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 27
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88
Philip Wagner was born in Washington township, where he followed farming, as well as his trade of plasterer, all his life. His wife, Susan ( Har- ring), was also a native of Washington township, where her father was an early settler and farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Wagner had a family of eleven chil- dren: Lydia, now deceased; Louis, deceased; Mary, deceased; Franklin ; John, deceased; Eliza, wife of George Moyer, of Washington township; Jona- than, who lives on the old homestead in that township; Susan, wife of Fred- erick Theil, of Lebanon, Pa .; Henry, living in Washington township; Tillie, wife of Jacob Knausz, of Lebanon; and Emma, wife of Reuben Keefer, of Pine Grove township.
Franklin Wagner was reared on the home farm in Washington township and attended the local schools in his boyhood. When he took up the business of earning a livelihood on his own account he did farm work for one year, and then learned his father's trade, plastering, at which he was profitably engaged until his retirement, meantime, in 1891, settling at Pine Grove, where he has had his home since. High class work and dependable service were at the foundation of his success and drew a patronage which kept him busy as long as he continued at his calling. He has had a thoroughly domestic life, his only association outside of his business being his membership in Wolf Post, No. 203, G. A. R. (which he is serving as officer of the day), and in Salem Lutheran Church in Washington township. He is entitled to connection with the Grand Army by reason of his two terms of service during the Civil war. During the emergency of 1863 he enlisted in Company F, 26th Pennsylvania Regiment, and on Feb. 1. 1864, he joined Company F, 116th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until the close of the war. He was mustered out at Washington July 14, 1865, with the rank of corporal, to which he had been promoted June 1, 1865, and was honorably discharged at Washington July 24, 1865. His command was attached to the 2d Corps, Army of the Potomac, and he saw service in a number of important engagements, including
782
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Po River, Todd's Tavern, North Anna River, Pamunkey River, Tolopotony, Cold Harbor, Williams Farm, Deep Bottom, Strawberry Plains, Hatcher's Run, Dabney's Mill, Sunderland Station, Amelia Court House, Sailor's Creek, Farmville and Appomattox.
Returning home at the end of his military service, Mr. Wagner was mar- ried shortly afterwards, in 1866, to Elizabeth Kemmerling, who was born in Washington township, daughter of Jonathan and Salome (Fenstermacher) Kemmerling. She died May 14, 1882, the mother of four children: Louisa A .; Mary, wife of Charles Schwambach, of Reading; Alice, wife of George Schneck, of Washington township; and Eva Savannah, deceased.
ROBERT W. C. HOOPER, late of Pottsville, was one of the most respected citizens of that borough throughout his residence there. A native of Cornwall, England, he was a son of Robert Hooper, who lived and died in Cornwall.
Mr. Hooper learned the trade of blacksmith, and after settling at Pottsville, Schuylkill Co., Pa., was engaged as such in the Reading shops, where his skill as a mechanic and admirable personal character made him valned as a reliable employe. For twenty years he served as a local preacher of the Methodist Church in Pottsville, and was specially well known in that capacity, having been an earnest Bible student and a forceful speaker. Local public affairs also came in for a share of his attention, and at the time of his death he was serving ยท as a member of the borough council, in which position he acquitted himself honorably and to the thorough satisfaction of his fellow citizens. Politically he was a Republican. He died at his home in Pottsville, No. 1107 West Market street, Feb. 9, 1898, aged fifty-eight years.
Mr. Hooper was married in England to Mary J. Spry, daughter of Richard and Ann (Job) Spry. Like her husband she was born in Cornwall, England, and three of her children were born in that country, the family coming to America in September, 1868. They landed at Castle Garden, N. Y., and lived at various locations for a number of years before coming to Pottsville. Mrs. Hooper continues to reside in her home there with her daughter, Mrs. Miller. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hooper, namely: (1) William John Spry, born Nov. 6, 1859, is now employed as a foreman in the Baldwin Locomotive Works at Philadelphia. He married Mary Casper, and they reside in Philadelphia. They have two children, May and Susanna, who are married respectively to Harry Snyder and John Snyder, brothers. (2) Ann
Job, born Oct. 16, 1860, is the wife of Edwin Miller, of Pottsville, Pa., wire clerk for the Western Union Telegraph Company at this point. They live with her mother, Mrs. Hooper. (3) Josephine, born Jan. 8, 1863, is the widow of James Buddell, and resides at Pottsville. She has a family of six children : Robert Hooper, Annie Laverne (Mrs. Roy Hartranft), Beatrice Josepha (Mrs. Julian Schwartzwald), Clair, Winifred and Evelyn. (4) Robert, born Jan. 22, 1874, is a linotype operator at Jersey City. He married Martha Gutzell. (5) Mary Winifred, born Nov. 20, 1876, died Oct. 10, 1901. She was the wife of Charles Alter.
