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 53
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Elias Fessler, father of Harry G. Fessler, was born in Wayne township, this county. By trade he was a blacksmith and he also followed railroad work. During the Civil war he served in the Union army under Captain Fox in Company K, 127th Pennsylvania Regiment, and was wounded at the battle
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of Fredericksburg. His death occurred Nov. 20, 1868, when he was but twenty-eight years old. He married Emma Rebecca Mertz, and they had three children, two of whom died in infancy. Mrs. Fessler remarried, becom- ing the wife of Charles Eiler, whom she also survives, now making her home at Cressona.
Harry G. Fessler, only child of his parents who grew to maturity, obtained his education in the public schools of Wayne township and the borough of Cressona. He was reared to farming, which he has followed practically all his life, though for six months during his early manhood he was employed at the powder mills near Cressona. He owns a fine tract of forty-one acres of valuable land, which is within the limits of the borough of Cressona, and is engaged in general farming, though he makes a specialty of trucking. For eleven years he also ran a milk route in Cressona, which he discontinued in 1913. As a business man he bears an irreproachable reputation, which prom- ises well for the services his fellow citizens expect of him in the important office he now fills. In 1913 he was elected chief burgess, taking office in 1914 for a term of four years. Mr. Fessler was originally a Republican in political conviction, but he is now identified with the Washington party. In his various social, political, business and religious associations Mr. Fessler has made numerous friends. He is a member of the Knights of Malta, of the Order of United American Mechanics, and of Friedensburg Grange, No. 1291, P. O. H. For a long period he has been active in the work of the United Evangelical Church, which he has served as class leader and steward, has been superintendent of the Sunday school, and is now teaching a Sunday school class.
Mr. Fessler married Carrie Heffner, daughter of John Heffner and grand- daughter of John Heffner, who established the family in Schuylkill county, moving hither from Berks county; her father was born in Wayne township, this county. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Fessler: Eliz- abeth, who is deceased; Charles H., who married Annie Patterson ; Edna May, at home ; and Roy A., at home.
WILLIAM CLINTON KEPNER, late of Orwigsburg, was a citizen of conspicuous worth and a representative of the best interests of his com- munity for many years. As head of the Kepner Scott Shoe Company he was one of the leading business men of the borough, was a prominent figure in the management of public affairs and social life, and in every association willing to serve his fellows, who gladly availed themselves of his cooperation at all opportunities.
Mr. Kepner was a descendant of an old family of German origin, long established in Schuylkill county, where they settled when it was still included in the territory of Berks county. Bernard Kepner, his great-grandfather, was a pioneer at McKeansburg in what is now Schuylkill county, Pa., where he followed farming and remained until his death. His son Samuel, grand- father of W. Clinton Kepner, purchased a large tract of land in the vicinity of Kepnersville, in West Penn township, Schuylkill county (which was named for him), owning 390 acres. He founded the village, and besides clearing and improving the land engaged in lumbering and general mer- chandising, and kept a hotel and post office, his site of business being the trading center for all that section. Few men of his day were as well known, and his death, which occurred when he was fifty-seven years old, was con-
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sidercd a loss to the whole community. He is buried in the West Penn cemetery. By his marriage to Catherine Moser he had the following chil- dren : Bernard, Samuel, Emanuel, Frank, Joseph, Priscilla (married Daniel Nester), Rebecca (Mrs. Zehler) and Catherine (married Israel Seigfried ).
Bernard Kepner, son of Samuel, was born on the old homestead, where he was reared to manhood. He had excellent educational advantages, for a time attending the Newton Academy. For fourteen years he was a resi- dent of Montgomery county, Pa., engaged in the produce business, which he also carried on after his removal to Orwigsburg, in 1862. He passed the remainder of his life in the borough, dying May 29, 1895, at the age of seventy-five years. He is buried in the cemetery of the Lutheran Church. On Dec. 25, 1849, Mr. Kepner married Mary A. Reichard. She survived her husband, dying Oct. 23, 1900. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Kepner: Catherine is the wife of D. D. Deibert, a merchant of Auburn, Schuylkill county; Sarah is the wife of O. D. Schock, of Hamburg, Berks Co., Pa .; Dora is living at home ; Samuel R. is a well known cigar manu- facturer of Orwigsburg; Benjamin Franklin died in 1857 when three years old; William Clinton is mentioned below ; Mary Ellen lives at home. Mrs. Mary A. (Reichard) Kepner was a native of Boyertown, Berks county, a daughter of William Reichard.
