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 88
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John B. Ginther was born at Pottsville Dec. 2, 1867, and received his educa- tion in a parochial school in the borough. His first regular employment was at the Atkins mill, where he worked for three years, after which he followed the trade of machinist for a short time, until he became interested with a partner in the sewing machine business. He was thus engaged for four years, until he removed to Shamokin, Pa., to take charge of the Singer Sewing Machine office at that place, remaining there two years. Returning to Potts- ville he became one of the first mail carriers in the borough, obtaining the position during President Cleveland's first administration, under Postmaster James Mudy. He resigned after something more than four years' service to take the position of deputy recorder under the late Henry Scheurman, of Mahanoy City. Mr. Ginther remained in the recorder's office for two terms, a period of six years, and since retiring from his duties there has been engaged in the grocery business on his own account in Pottsville. His first store was at Ninth and Market streets, and he has been at various locations, being now established at Third and Race streets, where he is conducting a very large business. He keeps three teams constantly busy, and by prompt and accom- modating attention to his customers has increased his trade steadily, being one
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of the most creditable dealers in his line in the borough. Mr. Ginther owns a tract of eight acres at Twenty-third and Mahantongo streets, Pottsville, where he has ponds from which he cuts ice regularly during the winter season, being at present the only dealer in natural ice at this place. He has combined his various interests advantageously, and his substantial character and ability are sufficient to account for the position of trust he occupies among all those familiar with his worth.
From early manhood Mr. Ginther has been one of the most effective work- ers for the Democratic party in his locality, and he himself has made many friends in this connection. For four years he served as county secretary of the party. When just twenty-one years of age he represented Yorkville in the borough council, being the youngest member of that body, and gave such excellent promise as a public servant that he has been chosen to other trusts since. He has filled the position of borough auditor, and in 1911 was a candi- date for nomination for county recorder, being defeated by only twenty-six votes.
Mr. Ginther married Celia Heisler, daughter of William C. Heisler, of Pottsville, at one time recorder of Schuylkill county, and afterwards proprietor of the "Central" hotel, at Pottsville. He was a well known resident of Schuyl- kill county. Mr. and Mrs. Ginther have two daughters: Alma, the wife of John Driscoll, a machinist of Pottsville, and Dorothy, who is at home with her parents. The family have a fine summer home on Mr. Ginther's land at Twenty-third and Mahantongo streets. Mr. Ginther's religious connection is with the German Catholic Church.
MOSES S. GREENAWALT, of Orwigsburg, has recently retired after a prosperous career as a farmer in West Brunswick township, where he lived for about thirty years. He has been well known for his activity in church mat- ters, in which respect he is a typical representative of the name he bears, for the Greenawalts wherever found are earnest workers in the cause of religion, leading exemplary lives and following the teachings of Christianity in all their relations with their fellow men. They are an old family in Berks county, Pa., where Moses S. Greenawalt was born Dec. 22, 1851, in Albany township. In Albany township are found many descendants of the emigrant Jacob Greena- walt, and in that locality at least one place, Greenawald Station, perpetuates the name, which is variously spelled Greenawalt and Greenawald.
Jacob Greenawalt, born in Switzerland, came to America about 1738, and upon his arrival in Philadelphia was sold as a redemptioner to a man named Schuler. In 1741 he married Elizabeth Filhower, a native of Germany, then of Montgomery county, Pa. In 1742 he and his wife located in Weisenberg township, Northampton (now Lehigh) Co., Pa., where he claimed several hundred acres of land, upon which he erected a gristmill, oil mill and tanyard. He prospered at this place, where were born his six children, four sons and two daughters, namely: Jacob, Johannes, Abraham, George, Mrs. Grim and Mrs. Barbara Weise. All of these reared families of their own. The pioneer and his wife are buried at Ziegel's Church, while others of the family are interred at Seiberlingville, and some at Jacob's Church, Jacksonville, Lehigh county. The Greenawalts are a strong, robust and healthy race, and many have attained ripe old age.
Johannes Greenawalt, son of the pioneer, in 1784-85 settled near what is now Greenawald Station, in Albany township, on the Schuylkill & Lehigh
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railroad. He was an enterprising man, built an oil mill on the farm now owned by Isaac Hardinger, on the Pine creek, and later built a gristmill on that stream, which is now operated by Albert Kutz. The gristmill was oper- ated for many years by his son John, but he himself operated the oil mill. Johannes Greenawalt died at the age of eighty-three, and he and his family are buried at the New Bethel (Corner) Church in Albany township. His children were: John; Abraham, who married a Miss Hagenbuch and had Benjamin and Isaac; Jacob, who lived on the Pine creek; and Peter, who died unmarried.