Ananias and Ann Job had the following children, all born in England: Ananias, Feb. 28, 1784; Mary, Sept. 26, 1785; Ann, May 8, 1788; John, June II, 1790; Thomas, March 13, 1793 (died in infancy) ; Thomas (2), May 3,
783
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
1795; Zephaniah, Sept. 14, 1800; Ann (2), April 16, 1802; James, Dec. 7, 1804.
JEREMIAH SEITZINGER, the oldest living resident of Port Carbon, now retired from active pursuits, is a worthy representative of an old family founded here by Col. Nicholas Seitzinger, his grandfather.
The Seitzingers are one of the families descended from Hessian soldiers who remained in America following their services in the American Revolu- tionary war, and no family in this section of Schuylkill county is more deserv- edly honored. Col. Nicholas Seitzinger was a German by birth. He was sent to this country as one of the Hessian soldiers hired by England, and thus came to take part in the Revolution, but his sympathies were with the Colonies, and after the war, in which he served as a colonel, he did not return to the old country. For a time he lived in Bucks county, Pa., removing thence to what is now Schuylkill county, where he took up 1,600 acres of land. The region was then a wilderness, but he set bravely about the task of making a home for himself and family, and it was he who established the town of Fountain Springs (near Ashland), which was really named in his honor. He is buried in the cemetery there. His family consisted of children as follows: Catherine, who married Samuel Scott and (second) Henry Fisher; George; Peter; Samuel; Harry; Nicholas; Edward; John; and Jacob W. Jacob built the "Exchange Hotel" at Pottsville.
Samuel Seitzinger, father of Jeremiah, was born at Reading, Pa., in 1800, and came to Port Carbon in young manhood. He was a blacksmith by trade, and did canal work in that line, and later built the "Port Carbon House." On April 1, 1834, he removed to Fountain Springs, where he followed his trade for two years. On April 1, 1836, he returned to Port Carbon, where he continued to work at blacksmithing until his death, which occurred-March 25, 1871. He is buried in the Presbyterian cemetery in that borough. His wife, Hannah (Reed), was born in 1807 at Minersville, Pa., daughter of Thomas Reed, and died July 25, 1886. She is buried at Port Carbon. Children as follows were born to this marriage: Augustus, who is deceased; Charity, deceased; Jona- than ; Lucinda, deceased; Eliza, deceased; Samuel, who was killed at the battle of the Wilderness May 6, 1864, while serving with the 96th Pennsylvania Regiment; Matilda, deceased; Ellen, Mrs. James Teasdale, now living at Reading, Pa .; Thomas, who served during the Civil war in the 7th Pennsyl- vania Cavalry ; and Jeremiah.
Jeremiah Seitzinger, son of Samuel, was born Nov. 22, 1828, at Pottsville, Pa. When a boy he worked with his father, and he was but eleven years old when he commenced boating on the canal, in which work he was engaged for four summers, meantime attending school in the winter season. He then learned the trade of blacksmith with Tobias Wintersteen, with whom he remained until 1850. He continued to follow that calling until he retired, for over thirty years in the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Company, for whom he worked from 1855 until December, 1887. For a few years afterwards he was employed in the Franklin Iron Works at Port Carbon, retiring when he gave up his position there. Mr. Seitzinger has always led a quiet life, and to this fact he attributes his old age and good health. However, he never failed to do his duty in any of the positions he held, having an excellent reputation for industry and faithfulness to every obligation. He is an Odd Fellow of
784
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
long standing, having joined Schuylkill Lodge, No. 27, of Port Carbon, Dec. 6, 1849; he is a past grand of that body.
Mr. Seitzinger married Mary Martin, who was born Aug. 15, 1824, daugh- ter of Peter Martin, a native of Ireland. She died Jan. 5, 1896, and is buried at Port Carbon. Children as follows were born to this marriage: George, who lives in Philadelphia, Pa., married Rose Martin; Margaret, deceased, was the wife of James Rowe; Elizabeth, deceased, was the wife of James Burke ; Samuel, of Philadelphia, married Catherine Gilmartin; Peter is deceased ; Thomas resides at Port Carbon and is married to Mary Flannery ; John died when two years old; Jeremiah is a resident of Philadelphia; Mary F. is the wife of Robert Harron.
