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 24
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Mr. Achenbach has numerous fraternal affiliations, belonging to Lodge No. 148, I. O. O. F., of which he is a past grand; to the Knights of the Golden Eagle, of which he is a past chief ; to the Independent Americans; and to the Royal Arcanum, of which he is a past regent.
On May 25, 1889, Mr. Achenbach married Mary E. Lehman, a native of Pine Grove, daughter of Isaac and Angelina (Huber) Lehman, both now deceased, who were residents of Pine Grove in pioneer days. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Achenbach, viz .: Laura R., deceased; Mae E .; Alma A., deceased; Harvena M .; Arthur A .; Stanley E .; Lyman I .; Grace E .; and Ruth F., deceased. The family home is an attractive residence on the main street of the borough.
ELISHA FILER, JR., of Mahanoy City, has made a wide circle of ac- quaintances among officials and lawyers in Schuylkill county during his sev- eral years' experience as court crier and law librarian. He has been serving as such, by appointment, since 1909. Mr. Filer is a native of Mahanoy City and his early life was quite typical of Schuylkill county, having been spent in work at the anthracite mines.
Born July 13, 1870, he is a son of Elisha Filer, who was born in Wales and came to this country when a young man. Settling at Mahanoy City, Schuylkill Co., Pa., he followed mining for a number of years, later obtain- ing employment with the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company. He was given charge of the local work train, and still fills that position.
Elisha Filer, Jr., received his education in the public schools of Mahanoy City. When a boy of nine years he began work as a slate picker at the breaker of what is now the Tunnel Ridge colliery, under John Shipman, who was the outside foreman. He continued mine work until the year 1905, filling various positions, for thirteen years in the capacity of coal inspector for the Lehigh Valley Coal Company. Becoming a clerk for Harrison Ball, lumber and hardware dealer, he remained with him three years, after which he was a clerk in the employ of the Lehigh Valley Coal Company at Centralia, Columbia Co., Pa., for a time. Meantime he had been in the insurance business for eighteen months. In 1909 he was appointed, by Judge Brumm and ex-Judge Shay, as court crier and librarian at the courthouse of Schuylkill county, and has served creditably in that capacity ever since. He also maintains his office at No. 334 East Centre street, Mahanoy City, doing considerable business as a fire insurance agent and in the handling of real estate; he represents several of the old-line insurance companies. Mr. Filer has served one term as school director of the borough, and has also been borough auditor, and in all the public service he has undertaken has made a most creditable record. In political activities he has always been associated with the Republican party, and one of its most reliable workers in his section of the county. He holds membership in several fraternal bodies-Mahanoy City Lodge, No. 357, F. & A. M .; the Jr. O. U. A. M. ; the P. O. S. of A., and the local lodge of B. P. O. Elks. He also belongs to the Schuylkill County Historical Society. In religious connection he is a Baptist, and in all his associations, business, official, social and purely personal, he has the unqualified respect of his fellows as an all- around good citizen.
Mr. Filer has been twice married. By his first union, with Eliza Jenkins,
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he had three children, Earle, Myrtle and Wilbur. After their mother's death he was united to Lottie Webb, by whom he has one son, Paul W.
CHARLES H. MAY, one of the oldest native-born residents of Port Carbon, is now living retired. In former years he was associated with various activities in the borough of a public nature or common interest, but except for his work in the United Evangelical Church he has withdrawn from par- ticipation in such matters. He was born Feb. 16, 1845, son of Philip H. May, a native of Germany who came to America in young manhood and was an early settler at Port Carbon, Schuylkill Co., Pa., where he died at the age of seventy-four years. He is buried there, in the Lutheran cemetery. Mr. May followed the trade of carpenter. He had six children: Charles H., Sallie, Rosie, Mary, Wesley and John.
Charles H. May received his education in Port Carbon, and when yet a boy began work in a sawmill. He learned the trade of machinist in the Boyer establishment at Port Carbon, and followed it for about forty-nine years in all, for many years in the shops of the Philadelphia & Reading Coal & Iron Company at Pottsville, this county. A few years ago he retired to enjoy well earned leisure. Mr. May is independent on political questions, supporting the policies he likes best regardless of their origin. He has served three years as borough councilman. During the Civil war his sympathies were with the Union, and in 1862 he enlisted in. the 129th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry for nine months' service (during which the regiment was part of the State militia), participating in the battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellors- ville. The regiment was organized in August, 1862, and five companies were recruited in Schuylkill county. He reenlisted in the 48th Pennsylvania Regi- ment, and served to the close of the war; in front of Petersburg he was wounded in the left shoulder. Mr. May was a charter member of the old Grand Army post at Port Carbon, and he is now a member of Allison Brothers Post, No. 144, of his borough, of which he has been commander. He was an early member of the United Evangelical Church at Port Carbon, and he has been a class leader for many years, still serving in that capacity, and also as trustee. For many years he took an active part in the work of the Sunday school.
