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 60
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Sebastian Scheaffer was born Oct. 1, 1822, in Germany, whence he came to the United States just about the time he attained his majority. Left an orphan when but nine years old, he early commenced to support himself, work- ing for various farmers in the home locality until he set out for America. Another young German accompanied him, but was so homesick by the time they reached New York that he returned to the Fatherland at once. Mr. Scheaffer proceeded to Philadelphia, locating at Pottsville, where before long he was doing business as a huckster, and he continued thus for a period of twenty-five years. In the year 1873 he removed with his family to Frack- ville, and conducted the "Frackville House" for ten years, and he carried on a wholesale liquor store for seven years. His death occurred at Frackville July 18, 1887, and he is buried in the Lutheran cemetery there. He was a member of Miners' Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Pottsville. Nine children were born to his marriage with Elisabeth Spotts, all still living: Joseph ; Margaret, wife of George Hardesty; Charles; Emma, widow of Oscar Shirey; Harry ; Tillie, wife of William Eisenbise; Elisabeth, married to William Stevenson ; William; and James.
Joseph Scheaffer received his education in Pottsville, attending public schools. When twelve years old he became employed as a tobacco stripper, and from that work naturally went into cigarmaking, which he followed reg- ularly until 1889. Meantime he had moved to Frackville with his parents, and he had a small cigar factory of his own. After giving up that occupation he did railroad work for a couple of years for the Philadelphia & Reading Com- pany, being employed at Mahanoy Plane, just adjoining Frackville. Then for fourteen years he was in the dairy business, in 1909 changing to his pres- ent line. He opened up a new and attractive ice cream and confectionery establishment, with up-to-date fittings and convenient in arrangement, and it
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has been liberally patronized from the start, Mr. Scheaffer controlling the best trade in the borough. In his turn he has endeavored to give to customers high- class products and convenient service. He is a man of honorable character, and though in recent years he has not taken an active part in public affairs he has a long record of efficient service as postmaster, having served during both the Cleveland administrations. He is a Democrat, a member of the Jr. O. U. A. M. and Royal Arcanum, and in religion a Lutheran.
On Aug. 13, 1878, Mr. Scheaffer married Sarah Ella Wagner, and after her death he married her sister Alphie. He has three children, all by the first marriage: Harry James, George Arthur and Anna Susan.
George Wagner, the grandfather of Mrs. Joseph Scheaffer, was born in Bern township, Berks Co., Pa., and followed the milling business. Removing to Cressona, Schuylkill county, he there operated a mill until his death, in 1867. His wife was Sarah Boyer, and they had the following children : George, Harrison, Benjamin, Reuben, Daniel, Andrew and Sarah.
Reuben Wagner, the father of Mrs. Joseph Scheaffer, was born Nov. 18, 1833, in Bern township, Berks county, and was a carpenter by trade. He was one of the early residents of Frackville, Schuylkill Co., Pa., to which place he came in 1869. He did contract work when he first settled there, and later was employed at his trade at the collieries near by, continuing thus until his death, April 14, 1903. He married Susanna A. Schiffert, who died Dec. 29, 1876, aged forty-two years, two months, four days, and they had the follow- ing children: Sarah Ella was the first wife of Joseph Scheaffer; Charlotte married Frederick Sanner; Alphie married Joseph. Scheaffer ; Elizabeth, deceased, was the wife of Samuel Reber; Katie married George Yeager ; Wil- liam died young; Laura died aged sixteen years; Frederick is living in Frack- ville.
Reuben Wagner served in the Civil war in Company L, of the 21st Regi- ment, Pennsylvania Reserve Cavalry. Company L was originally a militia organization, called the Reading City Troop. It was reorganized by Capt. J. C. A. Hoffeditz, from men principally of Berks county, with a few from Lan- caster and Lebanon counties, and was mustered into the United States serv- ice as an independent company of cavalry, July 30, 1861. The company was stationed in the city of Baltimore, on duty at headquarters, Military_Depot, about five months. It was attached to the Ist Regiment, Pennsylvania Reserve Cavalry, Oct. 14, 1861, and joined the regiment Jan. 5, 1862, at Camp Pier- pont, in Virginia. Mr. Wagner served three years and six weeks, and during that time was never wounded, nor was he home on any furlough.
