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 67
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Jacob Snyder, father of Mrs. Sarah (Snyder) Staudt, was a farmer in Penn township, Berks Co., Pa., where he was born. He had'a tract of nearly two hun- dred acres, and devoted his life to general farming, dying when over seventy years old. He married a Boone, like himself a native of Penn township, and they had children as follows: William (married Anna Bella Rick), Aaron, Jacob, Adam (married a Dewees), Alvin (married a Boone), Sarah (Mrs. Staudt), Mary (married Jacob Althouse), Anna (married Jacob Haak) and Louisa (married Percival Hummelbeyer). Mr. Snyder was a Democrat. He and his wife were members of Bellman's Church, in Berks county, where they are buried.
Vol. I-29
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WILLIAM U. GANE, of Port Carbon, has served his fellow citizens in so many capacities that he has been connected with almost every branch of the municipal government of that borough. He is at present serving as justice of the peace with his customary efficiency. The Gane family has been one of the foremost in Port Carbon throughout the history of the place, and its members, by their public spirit and commendable citizenship, have always held the esteem of the community.
Uriah Gane, father of William U. Gane, was born in Bristol, England, where he was reared, coming to America in May, 1842. They settled at Port Carbon, Schuylkill county, and he assisted in laying out the borough, where he spent the rest of his life. He was a leading merchant there for over forty years, dealing in boots, shoes, hats and caps, and also took a prominent part in public affairs, serving as constable for eight years, as postmaster for eight years, from 1862 to 1865 as deputy United States provost marshal of the Tenth Congres- sional district, as member of the council and of the school board, and for fifteen years as tax collector. He was energetic and progressive, and during his serv- ices as councilman and school director did effective work in these bodies. His religious connection was with the Methodist Church. He died May 5, 1890, and was survived for several years by his wife, Mary Ann (Davies), who passed away Oct. 26, 1898. They are buried in the Presbyterian cemetery at Port Carbon. They were the parents of the following children : Sarah, Elizabeth, Emma, Johnston and William U.
William U. Gane was born Nov. 1, 1853, at Port Carbon, Schuylkill county, where he received his education and early training. When a youth he started work in a planing mill, where he was employed until 1873, and for the next twelve years was engaged in the brickmaking business. He then turned to railroad work, which he followed for seven years, after which he was with the trolley company for five years. For a number of years he has been occu- pied principally with his duties as a public official. In 1900 he was elected chief burgess of Port Carbon, and gained a most creditable record in that office, as he has in every other position. For two years he was treasurer of the school board, member of the board of health for the same time, tax col- lector one year, and on May 5, 1905, he was elected justice of the peace at Port Carbon, which office he has filled continuously since, having just been reelected for another five years, without opposition and with the largest vote on the ticket. His popularity may well be judged by the frequent honors his fellow citizens have shown him, and he has won their confidence by the strong sense of accountability he has shown in every trust.
Mr. Gane married Mary S. Ulshafer, of Weatherly, Pa., and they have three children : Bertha, wife of Thomas M. Johnson, chief gunner of the United States navy, now stationed at Brooklyn, N. Y .; Icie May, wife of William Cookson, living at St. Clair, this county; and Catherine S., at home. The family belong to the Methodist Church.
ROBERT DANIEL STRAUCH, civil engineer, of Cressona, is a son of the late Augustus R. Strauch and a grandson of Isaac Strauch, who settled there in 1840. During the seventy-five years which have intervened since the name has been one of the most respected in the borough.
Isaac Strauch was born in North Manheim township, Schuylkill county, near Pottsville, Feb. 4, 1806, and died July 4, 1885. at Cressona, where he had resided from 1840. Before his removal to the town he was engaged as
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a boatman on the Philadelphia & Schuylkill canal and in the mercantile busi- ness. At Cressona he followed farming and built and operated a flour mill, continuing both lines until his death, and as he prospered in business he acquired considerable property, accumulating a comfortable competence. He served a term as county commissioner before the county seat was changed from Orwigsburg, and in politics was identified with the Republican party. He was a prominent member of the Reformed Church, in which he held a number of offices. Mr. Strauch was twice married, and by his first wife, whose maiden name was Stages, had six children, three sons and three daugh- ters. The mother of this family died in 1844, and the father subsequently married Lovinia Heiser, by whom he had one child, Augustus R.