WV. Clinton Kepner was born Sept. 18, 1859, near New Ringgold, Schuyl- kill county, and was reared at Orwigsburg, where he had the advantages afforded by the public schools. For a short time he followed teaching, being so engaged for two terms, in 1879-81, in West Brunswick township, Schuylkill county, but he found that business was a better field for his ambitions, and he began in the line which proved to be his life work, taking a position as clerk with the Orwigsburg Shoe Manufacturing Company. After one year in that capacity he became a traveling salesman for the con- cern, being so engaged until 1885 and meantime acquiring a thorough familiarity with the details of the business. He made a close study of the production as well as the marketing of shoes, and when he gave up his posi- tion with the Orwigsburg Company became a manufacturer on his own account, becoming a member of the firm of Beck, Haeseler & Company. The senior member, John C. Beck, retired in 1887, and the firm name was changed to Kepner, Haeseler & Co. In 1890 C. H. Haeseler's interest was taken by Alexander Scott, of Frackville, this county, and the firm became Kepner, Scott & Company, being so known until it was incorporated as the Kepner Scott Shoe Company. The business was established in a three-story frame building, 40 by 90 feet in dimensions, well equipped in every department, and the large operative and selling force has been kept constantly busy since, the goods having a steady demand wherever known. They are disposed of principally in the Southern and Western States. Mr. Kepner continued his active association with the business, which he managed personally, until his death, March 24, 1913. Its success was due in a great measure to his vigorous methods and progressive policy, and he was probably best known in this connection, though he also had other important associations. He was a director of the First National Bank of Orwigsburg, and held various public positions in the borough through a period of twenty years, serving that length of time on the school board. His broad sympathies led him into close relations with the various phases of life in the borough, and he was an active supporter in every cause in which he became interested. His work in Vol. I-23
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the Lutheran Church, of which he was an earnest member, included service as deacon and elder and twenty-one years as treasurer. He took a leading part in its Sunday school work for thirty-five years. He was a thirty-second- degree Mason, belonging to Schuylkill Lodge, No. 138, F. & A. M., Mountain City Chapter, No. 196, R. A. M. (of Pottsville), Constantine Commandery, No. 41, K. T. (Pottsville), Harrisburg Consistory, and Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. (Reading) ; he was a past master in the blue lodge and always a prominent worker in that body. At the time of his death he was serving as president of the Keystone Club. Politically he was a Democrat. He is buried in the Lutheran cemetery at Orwigsburg.
On Dec. 31, 1889, Mr. Kepner married Ellnora Rauch, daughter of John and Amelia (Leipensberger) Rauch, and she continues to occupy the family residence at Orwigsburg, where they have lived for many years. Of the three children born to this marriage: George R. is deceased; Mildred E., born Aug. 3, 1891, resides with her mother at Orwigsburg; Clifford is engaged in the shoe business at Orwigsburg.
TILGHMAN S. BALLIET, postmaster and merchant at Chain, in West Penn township, is in touch with the business and government of his section of Schuylkill county at so many points that he has a most comprehensive grasp of local affairs. His business brings him into personal contact with a large percentage of the farmers thereabouts; in various official positions he has given able service to his fellow citizens for years, and he has been equally devoted to the improvement of social and living conditions, having the broad sympathies which make him a willing worker in all causes for the general good.
The Balliet family is of French origin, and Tilghman S. Balliet is of the fourth generation to live in West Penn township, this county, where his great-grandfather, George Balliet, settled on coming from France, his native country. He lived in the Mahoning valley, where he became the owner of à large tract of land, much of which he cleared. After coming here he united with the German Reformed Church, and he and his wife are buried at Zion's Church in West Penn township. Their family consisted of four sons and one daughter, the latter dying young. The sons were George, Jonas, Stephen and Leonard.
