Pa., about 1846, com- ing to Minersville, where he followed the business of plasterer. He became well and favorably known in his line of work, which he continued to follow all his active life, his death occurring in February, 1913. He is buried at Minersville. Mr. Snyder married Elizabeth Drumheller, who was born in Northumberland county, Pa., a member of the old Drumheller family of this part of the country. She still resides at Minersville: Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Snyder had the following children: William O., who is now engaged in the greenhouse business near Minersville; Prof. Rudolph, principal of the military academy at Newton, N. J .; Kate, Mrs. William Kellecker, who has a florist business at Minersville, and Frank.
Frank Snyder obtained his education in the public schools at Minersville, graduating from the high school in 1897. He then entered the office of George Ball, who has long been extensively engaged in the lumber business at Miners- ville, and soon became manager of the establishment. Mr. Snyder was retained in this connection until he assumed the position of postmaster of Minersville, to which he was appointed April 29, 1914, succeeding Jonas E. Laubenstein. For several months he gave all his attention to the duties of the office, on Feb. I, 1915, entering into partnership with George Ball (above) and Trevor Ball, under the name of the Ball Lumber Company, of which Mr. Snyder was made treasurer. His carefulness in looking after the details of the postoffice work, his obliging manners and accuracy, are thoroughly appreciated by his fellow citizens. The office is in the second class, and besides the assistant postmaster, Joseph Levan, there are five regular clerks, one substitute clerk, three carriers and one substitute carrier. The post office is located in the Sons of Veterans' building. Mr. Snyder has had four years' service in the borough council, and during that time was chairman of the street committee. In 1908 he was elected borough auditor, the first Democrat to be so honored for twenty years, and he filled the office capably for one term. He holds a commission as notary public. In 1910 Mr. Snyder was honored with the Democratic nomination for ยท representative to the State Legislature, and though the district is strongly Republican was defeated by only two hundred votes. He is a member of the English Lutheran Church, and fraternally an Odd Fellow in good standing.
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