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 23
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FRANK J. HUMMEL, of Minersville, is a son of a worthy resident of that borough, Engelhart Hummel, who established the name there in 1850, and father and son have been associated with the same line of business in the sixty-five years which have elapsed since. The father was a cabinet-
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maker and Frank J. Hummel is the leading undertaker at Minersville, and also engaged as a furniture dealer.
Engelhart Hummel was born at Hofheim, Germany, July 21, 1824, and there grew to manhood, meantime learning cabinetmaking. Coming to America in 1849, he landed at Baltimore, Md., where he found employment for a short time in a piano factory. The same year he removed to Pennsylvania, locat- ing at Pottsville, Schuylkill county, whence in 1850 he removed to Miners- ville, at which place he made his permanent home. For about the first two years, until 1852, he was in the employ of M. Weiser, was afterwards with Ambrose McGee until 1853, and then returned to Mr. Weiser for a brief period. In 1854 he formed a partnership with John Brock, and though they were burned out the same year, they kept up the business, remaining in part- nership until 1856. In 1857 Mr. Hummel embarked in business on his own account, and was so occupied until 1884. He was a skilled workman and a typical German artisan, and he made the first walnut casket ever produced in Minersville. He was a substantial citizen and took an intelligent interest in the general affairs of the town, serving as a member of its council from 1861 to 1864, and as a member of the school board from 1864 to 1901. His death occurred Dec. 13, 1902, when he was aged seventy-eight years, four months, twenty-two days, and he is buried in the German Catholic cemetery at Miners- ville. Mr. Hummel's first wife, Barbara, whom he married in Baltimore Nov. 25, 1849, was born in 1822 and died in 1865. His second marriage was to Gertrude Gehn and took place June 27, 1869. To them were born two sons, Frank J., on March 15, 1870, and Engelhart, on May 15, 1871. The mother died in 1872, and in October, 1874, Mr. Hummel married (third) Mrs. Bar- bara Ritzel.
Frank J. Hummel was born at Minersville, where he passed his boyhood in attendance at the public schools. As his father's assistant he became thor- oughly grounded in the details of the furniture business, and in 1890 went to New York City, where he clerked in a hardware store, meantime also taking a course at a school of embalming, from which he was graduated in 1898. Returning to Minersville, he established his present business on Feb. 15, 1901, and he has had a steadily increasing trade ever since. His location is at the corner of Fourth and Sunbury streets. He has coaches for hire, deals exten- sively in fine furniture and conducts the leading undertaking business in this section, having had charge of 2,600 funerals. Mr. Hummel has been thor- oughly progressive about keeping abreast with the modern ideas and methods in his line, and he is untiring in his efforts to give the utmost satisfaction to all his patrons, his reputation in this respect being proverbial. He has gained a substantial position in the business world, and is also regarded as a trust- worthy public official, having given three years of efficient service on the school board.
Mr. Hummel married Margaret Connelly, and they have five children, Engelhart P., Gertrude and Regina (twins), Helen and Jack.
REV. HENRY HEPLER has been a minister of the United Evangelical Church for over twenty-five years, and though now retired to some extent from active duties still retains his interest and connection with the work, giv- ing useful service to the denomination in his own locality or wherever he is called.
The Hepler family has been in Schuykill county from pioneer days, and Vol. II-10
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Jacob M. Hepler, father of Rev. Henry Hepler, was born here, in the Ma- hantongo valley. He learned blacksmithing and followed his trade entirely during his earlier years, devoting the later part of his life to preaching as a minister of the Church of God. At the time of his death, which occurred in 1894, he was making his home with his son Henry. He married Elizabeth Haupt, who was born in the Mahanoy valley, this county, and was also of pioneer stock. She died in 1892. We have the following record of the ten children born to them: Catherine, the eldest, now deceased, was the wife of Joseph Kehler, of this county; Elizabeth, deceased, was the wife of William Stitzer; Sarah, deceased, was the wife of George Krause, of this county; Polly, deceased, was the wife of Daniel Snyder; Hettie, the widow of Louis Lybolt, lives at Tamaqua, this county ; Henry is next in the family ; Samuel. deceased, was in the Union service during the Civil war ; Lydia, deceased, was the wife of John Phillips; Harriet married Isaac Christ and both are deceased, his death occurring first; Elmira is the wife of Michael Sickinger, of Johns- town, Pennsylvania.