Augustus R. Strauch was born Aug. 8. 1857, at Cressona, was reared there. and passed all his life in the borough or vicinity. He died Feb. 28, 1903. In early life he learned milling with his father, whom he assisted until his death, and then took over the business, carrying it on until his death. He kept in close touch with the borough government, holding a number of offices, in all of which he acquitted himself creditably. He served three years as member of the council, one term as chief burgess, auditor for some time and member of the school board, in fact, few citizens of his day exerted as much influence in local affairs. He was associated with the Republican party. With his family he belonged to the Reformed Church, and socially he was an Odd Fellow and Mason, holding membership in Herndon Lodge, I. O .. O. F., and Cressona Lodge, No. 426, F. & A. M., which he served as treasurer.
On March 6, 1880, Mr. Strauch married Sallie Grimm, who was born Feb. 15, 1856, daughter of Daniel and Esther (Fertig) Grimm, of Cressona, and died March 6, 1913. Mr. and . Mrs. Strauch are buried in the Cressona cemetery. They had two children, Lambert A. and Robert D.
LAMBERT A. STRAUCH was born April 19, 1882, in Cressona, where he attended public school. He then entered his father's employ, at the grain and feed mill, acquiring thorough familiarity with the business, which he con- tinued to carry on for the estate after his father's death, operating it until 1914. Meantime he also looked after his father's sixty-acre farm, part of which lies in the borough of Cressona. Mr. Strauch has demonstrated his business ability in every undertaking. He is well known as one of the valued local workers in the Republican party, and has given efficient service as judge of election. Like his father he belongs to Herndon Lodge, I. O. O. F., and to Cressona Lodge, No. 426, F. & A. M., both of Cressona. He is a member of the First Reformed Church.
Mr. Strauch is married to Jennie Singley, who was born in February, 1881, daughter of John and Susan (Hain) Singley, natives of Pine Grove town- ship, this county, now living at Harrisburg, Pa. Mr. Singley is a freight conductor on the Philadelphia & Reading railroad. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Strauch: Esther Viola, John Augustus, Mark and George.
ROBERT DANIEL STRAUCH, youngest son of Augustus R. Strauch, was born Jan. 24, 1888. in Cressona, where he received his early literary training in the public schools. He studied one year at the Pottsville high school, and then entered Franklin and Marshall Academy, at Lancaster, Pa., from which institution he was graduated in 1906. He took his college course at Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa., graduating as a member of the class of 1910, and with the degree of civil engineer, and shortly thereafter entered the
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employ of the Illinois Central Railway Company, in his professional capacity. His first assignment was to Louisville, Ky., and later he was stationed at New Orleans. Leaving the Illinois Central he took a position at Bocas, Panama, as engineer with the United Fruit Company, remaining one year. He is now back at Cressona. He is a Republican and a member of the Reformed denomination, belonging to the First Church at Cressona.
J. E. AUCHMUTY, M. D., is one of the younger physicians of Tamaqua, Pa., who has already achieved marked success in his chosen profession, and who is recognized as an able, progressive and enthusiastic practitioner. He is the son of B. F. and Mary E. (Latsha) Auchmuty, both born in the State of Pennsylvania, and both of Scottish ancestry.
Dr. Auchmuty was born at South Williamsport, Lycoming Co., Pa., March 10, 1884, and was educated in the public grammar and high schools of his native town, being graduated from the last named institution in the class of 1897. He then attended the Susquehanna University School, from which he was graduated in 1902 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and he received the degree of Master of Arts from the same institution in 1905. Entering the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1906. His year of interneship was served in the Methodist Episcopal hospital in Philadelphia, after which he acted as assistant to Dr. H. M. Neale, of Freeland, Pa., for the period of one year. He received the appointment of physician and surgeon to the Maryd Coal Company, and retained this office until June 10, 1911, when he established himself in private practice in Tamaqua, and has already acquired an extensive and lucrative practice. He is a member of the County and State Medical Societies and American Medical Association; the University Club of Philadelphia; Tamaqua Lodge, No. 238, Free and Accepted Masons ; Chapter No. 137, Royal Arch Masons; Ivanhoe Commandery, No. 31 ; Scot- tish Rite Temple; Rajah Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, No. 592.