Leonard Balliet, the grandfather of Tilghman S. Balliet, was born and reared in West Penn township, and used the German language fluently, learn- ing it from his German neighbors there. He was a prosperous farmer, owning about six hundred acres of land in the Mahoning valley, which he received by grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and a large portion of which he cleared. He lived retired for a number of years before his death, dying at the home of his grandson, Tilghman S. Balliet, when ninety-one years old. He married Mary Magdalena Lechneiter, and they are buried in West Penn township, in the cemetery of Zion's Reformed Church, of which they were members, Mr. Balliet taking a very active part in its work. Politically he was a Democrat. His family consisted of the following children: Henry, who married Anna Hill; Daniel and Jacob, who went West; John L .: Kate, who married David Sechler; and Maria, who married Abraham Miller.
John L. Balliet, father of Tilghman S. Balliet, was born in West Penn township, and grew to manhood there, receiving his education in the public schools. In his early life he assisted his father in the cultivation of the old
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homestead, and later bought 150 acres of his own, of which 100 acres were improved. On this farm he remained until his death, which occurred when he was seventy-six years old. He was one of the active mnen of his locality, serving as school director and taking a leading part in the work of Zion's Reformed Church, of which he was elder and deacon for many years, and also trustee. In politics he was a Democrat. He and his wife were both buried in the cemetery of the St. Peter's Reformed Church. Mr. Balliet married Carolina Sittler, daughter of Everett Sittler, and she died at the age of seventy-three years. They were the parents of three children, namely : Emma, born Jan. 2, 1852, is the widow of William Welir; Stephen, born Nov. 8, 1854, a resident of West Penn township, married Kate Gerber; Tilghman S. com- pletes thie family.
Tilghman S. Balliet was born July 28, 1857, in West Penn township, and received his early education in the public schools there, later having the advantage of two terms of study at the Keystone State Normal School, at Kutztown, Pa. Subsequently he assisted his father in the operation of the home farmn until he reached the age of twenty-two years, when he left home to gain a little experience. For about a year he traveled through the States of New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and the Middle West. Returning home Mr. Balliet married and settled at his present place at Chain; in West Penn township, buying from his father the farm he still owns, of 235 acres, 130 acres of which are under cultivation, devoted to general farming. This tract was originally the John Ohl farm.
While Mr. Balliet has never given up his agricultural interests, he has been equally as active in other lines. About twenty-five years ago he began selling agricultural implements, and his stock now includes almost all kinds of farm machinery, farm supplies and fertilizers, in which he has a very large trade. He put up a large building at Chain for its accommodation, the lower floor being devoted to the needs of his implement business, while the upper is used for lodge purposes by Pocahontas Council, No. 406, Order of Independent Americans. Mr. Balliet has always exerted himself in securing conveniences for his neighbors, and he was instrumental in having the post office estab- lished at Chiain some sixteen years ago; he has held the position of postmaster throughout that period. He has been chosen to other local offices, having been school director for twelve years, auditor for six years, and in every capacity he has shown himself to be an intelligent and public-spirited man. That his neighbors appreciate his business acumen and good judgment is evident from the fact that they frequently seek his advice, and he has often been called upon to act as executor of estates and to write wills. He is a director of the People's Trust Company of Tamaqua, Pa .; a member of the Democratic party : a member of Pocahontas Council, No. 406, Order of Independent Americans, a past councilor of same, and at present serving the council as treasurer ; a member of Washington Camp, No. 132, P. O. S. of A., in West Penn township; and of Blue Ridge Lodge, No. 1153, I. O. O. F., at Sittler, West Penn township. Like his ancestors he is prominently identified with the support of the Zion's Reformed Church, which he has served six years as elder, three years as deacon and two years as trustee; at one time he was superintendent of the Zehner Sunday school.
On Feb. 15, 1880, Mr. Balliet married Kate Eberts, who was born Sept. 3, 1861, in Mahoning township, Carbon Co., Pa., daughter of Joseph Eberts. Five children have been born to this marriage: (I) Eva Jeanetta, born June
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14, 1881, married Morris Shellhammer, a farmer of West Penn township, and their children are: Charles, Carrie, Mildred, Lloyd, Catherine, Alberta and Paul. (2) Carrie Ellen, born April 7, 1883, married William Kistler, a mail clerk in the Philadelphia post office. They have two children, Gwen- dolin and Marian. (3) Willis John, born Jan. 10, 1887, is operating his father's farm. He married Carrie Zehner, and their children are Erma, Alma and Tilghman. (4) Ulysses Harvey, born March 20, 1890, a traveling salesman for the International Harvester Company, resident of Allentown, Pa., married Jennie Eberts and has children Madaline and Valma. (5) Min- nie Margaret, born Nov. 11, 1893, married Leon Gerber, a farmer of West Penn township.