CLARENCE H. EVANS, of Tamaqua, is an enterprising young business man, and has shown excellent qualities in the start he has gained towards sub- stantial position. He is a son of Jonathan R. Evans, with whom he is asso- ciated in one line of business, and a grandson of Philip Evans, the latter a native of Wales who came to America during the first half of the nineteenthi century. He settled at Seek, in Schuylkill county, Pa., where he lived and died, and his occupation was mining. His children were: Jhoida, Benjamin, Elizabeth, Annie, Philip, Florence, Windon and Jonathan R.
Jonathan R. Evans was born in Schuylkill county, was here reared and edu- cated, and in his younger days was employed at the mines. Later he engaged in the machine business, which he still follows, he and his son Clarence con- ducting the Indian Garage at Tamaqua, which they own in partnership .. They
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have the agency for the Indian motorcycle and Buick cars, which they are plac- ing successfully in this section, commanding a fine trade and catering to many residents of the locality as dealers in motor supplies and repairmen. Mr. Evans married Nancy Walker, daughter of James Walker, the latter a pioneer resident of Tamaqua and for thirty-five years superintendent for the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company. Mr. Walker died at Lansford, Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Evans have had but one child, Clarence H.
Clarence H. Evans was born Nov. 2, 1887, at Tamaqua, where he acquired his early education in the public schools. Later he attended the University School, at Cleveland, Ohio, a preparatory institution for boys, as well as Mc- Cann's business college at Mahanoy City, being given excellent advantages. In 1907 he entered the employ of Dr. G. A. Wilford, of the Chestnut Ridge Lum- ber Company, and for several years has acted in the capacity of assistant manager, proving a trustworthy and capable overseer. In April, 1914, Mr. Evans and his father opened the Indian Garage, which has been in successful operation since.
Mr. Evans married Clara Bell Allen, daughter of Charles F. Allen, of Tamaqua, and they have one child, Nancy Katherine. Socially he holds mem- bership in the B. P. O. Elks and the Odd Fellows fraternity.
MICHAEL V. STILES, of Cumbola, is a popular citizen in his section of Schuylkill county, both as a business man and local official. At present he is filling the office of tax collector in Blythe township, which he has held for seven years, and he has served creditably in other public positions of trust, displaying an intelligent and public-spirited interest in promoting good government.
The Stiles family has lived at Cumbola for many years. John Stiles, the father of Michael V. Stiles, was born in Ireland, and was brought to America when about eight years old. The family settled at Phoenixville, Chester Co., Pa., where he remained for four years, after which his home was in Schuyl- kill county. He became a stationary engineer, running an engine at Valley Fur- nace for a time and later going to the "Shoo Fly" colliery, where he was similarly employed, for the McQuails, with whom he continued for several years. After that he lived retired until his death, which occurred June 21, 1902. He is buried at New Philadelphia. Mr. Stiles took a keen interest in local affairs, and for a time held the office of township clerk. He married Catherine Welsh, whose parents, Michael and Julia (Delaney) Welsh, were natives of Ireland and remained in that country until after their marriage, coming to America with three children. They settled at Cumbola, Schuylkill Co., Pa., where both died. Their children were: Mary, Eliza, Ann, Joanna, Margaret and Ellen (twins), John, Thomas, Luke and Catherine ( Mrs. John Stiles). To Mr. and Mrs. John Stiles were born seven children, namely : John, who lives at Cumbola, Pa .; Michael V .; Luke, of Silver Creek, this county ; James, of Pottsville; Margaret, wife of James Flood; Mary, wife of Michael Devlin; and Joanna, deceased. Mrs. Stiles continues to make her home at Cumbola, where she is highly esteemed.
Michael V. Stiles was born July 30, 1874, at Cumbola, where he had such advantages as the public school afforded. In his early life he was employed for about eight years at the Eagle Hill breaker, where he began work as a slate picker, and subsequently found employment at the colliery as fireman and engineer. From there he changed to Kaskawilliam, where he sank the Bore Hole shaft, the deepest in Schuylkill county, and when it was ready for opera-
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tion he took charge of the engine there, running it for ten years. Mr. Stiles has not done any mine work since. For a few years he was in the hotel busi- ness at Five Points, in Blythe township, conducting what was known as the "First and Last Chance Hotel," which he gave up when he bought the fine property he is now operating at Cumbola, which is also in Blythe township. He has a substantial, convenient building, where he began the hotel business in 1914, and his business-like management has brought him many patrons, who appreciate the comforts and excellent service he provides. Mr. Stiles has made his way by application to his duties, whatever they might be, and the high standing he enjoys among his fellow citizens is a recognition of his substantial qualities. He is well known all over the county, and has been specially active in the workings of the Democratic party, which in the fall of 1915 honored him with the nomination as candidate for clerk of the courts of Schuylkill county ; he had no opposition in the party. Mr. Stiles has given evidence of ability in the services he has already rendered. For four years he was a member of the Blythe township school board, and held all the offices in that body; for the last seven years he has been serving as tax collector.