In 1903 Dr. Auchmuty married Cleo Kline, daughter of Alfred and Mary (Miller) Kline, and they have children: Mary Helen, born Oct. 8, 1908, and John Howard, born March 4, 1910. The family residence is at No. 237 West Broad street. Dr. Auchmuty is a man of most benevolent impulses and kindly nature, and his professional skill, combined with a sym- pathetic nature, has gained for him the affection of the patients whom he has treated with exceptional ability. He keeps well in touch with all progress in his chosen profession, devoting all of his spare time to the perusal of medical literature.
ALANSON KNAPP, one of the oldest residents of West Penn township, now living retired, has always been considered one of the most intelligent and estimable citizens of his portion of Schuylkill county. In his busy career, filled with a variety of occupations, he has well exemplified the idea of efficiency so prominently set forth in modern business economy. His different interests have been made to serve each other very profitably, thrift and good management combining to keep him among the advanced men of the township, prompt to recognize opportunities and competent to make the most of them. His life record is interesting and instructive.
Silas Knapp, the grandfather of Alanson Knapp, was born in England, and
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on emigrating to America first settled in New England. He was a school teacher, and by trade a cooper, and followed both callings in the New Eng- land States. Later he came to Lehigh county, Pa., and at one time had a small tract of land in Upper Saucon township, that county, which he cultivated. He continued to follow his profession in Lehigh county, and also taught school north of Kutztown, in Berks county. The last few years of his life he spent with the late Maj. S. E. Ancona, of Reading, Pa. He was married twice, and by his first wife had about ten children, of whom we have the following record : Frederick Alanson is mentioned below; David was a carpenter in West Penn township; Didami married a Mr. Summers, of the Summers Brewery, in New York City; Isabella is next in the family ; Mary Ann married Dr. Morris M. Ancona; one daughter married a Mr. West, a saddler by trade. Mr. Knapp had no children by his second wife, who was a widow when he married her. He was buried at Reading, Pennsylvania.
Frederick Alanson Knapp was born in New England, where he was edu- cated. After coming to Lehigh county he learned the saddler's trade. For a time he tenanted the G. T. Simon farm, and carried on his trade as well as farming, in Weisenberg township, Lehigh county. He had sixty acres in that township. On the advice of his brother-in-law, Mr. West, he left Lehigh county and moved to West Penn township, Schuylkill county, settling on the place now owned by his son Alanson. He bought 260 acres of land, of which seventy-five acres were cleared ground and the rest in timber, and there he remained until his death, working as a saddler and also farming. He passed away Aug. 31, 1880, when he was about seventy-six years of age, and his wife, Catherine (Heffner), died Nov. 23, 1882, aged eighty-six years. She was a daughter of John Henry and Ann Catherine (Kohler) Heffner. They reared five children: Alanson; Caroline, who married Reuben Daubenspeck (both are deceased) ; George, who married a Miss Marburger (both are de- ceased) ; Mary Ann, widow of Levi Miller, residing at Lehighton, Pa .: and Catherine, who died unmarried. Though a Democrat in political opinion, Mr. Knapp was independent in supporting the men and measures he considered best. In religious faith he was a Methodist and stood well in the church, being a traveling preacher well versed in the Scriptures. However, he attended Zion's Church in West Penn township, where he and his wife are buried.
John Henry Heffner, the father of Mrs. Catherine ( Heffner) Knapp, came to this country from the Old World and was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. During his lengthy service he was taken prisoner and confined with many others in a church, where he was almost starved. When the conflict was over he returned to his home, married, and reared a fine family.
Alanson Knapp was born Feb. 9, 1829, in Lehigh county, south of Fogels- ville. He received his early education under the tuition of his father, who was a well informed man, and studying at night while his mother was running the spinning wheel. He also attended school in Upper Saucon township, Lehigh county, until sixteen years old, and became proficient enough to teach, being so engaged for seven terms. In West Penn township, Schuylkill county, he learned the trades of mason and plasterer, and later that of carpenter, which he followed in Pottsville for a time. As he was the eldest son he returned to West Penn township and operated the home farm for his father, from whom he subsequently bought 108 acres of the property where he is still residing. Farming, however, occupies only part of his time. For years he carried on building operations, in most cases doing all the work from the cutting of the
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timber until construction was completed. His mechanical versatility he found very convenient, for he could turn his hand to almost any kind of work necessary. He did much building for himself as well as for others, and still owns about half of the village of Leibysville. His farm real estate aggregates 250 acres, in four tracts. He is the owner of a valuable sand pit on his land, from which he sells sand for building and concrete work. He erected the present barn and dwelling on his farm, the previous house having been de- stroyed by fire a few years ago. He did all his own figuring while building, making his plans with mathematical exactness, though his knowledge of this branch of the work was acquired entirely through practical experience.