Henry Hepler was born Nov. 2, 1838, in the Mahantongo valley, this county, where he was reared, receiving his education in the public schools of the neighborhood. In his boyhood he started to learn the trade of carpenter, which he has followed practically all his life, although for many years much of his time was given to the work of the ministry, upon which he entered in the year 1888. He has been one of the efficient servants of the United Evan- gelical denomination in his section, doing valuable work for the church and Sunday school, and still continues his activities, although not to the same extent as formerly. Meantime he has also followed the occupation of carpen- ter very successfully. Mr. Hepler has not been associated with public affairs directly, but he has always been a public-spirited citizen, and during the Civil war gave almost four years of service to the Union cause, enlisting in Sep- tember, 1861, in Company E, 55th Pennsylvania Infantry. He became sergeant of his company. Considerable field service fell to the lot of his command, and he took part in sixteen battles, including : Edisto Island, Pocotaligo, Old Town Creek, Proctor's Creek, Derry Creek, Cold Harbor, Correctory Hill, Signal Hill. Hatcher's Run, Chapin Farm, capture of Petersburg and Appomattox. Mr. Hepler was mustered out in August, 1865, at Petersburg, Va., and received an honorable discharge. Returning to his home after the war was over, Mr. Hepler resumed work at his trade. In 1879 he moved to Ashland, where he has since resided, and he has owned his present home at No. 1219 Arch street for several years.
In 1866 he was married to Fietta Schwalm, who was born in Schuylkill county, daughter of Jacob and Christana (Klinger) Schwalm, who lived and died at their hirthplace in Schuylkill county. Mr. Schwalm was a carpenter and farmer all his life. Mrs. Hepler was the eldest of his thirteen children, the others being: Samuel, now deceased; Catherine, deceased, who was the wife of Abram Carr, of this county; Hannah, who is the widow of Gerald Faust, of Reading, Pa .; Chestina, wife of Charles Hoffman, of Schuylkill county ; Nathaniel, a resident of Williamstown, Pa .; Henry, who lives on the old homestead in Schuylkill county; Mary, the wife of Samuel Herb, of this county ; Monroe, a farmer in Schuylkill county; Ellen, the wife of Victor Blyler, of this county; George, deceased; Polly, deceased; and Victoria, deceased.
Eight children have been born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Hepler: Eliza-
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beth is married to Thomas Hughes, of Ashland; Oscar is a resident of Ash- land; Catherine is the wife of David Grove, of Northampton, Pa .; the other five are deceased. Mrs. Hepler, like her husband, is a faithful member of the United Evangelical Church.
JACKSON M. SHELLHAMER has recently established himself in busi- ness at Orwigsburg, where he acquired his early experience in the furniture trade and undertaking with Mr. Greenawald, one of the old merchants of that place.
The Shellhamer family is of German origin, and former generations spelled the name Schellhammer. They were among the early settlers of Berks county, this State. Jared Shellhamer, grandfather of Jackson M. Shellhamer, was a native of Strausstown, Berks county, and came to Schuylkill county when a young man, settling at McKeansburg. He was a tailor by trade and followed that calling at McKeansburg during his active years. He died there at the age of seventy-seven years. His children were: Albert, Willoughby, James, Louisa and Geonous.
Geonous Shellhamer, father of Jackson M. Shellhamer, was a carpenter, and followed his trade at McKeansburg and throughout the adjoining terri- tory. His death occurred in 1885. His wife, Josephine, was a daughter of Charles Shellhamer, and they were the parents of four children: Rosa, Cora, Harrison and Jackson M.
Jackson M. Shellhamer was born Nov. 3, 1882, at McKeansburg, Schuylkill county, where he was reared and educated, attending the public schools. He remained on the farm until the age of sixteen years, when he came to Orwigs- burg and entered the employ of Mr. Greenawald, with whom he remained seven years, learning the details of the undertaking business thoroughly under his efficient tutelage. Having decided to embark in the business on his own account, Mr. Shellhamer established himself at Pine Grove, where he had a successful trade. After several years, however, he concluded that Orwigs- burg offered a wider field and better promise for expansion of trade. and he entered business in that borough April 1, 1914. Both as a dealer in furniture and as an undertaker he has a large trade, with every prospect of becoming one of the leading men in his line in Schuylkill county. He is ambitious and willing to work to further his enterprises, and he has the substantial qualities which win and hold confidence.
In June, 1914, Mr. Shellhamer married Beulah Martin, of Pine Grove, daughter of John Martin. Fraternally Mr. Shellhamer is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Improved Order of Red Men. While at Pine Grove he became a member of St. John's Lutheran Church there.