Mr. May married Emma L. Krecker, who is deceased. They became the parents of the following children : Fred, Charles, Raymond, Harold, Florence, Elsie, Beulah and Olive, the last named deceased.
DAVID STARR, of Branch township, is a member of the fourth gener- ation of his family in Schuylkill county, and in intelligence, good citizenship and other worthy qualities a typical representative of the name he bears. From the time of his great-grandfather, who settled in Schuylkill county when he came to this country from Germany, the Starrs have been counted among its most useful, substantial residents, thrifty in business and alive to the general welfare, showing their interest in public-spirited service to their fellow citizens at every opportunity.
Peter Starr, Sr., grandfather of David Starr, was born in Schuylkill county. He learned the trade of tailor, at which he worked in Branch and Reilly town- ships, and was a well known man in that section in his day. He lived to the great age of ninety-eight years, seven months, fifteen days, and is buried in the old Frieden's Church cemetery near Llewellyn, in Branch township. His
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children were: Abraham, Peter, Jr., John, Jacob, Elizabeth, Susan, Maria and Catherine.
Abraham Starr, father of David Starr, was born and reared in Schuylkill county, and passed all his life here, dying when sixty-eight years old. He is buried in the cemetery of Frieden's Church. He always worked by the day. By his marriage to Rebecca Zechman he had a large family, five of whom still survive: Charles, William, Jacob, Abraham and David.
David Starr, son of Abraham, was born Feb. 28, 1845, at Llewellyn, in Branch township. When but six years old he came to the place where he has since made his home, the farm of his uncle, Peter Starr, Jr., who reared and educated him, having no children of his own. David Starr remained with his uncle until the latter's death. He assisted with the farm work, and is' still engaged in cultivating what he retains of the tract, having sold the part upon which the famous Black Diamond colliery is situated. In his uncle's day it was worked by independent operators, but it is now owned by the Philadelphia & Reading Coal & Iron Company.
Mr. Starr is one of the best known men in his locality. The efficient man- agement he gave to his own affairs attracted the attention of his neighbors and business associates generally, and he was picked as a desirable candidate for the office of township treasurer, was elected, and gave great satisfaction in the performance of its duties. He succeeded his uncle Peter as supervisor of Branch township, holding that office six months. Mr. Starr has been a prom- inent member of the Reformed Church, and has filled the position of elder.
By his marriage to Mary M. Henry, Mr. Starr has had nine children : Sarah R. is unmarried; William A. is in the hotel business; Catherine is the wife of Fred A. Barras and lives in Boston, Mass .; Jane G., wife of Milton Starr, lives in Branch township; Samuel O. is at home; four died young.
PETER STARR, JR., the uncle by whom David Starr was reared, was a proin- inent resident of Branch township, well known in and around the town of Llewellyn. He kept store, carried on a huckster business, and owned a farm of one hundred acres, much of which proved to be valuable coal land. He was also in the timber business, and was successful in all his undertakings. He and his wife are both deceased.
PETER J. SCHNEIDER, of Locustdale, has been a resident of Schuylkill county for thirty years and has become one of the substantial business men of his section. As postmaster he comes into contact with most of the members of the community, and the universal respect in which he is held is a fair indica- tion of the honorable methods which have characterized all his dealings with his fellow citizens.
A native of Germany. Mr. Schneider was born Aug. 24, 1864, son of Frank W. and Catherine (Utterbaugh) Schneider. The mother died in Germany, and the father subsequently came to America with three sons and one daugh- ter. They located at Ashland, Schuylkill Co., Pa., and the father died in March, 1901.