In his active years Mr. Knapp carried on lumbering quite extensively, owning five steam sawmills at different times, with the last one cutting 450,000 feet of lumber. Of the waste wood there he burned many thousands of bushels of charcoal, which he shipped to Reading, Allentown, Mauch Chunk and Pottsville. At one time, having bought a timber right, he took a sur- veyor's compass and the necessary help in order to survey it and to cut out a piece of a larger tract, the owner going ahead to show him where he wanted him to go through. Mr. Knapp followed with the compass and chain, staked the corners all around, and at the same time noted down the corners and dis- tances and their different bearings and the kind of corners. Then, with the man's consent, he made a written agreement based on his work, with wit- ness, but the man died before Mr. Knapp had the timber all off and the admin- istrator would not consider the contract, and Mr. Knapp had to take the mat- ter into court. He was successful at the trial, getting a verdict in his favor for $225, and the loser had to stand the costs also.
In his younger days Mr. Knapp was solicited by his neighbors to start a fire insurance company for the protection of real estate and personal property, so he drew up a constitution, selected a number of honorable men to cooperate in the enterprise, and at the proper time took the matter before the State Legis- lature at Harrisburg, allowing them to insure the property in the district described in their papers. They were granted a charter as a mutual company, which was very successful. The territory was West Penn township, Schuyl- kill county, East Penn township, just across the line in Carbon county, and Mahoning and East Brunswick townships, Schuylkill county.
Mr. Knapp has been elected school director of his township a number of times, his long retention in the office showing satisfactory service. In that capacity he has visited the schools frequently, talking to the pupils on the great need of education and good manners, which will make them more re- spected and successful in any of their undertakings. He is not bound by party ties on political questions, voting as his judgment dictates and using his influence where it will do the most good.
Mr. Knapp married Polly Troxel, a native of West Penn township, this county, who died Sept. 10, 1886, and is buried at Zion's Church. Mr. Knapp is a member of Zion's Lutheran Church, and occasionally he attends the Metho- dist services. To Mr. and Mrs. Knapp were born the following children: One child died in infancy: Eugene M., born July 22, 1866. now residing at No. 334 North Ninth street, Reading. Pa., married Ella Boltz, and they have one child, Frederick; Rosie Alverna, born Dec. 3, 1867, died at the age of twenty-one years; one son died in infancy; Flora Jane, born July 15, 1869, married Nathaniel Bloss (born Sept. 4. 1863, died Aug. 11, ISS9, buried at Heidelberg Church in Lehigh county), who was manager for his father and
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brother, in the lumber business, and (second) Henry W. Sittler (she has had two children, Elsie Eugenia, born Nov. 10, 1896, and a son that died in infancy).
Mrs. Knapp had the following brothers and sisters: Sallic (twin of Polly) married Joseph Haberman, a farmer of West Penn township; Julia married John Haberman, now a retired farmer, who resides at Allentown, Pa .; Charles, who is a farmer, married a Miss Steigerwalt; Eli, a farmer in West Penn township, married a Miss Zettlemoyer; Stephen, now deccased, was a resident of Mauch Chunk, Pa .; William, a farmer in West Penn township, married a Haberman. The parents are buried at Ben-Salem Church, in East Penn township, Carbon Co., Pennsylvania.
GEORGE C. GINTHER is engaged in business in that part of Pottsville known as Mechanicsville. He is probably best known in his connection with the Yorkville Fire Company, of which he has been president for a number of years. Mr. Ginther was born at Yorkville (now a part of Pottsville) March 26, 1873, and is of German extraction, his father and grandfather having been natives of Germany.