EDWARD KLASE, a prosperous and prominent farmer and dairyman of Butler township, Schuylkill Co., Pa., was born in Germany, in the kingdom of Saxony, son of Ferdinand and Amelia Klase, both also natives of that country.
Edward Klase was educated in the schools of Germany and for a time worked in the mines there. At the age of fourteen years he came to America, in the year 1861, settling at Ashland, where he found work in the mines, continuing to be so employed until 1881. He then bought a tract of twenty- eight acres, the beginning of his present farm of ninety-eight acres, and has
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since developed all its possibilities agriculturally until it is one of the best in the county. He also runs a dairy in connection, selling his milk to residents of Girardville.
On June 2, 1872, Mr. Klase was married, at Girardville, to Barbara Wick- line, who was born in Germany July 15, 1848, and died April 2, 1914; she is buried in the Island cemetery, near her home.
To Mr. and Mrs. Klase were born six children, as follows: Edward, who is in Nebraska; August, who is at home on the farm; William C., a shoe mer- chant, of Ashland; Frederick, at home on the farm; Anna, wife of Louis Schlee, of Girardville; and Eva, wife of Charles Trunmetter, of Gordon, this county. Mr. Klase and his family are members of the German Lutheran Church. He is one of the directors of the Island cemetery.
HENRY LEONHARDT, proprietor of a bakery and confectionery at Girardville, Schuylkill county, was born in Fountain Springs, this county, July 30, 1867, son of Peter and Louise (Uhl) Leonhardt.
The family is of German descent. Peter Leonhardt was born in Germany, and came to America at an early date, settling in Schuylkill county, Pa., where he worked in the mines all the remainder of his life, dying in April, 1904. For a time he lived at Fountain Springs. His wife was a daughter of George Uhl, who came to America in the early forties and settled in Schuylkill county, where he farmed until his death. Mrs. Leonhardt died in 1907. Mr. and Mrs. Leonhardt had these children: Henry; Barbara, wife of Frank Weiss, of Philadelphia; George, who is a baker of Mahanoy City; John, deceased ; and one child that died in infancy.
Henry Leonhardt was educated in the schools of Girardville, his parents having come here in 1868. He worked for a short time in the mines, and then at the age of seventeen began to learn the trade of baker. After he com- pleted his apprenticeship he was employed at Shenandoah and Hazleton, and twenty-two years ago came to Girardville, where he went into business for himself. He has made a success of his chosen work, now owning the build- ing in which he has his store. Mr. Leonhardt was married Feb. 16, 1892, to Annie Gillespie, a native of Carbon county, daughter of Peter and Anna Gillespie, early settlers of that county. To this union five children were born : Marie, Anna, Raymond, Louise and Clara, the two last named being deceased. The mother died Jan. 15, 1904, and on April 17, 1906, Mr. Leonhardt was married to Katie, the daughter of Thomas and Mary Durkin, deceased, of Girardville. Mr. Leonhardt is a member of Fort Sheridan Council, Knights of Columbus, of which he is treasurer, and of the Order of Foresters. He and his family are members of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, of Girardville.
AMOS R. LAMBERSON, of Tremont, settled in Schuylkill county shortly after the close of the Civil war and has been a resident of the borough for over thirty years. He has been a highly useful citizen, doing his share in the maintenance of social and religious activities, and taking a helpful part in all local affairs of general interest. His birth took place in Luzerne county, Pa., and the family is of Welsh extraction, the ancestor who came to this section from Wales first settling in Maryland. Jacob Lamberson, grandfather of Amos R., came thence to Columbia county, Pa., making his home near Catawissa, where he engaged in farming and remained until his death. His
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family consisted of six children : Nicholas, John, Samuel, Aaron, Esther and Elizabeth.