ROBERT HARRON was born in Blythe township, Schuylkill county, June 22, 1865. His parents, John and Elizabeth ( Steen) Harron, were natives of Ireland and Scotland, respectively, came to the United States when young, and settled in Blythe township, Schuylkill Co., Pa. John Harron was a mine superintendent for many years, and one of the early coal operators in Schuyl- kill county. He died at Palo Alto, this county, and is buried at Port Carbon. His children were: Alexander, William, James, Isabella (wife of Bernard Murray), Samuel, Robert, and Mary (who died in infancy ).
Robert Harron has spent his entire working life in the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company, and is at present employed as flagman from Pottsville to Silver Creek. He makes his home at Port Carbon, where he is well known and a member in good standing of the I. O. O. F., P. O. S. of A. and P. O. of A. lodges. On Aug. 28, 1889, he married Mary F. Seitzinger, daughter of Jeremiah Seitzinger, and they have three children: Robert L., Ruth E. and Anna C. The family are Presbyterians in religious connection.
JOSEPH F. MOLONY (deceased) was known personally to many of the residents of Palo Alto, his long service in the ticket office of the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company, his experience in the hotel business and as tax collector at Palo Alto, having brought him into touch with many of his fellow citizens.
Mr. Molony was born at Palo Alto Feb. 22, 1860, son of William Molony, a native of Ireland, who came to this country in 1847. He soon located at Pottsville, Schuylkill Co., Pa., and for a number of years was an employe of the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company, with whom he continued until his death, at the age of sixty years. In his native country he had married Catherine McDermott, who was also born in Ireland, and the young couple emigrated to America shortly afterwards. Ten children were born to them, several of whom died young. Of those who reached maturity Christopher was well known as a train dispatcher for the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company ; Edward W., deceased, is mentioned farther on in this article; Frank died when twenty years old: Catherine is the wife of Frank Phillips, and they occupy the old homestead at Palo Alto.
Joseph F. Molony obtained his education in the local public schools. At an early age he entered the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company, with whom he remained for a period of twenty years, during much of this time as ticket man at the local office. He sold the last ticket issued by the company at the old station. In 1897 Mr. Molony engaged in the
785
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
hotel business at Palo Alto, which he carried on continuously thereafter until his sudden death, on May 1, 1915. His friendly disposition was as much of a factor in his success here as his methodical business ways. In 1899 Mr. Molony was elected to the position of tax collector at Palo Alto, in which he continued to serve to the end of his life, though he was independent politi- cally, giving his support to the men and measures he favored most, regardless of party ties. He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church at Pottsville. Mr. Molony married Catherine C. Lee, a daughter of the late Ralph Lee, of Pottsville, who was well known as superintendent of the Philadelphia & Read- ing shops there. Mr. and Mrs. Molony had no children.
EDWARD W. MOLONY, brother of Joseph F. Molony, was for many years a representative of the newspapers of Schuylkill county, Pa. He died March 20, 1902. His arduous and exacting labors as a telegraph operator and news- paper reporter for years had undermined his health, and when he was stricken with a severe attack of pneumonia his greatly weakened system gave way under the strain. Mr. Molony was born in Palo Alto, Pa., Aug. 15, 1851, and after a few years of school took up the study of telegraphy. He was employed as operator in Philadelphia for a time and later entered the service of the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company, for whom he worked until 1890. During the "Molly Maguire" troubles and subsequent pursuit he was intrusted with many secret messages, the knowledge alone of which was a dangerous thing to have. He had many an exciting experience, and in all of the incidents in which he had a part displayed the tact and courage for which he came to be noted. The last years of his telegraph service were under Superintendent Ohlhausen in Jersey City.
When he came to Schuylkill county Mr. Molony took up the work of receiving the Associated Press reports for the Miners' Journal, holding the place for two years. After that time he became a local correspondent, writing up the suburban news for the newspapers of Pottsville. Next he was offered the position of "general utility" man on the Chronicle, and later he . filled the same position on the Republican. After a time he was made court reporter, gathering the news from the courthouse with a fidelity to detail and broadness of comprehension that was gratifying alike to his employers and to the officials. This position he held at the time of his death.