John Greenawalt, son of Johannes, was born in Berks county April 15, 1784, and died Nov. 10, 1865. He spent all his life in Albany township, living at the foot of the "Pinnacle," where he owned considerable land, having 100 acres at Greenawald Station. Much of his land was situated between the "Pinnacle" (the highest elevation in Berks county) and the "Schnide Berg." Tradition tells us that this locality was an Indian camping ground. At any rate, many Indian axes, tomahawks, arrow-heads, etc., have been found between these two points. He farmed and operated an "apple-jack" distillery. In their later years he and his wife lived alone in a small house on the slope of the Pinnacle, which belongs to the Blue mountains. He was reputed to be rich, and it is said he kept his gold and silver coin in a large bag under his bed, and that he had made a small exit back of the bed which ordinarily would attract no notice, and which was to be used in case robbers broke in.
John Greenawalt married for his second wife Kate Zimmerman, born Sept. 24, 1793, died Feb. 1, 1866, and they became the parents of children as follows: Joseph (who at an early date settled out West). Jacob, Amos, Abraham, Samuel, Dinah (married Enoch Hagenbuch, who settled at La Salle, Ill.), Lesena (married Daniel Stein) and Leah (married Jacob P. Dietrich, who with his wife and family located in Kansas, where in time they pros- pered). John Greenawalt married again, his third wife being Hannah G. Kolb, and they had a son Daniel, whose descendants live at Lewiston, Pa. In politics he was a Whig, and in religion belonged to the Reformed denomina- tion, being an active member of the New Bethel Church in Albany township. He and his three wives are buried at that church.
Amos Greenawalt, son of John, was born March 18, 1814, in Albany town- ship, and died Nov. 19, 1879. He was reared in Albany township. Before his marriage he worked for his father, afterward buying one of his father's farms, a tract of 177 acres, and he carried on general farming until his death, and also for forty years conducted "Greenawalt's Tavern," at Greenawald Station. He often acted as auctioneer. Mr. Greenawalt was a very fearless man, and he had some very exciting experiences with bears. One day, while going to Hamburg with a four-horse team, he passed the home of Mrs. Borrell. and saw her running towards the road followed by a bear. Just a's she got over the fence, the bear ran against it on the other side. Mr. Greenawalt cracked his whip as hard as he could and scared the animal away. Mrs. Bor- rell, who was slightly demented, owned a large orchard in which the apples were ripe. Seeing something on a tree which she took to be a thief, she attempted to scare it away, but found the thief to be a bear, which began to chase her. On his arrival in Hamburg Mr. Greenawalt related the occurrence, and a large number of men armed with guns at once encircled the woods into which the bear had gone. The animal was chased out, but the man who saw it became so badly frightened that instead of shooting he hid behind a tree
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until the bear had escaped. A short time afterwards Mr. Greenawalt, in company with a relative, went to hunt raccoons one night and their dog chased a bear up a tree. Mr. Greenawalt killed it with a shotgun on the second shot. It was so heavy that it required the strength of the two to carry it home. Many thought that this was the same bear that had chased Mrs. Borrell. One winter night, later, Mr. Greenawalt was going home from a farmhouse where he had been butchering, and had with him a "butcher's sausage" and several knives. Suddenly a bear that had evidently smelled the sausage jumped upon the fence near by, and would doubtless have attacked him had he not raised the knives and screamed lustily, thus frightening the animal away. He had not gone very far when the bear appeared again, and was scared away for the second time. From this experience of Mr. Greenawalt's a little bridge near the gristmill of Albert Kutz is still known as "Bear Bridge."