Samuel Lamberson, father of Amos R. Lamberson, was a native of Co- lumbia county, Pa., and passed all his early life there. Moving to Luzerne county, he lived a number of years in the Black Creek valley, from which region he eventually removed to Schuylkill county, where he spent his remain- ing years. He died in this county. Mr. Lamberson was a shoemaker by occupation, and took an active part in politics during his residence in Luzerne county, his fellow citizens honoring him frequently with election to town- ship offices. He served faithfully and intelligently in every trust. Samuel Lamberson married Elizabeth Fenstermacher, like himself a native of Columbia county, where her father was a pioneer settler ; he followed farming, and died in Columbia county. Mr. Fenstermacher had children as follows: Eli, John, Peter, Franklin, Deborah, Rebecca and Elizabeth (Mrs. Lamberson). The last named died in Schuylkill county. She was the mother of five children, namely : Jacob (the eldest) and Eli are deceased; Aaron died in the Soldiers' Home at Hot Springs, S. Dak .; Amos R. is the youngest son; Rebecca is the wife of William Zimmerman, a farmer of Schuylkill county. All the sons were Union soldiers during the Civil war, Aaron serving in the 129th and 52d Regiments, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and remaining in the army until the war closed.
Amos R. Lamberson was born Oct. 31, 1842, in Luzerne county, Pa., and grew up in Black Creek township, receiving his education in the common schools there. After leaving school he took up telegraphy, learning the work in Lehigh county, Pa., and he followed it until he entered the service during the Civil war. He enlisted twice, the first time from Whitehall township, Lehigh county, as a member of Company E, 27th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, with which he served about two months. Reenlisting in Company G, 52d Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, he continued in the service until the war ended, principally engaged in guard duty along the Atlantic coast. His command was attached to Sherman's army. Mr. Lamberson was mustered out at Salisbury, N. C., and received his discharge at Harrisburg, Pennsyl- vania.
For about two years after his return from the army Mr. Lamberson was in the service of the Lehigh Company in Lehigh county, was subsequently in Luzerne county for a time, and soon came to Schuylkill county, where he has since made his home. After six years' service as chief of police at Tamaqua he located at Tremont, and here for thirty years he has been special officer for the Philadelphia & Reading Coal & Iron Company. His long retention in their service is the best comment on his fidelity to duty and reliable character.
Mr. Lamberson is a prominent member of the G. A. R. post at Tremont, has filled all the offices, and is serving at present as adjutant. He is a local leader in the Improved Order of Red Men, in which he has passed all the chairs, and he has also served in all the official positions in the Methodist Church, of which he is an active member.
On Nov. 26, 1867, Mr. Lamberson was married, in Luzerne county, to Mary E. Hape, daughter of William and Catherine Hape, natives of Germany who came to America many years ago, and settled in Luzerne county, Pa., where Mrs. Lamberson was born, in Conyngham township. Mr. Hape was a farmer by occupation. He and his wife died in Luzerne county. Mrs. Lam-
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berson died Aug. 30, 1906, the mother of six children, viz .: Eugene, the eldest, is now a resident of Clifton, N. J .; Carrie is the wife of Clarence E. Bierce and lives at Oak Lane, near Philadelphia ; Martha, widow of J. Newton Kauf- man, lives in Philadelphia ; Dora is the wife of Frank H. Kaufman, of Tower City, Pa .; Minerva is the wife of Dr. Fegley, of Tremont; Harvey, of Clifton, N. J., is manager of an asphalt plant.
On Aug. 28, 1910, Mr. Lamberson married (second) Mrs. Mary E. (Hess) McElwee, of Adams county, Pennsylvania.
JOHN A. STIEF, of Ashland, who has recently assumed the duties of postmaster at that borough, has been one of its lifelong residents, and his father was one of the most respected business men there for a period of forty years.
The family is of German extraction. Michael Stief, father of John A. Stief, was born in Bavaria, Germany, and coming to America in 1855 first located at Pottsville, Schuylkill Co., Pa. The same year he removed to Ashland, where he engaged in business as a grocer, continuing this until his death, which occurred in 1894; he is buried at Ashland. He was married to Mary Tretter at Pottsville, who, like himself, was a native of Bavaria, and came to Schuylkill county when young, with brothers. She survives her husband, and though now (1914) eighty-one years of age is in good health. Eleven children were born to her and her husband of whom Elizabeth, Mrs. Knoblach, lives in Mount Carmel, Pa .; John A. is mentioned below; Herman J., a resident of Ashland, is engaged in the hardware business; Michael lives at Shamokin, Pa .; Peter lives at Mount Carmel, Pa .; Mary is the wife of Theodore Lentas, of Philadelphia, Pa .; Joseph G. is a business man at Ashland ; Josephine is living at home; Lena is the wife of John Felker, of Mount Carmel. The father was a Democrat in political sentiment.