Mr. Molony was a favorite with all who came in contact with him, and his genial smile was never dimmed by personal feelings or the illness from which he suffered at the last. His wit was proverbial and never carried with it the sting of malice. Even among his rivals in newspaper work he was remarkably popular, and few there were who did not miss his ready reply and kindly influence. He was always ready to unite in progressive movements for the benefit of his fellow men, and he was a prominent member of the old Schuylkill County Pen and Pencil Club. With the successive members of the borough council he was always popular, having reported the proceedings of that body for many years.
Mr. Molony was a brother-in-law of the late William A. Duffy, the lamented rector of St. Patrick's Catholic parish, and his wife, Catherine C. (Duffy) Molony, was left to mourn his early death with several children, William, Walter, Edward, Leroy and Vivian.
HENRY LANDEMANN, formerly a mine foreman, now living retired at Minersville, is a citizen of German extraction whose industrious and upright Vol. II-12
786
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
life is a credit to his nationality and also to the community of his adoption. Mr. Landemann was born in Bavaria Nov. 15, 1841, son of Philip and Louisa (Meyers) Landemann. The mother died in Germany and the father came to America alone, settling at Minersville, Schuylkill Co., Pa., where he died. He followed railroad work and was employed at the mines a short time, living retired for three years before his death.
Henry Landemann was twelve years old when he came to America, and he has since had his home at Minersville. He began work as a slate picker at the breaker for Kear & Company, in whose employ he continued from 1858 to 1870, for a number of years acting as boss for this concern. For forty years afterwards he was with the Reading Coal & Iron Company, first as foreman at the Mine Hill Gap colliery and later at the Beechwood and Richardson collieries, at the Oakdale washery, at Phoenix Park, and at the Thompson colliery, where he continued until his retirement in November, 1911. He has since been living retired at Minersville. Mr. Landemann's long and faithful service with the Reading Company gained him a wide acquaintance in his field of work and he made many friends among his associates, his high character and conscientious attention to duty winning him the esteem of all with whom he came in contact. During the Civil war Mr. Landemann served nine months as a member of Company A, 129th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and he is a prominent member of George J. Lawrence Post, No. 17, G. A. R., which he is at present serving as commander. In religion he is a member of the Reformed Church.
Mr. Landemann married Caroline Gable, of Columbia county, Pa., and they have had a large family, viz .: Hannah, now the wife of George Diereff ; Charles, deceased; Matilda, wife of W. Jenkins; William A., living at home; Bertie, who married Harry Prescot; George; Caroline, wife of William Wil- liams ; and three children who died young.
STEPHEN REESE has been a lifelong resident of Schuylkill county, having been born at Pottsville Oct. 13, 1839, and resided there until his removal to Ashland. He is of Welsh extraction, his parents, Stephen and Johanna (Lloyd) Reese, having been natives of Wales, where they were reared and remained until after their marriage. On coming to this country, in the early fifties, they settled at Pottsville, Schuylkill county, where Mr. Reese soon established himself as an enterprising business man. He carried on a flour and feed store, and for several years operated a breaker at the mines, and also owned and carried on a general store at Pottsville. He con- tinued to reside at that place until just before his death, passing away in 1859 at New Berlin, where he had gone to live. His wife had died in 1845. They were the parents of sixteen children, of whom but three survive: Stephen, John and Isaiah, the two last named living at Harrisburg.
Stephen Reese received a good common school education, and when a boy began to learn the trade of shoemaker, which he followed throughout his active years, in early manhood coming to Ashland, where he has ever since made his home. For some time past he has been living in retirement, enjoying the ease which he deserves after an industrious life. He built the home on Centre street he now occupies.
As a veteran of the Civil war, Mr. Reese naturally took great interest in the organization of the Grand Army of the Republic, he himself assist-
787
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
ing in the organization of Joseph Hooker post, of which he was a charter member, and one of the earliest commanders. He served in the Civil war under three enlistments. When the war broke out he was living at Ashland, and he was the first man to enlist from that place, becoming a member of Company I, 5th Pa. Vol. Inf., on April 12, 1861. At that time he entered the service for a period of three months, subsequently enlisting for nine months in Company G, 129th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, under Cap- tain Leib, and the third time joined the emergency service for the defense of the State. He took part in many engagements, and at the battle of Chancel- lorsville was wounded in the ear. He was mustered out at Harrisburg. Mr. Reese has always been a Republican in his political views, and has been quite an active worker for the success of his party in the borough. His religious connection is with the Methodist Church.
On June 15, 1863, Mr. Reese married Regina Ebert, a native of Schuyl- kill county, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Ebert, who were early set- tlers at Ashland. They died there, and are buried at Fountain Springs.