Joseph Eberts, father of Mrs. Balliet, was born in Mahoning township, Carbon Co., Pa., and lived to the age of seventy years. He was a farmer and cattle dealer all his life. He was a devout member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, in West Penn township, Schuylkill county, and highly respected for his sincere Christian character. Politically he was a Republican. He married Polly Breiner, daughter of Peter Breiner, and she died at the age of seventy- three years. Both are buried at St. Peter's Church. Mr. and Mrs. Eberts became the parents of the following children: Frank married Agnes Sittler ; Milton was twice married, his second wife being an Arner ; Sarah (deceased), married Richard Diehl; Kate is Mrs. T. S. Balliet; Matilda married Frank Knepper ; Ellen married Victor Solt; Jennie married Calvin Arner ; Olivia married Henry Semmel.
WILLIAM HABER has, in a lifetime of honorable business and official activity at Tamaqua, contributed his full share toward expanding the interests of that borough and placing them upon solid foundations. Born and reared in Germany, he had the thorough training which all tradesmen in that country are required to undergo before they are considered competent workmen, so although he arrived in America with little money he had a possession more valuable, both to himself and to the community. The blacksmith and wagon works he established were a useful addition to the flourishing industries of the town, and are still in existence though under other ownership. He has filled a creditable place in local affairs throughout his residence here.
Mr. Haber's father, John Haber, was a blacksmith and wagonmaker in Germany, where he lived and died. His children were: William; Eobold; Karl, who died in Germany (at the time of his death he was holding a respon- sible office in the government service) ; Conrad; and Martha, who married John Krug and is living in Tamaqua.
William Haber was born Nov. 16, 1844, in Hessen-Nassau, where he was reared and educated, learning his trade under the careful tuition of his father. For two and a half years after completing his apprenticeship he traveled over his native land, working at his trade in different shops to acquire the experience which a diversity of work gives, learning to adapt himself to varying conditions and methods. Coming to America, he reached Tamaqua, Schuylkill Co., Pa., Sept. 3, 1865, and soon found employment at his trade. It was not long before he began to follow it on his own account, locating on Pine street, where he did general blacksmith work and built wagons and sleighs. His custom increased steadily, and he held it by reliable work and honest dealings, until he sold out in 1893 to Philip Krell, who operated the shop until 1914. Mr. Haber then bought a hotel on Pine street, which he
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conducted for four years, since when he has lived retired, doing no active work except what is necessary to look after his interests properly. He was directly connected with the municipal government for a long period, having served six years as a member of the borough council and four years in the responsible capacity of borough treasurer. In both positions he discharged his cluties with painstaking regard for the wishes of his townsmen, retaining their good will and respect by his unselfish public spirit and unquestionable integrity.
In 1867 Mr, Haber married Mrs. Catherine E. (Wetterau) Kraus, whose father, John Ernst Wetterau, came to this country from Germany. By her first marriage, to John W. Kraus (deceased), she had one son, William, who married Lavina Raab ; their daughter, Annie B. Kraus, is now the wife of C. C. Hirsch, and has one son, William Haber Hirsch. No children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Haber.
Mr. Haber has made two visits back to the Fatherland since he settled in the United States. In 1875 he made his first trip home, spending three months in travel, and in 1893 he and his wife went together, on that occasion bring- ing his mother and sister and the latter's husband back with them to Tamaqua. Mrs. John Haber, the mother, died Oct. 18, 1899, at Tamaqua, where she is buried.
Mr. Haber is a Mason in fraternal connection, belonging to Tamaqua Lodge, No. 238, F. & A. M.