On March 31, 1834, Amos Greenawalt married Judith Stein, born Nov. 25, 1816, died Nov. 25, 1891, daughter of George Stein, of Albany township. Fourteen children were born to them, as follows: (1) John, born June 10, 1835, died July 31, 1893; he married Mary Miller, who is also deceased. (2) Catherine, born June 3, 1836, died Oct. 10, 1867, married Samuel G. De Turk, who is also deceased. (3) George, born Oct. 25, 1838, served as a Civil war soldier, and died Oct. 2, 1869. His wife was Lucy Hamm. (4) William, born June 28, 1840, is now a retired farmer living at Kutztown. He married Mary Trexler (deceased) and (second) Mary Braucher. (5) Leah, born Nov. 3. 1841, died Nov. 27, 1868. (6) Mary Magdalene, born June 28, 1844, married George Dreibelbis, and is deceased. (7) Solomon, twin of Mary, born June 28, 1844, died June 3, 1889. He married Sarah Faust. (8) Amos S., born Oct. 31, 1845, married Eliza Dietrich (deceased) and (second) Mary Burkey. (9) Emma Judith, born Jan. 28, 1848, died June 5, 1878. She was the wife of Samuel Oswald. (10) Susanna, born March 11, 1850, is married to David Fister. (II) Moses S. is mentioned below. (12) Eliza Ann, born Sept. 9, 1854, married James Bitner, of Leinbach, Pa., whom she survived, both being now deceased. (13) Matilda, born Sept. 9, 1854, twin of Eliza, married Seth Heinly, of Virginville, Pa. (14) Alfred, born June 17, 1857, is deceased. He was organist at Albany New Bethel Church, and later a school teacher and organist of the Union Church at Bernville.
Amos Greenawalt and his wife were buried at the New Bethel Church, having belonged to the Reformed congregation there. He was one of its leading members, having held all the church offices, and also served as singing master and choir leader; and he started the Sunday school at Greenawald Station and acted as superintendent for many years. He was always active in public affairs, holding the township offices of school director, supervisor and auditor. His political support was given to the Republican party.
Moses S. Greenawalt was educated in the schools of Albany township, and worked on his father's farm until twenty-two years old. Meantime he had taught one winter term of school in Albany township, at Eckville, and he sub- sequently taught another term in that township, at New Bethel Church, eleven terms in Greenwich township, Berks county, at one school, and one term at Lenhartsville. He passed examinations under County Superintendents David Brunner, Mr. Keck and Samuel Baer. After giving up school teaching he followed bricklaying, stone masonry and plastering, and when not so engaged did odd jobs, being very ambitious and not afraid to exert himself to get ahead. In April, 1886, he bought his farm of 107 acres in West Brunswick township,
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Schuylkill county, sixty-five acres of which were cleared, and there he carried on general farming and stock raising, in which he was notably successful. However, he has been in ill health for thirteen years, and for nine years has not been able to do any work, so he recently sold the farm and removed to Orwigsburg.
On Oct. 24, 1874, Mr. Greenawalt married Susanna Fister, who was born Sept. 26, 1847, in Greenwich township, Berks county, a daughter of Peter and Dianna (Dreibelbeis) Fister, natives of Greenwich township, Berks Co., Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Greenawalt have had seven children, of whom we have the following record : Morris, born Nov. 25, 1878, died Feb. 21, 1879; Eva, born July 15, 1882, died Oct. 1, 1883; Mattie, born Feb. 17, 1884, married Burd H. Bachman, and they live in Orwigsburg (they have one child, Elmer M.) ; Alma, born Aug. 28, 1885, married Oscar Heister, and they live at Lewistown, Schuylkill county (they have one child, Mae) ; Annie, born March 29, 1887, is at home; Ellen Christianna, born Nov. 19, 1889, died Dec. 4, 1889; Howard Harvey, twin of Ellen, born Nov. 19, 1889, is at home.
Mr. Greenawalt has always supported the Republican party. He has been elected to the local offices of school director and auditor, which he has filled conscientiously. He is a valued member of Protection Council, No. 935, Order of Independent Americans, at McKeansburg, and has been one of the most interested workers in St. John's Reformed Church, Orwigsburg, and filled all the church offices so acceptably during his active years that his fellow members, in recognition of long and devoted service, have made him elder emeritus. He has long been a liberal contributor to the support of the church.
Peter Fister, grandfather of Mrs. Greenawalt, came from Germany, and was raised by a man named Fisher, who brought him up from boyhood. He was a bright child, and when he was grown his adopted father bought him a farm of two hundred acres and set him up in business. His wife's maiden name was Gummery, and they had twelve children. Mr. Fister died aged eighty-two years, his wife at the age of eighty-five, and they are buried at the Dunkel Church in Greenwich township, Berks county. They were mem- bers of the German Reformed Church, and Mr. Fister was a Democrat in politics.
Peter Fister, father of Mrs. Greenawalt, was a farmer in Greenwich town- ship, owning 190 acres of land. Three generations of Peter Fisters have owned this land. He married Dianna Dreibelbis, and they had the following children : David married Susanna Greenawalt ; Peter married Mary Dietrich, and they live on the homestead farm; Ann, deceased, was married to Elias Dieterich, of Maxatawny township, Berks county: Susanna is the wife of Moses S. Greenawalt. Mr. Fister lived to the age of seventy-four years, and is buried at the Frieden's Church, Lenhartsville ; Mrs. Fister died aged about sixty years, and is buried at Dunkels Church, in Greenwich township. He was one of the pillars of the Frieden's German Reformed Church at Lenhartsville, and not only contributed generously to its upbuilding and support in a financial way, but also devoted much time to assisting in the furtherance of its work. He held the offices of elder and deacon.