Mrs. Reese passed away April 30, 1910, the mother of eight children: David, who is a resident of Ashland; Ella, deceased; William, deceased; Martha, deceased; Harry, deceased; Maude, wife of Joseph Merther, of Chester, Pa .; Edward, who lives at Ashland; and Lillie, wife of Edward Blank, of Ashland.
REV. HOWARD H. KRAUSS, A. B., A. M., was born near East Green- ville, Pa., March 7, 1876. When he was quite young his parents, Henry Schultz and Amanda ( Hoffman) Krauss, moved to Kraussdale, Lehigh Co., Pa., and he received his early education in the public school of the village. His teachers during his public school days were Beneville X. Schell, Michael N. Weidner, Rev. C. D. Zweier, Rev. E. E. Schantz, Prof. C. E. Dietz (A. B. Princeton), Prof. Preston B. Rothenberger (A. B. of Muhlenberg College). In the years 1894-95 he attended Perkiomen Seminary, at Pennsburg, Pa., and prepared for the profession of teaching. From 1896 to 1899 he taught the public school at Corning, in Lower Milford township, Lehigh county, the same school at one time taught by Rev. C. S. Kriebek, D. D., now prin- cipal of Perkiomen Seminary at Pennsburg, Pa. From 1899 to 1902 he taught the public school at Kraussdale, his home school, formerly taught by Rev. Dr. E. F. Krauss, now president of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Chicago. During his last year of public school teaching he also finished his preparatory studies at Perkiomen Seminary and entered Muhlenberg Col- lege, at Allentown, Pa. During his freshman year he was president of his class and became a member of various literary organizations. During his sophomore year he was elected librarian of the Euterpean Literary Society and had charge of the library, and was also appointed assistant librarian of Muhlenberg College. He was tutor in Mathematics during his junior and senior years. Mr. Krauss was elected Proctor of the college during his senior year, and graduated in 1906 with the A. B. degree in the first honor group, delivering the German oration on commencement day. In the fall of the same year he entered Mount Airy Seminary of the Lutheran Church, at Philadelphia, Pa. In addition to pursuing his course in theology he taught at Perkiomen Seminary, Pennsburg, during the spring and summer terms of 1907 and 1908, having charge of the teachers' classes, and over one hun- dred of the public school teachers of Pennsylvania were instructed by him.
788
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
During the summer term of 1908 he taught Ancient and Roman History and Psychology and Pedagogy. His graduation thesis at Mount Airy Theological Seminary was "The Doctrine of Predestination." He graduated in 1909, and at the commencement exercises of Muhlenberg College in the same year he received the A. M. degree, having submitted in addition to the regular required studies a thesis on "The Strength and Weakness of Pietism." On June 7, 1909, he was ordained to the office of the holy ministry in Holy Com- munion Church, Philadelphia, Pa., at the 162d annual convention of the Ministerium of Pennsylvania of the Lutheran Church of the General Coun- cil. He accepted his first parish, on being unanimously elected, at St. John's Lutheran Church, Berrysburg, Pa., where he rendered excellent service in reorganizing the work of the congregation and bringing the constitution into harmony with Synod, graded the Sunday school, organized the Luther League, and largely raised the benevolent contributions; all this besides improving the church property, adding many to the church, and establishing a healthy religious atmosphere. In the summer of 1912, having twice declined calls, he accepted the urgent call to the newly formed Auburn parish in Schuylkill county, and entered upon his duties Oct. 16th. This parish consists of St. John, Auburn, organized 1845; Zion, West Brunswick, organized 1755; St. Panl, South Manheim, organized 1784, and St. John, Friedensburg, organ- ized 1791. In the three years he has served in this field he has baptized 104, buried sixty, married twenty-seven couples, confirmed 142, received twenty- five by letter or otherwise, and raised for benevolent purposes over five thousand dollars.
Mr. Krauss has served on various committees of Synod and Conference, serving at the present time as statistician of Conference; is visitor to the Topton Orphans' Home in Berks County; is a member of the Church Effi- ciency committee, Sunday School committee, Executive committee of the Luther League, and of the committee "to investigate the apportionment sys- tem and report a plan for adoption to Synod;" besides acting as correspond- ent and contributor to the "Lutheran," the official church paper of the Synod, and other periodicals. In local affairs he is a member of the borough coun- cil, having at the last election been reelected for the full term of four years. He takes a very prominent part in the educational affairs of the community, and is also a member of the Board of Trade.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.