Christian Ginther, the father, came to this country from the land of his birth during the pioneer period of Pottsville's settlement, and lived in that borough for a time on Centre street, at the present location of Kline's cafe. By occupation he was a miner, and eventually became the owner of a colliery, which he operated. He died in Pottsville at the age of sixty-seven years, and his wife, Mary (Lutz), passed away here at the advanced age of eighty-six years. They are buried at Pottsville. They were the parents of fourteen children, four of whom died young, the others being: Joseph, Jacob, Eva, Gertrude, Tressia, Otto, Mary, John B., Anthony and George C.
George C. Ginther received his education in the parochial schools of Potts- ville, and began work as a slate picker at the Richards colliery in Cass town- ship. After three years of work about the mines he entered the employ of WV. A. Hughes, with whom he remained about twelve years, after which he became a clerk for his brother, John B. Ginther, who has one of the most successful groceries at Pottsville. He was associated with him for eleven years, until in August, 1912, he entered in business on his own account, at Mechanicsville. He has an up-to-date grocery, and has had a large patronage from the time he started business, keeping a well chosen stock to suit the needs of his trade. His store is at No. 925 Pottsville street, Mechanicsville, where he now also resides, owning his home property. Mr. Ginther married Carrie Lenhart, daughter of Charles Lenhart, of Schuylkill county, and they have one son, Fred G., who is now a student in the office of Dr. William Freeston, dentist.
Mr. Ginther has been prominent in public affairs in Pottsville, and has served his fellow citizens in a number of official positions. He was auditor of the borough of Yorkville for three years, and served as a member of the Yorkville school board, of which body he was secretary at the time the borough became a part of Pottsville. His service as school director covered a period of six years, and he was elected to the office without opposition. His principal interest, however, has been in the welfare of the local fire company. He had served as president of the Yorkville Fire Company for a period of fourteen years when business necessitated his removal from the district, and he felt obliged to give up the position, but his services were so valuable that he was
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again chosen president of the company in 1914, and he is now holding that position. When the company erected its present home he was chairman of the building committee, and he was also a member of the committee which pur- chased all the equipment, which now includes a fine auto truck bought from Boyd & Company, Philadelphia, at a cost of $5,500.
The Yorkville Fire Company is an independent company and the city of Pottsville contributes $300 a year towards its maintenance. The city has every reason to take pride in its efficiency, and it has bought considerable honor to this locality. Its trophies include several prizes won at the Six County Fire- men's convention, at Hazleton, a loving cup and a $50 prize, taken at Potts- ville during "Old Home" week, for having the most men in line. The com- pany has presented Mr. Ginther a fine fob and chain in recognition of his services in its behalf. The community has shown similar appreciation by choosing him as one of the fire trustees, and he has proved himself deserving of the honor by his helpful activity in everything that concerns the good of the town, contributing liberally of his time as well as his means in the further- ance of all good movements. Mr. Ginther is a member of St. John's Catholic Church, secretary of St. John's Beneficial Society, and a past officer in the Foresters of America.
SAMUEL BACHMAN, a respected resident of the borough of New Ring- gold, has assisted in the administration of public affairs in several positions of trust, and has given evidence of solid character in all the relations of life. A son of the late Jacob M. Bachman, he was born July 24, 1860, in East Bruns- wick township, about half a mile east of New Ringgold.
Jacob M. Bachman was born in West Penn township, Schuylkill county, June 2, 1828, and was educated in the public schools of that township. In his earlier years he was occupied as a farm laborer, but later learned the trade of carpenter, which he followed throughout his active years. In time he became the owner of a twenty-seven-acre farm in East Brunswick township, which he operated in connection with work at his trade. About fifteen years before his death he sold his farm and retired, dying at the home of his son Samuel in New Ringgold, Oct. 29, 1912. He survived his wife, Priscilla (Dreisbach), who was born Sept. 16, 1822, daughter of Samuel and Rebecca (Sassaman) Dreisbach, and died Aug. 9, 1899. Children as follows were born to them: Albert David, who married Mary Dreibelbis; James Monroe, who died when six years old; and Samuel. Mr. Bachman was a Democrat and interested in local affairs, serving as school director. He was a member of Washington Camp No. 100, P. O. S. of A., of New Ringgold, and belonged to the Frieden's Reformed Church at New Ringgold, which he served as elder and deacon. He and his wife are buried at the Frieden's Church.
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