Mr. Stiles married Bridget Purcell, who was born at Windy Harbor, in Blythe township, daughter of Michael and Mary (Convill) Purcell. They have three children, Katie, Mary and Francis.
ALFRED B. WAGNER is known personally to a very large percentage of the residents of Mahanoy City, his duties keeping him in touch with most of the householders there, and he is a citizen highly respected for his integrity and upright life.
Mr. Wagner is a native of Berks county, Pa., where the family has long been settled. His grandparents, George Wagner and wife, lived and died in that county. He was born March 3, 1776, and died Aug. 21, 1857; she was born May 5, 1777, and died aged forty-four years, nine months, three days. They lived at the old Wagner homestead about five miles west of Hamburg, where he followed farming. He was married three times, and we have the following record of his children : Solomon died in September, 1898, aged ninety years, nine months ; Daniel, born July 1, 1801, died July 12, 1882; Mrs. Salem died Sept. 7, 1889, aged eighty-six years, ten months, five days; Benjamin, born Aug. 29, 1804, died Jan. 3, 1892; Samuel, born Oct. 1I, 1809, died in April, 1887, aged seventy-seven years, five months, twenty-five days ; William, born Oct. 14, 1811, died March 27, 1888; George, born May 10, 1816, died June 10, 1896; Elias was born Jan. 25, 1820.
George Wagner, son of George, above, was born May 10, 1816, on the old homestead in Berks county, and died June 10, 1896, at Weissport, Carbon county, Pa., just one month after the completion of his eightieth year. For many years he followed farming, and he also engaged in the pottery business. His wife, Rebecca (Boyer), was a daughter of Andrew Boyer and member of a prominent family of Berks county, of French descent. They were the par- ents of children as follows: Landon; George; Alfred B .; Lavina, Mrs. Isaac Backenstose; Catherine, Mrs. Thomas Wessner; Sallie, Mrs. George Faust; and Luanna, Mrs. William Phifer.
Alfred B. Wagner was born Aug. 11, 1849, at Hamburg, and was brought up in Berks county. His education was begun in the public schools of the home locality, and being ambitious he later attended Lebanon Valley College. For a time he taught school. In 1873 he located at Mahanoy City, Schuylkill
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county, where he found a position with Wagner Brothers, merchants, as clerk, remaining in their employ seven years. He then spent eight years in the em- ploy of the late Franklin B. Wagner, after which for nine years he was with the Lehigh Valley .Railroad Company, as clerk. His next connection was with the Mahanoy City Light Company, with which concern he has continued since ; it is known as the Schuylkill Light and Electrical Company, of which he was secretary for a time. He now devotes his time to looking after the collections. Outside of business he is specially interested in the activities of the English Lutheran Church, having been a member of the board of trustees for many years, and also choir leader.
In 1874 Mr. Wagner married Susan H. Faust, daughter of Dewalt Faust, of near Auburn, Schuylkill county.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN LEIBIG, proprietor of the "Pennsylvania House" at Quakake, Schuylkill county, belongs to a family of successful hotelkeepers, being the third generation to follow the business in this section. John Leibig, his grandfather, for several years conducted the well known old "Stone Tavern" in Rush township, where he also owned and operated a farm. He lived retired for several years before his death, which occurred when he was about seventy years old. He is buried in Quakake Valley. To his mar- riage with Barbara Kester were born the following children: Harriet, wife of Reuben Daubert ; Mary Ann, wife of John Brobst; Elizabeth, who married Ammon Eberts ; Ellen, who married Henry Gearhart; and Jacob.
Jacob Leibig, son of John, was born in Quakake Valley, in Rush town- ship, and in his early life farmed with his father, afterwards following that vocation for a few years on his own account. He was then in the butcher business at Stone Tavern for about three years, removing thence to Tamanend, this county, where he carried on a hotel for eight years. For the next three years he had a hotel at Hometown, Rush township, where he died in 1904. He is buried in Quakake Valley. He held the office of tax collector in Rush township. Mr. Leibig married Sarah Catherine Hauck, daughter of Ben- jamin Hauck, whose children were: Angeline, William, Stephen, Samuel, John, Benjamin, Jeremiah, Sarah Catherine and Henry. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Leibig: Benjamin Franklin and Eva May, both living at Quakake. The daughter is the wife of James M. Faust, who is in the employ of the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company, and they have a son, Marl F. Mrs. Leibig resides with her children at Quakake.
