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 II > Part 14
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Captain Christeson was married to Louisa Wies, of New York City, who was born in Alsace-Lorraine, France, Nov. 24, 1836, and died at Suedberg, Pa., Feb. 3, 1912. She succeeded her husband in the post office, and continued to operate his other lines of business, being a woman of unusual capability. Vol. II-6
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The following children were born to this couple: Charles, who is a traveling salesman living at Annville, Lebanon Co., Pa., was at one time postmaster at Suedberg ; George lives at St. Louis; Louisa, who spends a portion of her time in the old homestead at Suedberg, was appointed postmistress of the post office at this point April 1, 1915; six other children are deceased.
Captain Christeson was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows. In religious faith he was a Lutheran, and he and his wife are buried in the Lutheran cemetery at Pine Grove. Few people of their day stood any higher in public esteem than these two, and they are remembered with affec- tionate reverence by those who had the honor of their acquaintance.
SAMUEL OHL ranks among the progressive farmers in Rush township, where he is operating a valuable farm of 150 acres. He was born in West Penn township, Schuylkill county, and the family has long been established in this section, his grandfather, Samuel Ohl, having lived at Lizard Creek, near the border line of Schuylkill and Carbon counties. He followed farming, and died there.
John Ohl, son of Samuel Ohl, lived for a number of years in West Penn township, Schuylkill county, where he was engaged at farming and carpenter work. He afterwards moved to Ohio, where he died. To his marriage with Sarah Behler were born the following children: Christina, who lives in Ohio; Moses, living in Berks county, Pa .; Samuel; Charles; Rosie; and Elizabeth, wife of William Balliett, living in Ohio.
Samuel Ohl, son of John and Sarah (Behler) Ohl, was born in 1857, and grew to manhood in his native township, becoming familiar with agricultural work as his father's assistant on the home place. When twenty years old he married and went out to Ohio, where he remained for a time, returning to Schuylkill county and locating in Tamaqua, in which borough he resided for eight years. At the end of that time he moved to Rush township, where he had bought a farm of 150 acres from Schmit & Campion, and he has since been engaged in general farming. He is favorably known among his neighbors, who appreciate his substantial qualities and the enterprise he has shown in developing his own property, which reflects credit upon the entire locality.
Mr. Ohl married Sarah Dietrich, daughter of Jacob Dietrich, and seven children have been born to them, namely: Cora, who is living in the South; Gertrude, who is now the wife of Charles Rank, of Mahanoy City ; Earl, Roy, Emma, Dewey and Carrie, all living at home. The family attend the Reformed Church.
ALBERT BALDINGER, proprietor of a general store and confectionery at Cressona, in North Manheim township, Schuylkill county, was born Jan. 16, 1862, in Albany township, Berks Co., Pa., son of Frederick Baldinger, a native of Germany.
Frederick Baldinger, the father of Albert Baldinger, came to America when a young man and settled at Jacksonville, Lehigh Co., Pa. He was a tailor by trade, and conducted an establishment in Jacksonville until his death. He married Polly Bolmer, who died in Albany township, Berks county. To this marriage was born but one child, Albert.
Albert Baldinger was reared to farm work, and was employed by neighbor- ing farmers throughout his childhood. Until six years old he lived with
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George Greenawald, and he was employed in Albany township until twelve years old. He then came to Auburn, Schuylkill county, and followed carpet weaving for one year, and was with Dr. Quail for a year. He next turned to railroad work, being in the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company from Jan. 10, 1881, until July 28, 1913. He came to Cressona April 25, 1896, and opened his present store on Railroad street in 1911. Mr. Baldinger carries a complete line of goods such as are usually found in a gen- eral store, besides handling ice cream and confectionery.
Mr. Baldinger was married at Jefferson, Schuylkill Co., Pa., to Alice Wike, of this county, and to them have been born five children: Charles, Irvin, Foster, William and Frederick; the two last named are deceased. Mr. Bald- inger is a Republican in politics. He was elected councilman of Cressona in 1913, by a large majority, and takes a keen interest in local politics. He is a popular man in his borough and is known as an enterprising and progressive citizen. He is a member of the Reformed Church, of the Philadelphia & Read- ing Relief Association, and of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen.
J. F. MINOGUE, attorney at law, Ashland, Pennsylvania.
JOSEPH E. BOE, of Tower City, who has recently taken the position of inside foreman at the West Brookside colliery, has had a thorough experience in that capacity in the course of his long employment at local operations. He is very well known in fraternal circles, and highly esteemed among all his acquaintances.