John A. Stief was born in May, 1857, at Ashland, where he received his early education in the public schools. Later he attended St. Vincent's Col- lege, at Latrobe, Pa., and after leaving school was in the store with his father for a time. In 1873 he commenced to learn the trade of stonecutter under Frank Grantz, at one time county commissioner of Schuylkill county, and he continued in his employ after completing his apprenticeship, eventually buying him out, in 1894. He has since conducted the business in his own name, and has been very successful, his thorough workmanship and reliable character gaining and holding the confidence of his patrons. His high reputation in business has been supplemented by a most desirable record in public service. In 1900 he was elected burgess, holding that position until 1903, and was re- elected in 1906, his work during both terms showing commendable public spirit, and strengthening the confidence of his fellow citizens in his ability and trustworthiness. For about four years he was deputy coroner at Ash- land, and for five years he filled the position of health officer, in both capacities discharging his duties with intelligence and the utmost fidelity. In 1913 he was appointed postmaster, in which position it may reasonably be expected he will acquit himself with characteristic efficiency. He has always been a Democrat in political connection. The Stiefs are Catholics, and he belongs to St. Mauritius' Church at Ashland, of which his family are also members.
In August, 1877, Mr. Stief was married to Mary Pelstring, a native of Schuylkill county, daughter of Anthony and Lena ( Killhower) Pelstring, who were born in Bavaria, Germany, and came to Schuylkill county many years
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ago. They settled at Ashland, where Mr. Pelstring died in 1905, and where his widow is still living at the age of seventy-seven years. He was a soap and candle maker by trade. Mr. and Mrs. Pelstring had a family of five children, some of whom are living in Philadelphia. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Stief: Louis, who is assistant to his father in business, married Olla Fulton, of Girardville ; Frank, who is also in his father's employ, married Minnie Leverentz, of Ashland, and three children have been born to them, Louis, Frank and John; Joseph, who lives at Mount Carmel, following the profession of music teacher, married Ellen Young, of that place, and they have one child, Helen.
GREGORY ACHENBACH, of Pine Grove, has displayed versatile abil- ity in the prosecution of his various activities, which have included professional, business and official occupation. At present he gives all his time to his duties as justice of the peace, which office he has held since 1896.
The Achenbach family is of German origin, and of old standing in Schuyl- kill county, William Achenbach, grandfather of Gregory, having been born in this section. By calling he was a farmer. Removing to Pine Grove, he made his permanent home there. His children were: Reuben, who is de- ceased; William; Henry, a resident of Nebraska ; Emanuel, of Kansas; Israel, of Lebanon, Pa .; Louis, who lives at Iowa; Jacob, deceased ; Angeline; Cath- erine, wife of Charles Brommer, of Philadelphia ; and Cecilia, wife of Solomon Gottschall, of Elizabeth, Dauphin Co., Pennsylvania.
Reuben Achenbach was born near Pine Grove, and having learned the trade of blacksmith established himself in business in the borough, being so engaged until his death, June 24, 1905. He held a creditable place as a trustworthy citizen, his diligence, honesty and straightforward character winning him the good will of all his fellow men. He married Rebecca Sotzin, who was born in Pine Grove, daughter of Henry Sotzin, a native of Switzerland, who came to America many years ago and settled in this vicinity, where he carried on farming until his death. His children were: Matthias, Henry, Samuel, Susanna, Mary, Elizabeth and Rebecca ( Mrs. Achenbach), all now deceased. Mrs. Achenbach died Dec. 1, 1884. She was the mother of nine children, namely: Isaac, a wheelwright, who lives at Pine Grove; Mary Ann, wife of F. F. Brommer, of Pine Grove; Reuben, of Pine Grove, a retired blacksmith ; Daniel, of Schuylkill Haven, employed as a blacksmith by the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company; Gregory; Andrew, who died young; and others who died in infancy.
Gregory Achenbach was born in 1871 in Pine Grove township, was reared near the borough, and began his literary training in the public schools there. After graduating from high school in 1888, he entered the Keystone State Normal School, at Kutztown, which he attended in 1892, obtaining an excellent education. In his young manhood he taught school for eleven terms in Pine Grove township, later turning his attention to business. He had a bakery at Pine Grove for eighteen years, building up. a wide trade by courteous treatment of his patrons and solicitude for their wants. He continued the business until 1913, when he gave it up in order to devote all his time to offi- cial responsibilities. Mr. Achenbach was first elected justice of the peace in 1896, before he gave up teaching, and has filled that position continuously since. He has also given three years' service on the board of school directors,
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and in every trust to which he has been called has proved his fitness and shown himself worthy of the confidence of the community.
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