Benjamin Franklin Leibig was born March 28, 1882, in Rush township, and obtained his education in the public schools, being allowed good advan- tages. He assisted his father until the latter's death, when he took the man- agement of the Hometown hotel, carrying it on for six months. Then he came to Quakake and purchased the "Pennsylvania House," which has been greatly improved during his ownership and is one of the most popular stop- ping places in that part of Schuylkill county. Mr. Leibig has the faculty of making his guests comfortable and at ease, and his courteous attention to their wants has held all the old trade at this stand and won many new patrons.
ELMER G. REISEG, of Lakeside, is well and favorably known in his sec- tion of Schuylkill county, having been proprietor of the "Lakeview Hotel," near East Mahanoy Junction, since 1910. Mr. Reiseg was born at Mahanoy City, this county, in 1871, and is of German extraction, being a son of Fred-
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erick Reisig, Sr., who is now living retired on a small tract of land near Lake- side, in Rush township.
Frederick Reisig, Sr., is a native of Saxony, Germany, born Jan. 17, 1842, son of John Reisig. The grandfather was also born in Saxony, where he lived and died, but the grandmother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Leitenberger, came to America and died at Brandonville, Schuylkill Co., Pa. John Reisig followed farming and also had a pipe factory. His family consisted of five children : Frederick, George, Bertha, Sophia and Casper. The last named was an officer in the German army during the Franco-Prussian war and is again serving as an officer in the present conflict.
Frederick Reisig came to this country when fourteen years old, and first settled at Minersville, Schuylkill Co., Pa., where he followed blacksmithing and huckstering. He made his home there and at Glen Carbon, this county, until twenty-five years old. Then for about fifteen years he was established at Mahanoy City, where he worked at his trade and had a marble yard. His next location was in Ryon township, where he followed farming and for a period of eleven years also conducted a store and hotel, thence in 1903 remov- ing to Rush township, where he has since remained. Here he did considerable contract work, putting in building foundations, in fact he laid all the walls for the houses at Maryd, but he withdrew from arduous work some time ago, and now occupies a small tract which he owns, near Lakeside. During the course of his active life he accumulated some valuable property, owning yet 221 acres of farming and timber lands in Ryon and Rush townships, including his home property of one acre, with house and barn.
Mr. Reisig has always been a good citizen, ready to bear his share of the responsibilities of government, and intelligent in understanding the needs of the community. He was a school director of Ryon township for seven years and secretary of the board; and for a similar period filled the office of town- ship clerk there. Church work has also interested him and had his warm sup- port. He is a prominent member of the German Lutheran denomination in his locality, was Sunday school superintendent for sixteen years, and is still an officer of the church, serving as trustee. During the Civil war he enlisted from Minersville in the Pennsylvania State Militia, serving under Colonel Chest and Capt. Jacob Lawrence, and was orderly sergeant. His company was engaged in guarding the capitol at Harrisburg, did guard duty at Philadelphia and Hagerstown, and moved the army wagons at Philadelphia under John Arnold.
Mr. Reisig married Mary Hornberger, of Minersville, who died in August, 1908, and is buried at St. Peter's Church in Ryon township. They had a large family, viz .: Emma, who became a physician, practicing in Philadel- phia, where she died when forty-two years old; Hettie, deceased; Wilfred, who died young; Frederick, who is now keeping a hotel in Ryon township; John, deceased; Willis Florence, deceased ; Elmer G .; Charles, who is a farmer in Rush township; Edward, deceased; Gertrude, Mrs. Krebs; Maude, Mrs. Freudenberger ; and Joseph, a farmer in Ryon township.
Elmer G. Reiseg attended school at Mahanoy City and Locust Valley, the latter in Ryon township, and subsequently assisted his father at farming until twenty-one years old. At that time he married, and for several years after- wards was engaged in teaming and farming at Locust Valley, until he started in the hotel business in Ryon township, which he carried on for a period of eleven years. After giving that up he was in Mahanoy City for one year in
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the same line, in 1910 coming to his present location at Lakeside, in Ryon township, near East Mahanoy Junction, where he bought the "Lakeview Hotel" and six acres of land in connection. His establishment receives a large share of the local patronage, which has increased steadily throughout his ownership, his endeavor to please all his guests being thoroughly appre- ciated by all who have enjoyed his hospitality. Mr. Reiseg's property is admirably located, commanding a fine view of the surrounding country. He is a man of substantial character, and considered thoroughly reliable in all his dealings.