THOMAS C. McANDREW, a retired engineer, who resides in one of the most beautiful homes in Gordon, Schuylkill county, was born near Pottsville, Pa., April 4, 1844, on the family homestead, now the property of the Delaware Coal Company. He is a son of Patrick and Maria ( Herman) McAndrew, both
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of whom were of Irish ancestry. The paternal grandfather was a native of Ireland.
Patrick McAndrew was born in Ireland, came to America at an early date, and settled in Pottsville, Pa. He was a railroad contractor and assisted in the construction of the Reading roadbed. After a time in this country, during which he accumulated a sufficient sum to warrant the trip, Mr. McAndrew returned to Ireland and brought over to the New World his mother and other members of his family, the father being deceased. Patrick McAndrew was a man of many attainments, being a sculptor, an artist and an accomplished linguist. He had a fine education, and he made his mark during the time of his residence in this country. He died in Philadelphia. His wife, Maria (Herman), who died July 7, 1901, was the daughter of Schuylkill county pioneers. Mr. and Mrs. McAndrew had five children: Thomas C .; Daniel, deceased; Ellen, widow of John Moody, residing in Philadelphia; Mary, deceased; and Fannie, the wife of Henry Wise, of Pottsville.
Thomas C. McAndrew first attended the Cressona schools and later those at Ashland, the family moving to that place in 1853. In 1868 Mr. McAndrew came to Gordon and went to work in the colliery, later engaging in railroad work. He first held the position of brakeman, and was successively promoted to conductor, fireman and engineer, acting in the latter capacity for twenty- two years. On May 12, 1914, he retired from railroad work, and is now residing in his handsome home in Gordon.
In 1870 Mr. McAndrew was married to Mrs. Sarah Herman, widow of George Herman and daughter of Abram Moody, natives of Cumberland county, Pa., near Carlisle. Mrs. McAndrew died June 22, 1914, leaving one child, Martha, wife of Richard W. Hopkins, a plumber and steam fitter of Gordon; they have three children, Thomas, Marie and Willard. Mr. McAn- drew is a member of the Methodist Church of Gordon, and of the Patriotic Order Sons of America.
WILLIAM H. DAUBERT, of Pine Grove, is a business man of that borough and associated with various interests which indicate that he is thoroughly alive to the trend of modern progress as applied to the advance- ment of this locality. The Dauberts have been identified with the develop- ment of this section for some generations, Harry Daubert, the grandfather of William H., having come to Pine Grove when a youth of eighteen years. He was born at Indiantown Gap, and his wife, Eliza ( Rehrer), was born in Pine Grove township, Schuylkill county, a member of one of the oldest families of this section. For a time Harry Daubert was engaged in boating on the Union canal and later in farming in Pine Grove township, where he made his permanent home. The place where he settled is now occupied by his grandson, William H. Daubert. He died at the age of fifty-three years, his wife living to the advanced age of eighty-three. Of their four children two survive: Henry, a resident of Lebanon, Pa .; and Mrs. Henry Minnich, of Pine Grove.
Thomas Daubert, son of Harry, was born in the borough of Pine Grove, and in his early life was employed in boating on the Union canal. Later he was engaged in railroad work, being with the Philadelphia & Reading Rail- way Company for a period of twenty-four years. He was killed in the per- formance of his duties, in 1900. He married Mary Clemmons, a native of Pine Grove township, daughter of Adam and Catherine (Zeller) Clemmons,
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both of whom died in Pine Grove. Mr. Clemmons was born in Pine Grove township, and was a tanner by trade. During the Civil war he enlisted from Pine Grove in Company G, 48th Pennsylvania Regiment, and was in the service for five years. Mr. and Mrs. Clemmons had a family of five children, three of whom survive, Mrs. Thomas Daubert, Mrs. Kate Harris, of Phila- delphia (widow of Jenkin Harris, of Plymouth, Pa.), and Mrs. Alice Moyer, of Cressona, Pa. (wife of Samuel Moyer). Peter and Louis are deceased.
Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Daubert: Lyman, a resident of Lebanon, Pa .; Frank, deceased ; William H .; Bessie, wife of Tyrus Zimmerman, of Pine Grove; Katie, wife of John Shannon, of Berwick, Pa .; Fannie, wife of Ralph Hummel, of Pine Grove; Stella, a resident of Shamokin, Pa .; Edith, wife of John Brennan, of Pottsville; and Ella, married to Rush Rhodes and living in Berwick.
William H. Daubert was born Aug. 10, 1874, in Pine Grove, and obtained a public school education there. When a young man he entered the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company, in whose service he remained for eleven years. In 1901 he engaged in the bottling business at Pine Grove, establishing what has since been known as the Mountain City Bottling Works. Besides, he operates a transfer business, and is well occupied with both lines, which he has developed to successful proportions by the most commendable business methods. His fellow citizens have recognized his ability and chosen him for important service, Mr. Daubert being borough auditor at present, which office he has filled for several years. For the last fifteen years he has also been a member of the borough council, the length of his services being a proper indication of their value. He is prominent in fraternal circles, being a member of Pottsville Aerie, No. 134, F. O. E .; the Knights of the Golden Eagle; Improved Order of Red Men; Knights of the Order of Mystic Chain at Suedberg; and the Foresters of America. He is a past officer in all of these bodies except the Knights of the Mystic Chain, and a trustee of the Red Men and Golden Eagles. He is also one of the most active members of the Pine Grove Fire Company and is now its president.
On June 13, 1896, Mr. Daubert was married to Amy I. Hummel, of Pine Grove, and they have had eight children : Stanley A., Marion E., Minerva O., Willard B., Ruth E., and three deceased. Mrs. Daubert is a daughter of Edward and Mary (Spancake) Hummel, natives of Pine Grove, and grand- daughter of Benjamin Hummel, one of the pioneers of the town; his wife was a Zerbe. Edward Hummel was a school teacher for many years, served as school director of the township, and for many years held the office of justice of the peace. He died Jan. 17, 1913. His wife, who is yet living in Pine Grove, is a native of Pine Grove township, daughter of George and Rebecca (Kramer) Spancake, both of whom were born in Washington township, this county, where Mr. Spancake died; his wife, now (1915) eighty-two years old, is still living in Pine Grove. Mr. and Mrs. Hummel had these children : Elmira B., wife of John Rausch, living at Pine Grove; Oscar, at home; Amy I., Mrs. Daubert; Stella M., wife of Frank Sotzin, living with her mother; Clara, wife of Joseph Campbell, of Williamstown, Pa .; Frances, who was a teacher for some years, now the wife of William Donmoyer, of Pine Grove; Raymond E., of Philadelphia, a teacher in the Overbrook Academy; and Harold, a teacher at Friedensburg, Schuylkill county.
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THOMAS HART BENTON ZULICK, late of Orwigsburg, was prac- tically a lifelong resident of that borough, towards the development of which he contributed his share as a pioneer shoe manufacturer. His foresight and enterprise were justly rewarded with prosperity, which benefited his towns- men also, for he had the broad intelligence which enabled him to realize that the man who labors for himself alone is not the highest type of citizen. The prestige which came to him synonymous with his honorable name has descended to its present representatives, his son John S. Zulick being now the head of one of the largest industrial institutions in the borough, the shoe manufactur- ing plant of J. S. Zulick & Co. The Zulicks have maintained a leading place in this branch of business from the time of its introduction into Orwigsburg, and by their success have given an impetus to the advancement of the borough which has been felt in many directions.
The Zulick family is well known in Schuylkill County. It was founded in America by John Zulick, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, who mar- ried, in 1796, Wilhelmina, daughter of Franz Bontone and his wife Fredericka (Gilken). She was born in Alsace, at Frankenheim in Siegenheim, Oct. 27, 1769. They subsequently emigrated to America, in 1799, landing at Baltimore, where they settled. To them were born five children, three sons and two daughters, the latter both dying in infancy. John, the eldest, became a minister of the Reformed Church and settled at Steinsville, Lehigh Co., Pa. He was a circuit rider for many years, and served many congregations. Anthony, the second son, located in Philadelphia, subsequently settling at Easton, Pa., where he died. He married Jane Cummings, of Philadelphia, who was a member of the Quaker family of that name, and to them were born the following chil- dren : Anna, who became the wife of William Gile, sometime judge of the court of Common Pleas, Newark, N. J .; Mary, who married Thomas Rinek, of Easton, Pa .; Meyer C., territorial governor of Arizona during Cleveland's administration ; Thomas, who was the superintendent of The Schuylkill Navi- gation Company for many years at Schuylkill Haven ; and Henry B., who was employed by the Schuylkill Navigation Company.
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