Peter J. Schneider was reared and educated in Germany, where he lived until twenty years old, coming to this country with his father in the year 1884. Previous to this time he had begun work in the mines, and he followed mine work during the first fifteen years of his residence here also. He had accom- panied his father to Ashland, but remained there only a short time, and has since been at Locustdale. Some fifteen years ago he embarked in business as
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a general merchant, and has been so engaged until the present time, having established a profitable trade by obliging attention to the wants of his custom- ers. In 1913 he was appointed postmaster, in which office he has been giving highly satisfactory service. Mr. Schneider has proved himself a man of thoroughly reliable character, and is trusted unreservedly by his fellow men.
In 1891 Mr. Schneider married Elizabeth Mellon, of Schuylkill county, daughter of Joseph and Theresa Mellon, who are residents of this county, and six children have been born to this union: Frank, Anthony, Marie, Veronica, Elizabeth and Retta. Mr. Schneider's religious connection is with the German Catholic Church.
SIMON HARTMAN, a merchant of Valley View, has been in business since he settled there, in 1906, and has built up a profitable trade and creditable reputation by dealings which stamp him as being worthy of the confidence of his fellow citizens. He is a native of Dauphin county, Pa., where the family has been known and respected from the early days. His grandfather, Simon Hartman, was born at Gratz, that county, and followed farming in Dauphin county.
Amos Hartman, father of Simon Hartman, was born at Gratz, where he farmed throughout his active years, now living retired. He married Sallie Paul, a native of Northumberland county, daughter of George Paul, who resided near Herndon, that county, until his death; he was a mason by trade. Mr. and Mrs. Hartman have had six children, namely: Jennie, the eldest, is the wife of Maurice Zerfing, of Gratz, Pa .; Allen is a farmer at Gratz; Wilson is deceased ; Simon is next in the family ; Sallie and Lloyd are at home.
Simon Hartman was born at Gratz, Dauphin county, where he was reared and educated, attending the public schools. After he undertook his own sup- port he lived for a time at Philadelphia, Pa., and for six years was at Chicago, Ill., in the service of the Pullman Company, settling at Valley View, Schuylkill Co., Pa., in the year 1906. Here he has been engaged in business on his own account, having the largest and best assorted stock of the kind in the town and vicinity. He carries a well selected line of general hardware and builders' supplies, and is always willing to give customers the benefit of his advice as well as good service, his accommodating disposition and familiarity with his chosen line bringing customers from all over this part of the county. He has become identified with other interests in the town, being a member of the Val- ley View Odd Fellows lodge, and has earned a name for himself among the substantial citizens of his adopted place.
In 1910 Mr. Hartman married Sallie Klinger, a native of Gratz, Dauphin county, daughter of Tobias and Emma (Shaffer) Klinger, the former now deceased, the latter still a resident of Gratz. Mr. and Mrs. Hartman have two children, Florence and Mae.
GEORGE BOND, late of Tamaqua, was a pioneer blacksmith of that place and one of the successful business men of his day there, founding many years ago the establishment which is still conducted by his son. A proficient mechanic and man of practical executive ability, Mr. Bond combined with good business qualities an admirable personal character which made him worthy of the esteem of his fellow citizens, among whom he occupied for many years an honorable position.
Mr. Bond was born in England in 1826, and his father, John Bond, was
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also a native of that country. The latter brought his family to America, and first settled at Pottsville, Schuylkill Co., Pa., later removing to Port Clinton, same county. He was twice married, and by his first wife had one son, George. To his second marriage was born a daughter, Angelia, who became the wife of Dr. George Nice, of Port Clinton.
During his boyhood George Bond attended public school at Tamaqua, making his home there with his cousin, John Bond. For a time he lived at Port Clinton, returning to Tamaqua in 1847 and here serving his apprentice- ship to the blacksmith's trade, which was his life work. Starting in business on his own account when yet a young man, he built up a wide patronage by reliable work and honesty in all his transactions, and in time had a large plant with all conveniences for first-class work, of which he always had plenty. He carried on the establishment until his death, in 1900, and it has since been operated by his son George. George Bond is buried at Tamaqua. He was a member of the local Masonic lodge, No. 238, and of the Knights of Pythias, and was a Presbyterian in religious connection.
On March 24, 1851, Mr. Bond married Miranda Boughner, who died in 1905. The following children were born to this union: John C. is now a resident of Montana; Catherine, deceased, was the wife of John Masterson; Emily C. lives at the old home in Tamaqua ; William, Albert and George live at Tamaqua, the last named continuing the business his father established.