Daniel Boe, father of Joseph E. Boe, was born in the Lebanon valley, in this State, whence he removed to Schuylkill county. He had followed the blacksmith's trade for some time, and was here employed as engineer at vari- ous collieries, first at the Lorberry, later at Rausch Creek and the Lincoln colliery. He died at Joliett, in Porter township, this county. To his marriage with Mary Fessler were born the following children: Ida, who married Henry Harvey; Thopolius, deceased; Annie, wife of John Minnig; Joseph E .; and Ellen Amanda, wife of Frank Schell.
Joseph E. Boe was born Jan. 3. 1870, in Tremont township, Schuylkill county, and attended public school there and also in Porter township. He began mine work at the age of eleven years, picking slate at the breaker, and was advanced to more responsible jobs as he became competent until he reached the grade of regular miner, being so engaged for about ten years. He was then made assistant inside foreman at the Lincoln colliery, serving as such until 1902, when he was promoted to inside foreman there, holding that posi- tion to the entire satisfaction of all concerned until July, 1915, when transferred to a similar post at the West Brookside colliery. Mr. Boe has attended to his duties intelligently and conscientiously, adding constantly to his good repu- tation by his strict adherence to the highest standards of efficiency in the work carried on under his direction. He has won his way forward entirely on his own merit, and deserves all the credit for his steady advancement. Socially he has numerous connections, belonging to the P. O. S. of A., the Knights of the Golden Eagle, Knights of Malta, Red Men and Royal Arcanum.
Mr. Boe married Daisy Shellenberger, daughter of Alonzo Shellenberger, of Shenandoah, this county, and they are the parents of four children : Daniel,
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William, Jennie and Grace. Their home is at Tower City. The family are members of the English Lutheran Church.
E. C. MALARKEY, Girardville, Pennsylvania, district manager for the Cunningham Piano Company.
HARRY D. REED, of Schuylkill Haven, belongs to a family which has been resident in Schuylkill county for several generations and at all times repre- sented among the best citizenship of this region. He himself has made a sub- stantial success as a contractor and builder, for though he has been in business on his own account only a few years he has established a reputation for reliable work and conscientious attention to his obligations which inspires the confidence necessary to steady patronage.
John Reed, great-grandfather of Harry D. Reed, lived at Reedsville, Schuyl- kill county, and was one of the well known farmers of that section in his day. He owned the tract now in the possession of Oscar Mengle. He was twice married, his second wife being named Kimmel, and they are buried at Reeds- ville. To this marriage were born children as follows: George, William, Daniel K., Elias, Hannah (married Peter Reed) and Elizabeth (married William Fehr).
Daniel K. Reed, son of John, above, was born at Reedsville and like his father followed farming. He was also an auctioneer, his services being in great demand. After his marriage he removed to Wayne township, where he had a farm of eighty acres, and he died there at the age of fifty-four years; he is buried in the cemetery at Friedensburg. He married Susan Berger, daughter of Ludwig Berger, of North Manheim township, and they became the parents of the following children : Lyman G. is mentioned below ; Mendon died at Friedensburg, this county; Elizabeth married Lewis J. Brown, who lived at Cressona (he was a school teacher for sixteen years, served as steward at the county almshouse, was at one time county commissioner, and was a justice of the peace) ; Arabella married William W. Berkheiser, and is living in South Manheim township; Ida married Lewis E. Brown, of Washington township, and both are deceased; Gordon D., who was also steward at the Almshouse, is the father of Frederick B. Reed, present postmaster of Schuylkill Haven ; Sherman H. is a farmer and auctioneer, living near Cressona (he was jury commissioner for six years), Annie married George Emerich.