Mr. Reiseg married Laura Blue, daughter of William and Rosanna ( Keller) Blue, and they are the parents of three children: Lottie is now the wife of Harry Stegmeyer, of Tamaqua, and has one son, Harry ; Cora married David D. Fusselman, and they also reside in Tamaqua; Wilford is at home. The family adhere to the Lutheran faith. Mr. Reiseg holds membership in the P. O. S. of A., to which he has belonged for the last sixteen years.
JOHN BEVAN has spent all his active years in the mines of Schuylkill county, and is now one of the trusted men in charge at the Lytle colliery, in Cass township. His conscientious attention to all of his duties and his competence have been sufficient to justify the confidence of his superiors. Mr. Bevan is a native of Schuylkill county, born at Minersville in 1866, son of Isaac Bevan.
Isaac Bevan was born in South Wales, where he passed his youth and young manhood. He learned the trade of blacksmith, but later turned to sailing, and followed the sea for about ten years. It was during the Civil war period that he came to America, and he enlisted as a marine in the United States navy, serving about four years, until the close of the war. Subsequently he came to Schuylkill county, Pa., and resided first at Miners- ville, where he was located for about one year. Taking employment at the William Penn colliery, near Shenandoah, he remained there two years, then coming to the Lytle collieries, where he had been employed about two years when he was killed in the mines, in 1874. His death occurred at Packer colliery, No. 3. Mr. Bevan is buried in the cemetery at Minersville. He married Elizabeth McGuire, daughter of Michael McGuire, and she is also deceased. Three children were born to this union, namely: John; Mary, unmarried, who lives in Philadelphia; and Catherine, wife of Richard Forran, inside foreman at the Maryd colliery, in Schuylkill county.
John Bevan was but nine years old when he began to work at the mines, and he was employed outside for about five years, beginning inside work at the age of fourteen. He was engaged at different collieries until he took employment at the William Penn colliery, near Shenandoah, where he spent twenty-two years, gaining a comprehensive experience of all the details of anthracite mining. In 1909 he came to the Lytle colliery in Cass township, where he has since been inside foreman. The position requires ability and judgment, steadiness and a thorough familiarity with mine operations, and Mr. Bevan has shown himself well qualified for its demands. Personally he is a man of sterling character.
Mr. Bevan married Bridget Sweeney of William Penn, Pa., and they have three children: Elizabeth, Margaret and John. Mr. Bevan and his family are members of the Catholic Church.
Michael and Bridget (Reynolds) McGuire, the maternal grandparents of
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John Bevan, were natives of Ireland. The grandfather came to America when a young man and settled at Phoenix Park, in Cass township, Schuylkill Co., Pa., where he followed mining. He died in Cass township at the age of forty- seven years. His wife long survived him, dying in Cass township when seventy-three years old. Their four children were: Elizabeth (Mrs. Isaac Bevan), James, Mary and John. Of this family John also became a miner, and he is still residing on his father's homestead in Cass township. He married Ellen McCabe, daughter of Francis McCabe, and of the children born to this union four are still living: Michael, Francis Edward, John and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. John McGuire also reared their nephew, John Bevan, who was but a boy of eight years when his father died.
FRANCIS J. BUEHLER is one of the most enterprising young men in his section of Schuylkill county, and as mining engineer in the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Coal & Iron Company, at Pottsville, is in active touch with the development of some of the most important interests of this vicinity. He was born at Pottsville Dec. 12, 1886, son of John J. Buehler, and grandson of Michael Buehler, who was one of the best known pioneer settlers of the Yorkville district. His mother was Caroline Allar, of Newtown, Schuylkill Co., Pa. The grandparents on both sides were natives of Germany.
Francis J. Buehler was educated in the German parochial schools of the borough and at the Pottsville Business College, graduating from the latter institution in 1905. He began work as an employee in the Pottsville store of Dives, Pomeroy & Stewart, doing office work, and was subsequently a clerk in the office of the Blackwood colliery, owned and operated by the Lehigh Valley Coal Company. In 1906 he became an employee of the Philadelphia & Reading Coal & Iron Company, as a clerk, and later as a member of the engineer corps. Since 1909 his duties have been in and outside of the office, doing practical engineering work, etc. He has shown himself both skillful and trustworthy, and has won the confidence of his superiors by his conscientious attention to every detail and responsibility.
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