CONRAD BISCHOFF, late of Tamaqua, was the founder of one of the most successful business establishments in the borough, now conducted by his sons, all of whom are respected residents of the place which was the scene of their father's active career. Mr. Bischoff was a typical thrifty German, reared with the practical ideas for which his native land is noted, and trained with the thoroughness which few but old-country apprentices know by experi- ence. So though he had little in the way of worldly goods when he arrived here he was well equipped to take care of himself, and besides was blessed with ambition and courage, which he showed in venturing alone to a strange land. He was well rewarded, and in turn proved one of the valuable citizens of the community he chose for a home, contributing much toward the establishment of sound business standards in the town of his adoption.
Mr. Bischoff was born in Bavaria, Germany, where he spent his early life, coming to America when a youth and settling at Tamaqua, Schuylkill Co., Pa. He was a skilled cabinetmaker, and followed the business all his days. Though he started modestly he made steady progress, and in 1870 he built a large brick factory on Lafayette street in which to carry on the manufacture of furniture, in which line he commanded a large trade, both wholesale and retail. He also did an extensive business as an undertaker. Mr. Bischoff con- tinued his active connection with both branches until his death, which occurred Dec. 3, 1901. He married Wilhelmina Buri, who survived him several years, passing away April 3, 1910, and she conducted the business after his death under the name of W. Bischoff. It is now operated by their children, as the Estate of Mrs. Wilhelmina Bischoff, all the children having equal responsibility and interest therein. The factory, as already mentioned, is on Lafayette street, and the store is at No. 115 West Broad street, which is the location of the old family homestead, where all the Bischoffs still reside.
Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Bischoff had a family of four children, three sons and one daughter: (1) Fred is at present serving as assessor of the North
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ward of Tamaqua. He married Emma Becker. (2) William C., born April 27, 1861, was for fifteen years a member of Company B, 8th Regiment, Penn- sylvania National Guard, in which he held the rank of lieutenant. (3) Charles, who is now representing the North ward in the borough council, was a mem- ber of Company B, 8th Pennsylvania National Guard, for twenty-three years, and saw service in the Spanish-American war. All three brothers are mem- bers of the B. P. O. Elks and of the American Hose Company, and William C. Bischoff has been a member of Washington Camp, No. 57, P. O. S. of A., for the last thirty-eight years. (4) Emma, the only daughter, is the wife of Fred Zizelmann, and they have one son, Conrad Bischoff. All the family belong to the Lutheran Church.
The Bischoffs are among the most substantial business men in Tamaqua, holding a large share of the local trade both as furniture manufacturers and dealers, and in the undertaking line.
WILLIAM F. DOCHNEY has been closely associated with the adminis- tration of municipal affairs in Mahanoy City, in fact he has been one of its most popular officials. As chief burgess for five years he made a record of executive ability which was a fitting climax to the reputation he had acquired in previous services to his fellow citizens, for he has been active in public life from the time he attained his majority. He has cooperated in every pro- gressive movement undertaken, showing keen insight and good understanding on questions of local importance, and can always be counted on the right side of every issue affecting the general welfare.
Mr. Dochney was born in September, 1857, at West Wood, Schuylkill county, son of Nicholas Dochney. The father was a native of Ireland, com- ing to America when a young man, and first settled at Pottsville, Schuylkill Co., Pa., thence removing to West Wood and later to Middle Creek. In 1872 he located at Mahanoy City, where he lived retired until his death, in 1883. He was engaged in mining throughout his active years.
William F. Dochney began work at the mines at an early age. For about nine years he held the position of foreman at the Mahanoy City colliery, at the end of that period going into the furniture business on his own account, being so engaged for a period of fourteen years. He was then honored with election to the principal executive position in the borough, becoming chief burgess, and he filled that office for five years with eminent satisfaction to a large majority of the residents of the borough. It is generally conceded that Mahanoy City never had a more popular man at the head of its govern- ment. It was during his term that Mahanoy City held its semi-centennial celebration, in 1913, and as chairman of the executive committee in charge of the arrangements, and member of the transportation committee, he labored untiringly to make the occasion a success long to be remembered. Too much credit cannot be given him for his zeal in the work. His enthusiasm was con- tagious, his example one of unselfish public spirit, and the celebration was carried out in an elaborate and appropriate manner, reflecting the highest credit on the town and its people for loyalty and enterprise.
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