Lyman G. Reed was born at Friedensburg, Schuylkill county, where he con- tinues to reside, engaged in farming and as an auctioneer, in the latter line having been in partnership with his brother Sherman H. Reed for over thirty years ; their services are in great demand. Lyman G. Reed has also had the contract as Star route carrier from Friedensburg to Schuylkill Haven for eight years. He and his wife, Elizabeth (Werner), have spent all their married life on the farm. Eight children have been born to them, namely: (1) Harry D. is mentioned below. (2) Ida is the wife of Frank Dietrich, who lives on the old Neri Dietrich farm near Friedensburg and is a very successful agriculturist. They have one son, Claudie. (3) Katie is married to Robert Fenstermaker, and has two children, Norman and Elizabeth. They reside on Centre avenue, in Schuylkill Haven, and Mr. Fenstermaker is engaged as a carpenter at the Pottsville Union Traction car barn, Palo Alto, holding a responsible position. (4) James L., who lives with his parents, is engaged as a carpenter for his brother, Harry D. Reed, and gives every indication of becoming a successful
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mechanic. (5) Estella is the wife of Samuel L. Weidner, who holds a lucrative position in an iron foundry at Reading, and they reside there, at No. 1654 North Tenth street. They have two children, Williard and Elizabeth. (6) George L., who is living at home on the farm, first attended the schools of Wayne town- ship, graduated from Cressona high school, subsequently studied at the Key- stone State Normal School ( Kutztown, Pa.), and took a course at Conway Hall, one of the departments of Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa., graduating therefrom. For three terms he taught school, being engaged at the Reed's school at Friedensburg, the Drehersville school and the grammar school at Quakake, and is now a law student, reading in the office of Charles E. Berger, Esq., one of the best lawyers at the Schuylkill county bar. For a brief period he was employed by the Rakestraw Pyle Company, of Kennett Square, Pa., as salesman, and had splendid success. During the existence of the Pennsyl- vania Chestnut Blight Commission he was appointed as field agent and located in western Pennsylvania, where he served with credit. (7) Robert R., the youngest son, living at home, helps on the farm, serves as assistant mail driver, and has also put in considerable time at carpenter work under his brother's direction. (8) Edna M., the youngest of the family, also lives at home, helping her mother and following dressmaking. She is a pianist of great promise. All of the family but Mrs. Reed and Edna have affiliated with the Reformed Church, the others being Lutherans.
Harry D. Reed was born Aug. 1, 1877, at Friedensburg, Schuylkill county, was reared upon the home farm, and attended the public schools of the locality. When twenty-one years old he began to learn the trade of carpenter, at which occupation he has since been engaged, following it in the employ of others until 1910, the year he commenced business on his own responsibility. He has had a number of contracts for houses and barns, having done considerable work in Schuylkill Haven, which stands as a credit to his workmanship and intelligent understanding of up-to-date methods and ideas in his calling. He keeps several men regularly employed. Mr. Reed has his residence and shop on the same property, at Union street and Avenue A. He has every promise of a prosperous career.
Mr. Reed is married to Estella Hughes, daughter of Isaac Hughes, and they have three children: Melvin, Gertrude and Frederick. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and fraternally belongs to Washington Camp, No. 264, P. O. S. of A., at Friedensburg ; to Page Lodge, No. 270, F. & A. M .; and to the Owls and Heptasophs at Schuylkill Haven.
IRVIN L. LAUTENBACHER, member of the firm of Schwenk & Co., whose underwear inill at Schuylkill Haven is one of the growing industrial plants of the borough, is at present giving all his time to the direction of its operation, though until recently he was carrying other business responsibilities as well. Mr. Lautenbacher is a native of Schuylkill Haven and of German descent, being the youngest son of the late Charles Lautenbacher.
Charles Lautenbacher was born July 15, 1832, in Germany, being a native of Ballafengen, in the grand duchy of Baden. Coming to America when nine- teen years old, he first located at Philadelphia, Pa., living there for some time, and he was employed in the construction of the stone work of the well known "Continental Hotel" in that city. Thence he removed to Baltimore, Md., and subsequently to Alexandria, Va., and Camden, N. J., his next location being at Kutztown, Pa., where he remained some time and married. From there he
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came to Schuylkill Haven, Schuylkill county, where he made a permanent home, engaging in his calling of marble and stone cutter until his death, which occurred Aug. 9, 1881. At Kutztown he met and married Sarah Ann Graeff, who was born Dec. 17, 1831, daughter of John and Mary (Kutz) Graeff, and died Aug. 17, 1904. To Mr. and Mrs. Lautenbacher were born three children : Jeremiah C., Irvin L. and Flora.