Abraham Boughner, father of Mrs. George Bond, lived for a time in Rush township, this county, later settling at Tamaqua, where he died. He served as county commissioner in the later thirties, when the courthouse was located at Orwigsburg. Mr. Boughner married Catherine Fetter, and their children were: Mary married John Brady, who was a contractor, of Philadelphia, Pa .; Catherine married Gideon Wetstone; Caroline married Albert Dewel, of New York State; Miranda was the wife of George Bond.
JOHN HERMAN KEILMAN is considered one of the most valuable citizens of Rush township, where his helpful activity in all good works has furthered many a cause for the general welfare. Public-spirited, intelligent and unselfish in devoting his efforts to conserving the best interests of the community, he well deserves the influential position he enjoys among his neighbors and fellow townsmen generally.
The Keilman family is of German descent. John Herman Keilman, Sr., father of John Herman Keilman, Jr., was born at Hoenebach, Germany, and came to America in young manhood, in 1855. Locating at Mahanoy City, Schuylkill Co., Pa., he followed mining for a number of years, and in 1871 settled in Rush township, where he had purchased a farm. It was all bush land then, but he cleared it and devoted the remainder of his life to its cultivation, dying Feb. 20, 1888. He is buried at Mahanoy City. His wife, whose maiden name was Susanna Young, was a native of Suess, Germany, and came to America on the same ship as Mr. Keilman, whom she afterwards married. She is now living at Allentown, Pa., with her daughter Mrs. Weil. Children as follows were born to Mr. and Mrs. John Herman Keilman, Sr .: Margaret, who is now the wife of Rev. J. G. Steinert, a Reformed minister ; Mary, married to John A. Weil, of Allentown ; Susan, wife of William Moeller, of Philadelphia, Pa .; Dora, who married Alphinous Gouldner, and died in Detroit, Mich. (she is buried at Mahanoy City) ; and John Herman.
John Herman Keilman was born Dec. 31, 1870, at Mahonoy City, Schuyl-
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kill Co., Pa., and was a young child when the family settled on the farm in Rush township. There he spent his boyhood, received his education in the public school at Barnesville, and was early trained to farming, which he has followed most of his life. However, during his young manhood he held the position of assistant postmaster at Barnesville, was assistant station agent there, and also clerked in a store, spending four years thus. He married in 1898 and then took upon himself the operation of his father's farm, renting it first and buying the property Feb. 22, 1907. It consists of fifty-two acres located near Barnesville, and under his systematic care has increased steadily in value, being now one of the best cultivated tracts in the vicinity. Mr. Keil- man has given his work the strict attention necessary to make it prosper, but he has also found time for other interests, and he is one of the men who have assisted in bettering local conditions and endeavored to put township affairs upon a solid basis. He has served four years as member of the school board, of which he was vice president for six months and is now secretary ; for three years he was a clerk on the election board, chosen by the Democratic party ; for twelve years he has been a deacon of Christ Reformed congregation, and he is secretary of both the Reformed and Evangelical Lutheran congregations which worship at Christ Church. He has always taken an active part in its enterprises, and for many years was one of the energetic workers in the Sunday school. Socially he belongs to the Patrons of Husbandry, having been a charter member of Lakeside Grange, No. 1418, which he helped to organize. His cooperation is always sought in any cause which has for its object the promotion of local interests.
On March 16, 1898, Mr. Keilman was married, in Iowa, to Anna L. Scherer, daughter of Calvin and Tillie ( Merely) Scherer, and six children have been born to them: Mabel E .; Roy H .; Ruth D. and Mildred C., twins ; John Harold, and Elmer L.
JOHN R. DOLBIN, of Minersville, is a descendant of an old Schuylkill county family, founded here by his grandfather, Goodman Dolbin, who came from Wales.
Goodman Dolbin lived at Minersville, Pa., for a short time after his arrival in Pennsylvania. He then removed to what is now known as Forestville, a small village in Cass township, and was a pioneer at that place. He was a man of energetic character, well fitted for leadership in promoting the development of a young community, having a progressive disposition and plenty of initiative. He was one of the pioneer independent coal operators there, and in that busi- ness was in partnership for a time with David Rodgers, under the firm name of Dolbin & Rodgers. Some of their contemporaries who had small operations in the locality were Robert Patten, Thomas Lloyd, William Britton and a Mr. Bristow. Mr. Dolbin took an interest in all the affairs of the locality, and was one of the organizers of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church of Forestville. Before its establishment the people of that faith walked to Pottsville to divine services. Mr. Dolbin died at his home in Forestville, and is buried in the Union cemetery at Minersville. He married Mary Thomas, and they reared a large family, having become the parents of nine children, namely: John, who married Elizabeth Robertson; Robert, who married Caroline Groom; David, who married Harriet Groom; Margaret, Mrs. Samuel Taylor; Annie, Mrs. William Moore; Elizabeth, Mrs. Edward Griffith; Jennie, who married
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John Woolcock, of Pottsville; Mary, Mrs. Richard Brennan; and Sarah, who lives with her sister Mrs. Woolcock.