Mrs. Lautenbacher was a native of Kutztown, Berks county, which place was so named in honor of her maternal ancestors, who were early pioneers of that county. They experienced the usual hardships and dangers of the days when the Indians were numerous and hostile, and there is a well established tradition in the family that her great-grandfather had a secret cave to which he could retire with his family in emergency, and that the Indians never suc- ceeded in locating this hiding place. George Kutz bought a tract of 130 acres from Peter Wentz in 1755, and there in 1779 laid out the town which has developed into one of the important boroughs of Berks county and still bears his name. The first tax list of the borough, made in 1817, records the follow- ing Kutzes: Peter, tinsmith; Adam, carpenter; Jacob, mason; John, tailor ; Peter (who was a Revolutionary soldier) ; Daniel ; and Solomon, butcher.
Solomon Kutz, the last named, was the grandfather of Mrs. Lautenbacher. He was long engaged as a butcher at Kutztown, and lived to the age of ninety- two years. Among his children were the following: Mary, Mrs. John Graeff, died at Kutztown when seventy-nine years old ; her children were Daniel, John, Catherine (Mrs. John Stickman) and Sarah Ann (Mrs. Charles Lautenbacher). Lydia, who died at West Penn, Pa., was the wife of Oscar Sheetz and mother of Oscar, Buchanan, Tillie and Sara. Reuben lived and died at Kutztown. Louisa married Daniel Kutz, son of Benjamin, and lived at Kutztown, now (1914) aged eighty-six years. Susanna married Harry Shide and lives at Kutztown, now aged eighty-four years.
Irvin L. Lautenbacher was horn at Schuylkill Haven Feb. 21, 1862, and received his preparatory education in the public schools of the borough, attend- ing high school. He then took a course at the Philadelphia College of Phar- macy, graduating in 1885, and followed his calling at Schuylkill Haven for the three years succeeding. Removing to Williamstown, Dauphin county, this State, he engaged in the drug business on his own account, and was estah- lished there for a period of seventeen years. At the end of that time he re- turned to his native place, where he went into business as a confectioner and ice cream manufacturer, continuing in this line until the fall of 1913, when he sold out to give all his attention to the knitting mill in which he had become interested in the meantime. It was in 1910 that he took up the manufacture of underwear in partnership with M. G. Schwenk, and they have since been doing business as Schwenk & Co., having a well equipped plant at Schuylkill Haven. Their building is 40 by 75 feet in dimensions, and from thirty to forty people are given steady employment in the production of ladies' Swiss ribhed underwear, for which the firm has found a steady demand. Mr. Lautenbacher and his partner are men of high business principle, and their conscientious en- deavors to put a high-grade product on the market have met with substantial approval in the form of wide patronage. Mr. Lautenbacher has proved his executive qualities and versatility in the success he has made of his various ventures, differing so widely in nature, and in all his associations he has shown the spirit of accommodation to patrons and efforts to meet their wants which cannot fail to attract trade. He is a man of commendable personal character,
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a credit to a name which has always been synonymous in the community with honesty of purpose and dignified labor.
Mr. Lautenbacher married Kate E. Schwenk, daughter of Jacob R. and Mary A. (Crebs) Schwenk and member of an old family of Schuylkill Haven. They have had three children: Ivan L., now a clerk in the railway mail service and located at Tyrone, Pa .; Ruth A. and Kathryn, both at home. The family reside on Main street. They are members of the United Evangelical Church.
JAMES H. FISTER, late of Pottsville, passed most of his life in that borough, having moved here in boyhood. He was a native of Bloomsburg, Columbia Co., Pa., born in 1831, and finished his schooling at Pottsville. For several years he was in the employ of his uncle, Mr. Silliman, who was a large coal operator, acting for some time as superintendent of his mines. He then became a mail agent, between Pottsville and Philadelphia, on the railroad, leaving Pottsville at eight in the morning and returning at eight in the even- ing. He was so engaged for many years. At one time he was agent for the old Howard Express Company, when its offices were on South Centre street, Pottsville, where the Miller automobile store is now located. The business of this company was eventually taken over by the Adams Express Company. However, he was best known as justice of the peace, to which office he was first elected in 1890, succeeding Charles G. Reed, who had been appointed by Governor Beaver to succeed his father upon the latter's death. Mr. Fister continued to serve as justice of the peace until that office was abolished several years ago, by a new charter which Pottsville received, at the time of the annexation of Yorkville. He then took out a commission as notary public, and continued to act as such until his death, which occurred April 3, 1914, at his home, No. 300 Mahantongo street. Mr. Fister also maintained his office at that location, where he had been established for many years, and he was widely acquainted in Pottsville, his upright, unassuming life gaining him the esteem of all who knew him.