John Dolbin, son of Goodman Dolbin, was born in 1835 at Minersville, Schuylkill county. He lived at Forestville from the early days of that town, and in 1876 engaged in the mercantile business at that place. For many years he was also a mining contractor, afterwards becoming an engineer at the col- lieries. He retired about six years before his death, which occurred in 1903, and he is buried beside his father in the Union cemetery, at Minersville. Like his father John Dolbin was one of the foremost citizens of Cass township, highly respected for his useful life and his public spirit in furthering the interests of the community. In 1857 he married Elizabeth Robertson, a native of Scotland, daughter of John Robertson, who was an uncle of the late Andrew Robertson, a prominent coal operator in the anthracite fields. Mrs. Dolbin, now past eighty years of age, continues to reside in the old homestead at Forestville. She is known to all the residents of that district, and held in affectionate esteem by her many friends. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Dolbin, namely: Mary, the wife of Archie Dunlop, of Forestville, who has three children, John R., Nelson R. and William R .; John R., who is men- tioned below; Andrew R., born April 28, 1871 ; William, deceased ; Goodman, deceased ; James, living at home; and George, of Minersville, who married Mary Jenkins and has had three children, Elizabeth, George, and one deceased. Of this family Andrew R. Dolbin was employed at the mines until twenty-one years old, and then for four years followed the trade of blacksmith. He has since been carrying on a wholesale liquor business at Forestville, and makes his home there, living with his aged mother. He has never married. Mr. Dol- bin is a vestryman of the Episcopal Church, of Forestville, and one of the prominent citizens of that town.
John R. Dolbin was born Nov. 29, 1860, at Forestville, Cass township, and had such educational advantages as the local public schools afforded. Like most boys of the coal region he began work when very young, being only eight years old when he started to work at the mines, where he was employed until he reached his majority. He then went to Mount Carmel, Northumber- land Co., Pa., where he became engaged in the grocery business, meeting with success in this line, in which he continued for twenty-two years. Returning to his old home at Forestville some time ago, he became interested with his brother Andrew in the wholesale liquor business, and they are engaged as bottlers as well as dealers. Mr. Dolbin is an able business man and his various ventures have prospered under his careful management. Like all representa- tives of his family he is a citizen of recognized worth, and holds a substantial position in his home town.
Mr. Dolbin married Amelia Hoffman, by whom he had a family of seven children, namely: Elizabeth, deceased ; William, deceased; Clyde, at home ; Andrew, deceased ; Florence, deceased; Donald, who is a student at the State College, Pa .; and Mary, deceased. For his second wife Mr. Dolbin married Ida Morgans, and to this union also have been born seven children, namely : Delroy, who is at home; Margaret : George, deceased; James, at home; Ken- neth, deceased; and Elizabeth and Florence L., both at home.
HENRY C. KREIS, of Middleport, Schuylkill county, is a man of solid standing in business circles and held in the highest respect for his personal qualities, which have gained him the favor and good will of his associates in
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all the relations of life. He is a native of Schuylkill county, born Jan. 23, 1863, at Brockton, son of Henry C. and Charlotte (Schlimmer) Kreis.
The parents were both natives of Germany, the father born in Kreissau- brücken, Prussia. He was a youth of about eighteen years when he came to America, and first settled in the Tumbling Run valley, in Schuylkill county, Pa., where he did farm work. Later he went to Coal Hill and followed mining for a time, thence removing to Patterson, Schuylkill county, where he was engaged in the hotel business for three years. From there he came to Middle- port, where he also had a' hotel, carrying it on for twenty years. His death occurred at Middleport when he was forty-seven years old, and he is buried in the Lutheran cemetery there. To his marriage with Charlotte Schlimmer were born the following children: Peter, Charlotte, Dorothy, Sophia, Henry C., William and Mary.
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