Mr. Fister was an Odd Fellow, and a Republican on political questions. He never married. He had several brothers and sisters who lived in Schuylkill county, but all predeceased him.
CHARLES K. BOWEN, engaged in the coal washing business at Adams- dale, Schuylkill Co., Pa., was born in North Manheim township, that county, Sept. 16, 1884, and is a son of Charles K. Bowen, grandson of Martin Bowen, and great-grandson of John Bowen, the latter a forgeman and pioneer farmer of Port Clinton, Schuylkill county.
Martin Bowen was a farmer during all of his active years. At the death of his father he inherited a third of the homestead (sixty-five acres), which he cultivated, later buying the old Kershner farm of fifty-four acres. Both of these properties were in North Manheim township. He died at the age of eighty-four years, and is buried in the cemetery of the Jerusalem Union Church at Schuylkill Haven, of which he was an active Lutheran member and one of the building committee which supervised its erection. Mr. Bowen was wedded to Mary Kershner, and to them these children were born: Charles K .; Amanda, deceased, who was married to Jacob Kirk; Matilda, who died at the age of sixty-nine years; Louis, unmarried, living in North Manheim town-
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ship; John A., living in Schuylkill Haven ; and Morris W., a prominent farmer of North Manheim township.
Charles K. Bowen, father of Charles K. Bowen, was born on the home- stead in North Manheim township, and was an agriculturist all of his days. He married Mary Staller, by whom he had ten children, viz .: Harry, Gussie, Edward, William, Howard, Samuel, Elsie, Charles K., and two who died young. Charles K. Bowen died in his forty-fifth year, and after his death the widow married Morris W. Bowen, his brother. To this latter union two children were born, Warren and Lister.
Charles K. Bowen, son of Charles K., attended the schools of North Man- heim township and worked upon the home farm for a time. He then went to Mount Carbon and worked in the Pennsylvania Railroad car shops for four years, after which he took up the occupation of coal washing, which he has followed ever since. He has his washery at Landingville, fitted with all the latest machinery, and is doing a large business, selling his coal both wholesale and retail. He was formerly associated in business with Irvin Alsbach.
Mr. Bowen is a public-spirited man and is popular with all classes of people in his vicinity. He resides in a beautiful home at Adamsdale. He is fond of automobiling and owns a fine seven-passenger touring car, from which he and his wife obtain a great deal of pleasure and recreation. Mr. Bowen was married to Anna Aulenbach, daughter of Pierce and Mary (Moyer) Aulen- bach. They have no children. He is a member of Christ's Lutheran Church of Schuylkill Haven, is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Patriotic Order Sons of America at Schuylkill Haven.
Pierce Aulenbach, father of Mrs. Bowen, resided at Adamsdale and was a carpenter by occupation. He married Mary Moyer, of Bernville, Berks Co., Pa., and they had children: Samuel, of Schuylkill Haven; Anna, wife of Charles K. Bowen ; Cora, wife of Irvin Alsbach; Sadie ; Robert ; Hartie ; Ray- mond, and Hannah. Mr. Aulenbach died May 5, 1906, at Adamsdale, and is buried in the cemetery of Zion's (Red) Church.
CHARLES QUANDEL, at present serving as fire chief of Minersville, is also one of the respected business men of that borough, where he has built up a profitable contracting business. Formerly he was also engaged in the burning of lime. He was born at Minersville, April 3, 1875, son of Emil Quan- del. The father was a native of Berlin, Germany, came to America when a young man, and first settled at Ashland, Schuylkill Co., Pa. Later he removed to Minersville, where he became engaged in lime burning, following this busi- ness for many years. His death occurred suddenly at Shenandoah, this county, and he is buried at Minersville. By his marriage to Wilhelmina Vonder-Heiden he had three children: F. J. R., who is now a resident of Philadelphia, Pa .; William, of New Jersey ; and Charles.
Charles Quandel grew up to manhood at Minersville and attended the public schools in his boyhood. In his early life he became employed at lime burning for a time, and also in the cement and concrete business, and in 1912 engaged in the lumber business, to which he has since added contracting and building. His combined interests offer him steady employment, and he is well known in his line for reliable dealings and uprightness in all his transactions. Since 1912 Mr. Quandel has been fire chief at Minersville, an honor. which indicates unquestionably the confidence which his fellow citizens repose in him. He is well known in the local fraternal bodies, being a member of Minersville
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